Hidden Treasures in Valencia: Miguelete Tower

By Christina Reynolds

Every day is a new adventure when exploring the streets of Valencia. You may find yourself discovering a new cafe or admiring a hidden work of graffiti, but if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can find yourself walking 207 steps up for the best view of Valencia the city has to offer.

Located in the heart of the Plaza de la Reina, the Miguelete tower is the bell tower attached to the Cathedral of Valencia, and currently stands as Valencia’s tallest religious structure. From the outside, the gothic style building does not seem like too much of a journey to the top. Yet once inside the narrow walkway, the winding, spiral staircase may feel like it’s never ending. Yes, it felt claustrophobic at times. And yes, you may have a slight panic attack when other groups of people are heading in the opposite direction as you. But once that streak of light comes into sight that reminds you how close you are to the outside, it will all be worth it.

The bell tower stretches out to an octangular terrace at the top, providing a 360 degree view of everything Valencia has to offer. On one side, you’re looking at the historic Torres de Serranos and the area of your current home, and further in the distance, a look at the famous Cuidad de Artes y Ciencias. Embrace your inner tourist and take as many pictures as possible, even if your camera can’t quite encompass the experience of being up there.

So go ahead and enjoy the breeze, take in the scenery, and bask in the beauty that Valencia has to offer. The trek might take a toll on your legs, but I promise, the view is worth the climb.

Hidden Treasures in Valencia: Bioparc Valencia

By Christina Reynolds

It’s the same feeling every time you’re visiting a zoo. You inch as close to the fence as possible, stretching to attempt to touch each animal as they stare back at you with a face that only makes your heart melt. Imagine a controlled environment in which you were a part of the animal’s habitat, and not vice versa? Welcome to Bioparc Valencia.

Focusing on their concept of zoo-immersion, Bioparc Valencia differs from your average zoo. They pride themselves on immersing the visitor in the habitat of the animal, allowing for an open environment and very natural feel. Although visitors are still an arms distance from the animals, their homes are easily adaptable and provide striking similarities to their original ecosystems. Bioparc Valencia actively participates in the conservation of a species ecosystem, believing that preserving its habitat is essential to saving its species. Additionally, each habitat provides in depth information and interactive teaching techniques regarding its animals, not only assisting visitors with an exciting experience, but an educational one as well.

Get a feel for the African savannah, equatorial forest, Madagascar and the African wetlands all in the center of Valencia. From zebras and hyenas to giraffes and gorillas, the park offers visitors a multitude of animals to visit. For only a two and a half mile journey from the study center and only 24 euro for admission, you can enjoy the day feeling like you’ve embarked on an African safari.

Want to get a little closer? Here’s a friendly tip: giraffes love to eat the grass surrounding their habitat. Grab a handful and reach as far as you can, and if you’re lucky, maybe one will snack on what you’re offering!

Hey, Where's My Stuff?

By: Christina Reynolds

It can happen to the best of us. One minute you’re walking through a crowded area, taking in the thriving lifestyle around you, and the next something is missing from your bag. Pickpocketing continues to be prevalent amongst major cities throughout Europe, specifically in Spain. With Spain’s unemployment rate hitting a excruciating 24.6% this past June, people are finding more and more ways to target tourists for their personal belongings. Even worse, without an inkling of their knowledge that it is even happening.

Pickpocketing has become less of a risky move and more of a sport for many, leading people to get creative with their sneaky tactics. After personally falling into the category of tourists abroad who have been stolen from, as my iphone now rests in a stranger’s hands, I am aware of the moves I was so oblivious to before. But don’t fret; here are a few tips to help you avoid these sneaky people, and keep your iphone in good hands!

1. Keep your bag close to you and zipped at all times

This is where I went wrong. My bag was always close to my side, yet the zipped up part occasionally became hard to remember. Especially in crowded areas, always keep your bag zipped. This makes it more difficult for someone to hack into, and gives you more time to react if it does in fact happen.

2. Avoid diversions

While it is in a traveler’s nature to want to see and explore every possible sight, people may take advantage of this curiosity. Many methods are used to distract you, leaving your belongings in a more vulnerable state. When I had traveled to Paris for the weekend, I had heard a rumor that women would throw baby dolls wrapped in a blanket at tourists, prompting them to catch their “child” so they could steal your purse! Thankfully I never had to experience that kind of trickery, but it just goes to show how in depth their planning could be.

3. Stay away from passageways and confined areas

Hovering near the doorway of the subway or train may give pickpocketers an easier escape route if they do choose to attempt this. If found in a situation such as this, don’t stress. The more aware you are of your belongings, and the more crowded it is in the confined space, the more difficult it will be for the pickpocketer to get away with their potential motive.

