A Few Weeks In Europe

"A foreign country is a point of comparison, wherefrom to judge his own. One use of travel, is, to recommend the books and works of home; [we go to Europe to be Americanized;]" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jul 10, 2025

I’ve just gotten back from 24 days in Europe. It’s probably no secret if you’re even remotely close to me, but I love Europe. I’ve been incredibly lucky to travel to that part of the world quite a few times in my life. Over the past four years, since I started taking photography seriously, a lot of my best work has come from wandering through European city streets. I am, admittedly, a bit annoyed at my younger self for not photographing more on my earlier trips—even if the work would’ve been terrible, it still would’ve been nice to have.

I’ve always had a great experience every time I’ve traveled anywhere, especially since photography has become the main way I experience life now. I recently read an essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson titled Culture. It covers a lot about mankind in general, but also touches on travel and Europe. Emerson writes about how Americans seem unable to extract the "tapeworm of Europe" at the time [1803–1882], most Americans were still very much European by descent. I might be projecting here, but I think I still have some of that in me.

The essay breaks down why travel is important:

“Moreover, there is in every constitution a certain solstice, when the stars stand still in our inward firmament, and when there is required some foreign force, some diversion or alternative to prevent stagnation. And, as a medical remedy, travel seems one of the best.”

Basically, if you ever feel stuck or mentally checked out whatever the reason, if possible, take a trip. See something new.

All that to say, Europe was great. If you can, I highly recommend going whenever or however you’re able. I shot an abundance of film that I haven’t yet had the time to fully process and bring to life. I also had a digital camera with me, on and off throughout the trip, and I’ll be sharing a few of those images soon.

I plan to restart this newsletter and be more consistent starting in August. If you enjoyed this or any of my past work, please consider sharing it either through Substack or just by emailing it to a friend. Thanks!