Took a trip down to Abbey Lane with a few friends (a.k.a. maybe the best ‘Beatles’ pilgrimage ever, except of course the Magical Mystery Tour in Liverpool). Here are some highlights from the completely amazing day:
I’ve been waiting to go to Paris since last I left it, at age 10 (hint: I’m in my twenties now).
There’s something truly beautiful about this city. It’s somewhat romanticized, I admit, but I couldn’t care less: I love this city. Of all the places I’ve been in my travels, it’s my favorite for so many reasons: the light, the ambiance, the bread, the macarons (dear god, those macarons were perfection), the architecture, the lack of open container laws, the art, the unbelievably gorgeous cityscapes. I could go on…
Paris is so many things, but if I had to summarize it, I’d say that it’s the most enchanting place I’ve been to.
Everything about Paris makes my wanderlust subside, something I thought was impossible. But as I wander the city streets (oftentimes pretending I’m one of the many great writers who resided in this incredible city) I am reminded of how wonderful it is, and of how right I was to romanticize it. It is a romantic city, and even the cynical (and single) have to appreciate its beauty.
I spent Saturday night with friends who had been studying in the city for a couple of months; they took us to an Italian restaurant south of the Eiffel Tower and we talked about our experiences abroad and about Paris and art and culture.
We then headed to a grocery store and bought bottles of wine and drank while sitting on the Champ de Mars, admiring the Eiffel Tower as it sparkled at midnight. It was a bit of a life goal fulfilled to stroll along the river and the city streets at night, especially as a massive fan of the 2011 film, “Midnight in Paris.” And no, I don’t care how cliche it is.
I don’t understand how people can say they hate Paris, there is literally nothing I can fault with (Ok, so I’m a bit of a Francophile). It’s a truly amazing city, whether you’re visiting sites like the Louvre and Sacre Coeur, or just exploring the city streets, my only advice is: go.
Nothing is quite as appealing as the thought of free travel, and I’ve been lucky enough to have had my trip to Belgium financed by my university. Here are a few highlights from my weekend (not including the most incredible chocolate and beer I’ve ever had):
Ieper is truly a beautiful city, with a light that would make any photographer (or would-be photographer, like me) fall in love. My only regret is that I didn’t get to try the waffles…
After two wonderful days in Venice, myself and three friends took the train to Rome. We arrived in the evening and made our way to our youth hostel, The Yellow, located near the Termini train station.
We checked in and settled into our private room (a pleasant surprise considering I’d never stayed at a hostel before and had hear horror stories from others who’d gone abroad.) Next up: dinner at a small restaurant called Meid in Napols (killer gnocchi, and delicious pizza combined with decent prices and a cool, urban vibe.)
The following day we went to the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The city was absolutely beautiful, the weather was perfect, and the vibe was more urban and gritty (something I actually really enjoy).
The Vatican is overwhelming and for those who are art lovers, it can easily take a full day to explore. We wandered through the hallways filled with antique artworks, small courtyards filled with statues of strange mythological figures, and expansive terraces offering fresh air and sunshine.
Later we caught the subway to my favorite attraction in Rome: the Colosseum. We stepped out of the shadows and into the place where gladiators once fought. I could almost see the hoards of people screaming while the aristocracy decided the fate of the men below. Sometimes I forget how incredible it is to touch something so ancient, a piece of history.
Afterwards we trekked Palatine Hill, exploring the meandering pathways and getting countless breathtaking views of the scene laid out below us. And yes, we were all about using the phrase, “When in Rome.”
These were all perfectly typical of any first visit to Rome, and great experiences overall, but it wasn’t till that night that we experienced something new…
We decided it would be a good idea to forego sleep because we had an early flight (7 am departure, yikes!), and instead spent the night talking to fellow travelers, listening to live music and dancing. It was an amazing, exhausting night, and I don’t regret a second of it. In fact, after this trip, I strongly believe that everyone should stay up for more than 24 hours in a foreign country (at least in your twenties.)
A group of Australians upped the travel game, telling us about that time they went around Rome in togas, crashed a wedding, nearly got arrested and fled the scene! Somehow when they told the story, it didn’t seem like a big deal, but then again they did a lot of crazy things…
We left the club just before it was to close, checked out, and went to the train station. After nearly 24 hours without sleep, none of us were fully prepared to navigate a foreign transportation system, we missed the first bus (after waiting at the wrong place for 20 minutes).
We cut it close, arriving at the airport about 15 minutes before boarding was to close–we ran, ran like the building was on fire, racing through security and customs as quickly as we could. I think we might have been the first people in Italy to run that fast, at least that’s how it felt from the looks we got. There’s nothing better after a night of partying than a nice, refreshing sprint!
We got the gate aaanndd (dramatic pause!): there was a huge line to get on the plane and we actually had to wait another half hour. Of course.
But honestly, travel is nothing if it doesn’t give you a story or change you somehow, and I’m incredibly grateful that I got the opportunity to immerse myself, even briefly, in another culture.
