31 Things I Learned Traveling in Europe

I had not been to Europe in 13 years, crazy right? That’s why I was so thrilled to represent San Francisco at the Annual Curator’s Meeting of the Global Shapers of the World Economic Forum and then travel for a few days in Rome. While reflecting on my trip, I wanted to share 31 things I learned while in Europe.

1. Talk to locals – they are like a real life Yelp
2. Talk to drunk locals – its amazing how much you can learn about country politics, family and ambition
3. If someone offers you a drink called the Bolivia, run away
4. Made up handshakes are a great ice breaker
5. If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together
6. Get an unlimited use metro card
7. Go sightseeing late at night (or at sunrise)
8. Find restaurants with tables so close together that you can speak to the people next to you
9. It’s hard to fit 2 people on a raft made of cardboard
10. To hit a bullseye, take a breath and relax
11. Always try starting a conversation with something other than English
12. Things have a random way of working out
13. Italians don’t like losing at foosball or ping pong
14. With the right team, following can be just as satisfying as leading
15. It’s amazing what you can get away with if you just answer “yes”
16. Young people can truly change the world
17. There are SO many problems outside Silicon Valley that are never even discussed here
18. The best four flavors of gelato in no particular order are nocciola, banana, pistachio, and fig
19. European airlines are so much better than US airlines
20. Turning off your cell data plan is a liberating feeling
21. International dance parties are the best kind
22. Always wear sneakers at Frankfurt airport, especially when you have thirty minutes to make your connection
23. An iPad is a must have for any long flight
24. When in doubt take a picture, when you look back you never regret taking one
25. Never go anywhere with a tour group
26. Try not to go to a restaurant with a menu, and if it has one don’t order from it
27. If you speak to 3 people in a row that speak English, go somewhere else
28. AirBnb easily wins over any hotel
29. Get on a random bus or metro without a map and go somewhere
30. Gelato is a good idea at any time of the day
31. Stay calm and Siyahamba