Having spent a semester living in England and traveling to Ireland, France, The Netherlands, Turkey and Greece, I experienced a healthy cross-section of urban Europe. I’ve always liked to think of myself as a worldly person. Well, I’ve always liked to be thought of as a worldly person. But, I do appreciate other cultures and new experiences. I consider myself open minded and I have an extensive knowledge of world capitals. All things considered, Europe should have been my playground, a fairy tale land of eclectic music, modern art, exotic food and whatever other pretentious bullshit made me feel cool. The historical significance of the places I’d visit was supposed to floor me. Give me a new perspective. Inspire.
Let me tell you right now, you can only visit so many castles and ancient ruins and museums and historic cathedrals before you lose your fucking mind. For the record, every castle looks the same. Ancient ruins are a preservation of something that barely still exists. The amazing pieces of art looked a lot like the pictures of them I’d seen in books. I never want to hear another word about how stained glass is made and, “No thanks, I don’t want to light a candle.” I’m not a completely cynical asshole and I’m sure there were some touristy things I enjoyed. It’s just that I was interested in the people of Europe much more than its ‘treasures.’
People start drinking much earlier in England than in the US. During the weekdays, things start happening after five; the sort of ‘Happy Hour’ crowd is very similar to the US scene, but the weekend nights start at five too. I’m used to going out on a Friday or Saturday around 10PM. In England, I’d already be at my second bar (pub) by ten. A big night out starts at five or six at an early pub; where you usually have dinner. By nine your group has congregated at a late pub. Usually focused more on music, drinking than food, late pubs often have dance floors. I really enjoyed late pubs, but most closed at midnight, when you’d have to move to a nightclub or lounge. Many of the nightclubs were enormous and a bit overwhelming. I much preferred the lounge atmosphere. The company of one hundred chic, sophisticated people compared to that of a thousand sweaty Eurotrash rolling ecstasy was much more my speed. Although, the latter most definitely has to be experienced, the lounge scene is en vogue for a reason.
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