My brother, Mike, is off in Germany and various other parts of Europe for a few weeks. It got me thinking about the “backpacking through Europe” phenomenon.
I think it’s an important experience for three reasons. First, it’s obviously a powerful (if limited) exposure to other cultures and regions, and particularly those cultures that have had the most impact on forming contemporary American society. Second, it’s a valuable exercise in self-reliance: there’s nothing like wandering into a hostel in a foreign city at night, struggling to speak enough of the local language to secure accommodations, to say nothing of ordering lunch.
But the third is perhaps the most overlooked and the most important: it serves as a common, shared experience, a “touchpoint.”
“Backpacking through Europe” is one of those items both exotic and customary within the educated and upwardly mobile set, much like “going to college” or even just “working in an office.” It’s common enough that there will be shared experiences and a shared vernacular, and while it may lead to deeper relationships or just keep basic conversation flowing, it serves as a sort of foundation upon which an interpersonal relationship may flourish.
More simply put, it’s something that people can have in common. You might not like the same shows or have the same political viewpoints or the same definition of success, but you might at least be able to talk about where you stayed that night you were in Zurich.
I stayed at the Marriott in Zurich. It was alright. Small room and very European though it had a nice view. People were allowed to smoke in the bar which came as a surprise since I’m so used American bars and restaurants where you no longer can. The city itself was pretty cool. Winding streets and it felt like spies could be sneaking around.
Anyway, I agree that there is something nice about experiencing a little Euro-trip when you are in your 20’s. The concern I have for these trips is that I’ve met a good number of people that brainwash themselves into thinking Europe is so much surperior to the US. Yes it is old and has culture but by no means does it have “more” culture than the US. It is just a different set of cultures than we are used to experiencing. It is a cool experience and different and challenging but the experience should not be lifted upon a pedestal and shape every view you have on life moving forward.