wandering mal

[wanderingmal]

Missing every little thing about Florence 🇮🇹

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"A Traveler’s Heart" by Bianca Green - prints & products available here

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Views of Tuscany

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Chianti Classco,Tuscay, Italy

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Roma, Italia

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I'm Swedish ~ Sweden

  Well I have been waiting for this day for my whole life. To step foot in my homeland, where my roots are from. I actually got a bit teary eyed walking into the airport. But not just because I was in the homeland but also because I got to see it with my cousins (from Sweden), that I haven't seen since 7th grade (when I was 11)!

First, I must thank my amazing cousins. For housing me, feeding me, spoiling me, and loving me for the weekend. I have never felt so at home - and I honestly did not want to leave. It was so great to see some of you again & meet some of you for the first time! 

The weekend was filled with sightseeing, driving, family, eating, chocolate, smiles, comfy beds, cats, love, festivals, and hospitality. I couldn't have asked for more. 

Sweden reminded me so much of Maine, there was green, trees, coast (rocky coast), good seafood, and fields, it just felt so much like home. I even saw moose, like what more could I ask for? 

During my short trip to the homeland, I got to visit a piece of my history. Where my roots come from. I got to see my Great Grampie's house. To think this was where part of my family originated, where my roots began. It was an amazing feeling, felt like I was walking back in time.

Leisberg ~ Gothenburg, Sweden.

This is a year round festival, but it is definitely most beautiful decorated for Christmas. They put up lights everywhere, a huge tree, and they even put up fake snow! This festival is full of good food, rides, entertainment, and games. These games you bet on a number and if you win you get a huge chocolate bar, huge bag or chips, or many other giant junk foods. And yes, I WON!

The food ~

Aside from the amazing Mexican homemade meal we had the first night, this weekend was full of yummy food that I have missed oh so much. Lots of the food reminded me of home. Oh, and Sweden also knows how to do a loaded pizza!

Kebab Stew -

Tapas ~ Pinchos ~ Gothenburg, Sweden -

Baked Stuffed Fish with Mashed Potatoes ~ Smögen, Sweden -

Cafe flavored whipped cream -

Fågelviken ~

A little piece of history, great grampie's house

The West Coast ~ (Sweden or Maine?)

This is what reminded me so much of home. My home sickness was completely gone after our trip to the coast. So beautiful, breathtaking, and so homey. Here are some pictures, and for you Mainers, am I home?

The People ~

The most important part about the weekend. Thank you so much. I look forward to coming back soon (and in the summer)!

~ Adventurous Mal

[inspirationisinthedetails-deact]

Montepulciano, Italy

[wanderingmal]

Ireland (or the land of green & rain)

Oh Ireland. The land of green, beer, windmills, beef, cider, and rain. You are wonderful and I will be back. There's lots of things that I loved, but here are a few. 

Cider ~

Everywhere we went there was a cider on tap. Most places had one that I had not tired before also. My goal was to try a new cider at every place we went (I attempted but after the 4th place, there was bound to be a repeat). If you are a cider lover, there was one place that had over 10 LOCAL ciders bottled. One of the Brewers lived above the bar. Ireland, specifically Dublin is the place to go if you like cider! Don't miss out! 

The green ~

I'm in love with the green - the nature. I come from a state with the most beautiful scenery. So, when we drove through the country side of Ireland I simply feel in love & wanted to stay. I would 100% recommend doing a bus trip or a car trip throughout Ireland while there! You'll get the most amazing views & sites. 

The people ~

The peeps of Ireland are the friggen greatest. I did not meet one person that was nothing less of amazing. First off, when you arrive, take a taxi from the airport. Why? Because you can ask the taxi driver "what's your favorite thing to do in Dublin", and they will then give you a tour of the city... Pretty much. And no not at an extra cost & if you tip them they are so blown away & don't expect it. Second, ask your hostel or hotel for recommendations too! Because they will pretty much do it all for you they are so great! Three, weather it's locals or travelers, talk to people! I swear no one will let you down! Also the night life atmosphere of Dublin is to socialize, over a Guinness or two. So meet some people, you will meet people that you'll want to be friends with forever.

