Traveling throughout Europe

Written by Jonathan Bannick, Foster undergraduate

One of the best parts about living in Mannheim was the accessibility of other cities throughout Europe. Germany is centrally located on the continent and well connected to many different places. Through a variety of planes, trains, cars and buses, I was able to see 10 different countries and create memories that will last a lifetime.

My journey to Germany passed through London initially. My parents and I spent three days here and we all felt that we could have spent a year. This sprawling metropolis is packed with history on every street. I had the opportunity to visit the city a second time when I went again in November. Both times, I loved the city and learned a tremendous amount.

Of all the countries in Europe, Mannheim was extremely close to France. After just a three hour train ride, I found myself exploring Paris. While I had been to the city six years prior, I fell in love with the grand boulevards and the path along the river. From Paris I was also able to travel north to visit Normandy.

Mannheim also stood relatively close to Switzerland. On one weekend I was able to travel south to the Swiss capital of Bern and spend the day exploring the city. From Bern, I was also able to make it deeper into the country to a small town called Interlaken. The peaks of this small town offered some of the most beautiful views in all of Europe.

Mannheim was also just a short plane ride away from the Frankfurt Airport. This airport allowed me to go to the cliffs of Ireland, the islands of Stockholm, the Beaches of Barcelona and the bridges through Prague. From Prague I was also able to take a train further to Budapest.

Traveling proved to be one of the best parts of my time abroad. I feel very privileged for the opportunities that I had and I also believe that this experience has created a passion for travel that will last a lifetime.