Goodbye Europe

Dear Europe, I may have to part from you for a bit, but I know I will see you again, soon.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         You have taught me more in the past 3 months about not only myself, compassion humans can/should have for one another, foods my taste buds only dreamt about, how to make friends for life, sights that most will only see and read about in books, traveling, and about our world as a whole.

 This leg of my journey isn't just about getting to watch the sunset on the Amalfi coast, watching European 'football, meeting people from all over the world, eating pizza (well kind of), seeing Buckingham Palace, exploring the stunning coast of Portugal, partying my ass off in Budapest, or exploring history at heart retching concentration camps. This journey is a reboot, of my human soul. Europe has taught me a lot thus far, but I still have 3 more months of learning, and living to do. I will say however, I am going to come back a different woman, and its something I will cherish for the rest of my days. I won't ramble on about what this adventure has done for me just yet, I will leave that for the finale of this journey.

 I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about traveling over here alone, with everything going on in our crazy world. However, I haven't experienced anything that wouldn't happen to me in Dallas or any major city in America. If I was to go in a rural area in Turkey or Germany (to name a few), I felt the same as I would walking around in East Dallas. It is all about being alert, aware of your surroundings, and not letting your guard down, EVER. I am a girl, and without sounding conceited, I am a good looking girl, which draws attention, and sometimes it's unwanted (except from hot Dutch men, kidding. Kind of.). It comes with the territory and happens anywhere, it is just how you react to it. I have never felt threatened while here, or truly scared something was going to happen, but I have always reminded myself that I can't become too comfortable with that feeling because you never know what could happen...but you also can't live your life out of fear. If that was the case, after the shootings in Paris I would have never seen the Eiffel Tower, or a dozen other places.

 When I am home and go to a new city I have a cell phone, internet, a car, can speak the language, navigation in my car, and can figure things out with a click of a button or nowadays its Siri. When traveling it is a little different, you arrive in a new city or country, with the map on your phone, name of the train station, the name of your hostel (if you've booked one), you don't know the language, and if you're lucky there is Wi-Fi in the train station. You have now arrived in a new city/country like a lost little puppy dog, and it may seem intimidating at first to ask for directions. I am very independent and self sufficient, probably more than I should be, so who am I to ask for directions? Europe broke me down, and crushed my fresh travel spirit the moment I arrived, but what helped me more than Siri, was the advice and help from friendly, selfless humans. I am sure my facial expression just eluded the fact that I was lost and confused in Italy's Metro station...I mean WTF is a metro, and how do I use it, we don't have these in the states. People here could teach us a thing or two back in the states, if someone who didn't speak my language came up and started talking to me, I would probably say ''sorry I can't help you'' (and don't lie you would too) because I was in a hurry, and too focused on what I had going on to help others. I have hope for humans again, and Europe has taught me that. A girl in turkey missed her train to help me, and even rode with me to my next stop to make sure I got the right one at the next stop. A guy in Bucharest gave me a ride because the line was under construction (was waiting to tell my mother this story), and it would take me too long to get to another track, to loop around on another route to make my train. People in Europe have shown me what it means to be selfless, and show compassion for others.

 Life here moves at a slower pace, and people are not in a hurry. People will stand and talk, talk, and talk, then maybe sit down and have wine or a café (espresso) and that's just how it goes. I don't think being punctual is a thing here, which we all know is perfect for me.

 A good selfie requires you to know angles that cover up the extra pounds you have gained, which have started to sneak up and into what they call a 'double chin'. I would like to thank Europe for the extra 5+ pounds I have gained. I am a health conscience person, and without a gym here, I shouldn't eat every and anything I want here, but I have . I made eating Gelato at every famous cathedral in Italy a thing, and there are a lot of cathedrals, which means a lot of delicious gelato. I wasn't going to come here and see the sights, and not experience the fine, authentic cuisine these countries have to offer. Lord knows I love to cook, so not only am I letting my taste buds explore, I am also learning how to cook these foods, so when I return I will be more culturally domesticated. However, I will not try to duplicate Pizza from Naples (ok, maybe I'll go to Cane Rosso), fresh Mozzarella from Sorrento, fresh Greek salads in Greece, a morning Pastel De Nata from Portugal, Schnitzel in Germany, Fish and Chips in London, or seafood Paella in Spain, I will just revisit when I am hungry and feeling nostalgic.

