Paphos: The Birthplace of Aphrodite

 This weekend we made a had a trip to Paphos, which is supposedly the birthplace of the Greek goodness Aphrodite. Since Aphrodite was said to be the goodness of love and beauty it is said that the water around her sparkles. I must say the rumors were true because this water was absolutely beautiful. With its bright blue turquoise colors and beautiful surrounding rocks, I definitely think this was my favorite part in Cyprus that I have seen so far. Paphos just had such beautiful Mediterranean water, green grass for miles and the cutest little port with boats, restaurants and bars, the whole time I was only wishing we were studying there over Nicosia.

The whole weekend was very enjoyable; we went to a few landmarks of ancient ruins, laid on the beach and ate on the harbor. The weather was awesome as well! However, I did manage to get my first real burn of the year, which was no very fun. I have now learned my lesson for the rest of this trip, that the Mediterranean sun is STRONG. Hopefully when we are back in Cyprus in May we can return to Paphos to do some fun water activities. I will be leaving tonight for a sixteen day trip all over Europe, so this weekend was just a great way to relax before the craziness begins. 

 

αντίο xo,

Lindsey

Mykonos: Under The Weather

So this post is going to be brief just like my visit to Mykonos (and to not put a damper on my spirits). To make a long story short we got to Mykonos and it was literally a hurricane and pouring rain leaving us with NOTHING to do besides go to the internet café and find the next flight out ASAP.  Despite the extremely large sums of money we spent of flights and hotels I could not describe this trip as anything but miserable. Therefore, what was another $100 to come back to Cyprus? (Who knew I would actually be so excited to go there)

However the few hours of just mist we did manage to walk around and give it a shot. The port is beautiful as well as the windy brightly colored alleyways, but overall  it was a ghost town. Definitely a place I would love to come back to years from now in the summer, but for now I will be making this spring break a distance memory. At least it was 75 in Cyprus and we went to the beach the rest of the weekend to make up for it!

 αντίο xo,

Lindsey 

Seville: Good News First

 When I had my first trip to Europe back in high school, Seville was by far my favorite city. To be honest if I never decided to do this “global semesters” program I would have studied there for the semester in a heartbeat. With its colorful buildings, quaint atmosphere, sunshine and an authentic Spanish feel flowing through every street, the second time around was even better than the first. Seville is still my favorite city and I think it is going to be even after my Europe trip. I don’t know how to explain it but something about it just makes you feel relaxed and happy. With horse and buggies all throughout the streets beautiful gardens and a cathedral in the middle of the square you almost feel as if you stepped into a miniature Spanish Disney World.  

 

 Caitlin’s best friend was studying there for the semester, so she took us all around the two days we were there. Not only did we hit all the famous landmarks, but she still left us time to just sit on the river have some drinks, eat ice cream and relax. The river in Seville is beautiful and I could have probably stayed there for days if possible. Although Seville is the third largest city in Spain, it does not have the congestion of a “Big City” like Barcelona, in fact I barley felt like I was in a city at all which is why I think I love it so much. 

 Our last night there we made our way down to a flamenco show, which was in an authentic little tavern packed with people all waiting to watch. The show was absolutely awesome, with two flamingo dancers, musicians and singers all dressed up in traditional Spanish outfits. After the show, we decided to head back, but stop at the river which is beautiful at night. It was not late maybe like 10:30 p.m. and quite dead if you ask me. As we stood at the river taking pictures I felt someone bang into me and I instantly felt my bag lighter. Right away I knew my camera had been taken, so I ran over to the ONLY couple around and started yelling at them. I began to rip her bag out of her hands and search in her pockets, but when she soon opened her mouth and I saw she had no teeth. At this point I was 100 percent convinced they had taken my camera. Caitlin at this point ran back to make sure I did not drop it but I knew right away it was gone. As this was going on I notice them start to run down an alleyway, where I almost proceeded to follow but thought it just might not be worth it. I did what I could and perhaps they had just hid it deeper and I was in no position to pat down random strangers in unfamiliar areas. So of course I cried, screamed and was extremely anger. Mostly because I have 900 pictures with ALL my best friends from the entire week and on top of it I had carefully survived Athens. Rome and Barcelona the top pick pocket cities in Europe. Yet in one of the safest cities where I was still being aware of my surroundings something went wrong. 

