A.D.D. Adventures
The second-smallest continent in the world, with the third-largest population of them all, Europe is a cultural hot spot! Where else in the world can you border hop within a couple hours, and find yourself immersed in an entierly different country and culture? With so many linguistic influences (more than 200 languages) and varying geographical masterpieces (in roughly 50 countries), Europe is without a doubt a backpackers dream!
Here you'll find all I have to offer you about traveling around in Europe! From backpacking tips and tricks, to my favorite places and recommendations. Enjoy! :)
European/Schengen countries I've visited:
Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain (see Spain page), Switzerland, and Turkey
Austria
Vienna
Belgium
Brugge, Brussels, & Leuven
There's still a draft saved about Vienna on my old blog. I've never been able to bring myself to post it, because as beautiful as the city was, as helpful the people were, and as wonderful as my Couch Surfing hosts were, I found myself feeling quite disgusted with the place. It seemed a little pretentious, and was far too, how do I put this...perfectperfectperfect. I don't think I was there long enough to really judge it, but went ahead and did so anyways.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Sarajevo & Mostar
I LOVE Belgium so much! It's such a cultural hotspot, it being such a small country, yet having three official languages, as well as Brussels' claim to being home to the capital of the EU (European Union). It has such a delightful blend of French and Dutch cultures and architectures, I just can't help but swoon!
Croatia
Cres, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Igrane, Makarska, Plitvicka Nat'l Park, Rijeka, Split, & Zagreb
If you'd said the word(s) Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to me last year, I would have looked at you with a blank stare. Say them to me now, and I light up like a Christmas tree and will go on and on about how wonderful a country it is, and how insanely nice the people there are! Knowing I had to get from Istanbul to Split, Croatia on a certain day, I looked for a reasonably priced option for getting there, and landed myself a cheap flight to Sarajevo, the amazing capital of BiH. And it turned out to be one of my favorite countries of all time!
I learned about Croatia back in high school when one of our assistant water polo coaches told us he was from there. I figured it was some far-away Eastern European place I'd never go near, but couldn't bring myself to discount it fully, because, well, he was really good-looking. And by gosh, so is his country! What an unbelievably beautiful place Croatia is, from the islands, to the mainlands, the countryside to the mountains. It's a haven. A country with posh-quality standards, for a fisherman's price, you cannot go wrong in Croatia!
Greece
Athens, Piraeus,
& Santorini
Italy
Bellagio, Bergamo, Capri, Como, Fiumicino, Frascati, Milan, Napoli, Nemi, Pompeii, Roma,
Sorrento, Torino & Other Tiny Towns
The coveted country of Greece. Well, for travelers and those that like to vacation. Anyways, without getting into the politics of it, let me just say this... Greece is flipping amazing! It's such a beautiful country, prices aren't too high, people are enjoying life, and they're really enjoying some delicious cuisine and rich history. They have too many islands, which means there is absolutely an atmosphere for everyone. I long to return to Greece and explore its lands further. Someday, darlings, someday...
Where do I even begin with Italy? My love and passion for this country no know bounds, and my obsession with their culture and cuisine are unwavering and run deep. I have yet to spend time in the country that wasn't pleasurable, and always leave feeling so completely satisfied. It's a gift to your senses, and if you're a foodie like me, few places can compare! From the sights to the smells, the ruins to the romance, Italy is idyllic, and I can't wait for the period of months when I call it "hOMe"!