Day 28: Favorite place we’ve traveled … and why

Erick: Disney World, FL

Okay, so you’re going to read Court’s after you read mine, which is good because hers is going to seem a lot more “cultural” than mine does haha! Either way, I am a big fan of Disney World.

Yes, that’s me and my dad in the picture. I know, “so cute!”

We went out as a family when I was 4 years old. I have some pretty epic memories from when I was there; from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (which I was tricked into getting on, led to believe it was an actual train ride …) there wasn’t a moment where it wasn’t absolutely amazing. Well, except for when my brother Adam and I were in a gift shop and knocked over a porcelain figurine of the ticking-croc’ from Peter Pan … which my mom had to pay for.

I also went back to Disney World when I was 16 with my high school Symphonic Wind Ensemble (or “band”). What could be better than traveling with a bunch of your friends for 7 days over spring break to Disney World?? Plus all of the great memories from when I was there the first time, and then checking out all of the “adult” rides (or rather, the over 4-years old rides haha).

So between the memories from my childhood to the memories of my adolescence, Disney World is probably my favorite place that I’ve traveled to. I believe it’s an experience every kid (or kid-at-heart) should have and enjoy!

Courtney: Paris, France

Bonjour. Je suis Courtney et j’ai vécu en France pendant cinq mois.Echantée.

At the age of 19, I moved to France for five months. I was one of those college students who studied abroad; and to this day, I think it’s the craziest thing I’ve ever done.

Yes — even crazier than quitting my  job three months before I got married to become a missionary and receive no paycheck. That’s not crazy. That’s my life.

If we rewind about 6 1/2 years, we will arrive in Paris, France. I didn’t really know the language. I was sleep deprived, and had no clue how to get to my university in Caen, France (see Exhibit A). I was surrounded by the most beautiful looking food I’d ever seen, but was too terrified to order anything for fear of babbling my ugly French in front of real, live French people. I worried they’d throw croissants at me. And I’d prefer to eat them.

Exhibit A:

Eventually, I did get to my university. I did learn the language, I did order my own espresso, and I did speak French in front of real, live French people. And no one threw croissants at me. I traveled the country, and the continent really, for the next five months. I saw amazing bits of history, met wonderful (and some not so wonderful) people, ate glorious food and pushed myself way outside every comfort zone I’d ever created for myself.

And all roads led back to Paris. No matter where I traveled — London, Rome, Athens, Dublin, Venice, etc. — I always wanted to come back to the City of Light.

I. love. Paris. By the way — this is my favorite spot in the city. Standing on the foot bridge staring at this view, right here. *sigh* If I were more irresponsible, I’d forget this blog post and hop on a plane right now. Right now, I tell you! You’re invited. Wanna come with?

The city encourages me to do all of my favorite things. It’s full of culture, history, and everything aesthetically pleasing. I visited museums, drank more espresso than I ever thought possible, and meandered my way along cobblestone streets to gaze inside cafes, markets, and boutiques. And due to the wonderful French insistence on joie de vivre, Paris is low-key and laid back. Low-key and laid back is always good for me.

And to top this all off, my time in France led me back to the Lord. And specifically, the time I spent alone on my solo trips to Paris. I knew who Jesus was, but wasn’t walking with Him daily. But studying abroad naturally isolated me from everything I’d ever known, and I had a lot more time on my hands. So I read, I prayed, and I fell back in love with the Savior who gave me everything. Those five months were a blessing for my heart, head, and soul.

That’s why Paris, France is the best place I’ve ever traveled.