"Goodbye to You"

16 weeks ago I left home feeling excited, nervous, anxious, sad, elated, scared and confused. And tonight, I feel every single bit of these emotions all over again as I watch my room empty out and prepare to leave Florence tomorrow. These past 4 months are unlike anything I have ever imagined I would experience in my lifetime; I am eternally grateful for this opportunity.

7 countries, 13 cities. I feel like I should be telling you all what my favorite place was, or my favorite night in Florence, or what I am going to miss the most. But I really can't. What I can tell you is the cliche thing that I am sure every person (girl) going abroad will say: It showed me so much about myself. I seriously hate that I am writing that because it is so typical but I think I've grown up so much this past semester- more than I ever expected to. I learned that I need to have a plan at all times (sorry roommates), that I can be adventurous (despite all your beliefs), that I appreciate my family more than ever and that I am maybe too obsessed with my friends....So this brings me to my abroad family.

10 girls in one apartment was more than we all bargained for, but given our circumstances, we did a pretty damn good job. I want you all to know that each of you has made this experience for me. Together, we saw the most amazing things and I dont know how many people can say they traveled the world with their best friends. I am going to miss our pre-bed-time chats Em (what would I do with out you), making fun of Jess for her countdown and Sam for her selfie obsession, having Kerry and Marissa as my rocks here, laughing till I cry with Deyon and CeeCee, having heart to hearts with Anna and being absolutely so inappropriate with Maria. There is just way too many of us to mention but I hope that you all know I love you all so much. Thank you for making this that much better. 

This entire experience was a risk-one that I was obviously willing to take, but one that was completely terrifying and absolutely life changing. I want my family to know how incredibly thankful I am for this. Thank you for trusting me, enabling me to do this and being so supportive because I would not even be able to make it a day without you guys.

I'm not quite sure when the next time I will see Buckingham Palace in London, eat the most amazing food in Siena, paraglide off the Swiss alps in Interlaken, tour the colosseum slightly tipsy in Rome, visit Paris for less than 40 hours, ride a gondola in Venice, spend a week with my best friends in Barcelona, walk down cliffs in the Amalfi coast, tour the islands of Croatia on a boat OR camp out during a beer fest in Germany, but I definitely will cherish these past 4 months of my life. What I know I probably won't be able to do again is wake up every morning to be greeted by the Ponte Vecchio. How did I manage to get so lucky?

So now the time has really come. As we all push through the tears and pack up our inappropriate amount of baggage, I am so ready to come home. I miss everyone and cannot wait to see you all. And with about 2,000 views on my blog, thank you to everyone who has traveled with me and read through my experiences- it means more to me than you'll ever know. I have to stop here because if I continue I'll never stop. SEE YOU TOMORROW NEW YORK....CIAO FOR NOW FLORENCE, you have the biggest piece of my heart.

xo Bria 

SPRINGFEST.

I have sat here for an inappropriate amount of time trying to think of a title for this post that would be clever yet sum up my weekend.....and so on that note, "spring fest" it is because I got nothing. If we tried to think of another way to leave abroad with a bang, I don't think any other trip could have topped Munich, Germany...by far one of the best weekends.

We embarked on yet another 7 hour bus ride to get to Munich on Thursday....why not, right? We got dropped off around 2:30 am and the pressure was on to find our destination for the weekend; because in true fashion, we decided to CAMP for the weekend instead of staying at the hostel with the rest of the group. Not knowing one lick of the elegant German language, 6 of us scrambled for cabs and gave the most vague directions possible to this poor cab driver. He responded with "hmm I've never heard of these campgrounds." So needless to say, I was feeling more secure than ever....Eventually, we solidified our destination and arrived to the Stoke Travel camp site. I don't think I could give the moment we walked up to the site justice but lets just say we were greeted by the Pearl River crew still drinking from the day and an Australian throwing beers in our face before we even could put our bag down. We quickly came to the realization of what we were in for.

