I agree with this, especially a chilled glass from the freezer.
Coca Cola tastes best out of glass bottles. I think it might have something to do with a narrower window for the fizz to escape, as opposed to a wide open glass.
I almost feel that my brother and I (4ish years apart) are better friends when we are apart. Things just tend to get frustrating/awkward when we are in the same place. It is sad
I believe the Beck’s brewery/factory is in Bremen. Be sure to grab some of the non-export varieties of the beer. There are also some pretty nice chocolate shops that are worth visiting/splurging on.
I just found out that while browsing in Google Chrome, if you hit CTRL-W, it closes out just the page-tab you were viewing, switching to the next tab in your line up. It just saved me bacon a few minutes ago, so I figured Id pass it on.
So Id highly recommend Sarajevo, Bosnia. The city is beautiful, and manageable. If you like history, it has a lot of it. One of the coolest parts is that you talk to anyone on the street your age and older, and they remember the war. I had a few different cab drivers tell me about the siege and where they were stationed in the army. Stay out of the woods, there are still some mines. The Turks founded the city, the Austrians ruled for a while, and then the communists took over. So you have a great combo of food, as well as architecture. If you are in that area, Id also head over to Split, Croatia, and also Dubrovnik. If you are feeling adventurous, there is white water rafting groups (for like $40) that go down the Tara River, which is a lot of fun.
I 100% support the previous mention of Krakow, Poland. A lesser visited but culturally impressive city is L’viv, Ukraine, which is an overnight bus away from Krakow.
If you are feeling pretty lazy, Southern Spain is very nice, and affordable. The city of Ronda has been one of my favorites. Oldest still active bull fighting ring in Europe, as well as some cool caves. Main feature of the city is a roman bridge spanning a chasm that divides the city. The best restaurant I have ever been to is there, called De Locos Tapas. We used to drive 2+ hours each way on the weekend just to grab food. I lived in Andalusia for 6 months. I cannot wait to return.
Unless you HAVE to go to Paris, I was wholly underwhelmed. Be sure to make reservations for any of the major attractions you want to see. Everything has a long line, even when you do have tickets. If you don’t, you are screwed. My best experience in France was staying at some random Chateau (manor house/castle) in central france. It was on the outskirts of this tiny town, and it was very relaxing.
AirBnB or Hostel wherever you go. Your entire trip experience can change (normally for the better) when you meet locals, or at least other tourists. You don’t get that exposure at a hotel.
I use services such as Scotts Cheap Flights to find my tickets. If you live in a major city (anywhere in the US), you should be able to find tickets to major cities in western Europe for around $400 round trip. It might take some flexibility on dates, but it normally isn’t a huge deal, and the savings are worth it.
It depends what you want. If you are looking for booze/party cities, The further east you go, the cheaper everything is. North and west is expensive. Ukraine will be your cheapest. I was in a city where the number 1 buffet brunch place (included some vodka/champ) was like $4.15. On the other hand, go to Iceland and prepare to drop $10+ on a single beer.
If you want to actually experience culture, that is pretty much an entirely different list. If you tell me what you want to do, I can tell you where to go.
Prepare to be amazed at just how cheap wine can be.
Don’t be surprised if you start craving McDonalds or some other American cuisine after being over there a few days. Don’t give in to temptation, unless you are really drunk.
Don’t bring Euros to Europe. Withdraw at the ATM when you are in the country. Make sure, if given the option, to have your bank do the conversion rate. Basically, you can have the ATM either bill your bank in USD, or in the local currency. By having your bank billed in the local currency, it allows them to set the exchange rate (much more trustworthy) than the ATM telling your bank that you took out XXXUSD. It is just another way for them to make money. I typically only carry USD if I am in a country where bribery might be a cultural thing, but it doesn’t sound like you are going to any of those places.
Unless you are exchanging with some American at a hostel, don’t give up your euros before you leave. If you were responsible (or highly irresponsible), you shouldn’t ever have too many euros in your wallet when you leave. The money exchange is a huge ripoff, plus having that stack of euros in your safe at home will encourage you to return.
Don’t carry your passport with you, nor your wallet. I carry my drivers license, and 2 different credit cards in two different locations on my body. Pickpockets are a thing, especially if you look like a lost tourist.
Don’t be an America idiot. Don’t be afraid to buy a few local brands and wear them. Leave your American drinking tee shirts and your north face (might not be needed in the summer).
With that being said, don’t be afraid to play the dumb American. I got out of a few police encounters that way.
Try every bit of food, even if you think it is gross (like snails).
You cannot keep up with the Australians when it comes to drinking. Im not saying that you shouldn’t try, just be prepared.
Everyone worth talking to speaks English. The French don’t like to speak English, but they certainly learned it in school.
Finally, get out of the cities. The best experiences are in the countryside.
As you can see, Im being super productive at work after a long weekend.
Id rather know how. Wasting away at work is hard enough, imagine if you knew you were going to die in 5 years. 100% chance I would quit my job, max out my credit cards, and life my life…
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I had the exact same thought. In a way, I’m a little sad to learn this
I agree with this, especially a chilled glass from the freezer.
Coca Cola tastes best out of glass bottles. I think it might have something to do with a narrower window for the fizz to escape, as opposed to a wide open glass.
I got to shoot machineguns on my birthday, so no complaints from me.
I almost feel that my brother and I (4ish years apart) are better friends when we are apart. Things just tend to get frustrating/awkward when we are in the same place. It is sad
I am in DC this weekend, sounds like a perfect idea.
