End-of-semester Reflection-- 6) Luzern, Switzerland

Luzern, Switzerland:

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Possibly the prettiest place I have ever seen.

Quick facts--

* It is located in north-central Switzerland
* German is the primary language spoken in the city

~Luzern sits on the shore of the beautiful Lake Luzern:



Mount Pilatus and Rigi in the Swiss Alps can be seen in the distance,



and the most elegant swans can be seen up-close.

This lake is one of the first sites you will see when you exit the train station. If you are just as impulsive as my friends and I are, you may decide, like we did, to rent a paddle-boat and sit on the water for some time. I recommend it-- what better way is there to marvel at this enchanting scene? =)

~While you are at Lake Luzern, it is advised that you also walk through the Chapel Bridge:



This 669 foot long, wooden bridge was constructed in the 14th century. Paintings from the 17th century illustrating different events from Luzern's history line the inside.



This may be the most magnificent bridge I have ever walked through-- not to mention, the music performed by the violinists and flutists scattered along the bridge made it even better!

~And lastly, I recommend that you see the Lion Monument.



This carving of a dying lion was made by Bertel Thorvaldsen and is located in a small but lovely park. It was made to commemorate the Swiss Guards who were massacred during the French Revolution in 1792.

Now for some FYI's..

* The restaurants in Luzern are VERY expensive-- perhaps the most expensive of all of the restaurants I went to in Europe. Salads and pizzas, for example, can cost at least 20 francs--that's about $20! Just be prepared...

* But, this may be the most beautiful city I saw in Europe. Nothing beats the crystal blue waters and the spectacular mountains.

* Howeverrr, there really is not much to do in Luzern aside from the sites I discussed in this post. So, come to Luzern to see the city, but do not expect to do too much while you are there.

Despite the above cons, I had a really great time in Luzern. If you are looking to visit a beautiful city, then this is the place to go =)

With love,
Caroline

End-of-semester Reflection-- 5) Reims, France

Well, it is about two months later, and, as you can see, I basically just stopped blogging and reflecting on the places I traveled to... my apologies! Now that I am back in the United States and on my winter break, I am going to take some time to write a little bit more about each country & city I visited =)

On to... Reims, France:

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A small but beautiful city!

Quick facts--

* Reims is the commercial center of France's Champagne wine region
* It is most recognized for its production of sparkling white wine
* It has been known to produce quality wine since the early Middle Ages

~Thus, if you are ever in Reims, it is obvious that you must visit the Champagne Pommery. Originally owned by J.A. Louise Pommery, this home has produced sparkling wine since the 17th century.

When you are there, take a guided tour of the cellars if you are interested...



...and most definitely taste the deee-licious Pommery Brut Royal =)

~In addition, be sure to see the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral (or, en anglais, "Our Lady of Rheims"):



This cathedral was once the place where the French kings were crowned. Its construction was completed by the end of the 13th century, with the Western front built in the 14th century. During World War I, the Germans unfortunately destroyed and damaged some portions of the cathedral. The restoration of these parts began in 1919 and continues to this day.

Reflective posting tbc. And btw, Merry Christmas! I clearly have some sort of a thing for posting on big holidays...

With love,
Caroline

Mid-semester Reflection-- 4) Paris, France

Paris, France:

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Ah, Pahh-ree!--the "city of light" and the "city of love." Come to this city, and expect to see medieval abbeys, classical architecture, high fashion, and the world's best bistros =)

~One site you must visit in Paris if you are are interested in art is the Louvre Museum. This famous museum was once a royal palace and now holds many celebrated pieces of art, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa.

~In addition, you MUST all see the Eiffel Tower!!--of course =p And if you have time to climb the Eiffel Tower, do it! My friend and I climbed to the top (with the help of a lift) which was just SO cool!!! I can't even tell you.

Here's a pic I took while in the tower that is angled up the tower:


And here is the stunning view of Paris we were able to see from the top of the tower:


Please go to my facebook to see plenty more Eiffel Tower pictures! Also see my facebook for 3 videos that show the tower sparkling in the night sky, my friend and I moving up the tower on a lift, and my friend and I at the top of the tower =)

With love,
Caroline

Mid-semester Reflection-- 3) Versailles, France

Versaille, France:

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One of the grandest attractions to visit in this city (if not the grandest) is The Place of Versailles.



The "Chateau de Versailles" (as they call it in France) was the center of power in which King Louis XIV lived and ruled from 1682-1789. It is the largest palace in the world and a symbol of Louis XIV's absolute monarchy.

Be sure to go inside and marvel at the beautiful rooms:




The Hall of Mirrors--


The Queen's bedroom--


And definitely take a stroll through the gardens:





Isn't that crazy, yet amazing?! Those who are into home design (like me) can take some cues... ;-)

With love,
Caroline

Mid-semester Reflection-- 2) Bruges, Belgium

Bruges, Belgium:

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Another beautiful Belgian city. Also check out the Market Square and its medieval buildings, especially when it is lit up in the evening!

~A symbol of Bruge to see (and climb if you dare!) is the Belfry Tower:


This bell tower, located beside the Market Square, is 272-feet tall and 366 steps long! Its lower section was constructed in 1240, with the other portions constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries. Listen for the clock's chimes every 15 minutes =)

Other notable mentions...

* Visit the Church of Our Lady if you are interested in art. This gothic church holds the small marble statue of Michelangelo's Madonna and Child... pretty neat!

* Tour the Halve Maan Brewery if you would like to learn about the old traditional brewing methods of Bruges. This brewery-turned-museum dates back to the 1500's and offers a panoramic view over Bruges at its top:




* Take a boat tour on Bruge's gorgeousss canals:



* And eat more Belgian chocolate =p

Reflective posts to be continued.... <3

With love,
Caroline

Mid-semester Reflection-- 1) Brussels, Belgium

We've hit the halfway mark in the semester =( It is October 31st (HAPPY HALLOWEEN btw!!!) and time for some reflection. I have been very fortunate to travel to so many places in Europe and would like to tell all of those who are interested a little bit about each spot.

Starting with...

Brussels, Belgium:

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Beautiful city-- particularly the Grand Place, or the historic market square, featuring guild houses and the Gothic Town Hall.

Quick facts:
* Brussels is more than 1,000 years old
* It is the European capital, housing the European Commission, the Council of Ministers, and the European Parliament
* French and Flemish are the city's official languages

~A neat landmark to visit in Brussels is the Atomium, which was built for the World Expo:


Other notable metions...

* For those who enjoy drinking beer, be sure to stop at the Delirium Cafe-- a pub that is located in an 18th century basement, offering over 2,000 types of beer. Although I am allergic to beer, it was def a neat place to visit.

* It is highly recommended that you purchase and devour at least two or three Belgian chocolates.


* While walking around the city, look out for the playful comics painted on some of the buildings...


Isn't that so cool & adorable?

* And please walk down this street:



That is, indeed, a gorgeous church sitting on a random street corner. Gotta love the juxtaposition of Old & Modern Europe.

Reflective posts about European cities and countries to be continued! <3

With love,
Caroline