A Weekend Getaway to Amsterdam & Brussels | Travel Photo Diary

Hello lovely reader! Happy 2019! With the New Year happening, I have been doing a lot of looking back, in order to help understand what I want going into 2019. I have also been doing a fair amount of organizing, whether it be my room, my calendars, or my computer, I always like to make sure I have my "stuff" together for a fresh start. While organizing my computer and looking back at my previous travels, I found a group of photos from a weekend trip that I took with some friends to Amsterdam and Brussels. I wanted to share them now as I know this is the time when many people will start to creating their 2019 Travel Goals and also many people will be leaving to Study Abroad!

Starting with Amsterdam, my biggest tip for this quaint city is to just wander. There are so many idyllic spots along the canals for gorgeous (& insta-worthy photo-ops). It's so peaceful and definitely has a very different feel to another city that I've visited, much more relaxed. 

After having breakfast one morning my friends and I found an open market full of clothes, souvenirs, bakery sweets, flowers, and the delicious and iconic, stroopwafel.  

Have to get one of course.

Inspiring street art on the side of buildings, a easy reminder to look up and around, you never know what you might miss!

Even though it's about as "touristy" as you can get, an "I amsterdam" photo-op is a must! It's also right next to the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum as well as a really pretty little fountain.

Lovely canal houses, each with their own personality.

If you have time, I would highly recommend visiting the Anne Frank House. There is typically quite a long line, but it does move fairly quickly and is worth the wait. To be able to walk through the house was a very surreal and at times moving experience. It really gave me a new perspective and understanding of who Anne Frank was. Very very powerful experience!

Now onto Brussels, a must see spot is the Grand Place de Brussels. A town square surrounded by gorgeous architecture that is just as striking during the day as it is at night. The intricacy of the gilded buildings is so impressive and stunning!

Also have to hit up a clear tourist trap for some Belgian frites. In case you didn't know, French Fries are not actually French so when in Belgium, the the birth place of fries, you've got to try!

Definitely recommend heading back to the Grand Place de Brussels in the evening to see all of the buildings lit up!

The indulgences continue, Belgian chocolate, need I say more? The smell that hits you when you walk into these gorgeous chocolate shops is like getting dunked into Willie Wonka's chocolate river! Often times there are samples being shared and the shop workers are extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions you may have about their decadent creations!

Belgian waffles are also everywhere along the streets and of course a must try. No guilt to be had after walking around all day!

If you want to take a break from the city, the Atomium is a nice day trip. Originally constructed for the 1958 World's Fair this structure is now a museum and you are able to go up inside it. If you aren't into heights, there are surrounding parks and benches which make for great people watching and relaxing...

While enjoying your final belgian waffle of the trip!

Have you been the either of these place before? Any tips for future travelers? Xx

Street Art & Street Food | Camden Town

Hiya lovely reader! Today I wanted to share a really cool area in London with you that is full of culture, amazing street art, delicious street food, and some great vintage shopping. Camden Town is a located in northwest London and has a great history with punk culture in the 70s in the UK and was also home to Miss Amy Winehouse. Now unfortunately it is starting to somewhat commercialize (good for some, bad for others) but is still a great place to visit, especially if the weather is nicer. Camden Market has tons of great little shops and some fabulous food stalls.

One of my favorite things about this area though besides the market is all the street art, you can see so many different style and artists scattered throughout the area. 

I would definitely recommend coming here hungry as there are going to be so many foods you will want to try from basically pots full of steaming mac and cheese to massive hotdogs, mexican food, and some decadent desserts.

Do you have any favorite spots or street art in the Camden area? Xx

Iconic London Landmarks | Westminster

Hello lovely reader! Happy Sunday! I hope you are all doing well. I feel like a need to provide a bit of explaining as to my lack of posting here on the blog. My explanation, I am a whole lot busier here than I had planned and school work and experiencing amazing opportunities has come before posting! The bad news is, I haven't posted anywhere near as frequently as I had planned, meaning that before I got to London I was thinking "Oh ya, I'll post after every excursion I take", then I got here and the reality was that I have been go, go, going ever since I landed! The good news is that I have been documenting every step of the way and have tons of photos and notes to share with you, so the posts will come! I want to share not only what I have experienced here in London and in other places I have visited but also tips for anyone who is considering or planning on studying abroad. For today's post I wanted to share what I think is the best way to start off your time in London, whether it be for a few days, months, or even years.

The Westminster area is the perfect place to start because it allows you to get a lot of the touristy things accomplished in one go, seeing many of London's iconic landmarks including the London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the Horse Guards Parade, and Trafalgar Square! Now I know this may sound like a lot but I promise you they are all within walking distance of each other which makes for a nice and easy day.

If you are taking the tube I would highly recommend starting out from Westminster station. You literally step out of the station and Big Ben is right in front of you, looking beautiful and majestic. It's a moment for sure. After seeing it in person multiple times I truly believe that photos do not do it justice. There are so many amazing gold and architectural details at the top of the tower. 

You can then either walk across the bridge and to check out the London Eye or head towards Parliament and see Westminster Abbey.

There is sooo much history within this Church, over 1000 years. I haven't been inside yet but am planning to visit before I leave. You can go inside the church for free for worship services. Again the outside of this church is covered in details, both on the sides and the front of the building. 

Then, if you are there on a Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, or Friday (always check the website to be sure) head towards Buckingham Palace around 11am to see the changing of the guards.

Of course you must checkout Buckingham Palace, see the guards, and have a look through the gift shop. Fun Fact, you can tell if the Queen is in based on the flag flying above the palace. If the Union Jack is flying it means she is not currently there and if the Royal Standard is flying then the Queen is in residence! I have been there twice and both times the Union Jack has been up so maybe the third time is the charm?

If it is a nice day, you can have a walk through St. James Park along The Mall towards the Horse Guards Parade.

Then checkout the infamous horse guards, snap a pick or give the gorgeous horses a pet. They don't bite......usually!

From the Horse Guards Parade, walk up Whitehall Street and you can conclude your tour with the lovely lions in Trafalgar Square. This area holds an idealic London-esque view especially when the sun is setting. If you stand at the foot of the lions and look down Whitehall Street you will be able to see Big Ben standing tall amongst the trees and buildings.

Just lovely. So as I said this is the first of many more to come! I have been more "lively" active over on instagram so if you haven't already, be sure to follow @notexactlyplainjane ! Xx