A Few Swatches Later

by Amy Loftsgordon

I haven’t thought about my first international trip in a long time. Years ago, just like any other red-blooded American youth, I decided that backpacking through Europe was something I needed to do. Most people have this urge once they hit college, but mine hit a bit earlier and I bought my plane ticket at age sixteen.

According to the US Dept. of Commerce, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy are all top tourist destinations for Americans traveling overseas. I traversed all of these on my loop across Europe and discovered something in each that is worth noting.

Swatches and Beer

I like to think of myself as a savvy traveler, but there were certainly times on this first international experience where I made mistakes.

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Briefs and Tips

Just the Facts

Incredible Shrinking Dollar

Destinations

Lingua Franca

A Traveler's Life

Konnichiwa, Hookah Man

Health

Guatemala Giardia

English Spoken Here

English Ramblers

When in Home

A Few Swatches Later

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	A Few Swatches Later
	by Amy Loftsgordon I haven’t thought about my first international trip in a long time. Years ago, just like any other red-blooded American youth, I decided that backpacking through Europe was something I needed to do. Most people have this urge once they hit college, but mine hit a bit earlier and I bought my plane ticket at age sixteen. According to the US Dept. of Commerce, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy are all top tourist destinations for Americans traveling overseas. I traversed all of these on my loop across Europe and discovered something in each that is worth noting. Swatches and Beer I like to think of myself as a savvy traveler, but there were certainly times on this first international experience where I made mistakes.				While I was smart enough to know that white Nike sneakers scream “tourist” and leave those at home, there are several things I would do differently. First, I would not wear my bright purple North Face jacket. People in Europe do not wear mountain gear unless they are climbing the Matterhorn. Since I was sixteen at the time, I should also have gone a bit easier on the alcohol. Even though I am originally from Wisconsin, the amounts of alcohol that my European peers were used to imbibing was greater than my youthful tolerance. “The Hof Brau Haus is like an American brewpub on steroids. It’s the quintessential Bavarian beer hall, complete with deafening German music and never-ending amounts of beer.” My drunken memories from the Eiffel Tower are just plain embarrassing, though still less rude than about half of the French people I encountered. Also, I would not buy eight Swatch watches in Switzerland thinking that they would increase in value and I could sell them for a hefty profit back in the States. That was a really bad idea. Thinking back over my first international travel experience, I remember some embarrassing moments, some ones, and great times. more >> << home
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WHEN IN HOME

A Few Swatches Later

by Amy Loftsgordon