Europe

Ireland: Imagine The Greenest Scene Ever, Then Multiply It By 100

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Irish Countryside

Irish Countryside

As Europe's arguably most charming island country, Ireland is home to Guinness, endless green countryside, and the friendliest people I've ever met. It tends to be less expensive to fly to from the US compared to other European countries - and that extra money can be put to good use! Spending a few extra days to explore the countryside and castles, having some pints at the pub - whatever you feel like doing, you'll find it in Ireland. I've been to Ireland once so far. We had a four day weekend during my study abroad program, so me and a couple friends went to Cork, Limerick, and Dublin.

Cork Ireland Blarney wanderlust

Cork Ireland Blarney wanderlust

Eating at the pubs was a treat as well. I had been to a few Irish pubs around Italy, but being in a true Irish pub was a treat. I still remember my first meal in Ireland: peppered mackerel with soda bread, coleslaw, and a Guinness. So delicious.

Irish Pub

Irish Pub

Since we took a bus from each city, we drove through the countryside. Photos cannot truly express how absolutely gorgeous and green the country in Ireland is. Imagine the greenest scene you can imagine, then multiply it by 100.

Ireland

Ireland

Two of the main highlights from the weekend were visiting the Blarney Castle in Cork and going to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. While those are two "touristy" things to do, they were well worth it and I definitely recommend them to anyone who goes to Ireland!

Blarney Castle Ireland

Blarney Castle Ireland

Why You Should Visit Croatia ASAP

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With over 1,000 islands and mainland stretching on the Dalmatian Coast of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is definitely a place you should add to your European bucket list. It's increasingly becoming more popular, so it's best to go now before it gets overrun with tourists. Here are some more reasons of why you should visit Croatia ASAP:

Because it's gorgeous

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Because it's cheap - $1 = 5.56 kuna

kuna change croatia money

kuna change croatia money

Because there are cool medieval towns, like this one (Trogir)

Split and Trogir, Croatia

Split and Trogir, Croatia

Trogir, Croatia 2

Trogir, Croatia 2

Because A Game of Thrones films there

Game of Thrones Filming in Croatia

Game of Thrones Filming in Croatia

Because the seafood is authentic and fresh

Eating fish in Croatia

Eating fish in Croatia

Fish in Croatia

Fish in Croatia

Croatian Sunset

Croatian Sunset

Because there are plenty of things to do:

...like white water rafting

vv

vv

or driving along the coast

Driving in Croatia

Driving in Croatia

Because the waterfalls are beyond amazing

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Krka Waterfalls

Swan in Croatia Krka

Swan in Croatia Krka

...and you can go swimming near them

Krka waterfalls swimming

Krka waterfalls swimming

Need I say more?

Photos: Ally Archer

Custom Sandals From Capri

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When I was in the Amalfi Coast in Italy last fall, I made sure to get a pair of custom made sandals from Capri. If you're headed to Amalfi, I highly recommend it - these are by far the most comfortable sandals I own, and knowing they're one-of-a-kind makes them extra special. There are plenty of custom sandal shops in Capri as well as Positano and  the surrounding area. You choose your strap color and the jewels you want on the strap as well as the strap design. Then the shoemakers create your custom sandal right in front of you. They cost between 70 euro for a simple pair and around 100-150 for pairs that have adornments. Mine were originally 120 euro, but I was able to haggle the price to 75 euro (score!).

After a month of almost daily use of the sandals, one of my jewels started to detach. I called the shop and asked them how to go about fixing it since I was back in my home base of Florence and wouldn't be returning to Southern Italy any time soon. The shop owner happened to be coming up to Florence later that week, and we met at the train station upon his arrival. He quickly fixed the jewel on the sandal for no extra charge. I was impressed by this customer service! It made my annoyance with the jewel detaching go away.

My friends and I got our sandals from Cuccarullo, located at Via Cristoforo Colombo 36 on the island of Capri. You can order them online, but it seems like the website is a little outdated in terms of sizing options. I'd recommend getting them in person anyways though since they size the sole and straps to your feet perfectly!