 I think we as Americans tend to lose in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, is what is really important to us. Family is everything here, kids are not in a rush to move out until they are getting married. Not because it is expensive to live on their own, but you spend as much time with your family before you venture out to create your own family. In the states we are in a rush to get away from our parents, its like a new found independence, when in fact I am sure most parents would love to have their kids linger around a little longer.

 I believe everyone has seen the movie 'Taken' or 'Hostel' which has typically ruined the idea of staying in a hostel for most Americans. I am here to tell you that they are NOTHING like that, not even close. America is not backpacker friendly, while Europe embraces it. If I decide to go to a big city, there is at least 50 hostels to chose from, where in a rural town there might be about 10+ but Airbnb is also an option. Most of my friends back home are probably turning their noses up right now, but why would you want to stay in a hotel alone, with no one to talk to except at the lobby bar and even then people think you are a 'working girl' since your there at the bar alone. I will admit I was nervous at first but I won't stay in anything other than a hostel for the rest of my journey. First of all you DON'T have to stay in a huge dorm room with a bunch of people, but you can if you want, and personally it isn't that bad, and that is how I have met some of my best travel buddies. Typically there is a common room, kitchen, bar, lounge, lockers, 24 hour security and other necessary essentials that make backpacking more leisurely if you will. Think of it this way, everyone staying in a hostel is there for the same reasons, they are backpacking, most are solo, need a refreshing place to stay before they are on to the next place, and it's super easy to meet and strike up a conversation with someone likeminded. I have met some of the coolest people who I am still in contact with, whom I would of never met had it not been for me staying in one. People are from all walks of life, from all over the world, but all have one goal...travel.

 Before coming to Europe, I have used public transportation in the states roughly 5 times, (yes, I can count how many). I am not talking about taxis, planes, and ubers, I am talking about trains, metros, buses, tram and whatnot. I am sure most of you think I am crazy at this point because in America we have trains but they mainly carry cargo, while only a few cities have a underground system, and who rides the dart unless you are taking it to Mockingbird Station for the St. Patrick's Day parade. I read blogs, websites, and whatnot before coming over here and for going everywhere I was going, taking the train made the most sense with an occasional flight and long distance bus. Lets be honest, I had no idea what to expect, I had never taken a train in my life. Today as I am writing this, I am taking my very last train here in Europe, and I give a big kudos to the European rail system, they have thoroughly impressed me overall. The trains here range from very basic, if its a regional train, and all the way up to having private sleeping quarters with a personal rail attendant for overnight trains for long distance travels. Public transportation is used more than cars here, and it is so easy to navigate (once you get the hang of it) and so affordable. About 90% of the cities have a metro system, tram and bus system and for the smaller cities, they have one or the other. It amazed me how many people use public transportation, bike or walk.

 While on the subject of travel, I couldn't help but notice the amount of travelers across the countries who were from Europe, on a 'weekend trip'. Must be nice, to just go to Spain or Italy for the weekend, but they are able to do so because travel within Europe is so CHEAP! Whether it is by a bus, train or a flight, they are all ridiculously cheap. The buses are nice, and most have Wi-Fi and a restroom, the trains are normally nice dependent upon which country you are in, and most flights include a meal, and one checked bag. Buses range from $6 to $24, trains vary significantly all upon which kind of train you want, which country, which class, and I had a Eurail Pass so I just hopped onto most trains. Ladies and gents I am about to knock your socks off when it comes to flights; I met a group of girls in Milan from London, just having a last min girls weekend, all because they found last min flights to Milan...ROUNDTRIP...for $22. Yes, $22, and that's Twenty Two American dollars because I converted everything for you. Granted theirs just included a carry on, and not a checked bag, but there is no way in hell could I get a flight that cheap in the states, yet alone drive to Austin for $22 unless I was splitting it with 4 people, and crammed into a smart car. My flight to Greece was $62 which included a meal, 1 checked bag and 1 carry on, and I thought I was getting a good deal, which this was on the expensive side for a flight to Greece. I need to get off this subject quick because I just get so frustrated with looking at flights home and how much they are, granted I am flying halfway around the world and over a large body of water, but still.

