In the summer of 2016, I had the enormous privilege of traveling to Europe with my family to witness my mother's lifelong dream of touring Paris and Rome come true. It was the trip of a lifetime and one I will not soon forget. At the time, it represented a turning point in my life in which I returned home enlightened after cultivating an unfathomable understanding of my own country after deeply observing the ways of another.
Of course, there were the telltale experiences such as falling asleep as I watched the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower outside the window of our hotel, sipping café at a small french bistro, strolling along the cobblestone streets of Rome, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, exploring ancient monuments (Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Collosseum, The Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Piazza di Spagna), visiting art districts (Palais du Louvre and Musee d'Orsay), and best of all, tearfully witnessing my parents spontaneously renew their wedding vows by the honor of a French ship captain on a ferry that traveled along the Seine River.
Each of these experiences along with the hundreds that go unlisted were unquestionably remarkable and managed to fulfill every expectation of one's first venture traveling internationally. However, there is nothing anyone could ever tell you to fully prepare you for the enrichment one will experience when going overseas.
First, most people take into consideration the issue of language barriers. In fact, many spend several months studying an introductory-level foreign language prior to traveling outside of the country. My family and I were no exception to this. We knew the fundamentals of basic communication in French and Italian and were able to ask for directions, order meals, and request clothing in a different size or color. Although, surprisingly, I found that communicating with Europeans in their native tongue was often unnecessary. Most Europeans I came across spoke two or more languages with English as their second language. Unlike in the U.S., if a foreigner is observed struggling to communicate, rather than be viewed as an inconvenience, there is nearly always a generous bystander who is pleased to go out of their way to translate.
Next, Europeans appeared to adopt rather simplistic lifestyles. Unlike many Americans who strive for abundance as they compete against their family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and colleagues, most Europeans live in modest homes, lofts, and shared living spaces. Many do not own cars finding it unnecessary as they can ride a Vespa or Bicycle to their nearby work. Those who do own cars typically have
environmentally friendly micro-vehicles such as FIATs.
Furthermore, I would like to address the European culture. If I had to use a single word to describe the cultural experience, it was bewitching. While Americans go about their day typically unceremoniously, Europeans take pleasure in time. Allow me to explain. Most middle-class Europeans clock out in the early afternoon to visit the produce markets that line the streets of Paris and Rome. After carefully selecting fresh locally-grown ingredients, they return home to begin fixing dinner for their families. These meals usually include several courses. However, while there may be numerous courses, their serving sizes are considerably smaller. There is no such thing as a portion upgrade in Europe. Naturally, this is the reason natives are able to consume pastas, cheeses, sauces, etc. and maintain a healthy figure.
I had the pleasure of enjoying these meals the "European" way as they were explained to me. Many of the cheeses come from different animals. In fact, there is a cheese—casu marzu—made of sheep milk and aged with insect larvae. However, while casu marzu is known as a delicacy that is traditionally reserved for weddings and bachelor parties, it is illegal to manufacture and sell in Italy due to potential health risks discovered upon consumption.
In addition, Europeans have an array of social and religious ceremonies held annually at the Vatican City and in the surrounding areas lead by the Pope. Witnessing this culturally thriving environment caused me to deeply question my own. Does America have a culture of its own or are we merely defined by those who migrate from other countries? The few basic customs we continue to hold today such as placing a hand over our heart as we sing the Star Spangled Banner and show our respects to the flag in schools and at sporting events are resisted by many citizens today. Foreigners traveling to America to gain a cultural experience may never see this unless they personally enter an academic or athletic environment.
As I stepped onto the plane that would return me to America, I thought not about the things I had learned of my two weeks in Europe, but of how it had caused me to reflect on the ethical standards of my own country.