Europe
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Germany Off the Beaten Path: SchwΓ€bisch GmΓΌnd
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. A thirty minute trainride from Stuttgart in Southern Germany is the small town of SchwΓ€bisch GmΓΌnd.Β Though a much lesser known destination for tourists, the town is well worth visiting for its architecture, charming alleyways, and historic town center.Β Β My friend’s Opa lives in this charming town and we visited for a few weeks in 2014.Β I really enjoyed exploring the city and the surrounding attractions. Cities like SchwΓ€bisch GmΓΌnd that are more off the beaten path offer an unexpected cultural experience. Below are my highlights of SchwΓ€bisch GmΓΌnd. Historischer Marktplatz Historischer Marktplatz, or…
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A Day in Heidelberg, Germany: Old Town, Old Bridge, and Castle Views
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Heidelberg is a charming university town in Baden-WΓΌrttemberg, in southwestern Germany.Β This picturesque city is somewhat of a hidden gem, with a more small-town feel.Β Heidelberg is an easy day trip from Stuttgart or Frankfurt.Β Here are my highlights of Heidelberg, that all fit into one afternoon! Heidelberg is home to Heidelberg University, founded in the 14th century, as well as European Molecular Biology Laboratory and other research facilities. Old Bridge Theodore Heuss BrΓΌcke, commonly called Old Bridge, is an 18th century bridge crossing the Neckar River.Β This bridge offers beautiful views of the…
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Day Trip from Dublin: Malahide Castle and Howth
When I spent a weekend in Dublin, I wanted to take a day trip but wasn’t sure where or how I would go. I visited the tourism office and browsed the available tours. There was a Sunday afternoon tour to visit Malahide Castle and Gardens and the nearby village Howth! Both are not far from Dublin and can easily be visited in an afternoon.Β Malahide Castle and Gardens The tour began at Malahide Castle and Gardens. The medieval castle was gifted to Richard Talbot by King Henry II in 1185. The castle remained in the Talbot Family until 1975 when it was sold to the State. The Castle is only…
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When in Rome: Can’t Miss Sites
Rome is a quintessential tourist destination. The capital of Italy, this city is home to so many iconic places!Β From the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps, there are so many things to do and see! Rome wasn’t built in a day. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it certainly cannot be toured in only one day either!!Β Below are some of the can’t miss sites in this stunning city: Piazza del Popolo Piazza del Popolo, or the People’s Square, sits just beside Villa Borghese.Β This square is super lively with performers and tourists.Β The piazza was a place for public executions until 1826!Β You can climb the hill at…
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Lille at Christmas: Visiting the MarchΓ© de NoΓ«l de Lille
Every year, Lille hosts a Christmas Market complete with a giant ferris wheel! From the end of November until New Year’s you can enjoy Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city. MarchΓ© de NoΓ«l de Lille is the largest Christmas market in Northern France! Apparently this tradition is centuries old.Β Β Grand Place A 164ft Ferris Wheel stands in Grand Place during the holiday season, in addition to a Christmas Tree and other decorations.Β Β Riding the Ferris Wheel is absolute must – the views from the top are unreal! Definitely wrap up if you’re going to ride the Ferris Wheel because it can be quite windy up there!Β Β I rode the…
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Holiday Magic in Paris: Experiencing the City of Lights at Christmas
I recently posted about Paris in the fall.Β However, Paris is especially magical at Christmas-time. Β By mid-November, Paris is completely decked out for the holidays. The city is covered in lights and decorations, everywhere you go!Β There is a ton to do in the City of Light near the holidays.Β Here are some of my favorites: Galeries Lafayette As if Galeries Lafayettes wasn’t already stunning enough, every year it has a new Christmas Tree design. Β The year I spent Christmas in Paris, the tree was made out of recycled paper! Β The interactive window displays were all made with the recycled materials theme. Β The tree was very intricate, with polar bears…
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Strasbourg, Alsace: The Capital of Christmas
Strasbourg is on the eastern border of France in the Alsace Region.Β This city has gone back and forth between being part of France and part of Germany, which has created an interesting blend of both the culture and the architecture.Β Strasbourg is well-known for its annual Christmas market, or ChristkindelsmΓ€rik.Β Β Strasbourg isn’t a large city, and the Christmas market is spread across town.Β The best way to explore the markets is definitely by foot.Β There is plenty of vin chaud / gluhwein (mulled wine) to help warm up!Β There are also fires to stand by scattered around the markets.Β One of my favorite parts is the decorated Rue MerciΓ¨re…
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The Bone Church: Sedlec Ossuary
“The Bone Church,” or Sedlec Ossuary, is one of the most unique attractions in the Czech Republic and an easy day trip from Prague. Located on the grounds of a former abbey in KutnΓ‘ Hora, the church is just a 50-minute train ride from the Czech capital. Train tickets are inexpensive, and local buses connect the train station with the ossuary and the rest of the historic city, making it easy to visit without a car. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply seeing one of Europe’s most unusual landmarks, KutnΓ‘ Hora is a worthwhile addition to any Prague itinerary. This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a…
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I Love Paris in the Fall: Three Best Autumn Activities
I love Paris in the springtime.I love Paris in the fall.I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles,I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles. My Grandfather used to sing me this song and replace Paris with Shelby. π Just as the song says, I love Paris all times of the year! It is my absolute favorite city. Until my teaching assignment, I had only visited Paris during the other three seasons of the year. Exploring Paris in the Fall with the beautiful changing leaves is something else entirely! Autumn provides great weather for exploring the city on foot (with a jacket of course), with significantly less tourists…
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Day Trip to Medieval Saint-Γmilion: Wine, Cobblestones, and Culture
As I mentioned in my previous blogΒ post, Bordeaux is a famous wine-growing region in southwestern France. You can’t visit Bordeaux without sampling some wine!! My friend and I booked a day trip through the Tourist Office to visit a nearby vineyard and the medieval town of Saint-Γmilion. The day trip only cost 30β¬ and included two glasses of wine at the vineyard! Saint-Γmilion is a World Heritage Site named after a monk who settled there in the 8th century, though the history of the town goes beyond that. Romans planted vines in this area as far back as the 2nd century!Β The city is well worth a visit and I…
