I was lucky enough to have three nights here (usually I have 1-2 nights per city), so I was able to really explore the city. First and foremost, for a visit during the summer, you absolutely must visit one of the Budapest baths. Personally, I’m partial to the Szechenyi Baths.
In Venice, because canals are the main method of public transportation, we took primarily waterbuses. These are slow-moving boats that ferry massive loads of people around the canals and to the lagoon islands. It might be tempting to grab a seat as soon as you get on, but the seated area is usually hot and stuffy; I’d recommend staying on the deck and looking at the scenery instead, where you can feel a lovely breeze to battle the intense summer heat.
Last weekend, I had the wonderful experience of visiting Paris. The city of love, lights, crepes, bread and cheese, and beautiful views. And I have to tell you, Paris totally surpassed all of my expectations.
Before I left for Paris, I wasn’t sure how to feel. I know, that sounds crazy, it’s Paris, how could I not love it? But I had heard differing opinions on the city, ranging from it being a tourist-invaded hell to a city that held on to its cultural roots and beauty. What I have discovered after my weekend there, is that it’s a little bit of both, but regardless, Paris is enthralling.
I’ve spent the past few days bouncing back and forth from museum to gallery to museum/gallery duo. London has some pretty incredible museums and galleries, and I’ve been lucky enough to explore quite a few of them for school (meaning I get in free!) during my first week of classes. First up was the Cartoon Museum, which is more of a gallery, and is not your typical museum. It’s on a row with little cafes, and looks almost like a town house, except for the sign hanging out front proclaiming that you have arrived at the Cartoon Museum. I would describe it as a hole-in-the-wall museum, definitely oriented to a niche market of cartoon lovers. I am not particularly a cartoon lover, but it was still interesting. The inside was set up much like a high-school art show, with everything from political cartoons to Batman to comics framed and displayed on the walls. The entire feel was laid back, and the entry was only £3, a steal.