Europe Archives - Expedition Erika

Montenegro: Exploring the Third Youngest Country

June 4, 2019 1 Comment

My trip to Croatia marked the 27^thcountry I have been to. While I was there, though, why not make it 28? The Balkan countries are quite small, so it’s super easy to travel within them. So, I decided to take a day trip to Montenegro.

I originally planned to rent a car and drive there myself, but I got a little anxiety about driving there about a week before the trip. Instead, I decided to book a tour and went by bus. The bus was full of people from all over the world, but it was still a great way to see a new country. Our guide told us information about the different places we would see and some of the history of the country.

Croatia, Europe

Dubrovnik: For the Throne

May 28, 2019 No Comments

Dubrovnik had been at the top of my must-see lists for a while. The problem is, during the low months, it’s not super easy to get there because there aren’t many flights. Also, I wanted a few days to see the city; I needed more than just a weekend. Since last summer, I had been thinking about going there for my May break. In January, I decided to make that dream a reality. Dubrovnik here I come!

Europe, Greece

8 Things to Know About Greece Before Visiting

May 21, 2019 No Comments

In April, I spent ten days in Greece. The experience was so unique, much different than any of the places I had traveled before. It’s not quite Western and it’s not quite Eastern either. Greece is also a pretty cheap country, mostly due to their economic problems. Some people are afraid of Greece, perhaps due to their economy or the perceived unsafeness. However, I found Greece to be a charming country. Yet, there are some things you should probably know before going to prevent the culture shock.

Europe, Greece

Santorini: The Real-Life Atlantis

May 14, 2019 No Comments

Part of me really wanted to hate Santorini. It’s full of tourists and pretty much all the locals are involved in the tourism industry. While in other parts of Greece people confused me for being Greek, in Santorini I hardly heard any Greek spoken. Yet, I couldn’t do it. Santorini is such a beautiful island, but there is still so much more than those sunset pictures you’ve seen everywhere.

Europe, Greece

Heraklion: From Zero to Hero

May 7, 2019 No Comments

While planning my trip to Greece, I wanted to make a trip down to Crete. It’s the largest and most southern island in Greece. My dad had made a brief stop here as well during his time in the Navy, although not in Heraklion. Heraklion is named for Hercules, or Heracles in Greek. It’s not a very big city, or the most beautiful city, but it is a very interesting city to visit.

Europe, Greece

Athens Part II: It’s Been a Real Slice

April 30, 2019 1 Comment

I seem to be in the minority of people who love Athens. I’m here to change your mind, though. I hope you have read the first part of my experience in Athens. Like I said, I have too much to say, so enjoy the next part about the rest of the city!

Europe, Greece

Athens Part I: Exploring the Acropolis

April 23, 2019 No Comments

You have probably heard that Athens is dirty and there is graffiti everywhere. Yes, that’s true. For that reason, I had no expectations for the city and was merely looking forward to seeing the islands rather than the inland. However, I was taken by surprise once in Athens. It may be dirty, but it’s so full of life and culture.

Europe, United Kingdom

London: Never Enough Time

April 2, 2019 1 Comment

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”
Samuel Johnson

Never have I agreed with words more. Stepping off the plane, I get so excited. London is spectacular. It can be daunting, for sure. London is so huge. It takes an hour just to get to the center from Heathrow airport. Yet, London literally has something for everyone.

Unfortuantely for me, I only had one full day this time around. I was determined to fit in as much as I could in my short time, which would be mostly taken up doing on specific thing. Even though I didn’t arrive at my hostel until after midnight, I woke up before 8 AM, eager to get my day going.

Europe, Poland

Auschwitz: An Educational Journey

March 26, 2019 1 Comment

If you saw my previous post, you would know that my main reason for visiting Krakow was to go to Auschwitz. Previously when I had been in Poland, I was in Warsaw. Getting to Krakow would have been a four-hour (or more) trip. I thought I would never have the opportunity to see this place full of horrific stories. When I had the opportunity to travel to Krakow for a long weekend, the first thing I did was plan to visit Auschwitz.

Europe, Poland

Krakow: Hidden Gem of the East

March 19, 2019 1 Comment

Way back in November or December, a lot of the major airlines were having “Black Friday” sales. I decided to hop on that and get some flights that were cheaper than normal. I knew that in March, I would have a long weekend break, but where to go? Do I go to a new country or somewhere I had already been? Finally I made my decision.