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Arc de Triomphe

Paris 101

By Emily on 22nd June

After a whirlwind weekend of exploring Paris, it’s hard to believe that the journey even happened. I saw and experienced things I had only ever seen in movies. Before the adventure, I was given some extremely helpful advice. Here are my top tips for a safe, fun trip to the City of Light and Love.

Rise and shine

The view from the top of the Eiffel Tower was stunning and easily my favourite part of the trip. However, if don’t like getting up early, you might have quite a lengthy wait in line before reaching the top. If you make it your priority in the morning, you won’t be disappointed.

*Take advantage of the discounts offered to young people and children.

View from the top section of the Eiffel Tower

View from the top section of the Eiffel Tower

Shop before Sunday

Many stores are closed on Sundays, so keep this in mind when if you’re trying to find a stylish outfit in the fashion capital of the world. If you’re still on the lookout for the perfect souvenir, though, don’t worry — shops by typical tourist areas like the Moulin Rouge and the Eiffel Tower will still be open on Sundays.

Hop on the Eurostar

Taking the Eurostar was much easier than travelling by plane. The wait wasn’t long at all and it was quite cool to travel through the Chunnel and arrive in France. Be ready for it, though – the journey through the Chunnel was quicker than I thought!

Eat your way through the city

Start off the morning with coffee and a croissant for breakfast, enjoy a baguette for lunch or dinner, and top off your day with a Nutella crepe. Each of these weren’t very expensive and were taste explosions in my mouth. No one does it better.

Delicious Nutella crepe-making by the Notre Dame

Delicious Nutella crepe-making by the Notre Dame

Double-decker everywhere

Since I only went for a weekend, I didn’t have much time to waste trying to figure out how to get to all of the major attractions. The bus tour was magical. It the only other transportation cost during my short trip, and it even took me back to the train station on my last day. Double decker tours are typically available in most big, historic cities, so take advantage of the easy ride! Here in London, the Original Tour will take you to all major attractions.

Constant vigilance!

I was astounded by the pickpocketing stories I heard from friends and family from their time in the city. People will attempt to wrap a bracelet around your arm to distract you or ask you to sign a petition in an effort to get your vital information (that they can then use in any number of ways). Stick to souvenir shops, keep your valuables at the bottom of your bag, and be aware of your surroundings – it won’t even be an issue!

Stay up late

I had no idea the Eiffel Tower had a night time sparkle show. It might be a long day, but it will be a worthwhile experience. Find a good spot in the grass and relax with your family while watching this amazing man made architectural feat light up the night.

View of the Eiffel Tower during the light show

View of the Eiffel Tower during the light show

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Top Things to Do in Barcelona

By Emily on 9th June

I had heard of the gorgeous weather and rich history of Barcelona, but never thought I would get to experience it for myself. When I got off the plane, I was not disappointed— sunny and 24 degrees. I hadn’t done much research before coming, but quickly found there was always something to do in this beautiful city. 

Take the Barcelona City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off tour 

The double-decker bus tour is a really easy way to navigate the architecture and history of the city. You can snap some pictures from the top of the bus or hop off and explore the tourist attractions on foot. 

The bus stops at Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful parks I had ever explored. Some of the best views and architecture of Barcelona can be seen from up here.

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The view of Gaudi’s work at Park Güell.

I saw other amazing tourist sites such as the stunning Sagrada Familia church, the Arc de Triompf and the Olympic Stadium from the 1992 games. Seeing everything in one day gave me the chance to relax and enjoy the rest of the week without worrying about missing out on anything important. A similar tour is offered in major cities such as London, called the Original Tour.

Relax on the beaches…

The Barceloneta Beach is one of the most popular in the area, even though it’s a bit rocky. Caught off guard, I was unaware that there were no gender biases about going topless here. Experience the freedom, if you wish! 

…or venture out onto the sea

One of the best things I did on the trip was rent a stand up paddle board. I saw a surf shop near the beach with paddle boards outside, and asked a native worker, “Rent? Paddle board?” because I didn’t want to break out the Spanish Dictionary. About 20 Euros later, I was struggling to carry a very heavy paddle board for beginners out to the sea. When I was on the water, the view of the city was spectacular. And I only fell off once!

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The stand up paddle board I used on the sea

Stop at Camp Nou

Waiting in line in the hot sun for tickets to the largest football stadium in Europe was worth it. For football fans, it’s exciting to see the press box and the fancy seats the players get to sit in up close. And for people who aren’t huge football fans like me, it was exciting just to see how massive the stadium is and where the press sits and watches during a game.

I was told that “Mes Que Un Club,” the saying painted across the seats of the stadium, means “more than a club.” Looking around at the mass of fans touring the stadium, I could tell that this was the case for many, young and old. 

Run into something unexpected

You can easily run into festivities in such a lively place. A game between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club Bilbao was taking place the day I arrived. Immediately after getting off at one of the metro stops, all I saw was a sea of red and white. Athletic Club fans had taken over this area and were chanting and waving their flag. It was quite a sight.

Athletic Club Bilbao fans lined the streets before a big match

Athletic Club Bilbao fans lined the streets before a big match

Stroll along Las Ramblas in the evening 

Roaming the streets of this busy marketplace, I noticed that a lot of people relax in the evening with the local and popular Sangria drink and some tapas. Many choose to dine outside on this street, where you can get some amazing seafood paella and drinks in glasses almost the size of your head.

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Tourists stroll along Las Ramblas for food and souvenirs

Experience the Magic Fountain

I was so pleased we were staying in Barcelona over a weekend, because this was by far my favourite part of the journey. The perfect way to end an evening, the Magic Fountain lights up the night and is synched to popular Spanish and American music. If you’re a fan of Disney, then don’t hesitate to impress your friends by pretending to know Spanish and translating songs like “Circle of Life” and “A Whole New World.” 

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The colour-changing magic fountain lights up the night

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