A UNESCO World Heritage City, Ávila, Spain possesses a rich history. The home of Santa Teresa and an incredible number of Gothic and Roman churches, the ancient streets of the inner city have witnessed about twenty centuries of development. While I suggest trying a Yema (a traditional pastry) and their famous chuletón (a steak, often […]
The Untold Story of Africa
A lot of people living in Europe, North and South America, Asia, The Middle East and The Oceanic countries that have no first-hand experience with Africa rely on international headlines from news agencies to get a glimpse of what happens in Africa. Truthfully speaking, most international news agencies across the globe paint Africa in a […]
Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is a magical place. As soon as you step foot off the train, take a look up the mountain towards the castle and you’ll know what I mean. The quaint town, just a 40 minute train ride from the center of Lisbon (Rossio/Restauradores Station), is enveloped in a mystical haze and full of parks […]
Becoming Fluent While Abroad
How to Become Fluent in the Language of Your Host Country There are so many reasons to study abroad. Maybe you want to explore a place you have always dreamed of visiting, or maybe you want to travel somewhere completely new to you. Whatever the reason behind your decision, chances are that once you arrive, […]
Coming Home: Harder Than It Seems
Everyone says going abroad changes your life, and to some degree, it does for everyone in one way or another. Whether your worldview is challenged, you fall in love, you learn a new language, or you experience something out of your comfort zone, you really don’t know how much a place has changed you until […]
Guide to Packing for Study Abroad
Guide to Packing for Living in Europe… or Anywhere with Seasons… You’re down to the one-week mark before your adventure abroad begins and you find yourself in a packing panic. How in the world can you fit my entire LIFE into one or two suitcases? How will you squeeze in five months and three seasons […]
Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark
No trip to Copenhagen is complete without having a photo-op at the famous harbor. Nyhavn, which means “New Harbor” in Danish, is home to the colorful, picturesque townhouses often featured on postcards or in travel magazines. Originally constructed by King Christian V, the earliest building, No. 9, dates back to as early as 1681. Nyhavn offered […]
Tangier, Morocco
Anyone looking to explore a new land and experience a vibrant culture should not miss a trip to Tangier, Morocco. Tangier is the northernmost city of Morocco, located at the tip of the Strait of Gibraltar. On a clear day, you can see across the water to nearby Spain. Most travel here by plane or […]
Digging a Little Deeper
The Pomada is the signature drink of Menorca. On the surface, it’s just gin and lemon soda splashed on ice. But, if you dig a little deeper, it’s a perfect symbol for the island itself. The gin used in the cocktail is from an 18th Century recipe and concocted with a curious addition: wine alcohol. […]
Three Steps to Russia
6 weeks before trip: Let me preface this story by telling you that I live in Madrid, Spain, and my travel partner, Megan, lives in Seville. We had to apply for a visa to visit Russia so Megan planned a weekend visit to Madrid so we could go together to the Russian Embassy and apply. […]