Cliffs of moher & Galway ~

Might as well be called the most beautiful place on the east coast of Ireland. Also for us New Englanders, we're just a trip away. So yes that means next stop, Boston, Massachusetts. God it felt so good to see that. Galway, make sure you get to spend a few hours here. ALSO, if you are a fish & chips type of person - GET IT HERE. 

Guinness Storehouse ~

Don't forget to visit here! number one attraction in Ireland! its cheap, and so much fun!

Lastly ~

Thank you to all my roomies (yes from all over the world, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Italy, London, Hong Kong, New York, and some from Florence). Also thank you to my traveling parter for the weekend, that put up with me loosing my passport (YES, it was found). 

Ireland, I will be back, BC I love you.

~Mal

[wanderingmal]

Sneak peak from this weekend. PS I love Ireland. 🍀🍻💚

[wanderingmal]

PRAHA ∞ PRAGUE ~ Fall Break part 5

PRAHA ∞ PRAGUE

I don’t even know where to start. Prague was amazing, and I wish I knew more about it before I came abroad. One, I could have spent way more than 3 days there, even a whole semester. I fell in love with it the second I stepped of the bus. It is a breathtaking city, and is perfect for students studying abroad. It has everything, history, art, nightlife, beauty, food, entertainment, shopping, and so so much more. I don’t think I could do Prague in a semester. There is just so much to see and do.

FOODIE MAL

Try the food of Prague and try everything. Meat is something they do very good. So if you are a vegetarian I would recommend becoming a meat eater while you are here, but if you decided against is there is many delicious things you can find, but you are missing out.  Brie cheese salad, yes yes yes it is yummy so try it. Garlic bread, their take on garlic bread is oh so good. Wings, ribs, steak, pig knee, all of it is so good. I would recommend going with a group and everyone getting something different and sharing it. It’s a good way to not spend a ton, but you’re able to try a little bit of everything! Spiral pastries with sugar, cooked right in front of your eyes. Radegastovna was a restaurant-microbrewery in town, the brewery is called Radegast. This is an awesome place to get beer and have a great meal. Minestrone soup, which was perfect because the weather was getting colder and colder. And of course, because Czech is known for them, I had to get a Pig Knee, which was so good. I didn’t regret is one bit. Also another place for bagels, someone told me Prague invented them? Not sure if that is true, but Bohemian Bagel sure does do them right. Don’t forget to order a side of home fries and their freshly squeezed OJ – SO GOOD. This city is a Foodies dream, and because I have turned into a foodie since being in Europe, I was loving it.

EXPLORING

There is lots and lots to see all around the city of Prague. So before you set out make a list of things to see and things you do not want to miss! First stop, John Lennon Wall, THIS IS A MUST SEE. It is amazing, and you will 100% regret not going to it, if you don’t. Go earlier in the morning, because there will be less people. Also go on your own, not with a big group of people because then it will be even more crowded. Also bring a marker, and sign the wall! Walk over the smaller river and if you have the time take a little ride on a boat! Take a step inside an English bookstore, you will catch yourself spending much more time in here then you would expect. Walk down the back roads, and adventure beyond the typical 3 day tourist would. Go to the Prague lookout tower, it’s a hike, but the view is great. Prague Castle, go inside too. It’s breathtaking, and free. Venture around to get the best view and picture. Don’t miss the Starbucks with a view near the castle, even if you have already had a coffee. Get another one (make sure it is hot) and enjoy the rooftop view of Prague. Visit the Charles Bridge and while you are at it do some great Christmas shopping. I don’t want to give too much away, but I got a lot of beautiful things for my mom, that didn’t break my bank. Mostly arty things are on the bridge, and it’s all handmade. Also you will get the best view of Charles River from the bridge too, take your time and take your pictures. Prague Old Town, lots to do and lots to see. Old town hall, Astronomical Clock tower, Jan Hus Memorial, and Old town square. You will see some amazing architecture and historical monuments.

Signing the John Lennon wall

The smaller river off of the Charles

The Lookout Tower hike

Prague Castel

Starbs with a view

The Clock tower

DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Try something you haven’t been told to do, or heard about going to. Prague is famous for their Black Light Theaters, so take a step inside one and watch a show. It’s worth your time, and it’s probably something you haven’t done before.