The next morning we wasted no time and decided to tackle Munich at 8:30 am (after we had our kegs and eggs of course). We headed into the city and went right to the festival to see these infamous tents. It was basically set up like a huge carnival; there was rides and food and then the big beer halls. We all ordered our first steins (the huge beer cups that hold about 3 beers and cost 9 euro) and some pretzels. The atmosphere was really cool and we luckily went at a down time so we got to sit at the tables and actually get served. After spending the day, we headed back to our lovely camp site for some more beer...

The Saturday morning wake up call was pleasant as I came to the conclusion I had no choice to do the bike tour around Munich with the rest of the crew. I was more than concerned that I did not know how to ride a bike and was about to be mortified in this huge city on a tour with a million other people. After about an hour of whining, I sucked it up and did surprisingly well at managing my bike. Although I didn't want to admit it (especially to Danny) it was probably the best way to see Munich. We had a guide to fill us in on what we were riding past and we stopped about every 10 minutes at different beer gardens, monuments, etc. At the end of the tour, we decided to head to another huge beer hall. But me and Tori took a slight detour as we proceeded to loose our entire group. Thank god she had a picture of the beer hall we were trying to get to on her camera...this resulted in us asked multiple Germans for directions....how we found our friends? I don't know, but we did it!  On the bright side, we got to explore a little bit more of the city? Which is absolutely beautiful by the way. Our Saturday night once again consisted of some more partying at the campsite...This blog post is really doing no justice to the camp staff, camp site or camp activities, but I just don't think I know how to appropriately word where we were staying this weekend.

Sunday was one of the most eye opening days of my entire abroad trip. We headed to Dachau concentration camp. We had these controllers that told us about each part of the campsite. Walking around was absolutely unreal; to think that we were standing on the grounds where something so tragic and historic took place was mind blowing. It really hit me when we watched the videos at some of the stations. They would show piles of dead bodies in the middle of the camp, torture methods and the amount of people that were crowded onto these grounds. We saw the ovens and the gas chambers right in front of us. It was amazing to see a place that each of us had learned so much about in school. Not everyone gets the opportunity to visit somewhere like this so I was grateful to be able to see such a crucial part of history.

I think it is unfair to say that this was my favorite trip, and I know my family makes fun of me because I come back from every place and say "it was the most amazing weekend." But I've concluded its impossible to choose so I just wont. I will say that I don't think we could have ended abroad in a better way, and it made it that much harder for me to come to terms with the fact that this is over. I will be back home in THREE days. I feel like I just left yesterday, yet feel like I haven't seen my family in years. So, keep an eye out for my last blog post and maybe I can show everyone a fraction of how I am feeling (highly doubtful)!


xo Bria

"Guys, where are we?"

Maybe I'm wrong but I feel like most students coming abroad expect to travel to Paris, Amsterdam, Germany, etc but I wanted to do one trip that was out of the ordinary so to speak. So, on a whim, me and 3 other girls decided to head to Croatia. And as I write this post, after the weekend is said and done, I still could not tell you where on earth we were this weekend.

Just when we thought we could not out-do our crazy travel plans, why not take a quick 12 hour bus to get to Split, Croatia. It actually wasn't as bad as you're thinking, but then again, this is coming from the girl who has slept through multiple fire alarms...So as I was on my 100th dream, we drove through the night and arrived in Croatia at about 9 am. Delirious, we hopped off the bus and were greeted by palm trees and this harbor filled with boats on the most beautiful blue water. We decided to spend the day at the beach when our post travel exhaustion hit us head on.  We passed out for 2 hours and woke up to some alarming sun burns, but it was worth it. Known for its sea food, we went to a local place for lunch and got some amazing fish. Oh, need I mention it was the most inexpensive weekend abroad BY FAR. So note to future abroad students, go here! The kuyna (the croatian money) is a nice change from the euro; it's about 8 euros for every one kuyna. Needless to say, we wined and dined! andddd to top our day off, we did a pub crawl at night which was surprisingly so much fun.

The next day the girls and I paid for an island hopping tour for the day. It was one of our better decisions because I'm not really sure how we would've explored this beautiful place which we knew nothing about, couldn't communicate with one single person and STILL could not figure out where the hell we were. The boat took us to 3 different places, and we got off the boat at each stop for about an hour. It was very relaxing and simply stunning. It was a nice change of pace; there was nothing really going on, it was mostly just the beach, the water and the views.....enough to keep us happy!

