Iceland

Reykjavik

Blue Lagoon

First stop on the way to Reykjavik— the quintessential Blue Lagoon. It was like bathing in a mystical, steamy bath with black sand and a surplus of DIY sulfur masks. Can this happen after every flight?

Iceland has free transportation from the blue lagoon to your hostel. Most tours will pick up/drop off too—one less thing you have to pay for. I met up with a couple friends at Hostel Floki—a hostel within walking distance of the city centre. 

The beds are comfier then they look. The hostel exceeded my expectations—there was free breakfast, ample living space and clean bathrooms. The only issue—you have to pay for blankets—which next time, I indubitably will. I woke up in the middle of the night FREEZING and the only thing I could think of was to put my feet through the sleeves of my jacket—not my best idea, but it worked.

Also, if you're afraid of the dark, Iceland is the place for you. If you're not, pack an eye mask. It was light out all through the night, causing quite the confusion when it was actually time to "wake up".

This beautiful church, Hallgrimskirkja, was only a few minute walk from the hostel. If you stare at it long enough, it looks like a bunch of dominos ready to be knocked down. 

Behind the church was Cafe Loki—an affordable place where you can try traditional Icelandic cuisines like fermented shark, or more normal dishes, like rye bread ice cream. Whatever you try, get ready for rye bread… a lot of rye bread.  

If you like rice cakes—you will LOVE riskakas. They are chocolate covered rice cakes sold at local cafes. 

Geysers, oh my! I was lucky enough to catch this one erupt scalding water and steam above the earth. Geysers only exist in a few places around the world, so catching one is a pretty rare phenomenon. I have to admit, I was swept off me feet. 

Taking a Golden Circle tour is a really good idea in Iceland. You will get to see geysers, waterfalls and amazing views--like the one below. 

I was told by a local, do not step on the moss—you never know if you will fall right through. I'd say that is a good enough reason to look and not touch. 

Icelandic horses are arguably the most beautiful horses in the world. After seeing them, I'd have to agree. They are more the size of ponies, but they are still called "horses".

It is not unusual to find random hula hoops on the sidewalk.

Its even more common to see eclectic artwork on the sidewalks. This was hard not to stare at and wonder—what in the world? 

Takeaways from Iceland

• Bring layers, A LOT of layers

• Skyrr yogurt is the BEST

• The blue lagoon and sulfur masks are worth every penny

• Bring an eye mask—Sunset was 12:04 and sunrise is at 2:55AM

• NICEST people I have eve met

• There are minimal American chains

• Rye bread ice-cream is Amazing

• The waffle truck at 4AM is a must

• The Golden Circle Tour is worth it to see the top attractions

England

London

I woke up in London after my red eye from Boston. My first stop, the British Museum. It's FREE and the amount of Ancient Egyptian artifacts is amazing. They have the Rosetta stone- THE ROSETTA STONE. 

The hotel was right in Russell Square—SO close to the British Museum. 

Calling all Harry Potter fans! After unsuccessfully searching INSIDE the train station, I finally found Platform 9 3/4 outside and it is a BIG tourist attraction.

Harrods was amazing. They have a whole floor dedicated to gourmet foods. By the time you leave, you will be so full from all the samples you may have to walk back to Russell Square—I did! 

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The tube is WAY cooler than the MBTA. "Mind the gap", how polite. In Boston, you'd be lucky to fill the gap on an overcrowded train. 

London bridge is falling down, falling down. The nursery song comes to life in this photo. 

It is mostly overcast and rainy in London, but if you can catch a nice day to ride the London Eye, DO IT!

River Thames is filled with kayakers, boats and some brown water. I did take a pretty nice river cruise that provided a unique view of London. 

My favorite photo of the whole trip—BIG BEN. It is gorgeous in person and in this picture. 

If you take the London Eye at night, it provides a spectacular view of the city all lit up.

Bath 

I took a tour that made a stop in the city of Bath, England. It was a really cool experience that took you back to 1897. 

Wiltshire 

Stonehenge—one of the wonders of the word is more than a circle of rocks, t’s a prehistoric monument. I stared at these giant stones wondering, what is the purpose and how did these rocks get here? 

How did someone lift these stone!?

There was plenty of farm land on the way back to London. I tried to snap some photos from the bus. 

Takeaways from England:

• The British Museum is the BEST and FREE

• The tube is really easy to figure out

• The food in London is way better than people tell you

• There are many Hookah bars

• The city is very walkable and I felt really safe walking around at night

• There are many free things to do: museums, churches, and parks

• Prêt A Manger (which is now in the states) is a really yummy cafe. The chicken pesto sandwich is my fav and the fudge brownies are great

• Fish and chips and afternoon tea is quintessential London... so try them both—maybe not at the same time

Netherlands

Amsterdam

Biking in Amsterdam is the most popular form of getting around (they are everywhere)! It makes sense that there are more bikes than inhabitants.  I stayed at Shelter Jordan, a hostel a 15 min walk to the red light district. It was a really convenient location and breakfast was included—french toast! The bunk beds were pretty comfy and their was a sink in the room which was a bit odd—but useful? 

I ventured past four canals and I was in the red light district. It is SO busy—You have to watch out for bikes, trains, and cars as you cross the street. 

There were beautiful flower shops along the canals with lush gerber daises and tulip bulbs. It is no surprise that Amsterdam is home to some of the most beautiful flowers in the world (except for my moms flower shop)!  

There are many "coffee shops".

Since it was raining, I decided to take up jewelry making for the day. 

I may have eaten my fair share of dutch pancakes. They are SO good and melt in your mouth.

YUM. 

"Venice of the North" The canals of Amsterdam are a city symbol and of great cultural value. 

Takeaways from Amsterdam:

• Try the Dutch pancakes

• Shelter Jordan hostel is a really nice, clean place to stay--for VERY cheap

• Walkable city--you can walk from the train to the red-light district, hostel etc

• Watch out for all the bikers

• If you like beer, check out the Heineken Experience tour at the old brewery. It is a bit $$

France

Paris

The City of Love. I only had one full day to explore Paris, so I walked over 12 miles--stopping at every bakery along the way.

The Notre Dame--under construction. There was no way getting a picture that did not have a giant yellow crane in it...but the architecture was still remarkable. 

At the popular attractions, people will come up to you and ask for money. It happened to me many times. SO just be cautious. There are also military guards with assault riffles--it makes you feel "safe". 

The Louvre is open every day except Tuesday. I went to Paris on a Tuesday. Sad. But this picture makes up for it. 

My love for macarons started at Laduree, and I've been addicted ever since. At $3 a pop, these flavor packed, bite size "cookies" are considered  a gourmet treat. Don't even try to take a picture inside--"taking picture of the pastries is not permitted". None the less, Laduree on Champs-Elysees should be high on your list.

How do I have such a central shot of the Arc de Triomphe? I got stuck in the middle of the road when the light changed. 

Takeaways from Paris--

• EAT--bread, macarons, chocolate, crepes...with Nutella

• Walk it off-walk throughout the city and you will get a close up look of all the sites

• Be Careful-there are a lot of people who will ask you for money

• It is really hard to find a bathroom in the city, and if you ask, be prepared to be ignored

• There are a lot of free things to see: Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and The Notre Dame