Welcome to my first entry of the year! 5 months after, and I have finished written this blog entry—I know it’s been long and outdated yet I guess that’s just how eventful the past year went for me!😅 I had a new job, re-located to another place then went back to Philippines for the holidays. And I've been writing this bit by bit as the weeks gone by. But as I promised, I’ll aim to write in current time this year. 🤞🏻
(02OCT24) Moving on, I went on a 14-day Euro trip with my parents and colleagues on my birthday last October! Thanks to Europamundo for hosting this trip; The travel agency offers Euro tours in various group packages good for family or for a company trip. It’s my first interconnecting tour across Europe as we went to 4 countries and about 10 cities which was tiring but an adventure of a lifetime. Though, the whole route of the journey was spectacular despite hectic transport changes by land and air.
Nevertheless, here’s a highlight of how our trip went! I suppose this entry might sound like my travel diary but I hope you’d learn something from it 😄
BARCELONA-GIRONA—Hola to my 13th EU country, ESPAÑA!
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PS: I book this 2 days before my flight—for the reason that I was waiting for my passport to be delivered. But please friends, don’t copy and take this as a habit. Thanks to Vueling for an affordable last minute ticket! My flight went smooth and quick until I faced the passport control in Spain; It was horrible that they asked a lot of questions such as the duration of my trip and how much money do I have (?!). I was a little frightened (also because the officer does not speak full English) so it’s better to be prepared when being asked with this randomness. In spite of that, Barcelona in a glimpse reminds me of Old Town Manila.
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Peculiar as it seems but I somewhat felt a connection why my home country was colonized by them. The weather and the environment is very Filipino! Not to mention that our accommodation was nearby the seaside.
I definitely recommend Acta Voraport for its minimalist room and its location is just a few stones away from the popular street of La Ramblas!
Being at the city centre means looking around the Gaudi architectures and shopping! I'd say that this is the best country to shop for ZARA.
Basically, we toured the city for only 2 days and it’s definitely not enough! It was a bus trip around most of the tourist landmarks in which the very highlight was of course, the Sagrada Familia.
It remains an unfinished construction but still a beauty.
THE SOUTH OF FRANCE: ARLES-CHAMBERY-LEYSIN
I never thought that I’d be able to set my feet to the South of France (or the Provence region)! I couldn’t agree more that it is the poshest and classiest area of the country.
The town of Arles gives that Italian neighborhood vibe where they have a Roman amphitheater that’s inspired from the Colosseum.
We also went to this place called Carriers de Lumiere—the oldest immersive experience! This former quarry was transformed into an interactive lights and sounds exhibit of famous artists. That time’s exhibit was about the adventures of Tintin, a popular political comic.
#aSWISSescape: GENEVA-INTERLAKEN-LUCERN-ZURICH-LUGANO
Dreams do come true that I have returned to Switzerland with my parents. A bonus part was that, I got to celebrate my birthday here again. What a surprise that I got to stay in an alpine cabin on my day. This country will have a special place in my heart. 🖤
Geneva is truth be told, one of the richest cities in the world. This harbour part of Swiss is filled with luxury shops (mainly, watches). Additionally, most worldwide organization headquarters (such as the UN and the Red Cross) stood in this city.
As a famous place for clocks and watches, I highly recommend to buy them in town (especially in the streets of Lucern). Their local fashion watches are beyond good quality.
As I've often said, touring Switzerland is really expensive so it’s better to make a budget plan to visit here. However, this is one of the best countries for solo travelers as transport is easily accessible for going to other cities with walkable tourist attractions. Know more about my Swiss travel tips here!
Another thing that I love about Swiss is the wonderful nature alpine view that it offers. I will forever praise these people who can afford living in those high-rise chalets!
Of course, a Swiss trip won't be complete without going on top of the alps. Apart from the breathtaking panoramic views, Glacier 3000 offers a wide range of summit activities like skiing, hiking and a cable car ride.
Then here's a picturesque town of Gruyère where the famous cheese fondue originated as well as other woodwork items and Swiss chocolates.
Care to adopt a Swiss rescue dog?
And as for our last Swiss stop, we went to Lugano which is a Swiss-Italian community filled with classic and luxury. The town structure, the elegant people (without a bias) and the breathtaking views of the lake has led to the rocky roads of ITALYA.
#CiaoITALY: MILAN-PISA-ROME
Welcome to the city of fashion trends! I used to see this place in various celebrity socmed posts and now, it feels incredibly surreal to be here! The whole metropolitan walk is stunning and I guess it’s one of the prettiest cities I’ve seen in Italy.
Isn’t it great to be back in Pisa (even for just a short stopover)?!
Moreover, our Trevi-wish finally came true to be back in Rome—the post-pandemic era! I got to go inside the Vatican’s Basilica and the Roman Forum which I found very interesting.
For someone who likes history and Roman civilization will definitely appreciate this place. I'm always amazed on how these were preserved for thousands of years!
The Pope conducts the mass every Wednesday and holidays and it's best to arrive early to get a good seat. It was extremely hot that time and there will always be a long queue whether you go to the Sistine Chapel or the inside the Basilica. Nevertheless, both are worth seeing 💯
Catholic churches are the prettiest. Despite how a holy sanctuary gets tourist-y, it still feels tranquil and peaceful whenever you go around this holy place. Of course, picture-taking at the prayer room is highly prohibited.
First-timers in Rome would surely hit these two main attractions besides the Trevi. I would highly suggest to go on a hop-on,hop-off to save the hassle.
Italy is generally beautiful in all aspects of history, culture, food (Italian cuisine is my most favorite for the love of pasta and pizza 🖤) and design yet be cautious in going around the streets! There can be scams of tour offers or petty crime so be careful. We spent a total of 8hrs on the road to tour all 3 cities. You can read the rest of my Italy travel blogs here.
back to #TourLeFrance: PARIS
Lastly, we flew back to France via Orly Airport.
I got a room for myself and I love the classy interior of it! Though, keep in mind that most hotels in Paris have small lifts/chambres. And also, never skip a hotel's petit dejeuner for the perfectly made croissants! 😉 This is Hotel Elysees which is literally at the heart of Champ Elysèes.
Never miss an outlet shopping haul at the La Valee Outlet!
Paris is beautiful but be extra cautious in going to the popular attractions. There can be a group tactic of pickpocketing in which one person will approach the victim while the others quickly does the stealing business.
My 3 days in the capital were somehow spent reminiscing the tourist-y places that I'll never get tired of going. Not to mention, that my first birthday in Europe was held here 😉🖤 The rest of my France travel recommendations can be seen here.
Overall, it was a fun yet fast-paced journey. My heart is full that I have experienced this with my family and colleagues. This intercity trip taught me to be always on-the-go and appreciate the views while on the road. And it amazes me how each European country has its connecting border (like how I wish the UK did not leave the European Union instead..lol). I hope I will be able to travel like this again.
Hence, on to the next travel story!(I promise it won't take long) 😉
‘til then!
