The Trip We Took During Fall Break

So, we just finished our Fall Break here in Belgium. It's a lot earlier here than in the U.S. seeing as how they obviously don't celebrate Thanksgiving. Fortunately though, this gave me plenty of time to travel. Specifically, I was able to travel throughout Paris, Barcelona, Rome and Venice during the 9 days I had off. It was fantastic!!! Paris and Venice both tied as my favorites. It's really hard to choose one because they are both so different. I love Paris as a very picturesque city but the food in Venice is absolutely to die for!

It rained throughout most of trip. However, we didn't let it get the best of us. Instead, I think I learned more from the rain than I ever thought I would. For example, Venice floods when it rains. While I knew this could happen theoretically, I didn't realize the impact a little rain would have one a city that was originally designed to be on water. The sidewalks basically flooded and it was a disaster all around. They put up these wooden plank things that look like tables you would see at a banquet center and people walk on those. Then, the planks get so crowded that they have police in special waders that come up to their waist just to direct traffic.

The city itself is absolutely beautiful though and almost worth the trip even in the rain.

Rome was also pretty cool. Although, I'm not sure that I would go back again now that I've seen the major sites and there is so much more of the world to explore. It is a neat city from a historic standpoint. However, I felt that the city was extremely dirty and that people only wanted to take advantage of you. It seemed like everywhere I turned people were trying to scam the tourist. Since very little is written in English, it's extremely easy to fall for these because you never know what to believe and what not to. You also have to watch your back like crazy for pick pockets. I'm extremely glad I got to see the major sites. However, I'm not sure that I'll go back again.

Spain was another story. While Spain is beautiful... I think I would go back only during the summer because the beaches would be open. Unless you are in a major city, there is not really much do outside of shop during the day. The nightlife however, is extraordinary and totally out of this world. The Spanish people don't eat dinner until late at night (around 10pm). Then the barhop all night long until the sun rises. They go home, sleep for a while, get up, go to work. Then they come home later to sleep off their drinking some more during their Siesta. After heading back to work they come home again later to do it all over again. Fun?!? Yes! Would I want it to be my lifestyle? Probably not. If I go back to Spain I will probably try to head to a bigger city and also go during a time when bull fighting is in season.