#travel – The Blonde Abroad

Europe is a magical place and I was fortunate enough to be able to spend my Christmas holiday here with my family for my mom’s birthday. I had been to Europe twice before when I was younger, but it wasn’t until this trip that I felt that I had appreciation for the culture and its beauty. We visited Amsterdam, Prague, Vienna, Venice, Florence, and Rome and each place was uniquely different and special.

We spent a short time in Amsterdam and during our time, we visited the Anne Frank House. I really enjoyed getting to see it because I read her diary and had learned a lot about her life. It was crazy seeing all the things I read about and being in the place she hid for her life. After Amsterdam, we went to Prague.

I had visited Prague once before and begged my parents to take a trip back here. There aren’t enough words to describe how magical this place is. Because it wasn’t hit during the war, the architecture is beautiful, old, and you feel as if you are in a fairy tale. They have many markets with stands full of food, drinks, desserts, jewelry, statues, and other products from Prague. It’s so easy to mesh with the locals here because they are welcoming and friendly. I would love the chance to live here for a couple months. We went to see the Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral.

Next, we spent Christmas in Vienna. Even though we were used to spending Christmas day at home, my parents made it feel like home. They had a mini Christmas tree put in the room and we spent the night watching our favorite Christmas movies. My family also went to watch a symphony. Both of my brothers are into music, so this was definitely on their bucket list, but I still enjoyed it.

Venice was our next stop. It is unique with the water ways and we rode a gondola around the city. Our second to last stop was Florence. We visited the Galleria dell ‘Accademia which displays Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture along with the Uffizi Gallery which exhibits Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation.”

Finally, we spent New Year’s Eve in Rome. We saw the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and got to go through catacombs.

We also got to see the Pope speak which was such a special experience. Italy is known for having the best leather, so the shopping was great! I browsed through many leather coats and found a black one that I loved. I wear it with everything and every time I wear it, I am reminded of Rome. Overall, we went to many cathedrals and palaces as well as ate such delicious food. I am so thankful to have gotten to go on this trip especially with my family. I look forward to going back soon!

Traveling. A step out of an everyday routine. An escape from reality. An important part of my life and my favorite pass times. Traveling plays a key role in my life because it helps in defining me as a person. I enjoy pretending to live someone else’s everyday life and waking up in a new place to conquer. Each place special and uniquely different. This spring break I had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii with my best friend Camille. Surprisingly enough I had actually never been here considering this is where my dad was born. Hawaii was just as I had imagined. We had spent our time on Kauai. The minute I stepped off the plane I felt the warm breeze and the smell of beach fill my nostrils. Not just any beach though; the salty and sweet smell of fresh pineapples, comfortably warm ocean water, and loads of beach bum sunscreen. The first two nights were spent at a hotel on the ocean. It was just as I had seen in the movies. Everyone wearing luaus and smiling; tossing around “alohas” and “mahalos”. Because of the time change, I woke up at the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise.

Camille and I spent the days laying out on the beach listening to music. As much as I admired the beach and the sun, I didn’t realize the magnitude of the sun’s rays here unlike in Santa Barbara and soon enough, I felt fried despite the pounds of sunscreen I had applied to my skin, but a dip in the ocean fixed it right up. It was truly paradise. A city covered in nothing but nature and free spirits. Endless nights of fresh fish and late night swims. Sunsets like I have never seen before. The following nights were spent at a hotel on the edge of a cliff. Here we enjoyed the relaxing pool atmosphere along with the hot tub right outside our room. One of the most special spots we discovered was a beach cove. Here the water was clear and we were surrounded by palm trees full of coconuts and rocks. Our last day we spent the night at a small sushi restaurant and enjoyed miso soup, tuna rolls, and California rolls. I was sad to leave but I look forward to returning again soon.

Tag: #travel

Two Weeks in Europe

Days in Paradise