“FREE CHOICE” – SBC WEEK FOUR CHALLENGE

Welcome back to my blog! Since this week is all about free choice, I decided to write about my trip to Europe over the summer. I figured that this experience would be a great post and it’s also somewhat related to the theme of my blog (I think geography goes with politics). I know most of you are probably intimidated to respond to my posts, but it’s okay! I don’t bite. My friends say that I’m an angel and could never hurt anyone.


I flew to Germany in late July, where my extended family lives. Usually, summers are mild in Germany, but this summer was one of the hottest Germany had ever experienced. Because of this, my mom and I had trouble sleeping because they have no AC!! Can you believe it? I didn’t think I would spend my summer, waking up, and sweating at 2:00 in the morning. Even though that happened, I still had an amazing time seeing my family again, since this was my first time visiting in four years. I visited relatives I had never seen before, I hung out with my favorite cousin, and overall, it felt like I was back in my childhood, like I never left.

However, with all good things, there’s also bad things included. I also had to visit relatives, whom I don’t care for. That was a, well, interesting experience. During my last week in Germany, I was awfully stressed with all the packing and my grandma yelling at me for being on my phone too much (I needed to talk to my friends somehow!). It just sucked how there’s some people in this world that refuse to be friends with you, or even get to know you, because they place a stereotype on you. It’s whatever, I’m already used to it.

My second week in Europe, I flew to Marseille, France with my cousin and my mom. My mom has friends down there, and we hadn’t seen them in years. Besides, my mom wanted to escape Germany and enjoy the fresh breeze from the Mediterranean sea. We stayed in Marseille for four days and also visited Monaco & Nice. It was RAVISHING. My favorite part of the trip was visiting them. Yes, it was BOILING, and I had to walk A LOT (18,000 steps to be exact.) However, it was enjoyable sightseeing and the views made up for my blistered feet.

Marseille is such a fascinating city. It’s the third biggest city in France, and it’s known for its port (the biggest in France). It was strange visiting France because I couldn’t understand anyone! Usually when I visited Germany, I could understand people. But France & Monaco? It felt like people were speaking gibberish. I constantly had to ask my mom what they were saying and she had to order for me. I felt like a little kid again, but at least I didn’t have to speak to people.

Overall, despite my many migraines and breakdowns, I had an incredible trip to Europe. I know I’ll never forget this trip, and the blisters that came with it. I ate a lot of good food, but I also went bike riding and went on walks with my mom. Since my grandma lives in the countryside, there are a lot of bike trails. Biking is very popular in Germany and I know a lot of kids that actually bike to places instead of asking their parents for a ride.

Hopefully you enjoyed my many paragraphs of my trip to Europe. Down below, I’ve included some pictures that I took (I’m such a photographer, I know!)

2 thoughts on ““FREE CHOICE” – SBC WEEK FOUR CHALLENGE”

  1. Lily,
    This post was fascinating to me. I’ve never traveled outside of the country except to France, and I didn’t visit the same areas you highlighted above. I learned something new about Marseilles just by reading your post!

    Traveling to see family can be both thrilling and exhausting, so I completely relate to your description of this experience. I’m completely enthralled with so many aspects of your trip. First, I love that you connected with family abroad. Second, I did not know that you speak German, and I’m extremely impressed! Third, the idea of biking through the countryside in Europe is so enticing! Lastly, the photos you attached gave me the visual I was seeking to accompany your words.

    This was so enjoyable to read!
    Mrs. Sheridan
    https://blogs.lcps.org/mmssheridan2018/

    1. Mrs. Sheridan,
      I’m glad that someone else feels the same way as I do whenever I visit family. I do love 99% of my family (minus the 1% that irritates me) and it’s always nice to see them again, since I don’t have the chance to visit them every year. My heritage defines me and it’s helped me shape the person I am today.
      Not many people know that I speak german, but I usually bring it up in conversations with people. Being bilingual can sometimes be a challenge, but being able to speak another language is something I’m truly grateful for.
      I don’t bike a lot in the US just because I never really have the time for it, and there aren’t a lot of bike trails near my neighborhood. Biking in Germany is always something I look forward to whenever I travel there. Just being able to breathe fresh air is relaxing.

      Thanks for your comment!
      Lily

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