EUROPE
Europe is the singular continent for which the words cosmopolitan, passion, and sophistication relate without toil. Europe holds the accolade as prime tourist destination for the culture vultures and moneybags, with its travel elements that impart both history and luxury. Europe’s got the grandest of boulevards and most theatrical panoramas. With give or take 50 states that cover 10,180,000 km2, Europe is the world’s 2nd smallest continent, constituting just 2% of the world’s surface. It is, miniscule by no means, the 3rd most populous continent after Asia and Africa.
Geographical associations of Europe in terms of territory are definitions of the continent from times of Classical Antiquity. Back then, geographers conclude, Europe is the north-western peninsula of that landmass that is Afro-Eurasia. However, modern definitions take into account political and cultural demarcations besides mere topographical divisions, say, by the Ural Mountains, the Caspian Sea, or other geo feature. Truth is, borders have always been a fuzzy concept. Within that, Russia is the largest state of Europe by area and population, whereas the Vatican City, the smallest.
Politics
After World War 2, European politics was defined by the separation of Eastern and Western Europe, the Berlin Wall-personified of what is called the Iron Curtain. The post-Cold War Europe called for the expansion and inclusion of former Communist states, what we know to be the European Union (EU) that by 2007, the EU had 27 member states. Modern European politics is equates to the European Union. At present, steady problems remain in the Balkans, Basque Country, Caucasus, and Northern Ireland. Beyond that are trivial conflicts, funny diplomatic arguments, and some “gassy” talks with former Soviet countries in Asia, that are few and far in between. Definitely, internal conflict is not a safety concern for the traveller at all. If anything, this is a chance to crack up at some of EU’s entertaining characters.
Weather
The weather in Europe is predetermined mainly by temperate climate, at the same time, subject to the Westerlies, the prevailing winds in the middle latitude. On the other hand, the Gulf Stream moderates the climate as its “central heating”, which in turn gives Europe a milder climate than areas in the same latitude, like New York or Calgary. Generally, Europe is a highly secure place weather-wise, as the international media scarcely reports of large-scale disasters that wipe out thousands at a time. In events of major natural disasters, Europe falls last of Mother Nature’s list. Hence, nothing major to lose sleep over, save for incidences of avalanches in Switzerland, volcanic activity in Italy, forest fires in Greece, flooding in the UK, and drought in Spain.
Culture
In Europe, the birthplace of Western culture is Ancient Greece, which has been arguably a part of Asia as well. If thus, Europe would be affirmed to only be but the “western excrescence” of the continent of Asia geographically and culturally. Nonetheless, European culture holds an eternal impression of the urbane, chic, intellectual and the debonair. For it is a culture of overlapping influences, a particular European essence is conjured by its spectators, but none too similar or to familiar with each other to deduce them to homogeneity.
No other part in history is this more manifest than during Western occupation. Creme brulee or pasteis de nata, one can tell which custard is French or Portuguese. The Spanish as passionate and love-crazed, the Brits as reserved and decorous, French as intellectual and patriotic, whatever the registers for people from each country, certainly one is identifiable to the next. This is perhaps because each had their own contributions to the world in relation to their passions and this identity we so speak of.
In art, history, music, architecture, literature, science, and cinema, Europeans displayed expertise and flair. Europe’s primary attachment to these fields is evidently stringent from classic to modern. From Bach to Bono, Rabelais to Rowling, Europe is the birthplace of some of the most brilliant concepts, philosophies, and talents. But behind all of it, Christianity has been the invisible force from which ideas are created, be it in adjacency or opposition. Christianity is also the pattern to which most Europeans modify their lifestyles, although millions profess no religion.
Languages
Also, hundreds of millions are conversant in English, therefore making travel and mobility a no-fuss in this side of the world, 51% to be specific. European languages falls within 3 language categories: Indo-European, Romance languages, and Germanic languages. The official languages are Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, Gaelic, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish, and Swedish. However, German is the most widely spoken mother tongue with around fifths of the population as speakers in varying degrees. Oddly enough, English is a form of Low German.
Main Attractions
Now, thinking about what to go see in this grand continent is no easy feat. Creating a “Top Ten” is utterly frazzling. If the traveller’s decided to head in this part of the latitude, chances are wherever is intended, coming to Europe will never be futile. The landscape, first and foremost is staggering and beautiful beyond words. At the onset of your journey on the ICE, TGV, or the classic Leonardo Express, the traveller will feast on the vivid colours of European meadows and mountains. Then, the fresh air– no complaints about that, because next to Mexico or California smog, the air is crisp in Europe.
