I don't know what day is is

This was my first experience in Europe and the third and fourth countries I’ve been fortunate enough to visit. I think traveling is incredibly important for many reasons—one of them being its ability to help you reflect on the life you live at home. You start to see what you truly value, what you miss (and don’t miss), what feels essential to you, and so much more.

It’s strange, though. In many ways, traveling contradicts everything we find comforting: familiarity, predictability, routine. Yet we willingly throw ourselves into unfamiliar environments filled with uncertainty. I suppose we do it because we’re seeking novelty, a break from the known, and a chance to feel something new.

Each city I visited made me realize how much I love nature. Lake Como showed me this through its lush landscape and natural beauty. Venice, by contrast, showed me through its lack of greenery. Florence brought it out through its gardens and the rolling hills of its countryside.

Italian drivers, by the way, are madmen.

While I was away, I realized how much I missed working toward something. I missed my routine—having a plan, having direction, and not using up all my mental energy figuring out what to eat or where to go next.

There’s a noticeable difference in how Italians approach life. There's more balance between work and living. Time feels slower, less transactional. In a way, it felt like being stuck in the past—whether that’s by design or tradition, I’m not sure. I think preserving these historic cities is incredibly important, and I love visiting them. But living in them? That’s a different story. I enjoy the pace of innovation and technology that surrounds me in the U.S.

Traveling forced me to be more present. I was on social media far less, focused instead on taking in my surroundings and learning from them.

It’s also a big culture clash—especially in Europe. While most people speak English, even simple everyday tasks like ordering food or navigating transit become small challenges. You feel a little out of place, but also more aware. There’s a much greater emphasis on the arts in these places. We saw glass blowers, painters, musicians—people who have likely dedicated their lives to their craft. What are passion projects in the U.S. often seem to be full-time livelihoods there.

I also noticed how not speaking the native language created a distance. I had far fewer conversations with waiters and shopkeepers, simply because small talk felt more difficult. I think speaking the language would give you a much richer understanding of the culture and daily life.

Traveling puts into perspective just how many different ways of living are out there—and how many paths are possible. It also made me realize how little I really need.

Now, I want to travel alone. I want to figure out a city by myself, navigate the everyday challenges solo. Part of me feels like I’d be more comfortable putting myself in uncomfortable situations, and I think there’s growth in that.

Lastly, traveling makes you lose all sense of time. Days blur together, and that disorientation somehow makes you more grounded—more here.