Top 10 Things I Learned in Europe

As I begin to pack up my life in Europe, I wanted to take a little time to reflect on the cultural insights and new perspectives I've gained since arriving in March, 2001. I've managed to whittle it down to this Top 10 List of things I have learned in Europe.

10. The difference between Slovakia and Slovenia.

9. Beer brings people together.

8. People speak English just about everywhere - expect at the train station in Krakow.

7. Exposing nipples on television does not appear to cause a breakdown in the moral fabric of society.

6. Eurotrash: it exists.

5. Beer has fewer calories than orange juice.

4. Patriotism and multilateralism are not mutually exclusive.

3. Americans smoking pot in Amsterdam can be just as offensive as Germans donning shorts in Los Angeles.

2. Swans can fly.

1. The worst travel experiences make the best stories.