France
Eiffel Tower
All of Paris is visible from the Eiffel Tower (except the catacombs of course). It felt as if I was floating on a metal hot air balloon above a world frozen in time. Why frozen in time? The buildings below could still belong in a period film, just with modern families roaming through them. This is the moment I lived my childhood dream. [read more]
Claude Monet Gardens
As a kid, around six or seven, I fell in love with the style and beauty of Claude Monet paintings. For my birthday one year, I hung a poster with a grainy image of the famed water lily painting. Later on, I would visit the Art Institute of Chicago to see the impressionist painting in real life. To tell my younger self I had now been to the painted pond, I would have never dreamed the place of oil paint truly existed.[read more]
The Louvre Muesum
Visting the Louvre has always been on my bucket list, but why? Is it the fame that accompanies the name? Is it just the prime location in Paris? Whatever drew me to Louvre, it wasn’t even a taste of all the history I would experience. [read more]
Paris Catacombs
Located 20 meters (65 feet) below the streets of Paris, France lies one of the city’s most morbid secrets – the Catacombs! These underground tunnels are one of the world’s largest underground labyrinths of mystery spanning 800 hectares (over 3 square miles). Piles of femurs, neatly arranged, and the remains of over 6 million Parisen citizens leads to a few questions time and time again – is it morally ok to create a system of catacombs? [read more]
Germany
Romantic Road
Every little girl, me included, dreams of living a fairytale. Those dreams have since faded for me, but not before being replaced by a more realistic vision. I wanted to visit the Romantic Road throughout southern Germany. [read more]
Munich, Germany
Located in the heart of Bavaria, Munich is the 3rd largest and southernmost city in Germany. Known around the world as a business capitol of startups and headquarters, an entrepreneurial spirt isn’t the only thing you’ll experience in the city. Often overlooked by tourists, the bustling squares (Platz) create a global blend that makes you feel right at home. [read more]
Italy
Taste of Rome
Before I arrived in Italy, I read that a traditional Italian dinner can last up to five hours. As I’m homebased in the States, this idea seemed absurd. Why would I pay for slow service, sitting on a narrow ally, and running out of conversation topics before the appetizer was served. [read more]
Venice, Italy
Part of the iconic Italian city trio, Venice is a wonder to locals and tourists alike. Far from the feel of mainland Italy, a weekend away in the floating city can become the adventure of a lifetime! Venice is known for its uncommon ground – its floating! [read more]