Little Lessons and Observations

Over the last 6 weeks I have come to learn so much.  More than I ever thought I would have.  But, sometimes it's the little things you come to learn and treasure the most.  With that, here are some of the "little things" I learned and observed while I was abroad:

• Always pack a carry on bag with the essentials, including 2 days worth of clothes.
• Count on the airline to lose your luggage.
• There is no better feeling than being reunited with said lost luggage.  Hug it upon arrival.
• Book in the following order: flight tickets, accommodations, excursions/museum visits.
• Beat your own path: everyone will throw a thousand recommendations for things you "have to" see.  Pick your own, even if they are among the most popular or crowded.  
• It is your trip after all.
• Same goes for restaurants.
• The Eiffel Tower is not part of France's significant history; read about it before you go

• If you plan to go up said tower, book your tickets in advance.  You'll thank me later.
• For the best experience, go see it at night.
• Bring your own food on planes.
• I highly recommend Pringles.
• Coke Light is NOT the same as Diet Coke, but Coke Zero is similar across the board.
• Don't travel in pajamas unless you are on a long haul flight.  Even then, attempt to look presentable but comfortable.

• It will be weird your first time in an airport not knowing the language.
• You will be just fine.
• There is no better feeling than being able to go out and use said foreign language in public.
• There is a difference between studying and traveling abroad.  There's pluses and minuses to both, so pick the one that works best for you.

• Pay the extra fare to be able to pick your seat on a low-cost carrier, unless you can stand the middle seat.
• Or for the best views, take the train.
• Invest in a portable phone charger.
• Use it daily.
• Get an international phone plan with the most options possible.
• Google Maps will either be your best friend or worst enemy.
• It's okay to get lost.
• French people say "ooh la la," Italian people say "mamma mia" and Spanish people say "ay, dios mio."
• It doesn't sound real the first time you hear it.
• Air conditioning is either minimally used or completely nonexistent.
• Walk into random buildings and churches you see on the street.  You may just walk into a church built by Louis XIV.
• Outdoor markets are the best places to shop and buy groceries.

• The bread is so much better abroad.
• Learn some of the language before leaving for the country.
• Speaking French with a bad accent is 100 percent more accepted than using English.
• Baguettes are a daily necessity.
• The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world.  If you're just going to see the Mona Lisa, you're doing it all wrong.

• If you are there for a week or more, buy a public transit pass.
• Use it religiously.
• Don't talk on said metro.  You'll be clearly marked as a tourist.
• Take solo adventures.
• If you're looking for the best view of the city, climb the Arc de Triomphe.

• It's actually part of France's significant history.
• If you go to Versailles, do the whole thing.  It's worth it.
• The Love Lock Bridge is not a French tradition; in fact, they just took it down.

• If you don't mind being ruined for the rest of your life, eat as many croissants as possible.
• They are not like the ones at Starbucks.
• Paris actually is always a good idea.
• There are rules to drinking cappuccino.

• Learn them, and learn them fast.
• Even if you don't think you'll like it, go to a modern art museum. Even if just for kicks.

• Gelato will always be better than ice cream.

• Eat it every day you are in Italy.
• When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
• Italian public transit is either on point or completely off the mark.
• There is no in between.
• It is expected highly encouraged that you eat an entire pizza.

• There are no words for the sense of accomplishment you feel once you have for the first time.
• Wear comfortable shoes on the cobblestone streets.
• The Lizzie McGuire Movie concert scene was not filmed in the Colosseum.
• Neither was any part of Gladiator.
• It also has several historical errors.
• For a good history lesson, go to the Roman Forum.

• Cacio e Pepe is a life-changing way to eat pasta.
• When in doubt, speak with a Mario accent.
• Italian bars are much, much better than American ones.  You'll see why.
• Tapas are acceptable at any and all times of the day.

• Eat them often for a delicious sensation.
• Same goes for churros.

• Every country has a food and/or drink that they are known for; don't get these in another country because they won't nearly be as good.
• Lunch in Spain = afternoon meal; Dinner = American bedtime.
• Siesta is the gift that will continuously keep on giving.
• So is the free wifi in restaurants and coffee shops.
• The nightclubs may as well be called "early morning" clubs.
• The best pictures are the ones you take, not the ones with the most instagram likes.

• You won't be able to get souvenirs for everyone you know.
• They either won't care or will forgive you.
• Write down everything you did right after you do it.
• Keep all ticket stubs, metro passes, and photos to make the best memories.
• Take lots of pictures, but save some memories and experiences for yourself.
• But always take pictures of your food.

• Don't invest in a selfie stick. Never. Ever.
• Always take an opportunity when it comes.  Never pass up an experience.
• Find a creative way to document it.
• Find a place you love and explore it all.
• Go to new and different places, too.
• Even before you leave, you can start planning your next trip back.

While just a tiny portion of the many things I learned abroad-and in no particular order either-I hope that you found my random thoughts somewhat entertaining and insightful.  After all, there is a lot to think about when planning a trip abroad!