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Following Paul CΓ©zanne’s Footsteps in Aix-en-Provence, France
Aix-en-Provence is a beautiful town in the Provence-Alpes-CΓ΄te d’Azur region of France. It’s about 20-30 minutes by train from Marseille, with tickets averaging $15 one-way. Aix-en-Provence (or Aix for short) is the home town of Paul CΓ©zanne and offers many attractions relating to the artist and his paintings. Aix-en-provence is incredibly charming with a wonderful small-town feel, very contrasting to the large city of Marseille. The word Aix originates from Aqua + Sextius. Sextius was the name of an important military figure in the area, and water is very important and prevalent in the city. Aix-en-Provence was at one time part of Catalonia, and they still fly the “blood and…
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5 Can’t Miss Attractions in Marseille, France for First Time Visitors
Marseille is the oldest city in France and the second largest city, behind Paris!Β Founded by Greek settlers around 600 BC, this vibrant Mediterranean port has a diverse culture and breathtaking coastline. From the colorful Vieux-Port to the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Calanques, Marseilles is one of the most stunning coastal cities I have ever visited!Β Β While the city has a reputation for being a bit rougher around the edges than other destinations in France, I found the history and scenery made the city a memorable place to explore. As with any large city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and plan your visit accordingly. This post…
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Bienvenidos a Miami
The reputation of Miami definitely precedes itself.Β While I was a Teaching Assistant in France, all of my students wanted to know if I had been to Miami or LA. They were very disappointed to hear that I had not!Β Last month, I finally took my first trip to Miami with my fiance. I can now understand why Miami is so popular!Β It is an expensive destination, but it is well worth the trip.Β Between the cuban influence and the glamour, this city is definitely one-of-a-kind! We spent every day relaxing on South Beach, dancing to latin music, and people watching on Ocean Drive. Before leaving, we spent an afternoon…
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Nice, La Belle: Exploring the Jewel of the French Riviera
In my recent post about Monaco, I mentioned that it is an easy day-trip from Nice! It only seemed natural then to write about Nice as well.Β Nice is a beautiful coastal town in CΓ΄te d’Azur, the French Riviera. There is so much to do and see in Nice, from it’s pebbled beach up to the MonastΓ¨re de Cimiez!Β This is the first place that I ever took a solo overnight trip!Β There are cheap TGV tickets using Ouigo if booking ahead of time with flexible dates. Β Throughout my stay, I met many generous and kind locals who gave me great advice and directions! This post contains affiliate links. I…
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Top Two Can’t-Miss Sites in Monaco
The Principality of Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world – behind Vatican City!Β The country is in the French Riviera, along the Mediterranean Sea.Β I popped over to Monaco for a day while spending a long weekend in Nice, France.Β Monaco is a very quick (and scenic) train-ride from Nice.Β Β Most people associate Monaco with the Monte Carlo Casino and the Grand Prix, but the destination has a lot more to offer.Β It’s like visiting a city, but you get to add a whole new country to your list!Β If you’re short on time, I recommend visiting two highlights – Le Palais des Princes and Jardin Exotique de…
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Day Trip from Barcelona: Girona and the DalΓ Theatre-Museum
I always recommend visiting local Tourist Offices when traveling. They offer a lot of great resources, including (free!) maps and advice. I like to take a look at the available tours to nearby destinations for ideas and suggestions. Sometimes I book day-trips through tourist offices, but a lot of times I use the tours as an idea to plan a trip myself!Β At the Barcelona Tourist Office, I noticed tours for day-trips to Girona and Figueres. I took a pamphlet with me, did a little research myself, and I found it was easy to book train tickets and visit the cities by myself. Figueres is a popular destination due to the…
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3 Days in Barcelona: The Ultimate Itinerary
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, the Northeastern region in Spain.Β This city has so much to offer between the art, architecture, delicious food, and the beach!Β To this day, Barcelona is one of my top favorite cities that I have visited.Β Β Here are the can’t miss spots when visiting Barcelona for three days: Day 1 Barri GΓ²tic – Gothic Quarter The Gothic Quarter is incredibly charming – I spent much of my first day wandering this area. The narrow streets are filled with cathedrals, restaurants, and clubs. It is a stark contrast to…
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Discover Lille, Ma Ville: The Heart of Northern France
I lived in Lille, France for 8 months between 2016-2017 while I was a Teaching Assistant. Lille is the capital of Hauts-de-France, the northernmost region of France. This region is relatively new, combining the two former regions of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy. Lille is specifically located in French Flanders, close to the France/Belgium border. Β When applying to the TAPIF program, candidates select three of their top choices of regions where they hope to be assigned. Luckily for me, I wasn’t assigned to any of my choices! I was assigned to the Lille region, and I immediately fell in love with it!Β The city has so much charm!Β This post contains…
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Exploring the Fez Medina
Fez is the second largest city in Morocco, behind Casablanca. Fez has different sections, including “Old Fez” (Fez el Bali) from the 9th Century and “New Fez” (Fez el Djedid) from the 13th Century! Yes, you read that right – “New Fez” was founded in 1276!Β Β Fes el Bali, Old Fez, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.Β Inside the walled city, there is a maze of winding streets filled with vendors and merchants.Β University of Al-Karaouine, the world’s oldest existing (and still operating!) university is within Fes el Bali.Β Β Fez is still the most intact, least modernized medina in the Arab world and one of the largest car-free urban…
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Cherry Blossom Festival
It’s that time of year folks! It’s Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC! Every year around this time, people from all over come to DC to see the coveted cherry trees blooming around the tidal basin and other areas. This also sparks a festival with various events in the city. The trees were planted beginning in 1912, but new trees have been planted regularly since then. Peak bloom was Monday, April 1st! This was no April Fool’s joke, because I brought my puppy and walked around the basin on Monday and indeed the trees are blooming! Peak bloom is supposed to be when at least 70% of the trees are…
