Not everyone in Amsterdam is high

Hey ya, whats your name buddy?

Katie Callen

Where did your trip actually go to?

I am an American studying abroad in Bournemouth, England and for my easter holiday I went to Faro,Portugal, Seville and Barcelona, Spain, Budapest,Hungary, Munich and Berlin, Germany and Amsterdam, Netherlands.

And how long have u been there?

I've been in Bournemouth since January and will be here till July. Then travelled for 22 days straight during our eater break!

What where your expectations before u went there?

I figured Portugal would be very similar to Spain. Everyone is very laid back and the food was great! I wasn't sure what to expect from Budapest. My parents were really worried about my safety but it was actually my favorite place out of them all! I expected Germany to be more lively but everything except some bars closed at 8pm so if you wanted something from a convenience store it would be a hunt. I didn't expect much from Amsterdam but it is another one of my favorites because it's so beautiful and there is a canal every block.

Andd where did you stay?

In Budapest we stayed at Wombats hostel which I highly recommend because it was right in the center and we got a great room! Otherwise we stayed in hotels since I get employee rate for IHG hotels.

Could you tell me your favourite bar/resuatart/club and tell me why it is so awesome?

My favorite bar was Szimpla Kert in Budapest because it has the best at atmosphere for anyone and everyone. They have multiple rooms like a hookah lounge, wine bar, cocktail bar, a dancing area, outside patio, and a whole upstairs if you want something quieter or more private. We ended up there every night since it was the most fun.

In Barcelona we went to at shots bar called Chupitos. They have a variety of different shots that tasted great and was also entertaining because they set most of them on fire!

My favorite was called Boy Scout and they set alcohol on the bar on fire and give you a mini marshmallow on a stick to roast. Once you put it in the fire and get it crispy you dip it in the shot glass, eat the marshmallow and take the shot. It was fun and so good! Also in Barcelona I recommend going to George Payne (it's an Irish bar) and order the Barcelona Blackout! You'll be sure to have a great night because it's more alcohol than you need. I don't remember specifically the restaurants I ate at but everyone should try Goulash and Snitzel in Germany, paella and Patatas Braves in Spain and sample cheese in a cheese museum in Amsterdam.

What surprised you the most about the countries?

I was surprised that siesta in Spain is really a thing and that everything closes! I was surprised how beautiful and fun Budapest was. I was surprised when I went to Berlin and now understand the term ‘New Berlin’. And also how cultural Amsterdam is compared to the persona as being covered in smoke.

What was the funniest word you learned?

In Budapest I learned that pussy means kiss and that cookie means the male part haha

What was the greatest thing you’ve done?

Wow, what a question. I went biking through the mountains of Portugal, cave climbing under Budapest, castle/palace hopping in Germany, and went to the keukenoff garden with tulip fields in Amsterdam.

What the worst?

I wouldn't say this is the worst because I'm glad I went but it is the saddest, more serious activity. I visited the concentration camp Sachsenhausen outside Berlin. It was eerie and heart breaking.

What can we learn from the country/should adapt?

We definitely need siestas! Nothing wrong with a little break in the middle of the day.

What did you miss the most from home?

I missed my bed in Bournemouth and cooking instead of eating at a restaurant every night.

Which stereotype was fulfilled?

The Spanish are laid back,the Germans keep to themselves, and everyone is friendly in Amsterdam.

Which stereotype was falsified?

Budapest was safe and had great people and not everyone in Amsterdam was high.

Do you wanna say something else? Just go for it ;)

My advice is to travel as much as you can while you are young! We are only this age once in our life so let loose while you can before it becomes somewhat unacceptable and you have a job and responsibilities to uphold. When traveling learn about the country and city's history and culture during the day by going on tours and to museums and then experience their nighttime customs! Make the most of every trip because we learn best from experience.

What else can I say? You hit the nail right on the head Katie !

Thank you so much <3

#Travellerofthemonth #Europe #Erasmus #Student