Spring Break 2016
Athens-Ireland-Amsterdam-Prague-Romania-Santorini-Mykonos
Thursday: Athens
I left Thessaloniki at 5:30 AM on Thursday with a backpack full of clothing and a heart full of inspiration. (Sorry not sorry if that last part sounds cheesy).
Fresh off of a bus in Athens, my friend, Madeline, and I watched the changing of the Evzones outside of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From there we dropped our bags in our Air BnB and made our way to the Acropolis!
I’d visited the Acropolis about a month prior with my school. However, it was much more fun walking Madeline around and showing off my passion for the history and culture of Greece. It was also a relief to be able to travel at our own pace and see as much or as little of the Acropolis and Angora.
Our day was filled with sight seeing, shopping and finally crashing early in order to prepare for another long day on Friday!
I left Thessaloniki at 5:30 AM on Thursday with a backpack full of clothing and a heart full of inspiration. (Sorry not sorry if that last part sounds cheesy).
Fresh off of a bus in Athens, my friend, Madeline, and I watched the changing of the Evzones outside of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From there we dropped our bags in our Air BnB and made our way to the Acropolis!
I’d visited the Acropolis about a month prior with my school. However, it was much more fun walking Madeline around and showing off my passion for the history and culture of Greece. It was also a relief to be able to travel at our own pace and see as much or as little of the Acropolis and Angora.
Our day was filled with sight seeing, shopping and finally crashing early in order to prepare for another long day on Friday!
Friday: Athens
Friday morning we did a Segway tour that included entrance into the Panathenaic Stadium and spent the rest of the day at the Archeological Museum! Both places I had missed on the school scheduled trip to Athens and was very pleased to be able to visit.
Friday morning we did a Segway tour that included entrance into the Panathenaic Stadium and spent the rest of the day at the Archeological Museum! Both places I had missed on the school scheduled trip to Athens and was very pleased to be able to visit.
All around, Athens was a great city to return to as the start of spring break. During my first visit to Athens with our school I was a bit underwhelmed, but trekking/segwaying around the city with a friend from home was a considerable amount of fun.
Saturday: Ireland – Cliffs of Moher
I departed Athens and had an overnight flight to Dublin. Upon arrival, the hostel informed my traveling companion and I that we’d messed up booking our hostel. I found myself stranded, at 2 AM, in Dublin on a Friday night two days before Irish Independence Day. Long story short, the guy at the reception called 18 other hostels before finally finding a room in a near by inn. To say it wasn’t cheap is an understatement.
Less than four hours later I rolled out of bed and returned to the original hostel to attend a tour to the Cliffs of Moher. It wasn’t until about two hours outside of Dublin that I looked at my calendar and realized the days had gotten mixed up and I’d bought tickets for a different tour for Saturday. But since no one checked ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Originally, I was miffed about the mix up because the Cliffs of Moher had the earliest departure time, but as the day progressed, I remembered that accidents happen for a reason. The Cliffs of Moher tour couldn't have happened on a more perfectly gorgeous day. Sunny and clear, I could see for miles! Since it was such a nice day, the tour also included a boat trip under the cliffs before getting to go up and walk around on top of them.
I departed Athens and had an overnight flight to Dublin. Upon arrival, the hostel informed my traveling companion and I that we’d messed up booking our hostel. I found myself stranded, at 2 AM, in Dublin on a Friday night two days before Irish Independence Day. Long story short, the guy at the reception called 18 other hostels before finally finding a room in a near by inn. To say it wasn’t cheap is an understatement.
Less than four hours later I rolled out of bed and returned to the original hostel to attend a tour to the Cliffs of Moher. It wasn’t until about two hours outside of Dublin that I looked at my calendar and realized the days had gotten mixed up and I’d bought tickets for a different tour for Saturday. But since no one checked ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Originally, I was miffed about the mix up because the Cliffs of Moher had the earliest departure time, but as the day progressed, I remembered that accidents happen for a reason. The Cliffs of Moher tour couldn't have happened on a more perfectly gorgeous day. Sunny and clear, I could see for miles! Since it was such a nice day, the tour also included a boat trip under the cliffs before getting to go up and walk around on top of them.
Sunday: Ireland – Blarney Castle
If you’ve never heard of the Blarney Stone, then I’ll enlighten you. It’s this rock of mysterious origins that could be anything from the stone once used to crown Irish kings to a stone brought from Scotland to a random stone some dude found lying on the ground that he decided to kiss. You can decide for yourself.
