Hello, this is Melina Mazzella. My study abroad home base is in London, and I have loved every second of my summer experience here so far. The atmosphere, architecture, events, and people have made this city so easy to adjust to. While I could stay in England all summer, I have also taken advantage of the convenience of being a train ride or quick flight away from so many other amazing places.
Paris, France: My roommates and I spent a very brief but fulfilling 24 hours in Paris. Arriving Friday evening via the Eurostar, we hustled to drop off our bags at our hostel and head straight for the Eiffel Tower to watch it sparkle. Turning the corner to see our first glance at the stunning structure was a feeling I will never forget. I remember visiting Paris when I was younger, but I did not fully remember the beauty of the city. As my roommates and I stared up at the dazzling tower in awe, I felt so lucky to be able to experience this moment, and to do so with such amazing friends as well. Our Saturday was not one of rest. After waking up early, we walked along the Seine, then hopped from the Notre Dame to the Louvre, stopping briefly for delicious pastries and coffee in between. We took a boat from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower, and it was amazing to see more of the city from a unique perspective. We ended our sightseeing tour at the Arc de Triomphe before retracing our steps and arriving back home in London. This trip reminded me how lucky I am to be able to make such amazing memories in places I’ve dreamt of seeing. I have felt so much gratitude this entire summer, but this trip emphasized it in a new way.
Dublin, Ireland: A few weeks later, we flew to Dublin! This trip was especially special to me because I am the first in my family to visit this beautiful country. As partly Irish myself, I also loved getting to visit a place that celebrated a part of my heritage. We landed on Friday night and spent the night walking around the lively area and stopping into some pubs to enjoy the food, culture, and live music. Our Saturday contrasted with that of Paris’s Saturday and was much more relaxed. We got a delicious breakfast and walked around Drury Street for some vintage shopping before heading over to Trinity College Dublin and relaxing in the park. A highlight of the trip was the Guinness Experience, where we learned about the famous Irish beer and enjoyed a thrilling performance from a live Irish band, Irish dancers, and a harpist! Our day concluded at The Brazen Head, which is the oldest pub in Ireland. The walls were lined with notes, money, and pictures, including a Pittsburgh Terrible Towel! Once back at home in London, we reflected on how enjoyable and fulfilling our weekend was, and somehow, that same feeling of gratitude grew even more.
Tavira, Portugal: My final country and weekend trip was a reunion with my parents in Portugal! I flew in on Friday evening and was greeted by 2 familiar smiling faces excited to see their daughter after 7 weeks. We spent the night getting a delicious Portuguese dinner in the town of Tavira. I certainly missed eating dinner on cobblestone streets illuminated by yellow light radiating from the lampposts. The food was delicious, the people were welcoming, and the conversation was reminiscent. On Saturday, we took a quick ferry to Ilha de Tavira, an island off the coast with beautiful beaches and scenery. This relaxation was the perfect way to conclude such a busy and exciting summer. We ended the day- some of us tan, some of us burnt- with delicious grilled octopus for dinner and pasteis de nata for dessert. Back in London, I am excited for my upcoming week of touristy festivities to wrap up the summer I will never forget.
