My Favorite European Museum!

During my semester abroad I was given an opportunity to experience firsthand some of the most well known pieces of art in existence. From the Louvre in Paris to the Gaudi Gardens of Barcelona, art permeates through every seam of European culture. The great amount of history that lies within the museums of European nations cannot be measured with words.

My favorite museum in Europe was the Musée d'Orsay. The Musée d’Orsay is located in Paris, France on the left bank of the Seine River. Musée is well known for originally being a train station, constructed fro the 1900 World Exhibition. The station served as a rail hub to southwest France until 1939. Fortunately enough I was able to go to the museum with the St. John’s Art and Architecture teacher in Paris, who was able to inform me of the various unique qualities muse d’Orsay possesses.

Musée d’Orsay plays host to the works of many famous artists, but my favorite were those of Monet and Vincent Van Gogh. One of Van Gogh’s more famous works, Self Portrait, resides

I would recommend doing a great number of things in Europe if you’re a fan of impressionist and post-impressionist art. My favorite compilation of history through expression remains at Musée d’Orsay and if you get a chance, I look forward to hearing your opinions on the works there! 

Dream Destination - Pt. 1

Everyone has those places they would just love to run away to and never come back. Mine is a given. It's always been a dream of mine to go to the South Pacific to visit Australia and the accompanying islands. The distance between New York City and Sydney, Australia is 9935 miles and it takes approximately 20 hours to travel between the two by plane.

Australia has always seemed like some sort of fantasy in my eyes, intriguing me with their English speaking culture, South Pacific influences, and highly respected geographical beauty. There are also many things unique to Australia and the South Pacific islands. These include kangaroos, kiwis, and other animals as well as traditions very unfamiliar to the inhabitants of our hemisphere.

There are numerous things to do in Australia, as the continent play host to several different climates. The most famous landmark is located in Sydney, the home of the Sydney Opera House. In addition to the mainland of Australia, the South Pacific plays host to Great Barrier Reef and the South Pacific Islands (New Zealand, Fiji, Bora Bora, and many others). Popular activities in these regions would include hiking/climbing, hot air balloon rides, snorkeling/scuba diving, tours, skiing, rail travel, and other various things.

Ultimately, if I could pick one place in the world to travel to it would be the South Pacific and the promise land of Australia. If you could pick anywhere in the world you could visit, where would it be?

Warning: Easter Break is a Perfect Time to VACATION!

I’m not sure what you guys are up to this Easter, which is rapidly approaching, but I’ll be spending my time lounging at the southern most point of the United States. (This year Easter will take place on Sunday, March 31^st) - The Florida Keys are a coral archipelago located off the southern coast of Florida. Key West is the most western Key, and at it’s most southern point is 90 miles from Cuba.

            I can’t wait to experience Key West! I’ve been to the island once before and had an absolutely incredible time. There are all kinds of things to do in Key West ranging from snorkeling and scuba diving to water sports and beach bumming. The weather in the Key West is definitely tropical, so the weather will be absolutely perfect for a springtime vacation.

            I’m traveling to Key West from New York and will be meeting my Mom there, whom I haven’t seen in what feels like forever. We will be staying at the Westin Key West Resort and Marina, which is supposedly gorgeous. I’ll be sure to get photos of all my wonderful experiences.

            If you can’t make it all the way to the Keys for your Easter vacation, I encourage you to start saving up for another time – Key West is well worth it!