Midway Point

Hello Gamecock Nation
Today we are experiencing Polish culture in the great city of Warsaw. We were a little concerned with a difficult trip into the city, but I have been pleasantly surprised with my overall experience. We have been to some incredible cities in Europe and seen some eye opening monuments, but today I would like to reflect on some things Zach and I love about Europe and miss from back home.

The first thing we all seem to love about Europe is the Architecture. Budapest amazed me the most with the Hungarian Parliament. What a sight to see from the river at night! Fashion and the sleek dress from all ages in Poland. They impress all of us with their cutting edge styles. Cafe's have an incredible atmosphere that are great for enjoying time with friends or a coffee and a great book. The Public Transportation systems are to die for. You can get anywhere in any major city for real cheap and very quickly. The traffic signs are unique and the street lights fit the architecture. While in the hotel room we love being able to turn on the radio through the tv and experiencing the different types of music. Then waking up in the morning and having a great buffet everyday. Eggs, bacon, you name it they have it.

After briefly discussing the things I love about Europe I think it is important to tell you about the things we take for granted in the United States. First and for most, air conditioning! I will never take the cold classrooms of USC for granted again. The train ride to Warsaw was "supposed" to be air conditioned but it felt more like a sauna. The next thing I have completely taken for granted is the laundry service and ability to clean my clothes for real cheap. Here in Warsaw it is 10 dollars a shirt to wash your clothes! When Zach and I went to the grocery store we bought one bottle of lemonade and the plastic bag they gave us ripped two minutes out of the store. It looked like saran wrap. When you go for a meal here there are ZERO refills! It has been difficult getting used to paying for every sprite I order. Then we get to the train situation. Very few people in Europe have caught on to wearing deodorant! Yuck, Gamecock nation consider yourself lucky. Then try finding a clock in hotel rooms in Europe; there are none! Last but not least I miss easy English conversation. The language barrier has created a few problems but kept us on our toes!

Have a great one Gamecock Nation! Celebrate our baseball title!
Dave