Impressions of Europe

My experiences this time around in Europe were different than in times past. This time, I went from a Third World country to Germany. Germany! land of rules and regulations that everyone follows. At first I found it to be a breath of fresh air, but soon it became restrictive. I missed the laissez-faire attitude of Africa. The Germans have and enjoy structure, like me, but Africa has been changing me. When I went to Strasbourg, France with my two German friends, it was like we were strangers in France. We waited at lights until it was signaled for us to cross the street. France really misses order. They have that Latin way about them. They enjoy life on their own rhythm. Late nights talking and eating is more their style. Then the British ... I truly felt out of place speaking English with my American accent. I know that they can understand me and I can typically understand them, but I was super conscious of my accent. They really do have a different kinda rebellious way about them. Their self-expression was over the top. They dressed however they wanted and seemed to do things their own way.

I don't think that Europe has changed, but my viewpoint has. Especially coming from Kenya to Europe, I saw things that I never really noticed before. I am grateful for the new look that I have on the world.