Sunday, March 19, 2017

ICELAND

Iceland is an amazing wonderful country full of people that are so nice. Everywhere they speak English, so don't be concerned about a language barrier. Rent a car! Its so much easier than trying to figure out tour companies that can take you everywhere you want to go. And what if you want to stop at one of the many little cafes?? Can't do it on a tour bus! Getting around is really simple. Have a map or your GPS ready.



Must See/Do List at the Bottom! 


Snorkeling in Thingvellir

Thingvellir is a huge national park about an hour outside of Reykjavik. Here you can snorkel or scuba dive in between the tectonic plates of North America and Europe. Book ahead of time. I used Artic Adventures. They provided everything. I only need to 1) know how to swim and 2) wear leggings and a tshirt or long sleeve underneath. They give you the "teddy bear" suit and then the waterproof or dry suit to wear. As well as snorkel/mask, head wrap, gloves, and fins. There is a guide that is with you the entire time if you need anything. 
The water was 2 degrees Celsius or 35 degrees F, aka FREAKING COLD. however you honestly don't feel it, other than in your hands. Your entire body is warm and dry. You snorkel for about an hour and there is a current so really you don't have to swim much until the very end. 

It is a wonderful experience and one that I will be talking about for ages. 

My new best friend

Icelandic ponies. I'm doing everything in my power to get my dad and Jason to let me have one, but so far not so good. I literally stopped on the side of the road with these other ladies and snuggled up next to this guy. The ponies are super friendly and lovely. This one did give me a kiss on the face. So we are best friends clearly. I really wish I would have rode one, but with only 2 days, there is only so much you can do. When I finally convince everyone to let me have them, I'll let yall come ride :) 

Gullfoss 

The Golden Circle is a beautiful drive. Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir are part of the Golden Circle that I made it to this trip. Gullfoss is a waterfall as you see above. Its about an hour drive from the Thingvellir Information Center (where you can get coffee), don't confuse it with the Visitor Center (no food). There are stairs that will take you above on the hill to get better photos if you want them. 

Geysir

Geysir is on the way back from Gullfoss headed toward Thingvellir. This is the original Geysir that all geysirs are named for. It erupts every 10-15 minutes with no warning. Good luck trying to get a photo. It could take a while. 


Blue Lagoon

The touristy destination of all tourist destinations. Blue Lagoon. A thermal spa about an hour outside of Reykjavik or 15 minutes from Keflevik. The water is 35-40 degrees C or 80-100 degrees F. You get a complimentary mud mask. If you upgrade to premium like I did, you get an algea mask too. As well as a bathrobe, towel and flip flops. I stole the flip flops :) but my bathrobe was taken from me while I was in the water. 

Black Sand Beach at Vik

Black Sand Beach at Vik 

This was astounding. I drove 3 hours after Blue Lagoon in a snowstorm for this view and I was not disappointed. The black sand is small pebbles. The wall above is whats left standing from a huge mountainside. There is no land between iceland and Antarctica (directly) so the Atlantic waves constantly beat against them. The waves are serious and there are "police" that will not let you near them. Several people have died because of getting into the water and not being able to get out again due to the current. Puffins (birds) use this place as their nesting sites during their season, so at times you won't be able to see it. 
Its beautiful, majestic and powerful. 

Skogafoss 

Another waterfall on the South Coast drive (from Reykjavik to Vik). As you can tell from the photo it was pouring down the snow. Its right on the drive, you can't miss it and only a short walk to the falls. You can walk up on the top of it, for other pictures as well. 

Hallgrimskirkja and Leif Erikson Statue

Son Statue 

Remains from Viking Settlement in 871



Reykjavik. Its a wonderful city full or random city art and history. Firstly stop at the church above and see it. Its the biggest church in Iceland. The Lief Erikson statue was placed there as a present from the U.S. government. Lief was the first person to explore what is now the U.S. 
Next see the skeleton of a Viking Warship. Its a beautiful piece of art. 
Finally the Reykjavik Settlement Museum, shows a lot of history as well as part of an original settlement from 871. Or do what I did, get there too late and see the glass box on the city street. 


Must See/Do


  1. Thingvellir National Park
  2. Vik Black Sand Beaches
  3. Blue Lagoon
  4. Icelandic Ponies
  5. Skogafoss
  6. Gullfoss 
  7. Geysir
  8. Reykjavik City Center 








Edinburgh, Scotland

I loved Scotland. I wish that on my trip to Edinburgh in August of 2015, I would have just stayed in Scotland for 4 days before heading over to Ireland for a week (blog post on that coming soon!) I stayed out closer to the airport in Edinburgh. But they have a bus that goes into the city to the airport that arrived right outside of my hotel every 15 minutes or so. It only cost 1 pound to go into the city and 1 pound to come back.

