Deprecated: Function WP_Dependencies->add_data() was called with an argument that is deprecated since version 6.9.0! IE conditional comments are ignored by all supported browsers. in /chroot/home/a1e0f025/dab19c68f8.nxcli.io/html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131
Deprecated: Function WP_Dependencies->add_data() was called with an argument that is deprecated since version 6.9.0! IE conditional comments are ignored by all supported browsers. in /chroot/home/a1e0f025/dab19c68f8.nxcli.io/html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131
Continuing my journey across the Highlands, I visited Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray, and Oban.
Kilchurn castle was cool because we hopped a fence and waded through marshy areas to get close. Make sure to wear water-proof shoes or hiking boots when venturing into the Highlands- you never know where you’ll end up!
In Inverary, we visited Inverary Castle where the Downton Abbey episode Into the Highlands was filmed. It was an honor to walk in the shoes of the great Dame Maggie Smith.
Inverary Castle
On our way to Oban, we stopped at Saint Konan’s Kirk. It’s a little church built in the middle of a forest by Walter Campbell so that when his mother became sick,she could have a church nearby. Despite its humble origins, a chapel was built for Robert the Bruce and a bone fragment of his is interred here.
St. Konan’s Kirk
The Chapel of Robert the Bruce
Our final stop on this journey was Oban. Oban was super cute. Here I found a little chocolate shop where I now order boxes to be delivered to my flat.
It was an early April day when my friends and I decided to go to Mui Wo a small village on an island a little off the coast of Lantau. We had to leave really early in order to catch the bus on time to go to the island.
When we got to the island, we went to see a famous waterfall. Humorously, we found a very tiny waterfall because we forgot that it was not the rainy season and so there would not be that much water to flow from the waterfall! We did see, however, many Chinese buffalo around the fields of the people living there.
Three buffalo in a field
We also saw many different traditional houses and shops around the village. While it was a holiday and most of the stores were closed, we saw many different stores and buildings.
Front door to a village shop
We also found a small cave while exploring. It was apparently a small cave meant to bring silver up out of the ground. However, prospectors soon realized that the silver vein was not that deep and chose to stop excavating the cave.
Two friends at the mouth of the silver cave
One of the nicest things there was the beach. While it was a little bit too cold to swim, the water was very pretty and would occasionally sweep up and the mist would cool us off.
Five people and a view
Eventually we got lunch and started to tour the rest of the town. We saw a very friendly dog and were even able to pet him for a time. He really liked my friend Morgan and would nuzzle her forever if he could. We also saw a local bookstore and bought a couple books. The funniest thing about the bookstore was it being attached to a salon, so you could have your hair cut and find a good book at the same time!
Happy shiba, happy friendsSome light reading for the journey home
My friend Laya’s uncle from Belgium came to visit her this weekend. Laya invited me to have lunch with her and her uncle which was very sweet of her. Her uncle was originally born in the Ivory Coast but moved to Belgium with his wife and kids to provide further opportunities for himself and his family. We ended up going to a Lebanese place in Central which had very good reviews.
We ordered hummus, fattoush (a Lebanese salad), baba ganoush, and various kebabs. I thought all of the food was good, but I particularly liked the baba ganoush, which is an eggplant dish made into a dip like hummus. I also really liked the hummus, but I was not quite used to having ground beef as a part of the hummus so it took some getting used to.
Landscape at the top of Victoria Peak
In Central, there is a very famous series of escalators which took us from the bottom of Central to high up in the mountains. My mom told me to check it out because it is the longest series of escalators in the world. It was quite nice to see the difference between old and new Hong Kong. Central has a vast network of older cultural buildings and newer skyscrapers and businesses. However, the escalators did not take us to the true top of the mountain. We had to either take the famous tram, or the bus.
We did not know how to get up to the top, so we started walking from the top of the escalators to the tram. At some point we must’ve gotten lost along the way because we were hiking up the mountain before we eventually gave up and got a cab to the top of the mountain. At the top was one of the best views of Hong Kong, and they’ve even managed to build a small mall at the top as well. I thought it was quite funny to see a big monopoly statue as a showcase for one of their pop up shops.
