I'm Back.

And employed. And it's exactly what I thought it would be. It's a job, I go to it, I get paid. I work all week and have weekends off. Really not much else to that. The scary thing is realizing there's no big lifestyle change coming after summer, since college is obviously over. Still coping, and once again the shitty feelings are exactly what I predicted. I've kept in touch pretty well with friends, actually better than I thought. However, the most exciting thing I have to look forward to this year is...Christmas I guess?

Next year, I'd like to get a place close to work. Perhaps with room mates, we'll see what works out. For now, I'll stick to the 45 minute commute and living rent free at home. Luckily, I've got all my friends still around this summer. Some will go away to finish school in the fall, but the real changes will come next summer.

Oh yeah, I forgot...Europe was pretty awesome. Let's begin with a breakdown, shall we:

London. 
The flight was long. But, after a long-ass customs line and a couple-hour bus ride, we made it to our hotel. We were on the outskirts of London, probably so the touring company can save $$. However, I didn't mind. The area wasn't bad and was being built up because the Olympics were close. When we got to London, I feel like people still didn't break out of their groups too much. I was with a few people but everyone was so tired since we were exploring on zero sleep, that stimulating conversations weren't exactly flowing. We effectively were touring London as zombies. We also didn't know where to go, got lost a few times, you know how it is. Later that night we hit up some pubs, and that was a good time. Allowed me some time to get to know some of my fellow travelers.
The next day was better. We had a tour guide and covered all the bases we missed the night before. The London Eye was great, saw such a great view. All in all, a great day in London followed by a great night out, in which we wandered our way to a pub a good ways away from the hotel. Again, at this point our group was still pretty divided.

Paris.
Sorry to all you French people and french loving people, but the French suck. Very arrogant and very rude to foreigners. Yes, Paris was beautiful. Everything about it except the people. Enough of that though, Paris was huge. Like, tons of walking. We did the obvious, like Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame. I also had a McBaguette, Mcdonald's influence on France. The highlight by and far, was the group of us that went to the Moulin Rouge followed by a night club. A very fun night, and now I can say I've been to a French show...in France!

Roma.
The quarters for our overnight train to Rome...four people to a tiny ass train car. But we did it. The best part was we got to drink with the people in the train car next to us (on our trip also), and the bonding was awesome. When you're combining seven college kids in Europe with a tiny train car and alcohol, you're bound to make some friends.
Actually arriving in Rome was great. This being my second time after being there on a high school trip, I was slightly less excited than the other places. However, the oppurtunity to experience the same thing with new people seemed exciting enough. Our hotel, was inside of the same building as a church. It was the most old-style hotel I've ever seen, but a great experience nontheless. Of course, we experienced all of Rome's wonders. (The Trevi Fountain still being my personal favorite). Bars by night sealed the Rome experience. Our last night in Rome was a sad one, as those who only came for Part 1 of the trip would head home the following morning. However, it was a great time and one I won't forget soon.

Sorrento.
The tour bus was so empty without the other 60% of our travelers that departed. With not much of a choice, the rest of us made our way to Sorrento. I have to say, it has to be the most beautiful place I have ever witnessed. Absolutely, drop dead, gorgeous views. We arrived in a hotel that did the job, on the top of a hill outside the town. The small group of us made our way down into the city, and had some delicious pizza at the referral of a local souvenir shop owner. After, we took a boat to the Island Capri, about a half hour away. It was a great experience, and I got some awesome photos. After a long day out and great dinner, we headed back to the hotel before a long day of travel the next day.

Pompei.
As much as I hate to say it, I was sick of ruins by this point. Pompei was cool and all, but I was so done with the touring around. Luckily, in the afternoon we made our way to an overnight ferry, which would take us to Greece. Getting on the boat was awesome, since I understood what the sailors were saying. Unlike the past three countries where I had no idea what anyone was saying. The seven years of Greek school paid off and I felt more at home.

Poros.
After a long day of travel, we made it to our island getaway called Poros. We were greeted by a beachfront hotel as we took our tiny boat from the mainland to the Island. I knew right away that these next few days would be the best part of the trip, having been to the island of Crete before and recognizing so many of the things I loved about it. We also had some fellow travelers on the same type of trip from Penn State. That night at the hotel bar I personally found them kind of rude/standoffish, but that's just me. The next night they peaced and Auburn's trip rolled in. Much friendlier people, confirming the theory that people from the South are friendlier.
By day, I was a badass quad rider, touring the Island. Also had some of the best Gyros and Kalamari you'd ever expect. However, I grew tired of speaking Greek to everyone we saw as every time I had to stop and explain to them why I knew Greek and how I was one of then. The views of the Island were great, and touring around led to offroad quading and mountain goats. By far, this was the most relaxing part of the trip. Basically just relaxing, eating and drinking. We also took a day sailing trip to beaches around the island, providing some more sick views. For now, the touring was put to rest.

Athens.
I really wasn't sure of what to expect in Athens. The television obviously made it out to be complete turmoil over there. However, when we got there, all I noticed is that it was a bit more run down from the last time I was there. The shop owners were very desperate for business, willing to haggle prices to as low as 80% of the list price. I think everyone was so done with touring at this point (myself included) that we didn't do our tour guide much justice. But, what can you do. We spent one two nights in Athens before our flight back to America. The flight back allowed me to reflect on the great trip I just experienced, while looking forward to the people I know and love, comforts, and conveniences of home.



Since I'm old now and I have work in the morning, I'm hitting the hay. I'll post again soon, but figured I'd at least catch you up through Europe for now.

Good night.