EUROPE: THE CENTRE OF THE CONTINENT
Feeling recharged and ready for the road again after spending some much-needed quality time with my parents, I hopped on a train from Zurich, Switzerland. This train took me through the rugged and exquisite Alps on the way to Vienna, on the eastern side of Austria. Trains are by far my favourite way to travel, as you can see so much of the rich landscapes and countryside while travelling fast and comfortably. European trains are a luxurious experience compared to $2 buses going through the Andes in Bolivia. With a smooth ride and space to stretch out and move, trains are a perfect place for deep work. Eight hours of blog writing and video editing later—plus a few interviews with interesting people—the train rolled into Vienna Central Station in the twilight of the setting sun.
On this journey, I’ve learned so much from meeting many unique and interesting people. Everywhere I go, I come across kind souls, and it reminds me of our inner humanity. The human heart is naturally built for compassion and kindness, regardless of culture and differences. I’m always aware of this, and it gives me great hope for the future of this beautiful world. I refer to these people as “travel family.” Everywhere you go, there is family close by—if not connected by blood, then by the connection of the human spirit running through us all.
Vienna was another great European city. I enjoyed the exquisite buildings, including the wondrous museums and the grand cathedral in the city centre. Every city in Europe is similar, yet has a completely unique aesthetic and vibe. So as you get familiar with city navigation, you can quickly experience all the magic it has to offer. I enjoyed Vienna for three days before moving on to the Czech Republic and dipping my toes into Slavic culture.
Prague has to be one of my favourite European cities so far. Stepping off the train and walking to the hostel was all it took to fall in love. I can’t quite pinpoint anything in particular, other than the energy of the city and how it swept up my being to welcome me in. Like an old friend somehow giving me a hug after a long while. I must have had many past lives on these lands, for I felt an odd sense of home.
The city was breathtaking. In particular, the Charles Bridge across the Vltava River, built in the 14th century, and the Castle of Prague, built in the 9th century and overlooking both. One of the largest castles in the world, over a millennia old. I felt a love and awe walking over the bridge and, above all, embraced the blessing of this life and my fortune to experience such a great wonder. A spring celebration was ongoing throughout the city, so I got to enjoy some delicious Czech sausages and pastries along the local markets as I wandered deeper through the turning old streets. I made my way into the Old Town Square, where my curiosity peaked at an astrological clock. This clock showed the position of the sun, the moon, and other major constellations of the zodiacs—along with keeping time, that is! Built in the 15th century, it is the oldest still-functioning astrological clock in the world. The streets had lots of wonderful live Czech music and plenty of merry people celebrating—as I’m sure one would know, the Czech people love their hops. There is so much wonder and magic hidden within Prague if you dare to look. This will not be the last time I visit this magnificent city, as it has left a love in my heart that will not diminish anytime soon.
Although I could have stayed in the Czech Republic much longer, I had my sights set on Scandinavia. But first, a quick stop in Poland for Easter weekend. I stayed in the city centre of Warsaw, where I enjoyed the music-filled churches for Easter and also paid my respects.
Poland has long been a battleground of nations. During World War Two, the Nazis invaded and occupied Poland for over five years. Around six million Polish citizens perished to the war machines of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. About half of those souls died in concentration camps or were executed while the Nazis carried out the atrocious Holocaust—the most gravitationally incapacitating genocide in modern history. No words could ever describe the horrors these people faced, and yet there is bravery and courage in the Polish heart.
The Warsaw Uprising of 1944 occurred when the resistance of the nation—militia and civilians alike—rose up in the face of pure evil. Fighting broke out in every major street and alley as a monumental push was spearheaded at the heart of Nazi occupation. In the aftermath, over two hundred thousand Poles died to uphold the heart and soul of the nation. By the end of the war, about one-fifth—or twenty percent—of the Polish population had perished. I paid my respects at the War Memorial of the Warsaw Uprising to remember but a little bit of the ominous events that transpired only several decades ago. As a young man focused on uniting people, and given the tumultuous state of current geopolitics, it is of prime importance to me never to forget the utter devastation hatred and fighting can cause. My work in this life is dedicated to uniting and forging stronger bonds of cooperation between people. If I can impact the world but only a tiny bit, I am doing everything in my power to do so.
After the loving and awe-inspiring epics—and a somber remembrance through Central Europe—I pulled out my coat for the next northern journey through the heart of Scandinavia.
Look out for the next story of what Northern Europe and the home of the Vikings had to offer—for me!
RISE TO UNITE!!!!!!