However, I wasn’t going to go to Ireland and not kiss the Blarney Stone. Some people get freaked out by the climb up to the top, but after climbing to the top of Notre Dam exactly a week prior and then climbing up and down the stairs at the Acropolis, Blarney Castle was a breeze. Some people also get freaked out by having to dangle over the side of a seemingly far drop in order to kiss a rock that hundreds of thousands of other people have also kissed. Again, whatever, more stone for me!
If you’ve never heard of the Blarney Stone, then I’ll enlighten you. It’s this rock of mysterious origins that could be anything from the stone once used to crown Irish kings to a stone brought from Scotland to a random stone some dude found lying on the ground that he decided to kiss. You can decide for yourself.
However, I wasn’t going to go to Ireland and not kiss the Blarney Stone. Some people get freaked out by the climb up to the top, but after climbing to the top of Notre Dam exactly a week prior and then climbing up and down the stairs at the Acropolis, Blarney Castle was a breeze. Some people also get freaked out by having to dangle over the side of a seemingly far drop in order to kiss a rock that hundreds of thousands of other people have also kissed. Again, whatever, more stone for me!
The grounds of Blarney Castle were gorgeous and I regretted not being able to stay longer. My dreams is to return in the (near) future with my younger sister and, rather than taking tour buses, renting a car and hopping around Ireland at our own pace.
Monday: Ireland – Wicklow Mountains
The Wicklow Mountains were by far my favorite part of our adventures through Ireland. I spent a good portion of the day hiking along lakes and bubbling waterfalls with mountains in the background.
The Wicklow Mountains were by far my favorite part of our adventures through Ireland. I spent a good portion of the day hiking along lakes and bubbling waterfalls with mountains in the background.
Monday also brought my first taste of Guinness beer and fish and chips! No, I did not eat the mashed up green peas and I refuse to be ashamed of it!
As the tour bus drove cross-country, I was awed by the natural beauty of Ireland. Ireland was the one place that was make it or break it for my semester studying abroad. I wanted to visit Ireland and it was even more wonderful than I ever could have dreamed.
As the bus returned to Dublin, I watched the sun set on a perfect day in a perfect landscape.
As the bus returned to Dublin, I watched the sun set on a perfect day in a perfect landscape.
Tuesday: Dublin
Tuesday I actually stayed in Dublin! Surprise! Without even liking beer, I’d bought tickets to the Guinness factory, but I’ll admit that it was a lot of fun. I actually don’t mind the unique taste of Guinness.
My only regret at the end of the day was leaving Ireland. However, I have utter faith in the fact that I will return someday, hopefully sooner than later.
Tuesday I actually stayed in Dublin! Surprise! Without even liking beer, I’d bought tickets to the Guinness factory, but I’ll admit that it was a lot of fun. I actually don’t mind the unique taste of Guinness.
My only regret at the end of the day was leaving Ireland. However, I have utter faith in the fact that I will return someday, hopefully sooner than later.
Tuesday Evening: Amsterdam
Arriving in Amsterdam was awesome, despite the freezing temperatures and the misty weather conditions because I was reunited with a number of my study abroad friends!
Arriving in Amsterdam was awesome, despite the freezing temperatures and the misty weather conditions because I was reunited with a number of my study abroad friends!
Wednesday: Amsterdam
After arriving in Dublin the day before a major holiday, I shouldn’t have been surprised by the fact that I’d arrived in Amsterdam the day before another major holiday: King’s Day!
Meaning the city was packed full of Dutch people and tourists alike clad in bright orange (the most atrocious color on the planet) and the canals were flooded with people on barges enjoying the festivities despite the chill and light rain.
My day was packed full of a trip to a garden to see some tulips and a walk to the IAmsterdam sign before a VIP tour through the Heineken factory!
After arriving in Dublin the day before a major holiday, I shouldn’t have been surprised by the fact that I’d arrived in Amsterdam the day before another major holiday: King’s Day!
Meaning the city was packed full of Dutch people and tourists alike clad in bright orange (the most atrocious color on the planet) and the canals were flooded with people on barges enjoying the festivities despite the chill and light rain.
My day was packed full of a trip to a garden to see some tulips and a walk to the IAmsterdam sign before a VIP tour through the Heineken factory!
If you read my highlights post, you’ll know that the VIP tour was especially worth the trip. I sampled five different Heineken brewed beers and complementary cheeses.
That evening several of us ventured to Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District for dinner and to visit Red Light Secrets (better known as the museum of prostitution). The museum was interesting and just as eye opening as actually walking past windows lit with red lights.
That evening several of us ventured to Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District for dinner and to visit Red Light Secrets (better known as the museum of prostitution). The museum was interesting and just as eye opening as actually walking past windows lit with red lights.