On the way back to the hostal however, as I am crying that all my pictures with my specific three best friends: Ali, Min and Gianna were gone, I hear my name in the distance and three familiar body-shapes ahead. What do you know it was them! They tend to do things last minute and needed to stay in Seville for the night before heading to Portugal but never booked a hostal. I figured ours was booked and we were just not going to run into them. Therefore, it certainly brightened my mood for the time begin and I was more that happy to share my FAVORITE city with my three best friends even if it was just for an hour or so!

 Adios xo,

Lindsey 

 

Barcelona: Take Two!

So when it came time to decide where to go for my spring break, I knew that I wanted to go back to Spain, which I had the privilege of visiting my senior year of high school. Since this is the one place that we don’t go to with the program we figured the warm weather and beaches would be a great way to spend spring break. Also, all my friends who are studying around Europe all had the same break so we decided to book the trip together!

So since there was a good amount of us from Quinnipiac all meeting up, we decided to rent apartments that were right off the Las Ramblas, which is the main area in Barcelona. However, little did we know that we would be staying in probably one of the WORSE areas. Now don’t get me wrong I was not expecting a 5 star hotel, were college students on a budget I get it. But it would have been nice to not be down a creepy alleyway where you has to walk a good 10 minutes to the apartment because the cab driver refuses to drop you off any closer. Although we had a few close 6:30 am shady encounters, I am happy to say we survived the four nights there without getting robbed (however the second I stepped on the street my purse went right under my stomach-look pregnant or get robbed? – you pick!)

Overall the entire weekend was awesome, drinking sangria on the beach in perfect 70 degrees while stuffing my face with paella and tapas was relaxing and needed. Since we were doing the trip on our own it was nice to not have to wake up at the crack of dawn and attend museums all day long. As great as that is, it is nice to just decide what you want to do on your own. Between the La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, the harbor, parks and beaches there was tons to keep us occupied. Not to mention the nightlife in Barcelona was awesome, not just the clubs but the bars aw well. Before going out we would head to bars like the Dow Jows, where the price system is based off of Wall Street with the drinks going up and down in price every few minutes. However my favorite part was the main market off the Las Ramblas. With miles of brightly colors fruit and vegetables, hams and meats, nuts and seafood so fresh it’s still moving I could have literally just spent a day here roaming around. Espana as a whole is still one of my favorite places and although I am not sure if I could have pictured myself studying there, I had a blast. However, I was soon off to my next adventure in southern Spain to my favorite place ever: SEVILLE!  

Adios xo,

Lindsey

 

 

A Roads Lead To ROME!

 From the second the bus pulled up to Rome I was beyond overwhelmed and impressed with the city’s buildings and architecture. In fact, there is so much to do in Rome that we didn’t even check into the hotel, but went straight to the smallest country known: Vatican City! I was really not sure what to except from the Vatican, but I must say each room we were brought into was more beautiful than the next. With freshly cut grass and ancient paintings and sculptures it was easy to see how this was and continues to be the center of catholic faith. At our last stop on the tour we arrived at the famous Sistine Chapel, where Michael Angelo’s famous Last Judgment painting was located along with the creation of Eve. I could probably have sat there for over 12 hours and still not have taken in this massive piece of art. I 100% see how Michael Angelo practically went blind after he was finished due to the fact that the details, colors and size are just incredible!   

 

 Our next day in Rome we would venture on a three hour walking tour (not the greatest for my feet) however we would see the main highlights such as the Coliseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and more! Of course I ran around the Coliseum, saw the massive dome whole inside of the Pantheon (if only it was raining) and threw a coin while making a wish in the fountain. With each landmark I saw I felt more and more like I was stepping out of a movie. I will say thought Rome is PACKED, like beyond packed. At night we were on the Spanish Steps alone the next day there were massive amounts of people with everything from a wedding taking place to signing groups. That next night we would run into more crowds, when we went to a local part of Rome recommended to us by our hotel. But of course the food was fantastic; three courses of pastas and chicken along with endless amounts bread and desert. 

