During my second semester of my sophomore year, the University of Connecticut (which will now be referred to as UConn from here on) provided me with the amazing experience that is known as education abroad. My class schedule was Monday through Thursday, which allowed for plenty of travel on the weekends. Although the weekends were incredible, they certainly did not compare to what was the ultimate spring break trip. During this trip, I was able to go to Berlin, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Paris, France and Barcelona Spain. Naturally, family and friends wanted to know what each and every place was like.
"How was the travel time? Did you like the food? Did you feel safe? Meet any cute guys? Did you go out? What was your favorite part?"
After being bombarded with endless questions, I tried to figure out a way to answer these to the best of my ability.
Throughout my experience, I realized that each place I went to had its own vibe and I thought that was really important to share.
The best way for me to break it down would be to describe each place as if it were someone you knew, and what better place to start than the beginning?
Some background on my experience in Berlin: The most memorable part of Berlin was learning about it. The walking
tour was extremely informative and the guide took us to some really
interesting places. At one point we were in a quad like area of an
apartment complex and the tour guide said: "about right where you're
standing is where Hitler's bunker was." It felt extremely eerie as he
explained the importance of that specific area. The city is filled with
memorials, places that played a significant role during the holocaust,
and of course the stories of the Berlin wall. It was a breathtaking
experience.
Berlin just called and wants to hang out:
Berlin is like that one kid you know with a lot of angst that still manages to be approachable by pretending to be enthused about all the mainstream stuff you like. Berlin is like the person who knows what's cool way before anyone else but isn't a hipster about it. Their style is mainly black and gray. Berlin is just the epitome of the word "cool." It's the friend that wears black every day but isn't labeled for it.
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Next up: Amsterdam
Some background on my experience in Amsterdam: I did not know what I was in for when I went to Amsterdam. I knew a lot
was legal but I didn't realize how it would be when I went there.
Basically, our hostel was in the middle of the red light district. So
our surroundings consisted of various venues for sex shows, brothels
with prostitutes standing in full-length windows illuminated by a red
light as they enticed people to come in. Many years
ago, when sailors would come home, women would be waiting for them with
lanterns lit with a red light because it was believed to be the most
flattering. When there wasn't a brothel or a sex show venue, there were
coffee shops. A lot of coffee shops. Not your average coffee shop of
course. Coffee shops are the places where you can get marijuana in almost
any form. You can buy it as is, you can buy it in an edible (weed
baked/cooked into a certain food), you can get it pre-rolled, so on and
so forth. The motto of Amsterdam is that if it's legal it will be easier
to regulate. So all of this stuff may sound like quite the recipe for a
wild night out, but there are strict regulations in order to maintain
safety. The contrast between the red light district and other parts of
Amsterdam is unreal. The crazy nightlife may be a huge part of the
experience but we also went to the Anne Frank house. It was like
flipping a switch. We weren't getting adrenaline from being surrounded
by what we know as illegal anymore. We were serious about getting
through the lights, sex, and drugs. We were getting an incomparable rush
from staring at Anne Frank's actual diary.
Amsterdam needs help studying! Or so you thought...
Amsterdam is that one friend that just does it all.
They literally go out every night and get crazy and wild, but wake up
for their 8am the next day and finish the semester with at least a 3.8.
They are always begging you to come out with them because they don't
understand that they are actually gifted with superhuman stamina and
it's extremely hard to say no to them even when you know they aren't the
best influence. They'll get you too drunk for your own good then
they'll help you study for an exam the next day. Absolutely a one of a
kind place.
Next up: Paris
Some background on my experience in Paris: This was my city. I was in awe the entire time. I knew that I could live here someday. Once we got to the Eiffel Tower I was speechless. I’ve never felt so lucky. I think a lot of it was created by build up. At this point, I had taken seven years of French and throughout those seven years, I never thought that I would ever even make it to France. It just meant the world to me that I had made it someplace I never thought I would be. As to be expected, I’m going to tell you it was beautiful. The architecture was one of my favorites here. Everything was so chic and cute. Something that always hits me hard is when I go to major sites in a different country and I see people on a run. This is life for them. A casual run past the Eiffel Tower is just a part of their daily routine while I’m holding back tears of amazement. I hoped to be in that position someday.
Paris just commented on your Instagram photo!
Who is Paris? Well, unfortunately, the rumors of Parisian’s hating Americans are very true. Well, it was for me, even if there is no hatred, they did not seem to be thrilled when we were around. Honestly, though I don’t blame them. They know they live in a beautiful city and they want to maintain it and keep it for themselves, as they should. I can understand when people say that Americans have a tendency to rob cities from locals with their tourism. At the end of the day you just have to power through it and hopefully, change their mind (About you individually at least!). Basically, Paris is the person who just always has their life together, even if they don’t actually, you would never ever know it. No matter what. They don’t have patience for people who don’t have their life together. They make an effort to look their best and be composed the entire time. They don’t tolerate those who do not make an effort. They are high maintenance because they prioritize quality. They are that one person that you will never see cry and they have mastered the art of the eye roll.
Last but not least: Barcelona
Some background on my experience in Barcelona: Barcelona was the best way to end this trip. It was significantly warmer and absolutely beautiful. The people were kind and our hostel was right on the beach. At this point, we were burnt out. It took a lot for us to make sure we get our history dose instead of laying on the beach, but we’re glad we made it. We went to Sagrada Familia and it was the first time I had seen a beautiful piece of architecture that wasn’t finished. I think it’s really cool that we’re around while it’s being built. It’s like we’re indirectly a part of it. We also went to this incredible market. They sold everything from fruit and veggies to fish and meat and even gummy candies to already prepared food. Also, their night life is ridiculous. They have crazy clubs right on the beach that creates such an awesome atmosphere. I know for a fact I will absolutely make an effort in the future to come back to Barcelona. It’s too good to pass up.
Barcelona isn't in class...again...
Who is Barcelona? Barcelona is that person who is completely adventurous and finds the coolest places and activities. Chances are high that you’ll never see them in class because they are so busy exploring. They believe that they are getting more out of their own expeditions in comparison to learning standard lessons in school. They have a short attention span because they are so engulfed by their surroundings. They are definitely earthy crunchy to a certain extent. Because Barcelona is beautiful and is known for its atmosphere, they would be a person who is very content with being in the moment and is very appreciative of something as simple as a sunny day.
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I hope this gives everyone a good idea on some of the most amazing places in the world! Do these places sound like anyone you know?
