Confessions of a Weary Traveler

As we come just another day closer to the end of this amazing trip, I can't help but reflect and think about some of the things from home that would have made this trip even better. So, on behalf of all of us students on this trip, I invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy a short list of things we (but mostly I) miss!

1. Ranch dressing. I cannot tell you enough how much I enjoy ranch as a condiment on everything from french fries to pizza. There is simply no substitute, including vinegar.

2. A recliner. Although the incredibly stiff mattresses that have been present in every do offer a break from the even harder floor, I would thoroughly enjoy sitting back, putting up my feet, and cracking open a cold Coors Light.

3. A closet. I do have a bit of experience in living out of a suitcase. However, there is a huge difference between a vacation in a hotel for a week having to pack up all your belongings and move to a new hotel every 3-4 days. God bless my closet!

4. My own car. Europe does have wonderfully convenient public transportation. Yet, I find myself daydreaming about being able to drive somewhere while I'm squashed between a 300 lb German and a rude Italian. Sidenote: Those two references are simply an example, not a statement of fact

5. Cable TV. My desire for an episode of Family Guy or a game of some American sport is unparalleled. There is no need to elaborate.

6. Mountain Dew. "The Diesel," as I call it, has been a staple in my diet for most of my young life. At a meager one 18 oz. bottle in the past 15 days, this is by far the lowest rate of consumption that I've ever had. I don't know what I wouldn't do for a can of The Diesel.

7. Laundry. This is perhaps the most crucial of all. Not to get too in-depth, but the smell of my socks from having to wear them multiple days could knock-out small children. Enough said.

8. My friends and family. Although this is cheesy to say, we're all missing them even if we don't want to admit it. Don't tell them, but I'm getting tired of the same faces haha! (Not really though, they're all pretty cool).

9. My own bed. As afore mentioned, the hotels and hostels we've been staying in, although very nice and convenient, tend to provide beds that are the second stiffest thing in the room second only to the floor.

10. A reliable internet conn.......ection. Sorry, we lost connection momentarily. Although WiFi is certainly present here and, in the case of Interlaken, available in our rooms, I'm getting awfully tired of having to walk down several flights of stairs to the lobby to receive a signal that tends to leave me annoyed.

As you can probably imagine, there are several more things we miss. But, for the sake of my fingertips and your sanity, I won't go into depth. Just know that this trip, for me at least, has been the most amazing vacation (or "class") I have ever taken. It's been so wonderful to experience all the different cultures and lifestyles around Europe and although unbelievable doesn't really cut it, that's exactly what this trip has been.

So, on behalf of all of us on the Olympics and Event Management course from Luther College, thank you to our professors, thanks for reading through all this, and we'll see you all soon! Stay classy U.S.A.!