Oxtoberfest: Miami Takes Munich

9/22/14

Hey all,

So this weekend, I got to experience the world's largest funfair. Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany was too big of an event to not attend during my time in Europe. Probably 65 of the 100 Miami University students in Luxembourg made the trip out to Munich to try the beer and pretzels. This, along with other students from Miami studying abroad in places like Barcelona and Florence, contributed to a strong Miami presence in Munich. That being said, the German chants and pride was overwhelming, bringing out the inner-Bavarian from everyone in the area, even those who, like me, aren't German whatsoever. But that didn't stop me from buying a lederhosen to encapsulate my pride for a country I have no connection to. But I wasn't alone. Seven of my close friends and I all booked our weekend accommodations together, so we all went through the same weird and unique experience. We stayed overnight Friday and Saturday in sketchy-and-probably-unhealthy sleeping bags, on blowup mattresses, in small tents, in the pouring rain, at a campground full of really weird people, in the middle of a forest, in a foreign country. There were some WEIRD things that happened this weekend, spanning from random people running around naked to people drinking from old rain boots. Oktoberfest weekend was probably one of the weirdest things I've ever experienced, but it really did provide tons of memories. I can't say I'd do it again (or ever be able to), but I'm happy went once, and I'm even happier that I had my friends there with me. Adios, Germany.

This Past Weekend, Eiffel in Love with Paris

9/18/14

Hey all!
Sorry to be so delayed on this post (I was ill all week). But this past weekend, some of my buddies and I ventured to Paris for our second weekend trip. We had plans to see Beyonce and Jay Z perform, but that was all we had in the itinerary. Friday's plans revolved around getting to the concert in plenty of time to buy merchandise and get to our seats. We were perfectly on time, but the stars of the show arrived an hour late. The concert was amazing, but we still had a lot ahead of us for the weekend. On Saturday, we went on a free walking tour of Paris, which really provided many stories to match with famous sites as well as a better plan of what to do the next day. One place that I got to see, that I didn't even think of beforehand, was the Love Lock Bridge. You've probably seen it on Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, or every girl's dreams. I was fortunate enough to be able to put a lock on the bridge, which I hope will last at least a week before the city replaces that section of the bridge, only to start the tradition anew, recycling the process. Anyway, after the tour, we went back to get changed before our scheduled and guided pub crawl. That was an awesome way to meet other tourists, who came from all around the world. Then, Sunday, we headed out early to see the Eiffel tower and the Arc de Triomphe. They were both honestly amazing. The Eiffel tower--as touristy as it sounds--was by far the coolest part of Paris. It gave a sublime feeling unlike anything else there. Not only is Paris known for this structure, but the entire country of France is. It is one of (if not THE) most recognizable structures standing in the world today. And to see it in person was captivating. Which is EXACTLY why the place is infested with pickpockets. If I had a dollar for every time I was approached by a pickpocket asking me to sign a form on their (distraction)clipboard, I could fund the "Pickpockets of Paris Foundation" so they would never have to work again. So be cautious of your surroundings while visiting Paris. But all in all, I would describe Paris as the New York City of Europe. It was full of tourists, extremely busy, and fairly dirty as well. But that is not to say I didn't enjoy my stay. Like I said, Eiffel in love with Paris this weekend. 26/117. (Found out I come home a day early)

Waffles and Chocolate: Belg-YUM!

9/8/14

Hey all!

This weekend I traveled to Bruges, Belgium with some of my friends in the program. I was able to experience my first hostel, a few Belgian waffles, and my first taste of Belgian chocolate. I was honestly really surprised and impressed by Bruges as a whole. When I arrived it felt like I was at a midieval fair or in FarquardLand in Shrek. The buildings looked so old but so interesting! I picked up a cool notepad at a flea market that I plan on using as my sketchbook for my architecture class and my journal for art class! I got to go to mass at the Church of the Holy Blood, and I got to hang at the Markt for long portions of my days. Bruges is definitely somewhere I'd like to see again one day.

16/118