Finis

Final Conclusions

My great European adventure has at long last run its course. I knew things were done when I overheard a Cincinnatian telling an Italian how amazing Cincinnati was on the flight home. I actually lol’d and the guy gave me a hurt look. Sorry that was rude of me. Anyway now that I have some time to think and reflect on my experiences abroad I offer you this final conclusion to Bretzel Abroad…

Without sounding like that kid who’s dissatisfied with everything because his/her life in Europe was sooo much better, I would like to acknowledge some of the things I’ll miss about studying abroad. First off I would like to address the girl in the elevator that one time who I didn’t speak to, but said, “Ok, well see you later,” when she got off on the third floor. I don’t know you and our interaction confuses me to this day. Also I would like commend the workers of Carlsberg: not only do you produce the greatest cheap beer of all time, but you have the balls to go on strike when the higher ups try to prevent you from drinking on the job. Lastly I will miss all of you creepers. You guys are everywhere and I respect your tenacity.

But for real the best part of studying abroad is meeting new, interesting people. Starting over is never easy and I would like to thank my flatmates for welcoming me into their group as the token American. We laughed together, cried together and got Dave really drunk together. Flat 38 for life. Then there are those Americans who were always down for Tuesday night at Sports Café, Wednesday at the Walkabout, Thursday at Ministry of Sound and Friday at Penthouse. Thanks to you all as well. There’s also the new Georgetown friends I made in London. I look forward to drunkenly recounting America Night I, America Night II and Ruth’s love for Evan next fall. Then there’s the visitors: Erik, Matty C and Richie. Matty C you were by far the lamest of the three. YOU DIDN’T GO OUT ON YOUR 21^st!!!!! But I forgive you. Lastly there are those other special people. Neither American nor British. Mostly I’m just thinking of Wissam and Marilena, but I’m sure there are others. Thank you both for being so awesome. Wissam taught me all about falafel and kebab. And Marilena convinced me that “Greek lovers” (old man, young man relationships of ancient Greece) were no big deal.

The Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Coliseum, etc. will all be around for me to visit again (hopefully), but for one amazing semester all of our lives crossed paths. As Wissam told me, this is just the conclusion of one stage of life and now it’s time to move on. I wish you all luck and I hope I’ve been able to enrich your lives as much as you’ve enriched mine.

As for you, the readers: thanks for your encouragement over the past couple of months and I hope this blog has made you chuckle at least once or twice.

Cheers,

Bretzel