 Despite running on four hours of sleep in three days (thanks Florence) the good little catholic inside me woke up in order to head on down to Saint Peters Church, next to Vatican City. We would then proceed to climb about 300 flights of steps so narrow that you had to hold a rope in order to keep yourself up. However, once at the top the sight was amazing, in fact I finally understood where the phrase “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day” came from. You could see the square, coliseum, Vatican City and colorful buildings that went on for miles. After this we would proceeded inside the church which was absolutely beautiful. Not to mentions our timing was impeccable, due to the fact we just caught the 10:30 mass! Although the entire thing was in Latin (maybe Italian – who knows) it was an experience I was blessed to have. Our timing would then become even better, due to the fact we got out of church just in time for the pope’s blessing! Thousands of people gathered in the square in order to gaze up into a little window where the pope would bless every culture for ten minutes or so. I would say it was the perfect way to end our Italy trip to say the least! 

 

 Ciao xo,

Lindsey

Not Where You Are, But Who Your With!

 I will first explain to you that I have literally been counting down the days to Florence since I got here. With some of my best girlfriends studying there and half of my other friends coming to visit on there QU spring break, actually all being together at the same time seemed to good to be true. Now of course you could put me anywhere on the planet with these amazing people and I would be happy, but put us in the center of art and the capital of the Tuscany and it's  beyond anything I could have imagined. With my girlfriends apartment looking straight over the Duemo, situated next to the leather market and the most delicious food in the world, it only made scene not to sleep for the next 48 hours and soak up every second.   

 I must say our friends gave us the royal treatment by taking us to there favorite restaurants, bars and clubs. I had the most amazing pasta, lasagna, bread and wine of my life and since were all such good friends I had about 20 plates to pick off from! We of course then made our way to bar after bar and club after club until the sun was rising over the Duemo (literally). I will say one of my favorite parts of our two nights together was going to the “secret” bakery. Now this bakery dose not open till around 3am and is located in a tiny little ally way that was almost impossible to find. However, once there all we had to do was say what we wanted (12 donuts I believe) and each one came out of the wall through a tiny opening. 

Now besides stuffing my face and partying like were back at Quinnipiac (but 10x better) I did manage to shop at the leather market, roam the streets to see the highlights of the city and of course be taken to Guro, the BEST gelada I had on my trip so far. I really never wanted these two days to end, except I had to snap back and realize I was studying abroad to NOT be with a million American students and my friends, but to see the world on my own. However, I will be seeing some of them throughout my travels and just being able to share this experience was too good to be true! I don’t know how I made the bus, but I somehow brought myself to come back in time to head to the country’s capital: ROMA!    

Ciao xo,

Lindsey  

Pisa: For A Hot Second

 On our way to Florence, we of course stopped over at the city of Pisa so we could have the typical “pushing the leaning tower of pisa” photo. However, with the rain coming down and so many canal-street wannabes trying to sell me fake Raybans and Louis Vitiation bags all I wanted to do was take my picture and leave. Of course it was something you just have to do in Italy, however, besides the tower there is virtually nothing going on Pisa. I was able to secure some photos of myself kicking the tower and holding it up, which we were able to fit in the short time we had along with getting to eat our first Italian pizza, which was delicious!  So of course the history and tradition around the Leading Tower of Pisa was much appreciated, but I was ready to get on the road to Florence! 

 Ciao xo,

Lindsey

Italy At It’s Finest: Venice!

 Okay well after a long flight from Athens and an even longer bus ride from the Milan airport, we finally arrived in northern Italy at our first stop: Venice! We wasted no time hopping right on a boat (there form of public transportation) and heading to the city a few hours before the sun went down. Now I must say you can google Venice all you want, but nothing compares to seeing it with you own eyes. I almost don’t want to show you pictures because they won’t do justice. The beautiful narrow roads, connecting to colorful buildings and blue waters was even better than I imagined. I could see myself totally opting to retire in Venice over Florida any day, with its quaint roads and authentic Italian feel all I wanted to do was sip a coffee and read the newspaper.

Well after doing an extensive amount of damage to my funds by purchasing half the Murano glass and masks in Venice (for gifts – sort of) we proceeding to find a place to eat when we stumbled upon a narrow water way with non other than a Gondola. We didn’t even put a second thought into hoping on in, because who would ever go to Venice and not actually ride the Gondola? As our rower sang in Italian bring us through quite ally ways, I finally had my your in Italy feeling. The entire city of Venice is so peaceful and to see it all while in Gondola was amazing.

