Skip to main content

The European Chronicles - 6/10/14

Day Fifteen.

Brooklyn, NY.


Home. Sweet. Home.

As much as I miss vacation and the adventure that was the past two weeks in Europe, I miss this. America. My apartment. Television in English. Baseball! And oh yeah, living in a space that is larger than the small European hotel rooms. So yes, I'm glad to be back in the states.

As the last post in this series, I just wanted to wrap up the trip with some final thoughts, comments, and recap what was an amazing adventure. With that said, here are some final quick and random thoughts on the trip that was.

Italy
  • Italians are very forward and blunt. Especially, when it comes to sales and money.
  • As soon as we left for England is where I finally got used to having to pay to use a public restroom.
  • And, BTW, try your darnest NOT to use a public restroom in Italy.
  • Italy's cliffs, beaches, and colorful houses remind me very much of the Caribbean.
  • I know the bidet is a cultural thing in Italy, but why is it a priority over the toilet in the design of restrooms?
  • By the way, it's not a restroom or a "washroom" as the British and Caribbean folks would say, you must ask for the "toilettes" in Italy. Sounds rather simple, right?
  • Italy has a strict NO gun policy. Not looking to get political, but from the news and from the lips of our tour guide, their country doesn't struggle with gun issues at all.
  • Italian men all seem very shady. Well, at least most of them do.
  • "Italian" food here in the States is now a joke to me.
  • Speaking of, folks who claim to be "Italian" but act like the typical "guido" are also big posers.
  • I actually enjoyed wine in Italy.
  • Peroni Beer is fantastic.


England
  • The Subways system, or "The Tube" as the call it, is the cleanest and most logical subway rail I've ever seen. Seriously, it makes me wonder about all of the things wrong with the MTA.
  • Fish and Chips is boss. I've had it before, but it's special in England.
  • The Brits are such courteous people.
  • London is tremendously diverse.
  • London is probably my favorite city...after New York, of course.
  • Pubs are amazing. Again, just something different about the vibe in them compared to bars here in the States.

And of course, before wrapping up, I promised the tag team partner that I would rank all of the cities/places we've been to. She loves lists. So with that said, here goes.

  1. London
  2. Rome
  3. Positano (Amalfi Coast)
  4. Venice
  5. Capri
  6. Tuscany
  7. Florence
  8. Assissi
  9. Pompeii
  10. Sorrento
  11. Pisa

And oh yeah, I have to give props to a certain pair of sneakers I purchased for this trip. For anyone looking for a super light and comfortable pair of kicks for running, training, or just hiking, be sure to check out Reebok's One Cushion line. Awesome pair of kicks that kept my feet and legs fresh through two weeks of non-stop walking. 

They are other color choices, but I liked the craziness of this selection

Well, there it is. The European Chronicles are done. Finished. Kaput. It was amazing, and an experience I'll take with me for the rest of my life. I hope to someday get back across the pond again, and at the very least, to be able to visit London once again. For now, it's back to the real world, and the real grind of life.
Labels:

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...
Read more

The Pondering 10 - Most Fascinating Things of 2025

2025 sure did ebb and flow.  Is it just me, or did August through December zoom by? Nonetheless, we are at that time of the year again, which brings about some common traditions around these parts - the Pondering 10 Most Fascinating Things of the Year, and then the Dome Pondering Year in Review .  (Most Fascinating Things: 2015 , 2016 , 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 ,  2022 , 2023 , & 2024 ) Life really presented itself in unique ways this year, with a sense of a deeper layer of belonging and purpose, more so than what society has reflected since the pandemic. 2025 brought a deeper understanding of life through war, disaster, politics, the human spirit, and appreciation, among other things.  We'll get into that in the Year in Review.  For now, let's run it! Here is my Most Fascinating Things list for 2025: --- 10. Marjorie Taylor Greene Oh yeah, we're going there. MJT makes the very end of the list with a recent change in political positioning. I find it ...
Read more

Dome Pondering - 2025 Year in Review

2025 brought depth and growth.  In many ways, 2025 provided so many challenges and opportunities, allowing for a deeper, more layered approach to the world we live in. Our world is changing, and often, not for the better. Over the last 365 days, life has been more complex, more exhausting, and is asking so much more of us through these transitions and nuances than it did 365 days ago.  No big deal, right?  But hey, you're here. We're here. And we're going into 2026 much stronger, whether we realize it or not. But before we do, let's bid adieu to 2025.  As always, I'm incredibly gratefu l to those of you who still visit this little speck of the internet that houses my thoughts, rambles, and learnings. Thank you for taking a break from instant dopamine hits and videos, and likely the much cooler options of prepared content and indulging my humbled words. It is much appreciated.  It's the 20th annual - TWENTY YEARS of doing this! - Dome Pondering Year in Review. Le...
Read more