DU Abroad

Mixed in with my classes and studying, I’ve been able to explore more parts of London, and England in general. From finding new streets and cute stores, to getting fully out of the city and exploring the Cotswolds. While I love big cities and being able to see people walking about, there’s something about the English countryside that is charming and pulls you in.

I’ve always wanted to go to the Cotswolds. It’s just always been something on top of my bucket list, and now I am happy to say I’ve been able to complete that dream. The Cotswolds, and specifically Castle Combe (rated the most beautiful town in England) draws you in, and make you never want to leave. The brick houses, along a quiet, and foggy street is something out of a fairy tale. When one thinks of “English countryside” this is what they picture.

When I stepped out of the train, I noticed how quiet it was. The cars splashing in puddles was the only sound, other than the song of birds. I was surprised to experience how quiet it was and felt as though I needed to whisper the entire time to preserve the peacefulness. It’s always an eye-opening experience going to a new country (or a new part of a previously visited country), and experience at least a little part of the local’s life. I was drawn in by the atmosphere, and the life of a quiet, small town. People walking their dogs and saying “good morning” to each-other was a normal routine. I loved it. Bakeries and shops, that ran on the honor system and a welcoming atmosphere that felt like a warm hug. It was so different than the life in London, or even my hometown.

Comparing life in a big v. small city/town was very interesting in terms of Castle Combe and Chippenham. Where life is quiet and peaceful in the countryside, everyone knows everyone, and trusts, there was an opposite life in the city, where it’s filled with suspicion and weariness. Visiting the Cotswolds, makes me think about how wonderful a life in a beautiful, quiet town would be (you wouldn’t have to worry about phone snatchers, that’s for sure)!

I loved walking around, and taking it all in, like a breath of fresh air. The mist hanging in the air, and the song of birds sent a wave of tranquility. With vines crawling up the sides of houses and the colors of changing leaves, it was a beautiful sight to see. It was truly autumn here! In London, while it’s chilly, it hasn’t been raining much and the leaves haven’t changed yet, so I was overjoyed to finally see the start of my favorite season in the most beautiful town. The Manor House (which is now a hotel), is a beautiful estate with the most gorgeous manor house, which I’ve decided is truly my dream home. With green, orange, and red vines climbing up the brick house, it was a sight to see, and my breath was taken away. Truly, I have no words to express how marvelous this town was. It’s one of those things that words cannot recreate, and you have to experience it for yourself.

The public transportation there, was also on a leisurely schedule, and would only stop (in the case of Castle Combe) 3 or 4 times a day, meaning you had to time everything perfectly around the bus if you didn’t have a car. My friend and I luckily had no problems with this, and actually timed it perfectly where we had enough time to spontaneously go to Bath!

As we were wrapping up out time in quiet Castle Combe and taking the last of our pictures, we realized we still had a while before our trains! So, we thought to go to Bath, which happened to be only 10 minutes away by another train! With smiles on our face, we headed to Bath and got excited for a tea shop we decided to visit.

Sally Lunn’s Eating House brought the Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, and Pride and Prejudice vibe to life. With delicious pastries and tea, we were transported back into history, and imagined what life would be like back then. The buns and tea were 10/10 (as one would expect in England), and we had an amazing time talking about our favorite moments from this trip (and weekend). After walking around Bath and truly loving the autumn leaves and weather, we headed back to Chippenham, and further, London.

I honestly, will never forget this trip because of the amazing memories I got to make. Checking a bucket list spot off my list and seeing my dream house, as well as seeing my favorite season (autumn) start. If one is ever in London or in England in general, they have to experience the magic of the Cotswolds, as it is indescribable.

You have finals week upcoming; shouldn’t you use your time wisely? But there is such a great deal on a trip to Budapest. $120 round trip and a two-night stay at a hostel for only $27 total. Screw it, let’s book the trip.

That was what was going through my mind last weekend. I was debating on whether on taking a trip to either Budapest or Venice because of how cheap plane tickets were and how cheap hostels were. I originally said no, but after some thinking, I said, “screw it” and booked the trip. It would be my first time in Hungary, and I was nervous at first, but as the week progressed, I became more excited about this trip.

Soon the day arrived for me to go to Budapest. I woke up at 3:15 am for a 4:30 am bus to the Brussels airport (my flight left at 9:00 am). I arrived at the airport at around 6:15 am and after getting through security, I spent the time before my flight wandering the airport, which is common for me when waiting for my flight. I soon boarded my flight and was on my way to Budapest for the weekend.

The flight was smooth, and I had no trouble finding my way to the city center. Before heading to my hostel, I stopped at a little brunch place and had an omelet and latte. After that, I checked into my hostel and made my way towards the Danube River. After crossing it, I hiked my way up to the Citadella, where I got an amazing view of the city. After that, I made my way to a castle where I got another view of the city and had some dinner up there as well. I spent the evening walking around the city and witnessed the Hungarian Parliament building lit up at night, which was a sight to behold. After walking around the Parliament, I went back to my hostel and fell asleep.

The next day I made my way back across the Danube and toured a fortress at the top of the hill overlooking the city. There, I learned about the history of Budapest and looked at some artifacts. After that, I attempted to book a tour of the Parliament building, but tickets were sold out the entire day. So, I walked around the building again and continued walking. I tried chimney cake, which is something big in Hungary and it was delicious. I then sat down at a coffee shop and had some lunch while planning out the rest of my day. I eventually made my way to the St. Stephen’s Basilica, where I toured the Basilica and enjoyed another view of the city from the top of the dome. I continued exploring the city and ended the night with some pizza and ice cream. At the end of the day, I had walked over 15 miles, and I was exhausted. I went to bed early because I had an early flight to catch the next morning.

I managed to get home with any issues and in the end, this impulse booking was totally worth it. Would I do it again? Possibly.

Exploring the English Countryside

When an impulse booking goes right