This past July, my wife and I embarked on our first ever trip to Europe together. Having never ventured across the Atlantic before, I was filled with equal parts excitement and apprehension about what this journey might hold. Little did I know then how much this experience would exceed all my expectations, leaving me with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Over the course of three weeks, we explored the storied capitals of the Netherlands, Belgium, England, Scotland, and France. Along the way, we walked among medieval castles, gothic cathedrals, winding canals, renowned museums, charming cafés, and so much more. Beyond the sights, we connected with new friends and local families who welcomed us with open arms. As an added bonus, I found a way to keep up my fitness routine, managing an early morning run in almost every city we visited.
Join me now as I reminisce about some of the highlights – and a few amusing mishaps – from our unforgettable European adventure.
Amsterdam: A City On Two Wheels
We embarked on our adventure from Toronto, stepping off the plane after a comfortable seven-hour flight to be greeted by the unique charm of Amsterdam. The city welcomed us with an unexpected challenge—jetlag! Our approach was a 34-hour no-sleep marathon, designed to sync us up with Amsterdam’s rhythm, and it worked surprisingly well.
Of all the scenes that caught us by surprise in Amsterdam, none topped the crowds of cyclists during rush hour traffic. The bikes ruled the road, weaving through pedestrians and cars while the riders treated the whole thing like an intense sport. We quickly abandoned our plan to rent a car, opting for public transportation instead. Safety first!
One of the most memorable parts of our Amsterdam stay was meeting a lovely local uyghur family who graciously welcomed us into their home. We spent a wonderful day together, visiting the picturesque Giethoorn and admiring the iconic Zaanse Schans windmills, sharing laughs, stories, and good company. Later in the week, they welcomed us into their home for a mouthwatering family dinner.
Despite our memorable experiences, we had one regret—the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House were fully booked until August! Pro tip for future travelers: book your museum tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Brussels and Leuven: Conferences, Waffles, and Chocolate
Our European journey then took us to Brussels and Leuven in Belgium via train. We were instantly enchanted by the grandeur of Brussels’ historic city center, the Grand-Place, a bustling square bordered by opulent guildhalls and the beautiful Town Hall. Brussels is the heart of the EU, and its influence was palpable in the city.
The EurOMA 2023 conference was held here, where I had the honor of presenting my research work. Between the conference sessions, we had time to explore the city’s architectural and culinary treasures. We had thought the historic buildings in Brussels were impressive, but little did we know what the rest of our journey held in store.
Our time in Belgium also introduced us to the country’s renowned chocolates. Breaking my four-month sugar fast, I indulged in the exquisite and vast variety of chocolates the country had to offer.
Leuven, while a smaller city, offered its own quaint charm. Another highlight was connecting over dinner with a wonderful local uyghur family whose husband/father shared my name and hometown – what a crazy coincidence!
London Calling: The Heart of England
While the ethereal charm of Belgium was hard to beat, the buzz of London, our next stop, was an exciting change of pace. For my wife, this bustling city was a nostalgic trip down memory lane; for me, it was the first chance to experience this historic hub. Over seven glorious days, we discovered that London offers endless opportunities for exploration. My favorite way to explore the city was my now-ritual early morning runs which brought me close to the city’s most iconic sights like London Bridge, Big Ben, Hyde Park, and Westminster.
A trip to London would be incomplete without immersing oneself in its rich repository of museums. We visited several, including the British Museum and the Science Museum, which were brimming with fascinating artifacts and discoveries. A word to the wise though – the British Museum is not a one-day affair if you, like me, love to peruse every description. Allocating at least two half-days is a better way to truly appreciate the vast collections without the exhaustion.
Our journey through London revealed a city with layers of history woven into its modern urban fabric. However, the highlight of our trip was undeniably our venture beyond the city to explore the esteemed realms of academia – the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford.
Our first stop was Cambridge, a town that teemed with an energetic pulse and vibrancy that I hadn’t anticipated. Here, we found ourselves stepping into a world quite unlike what we had come to associate with universities. Founded on deeply religious principles, Cambridge was not a singular entity, but rather a constellation of colleges, each with its own rich history and unique character.
As we traversed through the cobbled streets and ancient buildings, we marveled at the richness of architectural detail that unfolded at every corner. I must admit, I’ve never walked so much in a single day – my pedometer clocked in at an incredible 50km! Yet, despite the physical fatigue, there was something invigorating about the intellectual atmosphere that surrounded us.
