Disclaimer: Some assertions and generalizations are made below. They are based on my impressions and are not meant to be taken as solid facts or overwhelming truths.
“Europe” is not a cohesive, uniform place. Let alone the differences between far apart countries that speak different languages (say, for instance, Bosnia Herzegovina and Spain) even small countries have a wide variance of behaviors, dialects, assumptions, and mores (say, for instance, the different regions of Bosnia Herzegovina or Spain.)
But there were some things I noticed that contrast with the US, and I’m not just talking how many Carrefour and Spar shops were all over the place. It seems to these eyes that community still exists in many parts of Europe that it does not in the US. People play in the parks even after night has fallen. There is seemingly less fear and anger. The idea of Third Space exists. Germany has the concept of Feierabend , the time after work (but sometimes before home) where you disconnect from work and perhaps stroll in the park or pursue a hobby.
You don’t need me to go over the ways that Europe (in general) does things better than America. Better health care, better education, and understanding that there is more to the world than just their own countries..the list goes on. Price wise it’s generally much cheaper to get things like coffee and groceries, even in expensive countries like the Netherlands or Denmark. And you don’t even want to know how cool German windows are!
Nonetheless, there are at least 5 ways Europe needs to improve. America is a crumbling Empire with a social safety net in tatters and frankly, Europe, it’s embarrassing that you have fallen behind in these metrics.
1 Public Bathrooms – In the US, in towns small or big, it’s pretty easy to find a bathroom. They’re free of charge and usually cleanish. In Europe, it’s a different story. Public loos are rare and when you find one they usually cost money. In the Eurozone, it’s one thing, but if you’ve just arrived (or are on a bus) you might not have that country’s currency yet. It’s all needlessly complicated.
2 Smoking – This is a big one for me. Smoking is so gross and yet it’s still like the 60’s in Europe. It’s not even a matter of personal vices: subjecting other people to second hand smoke is just being an asshole.
3 Water – Humans consist of more than 50 percent water and yet in Europe you would never know it. It’s an added cost to get water with your meal. Come on, guys! Water in restaurants, like public restrooms, should be a public right.
4. Traditionalism – This one is more a preference. But many Europeans I’ve met, even ones that are leftists politically, are very conservative in their life choices. Like they won’t change their hair or try food from a a new country. In the US, novelty is a virtue. That’s an arbitrary decision and it’s certainly possible to take it too far, but it leads to a diversity of experiences. Many Europeans, it seems to me, don’t have that same zest for trying new things.
5. Religious Legacy – Americans are famously insanely religious but many countries in Europe have stores closed on Sundays because of God or whatever. That Catholic legacy does tie into worker rights but as a traveler arriving somewhere on a weekend and having few places open is a bummer. And of course the less religion controls us, the better off we’re doing.
Anyway this isn’t really about the differences between continents. It’s about photos! I’m going to bombard you with the best photos I took in 6 months and across 20 countries. My first thought was to limit it to 3 photos and then I upped to 5 but you know what? I’m just going with the amount that feels right for each country.
Albania
I really only saw Tirana, which oddly reminded me of Seoul. The Bunk Art 1 Museum is one of the weirdest, coolest places I’ve ever seen.
Austria
I just saw Graz as I was visiting friends, but there I got to visit the biggest armory of medieval weapons in the world. And, you know, also hang out with my friends.
Bosnia
Mostar is so cool and Bosnia is not an ugly country. I met up with my sister here and we traveled together for the next month or so.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a little looked down upon by travelers but I liked Sofia and Plovdiv is as charming a city as you can find.
Croatia
I just saw Split and the area around it but it’s a pretty amazing place. The history + the beaches + the Game of Thrones connection = COME ON!
Czech Republic
Prague lived up to the hype. It’s just a little sad that they only pour you half a beer at a time.
Estonia
Estonia has made the shortlist of S-Tier countries (for me). Vegan food, nature, historical city, friendly people, and delivery robots: what more could you ask for?
Finland
Ever since I was in high school I longed to visit Finland. I only managed to visit Helsinki on a day trip but it couldn’t have been better.
Germany
I visited my friends Josie and El Capitan (who I met at immigration in Lombok in like 2014?) and really like Berlin. Vegan food is off the hook and there is a great Thai market on weekends as well.
Kosovo
Kosovo is a gem. I love the people there and the cities are so explorable. It’s so good that you’ll forgive them for the Bill Clinton statue.
Latvia
Latvia was for me, not as photogenic as either of its Baltic neighbors, but it was great for nights out and long wanders.
Lithuania
The land of Arvydas Sabonis.
Northern Macedonia
Ohrid is another true treasure of the world but Skopje is a really interesting city as well.
Netherlands
Only had one night (a long layover) here but it was almost Christmas and it was a cool time to visit.
Poland
I thought I’d be here for longer. My experience with my school left a bad taste in my mouth, but Waraw is really great and the other cities I saw were legit too.
Romania
Romania was on the short list of my favorite countries in the Balkans. Bucharest is a cool city but it’s really all about those hills and forests of Transylvania.
Slovakia
I didn’t spend a whole long in Slovakia but it was long enough to meet my friend and artistic collaborator Esther, visit a KBG pub, see the Smurf church, and climb up to a castle.
Slovenia
One of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever seen.
Turkey
I was in Istanbul for longer than anywhere else, about 6 weeks, house and cat-sitting. Istanbul is a city like no other and I didn’t see half of it despite constant forays and exploration.
Announcement
I’m all out of photo space on this blog, which is believe-it-or-not, almost 15 years old. So this post marks the end of Are We There Yeti. If you’re one of the few people still reading it, many thanks. I regret to announce — this is The End. I am going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell. Goodbye.
Are We There Yeti? 