On our 12 hour adventure home, we stopped at Krka National Park. Where we got dropped off, there was a trail to walk down and it felt as if you were walking in a rain forest. For about 20 minutes, you were surrounded by little water falls. But when you got to the end, the "rain forest" opened up and the prettiest waterfall I've ever seen was in front of us. It really looked like it was out of a magazine. Once again, we all looked at each other and said "where the hell are we." That was the quote of the weekend.

So after 24 hours on a bus, this weekend was amazing. Like I said, it was the one trip I definitely did not expect to do, and it really didn't even cross my mind until we booked it. But, I realize how lucky I am to be able to see a place like this. I would say it's one of earth's so called "hidden treasures", as cheesy as that may sound. Now, its time to commence my 21st birthday celebrations and end this abroad experience with a weekend in Munich, Germany for spring fest! Words cannot express my excitement. To think I will be home in 11 days, though? Absolutely insane and the biggest mix of emotions I've ever felt!

xo Bria

In Awe of Amalfi

Note to future husband: I would not mind a ring from the Ponte Vecchio and if you just so happen to plan our wedding/honey moon in the Amalfi Coast, I promise I won't complain.....simple requests?

So if you couldn't tell by the above statement, the Amalfi Coast went above and beyond my expectations. I admittedly went into this weekend knowing that this would probably be my favorite trip, but I didn't think it would be my favorite place I've ever been to. If you're ever in Italy, YOU NEED TO VISIT HERE, it will disappoint. We started off the weekend on a ferry to Capri after a quick 3 hour nights sleep. We took a boat tour and got to see some really cool historical things besides from the breath taking views. The water is almost fake looking with how blue it is; it didn't feel like Italy at all. We ended the boat tour with the blue grotto. There is a bunch of grottos all around, but blue grotto is the most well-known. Its this cave and upon going inside, the water is the clearest, most pure color of blue when the light hits it. Luckily, it was open (if the tide is too rough, they will close it) and we got to go inside. 5 of us piled onto a small row boat and were forced to lay flat to enter the cave.....it was bizarre. The inside was unreal but it was impossible to get a good picture and capture how pretty the inside was. It looked like a place The Bachelor/Bachlorette would be taped because it was that amazing....(my reality TV obsession coming out.) After this, we made our way to Anacapri, which was all the way at the top of Capri. It was this adorable little town with restaurants, shops and lots of homemade sandals. Our exhaustion was slowly creeping up on us so we spent the rest of the day taking in the sun that we hadn't seen in forever thanks to all the rain in Florence.

When I thought this place couldn't get any more beautiful, Saturday was a beach day in Positano. The black sand beaches are so exclusive that if you were to take a cab there, it would cost you 100 euro. So we took a 20 minute bus ride around the extremely windy cliffs and then walked down to the beach for about another 20 minutes. The views while we drove/walked were so picturesque. The beach was beautiful of course, surrounded by all these tiny shops, cafes and restaurants. Needless to say, it was the most perfect, relaxing day. Just what we needed after spring break.

On our way home, we stopped in Pompeii to end the trip. It was cute and kind of just what I pictured it to be. Besides the obvious ruins that are Pompeii's main focus, there were little markets set up so we got to fit in some shopping before heading home. And I obviously was not leaving Pompeii without trying the pizza since it is right by Naples and is infamous for its pizza. Delish! Overall, the weekend could not get anymore perfect. Other than that, let the panic set in that there is less than 20 days left. Next up: Croatia for the first of my 21st birthday celebrations!

xo Bria

Barcelona, we meet again.

I really hope you all didn't forget about me! I'm finally back to traveling and back to blogging. The month of March was filled with so many visitors and lots of weekends in Florence. But obviously it flew by and now were already into April, I cant believe it. So, to start April off, we took our week long spring break vacation in Barcelona....and I fell in love all over again. I went to Barcelona when I was a junior in high school with about 7 of my best friends. I remember loving it so much and calling my mom at the end of the trip not wanting to come home. Needless to say, not much had changed this time around.

