In the month of September, my trips ended up being confined to Italy and Italian cities.  This was great, and I loved seeing more of Italy, however, during the past month, I have ventured to new countries and cities in Europe!  I have a friend studying abroad in London, and so I went to visit her for a weekend.  And let me just tell you, I loved London.  I really did not have too many expectations for this UK city, of course I had heard it was a nice city, but I didn’t realize just how nice it was.  I would go as far to say that London is my favorite (big) city that I have ever been to.  (Comparing it to NYC, Boston, the big California cities, Milano, etc).  I don’t know whether it was the gorgeous and spacious parks, or maybe something about all the small neighborhoods inside the big city, but it seemed so cozy and welcoming.

The weekend begun with knocking out the major tourist attractions:

• The London Eye
• Big Ben
• Houses of Parliament (Parliament Square)
• House of Lords
• Westminster Abbey

We also explored Hyde park on the London public bikes— You pay 1 pound for 24 hours of 30 minutes rides!  SUCH a good deal, and much more fun than taking the tube everywhere!  Hyde park was HUGE, beautiful, green, had lakes, cafes, and everything you could possibly want in a park.  There were so many runners (especially compared to Milan) and just all sorts of people enjoying the sunny, but still chilly, day!  We also hit a few more touristy stops…

• St. Pauls Cathedral
• Tower Bridge and the London Tower
• Abbey Road
• Camden Market

Thanks for the gorgeous weekend London!

This past weekend, I traveled to the wonderful city of Barcelona.  I have a class this semester called “design history” and we have been studying buildings designed by Gaudi (in Barcelona!).  It was great seeing all of these designs up close and personal!  Every building in Barcelona was beautiful, had a unique design, and was well thought out.  I enjoyed riding the bikes in London so much that I also rented a bike in Barcelona for 2 days.

I was very happy with my decision as the city of Barcelona is known as one of the most bike friendly cities in Europe!  I loved cruising the whole weekend through the streets on my bike, and would love to go back some day!

Everyday I am here, and every place I visit, I am so grateful to have this opportunity.  I am so lucky to be studying in such a wonderful country that is also so close to everywhere in Europe. Thanks SAI!

Rachel – Boston University