Lydia's European Blog

Home

I made it home safe and sound. I had an incredible flight. I was able to watch a couple movies, listen to music and I had extra feet room. The plane even had a video recorder on the plane so I was able to watch the plane land.

When I arrived to Chicago I was a little annoyed because I had to go to the other side of the airport and I had to go through security again. My flight was moved up but I still had plenty of time. The flight to Green Bay was easy as it was only a half hour. In no time I was on the ground and seeing my family. I was really happy to see my mom and sister and then to go home and meet the new puppy. I always forget that I live in a little piece of paradise.

I was so blessed to have the support of family and friends throughout this incredible journey. I’m sad that my adventure is over but I am excited to start the next chapter of my life.

The end of a journey

On my second to last day in Europe, we went to Valladolid to see Rachel’s host mom from when Rachel studied abroad. We had to get up and catch the bus early in the morning so that we could be there for most of the day. I slept most of the way so when we arrived I was ready to see the city. Rachel’s host mom, Isabel, was so excited to see Rachel. After introductions we went to get churros and chocolate before getting driven around the city to see the highlights. I didn’t understand much because Isabel doesn’t know English but Rachel was doing her best to translate. Isabel showed us her shop before dropping us off to explore the city more. We walked around for a little while and saw street performers and Rachel’s old University.

After walking around the city, we stopped my the park and then we went to Rachel’s old home for a home made dinner and dessert. The park was awesome because we saw so many beautiful fountains and there were also peacocks. I was really looking forward to dinner though because it was a traditional Spanish meal that included rice, tomato sauce, fried egg and fried bananas. It was amazing and I was so full after that. We rested for a bit before heading out to the beach. There was a beautiful area with flowers next to the beach too. It was really hot out so we didn’t stay too long but it was a great day. Soon after we headed back to Madrid.

For our final day in Madrid, we slept in before making our way to the park and wandering around Madrid. The park was beautiful and we even found a giant tent that was inside Crystal Palace. The tent was random but it was really beautiful. Since it was so sunny and hot day so we did make a quick stop around lunch for Sangria and tapas. Before dinner we went home to pack for a little while so we could relax and not feel rushed. It was really sad going to get dinner and then seeing last sights of Madrid.

It has been a crazy wonderful experience in Europe and I was sad to leave in the morning to make my journey home.

Last stop.. Madrid

Madrid started off fairly well as we made it to the airport with plenty of time and although our larger bags had to be checked we made it to our flight. Things took a turn for the worse when we arrived and Libby’s bag that she was forced to check didn’t show up. Mine and Rachel’s bag arrived but unfortunately this was not the case for Libby. We had to wait a little while in the airport but we took a taxi and made it to our air bnb accommodation. It was really great because we have a huge terrace and we don’t have to share a room anymore! After getting settled we went to dinner, explored the area and then got Libby some temporary clothes. It was a pretty stressful day so we just relaxed for the evening. Our accommodation has a host family so that was really wonderful because they showed us the best places to sightsee and they were able to call the airport and speak Spanish instead of only English.

In the morning, Libby received an email that her bag was found but unfortunately that meant we were stuck waiting around for it. We did end up going out before the bag arrived but not as early as I was thinking. We took the bus to the city center and then walked through a market area before meeting for a tour. I was really excited because at the market we all got bracelets to remember this trip. The bracelets were also awesome because they are made of silk! After our purchase we started the walking tour and it was really interesting and we were able to see all of the old city center of Madrid. I was beautiful and sunny out so it made the trip even better. It did get a little too hot for a while but we did take a break and I got a slushy. After the tour we went to get Rachel’s photos she printed and the. Went home to get ready for the Flamenco Show.

Oldest restaurant that has never closed since it was opened.

We went back to the center of Madrid a little early for our show so we could get dinner. The show was really amazing and so much fun to watch. All the singers, musicians and dancers were so passionate about their art. It was incredible. After the show we went home because we had to leave at 7:30am to go to Valladolid.

I am enjoying my last couple of days abroad. It will be hard to go home after so much excitement and adventure.

Sounds of Music

The friends we met when we first arrived told us about a city not far from Munich that is worth a visit. So on Thursday, we went with them to Salzburg to explore the city. It was a cheap train ride away and totally worth it because some of the city was used in the filming of the Sound of Music! You heard me correctly, Julie Andrews was there! After a quick bit to eat in the market and a few sights, I quickly found Mirabell gardens that was used for the filming of ‘Do Re Mi’ song. I was able to walk through the trees, jump through the tunnel, stand next to the fountain, and jump on the stairs that were used in the movie! It was amazing.

After that we walked through a good portion of the city to make it up to Nonnburg Abbey and the castle. It was absolutely gorgeous and sunny out. The city looked like a picture. When we climbed up to the castle we also found a gorgeous view of the city. I loved just walking around the city although I was a little sad that I wasn’t able to get down to the house used in the film because it was too far. I was still really happy with the day and that I got to share it with some incredible people.