After our Gondola ride we wondered around to find a place for our first Italian meal. Once sitting down, I settled on a tradition Venice fish and pasta dish. Although I was brought out a pasta in a literally black sauce, it was delicious. To top it off with I ended with my first gelato, which was delicious as well. Overall, Venice made me feel the real “old school” Italian vibe and definitely had me looking forward to the rest of my travels around the country.  

Cioa xo,

Lindsey

A City On Top Of A Hill

I must say after all the talk that Athens was not that great, I was by far pleasantly surprise. Between the cities historical structures, friendly people and Mediterranean vibe this cities mixture of modern and historical sites is to die for. The first day we got there we just did a walking tour of the city and with our hotel in an amazing location with a roof top view of the Acropolis, life was good. That night we ventured down the cobblestone streets to a strip of traditional Greek restaurant after restaurant. Although many of the owners were screaming to come into their restaurant, we finally selected a little authentic restaurant and must I say the food was AMAZING. I finally had my traditional Greek salad (which may I add has no lettuce) along with Moussake (layers of eggplant, meats and a creamy sauce) YUM. After that we then made our way down to Gize, which is the hot spot for Athens nightlife!

The next day we were heading to the highlight of the trip; THE ACROPOLIS. This was by far one of the most impressive things I have ever seen. This amazing structure can be literally seen from every point in the city, which is why acropolis means “city on a hill.” After spending a good hour climbing to the top I was amazed at the view overlooking Athens as well as the Parthenon itself, which was just huge. It was amazing to think that it was standing so strong after hundreds of years. I really would say this was the best part of my trip and if I had the choice I would have spent my entire time up there. This is where I certainly got that I’m in Greece feeling. 

Again bright an early we wasted no time going to soak up more sights at  lovely 8am. After having breakfast looking over the Acropolis, we went to the first Olympic stadium, which was awesome. We spent a good hour just running around and climbing through all the stands, sitting exactly where the first Olympics were once held. In addition, we made our way to Zues’s temple, which is basically only a few ruins but if gives you an idea of just how big it was!

I must say I absolutely feel in love with Greece within these three days and I am so excited to continue on to Mykonos Island next week!! 

αντίο xo,


Lindsey 

Back To The Motherland: Ireland

So I just made it back from my first weekend of independent travel! Although our program brings us so many places, the UK was not on the agenda. Therefore, when a long weekend approached a few of us decided last minute to splurge and travel to Dublin and Galway, Ireland. However, between our cab crashing into our car on the way there, a shady night spent in Charleroi Belgium, almost missing buses and having ridiculously high unexpected expenses it almost seemed like this could turn out to be the trip from hell!

However, once we had finally arrived at our first destination, Dublin, all these obstacles seemed like a wasted of thought. With Ireland's cool breeze, beautiful buildings, friendly people and lots of Guinness, I felt right at home. During our first day we did a hop on and off bus, which brought us all around the city. From seeing the real Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the Long Room Library at Trinity College (which felt like a scene out of Beauty and the Beast) to the Book of Kells exhibit, taking in all these famous sights was to good to be true. However my favorite of the day was of course The Guinness Factory, which Dublin is known for producing. After going through the entire process of how it is made, you venture to the top of the factory where you can see a view of the entire city. It was absolutely awesome! Later on that night we ventured to the famous Temple Bar area, where bar after bar was filled with happy Irish folks embracing in dance, music and drinks. Here is where it finally hit me: I am in Ireland.

The next day we would proceed on a long journey to Galway, where we booked a tour to see the Cliffs of Moher. Which 100% made our trip the real Ireland experience. We started by driving a few hours along the countryside, with nothing but cattle, bright green grass and beautiful hills that went on for miles. We would then stop in village after village on the way to the cliffs, where we had traditional shepard’s pie, potatoes and veggies YUM. Being able to see the real Ireland outside the city really made me appreciate the country. However, nothing would prepare me for what I would experience at the Cliffs of Moher. For once in my life, I was actually left speechless (which as you known does not happen very often). Trying to describe it to you would just not do justice, but let’s just say it has been claimed on of the new seven natural wonders of the world. However, to really get the experience you must venture past the danger zone and over to where it is your feet and the edge of the cliff.

