Well here we are, been an amazing semester, truly lucky to
have traveled so much, met so many people, and really experienced life. I would
like to say a few words on each place I went to, basically the Europe Power
rankings week 14.
1----Prague- Beer is cheaper then water and the nightlife is
amazing. Loved every aspect of this place, first time gambling at a casino too!
Recommend if you have a chance to go here, you will not be disappointed.
Strange clock they had though…
2----Florence, She is one hell of tricky women Firenze.
Started off the year and I will say I found it tough, was not a fan of this place
at all. IN retrospect, and after some amazing memories, I have to say this city
is beautiful. I will go into this more later.
3- Munich- Well this one is unfair, put a giant festival of
beer and big pretzels in Newark New Jersey and I’d love it. Oktoberfest was
amazing. The city as well is quite nice, loved the free bus and trains!
4- Paris. The real shocker for me. Never had any thoughts on
liking this place, but I really loved the history of it. Guess that’s what did
it for me and something was just special about the place, couldn’t put my
finger on why I enjoyed it so much just did.
5-- London, my wallet despises you, and lesson learned don’t
gamble wasted. However the Killers Concert was the single best aspect of this
trip for me. I love the killers, and they were as amazing live as I had hoped.
London was exciting and I tried your crappie food, now go back to getting dark
at 3 in the afternoon.
6- Amsterdam, This place was fun between the red light
district, the canals, and McCrocket at McDonalds. Still do not know what I ate
lol. This city was full of fun at night, but it was a once in a lifetime
experience, would probably not go back.
7- Vatican City- Small country, fun experiences. Lots of
amazing art work in here, but not much else. Cross that off my bucket list, and
got penance here, lasted about 30 seconds till I sinned later.
8-Rome- Can anyone find the ice bar? Overrated city, only redeeming
characteristic of this city for me was the roman history and ancient objects,
here’s a hint Rome, go back to the ways of the old.
9—Tuscany- wine field after wine field, this might be up
higher on the list if the wine tour didn’t give me 2 glasses of wine.
10- Berlin- Just skip, it might be me holding a grudge
against then for WWII, but I was unimpressed by the city. When the best part of
your city is a bowling alley, which yes we did bowl in Berlin, you’re going to
be at the low end of the power rankings.
All in all, my trips throughout Europe were all spectacular
in the end. I’ve climbed the Eiffel tower, climbed the Duomo, seen the David,
drank delicious lager at Oktoberfest, watched a soccer game at a British pub
and saw a concert in the O2, Stood outside Ann Frank’s house (line was way to
long, and Our hostel was in the attic, so same thing), saw the spot where
Hitler died, wrestled in the Coliseum, received penance in Vatican city, sipped
wine on the hills of Tuscany, had absinth in Prague, and Lived in one of the
most beautiful rustic cities in all of Europe.
Few notes on Florence. If you are here, and speak no
Italian, just say allora and you’ll be fine. Where to get Gelato, on via de Neri, gelotoria Neri is the place
to go, same road hole in the wall sandwich shop antica vechio or something like
that. Place is amazing. Anyone missing America, go to the Red Garter and the
owner Francesco will make u feel right at home with some football, beer and
burgers.
I want to thank my housemates for putting up with me, made a
lot of new friends, and memories that will last until I get old and forget it
all. Ryan Calvi, Rob DelPizzo, Dan Conroy, Dan Grabarz, Nick Passero, Tom Ward,
Steve Verola, Justin D’Angelou. Great group of guys, couldn’t have asked for a
better house… Well maybe if Justin wasn’t with us.
I’ll see you soon America, except now I’m an Alcoholic whose
10lbs heavier, see you in 28 hr YMCA Gym. I will miss you Florence, but I will
one day return with my own family and share my memories with them.
Big ups and MUCH respect,
-Akeman