While Hong Kong food is delicious, many of us wanted to have some food from back home. A few of my friends chose to make their traditional dishes from home. Since we come from many cultures, each person had a night where they would cook.
One of my friends from Italy made a recipe that was handed down by his grandmother. It was a simple tomato sauce with penne pasta and basil. We ate it with bread and a simple side dish of salad. On another day, I helped him make a quick pesto dish that we were able to eat with bread and cheese. Both of these dishes were delicious. I thought it was nice to experience the culture of places I have never been to. While the United States has many dishes from different cultures, it is not the same as experiencing the food from the home country.
I thought this was especially true when one of my friends who’s Palestinian made us hummus for the first time. She told me that each family has slightly different recipes, but common ingredients include chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, and lemon juice. Her family also adds ice to smooth the consistency of the hummus. It was quite an ordeal to make the hummus because we did not have a food processor on hand. So in order to make the hummus, we had to borrow a tiny blender from our floor’s RA. However, the blender was tiny and it was difficult to make the hummus without dulling the blades. In the end, while the hummus was chunkier than my friend would’ve liked, it was delicious! We even managed to find a couple pieces of flat bread to eat it with to make the meal that much more authentic.
In Korea, concert culture is very popular, especially K-pop concerts. Fortunately, I am studying abroad during concert season! Many groups are on tour at the moment, and I am trying my best to see the ones I can.
My first and very unexpected K-pop concert in Korea was Aespa. They are very big worldwide, and they are currently the top girl group and won the Best Female Group Award at the MAMA Awards in late 2024.
Aespa billboard outside the KSPO Dome in South Korea
My friend told me they were selling tickets the night before, which made it very unexpected for me to attend.
Aespa fans during the concert
The atmosphere of the concert was very visible. Everyone in the stadium showed so much energy, and the cheering did not stop until the concert was over.
Aespa during one of their performances
Their stage presence was also felt around the stadium, and you could tell just how much they cared for their performances. It was a night full of great music and great interactions with fans as well.
Picture with fans at the end of the concert
A few days later, I was able to see another concert! However, this one was quite small in size and a smaller venue as well.
The artist I went to see was Olivia Marsh. She is a South Korean-Australian artists who is currently a rising artist. I started listening to her music at the beginning of this year and I was able to get a ticket to her live performance (which was about 38 USD!)
Seating arrangement at the concert
Another cool thing to note is that she is the sister of Danielle Marsh, who is a member of the former group NewJeans.
The concert had a small crowd but a very good vibe around it. It made it easier to interact with her fans and to be in a chill environment.
A small intermission between the concert
I am having a great time enjoying different artists that I don’t usually get to see in the states and I can’t wait to see more!
I’ve finally finished one of the most anticipated parts of my study abroad experience: spring break. From the moment I got here people were discussing where they wanted to travel.
One of many incredible views
After talking with my friends, and searching Ryanair for the cheapest flights, we decided on the island of Malta and Italy; including Venice, Milan, and Lake Como. I could go on and on about how incredible all of these places were, because they were truly incredible, but instead I want to focus on some things I learned throughout these trips.
Guided tours are not as unnecessary or boring. I’ve always dismissed them as a concept, but I certainly see the appeal now. My friend’s dad was kind enough to purchase my group a guided tour around Lake Como for the day. It was fantastic!
First, because it was Lake Como, which is as incredible and beautiful as everyone said it was. Additionally, I severely underestimated how nice it is to have a guide to follow around. She coordinated our train and boat tickets, told us where to sit, and recommended the best restaurants. Not having to think and problem solve for a day was the best gift. While I definitely can’t afford a guided tour all the time on a college-student budget (and there is a certain charm to wandering aimlessly around a new city), I definitely see the value in a guided tour and would take one again—as a treat.
Another great way to recharge; meeting to local cats!
Next, traveling is better enjoyed with an hour of downtime before dinner everyday. And no, you are not wasting your time in a cool place. You’re recharging so you can better appreciate all the incredible things you will see. I’m still learning not to feel guilty for taking a pause.
