Wanderlust

Europe: Exploring the old world

April 5, 2015
Barcelona - Familia Sagrada

Many travel in hopes of gaining some sort of wisdom or knowledge. For dedicated time to think while enjoying what the world has to offer. An open-ended  spiritual quest of sorts for insight on anything and everything.

For me, I’ll shamelessly admit that I recklessly hopped on a plane to Europe (with a best friend in tow!) with a small glimmer of hope of finding clarity.  And, to my pleasant surprise, Europe delivered on that cliche “I feel changed, I learned things” experience.

Part of the magic was the sense of being in a place where significant events for civilization took place. Where physical relics remain, but also an energy you can feel that symbolizes the highest potential and achievements of humanity.

Roman ruins

Roman ruins

What really took me was I didn’t expect to feel anything profound. Yes, I knew I’d be impressed setting off to see some of the greatest attractions of the world – but not to feel emotionally impacted. It was honestly almost spiritual.

I know this sounds so lame and you probably just threw some cut-eye at your computer screen, but hear me out!

Perhaps it originated from where I was at in my life and the resulting introspection about the meaning of life. Thinking, “…wow, look at these incredible things created by humans out of passion, dedication and a shared purpose. Meanwhile, I can’t agree on what I want for lunch or ANYTHING IN MY LIFE!!!”

Maybe the search for purpose and the hope that I too would do something meaningful in my life was magnified by seeing these spectacular creations by man.

I’m not a history/art/architecture buff, so it wasn’t like I was touched to tears to finally see masterpieces I’d admired for ages. But, being in the presence of these monuments that have withstood time and war literally made me feel a sense of…harmony with humanity?! I don’t know how to articulate this! I’m cringing at my explanation, but feel free to share your insights if you feel travelling brought these same feelings to you.

I’ve shared some photos of the locations I visited below, but instead of going over the places you must see, this post recaps some of the weird thoughts triggered by my European adventure.

There were several moments where I felt like I was a part of the evolution of civilization. Like I was just being told a story and then suddenly realized I was actually a character in that story. The story being that of mankind…whoa so namaste. (I don’t do drugs, I swear).

This also ended up spurring another odd realization in my mind: “I truly live in the new world”. Seeing these places overseas with so much history that they vibrate with doctrine was new to me. It made me think about how far we’ve come from the “old world”, yet we all still have strong connections and deep seeded beliefs from our past.

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica

The sense of hierarchy, class and religious influence on society is palpable in Europe. You can’t escape the reverberating power dynamics from royalty and dominant bloodlines; dramatic wealth disparity still exists.

In North America, it feels like we are literally physically removed from that world and the resulting influence. Our ancestors all came from the old world, bogged down by “birthright bureaucracy”, with a hope to break free and build a better life. Pioneering and joining new civilizations in the Americas was like a social experiment to see if people from all corners of the world could live harmoniously together, away from the authority and rigid rules of the old world.

We’ve succeeded (for the most part). Notably our architecture and culture feels more utilitarian than extravagantly ordained by a higher power. But, the grand pageantry of the past and the great works built out of dedication to purpose will always leave a sense of awe. Yes, we’ve moved away, the new Western world is about seeking freedom, but our roots are still embedded with appreciation.

Magnificent monuments live on in Europe, reminding us of what we are capable of, what we’ve launched off from, what we were able to amount to and what we’re reaching for in the future – individually and as a society.

Perhaps exploring Europe was the quintessential coming of age story in my own life and that’s why it holds so much meaning and had such an impact. (Although, I do wish I came of age in my teens and not my late 20s…but that’s another story for next time)!

It made me think about the meaning of my life, but also my possible contribution, if anything, to the evolution of humanity and civilization as a whole.

I know it’s quite typical that travel does this to people and it’s not a groundbreaking experience to feel your worldview expanding.

Whatever it was, I’m sure your own adventure through Europe will hold the same mystical allure that will capture your heart – and by the same token – be very difficult to explain!

 

 

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2 Comments

  • Brian May 22, 2015 at 10:58 am

    Michelle, this is a wonderful account of your experience in Europe, and one that any of your blog visitors who have visited personally would certainly relate to. I’ve been through Italy and France, and Croatia and simply fell in love with the people, the culture and the history. For me, walking in the tracks of people that existed 2,000 years ago was an amazing, spiritual experience. When in Pompeii for example, I was overwhelmed by how the old heavy stone roads throughout the town were so worn down; simply by the pedestrian and wagon traffic. I touched the ground and could almost imagine myself there, centuries ago. Amazing. Brought tears to my eyes.

    You are so fortunate to have travelled there, even in your late 20’s which is hardly old! It took me until my mid 40’s to do the same – you’ve got 20 years on me… enjoy them, travel often, travel far. Love life!

    • Michelle Seto May 22, 2015 at 12:50 pm

      Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Brian! I’m glad you related to the article! Pompeii sounds beautiful, like travelling back in time to a medieval storybook. Sigh, I can’t wait to go back to continue exploring!

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