Advice To a traveler from a Traveler
Taste New Teas
I am a pretty particular person when it comes to food and do not like to try ambiguous or foreign foods; however, at the beginning of the semester, I decided that I would try to expand my palate. While in Orvieto, I tried pigeon, which is something I would have never done had I not made that promise to myself. Though I was mildly grossed out when I ordered it, the dish was not that bad and I am glad I can say I took the risk. I also tried wild boar at this little restaurant by my apartment and it was absolutely delicious. In France, I tried escargot and duck, both of which I loved and I would recommend. Trying all of these new foods was a wonderful way for me to experience the cultures of the countries I went to. While I do not think I will eat pigeon again, I am more open to exploring all the different foods this world has to offer. Do not let a closed mind prevent you from exploring the world of food.
Get Lost
When I was in Paris, I got lost so many times. I took the wrong metro and ended up on the opposite side of town. In Venice, I could not find my way in those winding streets. Though I was lost, I ended up finding the best restaurants, the most interesting people, and the best views. Getting lost is not necessarily a bad thing because it allows you to find things you never knew you were looking for.
Talk to Strangers
Despite what your parents might have told you, talking to strangers is not always a bad thing. When I was in France, the rest of my group wanted to eat lunch somewhere else so I went down the street to this restaurant that I wanted to try. At the restaurant, I met this girl, Laura, who was also eating alone. We ended up eating lunch together and talking about our respective lives. Turns out that she is actually going to be studying abroad in Florida next year so she asking me for advice. She also told me of this place to get the best macaroons in France and they were amazing. Strangers are just friends you have not made yet and talking to people really helped me see how alike people are despite where they are from. Finding that common ground with people allows you to see beyond the tourist lens and see the real culture of a country.
Look Up
While taking pictures is an amazing way to catalog your experiences, take a few moments to admire where you are and do not get lost behind the camera. Don't get me wrong, I like my phone as much as any millennial, but I took time in each place I went to just absorb the feeling of being. In France, at the Sacré-Coeur, I climbed to the top and watched the sun go down. While I was up there, the lights from the Eiffel tower turned on and no camera could ever show how beautiful the city looked. Pictures can only capture so much so commit everything you can to memory and just feel everything.
Don't Be Cheap
I like saving money as much as the next person, but do not let the urge to save prevent you from experiencing everything a country has to offer. In every country I went to, I splurged on experiences and would treat myself to good food. The memories I have made by going to the Moulin Rouge, watching flamenco, trying traditional cuisine, or going the best art museums were definitely worth the price. Don't let, within reason, the prices keep you from the experiences.
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