Thursday: Amsterdam
Most of Thursday was spent in transit to Prague. However, I did make time to visit one last cheese shop, buy a second package of stroop waffles (since I’d already finished the first package) and buy a couple more souvenirs.
Most of Thursday was spent in transit to Prague. However, I did make time to visit one last cheese shop, buy a second package of stroop waffles (since I’d already finished the first package) and buy a couple more souvenirs.
Friday: Prague
Let me start off by saying Prague was the most gloriously beautiful city I’ve ever visited. The atmosphere in Prague was delightful and the sights were lovely.
Let me start off by saying Prague was the most gloriously beautiful city I’ve ever visited. The atmosphere in Prague was delightful and the sights were lovely.
I walked from the hostel toward Prague Castle across the Charles Bridge. However, I was distracted by these fancy, old-fashioned cars that kept zipping past. Almost to the castle, I was roped into riding in one. Greatest. Decision. Ever!
The driver drove from one end of the city to the other, including a journey to the Queen’s estate that overlooks Prague Castle, all while shouting information over his shoulder. Definitely better than a hop on hop off bus.
The driver drove from one end of the city to the other, including a journey to the Queen’s estate that overlooks Prague Castle, all while shouting information over his shoulder. Definitely better than a hop on hop off bus.
After the ride, I finally made it to the castle (which is actually just a bunch of interconnected fancy buildings including a cathedral). I was also luck enough to be just in time to watch the changing of the guards!
That evening I participated in a pub-crawl and met a great group of people. One woman attended Luther College (which is in Iowa,) and now works in Washington D.C. (where I interned last summer)! Another lives in Athens and was on vacation in Prague! It’s a crazy small world sometimes.
That evening I participated in a pub-crawl and met a great group of people. One woman attended Luther College (which is in Iowa,) and now works in Washington D.C. (where I interned last summer)! Another lives in Athens and was on vacation in Prague! It’s a crazy small world sometimes.
Saturday: Prague
My second day in Prague included a free walking tour around city center. This was really fun, and I’d definitely recommend it, the only down side was the number of times the guide mentioned tipping him at the end. Now, he had a point: he wasn’t making money unless he received tips. But… the only reason I was doing a free walking tour was because it was free. So, sorry Callum, but I was not going to tip you with my minimal crowns.
Anyway, my favorite parts about tours of any form are the history lessons! I’ve never heard much about the history of the Czech Republic/Czechia, but after hearing numerous stories during the tour, I really want to learn more! I think the best way to do this will be to return to Prague sometime in the very near future, hopefully!
Another great part about Prague is the food and the beer. Now, despite the fact that I went on two beer tours earlier during Spring Break, I’ve always proclaimed to not like beer. However, the beer I tried in Prague was amazing! As was the food, but you know, when in Prague it’s all about the beer.
I was just as sad to leave Prague, as I was to leave Ireland. However, I know that I WILL return, so it made getting on the plane just a little bit easier.
My second day in Prague included a free walking tour around city center. This was really fun, and I’d definitely recommend it, the only down side was the number of times the guide mentioned tipping him at the end. Now, he had a point: he wasn’t making money unless he received tips. But… the only reason I was doing a free walking tour was because it was free. So, sorry Callum, but I was not going to tip you with my minimal crowns.
Anyway, my favorite parts about tours of any form are the history lessons! I’ve never heard much about the history of the Czech Republic/Czechia, but after hearing numerous stories during the tour, I really want to learn more! I think the best way to do this will be to return to Prague sometime in the very near future, hopefully!
Another great part about Prague is the food and the beer. Now, despite the fact that I went on two beer tours earlier during Spring Break, I’ve always proclaimed to not like beer. However, the beer I tried in Prague was amazing! As was the food, but you know, when in Prague it’s all about the beer.
I was just as sad to leave Prague, as I was to leave Ireland. However, I know that I WILL return, so it made getting on the plane just a little bit easier.
Sunday: Bucharest
I’ll start my story about Bucharest by discussing religion. Don’t worry, nothing controversial.
When originally booking Spring Break, I tried to make it back to Greece for May 1st because it was Greek Easter. However, the plane tickets were too expensive and I ended up in Bucharest instead… where 86 percent of the population is Greek Orthodox!
So there, even when not in Greece I was still able to celebrate Greek Easter!
Naturally, I did this by attending a tour to Bran Castle… the legendary castle of Vladimir Dracula a man credited with the (staking) of … people and the origin of Bram Stockers Dracula myth. So yeah, Happy Easter!
But actually it was a great day. The weather was really nice and it was fun to see families dressed up with adorable children in tow celebrating Easter with traditions that outdate Christianity.
