the areas . . .

Cinque Terre

June 29

It was a bit of a trek, but I did a day trip from Florence just to see these coastal Italian towns. Similar to the Amalfi Coast but better, these five (cinque) towns are built on the side of mountains leading down into the wildly blue Mediterranean Sea. I started at Vernazza, the fourth town. It is much less touristy but just as beautiful. I set myself up on a rock and dipped in and out of the water before heading to the next town. I took the hike to Monterosso, the fifth town. To say the hike was difficult would be an understatement and I only recommend it if you are physically capable to walked hundreds and hundreds of stairs… but it was so worth it. The views from above were next level.

The Dolomites

July 4-7

When someone asks me where my favourite place is (the impossible question) this is where I tell them. I didn’t spend nearly enough in the mountain range in the Northern most part of Italy and will absolutely be going back the first chance I get. The temperatures were cool, the weather was stunning – rain or shine – and the views… I can’t even describe. Take a look at the next few pages for a series of photos just from the Dolomites. I stayed in Trento – a great base to see the western areas of the mountains – and visited Bolzano, Lake Carezza, and Ortisei. Interesting fact about these areas is that they also speak German because it’s so close to the Swiss border.

Lake Como

July 7-11

One of the most fun stops of my trip. While Lago di Como is a bit more expensive, it is absolutely worth it. I stayed in the only hostel in Como town, Ostello Bello, and it ended up being my favourite hostel of the trip. The common areas were so much fun, the kitchen was big with free pasta and fresh vegetables to use, and the staff were amazing.

I met a group of awesome girls who I spent a couple of days touring the lake with. My favourite spot was Nesso – a very small and popular spot to go bridge jumping. We also visited Bellagio, Menaggio, and wandered around the town of Como.

Côte d’Azur

July 14-21

Encompassing the entire French Riviera, Cote d’Azur is postcard perfect (like most other places in Europe). I arrived in Cannes on Bastille day so partied for 3 consecutive nights with people I met in my dorm. I spent my mornings doing trains trips out to other towns – Monaco, Nice, Eze, Antibes – and my afternoons lounging on the beach until the sun began to set. Billionaires Bay in Antibes is an absolute must. It is a bit of a trek with a train, bus, and walk to get there, but the water is perfect. We spent hours just floating in the sea and jumping of big rocks into the deep and perfectly clear water. Make sure you pack snacks though because there isn’t anywhere close by.

Brittany & Normandy

July 31 - August 3

One of the top places on my bucket list was Mont Saint Michel. After looking through my mother’s film photos countless times I knew I had to visit. I stayed in a nearby village called Dol-de-Bretagne and really got a feel for the French countryside. I spent a whole day wandering the tiny streets of the island and the hallways of the abbey on top.

The next day was spent at St Malo and Cancale, two fishing villages on the west coast. Cancale is small but if you are a seafood lover, it is a must visit. The town is known for its multiple family-owned oyster stalls where you can buy a tray (for very reasonable prices) and sit by the sea being watched carefully by seagulls.

Berkshire, Wiltshire, & Hampshire

August 7

Last, but absolutely not least, the countryside west of London which would like to call stone country. A friend I met in Milan who lived in the area offered to show me around for the day. The weather was perfect (unusual for England) and Ollie, Emily’s dog, came along for the adventure. We climbed Beacon Hill for a view of Highclere Castle, visited Stone Henge, had lunch and a walk in Avebury, and met another friend at the Blue Boar for a pint in the afternoon. Her parents were then generous enough to have me for a homecooked dinner and rhubarb pie made with rhubarb fresh from their garden. The perfect day.