* A note for those of you who may be traveling on the trains in Italy: the official platform probably won't be available until 20-30 minutes before your scheduled departure, and the trains tend to run on the freezing side, so make sure you bring a jacket.
After nearly a month of waiting, my Italian vacation has finally come and gone. Four days of travel through one of my all time favorite countries, and I have to say, it was just as amazing as I remember.
I got to travel with some really great ladies (including my current roommate) as we attempted to bridge the language barrier and discover a foreign country on our own. Here are some of the highlights from my time in Venice:
We arrived on a Wednesday evening, our mission: find some gelato (not exactly a tall order over there, on a five minute stroll you’ll probably pass just as many gelato shops), and get a feel for the city.
The first thing I noticed about Venice was that old, familiar smell: musty canal water, humidity and sweat from the masses of tourists mixed with the sweetness of gelato shops and bakeries. It sounds insane, but I kind of love it.
It reminds me of my first trip to Europe about ten years ago, an experience that left me in awe and with a newfound love of travel. The first day in a new country is always somewhat surreal, full of new customs and traditions, and the hope of doing something truly adventurous and memorable.
We met our AirBNB host, Ricardo, at the gelato shop and soon we were on our way to our temporary home: a small, ancient and easy-to-find apartment near the St. Lucia train station.
We ate dinner at a restaurant on a canal near our apartment. It was tiny, with just three or four tables, but the small collection of patrons gathered outside made it clear: this was something special, something worth trying. The restaurant had a relaxed yet upbeat ambiance. We had pizza and wine for dinner (both delicious), and then went for a stroll down the Rio Tera Lista di Spagna.
Venice, it seems, is the true city that never sleeps: everything, from restaurants to shops, was open late, offering tourists the opportunity to buy a token of venician culture.
We stopped in at shops that caught our eye, rested on the steps of a boat docking station, and returned only when someone got a bit more than they bargained for in an attempt to touch the canal water. But hey, the night can’t end till someone falls in a canal, right?
The following morning we went to the main tourist attractions. We took a relaxing ride on a water taxi to the Rialto Bridge and from there we made our way over to St. Mark’s Square (not exactly an easy task for four non-Italian-speaking twenty-somethings in a city as labyrinthian as Venice.) Somehow we managed to find our way through the city without getting lost, an absolute miracle in my book.
We spent the rest of the day exploring the area near our apartment, eating more pizza and gelato, shopping for souvenirs, and soaking in the warmth of the Italian sun. It was truly a gorgeous day. We got dinner at an adorable restaurant, more wine was in order and I got pasta with an assortment of seafood. (When else can you get seafood that fresh?)
The next morning, and our final day in Venice, we took a ride on a gondola (an absolute necessity for anyone going to Venice.) Paolo, our friendly gondolier, took us around the area we were staying in. It was so relaxing to explore the smaller canals running between the buildings and to observe the gorgeous architecture of the ancient city. It was the perfect conclusion to our time in Venice.
It was truly a relaxing yet invigorating experience, and even though I only had a couple of days to immerse myself in the venetian lifestyle, I truly enjoyed everything it had to offer. I just can’t wait to go back!
From the moment I landed in London, I knew there was something different about this city. I’ve been here before, but never without the security of my family and the ability to control how I experience the city. This is the first post in a series as I attempt to really get to know this wonderful, unexpected city.
I’m starting with Kensington because, well, over the past month or so it has come to be the place I call home. Enjoy!
Sights and Sounds:
Kensington is what Londoner’s would call a ‘posh’ neighborhood (or so I’ve been told), filled with some of the more classical English architecture that you’d expect, namely Georgian, along with a more modern vernacular. Filled with quiet nooks and bustling commercial areas, there’s a place for every passing mood.
Visit the Natural History Museum, take a tour of the Victoria and Albert Museum (both have free admission!), find yourself outside Royal Albert Hall, or sample something from one of the many local Indian restaurants. The feel, for me at least, is somewhere between New York City’s Greenwich and San Francisco’s Noe Valley (sans the ever-present hippie vibe, of course): a relaxed urban feel with hints of the bustling city center.
Shopping:
One of my favorite things about this area is the Kensington High Street, a.k.a. the shopping district. Located along the southern edge of Hyde Park, this street offers a range of stores that fit any budget. Spend a day window shopping and pick up some fresh flowers from the Flower Corner to go with your morning coffee.
Restaurants and Pubs:
© Copyright Stephen Craven and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Within the first three days or so of arriving in London, I’d been to about four pubs. Kensington is home to several pubs you’ll come to recognize: Gloucester Arms, Stanhope Arms, Devonshire Arms, etc. All good choices for an introductory pub experience.
But so far my favorite has got to be the Queens Arms, a quaint little pub nestled in an out of the way street near Imperial College, and home to the best mac ‘n cheese I’ve ever had.
The one thing still on my Kensington bucket list: the Roof Gardens, a restaurant/club that caters to the millennial crowd for a good night out.
Favorite Pastimes:
Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and Holland Park have got to be the absolute best part of living in Kensington. From sitting on the grass and enjoying the fleeting sunshine while reading a good book to getting in a bit of exercise, the park is a great place to unwind.