Our exploration led us next to the ancient city of Oxford, another historic bastion of academia. It too was a composite of colleges, each brimming with stories and traditions of its own. We could almost hear the murmurs of scholarly discussions and debates that have shaped the intellectual landscape over centuries.
One spot that we found truly fascinating was Christ Church, one of the most famous colleges in Oxford. As we stepped into the grand dining hall, we felt a sense of deja vu – it served as the inspiration for Hogwarts’ dining hall in the Harry Potter films! The towering walls, long dining tables, and the richly detailed ceiling had a touch of cinematic magic about them, transporting us into a world of wizardry and wonder.
Our trips to Cambridge and Oxford were not mere sightseeing experiences; they were enlightening journeys through time, offering us a glimpse into the deep-rooted traditions and profound intellectual heritage of these historic institutions. They served as a reminder of the age-old pursuit of knowledge and learning, a torch that continues to be carried forward by the present generations. It was an experience that was at once humbling, uplifting, and thoroughly enriching.
From London to the Scottish Highlands: A Cultural Cornucopia
After bidding adieu to London, our journey took us northward to the enigmatic lands of Scotland. Our initial plan was to split our time between Edinburgh and Glasgow, but upon setting foot in Edinburgh, we instantly knew that plan had to change. “Let’s skip Glasgow and stay here!” I abruptly suggested, to my wife’s amusement. It was absolutely the right call. The cityscape, adorned with stunning old buildings, had an arresting allure. We spent our entire Scotland visit exploring Edinburgh, a decision we cherished as we delved deeper into its historic charm.
Our days in Edinburgh were marked by our visit to the thousand-year-old Edinburgh Castle, exploring four local farmers’ markets, and a memorable encounter with Haggis, the famous Scottish dish. The city offered such a diverse range of experiences – from the grandeur of the Edinburgh Castle and the Crown jewels to the bustle and local flavors of the farmers’ markets.
One cannot talk about Scotland without a nod to its famous Scotch. Although we don’t drink Scotch, we did manage to secure a bottle for a family friend back home. The city’s affinity for whiskey and cashmere is something one can’t miss in Edinburgh.
Did I mention the rain? During one morning run that shall not be named, I got utterly lost in a true Scottish downpour. But the post-run shower was free!
Paris: Food, Art, and Farewell Croissants
For the grand finale, we saved the City of Love and Light. Paris lived up to its reputation, spoiling us with world-renowned art collections, postcard-perfect scenes, and some of the tastiest pastries to ever grace this planet.
As we wandered through the city, we found ourselves drawn to the Louvre museum, an impressive repository of global art and history, housed within a building that is a piece of art in its own right. Visiting the Louvre is a humbling experience, standing amidst history that dates back thousands of years. Be prepared to spend a good portion of your day in the queue for a closer look at Mona Lisa, a small price to pay for a glimpse of this iconic piece of art.
Our evenings in Paris were a delightful affair. One particular evening, we found ourselves in a charming wine bar, sharing stories with two delightful couples, one from Brazil and the other from Amsterdam. The night flew by in a flurry of laughter, shared experiences, and tales of travels. Before we knew it, we had made friends in a distant land. Moments like these reminded me that beneath our diverse exteriors, we humans share so many hopes, joys and dreams in common.
But Paris wouldn’t be Paris without the pastries. Having abstained from simple sugars for four months prior to our trip, I gave in to the allure of the delectable pastries that seemed to be on every street corner in Paris. Every pastry shop we came across was a new adventure in taste and texture. In fact, on our last three days in Paris, I made it my mission to try a croissant from every bakery we passed, polishing off at least 10 in total. After months with no sugar, my Parisian carb-fest was a blissful cheat week!
We ended our European adventure on a sweet note, literally, with a bag full of croissants to savor on our flight back to Amsterdam. And so, with a belly full of pastries and hearts filled with unforgettable memories, we returned home, only to start dreaming about our next grand adventure.
Epilogue: Reflections
From Amsterdam to Paris, our European trip was not just a journey through various cities, but also a journey back in time, thanks to the well-preserved historical sites we encountered. The diverse cultures, the delectable cuisines, and the many friends we made along the way made this trip a cherished memory.
We discovered how varied yet similar we all are, dwelling on this shared planet Earth. As we embarked on our return flight from Amsterdam, our hearts were filled with gratitude, and our minds, with countless memories.
Already the sights and smells of Europe are calling me back for another round. But for now, I am grateful for the perspective this trip has given me, teaching me openness and wonder in the face of all that still lies ahead to be explored in this beautiful world of ours.