One month ago today, I returned home from my study abroad trip from Europe. Three weeks of visiting Italy, France and England, this trip was an adventure of a lifetime. Europe helped me cross some experiences I have had on my bucket list, and you future traveler should have on your list when you visit overseas.
1. Try new foods- pasta dishes, duck, bruschetta, wild boar with penne. Every meal is fresh and made with perfection. If you're a picky eater, now is your chance to get outside your comfort zone and try new foods. Trust me, after a long day of walking 5-10 miles, you'll be very hungry, anything would sound good to eat.
2. Walk up 314 steps of a Bell Tower- best tower is in Florence next to the Duomo church. Yes the stairs are crowded and your legs will burn, but there are different levels where you can see the Duomo. Plus when you reach the top, you can see the whole city of Florence. Just remember- wear good athletic shoes.
3. Take a hike along the Italian Rivera. Cinque Terre, a gorgeous area of five villages with hillsides linking each village together. From Riomaggorie to Manorolia, take some time out of your day and hike a few hours. It is a good exercise, yet is is the scenery that takes your breath away. Just make sure you have your camera and good hiking shoes too.
4. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower and work your way down- you get to explore the history of the Eiffel Tower from the creator himself, Gustave Eiffel. He used to live in a little apartment with his daughter Claire up on the top of the tower, so they could look out to the city of Paris every evening. Then as you get down to the second level, there are little shops and souvenirs where you can buy a keepsake to tell your adventures of Paris.
5. Visit the Beatles Store- our parents grew up listening to the Beatles, and their songs will forever be classics. The Beatles Store has a wide variety of apparel, keychains, bookmarks, and vinyl records. You get the feel of why our parents loved dancing to their music at home, and because of the Beatles, where our generation of music receives their creativity for songs.
6. Recreate the Beatles picture on Abbey Road- this is one adventure that is fun to take pictures with your friends. Only a couple blocks away from the Beatles store, Abbey Road is a popular site for thousands of tourists. Make sure to have sunglasses and someone to take your pictures. One note, please respect drivers trying to get home, make sure to let them pass before you take your picture.
7. Take a ride on the London Eye- you can see the whole city of London. Across the river from the Eye is Westminster Abbey, where you can take pictures of the Abbey at different levels. Plus the best part is feeling at the top of the world when the London Eye reaches it peak at its top.
8. Go see a play at West End- it is similar to Broadway in New York. Best recommended plays- Wicked, Mamma Mia and Kinky Boots. You will come away singing and dancing to the top of your lungs, wanting to be on stage with the cast.