That night however we ventured back to Dublin, where the next day we partook in my favorite activity; shopping! However, there was once BIG problem. In order to not empty out my bank account we had to book our flight with Rynair, where you were allowed ONE small bag that could fit in the overhead and could not go over 10 kg. Therefore, I was already wearing about five layers of shits getting on the plane, so I could only allow myself an item or two. Later on that night we would venture on a pub-crawl with two authentic Irish musicians. I must admit at first I pictured a pub-crawl as fitting in as many bars as possible in the time span. However, this was not the case we only went to two bars where we sat and listening to them play for an hour or so each time. I must say this was WAY better then what I was expecting and really showed what Irish culture is all about. As I sipped my Guinness and sang along to the Irish beats, I really appreciate my roots and the way the Irish view life. Overall, all the obstacles to this weekend was well worth it and I am hoping I have brought a little luck of the Irish back with me, which I am sure I will need on my trip this week to Greece and Italy!

Slán Leat xo,

Lindsey

Crossing Borders

So today we figured we would fit in one last adventure. Although we have explored much of the old city we figured it was time to step it up and cross the border to the Turkish side of Cyprus. Now to explain this without the drama or you feeling like your sitting in one of my lecture classes, all you basically need to know is that in 1974 a “green line” was established in Cyprus with Turkey occupying the north and the Greeks in the south. Therefore, we had to grab our passports, fill out our visas and we were ready to enter the other side.

As we entered we had one goal in mind: make it to the Karenina Harbor. So after asking about ten people how to catch the bus we finally found it’s location. However this bus was actually a small van, where the whole thirty-minute ride felt slightly out of a scene from taken, yet there was no turning back. But no worries, eventually we made it there and I must say it was definitely worth the trip.

The harbor was just absolutely gorgeous with the images off the dock of a famous Turkish castle along side boats and colorful buildings in a pool of crystal blue water. It certainly lived up to its name of the "jewel of the north" and was one of the most beautiful sights I have seen thus far (I know I keep saying this but it really just keeps getting better) So anyway, it is safe to say (literally) that the Turkish side turned out to be way less intense than it was built up to be. My only regret is not discovering it sooner!

Elveda xo,

Lindsey

A Taste of Cultue

So now that I am starting to remember that I am participating in “Global Semesters” I soon realized I will barley be on this island for a solid two months. Therefore, as I mentally prepare myself and not to mention pack my clothes, do all my work for an entire semester and try to conserve my euros; we decided it was time to emerge our self in the Cypriot culture. And what better way to do so then with food!

Now my friend Scott’s parents were in town and for there last night they brought me along to experience true Cyrus cuisine: Mezze! Cyprus Mezze is basically a selection of small dishes that come out throughout the meal. Within the first five minutes of sitting down our whole table was already covered with salads, meats, halloumi chesse (don’t even get me starts on how amazing it is) tzatziki sauces and the list goes on for about twenty dishes. Now as I was stuffing my face with everything in sight my eye was drawn to a few things that were just placed on the table: Snails and Liver (who’s liver were not very sure?). Now normally I would pass this opportunity up right away, but I am studying aboard and “suppose” to be absorbing every ounce of Greek culture so I decided to try it out. The Liver was probably the most horrific thing I have ever tasted in my life, so the snails were looking pretty good at this point. Yes you heard me, those creepy small “animals” that shows up all over your porch after it rains and you freak out after you stepped on them. Yeah I ate THAT. I must say pealing it out of the shell was disgusting due to the fact you could see it’s head, facial features and whole body. However, when in Cyprus! (right?) So I held my breath, chopped off the head part and shoved the snail’s body into my mouth. The actual taste was more desirable than the liver, however getting over the whole I just ate a snail was an epic fail on my part.

Overall my first Mezze experience was awesome. Not only was the food great (for the most part) but so was the atmosphere of this quaint little restaurant. Being surrounded by Cypriots enjoying there traditional meal really gave you the feeling of the “local” aspect of Cyprus; which is what becoming a travel is really about.