Check out the Bottom for my Must SEE/DO!! 


Sir Walter Scott Monument 

The bus dropped you at a central point in the town. It was just a short walk up to the Royal Mile and on the way I passed this. The Sir Walter Scott Monument. I thought it was beautiful even though I'm still unsure who Sir Walter Scott is (I think a writer??)  and you can go to the top of it for some amazing city views. I didn't go to the top because I had already decided to hike to the top of author's seat the next day. 

Edinburgh Castle 
This is at one end of the Royal Mile and is also where the Military Tattoo is held every year. I missed out and didn't get tickets to it while I was there. The castle is no longer in use but has a significant amount of history and is not to be missed. Robert the Bruce was crowned here and Mary Queen of Scots was born here! Roam around but do not miss the Great Hall, which is huge and beautiful. 

Holyrodhouse 

Holyrodhouse Abbey

Walk down the Royal Mile (which is actually a mile long) to the other end which is where you will find Holyrodhouse! This is where the Queen of England stays during her royal visit to Scotland. You have to pay to get into this one, but I think its worth it solely to see the Abbey ruins. They are beautiful and worth every penny.

Arthur's Seat

From Holyrodhouse you can find the trail that you can hike to Arthur's Seat. Remember that it is a hike, up a mountain! Wear the right shoes. Not the ones that you see in my photo. My poor aching feet that day!! 
Its absolutely beautiful and stunning views. Totally worth it. 

Greyfriars Bobby

Next, I hopped a bus and headed to see this guy!! Rubbing his nose is supposed to bring you good luck :) There is a restaurant/bar right by this guy that is wonderful! The story goes that this guy's owner died and he spent the rest of his life keeping watch at his owners grave! 
The Elephant House

This is on your walk back to the city center. I would have missed it, had it not been for the 50 thousand chinese girls in line. After doing some research, I found that this is where J.K.Rowling got the idea for Harry Potter! The nerd in me freaked, took selfies, and bought things.

Other tips. There are a few other things in Edinburgh that are worth mentioning. Try some of the scottish whiskey and ale. There are tastings all over the city. 
Listen to the bagpipers for a while. They play wonderful music. 

Must See/Do!!!

  1. Edinburgh Castle
  2. Holyrodhouse 
  3. Arthur's Seat
  4. Greyfriar's Bobby
  5. The Elephant House (Harry Potter)
  6. Sir Walter Scott Monument 






Saturday, March 18, 2017

Stonehenge/London

Ok these are not my favorite places. I've been to London once in March of 2015 and then both London and Stonehenge in August 2015. Some people love them, I just think that Stonehenge is a bunch of rocks in the middle of a hayfield (I could do that), and the London that I had pictured in my head, just wasn't the London I saw.

Don't miss my Must See/Do at the Bottom!!! 


Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a little ways outside of London. I took the train here. I took the train that goes to Salisbury. From there literally walk outside of the train station, hang a left and there will be a big bus there that goes to Stonehenge for 15 pounds. 
So just ride the bus to the visitors center. Now the bus is a all inclusive trip that will take you to the Salisbury Cathedral (Where the Magna Carta is) and Old Sarum (a settlement thats really old), however to get into the sites is more money. Unless you book the all-inclusive which is 34 pounds. I stopped at the Salisbury Cathedral but the line was outrageously long and the Magna Carta didn't interest me all that much.
Now back to Stonehenge, the bus will take you to the Visitors Center. From there you have 2 options, hike it to the rocks, or take a bus. The line for the bus will take ages. So I walked. Through a cow field, where there were cows in it. 
Fun story: There was a cow that was about to cross my path, now coming from a cattle farming family, I wasn't concerned, times the cow was shuffling. I mean barely moving. So I paid it no mind and kept walking. A lady and her husband were headed my way on the path and started sprinting to pass in front of the cow. I'm serious an all out sprint. They stop at me and say, why aren't you freaking out? I say "She's just an old cow. She's barely moving." I resisted the urge to say Moooooving. It was hard.. 
Then the lady shrieks "OMG YOU HAVE RED ON WHY AREN'T YOU FREAKING OUT!!!" 
I then looked at her with what I'm sure was "You have to be the stupidest person on the planet" look and walked away.
Moral of the story: you can't fix stupid people.

