Explore Europe: All you need to know
While our first meeting came on a Royal Caribbean Cruise in Australia, April 2019, our first real travel adventure together came in Europe! We started with Scotland, touring the likes of Edinburgh and Inverness, before heading to England. Jenn eventually had to go back to Canada, with our first date officially lasting one month! Our legacy became forever intertwined with Europe after we went to Cyprus in June of that same year, getting engaged at Aphrodite's Rock.
We celebrated our engagement first with a trip to the lovers city of Paris, before heading out for a week long road trip that saw us see another 5 countries across Europe. We then went on to Canada, not returning back to this continent for nearly 2 years. We came back in June 2022 and reeled off another 5 countries which included Türkiye, Albania, Italy and North Macedonia. We love Europe, and we are sure you will too!
Countries visited (15)
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Interesting Facts
Here are 19 interesting facts about Europe. Some may just surprise you!
1. Vatican City is the smallest country in the world.
2. French Fries were actually invented in Belgium, not France.
3. Due to its unique climate, there are no mosquitos in Iceland.
4. There are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands.
5. Over 200 languages are spoken in Europe, which is home to 750 million people across 50 countries.
6. 75% of the world's potatoes come from Europe.
7. Barcelona's Sagrada Familia is taking longer to build than the Pyramids; if completed as hoped in 2026 it will mark 146 years of construction, the ancient Pyramids of Egypt are said to have taken 85 years.
8. Jakobp, Ashleiy, Anus, Monkey and Pluto are banned names in Denmark. However, there are 7000 government approved baby names to choose from!
9. There is a town in Wales with a name comprised of 57 letters! Try and pronounce it - Llanfairpwllgwyngyll.
10. In Switzerland it is illegal to mow your lawn, hang washing or wash your car on a Sunday.
11. Europe is named after the Phoenician Princess Europa.
12. 'Clinking' glasses in Hungary to toast or say cheers is not allowed. This came after Hungary was defeated in war by Austria in 1848, with the Austrians celebrating by clinking glasses.
13. Bulgaria adopted its name in 681 AD, making it the oldest name in Europe. The Republic of San Marino is the oldest country, birthdate 301 AD.
14. Eleven countries in Europe still have monarchies; Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden.
15. With a total of 932, there are more castles in the Czech Republic than anywhere else in Europe.
16. Berlin has more Kebab restaurants than Istanbul.
17. There are more McDonalds in Germany than any other country in Europe.
18. Austria is home to the world's oldest zoo.
19. Technically it is still illegal to kiss on a train platform in France.
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