Studying abroad and traveling is not inherently more dangerous or scary. I think often we have this idea that when you travel, bad things are bound to happen to you. I was told pickpocketing was inevitable, but after traveling to major, touristy locations with all my belongings still with me, I don’t agree. Paying attention to your surroundings and keeping your valuables close goes a long way.
While it’s certainly vital to be aware of the risks, its not as scary as some make it out to be.
And lastly, the best way to travel is to eat as much as you possibly can.
Best pizza I’ve ever had! In Venice, Italy
Eating incredible food has been one of the highlights of every city, despite how much my wallet is protesting. But, it’s worth it!
ISTours Scotland provided an affordable way to travel around Scotland, and I went on every trip offered during the season, which amounted to seven trips across three months. The first trip took me on a journey through the Scottish highlands from Loch Lomond to the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
While visiting Loch Lomond, I learned about the tragic history behind the song On the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. It tells the story of two young Jacobite brothers captured during the Jacobite Uprising. Both were taken to England, but at the end of the conflict, only one was released—while the other was condemned to execution. Before his death, the condemned brother is said to have written the haunting lyrics:
You’ll take the high road and I’ll take the low road,
And I’ll be in Scotland afore ye.
But me and my true love will never meet again,
On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
In Scottish folklore, if someone dies far from home, the faeries carry their spirit back via the “low road,” the path of the dead, while the “high road” is the one taken by the living. The song is a poignant farewell from one brother to another—a beautiful and heartbreaking goodbye set against the backdrop of Loch Lomond.
Loch Lomond From the RoadOn the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond
Next, we drove through Glencoe where we learned more history about the Jacobite uprising told through the lyrics of The Massacre of Glencoe, which told the story of the Campbell Clan being instructed to massacre the MacDonald Clan for their failure to pledge allegiance to the monarchy by the date demanded. Scotland has a dark and captivating history, and a drive through the Highlands reveals only a small part of it.
Welcome to GlencoeCaught in a Highland Hail StormBallachulish viewpoint, Glencoe
The final destination was the Glenfinnan Viaduct which was picturesque on its own, but I was there to see the famous bridge that the Hogwart’s express crossed on the journey from King’s Cross Station to Hogwarts.
Our tour arrived at just the right time, as we ran into a man who lived in the area and had been involved in filming. He shared stories about how when filming was happening he had to keep all the lights off in his house so he didn’t impact the lighting on set – an impressive feat with five and seven year old boys in the house. For his efforts he was given tickets to the London premiere of The Chamber of Secrets.
The Famous Harry Potter BridgeThe Harry Potter Bridge From Above
In addition to the bridge, the location used to film the Black Lake was nearby, and despite it being so cold, we were caught in a hailstorm and I dipped my hand into its waters. For the first time leaving Glasgow this was a truly magical experience!
About a week ago, I decided to take a weekend trip to Brisbane, Australia. I left Saturday around 5:30 pm and arrived in Brisbane around 6:40 pm (I thought it would be a very short flight but it turns out there was a time change). Not a very long flight regardless, only about 2 hours!
They even gave you a warm snack and chocolate for your refreshment which was fantastic! The airports in Australia were also super easy to navigate. They felt a lot simpler than the SeaTac or PDX airports. Lots of people just had their boarding pass on their phones and you were able to just walk in the door straight up to security. There was no line on the way to Brisbane, which was awesome! It only took about a minute to send my stuff through and get checked. A lot less stressful than home and they even let you keep water in your water bottle!
Airplane snacks
I took an uber to the hotel room I was staying at, which was only about a 10-minute drive. I asked one of the airport workers the best way to get to the hotel, and after they looked at the public transport routes they suggested an Uber (it was going to be over an hour and a half by public transport). Airport staff members are so nice here! It’s awesome! A much friendlier experience than some I have had back home. I spent Saturday evening finishing up some homework so I could explore on Sunday!
Sunday morning I enjoyed some complimentary breakfast and then headed out to the city. It was about a 30-minute ride by bus, so not too bad. I did end up learning though that in Brisbane you have to hail the bus drivers to get them to stop; in Melbourne, they just stop if they see you. That was different and I was glad I found out before I ended up missing a bus!
