This photo is top 3 for favourite pictures I took on this trip and trust me, it doesn’t even do it justice! Located below the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, this lake is unbelievably gorgeous. You can’t see it at first, but as you get closer and you finally catch a glimpse, the scenery literally takes your breath away. The swan is very significant symbol as King Ludwig II of Bavaria (the crazy castle king) was also known as “The Swan KIng” and translated Neuschwanstein literally means “new swan stone”. Not only can swan designs be seen throughout the castle but also on many royal Bavarian artifacts. Although the area is an overdose of tourists with the inclusion of the Museum of Bavarian Kings and Hohenschwangau Castle, as long as you are prepared, purchase your tickets prior and follow the advice for visiting the castles, it can be a very enjoyable experience. Finally you MUST definitely get a pretzel as it will change your life!

August 12, 2013

As far as favourite places goes, this cracks the top 5! Not just for the scenery either, as this was the first time on my trip that I made friends and where I learned that the people I met could make a place. Even without my new friends though, Positano was everything I had hoped and more. The way the towns travel up the side of the hills, the windy roads, the small town beach vibe, the food and hospitality; it’s unparalleled, truly. It’s a great base point as well to visit Amalfi, Sorrento, Capri and Pompeii. I would love to go back one day, and while there is a backpacking/party scene, if I ever went again I’d want to have family or significant other to share it with.

June 24-28, 2013 (also visited Pompeii and Capri)

A truly amazing experience, this bridge was a nerve racking adrenaline rush to cross! This photo (which require much patience in waiting for people to get out of the shot) is one of my favourite pictures from this whole trip! While it has been enhanced, the original had just as much purple! I couldn’t believe the magic I felt in Ireland… This was the final stop after a trip to the Giant’s Causeway which was absolutely incredible and something I highly recommend to see before you die!
August 31- September 5, 2013
Taken September 2, 2013

When I posted this one to Instagram, I captioned it “So this is what it feels like when your dream comes true!”.
Barcelona was 95% of the reason I wanted to return to Europe. Originally, I had planned to do an internship or language class here. I chose France instead because of my Canadian citizenship and prior knowledge. While I wouldn’t change my time in Nice for anything, I do feel I didn’t get to spend enough time here so, once again, I will be back!

September 9-12, 2013

Home is where the heart is.. My heart will always be here. This place put me back together. I was beyond sad upon arriving, and while I had already been travelling for two weeks, I had yet to fully embrace this experience. I met some wonderful people here and slowly chipped away some negativity. About half way through my stay, I can honestly say, I stopped caring so much what people thought and started to discover who I really am. I loved everything about this place, including its proximity to neighbouring site seeing towns. Everyday on the beach was heaven and something I don’t think I could ever tire of. Nice will always hold a very dear place in my soul and I will definitely be back again.

June 30- August 10, 2013