be enchanted in

Europe

The thought of going abroad makes my heart leap. I feel, when I commune with myself about it, as when dwelling on the countenance and voice of a lovely girl.

I am in love with Europa.
Charles Sumner

I first stepped foot in Europe as a starry-eyed 19-year-old ending a semester spent in Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Israel, and Turkey.

With my friends, I explored some of Europe’s best-known locations. I gaped, awestruck, at Rome’s massive St. Peter’s Basilica, and dashed past the Spanish Steps in the rain. I soaked in the sun on the Greek island of Aegina and stood beside the Parthenon. I marveled at Michelangelo’s David and drank cheap Italian wine in a Florence hostel.

Half a lifetime and plenty more travel later, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit nearly 30 countries in Europe.

I’ve walked across cobblestone streets in countless cities and hiked 500 miles across Spain. I’ve learned about sobering civil wars from those who lived through them, and visited dozens of museums dedicated to art and architecture and history and more. I’ve eaten pretzels at Christmas markets and pasta in Italy. I’ve explored castles in Romania and Ireland and Germany and beyond, and visited Europe’s highest train station in Switzerland. And so, so much more.

It’s never gotten less exciting. As far as I’m concerned, Europe is magic.