Europe 2k16 Itinerary

​None of my flights were delayed. Let me say that one more time for the people in the nosebleeds, NONE of my flights were delayed. Not even one. I don't think this has happened to me in years. I didn't even remember what it was like to make it to my intended destination on time, let alone EARLY. Chrissy must be a good luck charm because the flight from Philly to Amsterdam was 8hrs on paper, but according to our sorcerer pilot, he can make it happen in 6.5. I never knew I could appreciate a pilot so much. 


For those of you who don't know what's happening, I'm taking my annual summer trip to Europe (spoiled and obnoxious I know) but this time I've given it a little bit of growing room and now it's an you-graduated-a-year-early-so-you-deserve-it-plus-who-wants-to-be-a-big-kid-anyway-just-get-rid-of-all-that-money-you-saved-up-in-college trip. Still working on a better title for it, I'll get back to you on that. Anyway, I'll spend time in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Ireland over the course of this trip and I could not be more excited. I'll be visiting the first four countries with one of my closest high school friends, Christine, and as it is her first trip to Europe, I am beyond psyched to show her around. That is not to say that I know all the ins and outs of Europe, no. Not even kind of. But this will be my fifth trip here and it doesn't hurt to speak the languages of the countries we are visiting (not Dutch though, so don't try me). I like to think I know a thing or two about a thing or two when it comes to international travel, but my mom and my boyfriend's mom both reminded me of half the things I needed to bring along, packed me snacks, and gave me lots of rules to follow - the usual; don't break any bones, don't break anyone else's bones, no involvement in mass catastrophes, etc - and I am incredibly grateful for their help. Seasoned traveler or no, there are always things to be learned, and it means so much to have people who care. 

After the first four countries I will meet up with my favorite witty 5'2 leprechaun best friend, Lára. She's from Ennis, Ireland and I'll be staying with her family for two weeks (poor dears) before heading to Texas to visit with my grandparents and subsequently fly home to San Diego where I will be forced by societal norms and my rapidly deteriorating net worth to find a big kid job and become a contributing member of society or whatever, but how about we get there when we get there. If I had it my way, mind you, I would win the lottery (obviously this is a plausible and well thought out plan) and spend my days learning new languages and traveling with my family, friends and boyfriend. But alas, I'll either have to marry rich or rig the power ball if I'm going to make that work. So until then, I'll find a job and an apartment close to home because after three years living thousands of miles away from all my favorite humans, I need a year near home.

Anyway, that's kind of where I'm at, figuratively speaking. Literally speaking, I'm making my descent into Amsterdam where I will spend the first three nights of my trip. Did I mention I'm excited? Because I aaaaaaaam. But for now I'd better go, because only 20 minutes of ear popping, turbulence ridden descent stand between me and a new passport stamp (I don't care how much you travel, getting a new stamp is exciting). 

Until next time lovelies!