After the long hike to the castle we got ice cream, relaxed by the water and then got some dinner before heading back to the train. as we were leaving the bells were ringing in the churches and it sounded exactly like the movie. I almost cried I was so happy. It was just a wonderful day with some amazing friends.

After we made it home, I started packing to go to Madrid in the morning before heading to bed. I was a long day so I was happy to get some rest before starting the next adventure in Madrid.

Exploring Munich and a castle

It was supposed to rain all day Tuesday so wet it up a little later, did laundry and ate breakfast at the hostel before heading out. We stayed close and went shopping so we could avoid the rain. The weird part though was that it never started raining. After getting the shoes Libby was looking for we went to a bier graden for lunch. I had Vienna sausage which tasted like a homemade hotdog that you would get at a meat market and a bread dumpling. The dumpling was amazing but I had way too much food. After we walked around the market area before heading to see another bier garden. I was getting a little tired though so we headed back to the hostel to relax for a while. Refreshed from the break, we bought tickets to Valladolid for when we are in Spain and went to bed early.

The next morning we went to breakfast and then met with our tour group to see the Neuschwanstein Castle that was the inspiration for the Cinderella Castle in Disney World. The castle was beautiful and it was interesting hearing about why it was made and the misterious death of the King who made it. King Ludwig was passionate for the arts but secretive and indecisive about his work. The castle was never finished because he spent so much money and he died before it was completed. It was a good day full of laughs, steps and train rides. I love that my friends are here with me because it turns every adventure into a crazy wonderful experience.

I am looking forward to tomorrow and going to Austria for the day and then heading to Madrid for the final leg of my journey.

Munich

When we arrived in Germany it was a little weird at first because we weren’t quite sure how to get to the hostel and none of us know English. It all worked out perfectly though because the hostel is right next to the train that goes to the airport. Since we had an early flight we arrived at the hostel way before checkin so we stayed in the hostel and relaxed before we went to our room. The hostel is really nice and it almost seemed like a hotel! Once settled in our room we went and walked around Munich. I was a little worried because it looked like it would rain but all was well. After a quick snack and going to St. Michaels Church we headed back to the hostel.

When we got back we had roommates and we talked to them for a while. Two of them, Jäger and Stephon, were actually Getman and brought us to dinner at the Hofbräuhaus. It was so much fun because it was a restaurant and a brewery combined so the drinks were brewed and served straight out of the original barrels. I had so much fun and it was awesome to hear about Germany from people who lived and studied im Germany. It was a little sad because they were heading to Austria in the morning but we were able to book a day trip to Salzburg together for Thursday so we will see them again!

Beer barrel that is used as a tap. Also that wasn’t all our beer and food!

On Monday, we headed to a free walking tour and learned more about the city of Munich. It was a really good tour although we did find ourselves a tad bored sometimes. We did get to see quite a lot of Munich and Libby did really well despite still needing her crutches. During the break on the tour we got a chance to get a pretzel which was amazing and the size of my head. After the tour, we stopped at the host for a quick rest and to get some odds and ends done before heading back to the old city center to see the view of the city in the tower and going to the English Gardens. The tower was gorgeous but the gardens was a little sad as it started raining. I sill enjoyed the walk and exploring.

Memorial to Michael Jackson on an old statue.

It was a wonderful first two days in Munich and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week has to offer.

Leaving the sunshine

On Friday, we woke up pretty early to go to the market. The market was really wonderful because there was so much fresh fruit and drinks. After a quick stop, we headed over to Font Magica de Montjuic and the Art Museum. We didn’t go in the museum but it was a gorgeous area. After we made it to the top and took all the pictures we wanted we went to the beach. I was looking forward to the beach because I wanted to get some sun and just relax. I even got a massage. It was a little weird getting a massage on the beach but it was amazing. Once we had our fill of sun, beach, drinks and snacks, we went to dinner before going to a Pub Crawl. I’m not a fan of pub Crawls but We wanted to meet more people and be social before we have to leave.

On Saturday we headed back to the beach. We were only there for a couple of hours before we headed to our FC Barcelona soccer game. It was only about a half our train ride and a couple flights of steps before we made it to our seats. We weren’t supposed to be sitting next to each other but lucky an empty seat and a nice man switching seats let us all sit together. The stadium was packed too so it was an amazing experience. The game was fast paced but ended in a tie. I still had a great time and since Barcelona won the league we got to see them accept their Cup and celebrate. By the end the field was covered in confetti. The game was at night so by the time we got home, we ate dinner, finished packing and went out for drinks with the friends we made.

In the morning we had our 7:00am flight to Munich. We were a little rushed because our alarms didn’t go off. We made it to the airport just fine though but we cut it a little too close. If Libby hadn’t been hurt and didn’t get a wheelchair, I don’t think we would have made our flight. Since our flight was so early we ended up sleeping on the flight. I’m looking forward to Germany and the sights. So far everything worked out and the hostel seemed to be really nice.

