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1 week- 2 countries- 3 observations

July 28, 2017 40 Comments

I went to Europe.

 

It doesn’t sound like much to you, but for the average third world passport holder, that’s an achievement. Europe is the continent I grew up reading about in books and the only time I heard about someone going anywhere in Europe was if they were… rich. For years I would have these kind of conversations:

 

Me: I just got back from Indonesia/Malaysia/Zambia/China and it was incredible!

Others: Why did you go there? Why don’t you to Italy/France/Spain/Switzerland?

Me: ………………

People always thought if you could travel, you were super wealthy and thus, could afford to go anywhere. However, we all know that is SOOO far from the truth!

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So I finally went to Europe and now I’m in a position to answer an all important question-

Is it really worth the hassle of getting a visa?

If you have a privileged passport then you may not know- visa restrictions serve to keep people from certain nationalities out of certain countries and European countries are notorious for this obstacle. The Schengen visa is a real nightmare for most people, starting with the 60EUR fee and moving on to the pile of paperwork that needs to be submitted in person along with a pound of flesh and litre of blood. So here are three observations I made while in Europe to answer that very question:

 

1. Every country is different

People often think of Europe as one big body of land exuding opportunity, order and beauty. I mean they KNOW that Europe is divided into oh so many countries, there is still this misconception that the countries are similar and that the people look the same.

 

THIS ISNT TRUE.

Although I didn’t spend much time in Germany, I flew in and out of Munich airport. The honest truth is that when Bee and I crossed over the German border into Czech Republic, I didn’t need a sign to tell me that we were in a different country. EVERYTHING differs from country to country in Europe from the landscape to the people to the language to the food. So if you were planning to just visit one place thinking, “everything is the same anyway’- IT ISN’T. Not even close. From the quaint farmsteads in Germany to the lake houses in Austria to the castles in Czech Republic… every landscape was different and breathtaking in its own special way.

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Gorgeous lake in Wolfgang, Austria
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Perfect blend of old world and new world in Salzburg, Austria
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Moody German skies over a tiny village, Futh Im Wald
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Looking at the historical architecture in Prague, Czech Republic

2. Europe is about more than snow and beers.

If I have to hear another person tell me about how their plan is to go to Prague so they can get drunk on cheap beer I am going to tape their mouth shut. Europe is about MUCH more than what you see on TV. There is more to Europe than gondola rides in Venice, busty waitresses at Oktoberfest, those cheesy pictures under the Eiffel Towers, putting lock of love on every available bridge and skiing in the Alps.

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During my trip I tried not to follow any guide on the internet; Bee and I just hopped in the car, made our way onto the autobahn and drove wherever we felt like, crossing borders and crashing on the couches of her family and friends. This often meant we spent time in small villages way off the beaten path so I didn’t experience Europe the way that others did- I saw it through the eyes of a local and it was incredible!

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From the most incredibly jaw dropping architecture on offer to the turquoise blue lakes with kids splashing about in the afternoon; to driving through villages and buying ice cream to support a family business to running around stunning castles; to the old guy playing accordion outside the restaurant to the full jazz band playing in the city square- there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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Yes thats’s a genie in Prague.

 

And yes, if you like to drink beer and wine then you’re in luck- you can drink in the park. You can drink on the street. In some places you can drink on public transport. That’s because, mostly, everyone behaves themselves. Don’t be the tourist who gives your country a bad name as you throw you up in the metro.

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3. You don’t need to be afraid if you aren’t white.

One of the most common questions I got asked upon my return from Europe was, “Aren’t you scared?” People around the world are reading stories of people being banned from wearing headscarves and burkinis so as a result, there is an air of fear around traveling to Europe (if you aren’t white). That is why I was exceptionally interested, before my trip to Europe, what people’s reactions would be to a brown girl in a predominantly white region. Keep in mind that I mostly stayed out of cosmopolitan, multi-ethnic cities like London, Paris, Rome (and others), and opted to visit cities and towns with smaller minority populations and rural areas where they are not used to seeing a person of colour.

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Wandering around Domažlice in Czech Republic

While in the countryside of both Germany and Czech I encountered a LOT of stares, especially in the more rural regions but it seemed more out of surprise or curiosity rather than outright hostility. A small number of people did seem kind of suspicious about me until they heard me speak English (I assume this proved that I wasn’t a gypsy) but no one was outwardly rude to me.

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One of the things I really noticed in Europe is that everyone – black, white, brown, old, young, families, singles, hipsters, nerds – tends to hang out together, gathering in piazzas and plazas, drinking in bars and eating in restaurants. There’s a strong “going out” culture which breeds a safe, friendly atmosphere. I saw people in abayas, ladies in hijab and men in kippot… everyone was enjoying their holidays and so was I!

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Some people complained to me about the crime and warned me to be careful especially after living in the Middle East where there is virtually no crime. But with a few simple precautions like zipping up your bag and not keeping a wallet in your back pocket, your travels should be hassle free, even in formerly dodgy cities like Prague. Or hey maybe I wasn’t white enough to a victim of crime? That works for me thank you very much!

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In conclusion- YES.