Its about a mile of a walk to the rocks. When you get there, you may find people selling strawberries. Eat them. They are delicious. Also you just walked a mile, reward yourself! 

See the pretty rocks. Walk a mile back, or catch the bus. The line will be much shorter here. 


Now lets talk about LONDON.

Big Ben

Firstly. This is my friend Ben. But seriously, both times I've been to London I've gotten lost. Both times I've turned a corner and bam theres my boy to save me. He's beautiful and right beside the Westminister Abbey, Winston Churchill Statue and Parliament. 
A Telephone Booth
This is a must do. Everyone knows that. And they are disgusting inside. 

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace

Changing of the Guard is a wonderful show of British power. Ok well maybe its just a pretty show. But get there early to get a good spot!! 

Tower Bridge

Not to be confused with the London Bridge that is not falling down (at this moment). 
Tower Bridge
I think its absolutely beautiful and is right beside my favorite place in London.

Tower Of London

Where Anne Boleyn and Kitty Howard got their head's chopped off by their Husband

The Tower of London. I didn't get to see it my first time to London and it was the entire reason I went back a second time and I still didn't get to see all of it. It is huge and has multiple different areas to capture the history and the changes that it went through. From a castle, to prison, to zoo, is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. (Hey that rhymed).



Must See/Do List

  1. Tower of London
  2. Big Ben/Westminister Abbey/Parliament/Winston Churchill Statue
  3. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
  4. St Pauls Cathedral/Wibbly Wobbly Bridge (Harry Potter)/Globe Theatre
  5. Platform 9 3/4 (Harry Potter)
  6. Trafalgar Square
  7. Picadilly Circus
  8. Churchill War Rooms
  9. London Eye
  10. Sherlock Holmes Museum 







Thursday, March 16, 2017

PARIS

Ok, I loved Paris. It was everything that I have ever read about or saw in movies. It was just as romantic and perfect as my dreams. I wish I would have seen Sacre Coeur, but I just couldn't make it. This post is going to be a longer one because I finally hit my stride and did all the things!!

Check out my must SEE/DO at the bottom!! 




Lets first talk about my favorite Sir Eiffel. ok maybe I'm the only one that calls him sir. but seriously, isn't he stunning. And to think those Frenchies almost took him down after the Worlds Fair! Thank goodness they didn't so now he is here to make me swoon :)  
You gotta see him. This is a must do, should probably do first, middle and last during your trip. I would suggest getting some macaroons from Laduree and eating them underneath him. I had my first macaroon experience like that, and its a memory I will never forget. 

Versailles 

I'll have you know that this is one of my castles. OBSESSED is not a strong enough word for how I feel about this place. After I saw my sir eiffel from afar, I went here. This place, the gardens alone would take an entire day to do them justice. I didn't actually get to see much of them due to the tour times. I took a guided tour through this place with a tour guide that majored in Art History. This is a must. I don't know how you would manage to find one, but you have to. I've said once before that I'm not an art person. This guy made it to where I enjoyed the art. I understood it, and why King Louis XIV chose those pieces. 
Hall of Mirrors
Versailles

I only scratched the surface with this place and would love to go back and do an extensive tour of the entire grounds and buildings. 

Mona Lisa

Venus de Milo

Where can you find these two? The Louve of course. Art lovers can spend days upon days in here and never see it all. Their collection is unparrallel and amazing to see. 

Moulin Rouge

Unfortunately for me, there was no time to catch a show, but don't I wish I could have! 


Arc de Triumphe 

Take a walk down the Champs de Elysees and shop a bit before seeing this beauty! Don't go out into traffic there are several tunnels that will lead you to it! Go to the top and see the city views, however if you went to the top of my sir Eiffel, there really is no point. Grab a crepe at one of the many many carts by the Arc and devour it. 

Love Lock Bridge
So everyone wants to do the love lock bridge when in Paris. But fun fact, the original is gone, and now there are several different areas around the city that you can lock your lock and throw away the key on. 


Notre Dame

Notre Dame

I saved the best for last! Notre Dame Cathedral. Whether you are religious or not, you have to pay your respects here. It is wonderfully built and beautiful. With an advanced ticket, I believe you can go to the top and be Quaismodo (my dream when I went there but sadly did not occur). 


