First Impression of Europe

So I arrived in Luxembourg on Wednesday morning (the 27th). Europe has made a ton of impressions on me this far. I've noticed that everything is cleaner here, but it also seems more fake and forced. Most of the houses are condominium-style, and very nice. The cultural differences are crazy. Beer and wine are like water for Europeans, and they don't have open container laws in Luxembourg. Today, Miami University took me to Germany and France. Three countries in one day! We also tasted wine in Lux. Yesterday, I visited General Patton's grave from WWII. The amount of history in this area is incredible. I casually walked into a church yesterday that was from the 14th century, most likely the oldest building I had ever stepped foot in. But overall, the most surprising part about Europe so far is how "green", clean, and modern the homes are. They almost look tacky because they're so modern/futuristic. But overall, I'm loving it here!

8/118

Departed but not Apart

Just 30 minutes ago, my mom dropped me off at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, leaving me with a bunch of strangers for the next four months. Not coincidentally, in wearing a T-shirt saying "there's no place like home." Although I may have left my family physically, my soul will always be in CLE with my family and friends. Off to Newark, and then to Brussels!

Written 8/26/14

3/118

118

So as the summer ends, and my semester abroad draws closer, my friends have been returning to their respective schools. No departure thus far has been as emotionally difficult as the one from last night. My girlfriend left for OU this morning, beginning our journey and challenge of being apart for four months. This is the first time my travels have affected me emotionally, so I thought it'd be something to share and to keep you all updated with. Day 1/118 has passed, and I can't wait to see her again. So, if you are wondering what the weird fraction is at the end of my posts from here on out, now you know. Peace, Mickey.

Cleveland Spirit

So today was a complicated day for Cleveland sports. Cleveland's nationally recognized (and even sometimes marketed) championship drought is something that residents and fans take very seriously. With Lebron returning home, and everything else going on in Cleveland this summer, it seems as if Cleveland has begun to turn a new leaf.

About 6 weeks ago, I actually made the news after attending the detonation of the old interstate bridge downtown at 6 in the morning. I recognized the detonation as the final symbol of change from the Old Cleveland the the New Cleveland. The spirit in Cleveland this summer has been the greatest in years. From being chosen to host the RNC next year to drafting Johnny Manziel, to the renovation ideas for Public Square, to the new look of Playhouse Square, Cleveland has gained momentum over the past few months.

This morning, the Cavs acquired Kevin Love, an elite power forward who could give us the edge to bring this city the championship it had been waiting for. Speaking of championships, the Cleveland Gladiators hosted the ArenaBowl XXVII tonight in an attempt to bring the city a quasi-championship to create what could be the spark that starts the wildfire of Cleveland championships. But in typical fashion,Cleveland  lost. I attended the game, and it was an embarassing loss to say the least (72-32). However, my spirit is not deterred at all.

I'm not an old Clevelander. I don't claim to have been through the struggle. But having been born in 1994, I've seen a lot more disappointment than fans in most cities. I've seen (in person) the Cavs lose two home NBA Finals games to the Spurs. I've seen the Tribe give up a 3-1 series lead to the Red Sox in a AL championship game that nearly surely would have yeilded the MLB champion. I've watched the Browns be the first team in like a decade to not make the playoffs after winning 10 regular season games. I've watched the Cavs lose two years in a row in the playoffs due to bad matchups when they should've won. I've watched LeBron leave the city, I've watched (in person) LeBron's first game in Cleveland as a member of the Heat. I've watched the Indians practically be a farm team for teams in bigger markets than our own. And now I've seen the Gladiators lose in a blowout Championship game. But nothing has changed. Being able to experience a drought like Cleveland has really teaches appreciation. No city deserves it more than this one. I'm proud to be a Clevelander, and I can't wait until June 2015, when the Cleveland Cavaliers win the NBA Finals.