Two spring seasons ago, I sat amongst good friends on a sunny afternoon patio. We were discussing my upcoming trip to Europe; an adventure that had no fixed end-date. The trip would be my second to continental Europe, a sequel to a Western whistle-stop that I had done three years previously.

The discussion turned to my reasons for returning, and I tried my best to explain why. It was a mixed message of philosophy (I just want to simplify!), mysticism (I feel like myself over there; I can’t explain why…), self-centricism (the women are just gorgeous!) and a healthy case of the Mondays.

Somewhere in the conversation, a friend compared my relationship with Europe to that of a make-up/break-up high school couple. We just can’t stay away from each other.

This all brings us to the present day. Tomorrow I am flying from Toronto to Paris, to begin what will be my third summer in Europe. I couldn’t be more excited.

Why a third trip? Why not somewhere new, like South America, or Southeast Asia? Two sweet, simple, sexy words: World Cup!

This summer’s trip is perhaps a bit more defined than my last. I will be travelling for about three weeks with a good friend thru a half-dozen cities or so. I expect these three weeks will be more reminiscent to spring break than a cultural pilgrimage.

My friend will then be flying home and I will do my best to find work in a city which is yet to be determined. I will be staying until September, when I will then return to Canada for yet one more year of education… Or so I plan.

Europe, I’m coming back to you baby!