As exams are coming to an end, I have had a lot of time to think about things I would rather be doing than sitting behind a desk, depriving myself of sleep, and pumping myself full of coffee in fear of passing out while writing the final answers on my test. Yet, the only thing that comes to mind is traveling to the places I have been with the people I care most about. In the past two years, I have visited places that have changed my life and the way I see the world around me.

These are the top 5 places I would rather be:

1. Germany

Playing cards on a train car filled with your friends and watching the cities roll by, after walking through Holocaust memorials, is nothing less than sobering.

2. England

Running through the city in the rain has never been quite as enjoyable as it was then. Drinking black coffee and eating croissants for a week straight has never been more delightful.

3. Belgium

When people talk about the chocolate being the best you ever had, they are serious. I dropped thirty euros on chocolate and have not regretted it for one second. However, the chocolate will never trump the country's beauty.

4. France - Riding a ferry from England to France will be one of the most interesting experiences of your life. France, you were a dream, even if your capital smells a little rank in tourist season. The Normandy beaches made me the happiest I could ever imagine.

5. Colorado - You were my favorite of all. You brought me to the mountains. You brought me to family. You brought me home.

I cannot thank you enough, the people who made these visits possible, for everything you have done for me and to you I am forever grateful.