Im guilty of 6 of the 7. The one time I used bleach resulted in a burning shirt. Now-a-days, I just stay away from bleach.
I believe the Beck’s brewery/factory is in Bremen. Be sure to grab some of the non-export varieties of the beer. There are also some pretty nice chocolate shops that are worth visiting/splurging on.
I just found out that while browsing in Google Chrome, if you hit CTRL-W, it closes out just the page-tab you were viewing, switching to the next tab in your line up. It just saved me bacon a few minutes ago, so I figured Id pass it on.
Presidential Medal of Freedom does exist. Highest award for a civilian
As a former DC metrorider, I always appreciated someone wearing bright clothes.
To be fair, many people habitually misgender their dogs. My grandma calls her male cat “she” and she calls my uncle’s female dog, “he.”
Guac without cilantro is blasphemous
Naples has some great pizza, but it is also very dirty. Dont drink the tap water in either Rome or Naples. I love Italy, but it is kinda third world.
So Id highly recommend Sarajevo, Bosnia. The city is beautiful, and manageable. If you like history, it has a lot of it. One of the coolest parts is that you talk to anyone on the street your age and older, and they remember the war. I had a few different cab drivers tell me about the siege and where they were stationed in the army. Stay out of the woods, there are still some mines. The Turks founded the city, the Austrians ruled for a while, and then the communists took over. So you have a great combo of food, as well as architecture. If you are in that area, Id also head over to Split, Croatia, and also Dubrovnik. If you are feeling adventurous, there is white water rafting groups (for like $40) that go down the Tara River, which is a lot of fun.
I 100% support the previous mention of Krakow, Poland. A lesser visited but culturally impressive city is L’viv, Ukraine, which is an overnight bus away from Krakow.
If you are feeling pretty lazy, Southern Spain is very nice, and affordable. The city of Ronda has been one of my favorites. Oldest still active bull fighting ring in Europe, as well as some cool caves. Main feature of the city is a roman bridge spanning a chasm that divides the city. The best restaurant I have ever been to is there, called De Locos Tapas. We used to drive 2+ hours each way on the weekend just to grab food. I lived in Andalusia for 6 months. I cannot wait to return.
Unless you HAVE to go to Paris, I was wholly underwhelmed. Be sure to make reservations for any of the major attractions you want to see. Everything has a long line, even when you do have tickets. If you don’t, you are screwed. My best experience in France was staying at some random Chateau (manor house/castle) in central france. It was on the outskirts of this tiny town, and it was very relaxing.
AirBnB or Hostel wherever you go. Your entire trip experience can change (normally for the better) when you meet locals, or at least other tourists. You don’t get that exposure at a hotel.
I use services such as Scotts Cheap Flights to find my tickets. If you live in a major city (anywhere in the US), you should be able to find tickets to major cities in western Europe for around $400 round trip. It might take some flexibility on dates, but it normally isn’t a huge deal, and the savings are worth it.
It depends what you want. If you are looking for booze/party cities, The further east you go, the cheaper everything is. North and west is expensive. Ukraine will be your cheapest. I was in a city where the number 1 buffet brunch place (included some vodka/champ) was like $4.15. On the other hand, go to Iceland and prepare to drop $10+ on a single beer.
If you want to actually experience culture, that is pretty much an entirely different list. If you tell me what you want to do, I can tell you where to go.
Prepare to be amazed at just how cheap wine can be.
Don’t be surprised if you start craving McDonalds or some other American cuisine after being over there a few days. Don’t give in to temptation, unless you are really drunk.
Don’t bring Euros to Europe. Withdraw at the ATM when you are in the country. Make sure, if given the option, to have your bank do the conversion rate. Basically, you can have the ATM either bill your bank in USD, or in the local currency. By having your bank billed in the local currency, it allows them to set the exchange rate (much more trustworthy) than the ATM telling your bank that you took out XXXUSD. It is just another way for them to make money. I typically only carry USD if I am in a country where bribery might be a cultural thing, but it doesn’t sound like you are going to any of those places.
Unless you are exchanging with some American at a hostel, don’t give up your euros before you leave. If you were responsible (or highly irresponsible), you shouldn’t ever have too many euros in your wallet when you leave. The money exchange is a huge ripoff, plus having that stack of euros in your safe at home will encourage you to return.
Don’t carry your passport with you, nor your wallet. I carry my drivers license, and 2 different credit cards in two different locations on my body. Pickpockets are a thing, especially if you look like a lost tourist.
Don’t be an America idiot. Don’t be afraid to buy a few local brands and wear them. Leave your American drinking tee shirts and your north face (might not be needed in the summer).
With that being said, don’t be afraid to play the dumb American. I got out of a few police encounters that way.
Try every bit of food, even if you think it is gross (like snails).
You cannot keep up with the Australians when it comes to drinking. Im not saying that you shouldn’t try, just be prepared.
Everyone worth talking to speaks English. The French don’t like to speak English, but they certainly learned it in school.
Finally, get out of the cities. The best experiences are in the countryside.
As you can see, Im being super productive at work after a long weekend.
Like a tossed salad?
Probably because it becomes everyone’s problem when the market flops due, in part, to personal reckless spending.
You sound like my kind of girl!
Id rather know how. Wasting away at work is hard enough, imagine if you knew you were going to die in 5 years. 100% chance I would quit my job, max out my credit cards, and life my life…
Actually, that doesnt sound bad.