FaithGabrielle

Greetings from Europe...again! After some very spontaneous planning, spending, and risk taking, I have returned to the continent I have fallen in love with. I lasted an entire 68 days gone from it, but who's counting? This time, I'm going on an adventure with my friend, Devon. We both love traveling, and Europe, and we both think we are princesses, so needless to say... It's going to be awesome. Our traveling started Thursday in the states, with an overnight flight to Barcelona. We got the entire row of seats to ourselves, so I (kinda) got some shut eye. We arrived early morning yesterday and took the airport transfer bus into the area we are staying, called Plaça Catalunya. On the bus ride, our jet lagged conversation went a little like this... Me: "Ya know, it's not ... read more

What a week it has been! The bad news is...my allergies have been given me a hard time and made me lost my voice. The good news is...I'm still having the time of my life! We arrived in Edinburgh last Saturday and have been busy nonstop with sightseeing and exploring Scotland's capital. Our accommodations were very centrally located...right off the Royal Mile (the most happening and busy street of the city). The highlight of our hostel was the fact the showers were big enough to turn around in and had a separate water closet. And free breakfast. It's the little things, right? The history and architecture of this city is so beautiful and interesting. They have done such an amazing job preserving historic buildings, closes, and relics. There were moments where we would stop, look around, ... read more

Yesterday morning, we said goodbye to Dublin and journeyed to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Quick history fact: Ireland is its own republic, but 6 counties are still under United Kingdom's rule. They are called Northern Ireland. The UK is still quite persistent in making sure everyone knows that they have left the Republic of Ireland (UK flags everywhere, street curbs painted red, blue, and white). Just like England and Scotland, Northern Ireland uses Pounds for currency. The exchange rate between U.S. Dollars and Pounds is almost double...meaning when I spend 1 pound, I'm spending $1.77. This difference has been adding up quite a bit and makes me want to cry (sorry, mom, it's not my fault) :( Anyway, buyer's remorse aside, it's been a great time. First, we went to the Titanic museum, which was probably one ... read more

After a very eventful and busy first days, I finally have the opportunity to share them with you! First stop was breakfast at the Castle of Bunnratty. At this time, I became very thankful for the rain jacket I brought with me. After shopping at the gift shop (get excited, mom), we left for the Cliffs of Moher. Sadly, weather was not on our side Wednesday and about all we saw were mist and fog at a very high altitude. Any calories consumed on my flight were quickly burned off by the scenic hike along the trails. At one a point, a family of cows were frolicking next to us. I felt one with nature, really. The Burren was our next stop. Before our arrival, our professor described it as nothing less than a nature phenomenon ... read more

My adventure has officially begun! For those of you who know how "prompt" I am on a regular basis, you will be happy to hear I was on time (even a little early) for my flight this morning. Saying goodbye to my mom, dad, and best friend this morning was bittersweet...I will miss them so much but know I will have so many stories to tell them when I return! I arrived safe and sound in New York. I was lucky to have fairly skinny people on both sides of me on the plane. There wasn't even a battle over who would get the arm rests. Plus I have found a new hobby: people watching at the airport. All I can say is...thank goodness for the airport Starbucks! That Venti Iced Hazelnut Coffee was the perfect ... read more