If that’s too crowded for you, just make your way to Green Park or St. James’ Park. It’s a bit of a walk, but on one of those precious, sunny London days, it’s not a bad way to spend the day.
Tube:
Home to the Circle and District lines, you can also access the Picadilly line (home to the West End, the local theater district). Also, opposite the northern edge of Hyde Park is Paddington Station, a National Rail Service station that serves as the gateway to the English countryside, Wales and Scotland.
* A note about tube travel in general: Be sure to check the tube site for current conditions and changes to stops.
Map:
1. Citymapper
This app comes highly recommended from a wonderful couple I met whilst on the train to Wales last month (thanks so much!). It’s basically everything you could ever want or need when it comes to transportation applications: You can find tube/bus/ferry/basically every type of public transport routes and get an idea of how long it will take you to get where you’re going.
Bonus: It’s also available for Paris, Madrid, Berlin and Barcelona, among others!
2. Street Art London ($0.99)
This app always makes me feel like a bit of an insider, plus it gives you the opportunity to take photos that have an effortlessly cool vibe. Stumble on something you might never have seen, meet people you might never have met, just experience something new.
3. Spotify
Living in London, I quickly found that the only people who really talk on the tube are Americans. Spotify is the perfect escape for a morning/evening commute. Enough said.
Need to know what’s going on in London? Then this app is for you. From music and art to food and entertainment, this app gives you access to a list of events going on around town.
5. Open Table
Perfect for when you’re in need of a reservation in a hurry, this app allows you to be the most savvy member of your group by giving you a list of restaurants near you and the reservations available.
This past weekend I went on a bit of an adventure, coasteering and hiking through the Welsh coast.
For those of you who don’t know (I had no idea when I signed up), coasteering is basically swimming, climbing and jumping your way down the coast. That’s right, I jumped off cliffs this weekend. Not that I’m bragging…
This weekend was amazing, filled with a much needed dose of nature and relaxation. (Physically exhausting relaxation, that is. The least demanding venture, the hike, was about 7.5 miles with the option to start at the halfway point. But what’s the point of that?)
Here are just a few of the gorgeous views from the hike:
(For those of you who are wondering, yes that is our attempt to herd sheep.)
But the weekend wasn’t all nature all the time as the lodge we stayed at had a small bar/hangout area that was the perfect end to a day filled with crazy outdoor shenanigans. I bonded with my fellow travelers and worked on my billiard skills (or complete lack thereof).
While this trip isn’t for the squeamish (I accrued more than my fair share of cuts and scrapes and that first jump off a cliff was terrifying), I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to do something a bit crazy and meet some awesome people in the process.
1. No, you can’t pass for a local.
Don’t even try, it will only result in embarrassment. Enough said.
2. When crossing the street, look both ways. Twice.
Also, avoid roundabouts, they are almost impossible to get used to when everyone is driving on the wrong *I mean “other”* side of the road.
3. There will be no grocery shopping on Sundays.
They are only open for a few hours and you will most likely miss it. My first week in, I was starving and decided to stop in at Whole Foods on the way back to my room. The store was open, the tills, however were not.
4. Everything is expensive.
Laundry, groceries, a pint. Learn to be ok with it and try not to think about money. (If possible, save as much money as you can before your trip and make sure your bank has a partnership with a local bank in the country you will be in. This will help avoid the excruciating experience of paying conversion fees.
5. Relax.
But remember that you’re only going to be there for a set amount of time. Sometimes it’s ok to go out on a Tuesday night, necessary even. Just enjoy your time and get the most out of it you can.
My first couple of weeks in London have been the best and the worst of times. Landing in a new city has the thrill of excitement, of course: Every sight is almost an adventure in itself.
The London Eye, Tower Bridge, a new currency to get used to, hearing the British accent (and about a dozen other languages/accents on my walk through the airport terminal) are all more than welcome experiences. After all, it’s what you expect as a student coming to a new country.
But as soon as the novelty wears off, the panic sets in. Where can I exchange my money? How much will groceries cost? What if my flatmates aren’t friendly? There’s a seemingly endless flood of newfound queries about how life abroad will be. But then that’s part of the adventure too.
It always helps to have a band of equally novice Londoners to explore with, and I’ve been extremely lucky in that respect. One thing I would recommend to anyone studying abroad: have at least one roommate. If nothing else, they can teach you about yourself, and give you the opportunity to mingle with new (possibly amazing) people.
One last thing to note: No matter how prepared you think you are, you’re not.
I’m the type of person who tends to plan everything out as much as is humanly possible. I made my packing list, I researched the cost of living, I documented everything I would take with me, I still came up short. But that’s ok, you just have to learn to roll with it. I’ve found that life over here should be more organic, less regimented, and far more emphasis should be on exploration, cultural education and fun.
I’m extremely grateful for this experience thus far, from boating down the Thames to Greenwich to exploring the Shoreditch hipster scene. I can’t wait to see what other adventures I’ll stumble upon!
Dev Across the Pond 