 Do you remember World History from 5th grade, because I certainly do not. I loved history in school, but I have learned more from traveling, taking tours, getting lost in the cities, and just amercing myself into different cultures. I remember Mrs. Martins Latin class and dreaming of getting to see the Temple of Zeus, and the ruins of Pompeii but never in a million years did I think that one day I would be lost in this ancient city, or having a cappuccino on the steps to the acropolis. My papa played the accordion and loved to polka dance, which is a Czech thing and I really didn't appreciate it all until I made my visit to the Czech Republic, it was very reminiscent of my papa, and made me want to learn more about my heritage there. I have a thing for WWII history and you read about the horrible, awful, inhumane things the Nazi's did to people in camps, but you it doesn't really weaken your soul until you step foot into an actual concentration camp. I can't explain the feelings that takes over your body, and the thoughts that cross your mind, they are too disturbing, and I still can't fathom how people did those things to other human beings and how it went on for so long. I encourage all history buffs to do yourself a favor and travel. America is young with a few hundred years of history, but NOTHING like Europe.

Here in Europe the family name means everything, you do NOT bring disgrace to your fathers name, and divorce is kind of a No-No. I met a married women at a hostel, she was taking time away from her husband, and explained the whole situation, and also that you don't divorce here. That as you get older things change in your life, and sometimes you two just need a vacation/time apart, to hit the reset button with yourself before you move forward. She told me if you are broken, you need to be fixed before you can begin to fix your relationship. I agree, and respect their way of holding up their vows.

Dogs are welcome everywhere in Europe, on a bus, train, and most stores, and there are no leash laws, so people walk and their dogs just follow, it must be a European dog thing.
Samson would LOVE it!!

People walk, bike and run EVERYWHERE, which is why they think Americans are lazy and fat, which we are, but it is astonishing how in shape people are here. But their buying habits are different here, they don't have big supermarkets and buy everything fresh, smaller portions and they aren't as many pesticides in their foods, hence why the leave out their eggs, milk, butter, and other things we have to refrigerated back home. Also, their portions here are so so so much smaller, which took some getting use to (wait, then how did I gain 5+ pounds) and they joked at times if I wanted an 'American' size, ha.

I saved the best for last, so if you make it this far in this winded post you will know what has touched me the most. Which that is to not stereotype people and write them off based on arbitrary factors like race, religion, or sexual orientation. Something I hope a lot of my friends and family back home could learn. I could have been easily written off as 'that American' many of times, or I could have done that to a dozen or so people but who am I to judge? I am thankful that I engaged each person with a open mind, because I have met some of the most inspiring, genuine souls over here.

 Europe had me at hello, and is breaking my heart at goodbye (for now).

Dachau Concentration Camp

We are all familiar with what happened during WWII, sickening part of history that no one hopes repeats itself.

Map of all the concentration camps throughout Europe during 1933-1945

I have always been interested in WWII history, not because what happened is fascinating its haunting, but just it is so interesting that one man could convince thousands, that what he was doing was for the good of his people, and how the rest of the world sat there for so long and did nothing.

 Gates into Dachau reading 'work will set you free'

Walking up to the gates of Dachau you could feel the ominous history and the overall eerie feeling that swept over you, I wasn't sure what to expect, what I was going to see but nothing could have prepared me. The place was cold, damp, as if I were seeing things in only black and white, and it reeked of death. I walked through the gates and my eyes started to water, a cold, chilling, numbness came over my body, and there I was in the middle of the first Nazi concentration camp built in 1933, shortly after Hitler became chancellor of Germany. Dachau was the first and the model 'political prisoner' camp which it later became a death camp and  where over an estimated 188,000 men spent the remainder of their lives or saw their death.

