After more than a year of planning and many more spent dreaming, I’m about to make the pilgrimage across the Atlantic that all American zoo nerds yearn for. In exactly one week I’m off to Europe and my excitement knows no bounds. We’ve made it to the big leagues!
But this will not merely be a trip dedicated to zoos; It won’t merely be a trip at all in fact. I’ll be partaking in the great American tradition of studying abroad for my fall semester of college. That gives me five full months (September through January) to explore the old world to my heart's content and create some lasting memories. I doubt I’ll ever have this much freedom to travel for an extended period ever again so while zoos will be a focus, it would be unwise for that to be the only focus. Meandering through parks and city streets, going on scenic hikes, sampling local cuisine, checking out museums, cathedrals, and historic sites, and exploring the night life will all be equally as important.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t somewhat intimidated. The anxiety that comes from being halfway around the world without knowing anybody is unavoidable. I worry about somehow getting stranded in an area where English isn't commonly spoken or getting pickpocketed by some shifty character on a train. It’s also hard to miss out on a semester at my home university with all my friends and a whole Chicago Bears season just as we’re starting to show promise (if I keep saying it, it's bound to be true eventually). No matter; tickets are booked, accommodation is set, and I have a 200+ day streak on Duolingo. Instead of anxiously shrinking away from this challenge, I must face it head on and say yes to the great adventure that lies ahead.
Just to be cheeky, I’m keeping where exactly I’ll be based out of a secret until arrival. All that you need to know is that it’s a major city which puts me at the precipice of Europe’s greatest zoos – naturally the most important criteria when deciding host countries. I’m honestly not sure exactly how many places I’ll hit as I do have interests outside of zoos and I’ve been repeatedly advised not to spend too much time away from my host country unless I’m with others. Currently I’m sitting at 56 zoological facilities: 50 in the United States and a half-dozen from my two-week stint in New Zealand earlier this year. When all is said and done I’ll definitely have eclipsed 70-75 at least and I am low-balling. So many legendary exhibits, newly seen species, and world-class experiences lie ahead. It’s honestly surreal. Expect frequent comparisons between collections on either side of the pond.
Naturally many of the places I’ll be visiting have already been covered extensively on this forum so it doesn't seem necessary to write up incredibly long reviews breaking down every exhibit like I’ve done in the past. Instead I’m thinking of sharing more personal accounts, as well as my general thoughts and highlights which is also conducive to my chronic writer's block that I’m working to overcome. Hope you will all enjoy!
But this will not merely be a trip dedicated to zoos; It won’t merely be a trip at all in fact. I’ll be partaking in the great American tradition of studying abroad for my fall semester of college. That gives me five full months (September through January) to explore the old world to my heart's content and create some lasting memories. I doubt I’ll ever have this much freedom to travel for an extended period ever again so while zoos will be a focus, it would be unwise for that to be the only focus. Meandering through parks and city streets, going on scenic hikes, sampling local cuisine, checking out museums, cathedrals, and historic sites, and exploring the night life will all be equally as important.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t somewhat intimidated. The anxiety that comes from being halfway around the world without knowing anybody is unavoidable. I worry about somehow getting stranded in an area where English isn't commonly spoken or getting pickpocketed by some shifty character on a train. It’s also hard to miss out on a semester at my home university with all my friends and a whole Chicago Bears season just as we’re starting to show promise (if I keep saying it, it's bound to be true eventually). No matter; tickets are booked, accommodation is set, and I have a 200+ day streak on Duolingo. Instead of anxiously shrinking away from this challenge, I must face it head on and say yes to the great adventure that lies ahead.
Just to be cheeky, I’m keeping where exactly I’ll be based out of a secret until arrival. All that you need to know is that it’s a major city which puts me at the precipice of Europe’s greatest zoos – naturally the most important criteria when deciding host countries. I’m honestly not sure exactly how many places I’ll hit as I do have interests outside of zoos and I’ve been repeatedly advised not to spend too much time away from my host country unless I’m with others. Currently I’m sitting at 56 zoological facilities: 50 in the United States and a half-dozen from my two-week stint in New Zealand earlier this year. When all is said and done I’ll definitely have eclipsed 70-75 at least and I am low-balling. So many legendary exhibits, newly seen species, and world-class experiences lie ahead. It’s honestly surreal. Expect frequent comparisons between collections on either side of the pond.
Naturally many of the places I’ll be visiting have already been covered extensively on this forum so it doesn't seem necessary to write up incredibly long reviews breaking down every exhibit like I’ve done in the past. Instead I’m thinking of sharing more personal accounts, as well as my general thoughts and highlights which is also conducive to my chronic writer's block that I’m working to overcome. Hope you will all enjoy!
I am sure that you'll be seeing some great zoos as Europe is arguably the #1 continent for such attractions. Good luck and enjoy every moment.
I'm rather use a Berlin S-Bahn bathroom than an NYC subway bathroom any day, any time! Can't say I don't agree on the A/C front, though it only ever bothered me in Spain.
.
(which is a shame, because you're masters of irony).