Summers
remind me of the great times I have had exploring Europe in the past, visiting
so many countries and learning so much more, constantly pushing my boundaries
and discovering new things. I have traveled in Europe mostly alone, and by
choice. Traveling alone gives you a lot of freedom, and you can pace your time
your way. I find it useful that I can have a plan, and not have a plan at the
same time. For example, I can wake up really early to be able to watch
something. And then I can deviate from the plan and spend as much time at a
place as I would like to.
I
am not traveling anywhere outside the US this summer. I am neck deep in
research work, trying to finish my comprehensive exams, and come up with a plan
for my dissertation. The travels I have done this summer are mostly local. Money
is a constraint as well, which is ironic. The first time I visited Europe, I was
unemployed. Literally unemployed. My job had recently left me, and I decided to
travel Europe before I came back to start my PhD. I have always visited Europe
in penury. And that is perhaps why I have fully explored Europe during my short
visits. Living in youth hostels, eating at cheap restaurants, walking for hours
every day, and taking the public transit has shown me a slice of Europe that
affluent travelers might have missed.
This picture was taken
inside the Colosseum in Rome (Italy), during sunset.
DC
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