GOING OUT IN PRAGUE

Go to the 80s/90s club. It will be the best night of your life. I can say this was my favorite part of the nightlife throughout the entire trip. If you go early (like 10ish) you will see a lot of older people here and the music is a little older too. But when the clock strikes 12, the whole atmosphere changes. The crowd gets younger, and the music does too. So get on the stage with your group of friends, and dance the night away. You will hear the best tunes from your childhood, and yep you’re going to feel old because most of the songs are 20 years old. But trust me this is the best throw-back party you’ll ever attend. There is many other clubs and bars throughout the city. I would recommend doing a pub crawl, but don’t do one that is a huge group. Because then you won’t get your money’s worth.

ACCOMODATIONS FOR MAL

I would recommend the Czech Inn (get it). Which is a hostel, private room, and apartments. If are on a budget or not I think this is a very clean, roomy, and comfy! It’s a beautiful hostel, and has everything you will need. One the bar is just downstairs, and also breakfast is served in the same room. You can also ask the front desk they will make recommendations for you, map it out, or call you a taxi! This Inn/Hostel is great, my favorite by far this week!

BUDGETING ON THE CZK

$1 = 22 Czech Koruna CZK

I would budget around 4000 Koruna for a three day weekend in Prague. I did lots of shopping, eating how, and transportation by a taxi. The average taxi ride was 250 Koruna, which is around $12. Because the Czech Inn is a little outside the city center. Also going out, and also attending the black light show. You may need to budget more for taxi rides if you aren’t traveling with others, because it gets pricey.

[wanderingmal]

Auschwitz ~ Fall Break part 4

It’ll give you the chills and your stomach will turn upside down. Walking through the most horrific part of our history. The largest concentration camp Auschwitz One and Auschwitz-Birkenau will honestly change your life. To hear your tour guide say people bought tickets to come to Auschwitz, because they thought they were going somewhere new to start a new life. They had no idea of their fate. To see the thousands of pots and pans people from all over Europe brought with them, and their luggage. The hundreds of thousands of pounds of hair, and thousands of pairs of shoes. The children’s clothes. Visiting this Auschwitz or any concentration camp, you will walk out with a different aspect of life, and of World War 2 and how many people were really involved.

[wanderingmal]

Polska ~ Fall Break part 3

Kraków – Krakówa - Craców

Poland was a quick stop but it was somewhere I would definitely want to come back to. My first thought was I definitely fit in here, blonde hair with fair skin. When coming from the Italy where I stick out like a sore thumb, its a great change when I get stopped on the street and people would ask me where to go in polish! This is a huge change for me, and I was not opposed to it.

Because we weren’t here for very long and it was rainy and cold, I would say boarder line snowing.. We didn’t really see much of the city. But what we did say left me speechless. The city of Krakow was beautiful, a place I could have spent much more time in. If you every visit, thing to keep on your to-do list, Schindler's factory, Hot Air balloon (if you are on a larger budget), cruise on the river, explore the markets, visit a Polish brewery, and visit a liquor store (Poland is famous for WODKA! Great for presents)!

The old town in the center of the city is full of history and beautiful architecture, make it your first stop on your tour of the city. There is also lots of shopping, including department stores, but my favorite was the market. You could get anything from real amber jewelry, typical souvenirs, to fur jackets and slippers. The great thing is that everything is so cheap! So Christmas presents for everyone! It’s so nice to get everything you need in one place, without spending a fortune, and picking individual things for everyone.

I have officially turned into a foodie, because I could honestly write the most about the food in each country I have visited and I’m not afraid to say it. And Poland really knows how to do food. First off, Peirogi’s  – also called polish dumplings. If you want the best in town, for cheap, and quick, check out Mr. Vincent – You will not be disappointed I promise! Next, Columbus coffee, Krakow’s very own Starbucks. Now there is a Starbucks in Krakow, but why not try the local coffee! It was very good, I did not regret missing out on Starbucks for a day! Bagelmama, YES Bagels!!!! If you are a typical American college student, you live off bagels. So you can’t skip out on Bagelmama! Skate Burger, easily the best burger I think I’ve ever had. You could practically add anything you wish to it.. Mine had, bacon, avocado, egg, BBQ, onions, lettuce, and blue cheese. It was good as it sounds, if you are a burger person, make a stop at Skate!