Where 33 prisoner barracks formally stood

'Prisoner Road' where roll call was conducted

There are many stories you can read at this camp, written by prisoners themselves, and they are all bone chilling. The one that resonates with me the most is the story of roll call. Guards did role call of all the prisoners 3 times a day. If they their numbers didn't match from the previous roll call, they made them stand there again while they counted again, and again until they got the number right. If someone happened to die in the night, the men had to drag the corpse out for roll call, until the body could be stacked and taken to the crematorium. It isn't the roll call that bothered me, it was that I was in Dachau at the tail end of winter, and it 37 degrees Fahrenheit, and I was bundled up with layers, a coat, scarf, and gloves, and freezing my buns off. These men at the very most had a top, pants, and basic shoes, and the material resembled that of a potato sack. In their diary's they talk about having to wait a staggering 13 hours in the dead of winter, snowing, and very windy while the guards did roll call 7 times, and men were dropping all around them, and there they had to stand degraded and humiliated.

 Dachau Prison, as if life behind these gates wasn't already a living hell

Hallway of Prison Cells

I learned and studied about WWII in school, visited the Holocaust museum, and the Jewish cemetery in Prague but nothing, and I mean nothing even compares to experiencing first hand. When I visit Europe again, I plan on visiting Auschwitz where they housed the women and children, and where the movie 'Boy in the striped Pajamas' (a must see) was filmed, and modeled after. My heart aches for the men, women, and children during that time, and the horror they had to live through, if they lived. It is something none of us can ever fully grasp, or imagine. It makes me think twice about getting mad when my iPhone battery goes dead, or I miss a connection, because I will never experience anything as crucial as what these men did.

Photo of inmates bodies awaiting cremation upon discovery by US troops in May 1945

 Crematorium

Inside the 'showers' otherwise known as the gas chambers

This visit to one of the most notorious concentration camps, during one of the most audacious crimes of our time will forever linger with me.

❤

Mykonos & Chill

This famous Greek island is nothing short of breathtaking Mediterranean Sea views, white washed walls with various blue hues chasing the ever so windy streets. When you think of Greek mythology, I imagine the Greek Gods used these islands as their private getaways.
Like, let me just go chill on my beach in Mykonos for an afternoon.

Mykonos, Greece

I traveled here NOT during the peak party season (total bummer), but that didn't hinder my Mykonos experience. I hiked, got a tan, ate gyros, enjoyed a day everyday at the beach, went out with the locals, ate more gyros, hung out with a pink pelican, and enjoyed all the stunning views this little Greek island had to offer.

Megali Ammos Bay

I didn't come for the history, or a romantic getaway, I came simply for the beach, and that is exactly what I got. After a month and a half of being in cold, dreary Europe, this Texas girl needed her sunshine, and to get her tan on!

Psarou Beach

Greek cuisine was all that I had imagined and more...my heart still skips a beat when I think about the fresh Feta cheese. The Gyros are everywhere, and you can get it in a pita form, or the platter, and if you want more bang for your buck ALWAYS go for the platter. Portions in Mykonos are rather large, which isn't so nice for a girl trying to shimmy her way into a bikini after being in Italy for a month with pizza & pasta, or should I say carbs & more carbs.

 Traditional Greek Salad...that Feta cheese though

If you visit the beautiful windmills of Mykonos, you will think your eyes are playing tricks on you. No, your eyes are fine, and yes that is a pink pelican hanging around. I named him Hank (but his actual name is Peter, but that is boring) so if you ever visit Mykonos tell Hank I said hi! 

Hank

Now back to the windmills. You rarely see a photo of Mykonos without it featuring the windmills, and once you see them in person you will see what all the fuss is about. Seriously they are absolutely stunning in their old glory, dating back to the 16th century, while overlooking the waterfront, and just have a whole romantic vibe surrounding them.