4. Don’t keep personal items in your back pocket

Especially for guys, personal items being held in your back pocket is a major target for pickpocketers. While guys tend to check if their wallet or phone is still in place, people pick up on these motions, signifying for an easy snatch once they get the chance. Keep these belongings in your front pocket, or in an area less noticeable to potential thieves.

Whether in the middle of the day or in the dead of night, pickpocketing can happen to anyone. The idea of losing yourself in the city can quickly transform to losing your valuables in the city, but by simply keeping a watch on your stuff and your surroundings, you’ll be going back to America scratch free in no time.

 

Wanderlust

By Christina Reynolds

Wanderlust

[won-der-luhst] noun: a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about.

 

The urge may not be there upon leaving America, but it will definitely be tugging at you left and right once abroad. Once given a little taste of the unknown, the travel bug gets to you, leaving you craving it more and more. Thankfully the fantasy of exploring each and every country can soon become a reality during your time abroad.

 While studying abroad in Valencia, there were many opportunities to venture to other countries. With the class schedule ending on Thursdays, students always had a three day weekend to take off to wherever their hearts desired. Besides the planned program trips to either Madrid or Barcelona, there were many weekends available to see a different part of Spain, or more commonly a completely different country!

Many students took advantage of their time off from class and made group trips to a multitude of exotic places. With the Mediterranean views of Portugal being a short plane ride away, students made the trek to Lisbon to discover a side of Spain not offered around Valencia. Additionally, with France being the next closest country, many spent their weekend under the Eiffel Tower in Paris. While the proximity of these countries made traveling a little easier, distance did not stop students from exploring other parts of Europe. Amsterdam and Ireland also seemed to be popular destinations to travel to. Being about a mere three hour flight to either location, it goes to show just how easy it can be to travel around the continent from the home base in Valencia.

While the urge to explore each and every place may be strong, the only issue that stands is how to get over there. Although students may shy away from the idea of flying because of the expenses, there are many European airlines with incredibly affordable rates, like Ryanair. Being one of the cheapest airlines throughout Europe, it is no wonder it is one of the most popular ways to travel for students abroad. But be careful; one of the cheapest can quickly turn into one of the sneakiest if you’re not paying attention!

A few tips on Ryanair:

Make sure to print out your boarding pass ahead of time

I’m not exactly sure why printing out a boarding pass is such a hassle for the airline attendants, but apparently it is, and will cost you all of 50 euro as well.

Try to do carry on

Checking your bags is another 50 euro, and not worth the risk of losing.
 
Make sure you measure the size of your carry one bag before taking it
Ryanair is a stickler for oversized bags, to the point of measuring your bag for you prior to boarding your flight. The worst thing that could happen is your poor suitcase not fitting in the size measurer, and their insistence on you checking that bag. My advice? Bring a duffel bag. It’s moldable enough to fit their size standards, regardless of how full it is.

“Don’t Miss” Location in London: Brighton

By Viviana Yepes

 It was a late Friday evening and after returning from a relaxing night out at our favorite local pub, I decided to look at the map and pick a random city to explore the following day. My finger landed on the city of Brighton, and boy, was I happy it did. I gathered a group of five friends (shout out to Cecilio, Ally, Amy, Jackie and Brendan!) bought us all some train tickets, and we were off the following Saturday morning at about 9AM taking the train from St Pancras Station. The trip only took about an hour and a half, so we passed the time by talking about what we wanted to do while looking at the beautiful English countryside. Arriving and stepping out of the train station we set our sights on the ocean shore and walked towards it, with no set plan as to what we would do today. I was absolutely determined to at least touch the waters of the English Channel (keep in mind it was still winter and the water was unquestionably freezing). Once at the beach the view was spectacular. We were all so amazed by the stony beach and endless horizon that we were caught off guard and completely soaked by a wave, a freezing but totally hilarious experience!

We decided to stay away from the shore at that point and made our way over to the Brighton Pier, all the while walking near the beach front containing shops and pubs. On our way, we came across a carousel and of course, I had to take a spin. As we walked onto the beautiful Brighton Pier, I had realized I had found my perfect place: the beach, amusement park rides, a world famous fish & chips pub, and loud music. COULD I ASK FOR MORE?! We spent the rest of the day riding rickety roller coasters, dizzy spinning rides, playing in a dark arcade in the middle of the pier (Ally actually won a toy from the claw games! Who does that?!), taking pictures with face-in-the-hole murals, and I ate the best fish & chips of my whole London semester for lunch.  