We left Easter Sunday and little did we know we were about to get ourselves into a 7 day "bender." Coming from the Florence weather, we acted like the Barcelona sun was as if we were in Puerto Rico (the 65 degree weather was so nice, but the 8 bathing suits we each packed was a little aggressive). Luckily, we had my best friend Danny, who studies there, to show us around everyday. The city was almost like a taste of home because it reminded me of New York a little bit; I guess coming from Florence any city reminds me of home because Tuscany doesn't exactly scream "the big apple". Our hostel was in the most perfect location, which we quickly learned was ideal when in Barcelona. Danny and his 10 lady friends ventured down Las Ramblas, which was just like I remembered....such a cool street. We visited Parc Guell in the most perfect weather; the walk up there is 100% worth it, I promise. We fit in a FC Barcelona game which was even cooler than the first time I went, and after about 86 attempts, on our last day we took a cable car across the city and walked up to the Olympic Stadium (where the olympics were in 1992...fun fact...). Oh and of course, almost everyday included a visit to the beach....I'm not mad about it, and still jealous that all the people studying abroad there have a beach at their fingertips. #bitter.

The week absolutely flew. Maybe it was because we started everyday at 2pm. Why? Because Barcelona night life was literally crazy. When we weren't pouring our own drinks at the bar, a concept that Barca thinks is appropriate but is so very dangerous, we were casually prancing around the 26th floor of the W hotel with models and the richest humans I've ever seen.....I guess my H&M dress and shoes from Target were just short of embarrassing; It was hands down the nicest bar/club/place I've ever stepped foot into.....when in Barca I guess?

Other than that, we kept it classy at all the other clubs Barca had to offer and usually pranced home around 5 or 6 am. Now that we're back in Florence, our bodies hate us and all I want to do it sleep, but I would do it all over again in a heart beat. I know for a fact I'll be back in Barcelona some day; maybe to visit Danny or Steph who claim there moving there.....(I just don't know if I'm willing to let that happen). But, it was by far one of my favorite weeks abroad and I can't believe it is over....all good things must come to an end I suppose. Now, we have about 48 hours to unpack, unwind and prepare for our trip to Amalfi coast. I remember booking this in Siena and remembering my grandma saying "If you go to Italy and don't go to the Amalfi coast, don't come home!" So, I have a feeling I am going to be in awe and I can't wait. Time is going by way too quickly here and I am not really ready to come to terms with it. But enough of that, time to enjoy everything that these last 3 weeks have to offer!

Xo Bria

More than Halfway there......

So believe it or not, IM ALIVE. I know I haven't posted in ages, but the last few weeks have been all over the place. Lets start with Rome: Rome was incredible, and overwhelmingly large. With the Pope stepping down, it was just as crowded as we expected. The weekend was filled with rain, colosseum tours and 5 hours at Vatican city. The Trevi Fountain was probably my favorite thing we saw; luckily the rain held up long enough for us to be the obnoxious tourists and take 1000 pictures throwing coins in the fountain.....  Although our feet were crying by the end of the weekend, it was amazing to be there at one of the biggest moments possible. 

Rome was followed by 2 weekends in Florence....which I couldn't even tell you guys how excited I was for them. It sounds bizarre in a sense that I take advantage of living here; Everyday, I say "Oh, I'll climb the Duomo next week or see the David tomorrow" Then, more than 2 months in, I realized I haven't done either....which is embarrassing. (Promise I wont leave without seeing them.) So it was nice to take a break from the stress of traveling and just enjoy Firenze. On top of that, we had about 86 visitors stay with us, including one of my best friends. Although the rain did not stop for the whole weekend, Emma and I managed to climb "Piaza Michelangelo," to see a view overlooking all of Florence.....Unreal. Needless to say, I think we showed everyone how amazing of a city we live in.

And last but not least, this weekend was our trip to Venice. Besides from Switzerland, it was probably my favorite weekend abroad thus far. Venice was absolutely breathtaking. Even though we didnt do as many activities as we did elsewhere, the sights/view alone was enough to make you fall in love. However, if you ever go there, you only need about a day or 2 to get your Venice fill; it was plenty for us. And then we topped off the weekend with a day/night long st.patricks day pub crawl.......yeah, so that was that.

