I recently had the opportunity to travel abroad to London and Paris this past week.
Coming back to America was certainly a culture shock as the apparent differences between the two continents became more and more clear. I had gotten used to the hustle and bustle of the city with the never ending list of sights to see and things to do and I was not used to the slower pace of the small town life anymore.
As I adjust, I will forever say that Europe is better than America.
1. Food
In small cafes and eateries throughout London and Paris, dining in is more expensive than taking your food to go. These shops sold ready to go sandwiches and salads to make this option both easy and affordable. Even so, these little sandwiches were simply delightful.
2. Weather
Although London has a reputation to be cloudy and rainy, temperatures in May range from the 50's to low 60's for a slightly chilly day for someone from down South. Temperatures in Paris at the same time are slightly warmer, reaching the low 70's at the peak of the day to provide visitors with a more comfortable visit.
3. Currency
Europe uses coins to give change below a five euro or pound bill. European coins cannot be exchanged back into American currency, so we made a point to spend as much of these coins as we could. Every coin I seemed to have had a different design, so of course I kept a few for my collection back home.
4. Driving
Americans will never know if Europeans are good or bad drivers. In both London and Paris, it seemed as though lanes were nonexistent as every driver weaved in and out of traffic.
5. Architecture
Both London and Paris have structures dating from the early 13th centuries. Most of these are architectural marvels, structures whose construction methods were more modern than any other during that time. It seems right that each building tells a story of the history in the city.
6. History
Both London and Paris have a significantly larger history than any other American equivalent. These rich histories are woven into the culture of the people and proudly displayed in museums and on structures throughout the city.
7. Transportation
In large cities such as London and Paris, driving a car isn't the most efficient option for getting around. Many choose public transportation for their commute and take advantage of the underground subway systems. These extensive mazes beneath the city streets provide residents and tourists alike a quick way to go about their day.
8. Entertainment
In America, people go to the theater to watch movies before they come out on DVD. In Europe, if you say you're going to the theater, you will be seeing a live production. These productions combine sound and light effects to provide the audience with a modern experience they will never forget. At the Shakespeare Globe Theater, as shown above, visitors can spend five pounds to be right next to the stage and even be a part of the show.
9. Monuments
Monuments such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Tower Bridge in London define the landscape. In my hometown, the only monument in any sense might be the Seminole Water Tower, which might be demolished by the city by the end of this year. In any case, these structures give these cities a name and pay tribute to each city's rich history.
Traveling abroad to Europe for the first time this May was truly an experience I will never forget. Both cities were lovely and for that I know I will return sometime very soon. For now, I will always consider Europe as better than America.
