© Michaela Buck
Since I have been plenty emotional and reflective about my journey abroad here in Luxembourg, I think it's time to lay out the hard facts.
What exactly am I going to miss about this country? About Europe in general? Consider this a guide for what to take advantage of if you are planning a European adventure soon. I will be mourning the loss of my travels of course, but some of my favorite memories have been right here in Luxembourg, laughing over a croissant at breakfast, so those will be greatly missed too.
I have found significance in nearly everything while I’ve lived here, and think the big epiphanies are just as important to share as the kebab restaurant we had for dinner on Sunday nights. I hope to come back, but in case I don’t get the chance to, here’s five things I hope other people can enjoy on my behalf.
1. Pastries
Starting off with an obvious one, and maybe trivial to some, I know I will reminisce about that first bite into a fluffy chocolate croissant on my morning walk to class. While I don’t think indulging in a sweet treat from the local cafe about five times a week was a very sustainable lifestyle physically, it surely helped boost me mentally.
Everywhere you go in Luxembourg, even all over Europe, there is guaranteed to be a display window of around 20 different pastries basically begging you to buy them.
And, you guessed it, everytime I acquiesced. Starbucks and Dunkin’ just don’t compare to the local bakery down the street, and I think I may be in for a rude awakening when I want something to pair with my coffee on the mornings that it's particularly hard to get out of bed. If you take one piece of advice from me, it's that you should always get the pastry.
2. Walkability
Being able to conquer a city by foot alone is such a privilege, one that I have valued heavily throughout the last four months. Since not every country has as progressive a policy as Luxembourg’s free public transit, we were forced to find alternatives to navigating cities and sites.
Luckily, walking is doable, something I cannot say for the United States, especially growing up in a suburb of Chicago. While you can see parts of the Windy City by foot, you will barely see a fraction of the area without some form of transportation. It is not like that in Europe. Every city we were in, with the exception of a couple, walking was completely manageable, and it made our trips that much easier and enjoyable.
We could reach our final destination by site seeing and window shopping – it doesn't get better than that. I know it may seem obvious to mention something we do everyday, but I think we often underestimate how lucky we are, especially at this age to utilize our own abilities to explore. It is not so easy back home, so I encourage you, if you are able, walk everywhere!
3. Work life balance
One of the greatest parts about observing a culture for an extended period of time is comparing the difference between our ways of life. While there are plenty of contrasting aspects to the states, I think the work life balance is the most drastic, and makes the largest impact among the well being of people living here.
We are very accustomed to the traditional 9-5 back home, and while this works for some, it is not necessarily ideal for many. Something I have taken notice of is that professions are not as prioritized here as in the US. While yes they hold value, there is recognition of importance in other aspects, such as family and quality time.
Many restaurants have hours that may be more convenient for them for example, or have employee schedules that vary to accommodate their other lives. I think Europeans, at least from what I have gathered, know how to leave work right when they clock out, and enjoy the remainder of their day. I am not sure Americans are even sure how to separate the two, which I think forms a pretty solid correlation between overall happiness and occupation rigor.
When we are able to compartmentalize the different parts of our lives a bit more, it helps us enjoy the time spent with our loved ones that much more, or even ensuring the work you are doing is quality while you are at the office. I think being here has taught me that there is far more to life than just what you can slap on your resume, because it doesn’t mean much if you are not satisfied in every other facet of your life. Put yourself first, your work second!
4. Practicing being present
This is one of my favorite qualities of the culture in Europe, because it has taught me so much about how I want to proceed in living my life. I remember one of the first classes here in Luxembourg, our local teacher told us his normal brunch lasts around three hours, and this is not abnormal for fellow Europeans.
He emphasized how people truly relish the time spent with their loved ones, and are so immersed in discussion it is the only thing they are focused on. We are very future oriented as Americans, always questioning what’s next or what we should be doing to prepare for what’s coming.
The next destination is our main concern, while we are missing what is happening right in front of us. During my time abroad, I tried to not hyperfixate on a summer internship, or what I need to do post-graduation, or even next semester. I have tried to keep my mind where my feet are, because being present means you are fully appreciating the moment you are in.
Even at meals, we are so insistent on getting the bill that we haven’t even surpassed surface level conversation most times. There is no medal for the fastest eater; there is nothing waiting for you at home. I am done missing out on the now in hopes for what’s to come. I’m inspired to take this back to the states, but to be surrounded by this energy is very fulfilling.
I know I will miss the slow pace, the overall lust for life. Stop and smell the roses, literally!
5. The views
It is pretty hard to go anywhere in Europe and not be in awe of its beauty. While the United States has some gorgeous scenes, it is just not as consistent. I can look out my window in Differdange or take a cable car above the Swiss Alps, and I am never unimpressed by what I am gazing at.
I think being surrounded by picturesque scenes makes the normal feel pretty monumental, because you are always putting things into perspective. The world is constantly performing, nature showing off, and you are honored to be able to witness something so surreal.
I have been asked many times what my favorite part of my semester was, but it boils down to seeing everything I have always heard about in real life.