YES it is worth the hassle. If you can afford a trip and are ready to see why their borders are so tightly controlled- DO IT. Their cities are living, breathing remnants of times long past filled with fascinating stories just waiting to be heard. Your eyes will be awed by jaw-dropping views and spine-tingling vistas. Even the urban scenery has its own unique charm!

 

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When I close my eyes, I recall the little things which made my first time to Europe an unforgettable trip: the buzz-buzz of the trams at all times of night and day; police and ambulances with a very different and piercing sound; and family chatter and exuberant laughter around the dining room table that somehow spills out into the streets. Those narrow streets in old European cities, wide-open windows in summer (with no air conditioning), and the never ending greenery of the lush forests. European cities and towns are alive, vibrant and pulsating with real people who live, eat, sleep, shop and work there – as they have done for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. It is worth it. Oh so worth it.

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I went for a walk in a town whose name I couldn’t pronounce. I had no map and my phone had no connection. I had my camera, but only in my bag, not slung round my neck. But definitely no guidebook. I walked until I found a place that told me to sit down – a park, a square, a cafe, a church- it didn’t matter. It was a place whose name was unfamiliar to me, despite the hours I spent poring over travel websites. I did not know its history. Then I sat there. And I watched. In particular, I watched the very old and the very young, for whom this place had special meaning. I stayed there for a long time. I always took a photo when I left, but it was just to remind me of the experience I had, not a substitute for that experience. Afterwards, I read about this place on a website. Maybe it was famous for some reason. Maybe it was not. But that doesn’t matter one little bit.

Peace out pandas car

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40 Comments

  • Viivi Severina July 28, 2017 at 12:08 pm

    As person who has lived her whole life in Europe it was interesting to read your post. But I think I can kind of understand what it must have felt for you because for me and in Finland where I am from those people who travel to America are usually seen as super rich. I never truly believed that I would travel there before I get a good job. But I just booked tickets to New York and I am literally broke so everything is possible 🙂

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:26 am

      I am excited for you to go to America! I wish people would stop making assumptions and instead, get on a plane and go explore somewhere new that fits their budget! I would love to visit Finland one day 😀

  • Myriade July 28, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    Very interesting seeing Europe with your eyey. Thank you. Btw I´m Austrian

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:28 am

      Ah I am happy that you enjoyed my post! My next one is on Austria so I hope you find it interesting too 🙂

  • Boss luffy July 28, 2017 at 12:25 pm

    Great work panda….loved the way you described about the feels of different places…wanna go and discover all that soon….great work.

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:28 am

      I am so glad you enjoyed it 🙂 Please do go out and explore the world if you can!

  • TheHairy1 July 28, 2017 at 2:03 pm

    Interesting observations. Moving to the UK from Zim was an eye-opener. Starting to travel in Europe even more so. We do like to avoid the organised trips and guides and find our own way as well.

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:29 am

      Thank you for your feedback. I am happy you enjoyed the post. Zimbabwe is like no other place on earth so I can imagine what a shock it must’ve been for you. But in the best possible ways 🙂

  • frannnelli July 28, 2017 at 8:19 pm

    I noticed the “going out” culture when I was in Madrid…they party sooo hard! They literally don’t go to sleep O_O

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:30 am

      Europeans have amazing levels of stamina… they can go on and on especially if they have glass of wine in their hand!

  • higgledypiggledymom July 28, 2017 at 10:12 pm

    Sometimes just getting on an airplane “makes” you super rich. Visiting family now in UK once a year, people think WOW, and face time only does so much. Also we’ve had the “how can you go to London? Aren’t you afraid?” NOPE…and we keep it pretty much on the down low and “pretend” to be Canadian until the blue book comes out. We will embrace the world with our sight seeing, vacations, memories and for me..photographs-then I pretend I work for some special magazine or am free lance.

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:31 am

      I hate that we have to pretend certain things in order for people not to judge our lifestyles and choices. If more people traveled, they would understand that you don’t have to break the bank to go on holiday. But. I certainly do find your story amusing… its like you are on a secret ‘pretend’ mission when you are just on holiday 😀

  • Britta July 29, 2017 at 4:28 pm

    I’ve been to multiple western European countries–Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, and Sweden–and have always had good experiences there. As a white American, I can basically walk into Europe at my leisure. I never thought about the restrictions other countries have. I’m so glad you hassled the paperwork, went to Europe, and had a good time. One of my former roommates studied abroad in the Czech Republic, and she had nothing but good things to say about it. It looks gorgeous from your pictures! I’d love to get to get off the beaten path in more of Central and Eastern Europe. But I’d also love to get off the beaten path in many other places in the world, too. 🙂

    I couldn’t agree more with the differences in European countries. They are so close to each other, yet all so unique in their own ways. It’s incredible, how much culture, sights, and history is packed into such a small continent.

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:34 am

      For most of my life I have been so envious of other people’s passports and the privileges they allow. In fact this is a topic close to my heart and I want to dedicate a full future post to it. But as I grow older I am learning to adapt and accept certain things and to not let the restrictions hold me back from doing the things I want to do.