Must SEE/DO

  1. Sir Eiffel 
  2. Versailles 
  3. Notre Dame
  4. Sacre Coeur
  5. Arc de Triumphe/Champs de Elysees
  6. Louve
  7. Moulin Rouge
  8. Love Lock Bridge








Brussels

I hate Brussels. To be fair, there were political rallies going on while I was there. So maybe its an amazing place and I just got a bad day. I only spent an afternoon there on the way from Amsterdam to Paris. Here are my thoughts!

Don't miss the Must See/Do at the Bottom! 


Atonium 

We first stopped at the Atonium, which is right outside of Brussels and was built for the World's Fair! It is huge and the photo does not do it justice. The "atoms" are actually classrooms, a cafe, and meeting rooms. 
Then on to Brussels city center. 

Old Palace Square 

Old Palace Square

Old Palace Square is exactly what it is. The square by the old palace. Its stunningly beautiful and the site of the flower carpet every year! 
Next stop was Manneken Pis. say that out loud. what do you think? If you said a statue of a little boy peeing you are right!! 
Manneken Pis
This is a real thing and its about a block or so away from old palace square. There are multiple multiple legends about what this statue is about, however the one most people agree on is that a 2-year old lord was hanging in a tree while his troops fought a battle. He peed on the opposing forces and his troops won. 

Lastly and probably the most important. Belgium Waffles. really did you think that I was going to go to Belgium and NOT eat a waffle? Yall don't know me. 


TO DIE FOR. These were absolutely delicious. I will not confirm nor deny that I ate 2 of them. I'll just say no syrup is needed for these babies. Eat them with powdered sugar or chocolate. 


MUST SEE/DO

  1. Old Palace Square
  2. Belgium Waffles and chocolates 
  3. Manneken Pis
  4. Atonium 


Amsterdam

My first time out of the country was in March of 2015, 2 years ago now. But I still remember almost everything about it. Some of the details are hazy now, but for the most part all the emotions and feeling as still there.
Allow me to give you my review of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Check the bottom for my list of Must See/Do!! 

Red Light District

I arrived in Amsterdam in the middle of the afternoon. I was exhausted. I was too excited to sleep on the plane on the way over. 
Looking back on it, I wish I would have done my research and took the train out to a couple of the smaller towns in Holland. Like Marken where they make the wooden shoes or Zaanse Schans where the windmills are. 
But this was my first time and I was nervous. 

I met up with a few people in my tour group at the airport and walked around the town with them, getting hopelessly lost in the process. 

For my first time out of the country, I booked the Amsterdam, Paris and London trip with EFCollegeBreak. Honestly, it was the best idea for me. It gave me the solo travel feel I wanted but in a group setting. I could still do, and did, whatever I wanted, but with the security that someone would come looking for me after a while. 

We made it to the hostel and then did the orientation walk through the town of Amsterdam with our tour guide. Then we had a "get to know you" drinks at a bar in the red light district. 
Thats pretty much the end of Day 1. 

Day 2 
We got breakfast at the hostel and did a tour of the city of Amsterdam. 
It is such a beautiful city with its bridges and canals. The floating flower market it a must! As well as a tour of the red light district! 
Canals

Prostitute Statue at the Red Light District

Floating Flower Market 

Red Light District

Day 2 ended with an afternoon nap, which again, not the best plan, but I was too tired. 

DAY 3
the day I did everything. 
Started the morning early at the Anne Frank House. They don't allow photos in the museum, but its a must see. You will cry (I did), but it was worth it. 
Next was the I amsterdam sign and the Van Gogh Museum. Now I'm not an arts person, nor really a museum person. I tend to lose interest quickly and get bored. The Van Gogh Museum was wonderful if art is your thing. Its not mine, but I did spend 2 hours in there getting cultured. 



After the Van Gogh, it was on to the Heineken Brewery. Now I don't like beer, but this was so fun. You got to learn all about how beer was made through these interactive promps. And at the end you got tickets for free beer along with a canal cruise. 
Professional Beer Pourer

I'm also now a professional beer pourer. I have a certificate and everything. You gotta pay me extra if I pour your beer. 
Canal Cruise from Heineken

During the canal cruise from Heineken, we were lucky enough to see the famous bench from the Fault in Our Stars!!! which I have heard was recently stolen. 

Fault in Our Stars bench 

That was my trip to Amsterdam. It was amazing. The people there are so nice and open. They have no sense of privacy, but they are some of the nicest and most active people you will ever meet!! *WATCH OUT FOR THE BIKES** they are ruthless


TOP MUST SEES/DOS IN AMSTERDAM

  1. Anne Frank House
  2. Floating Flower Market
  3. Dam Square
  4. Red Light District
  5. Heineken Brewery



love ya,