My friend Amy and I even got stuck at the very top of a loop de loop ride and as they brought us down, we got to see the sunset from the highest point on the Brighton Pier. We finished the day off buying souvenirs and talking to locals telling us to check out the bands playing at some local pubs. We were all exhausted as we got on the train back home and reminisced about all the laughs and fun we had that day. I definitely recommend Brighton to anyone at the London program looking for a fun-filled day and totally different experience from the big city life!

Studying Abroad in London

By Kiara Talancha

    If somebody had told me back in high school that I was going to spend my first semester of college in London and would have the best time of my life, I would have laughed in their face and moonwalk away from them, screaming that they are crazy. But no, they were not crazy, and yes I had the best time of my life.

            I didn’t know much about London, which sounds bad on paper, but I think that was what made my experience better. I was going completely blind to a place I never faced before. People talk about how your first semester of college is what makes you an adult by dealing with a roommate, picking your own classes, and making new friends. Being in London, all of those obstacles I had to deal with were hard yet easy.

           
            The study centre is in the heart of London, literally. If you see the Tube Station map, the centre is in Tottenham Court Road, which is in the middle of everything. Which is great when you are bored one Tuesday night and decide to go to a Christmas Market outside Embankment Station, or go to an Ice Bar and dance to the music with your friends, or travel the London Eye and see the city lighted on night. I never thought I would experience all of those things and more my first semester of college.

            I got to visit so many places that, without the program, I would have avoided as a tourist. For example:

·         I spoke in front of my classmates and a bunch of strangers at Speaker’s Corner when I had to give a speech for my Public Speaking class.

·         My friends and I walked across the zebra steps of Abbey Road, and took pictures next to the studio were the Beatles recorded their many albums.

·         I traveled to three different cities in Europe– Amsterdam, Berlin, and Paris– with my brother (if you get the chance, drink the water from the places you go, they all taste differently and it makes you think more about how water works).

·         My friends made Thanksgiving and we all set around the table and gave our thanks. I almost cried.

·         I went to my British friend’s house and sat eating English breakfast while her mother told stories of the time she was a flight attendant.

·         I climbed the many steps up St. Paul’s Cathedral and watched the sun go down the London Bridge.

           Studying abroad my first semester of college has made me cherish all the experiences I have from now on. Dr. Seuss says it best: “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” All those experiences I had while in London made me realize that if it wasn’t for that April day, when the brochure of the International program came in the mail, I would have spent my first semester of college at home, or going to community college. I am grateful to have walked the damp gravel to see Stonehenge, or tripped on concrete on my way to buy groceries in Bloomsbury, or flashed a smile to the worker in Russell Street News. My first semester abroad was, as Barney from How I Met Your Mother would say, “Legend-... wait for it... and I hope you're not lactose intolerant because the second half of that word is DAIRY!”

                                   

  Check out Kiara's video from her study abroad experience! http://youtu.be/JQoo_7MWxQ0
 

 

 

The 5 Breathtaking Towns of Cinque Terre

 By Sarah Jean Ferraris

I first heard of Cinque Terre from my friend, Kelsey Flynn who recommended it. I can’t thank her enough for sharing her experience with me because Cinque Terre is now one of my absolute favorite places in Italy. And if you’re a photographer, this is your dream come true! I’m
paying it forward by telling you that you must put Cinque Terre at top of your list of MUST SEE places while in Italy!

     
Since I was only in Florence for the summer, time was of the essence and I was only able to allot 1 day for this trip. I wish I had more because I could’ve spent a whole week there! Cinque Terre means five villages or towns and my one-day itinerary will help you realize independent travel is not as daunting as it seems.     Keith and I had an early start and took a 7 AM train from Florence to la Spezia. From there you can take a regional train to any of the 5 towns. We stopped first at Manarola which is actually the second town. Manarola has a lot of rocks you can go cliff jumping off of. We took another train to the next town, Corniglia and then we had to climb over 300 steps because it sits at the very top of a promontory. It’s surrounded by beautiful vineyards and terraces. This is a good pit stop to take a break and eat lunch because after you have to hike 2 hours to get to the next town. The hike from Corniglia to Vernazza was my favorite part of the trip. We hiked the coastal, cliff-side trail which meant we got wonderful views of the water. As you approach the picturesque town of Vernazza, you start to see the beautiful, colorful homes and the ruins of a rustic castle. Finally, we took a train to the last town, Monterosso and swam on the beach until it was time to take the train back to Florence. 

 

Cinque Terre is so incredibly beautiful and it will leave you in awe of how spectacular nature is! Cinque Terre will change your life! It changed mine and I’d give anything to go back.

