Why is it that the European lifestyle, the European mindset, seems to be such an elusive and romanticized concept? When one thinks of a European individual, he thinks of a person who is entirely independent in the world; a person whose open-mindedness and general benevolence for humankind manifests itself in a philosophy that promotes tolerance of "strangers" and an openness for an arbitrary rendezvous with said strangers.

It is the life of an intellectual, an artist, a romantic...a lover. It is a carefree life. Why does it seem so unattainable in the United States? If it was possible here, in fact, it would only be possible in a large metropolitan area; conversely, it flourishes best in the smallest cities of Europe, no?

What is it about Europe that so warps the very perception of mankind and his relationship with others? The lifestyle so idealised in the works of Milan Kundera as well as in virtually all French cinema is so beautiful, so scintillating. It is one of cigarettes and cafes, trenchcoats and umbrellas, standing on street corners, climbing stairs in the park, pigeons, gloves, kisses in dark bars, and hapless romances that only endure in the memories of those who engaged in the one-night stand.

I hope that some day in the distant future I will be able to lead this European life. Obviously, I've got so much planned for my future that I don't when, where, or wherefore I will do this, but believe me, it will be done.

And though it may seem trashy or ill-suited or what have you, it is one of the most beautiful, poetic lifestyles that anyone can lead.

I can only hope that it can happen outside of fiction.



Considering all of these things is really bringing into question my concept of my future. I really don't know where I'll be in two years, let alone beyond that. It's somewhat of a daunting thought.

I want to kiss somebody now. I don't know why. But I do.