NORTHWESTERN EUROPE AND MY PASSION FOR TRAVEL

by elizabeth witowski (United States of America)

A leap into the unknown USA

Most people remember their very first flight. ANYWHERE. There’s that nervous feeling when you take off. The ear popping, the jingling of the wine bottles coming from the airplane cart, and the cry of babies. "Thank you for choosing United and enjoy your flight". The view from 36,000 feet gives you an unimaginable perspective. During that nine-hour flight, I wondered so many things, so many curiosities came to mind. What are the people like? What is the historic culture like? What would it feel like exploring the quilted countryside, of Ireland and the UK? Between 16 and 19 degrees Celsius, September in London is perfect. A light jacket is all I needed. Just a couple hours west of London England, the picturesque countryside, felt like a world away from the big city. My first stop, Stonehenge. SO that we understood the history behind Stonehenge, our tour guide started us at the museum, where we learned about the people of ancient Stonehenge. We learned this was built around 3000 BC. In my mind, doing the math, I was amazed by the preoccupation of stones, 5000 years ago. We learned the stones are aligned with the heavens and the days of the year. As the day progressed, we found ourselves eating our first meal. A traditional fish and chips; England's greatest delicacy and treat. Day 3 destination, Ireland. Since the ferry was the only means of travel, we got on a boat across St. George’s Channel. The breathtaking views of the ocean were the whole reason I started falling in love and wanted to explore beyond the limits of my front door. While on board, listening to traditional Gaelic being spoken by the locals had me enchanted. Arriving at Waterford, we toured the House of Waterford, where they make crystal stem wear and chandeliers. Next time I see decorative lighting, I will remember my visit. I loved learning about Ireland's history, sampling the cuisine and soaking in the sights. I also realized; I had never walked so much in my life. The terrain of Ireland is so steep and hilly, walking ANYWHERE is quite a workout. 3 Days later, my last stop in Ireland brought me to Dublin. Not only is it home to the Guinness Headquarters and Storehouse, but it is also home to Irish Step Dancing. Irish Step Dancing is generally characterized by a stiff upper body and quick and precise movements of the feet. Our evening entertainment was the Irish Cabaret, complete with a three-course meal, wine, and an Irish Coffee. Many first-time experiences were had that day, and I loved every moment. The next day, I ferried From Belfast, across the North Channel. This time arriving in scenic, Cairnryan, Scotland. Scotland is famous for its ceremonial Haggis, Scottish Bagpipers, and 200+ (year old) castles. There is a tremendous background about Scottish Royalty and their Crown Jewels. On the morning of day 8, I rode past the famous Abbey Ruins on the way to York, England. At York, I stood in absolute awe in front of the great structure of York Minster. York Minster; one of the largest and famous cathedrals in England, was designed to be the greatest cathedral in the kingdom. The last leg of my vacation was spent at Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. An incredible finale to my trip was an evening theater night show. At the end of my trip, my world view became wider. I was so happy; I was having the most educational experiences felt by being at actual places rather than seeing them in school or the internet. I traveled the same roads my ancestors had traveled years ago. I was pushed to my limits and got out of my comfort zone. Traveling allowed me to alleviate my fear and give me an improved sense of confidence. I realized there is no one way to live life, but I value having the time of my life while I am still can do it. I took a leap, and it was the best decision I ever made. I cannot wait to plan my next trip!