Before you begin booking your flights, looking at options for Airbnbs, and picking out your outfits for fall break, beware! Here is a guide on what to do: guard your items at all costs, do not encounter crazy locals, do not run into metal poles on the coastline, do not enter the Mediterranean sea (unless you do so with caution and a good pair of water shoes), and do not be unsure about how to get to the Italian airport, but most importantly, have the time of your life!
I have never loved London more than returning home to our flat after six days split between trains, cabs, planes, and long walks in Nice, France and Genoa, Italy. Though, I must say: Nice is very nice! Fall Break was at the perfect time; right when everyone is getting restless from mid-terms, tired of the muggy London weather (which is perfect for a cozy day in), and ready to adventure elsewhere.
First off, living anywhere in Europe automatically grants you cheap, easy flights and trains to fifty countries. If you are an avid traveler, an aspiring traveler, or just someone that likes good food, good sights, and good adventures, then you should definitely study abroad in Europe. Even though I am studying abroad in London, which is not connected to the mainland of Europe, it is so easy and inexpensive – especially for college students – to travel to France, Italy, Spain; you name it!
Anyways, despite a stolen backpack in Ventimille, being drenched by rain in Nice, and not being able to find an English speaking person in Genoa, it was a much-needed and eye opening experience. To anyone deciding where to visit next, I strongly Nice, France. The views of the Mediterranean Sea are spectacular; between the crystal clear water, the rocks along the shore, and the sunset – you cannot get much better than that. Since I have constantly been on the go since I arrived in London, it was great to take a minute to just read, relax, and reflect at the Nice Beach on these past seven weeks abroad. Also, Nice is home to the best fresh fruit and vegetable markets, but after feasting on croissants upon croissants, I must say that they are easily my favorite food.
After hiking up Castle Hill, taking a dip in the Mediterranean Sea – warning: the rocks on the Nice Beach are definitely not there to give you a relaxing rock massage – and exploring the various plazas and gelato stands that Nice offers, my friends and I ventured off on the National Rail train towards Genoa, Italy.
Forget Rome, Venice, and Milan; Genoa should be the next stop on your bucket list! Not only is the architecture and food in Genoa enough to make you want to live there, but I was deeply drawn to the fact that it is was truly a local town. Not one resident spoke a word of English, so we were left pointing and laughing at everything that we needed for the course of those three days. Also, be prepared for no Uber, a very aggressive taxi service, and limited plane services to London. Despite various bumps in the road – both literally and figuratively – I was so glad that I got to explore more of Europe, while I am here. I advise anyone who studies abroad to truly take advantage of each area near them. Happy Travels!