Mapping out Cities

For all those (Mom and Dad) that have lost hope for my directional skills back in Lancaster, I have some news for you.

I have navigated trains, metros, bikes, buses, boats, airplanes, subways, and yes...even streets in five different countries, and I have mastered them all.

My parents believe I am a lost cause when it comes to direction and navigation. It is not completely undeserved considering that I once (okay twice) drove an hour in the opposite direction before I realized I was heading the wrong way....

However, I knew being abroad was my chance to redeem myself and shine.I have come to really appreciate public transportation and how important it is to have a working and efficient system in a city!

Before I traveled off to each country, I got a map of the city, researched stops and fees, and prepared all the criteria needed in order to obtain a transportation pass. Once landed, I happily took control of the map, so that I could actually learn how to navigate on my own WITHOUT a cellphone. And I did!

I will admit we hit a few bumps along the road, but now through it all I feel much more confident in traveling independently and getting around a city that I do not know well. Not only that, asking for help or directions never hurts.

My favorite city to navigate by walking was Venice. That is the first map below with multiple travel passes on it. The city had unmarked winding streets and allies that you could get lost in if not paying attention. In Venice we were transported by boat to and from the airport, which was a lot easier than I thought! The boat dropped us off at the harbor stop a 5 min walk to our B&B in Rialto.

My favorite city to ask directions in was Spain because I was so excited to finally speak and listen to Spanish, which was basically English to my ears compared to Danish. I got a 3-Day metro pass for Madrid which is the second map!

Munich, Germany was so much fun to navigate by train and subway once you got the U1-U2 line that goes to Marienplatz. The trains we payed as we went, which was much cheaper considering the short time we were there!

I am a new fan of maps and public transportation, and I can confidently say that I am prepared and ready for my upcoming navigating adventures. Bring it on!