My original wish was for everyone back home to come and live in Europe. But factoring in probability, my next best wish was to write about my experiences to show a glimpse of the European life, and so I did. There's just so much to learn on a daily basis over here.Thus far, what I consider as the biggest challenge in writing this diary is to write about the nuances of daily life because it really what makes (Western) Europe an incredible place. I walk on the sidewalk on a cold, windy, ordinary day and I could be blown away by such order.
Think starting on an equal footing and/or common life decency. The modes of transportation, the roads, the pedestrian and bike lanes, the food, the access to good education, the health services, the sanitation, are just a few conveniences offered to everyone, not just to a chosen few. Freedom is almost impossible to taste and appreciate unless directly experienced. And it goes hand in hand not only with a certain quality of living but also with a strong set of shared values.
Europe is surely home to luxury brands, to iconic capitals, to renowned tourist spots, to revolutionary philosophers, scientists and deep thinkers, to artists, and to ideas the world read and learn about in school. They all add up gazillion times to the magic of this place, but I find and I firmly believe it is their culture - their collective daily life, which ironically is highly diversified and different in itself, that makes (each of) Europe a standout. And all that we learn in school are nothing but a by-product of how they've worked centuries hard to develop their systems while maintaining, if not harnessing their values, to enrich only and only their collective daily lives.
The end. Point taken, Mr. Lewis.