Barcelona happenings

Wednesday morning we woke up and joined the free walking tour. Although it was raining, we still had a great time and We learned quite a bit. After the tour Libby hurt her ankle so we had to go home quick though the metro. It was really bad too because she was crying and Rachel had to carry her up the stairs and back to the hostel. We took a break for a while after that to give her a break. Since we didn’t want to loose a day, we headed out to the beach and Libby was walking with a cane. The Mediterranean Sea was just gorgeous and the water was warm. It was incredible.

On the way home Libby was able to find crutches and she was feeling a lot better because her foot didn’t hurt with the crutches. I’m really happy that she was able to find those because we have quite a bit of trip left so it would have been horrible if she was in pain the whole time. When we got home we went to the dinner night at the hostel to meet people. I had a lot of fun and a successful full first day in Barcelona.

The next day we slept in, made breakfast and then went out for the day. We wanted to rent electric scooters but it took forever to find and then when we arrived we found out they don’t travel that far. It wasn’t a lost cause though as we rented electric bikes. Once we had the bikes we biked up to Basilica de las Sagrada Familia and a park that was designed by and featured Gaudi’s work. It was long and tiring but we made it to the top of the hill and had a gorgeous view of Barcelona. Libby was still on crutches but she was able to bike just fine. After walking around the park we headed back to the beach to return the bikes and get some dinner. The food was amazing and I even had the chance to try Paella. After a day full of biking and walking I was exhausted and happy to head to the hostel and take a break to relax.

Although we had a few glitches, Barcelona has been amazing and I can’t wait to see what we do for our least two days.

Some sights and my best friends

My second day in Prague was stressful but also amazing. I had to switch rooms which was annoying because I had lost my room for a while. I did get a chance to walk around though. After that I tried to print my boarding pass to Barcelona but was annoyed to find that their internet wasn’t working so I ran all the way to the place for nothing. I made it back to the hostel and had time to relax before heading to my tour of Prague Castle.

It was absolutely gorgeous out andthe tour was interesting and engaging. We started with a tram ride and seeing a beautiful panorama view of the city before going into the castle area and exploring the grounds which includes St. Vitus Cathedral. I was awestruck by the Beaty of the city and I wasn’t surprised why everyone who went from my London Internship group said they loved it.

Looking out over the balcony to see the city

After the tour, I went home so that I could print, eat, and get ready for my flight to Barcelona tomorrow. I couldn’t get my boarding pass to print so I hopefully my airline will print it at a kiosk. I was really nervous but I did all I could do. After everything, Prague was beautiful but I am ready for the sunshine and beach with my two best friends!

I was nervous about my flight but everything went perfect, I had a row to myself and I got a free sandwich. When I arrived in Barcelona, I took the bus, train and then walked to the hostel. It was really easy and I got to see my best friends! I found them asleep but we soon went out to find food and explore. We walked around the park and down by the port before heading back. Sadly it was raining so that was crazy but it was so nice to see my best friends again.

That night we relaxed for a bit and met some new people. I am extremely excited to start the last leg of my journey with my two beautiful best friends.

On to the next adventure!

My last day in Brussels wasn’t too exciting. I mostly just wandered around the city to explore areas I hadn’t been to yet. Brussels is displaying it’s pride which is really awesome because there are rainbows everywhere and today there was a colorguard performance. I also found a pop up market which was good fun. I was struggling to find ice cream though. I really miss gelato but I couldn’t seem to find any that isn’t just individually packaged. It was a really nice day out. I will miss Belgium and waffles.

On Saturday, I made my way to Prague. Everything with my transfers and flight went really well. The only thing that was disappointing was the hostel. The hostel is nice but the computers don’t have USB ports so I still can’t get my work done. My room was a little disappointing as well because while I paid for a five person room, the room is joining so it’s like there are ten. Also when au came back after unpacking someone was laying in my bed. I left clothes under the pillow but apparently she didn’t notice so now I have a top bunk. I also found out that I will be switching rooms my last night which is frustrating because I paid for a room the whole time and I’m not getting one. Despite those glitches, it was a nice first day is Prague. I walked around for a little while and got some food before going to bed.

I got up bright and early for the free breakfast and then went on a walking tour. On the tour I got a chance to see the Astronomical Clock, The Jewish Quarter and quite a bit of the city. The tour guide was alright but some of his jokes were confusing because I wasn’t sure always if they were actually jokes or facts. It was still a really good tour and I learned quite a bit.

After the tour I made a quick stop at my hostel before wandering on my own. I went to Wenceslas Square, Pomnik Sateno Vackava, Charles Bridge and the Lennon Wall. I was a little worried about the bridge because the tour guide said it was madness but it actually wasn’t that bad and the people seeking things didn’t hassle tourists so that was nice. Lennon Wall was a little underwhelming as I expected it to be a lot bigger but it was still good to see. After that did some odds and ends like buying tour tickets, getting dinner and booking my airport transfer. I called it an early night because I had to pack so that I could move to a new room in the morning.