Eurotrip: The Real Life Thing

Hey, it's the big guy!
(CEB II)

For those of you who have been waiting for something non-baseball related on Cloud 10, this is your lucky day ladies and gents! It's hard to keep off when the Sox have been playing the way they have. But since their 11 game win streak is over, I think it's about that time to show the variety I promised. In a week, I will be landing out in Copenhagen, ready to embark on Eurotrip Part Deux. Needless to say, I am pumped, for it will be another round of foreign casinos, sketchy hostels (hopefully nothing like part 1 though), and buying Cuban cigars at the 7-Eleven. The last trip brought me some memorable adventures through 6 different countries with a rock-star pace of 9 flights in 9 days. Even though the pace of this trip is less back-breaking, it won't stop me from taking in the experience fully. However, don't expect any adventures with soccer hooligans, fights with mimes, and excursions to Club Vandersexxx from this European explorer. However, I would like to go back to the Vatican again just so I can pull off being the Pope. Think about it. I would be all over the Italian papers as the Obama of the Catholic world (how do you say "Yes we can!" in Italian?). Anyway, the whole plan is to try avoid any of the story lines of the movie, while still pulling off the epic adventure.

In the words of Ace Ventura, "Do NOT, go in there!"
(CEB II)

The last trip I took included not seeing daylight in Scandinavia (self-influenced), spraying cologne on myself for 3 days to avoid the hostel showers (see image above, you'll understand), and a strange dude who was advertising his "spa and sauna" establishment. Since it was my first appearance in the European continent, it was a little bit of a fish out of water experience, but in a good way. Probably as good as the Celtics environment in actually helping Stephon Marbury. Not that I'm comparing myself to the let's just say "over-confident" Starbury, but everyone needs to put themselves out of their comfort zone once in a blue moon. It's the most effective way to stay adaptable in an ever-changing world. Now if you're thinking about me going to the Middle East anytime soon for the comfort zone thing, ummmm...........NO (however I'm open to Dubai in a few years)! Might not come back from that zone no matter how comfortable I get. This trip will have a newer feel in comparison to the last, for now I know more people who dwell on the land across the pond. Now, I will have a tour guide for most of the countries I roam, while at the same time, avoiding some of the aforementioned hostel sketchiness. But with all the good and the not so good, there is always something to gain. I feel that I live in the best country in the world, no doubt. However, it is beneficial to take excursions like this to view how people in other cultures carry out their lives, for they have a lot to offer us as well. For example, I wouldn't mind bringing over the afternoon nap system from Spain. Most importantly though, I can't wait to visit some of the friends that I have made out yonder. It's a great feeling to know that I have a widespread connection outside of tiny Hudson, MA, a key to any part of the globe. In the grand scheme of things, that is probably the most important part of a journey like this, connecting as a world citizen. Being a world citizen not only has to do with cultural connection, but having the awareness of the endless opportunities that surround and entice you. It's one of those moments where I am kind of blessed that I had been laid off, because I don't think I would have ever got 2.5 weeks from the previous jobs I've had to do something as cool as this. And besides, it's time for a vacation! I'll decide what it's actually for later.


Eurotrip II Country Itinerary
- Denmark
- Sweden
- England
- Spain
- Norway
- Netherlands (TBD)
- Austria

Bonus: Eurotrip 1 Montage

"Woo Hoo" - The 5.6.7.8's - Bomb The Twist, 1996
"Around The World - Daft Punk - Homework, 1997