The Windmills

Parties all day...Parties all night...No parties for Cami this trip. However, my first night I went to a locals bar called 'Scandinavian Bar' where they were having a costume party. Yes, a costume party in February, and I had a blast! When in Greece right?

Scandinavian Bar

Life in Mykonos is simple, full of happiness, and very relaxing. I could sit and just take in the views, under the Greek sun for hours.

Random Motivational Stairs

annnnnnd I wouldn't be myself without featuring one of the gorgeous Myconian sunsets.

Sunset in Mykonos

I will be back to Mykonos one day for the parties, beautiful scenery and for the romantic getaway.

❤

EATALY or ITALY

My 6 month adventure all started in Italy. Where my family originated, a country I have always wanted to explore, and where my taste buds sought after true happiness.

I came, I saw, I ate, and I drank way too much through Italy, and at times I wondered if there could really be anything better in life...I mean could there be?

Italy was everything I expected and MORE....I learned a lot about my Italian heritage, how to thrive in a VERY chaotic, unfamiliar, European world, how to eat pizza and I mean a lot of pizza, the art of pasta, how to sip wine with the locals, the proper time to drink a cappuccino (I got yelled at once), how deep Catholic religious roots go, that gelato can be eaten, anytime, anywhere and anyplace, and of course loads of fascinating, ancient Roman history

This post will be short & sweet, because I don't have photos to help navigate through my journey. RIP iPhone

Here we go...I T A L Y...I got wonderfully lost in the beautiful canal lined streets of Venice, and took the water taxi by night to gaze upon the fairytale like city. I wandered about the island of Burano, and gazed upon the glass blowing masters and gorgeous glass pieces for hours, and hours.  In Milan, I strolled along the pristine streets that had been blessed by the fashion Gods, and where  the pretty futbol boys played by day. I sipped Bicerin early one sunny morning, at the stairway of the gorgeous Castle of Valentino in Turin. In Genoa I sat in the port, eating fresh focaccia, watching the colorful Ligurian sunset. The city of Parma delighted my taste buds with the freshest parmesan cheese, and parma ham (my mouth waters just thinking about it). In Bologna, I dined on fresh Mortadella and sipped Lambrusco and then drunkly looped my way through the cities stunning Porticoes. In Florence, I simply fell head over heels, in love with a city. Pisa delighted me with humor, as I gaze on the numerous tourist trying to take the perfect 'Pisa picture', which I found more entertaining than the tower itself. Under the Tuscan sun, I found Chianti, and spent my afternoon at Antinori Chianti Classico sipping on their finest grapes. In Rome, I found a city flourishing with history and beauty, from its people to its ruins, Rome had me at hello. At the Vatican, I had a surreal moment when walking in, a feeling came over me, and I for once was speechless and in awe.  The island of Ischia had me picking lemons, oranges, and taking in views from the Aragonese Sea Castle. Ahh Naples, the city in which my taste buds only dreamt about, for where I could eat gelato by day and pizza by night (every meal, who am I kidding) . Naples also warmed my heart, by getting to speak with family and really get in touch with my Italian roots. Pompeii had me lost in a maze like, forgotten, ancient, Roman city. In Sorrento I sipped Italian coffee, ate fresh mozzarella and just soaked up my views from the mountain, and appreciated where I was, and what I was doing. Sant' Angnello, blessed me with some of the best pasta I have ever had, and really introduced me to true Italian style dining. The Amalfi Coast had me believing I was in a dream, or living in heaven on earth, with its ungodly stunning views. The town of Postiano had me green with envy for the people that live there, with their gorgeous coastal town, stunning views, and fresh seafood. And for the town of Amalfi, you captured my heart in such a way, that made me take a seat and just appreciate the fact that I was in Italy, and enjoying a place that some only dream about visiting.

Dear Italy, thank you.

For the food, the views, the memories, the people, the wine, the culture, and for the extra 5 pounds.

❤