Adventures Abroad
Bonjour!
Leaving the United States for the first time, except for a brief visit to the Cayman Islands (which felt more like a trip to Florida, considering we flew Southwest), was an eye-opening experience. It became a profound lesson in culture, perception, and history - unlike anything I had ever encountered. It granted me a unique perspective on the age of things around us. To think that some of the buildings I entered were older than the country I call home was a mind-boggling revelation.
The journey to Europe was relatively smooth, except for the god-awful 12-hour layover – a true test of patience. Departing from Dallas usually involves my dad insisting on arriving at the airport six hours early – because why not?
My first transatlantic flight was great, and I found myself unreasonably excited each time a meal arrived, to the point where it became a mildly concerning obsession. I spent most of the flight engrossed in movies and editing videos.
Finally, we touched down at London Heathrow Airport, launching what felt like the layover of a lifetime. My dad and I indulged in airport sushi (still unsure how our stomachs handled it). But soon enough, we found ourselves in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Scotland felt like stepping into a Harry Potter-esque tale. We lodged on the King's Mile, next to Arthur's Seat. Our hike up lush green hillsides, reminiscent of the fields of Rohan in Lord Of The Rings, offered a breathtaking view of the city below.
Every street exuded a history that I had never witnessed before, with graveyards boasting headstones older than the United States. I knew this to be true academically, but standing before it made history come to life. Street vendors in Edinburgh were more vibrant and relaxed than any I had seen in Europe following. Walking along the King's Mile, exploring little shops, and trying local delicacies, felt like an adventure. Surprisingly, many people there greeted us with an enthusiastic 'Boomer Sooner!' when they learned we were from Oklahoma. The streets of Edinburgh felt alive, evoking a familiar sense, akin to scenes from a cherished show or book.
Our journey eventually led us to London. Before delving into the details, I should mention that I've never considered myself a big city person – crowds? Not really my thing. During our walks around Audrey and I would share airpods and listen to our “American Abroad” playlist, which really set the vibes, London was a city of immense beauty and a culture that felt both familiar and distant, like those cousins that you only see at weddings or reunions. The food offerings were exceptional, and it was clear that there was a noticeable difference in the cuisine compared to the FDA-regulated standards we have back home; it's almost comical, not in a good way though.
We embarked on a comprehensive city tour, exploring some of London's most iconic landmarks. Our itinerary included visits to the Monument to the Great Fire, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, the Tower of London, and Borough Market. Each of these sites could easily have its own dedicated entries due to their sheer grandeur, leaving me awestruck and inundated with new experiences
One of the highlights was our visit to St. Paul's Cathedral. It's one of the most exquisite architectural marvels I've ever had the privilege to lay my eyes on. Walking through its hallowed halls felt like stepping into an episode of the History Channel. And of course, Buckingham Palace was an impressive sight, although there isn't much more to elaborate on regarding it.
We departed London four days after our arrival, and headed towards an even more unfamiliar destination: France. Our destination was Paris, a city my mom had wanted to visit since her childhood. It did not disappoint. We explored all the iconic sights, indulged in exquisite cuisine, and immersed ourselves in the city's vibrant energy. One of my most cherished moments was watching the sunset from the top of the Arc De Triomphe on Father's Day; it was a truly unique experience.
But my personal favorite stop was yet to come. Annecy turned out to be a hidden gem that perfectly aligned with my preferences, and I had no idea until we hopped on a train and left Paris. By this point, I was thoroughly 'city-fried,' and Annecy felt like a fairy tale brought to life. Its peaceful cobbled streets and serene turquoise waters had a magical quality.
They slowed me down, compelling me to appreciate every moment. We spent our days exploring restaurants, savoring gelato, and sipping more wine than I'd ever had before. Annecy had electric bikes for rent, so my dad and I attempted to bike to a trailhead. However, just as we arrived, the sky opened up in a torrential downpour. We took advantage of the moment and sought refuge once again, in a sandwich shop. Also, my dad definitely signaled for a fork in a caveman-like manner at the cashier.
Despite our failed hiking attempt, we managed to embark on a 26-mile bike ride around Lake Annecy on our final day. It was perhaps one of the most breathtaking places I've ever witnessed. The Swiss Alps, with their lush green slopes and rugged gray peaks, provided a striking backdrop. The lake's water contrasted beautifully with the verdant mountains, creating a mesmerizing and unique landscape. My dad had devised a method to get all our bike rides for free by carefully timing our stops at pick-up stations. It was an interesting process, to say the least.
That evening, as we lay waiting to fall asleep before our departure, we heard a commotion just outside our window. I opened it and witnessed people dancing and singing in the street below. It felt like something straight out of a movie.
Then, it was time to head home. Being able to have this experience with my family is something I’ll never forget. The flight back was long, and my mom kept herself entertained by watching all the John Wick movies, which provided some amusing moments and helped pass the time.
Get out there, it is pretty neat.
-Nathan