Now, I am left counting down the days to spring break in Barcelona. Less than 2 weeks.....oh and as a depressing side note: I only have about 45 days left abroad.......not real life, not okay.

XO Bria

Passport to Paris!

First, I am sorry for the delaying in blogging this time; I think Paris actually took a mental and psychical toll on my body and I've been unconsciously avoiding writing this post. Maybe it is because I truly am at a loss for words about this weekends events! Let me start by saying that if this weekend didn't solidify my questions about being some sort of event planner in the future, I don't know what will ever give me my "ah-ha" moment. Going abroad is all about learning more about yourself, and I think this weekend to Paris showed me I most definitely like to have a plan, a to-do list, and a clear map in front of me at all times (the map part becomes difficult when you don't even know how to say thank you in French...)

So, Friday morning, 5 of us ventured off to Pisa for our flight. After an incredibly quick hour and 45 minute flight, we landed in Paris! We bought our tickets to the metro, grabbed a map, and asked for some last minute directions to our hostel. We realized this trip was about to be an hour to our hostel, apparently a standard travel time from the airport. Things were smooth sailing as we oddly navigated our metro transfers perfectly. Then, as we were crammed more tightly than on a subway in NYC, we realized 2 men consistently starring at us for the duration of our last metro. As our stop approached, we quickly got our bags and jumped off....but so did they. We realized we were being followed and I realized how badly I needed Liam Neeson's skills; all the prior departure "Taken" jokes were becoming somewhat reality. Hiding our obvious panic, we went upstairs and managed to loose the men, thank god. It was very scary but the 5 of us stuck together more than ever and eventually got to our hostel. We were ready to explore the most romantic city in the world.

First stop? The Eiffel Tower of course. Let me just say the Eiffel tower at night time is unlike anything you've ever seen. It literally took our breath away. If you ever are there, the tower sparkles at every hour, so try and catch it! While we were too exhausted for our own good to do anything else Friday night, the rest of the weekend was filled with more mishaps and beautiful sights. Although our time in Paris was short, we got to squeeze in the Lurve, Notre Dame, the love lock bridge and the Eiffel tower round 2. Oh, and managed to get Nutella and banana crepes.......AMAZING. The amount of people pushing and shoving to see the miniature portoirt of Mona Lisa at the Lurve was unreal and it gave me anxiety, but we made our way through to see it. The love lock bridge was definitely my favorite part of Paris. On this bridge its tradition to buy a lock, write the name of whoever you love, keep one key and throw the other key in the water, symbolizing eternal love. The bridge is absolutely filled with these locks which was just incredible to see. Fun fact? putting these locks on is still very controversial despite how many there are. So buying the locks on the bridge from these sketchy men was interesting; if the police were in sight, they took off running with your money and the locks.....catch them if you can?

For me Paris was just one of those unfortunate trips where anything that could've gone wrong, went wrong. By the end of the weekend we had to just laugh. Between almost debuting in Taken 3 on day one, to my scarf getting caught in the metro and having 9 strangers ripping it off me, it was certainly an interesting weekend to say the least. BUT I would've been absolutely devastated if I did not get to see this city. It truly is beautiful and there is so much to see. If you're abroad, Paris is a must-see (so I really hope this post didn't scare you away). My advice: 1) stay somewhere close to the heart of the city!! Paris is tremendous and our hostel wound up being way outside the city in a very sketchy area. It was somewhat inconvenient for us to get to and from places. 2) give yourself enough time to see everything. Although I'd be lying if I said I wish we had more time there, it's impossible to see everything you want to see in a day and a half; give yourself a long weekend if possible.

Like I said before, going abroad is one of the biggest learning experiences I am sure I will ever have; Paris happened to be my first uneasy weekend in Europe, but we definitely had some lessons learned. And just as we start recovering from traveling, were off to Rome in the morning! Pray that the rainy forecast is just a joke because I can't imagine the 8 am tours of the Colosseum being enjoyable in the rain :(. BUT, either way I am excited!! Thanks for reading

xo Bria