The terrain of Europe magically exudes diversity, but, by and large, the landscape to the coasts is flat lands, then to the interior, the land rolls to highlands and mountains. Of course, there are some distinct variations within some areas because nothing really is ever the same in Europe. From the northern regions of Europe, the land relief rolls, ascending from vast, low northern plains to hilly southern uplands and mountains. Then, towards the southern regions, the panorama features more mountains like the Monte Blanc, Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathians.
When plans are still muddled, the EU promotes the European Capital of Culture. The concept is pretty elementary. Chosen cities are endowed the said designation for one year to showcase its cultural history and transform the way in which they are perceived. Besides being a brilliant and beneficial, the European Capital of Culture suggestions help travellers with the direction of their plans. For 2010, it’s Istanbul in Turkey, and Pecs in Hungary. Or, if not, Europeans famed destinations aren’t going anywhere.
The Notre Dame de Paris, the Eiffel, the Vatican, the Swiss Alps, the Neuschwanstein Castle, the Berlin Wall, the Stone Henge, the Parthenon and the Prague Castle are but a few of the stars of this huge European production. Otherwise, there’s plenty of coast and shore for the beach buddies like the luxe St. Barts and the blue-flag Egremnoi beach. For a more personal touch, going off the main road to visit Luxembourg and Liechtenstein, or perhaps quaint towns of Florence and Andalucia can be more enticing.
Customs
So the French women don’t shave, huh? If you still believe this urban legend, you are in for an awakening. Whether or not they actually do, it is just not absolutely possible to form an all-encompassing perception of European culture. But, as was aforementioned, there are core elements that constitute a particular European essence. After all, there is this concept of “Europatriotism,” an emerging sense of an individual’s identification to Europe, to being a European besides being Italian, German, or Greek, which is a hair strand away from unintended arrogance and racism, one thing we all are guilty of at some point. Part of this patriotism is their love for sports, especially football and rugby.
The special regard for their 11-man football team is as their modern-day armed forces. With a World Cup championship trophy, town appliance stores go on sale or even reimburse money when an item is bought during the finals. Other than sports, “alcohol culture” is the European’s heart and soul from the Italians with their Nebbiolo, the French, their Chardonnay, the Germans, the Schwarzbier, the Greek, their Ouzo, and the Russian, their vodka. Speaking of “patriotism”, Europeans possess a set of “insult laws” that legally prohibits defamatory imputations to their “extra-special” celebrities like the Pope, the Crown Princess, the President or Prime Minister, each country to its own.
Still, a very good characteristic of European travellers is that they are ethical in class, with an appreciation for other cultures. That’s why their expected approach of travellers to their land is as theirs. Don’t assume everyone speaks English, in France notably. If you need to ask “do you speak English?” learn to say it in their language. So, approach them with even just the basics from your German or Dutch phrasebook. Such extra effort will impress on them that you’re well-bred and well-read. Just to add, the Europeans may be a free-spirited bunch, but do dress sensibly. Generically, “just clean” will do, but be particular about where you’re visiting, be it in the club, bistro, or the cathedral (note specifically for small traditional towns). Then again, too casual an outfit, you can be denied access in a resto or club.
Cost
Never without a price to pay to be sure, Europe will cost you, and will cost you good. What minimum? There barely is a standard minimum when travelling to Europe. Though backpacking options will amass to some few dollars, yet, squandering $100 isn’t so hard. Transportation can set one back to as much as $1,000, exclusive of plane fare which could be another grand. Daily accommodation rates in a hostel can go from $20-$40 while a food budget of $30 is feasible, but not for big cities like Frankfurt and Paris where a meal can owe up to $25 versus $7 in a small German Town Ilmenau. So, double your budget in basic cities. Ideally, staying in Europe will exhaust a minimum of $75 for a sensibly fun time, and that’s with a margin already. Yeah, planning for Europe will test your strength indeed. At the end of the day, as the lights on the Eiffel blaze effervescently while you hold a warm Nutella crepe, it’s all worth it.
Safety
Safety isn’t really a concern in Europe. Besides pot holes, pigeon poop, bad plumbing, counterfeited banknotes, your Euro-trip will be suave as silk. Murder is all too rare and weird, but slick pickpockets and crazy traffic are a sloppy traveller’s curse. Racist-related attacks directed at non-Caucasian travellers, on the other hand, occur in small old towns but at very few instances. Terrorism scares are more a forbidding bluff. Europe is fairly safe with the police keeping a close eye on tourist spots. Your tour will definitely be brimming with amazing history, wonderful culture, colourful events and lovely strolls.
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Josh Boorman
Editor-in-chief
Backpacking Addictz
Twitter: @backpackaddictz
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