| Bonjour and Danke | :)

❤❤

Dear France: Ohhh you were so cold haha ! It was cool to walk alongside history though. I thought to myself many times while I walked the streets of Paris, l’Seine river, visited some of the most monumental sites such as the Louvre, cathedrals and grand palaces and castles, I wish I would have taken high school more seriously; like actually taken French class and my AP art history class seriously, which could have prepared me for today so that I could appreciate the art better and communicate in this country. But, alas!  What is done is done and c’est la vie.  It didn’t take away from my experience but, it could have definitely enhanced it. Anywho, it was also cool to visit the streets and cafes I’ve heard about for so long—you know, it was cool to get a glimpse into the Parisian lifestyle. It was cool to visit and sit in your cafes; visit the Shakespeare and Company workshop filled with books, quotes, lovely stairs and watching Parisians enjoying a book, drinking a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. It was even cooler to know I had visited places and walked the same streets Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy walked along in the film “Before Sunset” —one of my faves. There is also Woody Allen’s movie “Midnight in Paris” which was also set in the city. It was also cool to have a drink at Amelie’s Cafe from the film “Amelie” and eating a Crepe in front of the Eiffel Tower. France, you were cool. But, you were most importantly, a sum of moments shared with my soul sista and sugar momma Betsy that made the unforgettable experience now a beautiful memory. 

Thank you my Betsy, there are no words.💕

France, you have some of the most beautiful, picturesque architecture, buildings and gardens I’ve ever seen. I can see why the city is romanticized so much. I can admire your architecture, aesthetic fabrics, and overall culture however, not your history of war and violence. To me, you also represent a history of colonization, imperialism and globalization. So, for now, I acknowledge your past, which may haunt your present, I pray it doesn’t affect your future, at least not negatively.

Dear Germany: I was left in awe of your beauty. The mountains, the green pastures, the safe, organized and clean ways of your city Munich. I found that your people are all so ecologically conscious. I admire the way you conserve water and energy.  I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I traveled here but, I believe I was pleasantly surprised. I definitely pictured myself in the Disney movie Sleeping Beauty as I walked through and around the Neuschwanstein Castle. But, I have to admit, it was the surroundings that I enjoyed the most. I was lost in your colorful wonder. It’s absolutely splendid to travel outside of the city into the countryside and appreciate even more God’s beautiful creation. Munich was completely devastated and destroyed during World War II and its been reconstructed so beautifully. You are a country with a very dark history and I am glad to hear and see that you do not hide it. Historical memory is conserved well. Of course, I was not there long enough to perhaps notice and live myself though some of the contradictions that may arise as a result of such history and/or the repercautiolns citizens and/or immigrants may be experiencing due to that same history but, from the little that I did observe, people come here from all over the world to live and they’re quite content. I will most definitely return Germany. Thank you for being my 30th country. 

Schwangau. view from Neuschwanstein Castle.

when in Germany. with my new friend Sayanti.

English park

You know Europe, last year around my birthday I realized that I had traveled 26 countries and I thought, perhaps in 2018 I can get to 30 if I travel to Europe— 30 countries by 30 years old. And it happened !!!! It’s kinda of crazy to think about it! I have to say, it's been one heck of an experience. I can't say I was afraid to go the distance, nor was I afraid of leaving everything behind. My fear was that I was not walking in step with God when making the decision of leaving and taking this leap of faith. Today I say, that God has been real real good to me and He has not left.  He has protected me from all harm and will undoubtedly lead me home safely.  The assurance and promise of Romans 8:28 -Maintains my peace and joy.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose."

My time traveling came and passed quickly and I feel so grateful for the opportunity I was granted. Portugal was amazing, Spain and France were cool and I was left in absolute awe with Germany’s beauty. Overall, it was a great time and traveling on my own was also an amazing experience! I think that if I would have planned my trip a little better I would have stayed in Portugal about 3months and then Germany another week because I wish I would have gone to Austria, which was only 2 hours away from Munich where I stayed! But, it’s okay. I’m just super grateful to have had the experience to travel Europe as I did, free of any problems and full of jubilant moments. Europe is definitely undergoing its own political turmoil as reflected in the Brexit debate as well as the Catalan Independence debate but, it seems Europe is doing pretty well. Their citizens have the majority if not all their basic needs met. Of course you see homelessness here and there especially in Paris but, not as drastic as in the US.

It was nice meeting you Europe, I hope to become better acquainted with you and your history the second time around. Until we meet again Europe. 

And as one of the most renounced Portuguese writers once said, 

“Siempre acabamos llegando a donde nos esperan.” - Jose Saramago 

                                     I think ya’ll have an idea where I’m headed to next💗