Where to stay:

GOOD BYE LENIN HOSTEL.. Why?

They have a cat... That will cuddle with you.

Once again the nightlife of Eastern Europe didn’t let us down. Krakow has the highest concentrated area in the world with pubs, bars, and clubs, of course has a nightlife you’ll never forget. We joined on a pub crawl with the rest of our group and some others who signed up too. And I would totally recommend going on a pub crawl your first night because places are underground and hard to find. Also we were there on a Tuesday night, which slower night for Krakow. Polish nightlife will have you taking endless shots, dancing on tables, doing hookah, meeting locals, dancing classier than you every have, doing karaoke, and most likely having the time of your life. I say this about everywhere, but Poland is a place you don’t want to miss. The other cities in Poland are definitely now added to my cities to visit list.

Budgeting on the PLN

$1 = 3.38 Polish Zloty PLN

The average meal will be about 40 PLN, which is about $12. This is budgeting in a drink or two. Also drinks when you are out range from 6 to 16 PLN. If you are doing shopping and eating out for every meal I would budget around 350 PLN.

With love from your very own shot girl,

~ Mal

[wanderingmal]

Buda to my Pest ~ Fall Break part 2

The second stop on my 10 day trip throughout Eastern Europe was Budapest, Hungary. This city is was completely than I ever imagined. I like to call it the New York of Eastern Europe. Upon our arrival to Budapest Saturday night, we got to see the beautiful lights, river, chain bridge, and the Budapest Ferris Wheel, which caught us all in awe and fell in love with the city right away. The city is full of different cultures, foods, great night life, and crazy activities you cannot simply just find anywhere.

Budapest from above

Free walking tour

While staying in Budapest, you need to learn about the history and also see the most beautiful building architecture and sights throughout the city. For those of you who didn’t know Buda and Pest are actually two different cities, bumpy Buda (the older historical part of the city) and Pest the more modern metro part. On the walking tour we also learned about the crazy history of Hungary and their involvement in world war two. Sights to see: Parliament, Matthias church, the chain bridge, Danube River during the day, the Ronald Raegan statue, Opera house, castles of Budapest, Elizabeth square, Matthias Fountain, and an old tram station (because they are cool). Keep in mind these are a FEW of the things to see. Budapest is huge and has lots of monuments to see, so pick out where you want to go before you leave!

Dinner cruise on the Danube

This simply is a MUST. One, you get a beautiful unlimited Hungarian food dinner buffet. Two, you get to see Budapest at night from the famous Danube River. The Parliament building in the most beautiful thing at night. Three, limited drinks are included, but you get Hungarian wine! Um yes, wine lovers, HUNGARIAN WINE. Hungarian wine is a thing and very good, it’s just very poorly marketed so we don’t hear about it, and that also means it’s very cheap. Four, how many people say they went on a classy dinner cruise in Hungary. Sold you, right?

Thermal Baths of Budapest

If you want to say you are cultured (like me). Make a trip to the thermal baths, coming from hot springs of Hungary. Szechenyi Bath is the one I made the trek to, and it was worth it. It had over twenty baths, massages, stem rooms, and much more. These baths are a place to relax, and meet people from all around the world. Most importantly you will meet locals, surprising but you will!

Caving in Budapest. . . . .

Yep, that’s right caving. Most people don’t know where the water comes from, yes it creates something even greater. Deep underground there are caves from limestone, which you can explore, army crawl, squeeze, through these tiny places and see something most people will never get to. Even though I am claustrophobic, I decided to overcome my fear and do one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. There isn’t many places that you can do this, so why not do it here. It’s cheap, crazy, fun, and experience you do not want to miss.

Exploring the food of Budapest

If you are traveling with B2A and stay at the Bazar hostel they picked the right location for food. If you turn left out of the hostel and take the first left you will find heaven for different types of food. I have been seriously deprived from Thai food so that was my first stop. It was so good, cheap, and 100% worth it. They also have a hummus bar, if you like hummus DO NOT skip this place it’s so good. If you’re looking for something a little different you can get anything from American, Mexican, to Indian right near by!

