This story was originally published in the fall 2023 edition of The Honor Role, the official newsletter of the Honors Program at Newman University.
By Joshua Dessenberger, Newman senior
Being my first time outside of the continental United States, Europe by Rails was all that I hoped it would be and more. After finishing finals the week before, eight other students and I took off from Wichita the following week for a once-in-a-lifetime, 19-day trip. Of course, we had the amazing Professor Kelly McFall and Professor Jill Fort to guide us and supervise our antics – which there were plenty of throughout our travels.
Starting in London, we visited landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral, as well as the British Museum, Tate Modern and Imperial War Museum. We enjoyed so many delicious meals, including one at a farmer’s market outside the University of London — this was the best traditional Mediterranean I have ever tasted. The Borough Market was also a hit with the group as it provided homemade lemonade and chocolate-covered strawberries.
A quick flight over the English Channel landed us in Vienna. Austria, where we visited Schönbrunn Palace and stayed in an amazing hostel, opened our eyes to what life was like in central Europe. Our group was able to take a day trip to Mauthausen Concentration Camp — an experience that none of us will ever forget. A soccer game watching Rapid Vienna and a classical music concert in the ballroom of the palace were just some of the fun events we enjoyed during our time there.
Then it was on to Prague, a nice place for sightseeing, good eats, and history lessons from Dr. McFall while standing in Wenceslas Square. I was lucky enough to meet up with one of my Slovak friends while in Prague and was shown all of the hidden gems of that beautiful city. My favorite was a hill not far from the hostel we were staying at that had the most magnificent sunset view every night. An “unexpected” purchase of a sword also kept the tradition very much alive – shoutout to Brenden and Daniel.
Germany was next, specifically Berlin. The effects of World War II and the Cold War were ever so prominent during our time in the city. Modernized architecture with touches of classical monuments made Berlin stand out amongst the other Central European cities. Taking time to visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe was very moving and allowed us to reflect on the effects of the Holocaust and feel the impact it still has today.
We ended our travels and time together in Copenhagen, Denmark. A city with great food and quite a few palaces, Copenhagen’s hospitality is unmatched. Thanks to a visit to the Church of Our Saviour, I can now check “climb 400 steps to the top of a church tower” off my bucket list.
Altogether, the Europe by Rails trip was an unforgettable opportunity that I would recommend to anyone time and time again.
Altogether, the Europe by Rails trip was an unforgettable opportunity that I would recommend to anyone time and time again.
Joshua Dessenberger
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