From the editor’s desk ....
Vanessa Fierstadt

Travel is something one should do in their lifetime, whether it’s going on a road trip to the nearest beach, or traveling across country. We live in such a diverse culture from those across the world; it is amazing to see how different we live our lives from those afar, from the way we talk, to what we eat, and the way we get around.

When I traveled to Europe these past two weeks I learned so much about other cultures that I never could have imagined. To see the culture, the people, how their way of life is compared to ours’ is indescribable. Pictures don’t even justify the beauty of Europe and its history. Everywhere you turn there is something that has been around for hundreds of years in our history books: From the cathedrals, to the cobble stone streets, and the accents of the people who make their home what it is.

In London we took the “tube,” and in Paris the “metro,” their underground systems. Not everyone around the world drives as much as we do, and the experience in learning how to use it, and to see how everyone around was so accustomed to it was so interesting. Unlike our new cities and shiny high tech buildings, Paris and London were lavished in history. The art, the music, the charm, makes everything so dreamy.

In London the phone booths were red just as you see them in movies; there were many pubs down little streets, tourists everywhere and many sites to see.

The oddest part about traveling to other countries was how diminished you feel when walking on to their soil. You are no longer a citizen, you are a foreigner. I became very careful about who was around, and what as happening. It was awkward to feel so alien. The food was indescribable as well, nothing like we have. Everywhere you turned there was a little cafe, a small bistro, baguettes, and this is the way of life. Everything was so fresh, so crisp. In Paris the cheeses were delectable, as well as the gourmet French chocolate and caramel.

Traveling to Stonehenge was definitely the highlight of the trip. It was so untouched so surreal. As well, the cathedrals and churches awed me with the sparkling brilliant stained glass windows and artwork painted ceilings. Words can’t even describe many of the things I wish to say, but it’s a glimpse. The cities differ from here in that they don’t end their evenings until about 3 a.m. It was quite different from home, but I can guarantee that all you teenagers would definitely enjoy that aspect, the nightlife was thriving.

The culture in general would amaze most, take everything as a whole. Girls, the stores were marvelous, from the designer clothes to the shoes, but beware our money isn’t as strong there and it was quite expensive.

But the fun of looking was just enough to thrill anyone. This time of year it was quite warm in Paris, being overcast for about a day. While in London the mornings were a bit chilly, but thawed out by noon.

All in all the experience was brilliant, and if it wasn’t for the long plane ride I might go back sooner than hoped.

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