Night Life

One word, incredible. When they say Eastern Europe has the best nightlife, people must be talking about Budapest. Whatever you are into for nightlife I guarantee you’ll find something you like. My first night out we went to a bar that had a little bit of everything. It was an old building that someone bought and just decorated with whatever someone got their hands on. One room had a bunch of old TV screens and wires all over the walls. The upstairs had a terrace overlooking the downstairs dance floor, with lots of flowers and wires. The next night we went to a treehouse bar, which was decked out in all kinds of trees and was all wood floors and wood everything. I don’t know who thought of the idea, but it’s really cool. There is also an under the water themed club, and another one under the Elizabeth square. You will simply never get tired of the nightlife in Budapest, I would definitely recommend taking advantage of all the time you have and spend more than a couple of night in Budapest. My favorite part of the night life is the fact that people go around with fresh carrots, who could pass up that!

Budgeting on the HUF

$1 = 244 Hungarian Forint HUF

I would recommend 20000 HUF for a three night, two day trip. If you plan on doing a little shopping, eating out, and going out that should be enough. Also the dinner cruise is $50 and caving is $20 which is not included in the budget. An average meal would be from 1400 to 3000. A beer would be around 400, and a mixed drink 1200. You can really get around the city on a small budget which is awesome for college kids traveling!

DON'T STOP BUDAPEST

[wanderingmal]

Ljubljana and Lake Bled ~ Fall Break part 1

Ljubljana (lube•e•ana) 

As I'm driving through the hills of Slovakia (never thought I'd see this), I decided to use the little amount of empty minutes I have on this 10 day trip to write a little and update you on my travels. 

First off, if you know me I always choose the road less traveled. So of course for my 10 day fall break, I decided to choose a trip that goes a little out of my comfort zone, and way out of my parents comfort zone. This trip started off perfect, and has run smoothly ever since. Our first stop was also somewhere I'd never heard of, never thought of visiting, and never thought I would get to see with my own eyes. We traveled to Slovenia. 

Slovenia is a smaller country that is part of the EU, and has some of the most overlooked views in Europe. Our first stopped was in Ljubljana. Which is the capital, also one of the safest capital cities in Europe. My first insight about Eastern Europe was, there is a huge difference from Western Europe, Italy and the other places I've gone throughout Europe. Ljubljana was filled with street art, graffiti. It was everywhere, especially around our hostel. And it wasn't just words, it was pictures. It gave the city character, both modern and young. Some call Ljubljana, "The city of the Future". And it really does fit that name. In a couple of years, it'll be the place to visit. 

Our first day we set out for a 2.5 hour walking tour. And our tour guide was the most precious thing I've seen, she had lived in Slovenia her whole life, and Ljubljana for 17 years and was so proud to say it. Ljubljana city center starts at a statue of a famous poet from Slovenia. To me this showed Slovenians were proud of the artistic talent that comes from their country. The artistic talent was relevant all throughout the city. The buildings, the monuments, the bridges, and most importantly the castle that overlooked the entire city. I was in awe of this beautiful and humble little city. It was more my speed, because I felt like I was finally back in a town. I'm small town deprived over here in Europe. I'm sure there is plenty of them, but I'm always in these crazy big cities. We also got a typical Slovenian sausage lunch, with bread, horseradish, and mustard (I could have got 5).

After touring around the city for the day, and obviously a little shopping. We sat down for a "family" dinner at a traditional Slovenian style restaurant. The reason I say family dinner is because there is only 23 people on this trip (which is the best way to travel). We had a four course meal. The first was a beef stalk soup with noodles and cabbage. Second was a leafy green salad (I've also been deprived from while living in the pasta homeland), third turkey cutlets with a gravy like sauce, and last we had homemade cheese strudel. Sounds yum right? Because it was. ;)

Because we only had one full night in Ljubljana we had to take advantage of its great night life. Which Eastern Europe is famous for. The first place we stopped was a restaurant on the Main Street, which all of the restaurants change in to more of a pre-game bar at night. We sat down with some new friends on the trip with us, two are from MAINE! We decided to get right into typical Eastern Europe pre-game, and order hookah, a staple to Eastern European nightlife. Next we went to a club called Skelet. Which the theme was skeletons, sick right? There was skeletons all over the bar and dance areas. The best part is you could get drinks called grumpy skull, bone breaker, or skeleton granny. Who could go wrong with one of those? The next club we went to was right next to our hostel, which I thought was an abandoned building until I was told different. They took a park, and the buildings around it and changed it into one of the coolest clubs I've been to. Each entrance around the park was into a small club with limited entrance tickets, and they all had a different theme. We went into the salsa themed club, but they had a 90's, techno, rap, anything you really could think of. Other than going to these awesome clubs and bars, we also had a very eventful night. We managed to meet the future American Olympic men's skiing team. They were in Slovenia training, one of them was actually skied this past year in Sochi. Pretty cool, I know.