      Czech is certainly amazing, your room mate did not lie! Europe is truly magical and oh so different… I can’t wait to explore more in the future 😀

      • Britta August 1, 2017 at 6:43 pm

        When I first read your post, I was surprised to hear that South Africa isn’t a “privledged passport” country. I came a cross quite a few South Africans when I lived in Thailand and they all loved traveling and seemed to travel zealously. Granted, we were in Asia and I never had a conversation with them about passport priviledges or the like. Also, a love for travel doesn’t necessarily equate to coming from a country with easy access to other countries. As noted in my first comment, passport privledge is never something I’ve thought about in depth before…so I’d be very interested to read an in-depth post about that from your perspective!

        • Expat Panda August 2, 2017 at 11:24 am

          I too traveled extensively in South East Asia which is visa free for most citizens. The rest of the world is another story haha. I agree that a love of travel doesn’t have anything to do with someone’s passport and certainly wasn’t my case 🙂 I will put something together when inspiration strikes and I think you will be intrigued 😀

  • robinleeann July 29, 2017 at 6:50 pm

    I’ve always wanted to go to Europe. Most Americans like me never get the chance, but I’ve been saving up money to go. (Perhaps I’ll blog about it if I do.) Great post! You just made me want to go to Europe even more. : P

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:34 am

      Ah I a so glad I have inspired you! You don’t need a visa so do save up and go exploring when you can 🙂

  • SunFreeStar July 30, 2017 at 1:12 am

    Very good and interesting post with such beautiful pictures. When you are from Europe I am Italian, it is difficult to realize how difficult it is for others from other continents to enter here. Thank you for sharing.

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:36 am

      Thank you so much for reading! Yes it is always interesting to learn new things about our countries and continents!

  • positivelyappealing July 30, 2017 at 6:27 am

    Amazing photos! Happy to hear your European adventure was well worth it. 🙂

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:37 am

      Thank you so much 🙂 Yes it certainly was magical and well worth it!

  • My Childhood Bookshelf July 30, 2017 at 5:42 pm

    As you said, off the beaten path is the only way to experience a country. You get a real feel for how the locals live. I tend to avoid organized tours like the plague also.

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:38 am

      I usually avoid organised tours but I do tend to have an idea of where I am going but… not this time! And it was great 🙂 Will definitely travel this way again.

  • Beauty Along the Road July 31, 2017 at 5:55 am

    I love your approach to experiencing another country – just go somewhere, sit and observe. This way you truly have a unique experience and unpredictable chance events and meetings come about.

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:39 am

      It was my 1st time to try this approach and I must say, I loved every second! I really felt like I left my heart in these countries because of the amazing experiences I had 🙂

  • I have heard about Uganda the Pearl of Africa which is the best place to travel and you experience and appreciate nature.

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:40 am

      I would love to travel to Uganda!

      • exploretheworldtoursandtravelinternationalltd September 26, 2017 at 3:36 pm

        Uganda is a beautiful country with amazing sceneries to view / a country with a lot of cultures each with its way of doing things such as dancing styles ,dressing styles. most interesting it is a country that harbors the most famous remaining animals that is the Gorillas. this are some of activities you con participate in when your in uganda.
        -Gorilla tracking
        -chimps trekking
        -mountain climbing on rwenzori
        -nature walks and community walks
        -water rafting on river nile and also experiencing the falls of river nile

      • exploretheworldtoursandtravelinternationalltd September 26, 2017 at 3:39 pm

        if you want the go experience of trip just inbox explore the world tours and travel on isaayanabimanya@gmail.com

  • thekbyn July 31, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    Prague is magical 🌟

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:40 am

      I couldn’t agree more!

  • CurvyDollBlog August 1, 2017 at 5:19 am

    I’ve never been to any of these counties. Your pictures are amazing!! I love that you let go of things that usually are a safety blanket to others- the map and phone. I hope one day I have an adventure like yours.

    • Expat Panda August 1, 2017 at 5:41 am

      It was my 1st time trying this style of liberated traveling and I really did love it 🙂 I hope you can experience it too one day!

  • Bunny and Panda August 1, 2017 at 12:40 pm

    Really interesting to read your post. I find it so funny when people say they’re going to Europe – which bit!? It’s all so different! There will be people that won’t bat an eyelid at your appearance and others that will, some places that are super safe and others where you need to watch your bag.

    I’m so happy to be from Europe, the ease I can travel (for now, damn you Brexit) to such a vast array of different countries is something I really appreciate.

    • Expat Panda August 2, 2017 at 11:27 am

      I love that you appreciate how privileged you are! Yes I agree about the diversity of Europe… its the same with Africa. Zimbabwe (which is just across our border) or even, Swaziland (which is engulfed by South Africa) are insanely different in terms of landscapes, atmosphere and language. Yet people think that everyone in Africa is dancing around fires 😀

  • daisymae2017 August 1, 2017 at 4:41 pm

    Liked the pictures of your trip)s). Interesting and informative post. Thanks for sharing.

    • Expat Panda August 2, 2017 at 11:24 am

      Thanks, I am glad you enjoyed it 🙂

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