When envisioning Europe, one must wield a mental eraser to unveil its true beauty – palaces, museums, and cathedrals. The unsightly airport, the dull freeway, and the unappealing apartment blocks you encounter on your journey to a contemporary hotel must all be forgotten. And if you decide to make Europe your home, you must also eliminate the negative aspects of life here, such as detestable politicians, social tensions, traffic, and urban sprawl, which exist just as much as they do anywhere else.
Nevertheless, perceiving Europe as a compilation of magnificent structures and artistic masterpieces always appeared valid to me. Leaving home should only be justified if one seeks something different. As a Texan, the allure of ancient buildings and historic paintings felt essential in a way not completely understood by all Europeans. Some of them would gladly brush away their past and dream of coming to America, which is just as fantastical to them as our idealized version of Europe is to us. The concept of the past being so vital is often difficult to explain to these individuals. We yearn to establish a connection with a history older than our own and embrace the aspirations that “Europe” has always symbolized for us.
I never want to lose sight of that connection. Thus, while I appreciate modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi and indoor plumbing, I still cling to my Americanized view of Europe. I relish visiting ancient museums and delight in strolling through baroque palaces or exploring Neolithic caves. This is not the Europe that exists as a continuum with America, showcasing different expressions of a single Western civilization. It is the Europe that exists as an alternative, a contrasting existence. And even though this version may seem like a fairy tale or a work of fiction, it possesses the realism akin to a great film or novel. We need it just as we need art itself – to provoke our minds, to alter our perceptions of the world.
I hope that all the visitors can momentarily imagine an alternative way of thinking, freeing themselves from the cultural expectations embedded in our own society. I hope they can disregard the billboards and fast-food chains, catching a glimpse of the myriad possibilities that Europe has always offered us – a realm of romance, art, and a different way of life.
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