 

 

London Through a Lens

By Kayluis Peña

It was halfway through my junior year when I realized that my time at FSU was quickly coming to an end. I knew it would be very difficult to travel abroad for an extended period of time after I was out in the workforce, so I decided that I needed to pack up my things and study abroad. I quickly realized that it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

While in London I did all the typical "tourist" things during the first week, and lived there as a resident the rest of the time. I mingled with locals on afternoons at the pub and enjoyed various plates of fish and chips. On lazy evenings I would go to Trafalgar Square with some friends and just hang out.

Studying abroad through FSU was an amazing experience! Check out the link below to see London through my eyes!

Click here to see Kayluis' video

Must See Places in Panama City

By Lauren Stuart


It’s no secret that the Panamá Canal is the number one tourist attraction in Panamá City.  It is, after all, one of the top man-made wonders of the world and put Panamá on the map.  However, after living and studying in Panamá for the past seven months, I’ve realized the city is home to so much more.  After you beat the crowds at the Miraflores Locks along the Panamá Canal, consider spending some time at one of these places:

Isla Taboga

Group in Isla Taboga

If you’re looking for a fun and easy day trip, Isla Taboga is a must!  Located about 20 km off the coast and known as one of the best beaches in the Panamá City area, Isla Taboga is a top destination for busy city goers looking for a quick break.  It only costs $13 for a round-trip ferry ticket, which is perfect if you’re on a budget.  Ferries leave from the Causeway at 8:30 am and 10:30 am and return at 3 pm and 5 pm every day.  However, it’s not uncommon for the ferries to sell out so make sure you get there at least an hour early.  The island hosts many great activities besides just chilling out on the beach and taking a quick dip in the refreshing water.  There are several hiking trails that take you to the top of a hill and offer incredible views.  You can also explore the adorable town that calls Isla Taboga home and if kayaking is your thing, there is a place where you can rent kayaks for only $4.  Once you work up an appetite, hit up one of the many food carts for some great food.  Or if you’re on a budget, I suggest bringing a cooler full of drinks and snacks.

Isla Taboga

Cerro Ancon

Cerro Ancon

Cerro Ancon is easily recognized for being “that hill with the giant Panamá flag."  Although well known, Cerro Ancon is unfortunately overlooked by most.  Located in Balboa, right next to the Panamá Canal Administration Building, the hill offers an easy morning hike that only takes about 2 hours.  The “trail” is actually a one way road that many people choose to drive up.  However, it is well worth the walk, trust me!  Not to mention, walking is free.  On your way up, be on the lookout for sloths hanging out in the trees above.  Once you reach the top, you are greeted by that giant Panamá flag and rewarded with incredible birds-eye views of the city skyline, Balboa, the Panamá Canal, Casco Viejo, and the Bridge of the Americas.  Once you make it back to the bottom and your stomach is growling, head to Niko’s Café, just down the street from the Administration building.  Niko’s is dirt cheap and has great Panamanian food as well as classics such as sandwiches and french fries. A whole meal including a drink and desert costs about $5 - $8.

View of Cerro Ancon 

Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is like a European city with a flare of Latin American culture.  It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in Panamá City and although originally considered a more dangerous area, Casco Viejo has undergone major renovations making it far safer and one of my favorite places in the city.  During the day, make sure you visit the multiple churches located in the town squares and enjoy walking through the narrow European-like streets.  If you’re looking for crafts, check out the Indian market on the walkway right along the coast.  There are many tents set up with Kuna Indians selling homemade crafts such as molas, traditional fabrics full of color.  At night, Casco Viejo transforms and the nightlife heats up.  If you’re looking for a great dinner, I suggest Casa Blanca or Restaurante Diablicos.  Casco Viejo is also home to one of the city’s best bars, Relic, and multiple clubs that will get you dancing.  If you’re looking for another incredible view, walk towards the water at night and watch as the city skyline appears at the end of a narrow cobblestone street.

Casco Viejo

Study Abroad Fair Fall 2012

We had a blast at the fair! If you couldn't make it (or just want to see our smiling faces again :p) come out to our Spring 2013 fair in February!

Throwback Thursday: Foreign Fare

Yesterday was the second edition of Throwback Thursday! Here are the scrumptious snapshots you sent in!

The next Throwback Thursday's (10/25) theme is "Goofy Globetrotters". Send in pictures of you and your friends being silly all around the world!

To send in your photos on Instagram, use #NolesAbroad in the description. You can also submit them through our Facebook page or on Twitter (@fsuip) and we'll share them throughout the day! Get those pictures ready!