I’ll start my story about Bucharest by discussing religion. Don’t worry, nothing controversial.
When originally booking Spring Break, I tried to make it back to Greece for May 1st because it was Greek Easter. However, the plane tickets were too expensive and I ended up in Bucharest instead… where 86 percent of the population is Greek Orthodox!
So there, even when not in Greece I was still able to celebrate Greek Easter!
Naturally, I did this by attending a tour to Bran Castle… the legendary castle of Vladimir Dracula a man credited with the (staking) of … people and the origin of Bram Stockers Dracula myth. So yeah, Happy Easter!
But actually it was a great day. The weather was really nice and it was fun to see families dressed up with adorable children in tow celebrating Easter with traditions that outdate Christianity.
Monday: Bucharest
Monday brought about nothing more exciting that trying to find a printer in a country where most people still rely on Internet cafes and much of the city was closed down for Easter Monday.
Needless to say, I was excited to have my Ryanair tickets back to Greece in hand. Hearing Greek on the plane was a relief like none other.
I understand the culture of Greece. I speak several basic phrases in Greek and I can navigate my way around pretty much (so far) Greek city. Being other places in Europe was really exciting and fun but also exhausting, especially when trying to learn a new culture in a matter of hours rather than weeks and months.
Monday brought about nothing more exciting that trying to find a printer in a country where most people still rely on Internet cafes and much of the city was closed down for Easter Monday.
Needless to say, I was excited to have my Ryanair tickets back to Greece in hand. Hearing Greek on the plane was a relief like none other.
I understand the culture of Greece. I speak several basic phrases in Greek and I can navigate my way around pretty much (so far) Greek city. Being other places in Europe was really exciting and fun but also exhausting, especially when trying to learn a new culture in a matter of hours rather than weeks and months.
Tuesday: Santorini
Santorini almost didn’t happen. The flight from Athens to the island almost didn’t land. The pilot announced that he’d missed the island the first time due to high winds and that he was going to try once more before returning to Athens. First of all, that would have sucked. Second of all, it was midnight and returning to Athens in the middle of the night would have brought about a host of other issues beyond simply not being on Santorini.
Even more worrisome: the guy sitting next to me informed me that he could see the plane miss the island for the second time out of the window. Mind whirling, I thought about what my options were when the plane returned to Athens.
Instead, either the guy was wrong, or the pilot tried a third time. Either way, the plane landed! It was the one and only Ryanair flight that I have actually clapped on while the cheesy sound affects play.
Less than an hour later I was checked into the single, nicest place I stayed during spring break. It was the only place I stay that had a shower in the room, as well as a kitchen, refrigerator and included towels and sheets that were switched out every day! Basically, I never wanted to leave.
Santorini almost didn’t happen. The flight from Athens to the island almost didn’t land. The pilot announced that he’d missed the island the first time due to high winds and that he was going to try once more before returning to Athens. First of all, that would have sucked. Second of all, it was midnight and returning to Athens in the middle of the night would have brought about a host of other issues beyond simply not being on Santorini.
Even more worrisome: the guy sitting next to me informed me that he could see the plane miss the island for the second time out of the window. Mind whirling, I thought about what my options were when the plane returned to Athens.
Instead, either the guy was wrong, or the pilot tried a third time. Either way, the plane landed! It was the one and only Ryanair flight that I have actually clapped on while the cheesy sound affects play.
Less than an hour later I was checked into the single, nicest place I stayed during spring break. It was the only place I stay that had a shower in the room, as well as a kitchen, refrigerator and included towels and sheets that were switched out every day! Basically, I never wanted to leave.
Wednesday: Santorini
What I did on Santorini can be described in two words: four-wheeler. My travel companion drove us around pretty much the entire island. I saw everything from the Red Beach on the sound end of Santorini to Oia, which is almost as far north as the island goes.
What I did on Santorini can be described in two words: four-wheeler. My travel companion drove us around pretty much the entire island. I saw everything from the Red Beach on the sound end of Santorini to Oia, which is almost as far north as the island goes.
Fun fact: when you Google Greece, 90% of the photos that pop up as top results were taken on Santorini, the majority from Oia. (That statistic is also 78% made up, but my point has been made).
Thursday: Santorini-Mykonos
Thursday afternoon I departed from Santorini and headed to Mykonos via a ferry.
The hostel on Mykonos was right on the beach and almost immediately after arriving I dropped my bag and headed out to hike along the coastline.
Thursday afternoon I departed from Santorini and headed to Mykonos via a ferry.
The hostel on Mykonos was right on the beach and almost immediately after arriving I dropped my bag and headed out to hike along the coastline.