Since I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, I just set off exploring. There was one bakery (Brooki Bakery) that I was planning to go to, so that was my first stop. I bought a nutella cupcake and a chocolate fudge brownie (both of which were quite delicious). I then headed down to a river walk along the Brisbane River. It was super cool because the city is built all the way up to the edge of the river and it reminded me of Seattle back home!
The desserts I got
The animals in the gardens
Eventually I made my way to the Brisbane botanic gardens. They were super cool! (I think I liked them a bit more than the Melbourne gardens actually). There were so many cool plants and animals. I saw some new types of birds and even some really big lizards! It definitely seems very tropical in Brisbane. Back in Melbourne there are some green areas but the majority seem to be shades of brown.
The gardens here even have “fairy trees” (trees with fairy lights on them) that light up when it gets dark. I’m returning to Brisbane for a few days during the Easter break, so hopefully I can check them out! After walking around the gardens, I ended up going to a 7-11 closer to where I was staying to get some dinner and snacks. They’ve have some good options here! Then I enjoyed my night watching a movie before heading back to Melbourne in the morning!
After more than two months in France, I finally made it to the most famous city: Paris! To be honest, I was very prepared for it to be ‘overrated’, because I’ve only heard incredible things about it and I found it hard to believe any city could be that great. While I will say I have definitely visited cities during my time here that I find more incredible, or impressive, Paris has a special feeling like no other city. I can definitely see why it’s nicknamed The City of Love. It really does have a romantic feel about it – if you can ignore the rats on the metro, of course!
While in Paris, my friends and I did everything touristy that we could. We visited the Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tour, the L’Arc de Triomphe, and the Montmartre district.
Notre Dame!My favorite work in the Louvre: Winged VictoryL’Arc de Triomphe
All of which were incredible and well-worth the visit. If I can give any advice for someone planning to visit Paris, it’s book your tickets for everything you can days in advance. Someone recommended this to my group, and I’m so glad they did. Even things like the Notre Dame, which are free, are better enjoyed with tickets. You’re able to skip the lines, which can be very long.
Despite all of the incredible, historic things I saw, my favorite memory comes from our last night in Paris. My friends and I had not been able to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle, which happens for five minutes on the hour, every hour, after sunset. Despite spending the past two nights in the city, we had not yet seen the Eiffel Tower sparkle, which we are determined to do. Our first mistake was taking the metro to the Eiffel Tower, not realizing the second metro we were supposed to ride only left once every 30 minutes. Instead, we had to walk the last mile and a half to the Eiffel Tower. The only problem was we would definitely miss the sparkling in that time, which we couldn’t allow because it was our last night in Paris!
So, we ran the entire mile and a half to the Eiffel Tower. None of us are runners or are in any way in shape for that kind of exercise. But, we were fueled by excitement and desperation to see the sparkling. It makes me smile any time I think about us running and panting and laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.
I’m happy to report we did make it in time, just barely arriving before the sparkling began. While it was beautiful to see, my favorite part of this memory is the joy I shared with my friends.
Every year, Yonsei and Korea University hold a cheering event that brings both schools together, despite the rivalry. This year, it was held at Korea University, which is located in the Seongbuk district of Seoul.
For Yonsei students, it was about an hour and 30-minute commute to the Korea University campus. I went with my own group, but ended up following the hundreds of other Yonsei students making the commute.
We arrived a few minutes late. Before entering the field, you can hear the loud cheering from both schools.
Yonsei and Korea University taking their place at cheering event
The whole night was filled with lots of music (mostly both schools cheering songs for sporting events). This event is supposed to help you meet new people and learn the cheering songs for sporting events later on in the school year!
Korea Univ. students at the cheering eventYonKo cheering event stageYonsei and Korea University students joining together
The entire event lasted about 2 hours with non-stop cheering and head banging to the cheers. It felt like a huge workout after the event ended, but I had a great time! Now, I’ll be able to join in the cheers for the next sporting event that Yonsei and Korea University hold!
Friends I made and went to the cheering event with
Seeing videos online of this event really does not compare to seeing it live in real life. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to engage in activities like this and I can’t wait to make more memories!
