Wouldn’t it be Nice, France

by Lauren

Walking along the Promenade d’Anglais in Nice, all I could think was that the Beach Boys would totally love this city. The beaches are mostly rocky, which is a change for us southerners used to the sandy coast along the Gulf of Mexico, but the water in the French Riviera is sky blue. Not dark blue like most deep waters of the ocean, or the teal green of the Croatian coast, but an honest to goodness sky blue. I am not over editing these photos; the water is just that gorgeous! Needless to say, total Beach Boy heaven.

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Pilgrims & Waterfalls: Medjugorje

by Lauren

About 45 minutes away from the “hidden gem” city of Mostar is the small town of Medjugorje. This town’s only industry is tourism, generated by the vast amounts of religious pilgrimages that stop there every year. Primarily Catholics, people embark to visit Medjugorje in order to hike to the top of apparition hill, where Mary appeared to a select few in the 1980s. St. James’s Church is nearby, where mass is celebrated in various languages every hour.

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Hidden Gem: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

by Lauren

Many solo travelers have dubbed the small town of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a “hidden gem” in Europe. After my stay in this quaint little town, I absolutely have to agree. The town is a contrast between recently rebuilt urban areas and crumbling, broken buildings scattered amongst the bustling streets. In 1992, war broke out within Bosnia and Herzegovina, lasting until 1995. The effects of the war are starkly clear in Mostar; the front line is one of the main boulevards driven on today. While much of the city has been rebuilt, the effects of the war are still visible.

A moving, and yet simple and small, war monument resides in Mostar. A brick painted with the words “Don’t Forget” takes up a corner in the market. Not large and imposing, but the words and monument are powerful nonetheless.

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Cathedrals & Flowers: Sofia, Bulgaria

by Lauren

I went to Bulgaria! I still can’t believe it. I know, I say that each time I reach a new country; seriously, I mean it every time. I’m still stunned at this incredible opportunity I’ve had to realize some dreams and collect incredible memories. Some of those memories have come from my time in Sofia, Bulgaria, the capital of the country.

It’s the beginning of June, and summer has definitely hit Bulgaria. The lush greenery throughout the city, against the backdrop of bright architecture makes Sofia a great city to be in to kick off the season!

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