The last part of Ljubljana I want to tell you about it our hostel. It was called Celica Hostel, close walk to the center of town. It was an old abandoned prison that a bunch of artists re-did to make into hostel but kept the theme. So I slept behind bars for two nights last weekend. But I agreed to....? Also our hostel was named the hippest hostel in Europe. There was a room that had seats, where you took of your shoes and just relaxed. It was pretty cool. If you are on a budget it’s a pretty awesome place to stay.

The last morning in Slovenia we got up and headed for Lake Bled. Which must say is one of the most picturesque lakes I've seen. It was a very small lake (more like a pond, if you are from Maine). So we decided to take the 1.5 hour scenic walk around the whole lake. The lake had a beautiful island in the middle with a castle on it. And if you got the right angle picture you would be able to get the castle overlooking the lake in the picture too. The best part was the lake was to clear and blue. The water looked to welcoming. 

Well that's all I have to say about Ljubljana and Slovenia, because I don't want to give it all away. But I would recommend putting it on your place to visit list. It's pretty awesome, and if you’re a skier, there's places for that too. 

That was my first two days on my fall break. I got there Friday morning 3 am, had the day there. And left the next morning for Lake Bled, and then Budapest (SO COOL). I'll post about that as soon as I have some more empty minutes to fill. I hoped you enjoyed my post! 

With love from Eastern Europe, 

- Mal 

[wanderingmal]

Midtermz: Go away.

As I sit here studying for my three exams tomorrow, one on Wednesday, and one Thursday, I thought to myself maybe I should post a little bit about the study part of my “study” abroad experience. A friend asked me a few days ago if I was studying or just traveling while I’m here? Because he hasn’t seen any pictures, posts, or snapchats of me doing school work. I answered of course I’m studying, I’m not going to post pictures of my notes.. But then I thought about it a little, if he’s my friend, what does all my family think! So I have decided to give you a little post about my classes, and school.

Florence University of the Arts is a small arts school throughout the center of Florence. There is multiple difference schools within the institution,

APICIUS: International School of Hospitality -- This is where I take most of my classes through.

DIVA: School of Digital Imaging and Visual Arts

FAST: School of Fashion and Accessory Studies and      Technology

IDEAS: School of Interior Design, Environmental      Architecture and Sustainability

ISB: International School of Business

J SCHOOL: School of Journalism, Communication and      Publishing

SAS: School of Arts and Sciences

SQUOLA: Center for Cultural and Italian Studies

School Of      Graduate Studies

As you can tell the school covers a lot of different majors, and the classes they offer are impeccable. For all my friends, who are looking to study in Florence or Italy, this school is a great option. And the best thing is that you have the option to stay in apartments or home stays. I decided on an apartment, where I have three random roommates from all over the US. It’s a great way to live on your own and get to experience the culture.

So for an idea of my classes I’ll give you a short description of each of them. My first class is 2.5 hours of straight learning about WINE, the best alcoholic drink known to man in Italy. If you don’t take an Italian wine class while you’re in Italy, it is a sin. So I learn about Italian wines, the process of making wine, different characteristics of wine, and culture of wine in Italy. Yes we are lucky and get to taste three Italian wines every class where we are taught how to appropriately taste a glass of wine, not chug a bottle (how most of us are taught in the US)

My next course is Special Event Management. Well, I never took this at Endicott, so I had no choice. But events has ended up being a very fun and entertaining class. We are learning the basics of planning an event. But also get to organize two events of our own, at our school restaurant. So hopefully someday I’ll be able to plan that music festival we’ve all been dreaming about..?

