With the recent conclusion of the French Open, the second Grand Slam tournament of the tennis season, the sport's scene in Europe during June and July is a reminder of how captivating it is.
In just a few days, Wimbledon will begin. The opportunities that accompany these two events, set against the incomparable backdrops of Paris and London at this time of year, are unmatched. Sports aficionados can immerse themselves in a cultural smorgasbord that is every bit as fulfilling as the electricity of the competition itself.
The clay courts of Roland-Garros and the grass courts of Wimbledon are as much a contrast as the local cuisines, yet the level of competition is as intense as you will find at any major sporting event.
I have always been smitten with the experience of walking the streets of Paris and London. The atmosphere is inviting, and the surroundings create a sense of contentment that is an elixir for the soul. That doesn't even take into account the great restaurants, world-class museums and, of course, the wines of France.
Then there are the other events deserving of the description "sensational," headlined by the Tour de France, which seems to go on forever. There is the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, the Henley Royal Regatta and the oldest golf championship in the world, The Open Championship. In Britain, they simply call it "The Open" and consider it almost high treason to suggest otherwise.
I loved the experience of running with the bulls in Pamplona, but once or twice is enough. And while opinions differ, bullfighting remains a tradition in which the bull has little chance. More than 180,000 bulls — with some estimates as high as 250,000 — die annually where bullfighting is still practiced.
There are plenty of sporting options throughout Europe without going to Pamplona and attending a bullfight after the morning's run, an event in which participants occasionally lose their lives. Only 16 people have died during the Running of the Bulls over the years — fewer than have died in professional soccer.
Regardless, every venue and every experience connect visitors to a piece of history, often prompting a Google search or a reach for a reference book. The result is a greater appreciation for the authors, poets, and artists who shaped Europe's rich heritage.
A summer in Europe, with its variety of experiences and cultural exposure, is enough to qualify one for a full academic year — perhaps more. Those experiences are worth more than being born into wealth and privilege.