Fantasy or Reality?

Located adjacent to main campus, I stumbled upon an adorable cafe known as We Pudding. Serving an array of different breakfast selections ranging from sweet pastries, quiches, sandwiches, and more, I've definitely found my new spot. Even better, this little cafe has free wifi, so prior to my first class at 2:30, I stop in and do my last minute readings. I would definitely recommend stopping in for good food & a cool atmosphere. 

London for Tea

This past weekend, I travelled to London where I was able to explore this amazing city & get a taste of the culture here. Upon our arrival, we checked into the Park Lane Hotel & immediately headed to the Ritz where we had tea. This was an incredible experience, where we indulged in sandwiches, pastries, scones, & tea of course. It was funny to note how proper everyone acts in this setting in comparison to  us silly college students. Next on the agenda, we headed to Abbey Road, as it was only necessary for me to get a picture after my street name. We then continued our afternoon shopping at Harrods & the infamous TopShop, and later headed towards dinner at Hakkasan.

On day 2, I started my day at the London Eye, which is a ferris wheel type ride overviewing the city of London. Here, I was able to get a birds eye view of the Big Ben, and other monumental buildings in London. We continued exploring and saw the London Bridge, London Tower, Westminister Abbey, Buckingham Palace & more. Last but not least, we had dinner at Sketch, which is one of the most interesting restaurants I have been to in regards to their decorations. When you go, don't forget to stop into the bathrooms. Yet again, my trip to London could not have been more fun!  

Stumbled Upon Sweets

As I strolled around the CEA Main Campus, I was fortunate enough to land in a touristy area known as La Rambla. Along the street there are a ton of waffle stations & gelato stands, which are an absolute must. Preferably, I'd love to skip dinner and go straight to the sweets. Additionally, around this area you will find La Boqueria, which is filled with color candy, chocolates, fruits and more. Knowing how close the sweets are to school, I definitely have an incentive to go to class. 

Cornelia & Co.

After hearing past restaurant recommendations from older study abroad students, I knew it was about time I made my way to Cornelia & Co. Located walking distance from my apartment, this was an easy and delicious Monday night dinner. When I walked into Cornelia, I had a realization that I had eaten at the restaurant two years ago when I visited my sister. Regardless, I indulged in a Chick Pea Tofu Burger & an array of desserts including a chocolate fudge cake and a raspberry cheesecake. 

 

A for Abbe in Amsterdam

Our first stop: Amsterdam. Upon our arrival in Amsterdam, we checked into the Marriott Hotel & immediately head to a restaurant called the Pancake Bakery, located adjacent to the Anne Frank House. We indulged in a delicious lunch, specializing in every sweet & savory pancake you could possibly think of. Following, we visited the Anne Frank House, printing our tickets in advance in order to avoid the line. This was truly an amazing experience, as we we witnessed first hand where Anne Frank resided during the Holocaust. Next stop for the day, we chilled at Bulldog Coffee Shop which is considered to be a hot tourist spot. We then indulged yet again, tasting the notorious french fries with unlimited sauces, and waffles decorated with sweet and tasty toppings.

Day 2 entailed a delicious wake & bake breakfast at Barney's, which I highly recommend for a fun culturally enriched breakfast. We additionally stopped at Paradox, a more relaxed coffee shop. For our evening plans, we headed to the infamous Red Light District, which will forever be etched in my mind. We decided to see Moulin Rouge, which is said to be one of the better sex shows as it is less graphic, but be prepared to see vivid stuff. My trip to Amsterdam was definitely a once in a lifetime experience & I will forever have the greatest memories of the city. My insider advice: be extremely cautious when crossing the streets because bikes, trains, etc. come out from all directions & they most certainly have the right of way in Amsterdam.

Places to Go: Pancake Bakery, Anne Frank House, Bulldog Coffee Shop, Barney's, Paradox, Red Light District, Moulin Rouge, Vlaams Friteshuis.

Brunch & Cake

Finally found one of the best brunch spots yet known as Brunch & Cake. The menu had an amazing selection of food including the Eggs Benedict, French Toast, Pancakes, Greek Yogurt & more. It was a fun lounge spot & definitely a must for a delicious meal. Even better, I managed to walk from breakfast straight to school, burning a few calories & feeling more than accomplished. Brunch & Cake could have been one of my favorite starts of the day, and I would highly recommend it!  

Barce Abe

On Monday that 13th, we officially began the most dreadful of abroad- school. While I initially got lost the first day, I managed to get myself to both buildings there and back on Day 2 (let's just hope it will stay the same tomorrow). I've enrolled in some very interesting courses including a Social Media & Fashion History course; the others not so much. Additionally, my roommates and I have arranged travel plans to Amsterdam for this upcoming weekend which I am really looking forward to. Still trying to get ahold of the time change here, being that 5AM is the "norm".  Aside from my jet lag, I've managed to stay trendy rocking this Free People jacket inspired by the Penny Lane look. Just doing me in Barce! 

Sundaze

Is Class a Thing?

Just when I thought I embarked on a permanent vacation, I was reminded there was such thing as school. Today, CEA released our schedules online in order to help us prepare for our first day of classes beginning tomorrow. My OCD self organized my schedule, color coated of course to ensure I will be prepared for my big day in Barce. There are two buildings in which classes are conducted, so I am most definitely anticipating some confusion. I guess school is in fact a thing here.  

Candy Heaven

On today's agenda, I toured La Bouqeria in Las Ramblas and indulged in delicious sweets and spanish food. As a rite of passage, I needed to visit the markets in order to get a taste of culture both literally and figuratively. It's definitely a tourist spot so be aware of your surroundings. This was a fabulous place to find fresh fruit juices, produce, candy, nuts, and more! 

First Shop: Brandy Melville

Stolling along Passeig de Gracias, we came across a Brandy Melville and had to make a pit-stop in the store. Similar to the one in New York, it was full of comfy lounge wear to your everyday essentials. Additionally, I was crazy for both the harem and wide leg pant selection. When in Europe, still shop the familiar stores.

Italy or Spain?

First normal meal in Spain, we went to a nearby Italian restaurant called A Gianni. Navigating and finding restaurants and places to go is initially challenging, so recommendations & trip guides are definitely very helpful. Wined and dined with my best friends and indulged in fabulous bruschetta and tomato burrata. The question is "Italy or Spain"? 

Hola from Barcelona

Just arrived in Barcelona & certainly getting a new sense of culture. Upon our arrival, we moved into our new apartment where time for wine and unraveling was a must. Just getting started on this amazing journey full of food, friends, travel & memories- all of which will be blogged. Enjoy!