There are so many interesting places to visit in Europe. The main problem is narrowing down which places to visit, because there are too many to see in the span of four months.

When I began planning my Study Abroad time in Oxford, I knew there would be many places I would want to go see, such as London, Rome, and Paris. I had the chance to spend time in London, and I finally got to see Paris, which was something I had been dreaming about for years.

While most of my friends studied Spanish in high school, I spent four years learning French.  My friends would always joke that I would never get to use that education, since no one speaks French in Texas.  I got the chance to prove them wrong when I traveled to Paris.

It was amazing watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle, gazing at the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, strolling down the Champs-Elysees and walking solemnly through Notre Dame. However, the most amazing part of the trip was being able to communicate with the French people. I now have a much better understanding of the French culture. I’ve always heard of the stereotype that French people are proud and stuck up. Although I never believed this stereotype in the first place I can safely say it is not true at all.

I am proud to say I can check “Visit Paris” off my bucket list. As exciting as the big cities have been, one of the best trips we took was a day trip to Bath.  I had no idea how diverse and beautiful the city would be.  Bath features amazing architecture from the days of the Roman Empire next to streets of designer shops. The streets and walls of the buildings reverberate with the music of the street performers.

Bath is home to the Roman Baths (for which the city is named), Bath Abbey, the Fashion Museum, the Royal Crescent and the Jane Austin Centre. The Roman Baths have been dated back to 76 A.D. It’s one thing to hear about places that old.  It’s another thing entirely to be able to see them.

The Bath trip was such a great experience because it provided us with an amazing bonding experience.  I especially enjoyed the opportunity to bond with our professor outside the classroom. After our adventures in Paris and Bath, we are  ready for our next journey.

Next stop: Stockholm, Sweden.