By Emma Grace Fairchild

One of the first things I noticed upon my arrival in Stockholm was the trend that everyone I spoke with had previously done a lot of traveling.

While it seemed most of it was contained within Europe, there were also many people who frequent parts of Africa, the Middle East or Southeast Asia. At first I was intimidated by the worldliness of so many of my peers. Then I considered the span of states I have covered in the US and how new friends here would press me about the differences between them. Now, instead of shame for never having left the country before this experience, I feel contented that I have been to eight states and explored a great deal of California (which is large enough on its own).

But since I have settled in Scandinavia, I realize the proximity of so many unique cultures, languages and landscapes. There are affordable flights (less than $75 for round trips sometimes), boats for cruises to several neighboring countries and comfortable, affordable trains as well. Weekends between exams are notorious for “booze cruises.” The alcohol is cheap and duty free, and you spend a day in Estonia, Latvia or Finland.

Personally, I have already spent four days in England and have a five day trip to Poland in the works. The decision to go to England was easy. I have a friend who lives outside of London that I really wanted to see (and who I could stay with for free). I flew into Gatwick airport in London. With a bit of help from the aforementioned friend, I bought train tickets in advance, which would deposit me in her country suburb. Even though Sweden is fairly easy to get around as an English speaking traveler, it was a relief to see every sign and hear every announcement in my native language in England. I ended up spending a three day weekend playing around the country side with my friend and her three dogs, getting rained on and experiencing parts of local culture. I tried traditional ‘tea for two’ in a garden restaurant (amazing) and ate fish and chips out of butcher paper (also amazing).

On my last day, I was able to spend several hours exploring London itself before my flight back to Stockholm, which was a great experience. I chose two places prior to my arrival and simply explored, with no destination or plan. Camden Market was an interesting experience. I found it to be a big-city version of Venice Beach, without the body builders.  I had a wonderful time overall, and can’t wait to go back and do all of the touristy things London has to offer- Big Ben, the London Bridge, etc. And the flight was only two hours.

I’m really looking forward to my trip to Poland. I am going with a friend from school this time, so all of the costs can be shared and experiences had together. After that, a cruise to Tallinn in Estonia is definitely in order, and maybe a trip to the other side of Sweden to see Gothenburg. Ultimately, living in the states gives me proximity to see other parts of the states, and living in Europe gives me the opportunity to see more diverse and historical parts of the world.