From trains and busses to boats and planes; to the sheer mountains in Switzerland and the rolling plains of wildflowers in the Czech Republic. From the crystal waters of the Mediterranean Sea in Greece to the rural farms and sprawling sunflower fields of Romania. I've been to Christmas markets in four different countries and used five different monetary currencies. I met people from all different walks of life and made friendships that transcend borders. Yet through these incredible opportunities I've learned that there is so much more to discover than what's found on the surface. When I see something new and beautiful, it's truly humbling to consider the many centuries of work and tradition that brought this into existence. Across country borders, although the customs and styles may change, we are all humans seeking happiness and there is always something more to learn if we just take the time to understand the lives of others.
In retrospect, it's hard to believe how far exchange brought me. Through the Rotary organized trips, the small trips I took with my host families, school trips, and the short day trip adventures that I went on with friends, I made it from Belgium in the north as far west as Romania and as far south as Greece.
"I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing."
Socrates