αντίο xo,

Lindsey

A Weekend In Sunny Limassol

So part of me was sort of forgetting Cyprus is actually surrounded by water. Therefore, when the opportunity arose through the program to participate in a 5K run that would be in the beach city of Limassol, we wasted no time in booking hotels and turning it into a weekend. Now I won’t lie it will be about another month till we are actually in beach weather, but considering it was a lovely negative four degrees at home putting on a bikini and getting a little burnt was heaven.

We found a cute little place for dinner and indulged in some fun tropical drinks, making me feel more and more like I was on the sunshine island. However the next morning we woke up to a rainstorm (can I add in it NEVER rains here ever, until I showed up) and running a 5k in the rain did not seem to be on my list of things to do while studying abroad. However we took one for the team and eventually made our way downtown where we were meeting.

Well I guess we were getting rewarded for our efforts, because the second we pulled up the sun was shinning with not a dark cloud in the sky. Now although a few of us had a rough night and did not exactly run the entire race, it was an awesome experience to participate in something for a good cause with people from all over the world. Looking out to the Mediterranean Sea all you could see was beautiful turquoise blue that went on for miles until it could hit Egypt in one direction and Israel in another. With my ipod in hand taking in the view of Limassol wrapped around a real life postcard was one of the highlights of the trip thus far. Did I also mention that we won the race, while by “us” I mean our friend Matt, but hey walking around with the shirt of the winning team made me feel like a pro runner (which indeed I am not).

Now the next time I return I better have a base, because I already used up my one burn of this trip. Also the image below was the last sight I saw as we were leaving for the weekend, I think it speaks for itself.

αντίο xo,

Lindsey

Day Trip To Troodos

So although I am studying on an island in the Mediterranean, there is a mountain peak in Cyprus called the Troodos Mountains, which actually contains snow. Now for me I could care less, since the last six weeks before my departure was torturous enough. But for my Californian friends who never even encounter that “fluffy white stuff” it was an extra throw in.

But what really caught my attention was the village we went to next to the mountains. As the bus pulled up and I stepped outside to this beautiful landscape of bright orange rooftops and houses up in the hills, it felt like the real deal and was a real image anyone could appreciate.

Now of course this was an old school town and certainly could not entertain a youthful age group for more than two days, however it was so quaint and lovely. Walking up to this huge beautiful hotel all made in stone and walking down the narrow cobble stone paths was just awesome. From the little old woman selling jelly jars to the waterfalls flowing through the town, I felt as if I had set foot into a movie. Overall I definitely appreciated leaving the busy city and going out to see how the locals live!

αντίο xo,

Lindsey

Cyprus: The Beginning

You all might be wondering why I have not started a blog earlier. However, I wanted to wait till it became close to my travels so I can keep it over flowing non-stop with every city I stop in. Yet I can’t avoid the fact that I have been in Cyprus for about a month so it’s time for me to explain what I have been up to!

While the second I stepped off the plain and saw palm trees, my feelings of missing New York went away real fast. In the midst of 20 feet of snow, I forgot what it felt like to actually feel sunshine on your face.

The first week there we did a walking tour of the capital Nicosia, which is where I will be “studying.” During the day we went through the old city to all the historical landmarks and as we walked down the narrow roads with cement style buildings I was feeling more and more like I was in Greece. The more modern part of the city still has a cultural flair to it, along with about three Top Shop stores, so I can’t complain; however my bank account might.

So when it comes to nightlife we of course wasted no time finding every club in the city, befriending locals and raging till 5am every chance we could. Back at Quinnipiac the though of toads staying open till 5am would just never happen, however in the land of Europe they understand and enjoy all that life has to offer. Which means going out for coffee at seven, dinner at around ten and partying from 12:30/1 until the sunrises. It is similar to a New York City vibe, but then you can add students from every continue: Europe, Middle East, Africa. You name a country; Cyrus probably has a student or two from there. I never thought I would be at a party with so much cultural contact, but it has been pretty amazing to communicate and encounter so many walks of life. However the eye rolling after you say “I’m from America” it completely natural and disappears quick enough.

So basically my days consists of stuffing my face with gyromania (just a little taste of heaven, and conveniently located next to my apartment) class occasionally since it’s practically always canceled and walking to the coffee shops where I sit in the sun and stare at palm tress thinking about how luck I am to be in such paradise.

Since I never really choose this program for Cyprus, but more for the traveling aspect, it has been a pleasant surprise thus far!

αντίο xo,

Lindsey