Everything Chocolate. Yes that is the name of a course I get to take! Everything chocolate: From pleasure to therapy. Fortunately, this class pretty much consists of tasting chocolate of all kinds. Including spread, so when in Italy the motherland of Nutella, I guess life is pretty good.

  My next class, I must have to say is my favorite. Most of you would probably think it sounds boring, but this subject is SO interesting to me. Sustainability in the Italian food industry: From Farm to Table. We cover topics from produce in season, the slow food movement, and healthy meats. This subject is something I wish America would adopt from Italy.

  Lastly, is my Italian culture class. Where we focus in Civilization and Community. We also get to learn a little Italian (Which I regret not taking an intensive Italian course). So I know how to count, and say the basics. But sadly to say, I will not be returning back to Maine speaking fluent Italian. Sorry Folks. But fortunately, my teacher for the class is my favorite person ever. He takes on cultural walks around the city, shows us his favorite spots which are usually pretty great.

  Well I should probably get back to studying now, but I really just want to let you all know there is a STUDYING while studying abroad. It MIGHT minimal, but I am doing it! For those of you who don't know, next week I will be traveling to four countries, and through seven! Ill let you guess which ones, they are off the beaten path I must stay! So keep your eyes out for updating pictures and posts!

  With Love,

~Mal.

[wvnderlst]

Florence, Italy | Faisal Syed

[wanderingmal]

Sorry Mom: I went to Oktoberfest.

In advance, I am sorry to my mother and the rest of my family for the pictures of me drinking excessive amounts of beer. But I only wish you could have been there with me to experience this amazing weekend.

This past weekend, I made a eight hour bus trek to the beautiful country of Germany. This weekend is something I've been looking forward to for years.. Something I booked two months before I even got abroad. And was one of the main reasons I came in the fall versus the spring, sounds dumb, but it was 100% worth it. Now, to everyone that doesn't know, Oktoberfest is not just a Beer fest, but its a festival for all ages and types, there is rides, food, entertainment, and most importantly there is BEERTENTS. These tents are filled with hundreds of people from all over the world, all ages, but they are here for one thing. To celebrate and drink beer. Not any beer, but probably the best beer you'll ever drink, local beers from the specific tent brewery you are in, and in liter glasses AKA Steins.

Saturday morning we woke up at the ass crack of dawn, to get ready, get food in our stomach, and get in line for these famous Beer tents. Arriving around 8:30 we were probably some of the last people to get in line for the beer tent we wanted to get into, Hafbräu Festzelt which opened at 9 AM sharp. This is when the door guys like to screw with everyone and tell you the wrong door to line up at, when they actually open up the other one. So after 10 minutes of confusion, pushing, and running, luckily we all got in, all 12 of us.. AND we got a table! Because the beer girls only serve you if you are sitting. So here is some pictures from our amazing experience in Hafbräu..! && Oktoberfest.

Welcome to Oktoberfest

The Crew

The Beer Tent, HB!

Just a few Steins

and here are a few more pics...

And yes as I  said before Oktoberfest is a festival, so here are a few pictures!

Auf Wiedersehen!

  So the weekends fun doesn't end here. We we're lucky enough to book our accommodations at Stoke Travel's campground. Which is a festival itself. I would recommend to anyone under the age of 30 to stay here, if you are ever to come to Oktoberfest! This campground is set up with rows and rows of small tents. And people from all over the world stay here! Its also run by Australians... So yes it gets pretty crazy. With unlimited beer and sangria for just 10 euros, you will spend close to nothing when you are staying here. Also every day you get a free breakfast, and every other night a free dinner. This is honestly the best option you have, when you are a college student. And here are a few pictures from Stoketoberfest,

My humble abode.

Stoke even has a salon! :)

stoke at night

ENDICOTT!!!!

WHEEL OF HELL BEHIND THE BARTENDER (aka one of the options is a nudie run around the campsite)

We're all mad here, all the best people are.

So besides drinking beer, and partying all weekend I did get some time to explore. Munich is a beautiful city, clean, and there is a lot to do and see. Also Munich has Starbucks, so I was that basic girl and got a Pumpkin Spice Latte. So here are a few picture from Munich,

And that's the last of them from my amazing weekend. Once again, I wish you all could have been there to experience it with me! And I would also recommend to go sometime in your life!

With Love,

~Mal.