Jerry Springer Final Thought

Well, I'm back in the States again, settled in to my new place in Lima (see pictures here), and enjoying my new job with P&G. I wrote down quite a few things that I wanted to mention about Europe as a whole, so I'll do that before I give my final thought.

1. The dogs in Europe are very well-trained. Most dogs don't have leashes, but they always stay near their master.
2. There are LOTS of ambulances in Europe. As I was discussing this with someone, we realized it might be because health care is free in Europe, so people don't hesitate to take one b/c they will have to pay for it.
3. Buildings in Europe are generally pretty small compared to the States. We go to Europe to see history, they come to the States to see skyscrapers.
4. I went a lot of places, met a lot of people, and saw a lot of things that I wanted to do. I had a great trip. However, I think this will be the last time I travel alone for an extended period of time. It was simply too stressful (and a lot of work).
5. I am so out of shape from my trip... I can't wait to get back to it (and I really miss Judo on a regular basis)!


A lot of people are probably wondering whether I liked Europe or Japan better. This is hard to say because I was only a tourist in Europe, where I was actually a resident in Japan. I would probably say Japan because the culture is so much different than America, whereas Europe and America are very similar. I love Japan, I love Europe, and I love America for different reasons. However, I have learned through my travels that the people in a place are what makes it great. I had bad times in places that others had said that they loved, and vice versa. The people you meet and become friends with are what makes a place special and fun. I've come to realize how much I miss home, whether it be Cincinnati or Champaign. It's my friends and family that make those places so special and dear to me, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. You can go anywhere in this world, but without the right people there, it will never feel right. If you have read this far, then you are certainly one of those special people who have filled my life with inexpicable joy, and for that I thank you. Well, until my next adventure, I'm signing off. Thanks for your attention:)