Best Trip of My Life

This past summer I was able to do something many kids can only dream of. My family and I were able to experience the amazing cultures of both Germany and France. Now, as amazing as this trip was there were still many challenges, so be careful.

                Germany is a place known for its beautiful scenery, amazing castles, scrumptious beer, and all around good natured people. Even driving through Germany could make you fall in love with it. However be careful on the autobahn because there are no limits to how fast you can drive (80+ mph). Watching endless expanses of land, cute villages, and the life changing castles from your car window urges you to venture into it. Germany is also one of the cleanest places you will ever set your eyes on. Honest to god people were even cleaning the streets at gas stations. The people were amazingly kind and you have never seen anywhere more beautiful. Every castle in Germany however is up on hills, for protection obviously, but don’t wear anything other sneakers because the hills are almost as steep as if you were walking up your own wall. There were two places in Germany that really made an impact on me were the cruise on the Rhine river and my visit to the Crime and Punishment Museum. I was always interested in the myth of the Lorelei (that a siren called "Lorelei" bewitched the hearts of the sailors and when they looked up to the rock, their boat crashed and they sank) and being there was like a dream come true. The crime and punishment museum sounds gruesome and in many ways it was but hearing the history and the punishments for minor offenses such as baking bread too small was truly enlightening and more interesting then you could know.

                Paris, France is a sight to behold I’m quite certain just like any other major city but none has the elegance and the history that Paris has. The best thing in Paris, by far, is the architecture. My favorite place in Paris was the Eiffel tower. The climb to the top was long (and terrifying!!!) however when I got up there it was like nothing I’d ever seen. Being so high up you aren’t scared any longer because you’re literally on top of the world. Furthermore everything seems so neat and tidy so unlike the world you know it to be, giving you hope for something more. If you get the chance to go to Paris you have to visit the Louvre, the Sacre Coeur, The Notre Dame, and The Arch de Triomphe. Be forewarned of the metro because it’s dangerous. The doors will close on you even if you’re in the way. For example my family and I were about to step onto the subway and I was in front. I walked on and the rest of my family didn’t. I was alone in Paris and didn’t know a single word of French. I’m not embarrassed to say that at that moment I was scared out of my mind and started bawling my eyes out. Luckily I was smart enough to get off on the next stop. Being separated from my family for just ten minutes probably took ten years off my life but the experiences I had there ensures I will never forget Paris.

                There are so many amazing things I did on my journey to Germany and France I could hardly mention it all. Just know that this trip has truly changed me forever and I know that I will never forget it.