Friday: Mykonos
On Friday I went horse back riding! I love horses, and it was the first time I’d ridden in a few years. Needless to say I was pretty excited.
The couple that runs the business picked me up from my hostel and shuttled me to their facility. From there I was introduced to a feisty horse named Spring.
On Friday I went horse back riding! I love horses, and it was the first time I’d ridden in a few years. Needless to say I was pretty excited.
The couple that runs the business picked me up from my hostel and shuttled me to their facility. From there I was introduced to a feisty horse named Spring.
She and I rode down a rocky road to a seemingly abandoned dirt road a couple of miles away. As I rode, one of the people leading the group explained that the area I was riding through was the water reservoir of Mykonos. She also let out a few whoops and hollers to demonstrate the wonderful echoes that the reservoir could create. She also pointed out wild goats! (Don’t ask my why an animal is automatically more interesting when it’s wild, it just is.)
Saturday: Mykonos
Saturday I returned to the water reservoir, this time on the back of a four-wheeler. The beach was just as beautiful and the view was incredible. The wild goats were back and I wrote the scripted of a movie in my head as I explored the walls of the dam.
All in all, the day was pretty great.
Saturday I returned to the water reservoir, this time on the back of a four-wheeler. The beach was just as beautiful and the view was incredible. The wild goats were back and I wrote the scripted of a movie in my head as I explored the walls of the dam.
All in all, the day was pretty great.
Sunday: Mykonos – Delos
Bright and early I departed Mykonos for a day trip to the nearby island of Delos. In ancient mythology, Delos is the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. The island also played major historical, economical and religious rolls within Ancient Greek culture.
Hiking around Delos alone was definitely one of the highlights of my Spring Break. There weren’t any major crowds, and a lot of the people who’d I come over with on the ferry joined tour groups, which were fairly continued to one section of the island.
Instead, I hiked to the highest part of the Delos and soaked it all in. Unfortunately, I’m somewhat of a ditz sometimes, and I forgot to charge my camera. But the photographs of my day on Delos turned out pretty spectacularly regardless.
Bright and early I departed Mykonos for a day trip to the nearby island of Delos. In ancient mythology, Delos is the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. The island also played major historical, economical and religious rolls within Ancient Greek culture.
Hiking around Delos alone was definitely one of the highlights of my Spring Break. There weren’t any major crowds, and a lot of the people who’d I come over with on the ferry joined tour groups, which were fairly continued to one section of the island.
Instead, I hiked to the highest part of the Delos and soaked it all in. Unfortunately, I’m somewhat of a ditz sometimes, and I forgot to charge my camera. But the photographs of my day on Delos turned out pretty spectacularly regardless.
From there I made my way around to the far side of the island and visited the museum and saw the famous Naxos Lions. Then I ventured outside and learned about the discover of a famous statue of Aphrodite and Pan, a statue I membered seeing while in Athens at the start of Spring Break. It was pretty cool to come full circle.
Leaving Delos was hard because I knew it was the final thing I would see or do before the end of my Spring Break. My last glimpse of the island was bitter sweet because most of me was very ready to return to my apartment in Thessaloniki, but another part of me knew at that moment that it will be a very long time before I return to Delos.
Leaving Delos was hard because I knew it was the final thing I would see or do before the end of my Spring Break. My last glimpse of the island was bitter sweet because most of me was very ready to return to my apartment in Thessaloniki, but another part of me knew at that moment that it will be a very long time before I return to Delos.
Monday: Mykonos to Home!
Despite it being the end of Spring Break, I was relieved to return home. Living out of a backpack, wearing the same clothes (even after washing them in Prague) I was ready for my own bed, closet and shower.
Fortunately, the flights home went smoothly. Our first flight was delayed, but our second flight was through the same airline so they waited for all of the passengers, including myself, before departing.
Despite it being the end of Spring Break, I was relieved to return home. Living out of a backpack, wearing the same clothes (even after washing them in Prague) I was ready for my own bed, closet and shower.
Fortunately, the flights home went smoothly. Our first flight was delayed, but our second flight was through the same airline so they waited for all of the passengers, including myself, before departing.
Conclusion
So there you have it! My Spring Break 2016, backpacking around Europe. It was great. It was exhausting. It taught me a lot about myself. It proved to me that I can and will indeed travel the world!
If only that trip was the biggest adventure I’m going to undertake this semester…
So there you have it! My Spring Break 2016, backpacking around Europe. It was great. It was exhausting. It taught me a lot about myself. It proved to me that I can and will indeed travel the world!
If only that trip was the biggest adventure I’m going to undertake this semester…