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Budapest Highlights: What to See in Hungaryβs Capital
Before arriving in Budapest, I didn’t know very much about it! I had my list of things to do and see in Budapest, but knew little to nothing of the history of the city. Between the fascinating history, affordable prices, spas, and nightlife, this city quickly won me over. I spent nearly 5 full days in Budapest and was still upset to leave! This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. If youβre planning a trip, check out myΒ hotel recommendations for some great places to stay in Budapest. I try to go on walking tours when exploring a new city. After peeking…
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TAPIF – Pros and Cons
When I accepted a position with TAPIF, I knew that there would be some drawbacks. Β I read some blogs from past assistants to get a better idea of what it would be like. Β So far, this has been an amazing experience and I am so glad to be here. Β That being said, there’s a lot I wish I had known or better understood beforehand. Β Here’s my personal Pro/Con list of the program from my experience thus far. TAPIFΒ Benefits Opportunity to Live in France It is really difficult for Americans to acquire a Visa in France.Β This job provides the opportunity to live in France for 7 months and get paid!…
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24 Hours in Brussels: A Perfect Day in Belgium’s Capital
Brussels is the capital of Belgium, and home to the infamous Mannequin Pis.Β When my mother visited in December, we dedicated two days to visiting both the capital of Belgium and the nearby charming city of Bruges.Β Although Brussels is quite large for just a one-day visit, it’s manageable to see the highlights during that timeframe. Brussels by Day We started the day in Brussels by checking out the Eglise Saint NicolasΒ and the little shops around Grand Place. Β During December, there were several Christmas markets around. Β As we walked around the center city we peeked at the various huts of food, crafts, and tchotchkes. Β Grand Place is absolutely stunning, both…
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Only Lyon: France’s Best Kept Secret
What I love most about France is that each region of the country is so different from the next. There are so many different cultures and traditions within this country alone! Lyon is the third largest city in France, behind Paris and Marseille. Situated in the middle of the RhΓ΄ne-Alpes region, this city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It used to be an important site for silk production. Lyon sits right where the RhΓ΄ne and SaΓ΄ne rivers meet. Plan your visit and check out my hotel recommendations! The FΓͺte des LumiΓ¨resΒ takes place in Lyon every winter. Another interesting tidbit involving the term LumiΓ¨re – Lyon was home of the…
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Travel Tips: Planning a Cheap Trip in Europe like a Pro
The best part of being in Europe is taking advantage of how close and accessible all the different countries are! Β Getting to Europe and back from the States may be a long and pricey flight, but once in Europe it’s super easy to frolic around for cheap! Β During my semester studying in France, I became familiar with some of the resources for cheap travel. Β Now that I am working in France for 8 months, I am taking advantage of all these resources ! Β Here’s how I typically plan out a trip. 1. Pick a destination Sometimes I choose my destination based on an event or time constraint. Β How long of…
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Life as a TAPIF Language Assistant
Let me describe a typical day in the life of a Language Assistant in the TAPIF program. This is part of an excerpt from my journal: Today is Wednesday. As of Sunday at 8:30pm, I had ZERO classes scheduled for the week! I had to reach out to my prof rΓ©fΓ©rent to be like “uhhh… what should I do?” He emailed everyone reminding them to fill in my schedule, but made sure I knew not to worry about coming in Monday because it was already late. Anywho, I’m scheduled for an 8am Tuesday. My coworker drives me to work that day as she lives near me. We barely arrive on…
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A Day in Luxembourg City
In my New Year’s post, I mentioned briefly that I visited a new country in December! I visited Luxembourg City. Luxembourg is the small country at the intersection of France, Belgium, and Germany’s borders. The country is only 2,586 sq km! I was curious about the size ranking so I looked it up and apparently Luxembourg is only the 28th smallest country! I thought it would be higher on the list. Anywho, I went to Luxembourg City, the capital of Luxembourg, with my momma in tow. This was one of the stops we made on our little Christmas week voyage. I partially chose the city just to break up one…
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Lyon’s FΓͺte des LumiΓ¨res: A Celebration of Lights
Every year, Lyon hosts the amazingΒ FΓͺte des LumiΓ¨res (Festival of Lights). It takes place over a three day period on a long weekend. About a month ago, I headed south to Lyon with a friend to explore the city by day and the lights by night! The FΓͺte des LumiΓ¨res website provides an idea of the different installations there will be ahead of time. I didn’t have time to check out the website beforehand, but luckily all the hotels and hostels in Lyon are prepared with tons of pamphlets for the festival. Check out my recommended hotel picks for Lyon if planning a visit! There was also an app for…
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2016 – A Year in Review
I have a lot to write about since my last post, but I’m going to catch up on that stuff next year π . Β As New Years EveΒ approached, I started thinking about my year and decided I should write a blog before the New Year begins! Β The year 2016 was a big one for me. Β I’m having trouble wrapping my head around all that has happened and all the travel I was able to do in merely 12 months! I started off the year working at a law firm in Washington, D.C. Β Having watched my father build an impressive career in the public sector, I have never wanted anything less…
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Iconic Amsterdam: Canals, Coffee Shops & Culture
Amsterdam is one of the most iconic port cities in Europe! Β Famous for its beautiful canals, red light district, and coffee shops, this city was at the top of my bucket list.Β I visited Amsterdam while studying abroad in 2013, and I was happy to revisit the city in 2016! Walking Tour During my first visit to Amsterdam, I went on my first ever Free Walking Tour. After enjoying it so much, I began seeking similar tours in other destinations. It sounds like it’d be redundant, but I decided to start off my second stay in Amsterdam with another walking tour! I used the same company, but obviously I had…
