Some people grow up and never leave the town they were born in. Some people never leave their state. Some people pack up and move from the East Coast to the West Coast. Others, however, pack up and move to a different continent. Regardless of how long you're gone for, that time abroad will really open up your eyes to how different our ways of life are.
Perhaps you're going to a country that you have misconceptions about. You could be convinced that this country is a third world country, but clearly you have never been more wrong. Maybe you think that the people are a bunch of jerks when in reality, they're so kind. Maybe you're just classifying everything based on how you live, and how you see them in the news.
I've grown up in a 'foreign' country. I say 'foreign' because it's not America, but I'm a dual citizen, so they're both home to me. I spent the month in Austria, and while I was here, I took trips to Bratislava, Slovakia, and Prague, Czech Republic.
For starters, let me just get this off my chest. Two words. Public. Transportation. Street trolleys, U-bahns, and S-bahns. The options are endless. Then, of course, you can drive. But Vienna is a very pedestrian friendly city — at least from what I've experienced — and so everyone is riding either a bike or — now get this — a scooter. I'm talking good old fashioned razor scooters. Kids, teenagers, grown adults in suits on their way to work, they're all zooming around the cobblestone streets on these scooters. It's fantastic.
Second: Just because we think they're not well off, doesn't mean that's true. Prague is a beautiful city. It's also my personal hell because of how introverted I am. Bratislava is so clean and beautiful, and there's an amazing ruin only 20 minutes outside of the city that really puts things into perspective.
The food. Every where you go, there's a little bakery waiting to sell you baked goods for breakfast. You literally cannot go hungry. Got two euro on you? Perfect. That's all you need. However, nearly every store is closed on Sundays, so you best do your grocery shopping before then. There's also imbiss stands on every corner, and all you can do is pay attention to the crowds. If there's a lot of people eating there, you should too. There's a higher chance that it's actually quality food.
After a while, you'll learn the ins and outs. You'll see all the main attractions, you'll find yourself a regular at one of many local bars, and before you know it, it'll be time to leave. At this point, you're likely already planning your return, and what you'll do differently next time.
It's a whole world out there. Live a little. Explore. Be free.
