Travel Tip: Spend a Weekend in a Lesser-Known City

Most travelers are familiar with Italian cities such as Milan, Rome, and Naples. These are the cities with miraculous views, endless activities, and waves of interesting people. These are the “must see” cities, but they are not the only places to find adventure. After studying abroad in Italy, I would suggest visiting small, discrete places. Whether you visit for a day or a weekend, you never know what you may find. My friends and I spent a weekend in Padua, Italy, which (despite its many attractions) often goes unnoticed by the majority. After three train rides and a lot of confusion, we started to regret our decision to travel to this city. Upon our arrival, we were worried that Padua would be a disappointment, but despite our concerns, we ended up discovering the Arena Chapel, the Botanical Garden of Padova, and streets filled with restaurants and boutiques. I think going somewhere different offers a unique experience, something you'll never forget. As much as I loved Florence, Venice, and Milan, these cities tend to be overcrowded. With the tourist menus and English signs everywhere, you can sometimes miss the more authentic side of the country. The best advice is to go explore somewhere new. The risk is worth it.

 

By: Courtney Merolle, FSUIP Alumna

“Free” Restaurants in Valencia

By Quinton Campbell

While living in Valencia, it’s impossible not to notice the wide variety of dining options that are available. Not only are most of them located near the study center, but they’re very affordable on a student budget, especially when one accounts for the meal tickets, or “cheques,” included in the program fee when studying with FSU.  Not only are there a wide variety in cultural cuisines within the city limits of Valencia, but these cheques are also accepted in major cities all over Europe. This not only helps the budget during independent travel, but since it’s already been paid for, I know I personally felt more inclined to go out on a limb and eat at a restaurant that I might not have tried originally had I been paying directly out of pocket for my meal. Here’s a short list of restaurants within walking distance from the study center in Valencia that accepted cheques while I studied there:

Walk-to-Wok (Chinese)

Pizza Gratis (Italian)

Fressco (Pizza, Pasta, and Salad buffet)

Wok Quing (Chinese)

Pan de Queso (Spanish)

There’s also a Greek restaurant that serves gyros and shawarmas a block away from the study center that accepts cheques but I can’t remember what it was called!

Those are just to name a few of the ones I was aware of, and there are most likely more restaurants that have started accepting cheques (or more restaurants in general that have opened near the study center) within the year and half since I have been there. The restaurants that accept them are really easy to spot as well. When I was there, there were orange signs on the front door that indicated if cheques were accepted there, and this came in handy during the weekend excursions (also provided in the program fee) to Barcelona and Madrid when we were unfamiliar with the restaurants in the area. Again, they’re accepted widely across Europe, so make sure to bring an extra cheque or two with you if you travel independently on weekends to other cities. However, DON’T travel with your entire book of cheques because they’re essentially as good as cash; if you lose them, they’re non-refundable. Definitely take advantage of this aspect of your program fee, because not only have you already paid for it but it really gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the cuisine of the neighborhood on a budget. If all else fails and you have a lot of cheques left at the end of your semester, you have an excuse to eat like a king during your last weekend in Valencia! Buen provecho!

Must Do Markets In London

By Kelsey Repins

Part of being a “true Londoner” is experiencing the weekend shopping at the various markets scattered around the city. Come back to the States with cool, one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts!

Borough Market: This market is a wonderful place to find fresh bread, homemade jams, cheeses, meats, and all sorts of yummy goodies! Do your weekly food shopping here and enjoy all of the sights and smells.  Spend the morning picking up snacks and go on a picnic with the food you buy.

• Make sure you try an ostrich burger!

Borough Market

Brick Lane: This was one of my favorite markets! Brick Lane is a string of markets that open on Sundays only.  Find cool jewelry and funky screen tee shirts. Locals make headbands, purses, dresses, and so much more.

• There is lots of food from all over the world here but make sure to try the Moroccan cuisine!

Camden Market: Come here to barter on anything from clothes to antiques. Camden is more the alternative scene and residents of this area are generally young. Camden is a known as the home for the struggling artist, fashion designer, and musician.  Just walking through Camden is an experience!

• After a morning bartering in Camden, get on the bus and take the short trip out to Primrose Hill. Here you will get a wonderful view of the whole city.

Camden Market

Covent Garden Market: My favorite place in all of London would have to be Covent Garden and the area surrounding it. Covent Garden is a little shopping plaza filled with great stores to buy little gifts and funky trinkets. Make sure you not only visit the stores but the actually market itself on the weekends.

• One time when I was shopping in Covent Garden I stumbled across a flash mob!

Portobello Road Market: Anyone who has seen Hugh Grant and Julia Robert’s Notting Hill has heard of Portobello Road Market. Here you can fight the crowds for antiques on the main street. Make sure you go off the main road because there are smaller stores and venders who are willing to haggle! Keep in mind that this market is only open on Saturdays.

• Even if you are not in the market for antiques or clothing go for the atmosphere. Notting Hill is a very fashionable and “posh” neighborhood.  The rows pale blue, pink, and yellow houses are adorable and a must see for anyone visiting London.

Knotting Hill

Spitalfields Market: Like most of the other markets, Spitalfield vendors sell clothing, antiques, homemade crafts and much more. There are actual stores as well as venders and booths. The market itself is only on Sundays but the stores are open during the week.

• When I was in London, I would go to Brick Lane in the morning and Spitalfields in the late afternoon!

Keep in mind some of the items are sold by multiple vendors in multiple markets. Shop around for the best price and don’t buy the first thing you see! 

 

Restaurant Suggestions in Florence

By Christine Lacayo

Although all programs in Florence provide meal tickets for most days of the week, I enjoyed eating at some of the other local restaurants. Below are some of my favorites.

Il Gatto e La Volpe- Via Ghibellina 151/r. This great Osteria serves big portions for very cheap prices. The breadsticks here are to die for and it has some of the best tasting pasta and pizza. Many American students come eat here and, apart from the food, students always return only because the friendly waiters make your evening so much more enjoyable.


Trattoria Anita- Via del Parlascio 2/r. The three brothers who own this little trattoria are very sociable and love for you to practice your Italian with them! They are open for dinner as well as lunch and they have a fantastic lunch menu. My favorite antipasto here was the bruschetta.


Gusta Pizza and Gusta Panino- Via Maggio 46. This restaurant is on the other side of the river. You should definitely venture out to Gusta Pizza because they serve the best pizza you will ever try!  Gusta Panino is right next to the pizza place and they serve delicious pastas and salads.


La Loggia degli Albizi- This little café serves great pastries, coffee, cappuccinos and lunch as well! Located a few doors down from the study center.


Antico Noe- Volta di San Piero 6/r. Located right around the corner from the study center. Here you can get the best panini you will ever try! There are about 16 or 17 different panini and they all taste amazing! You stand in line and there is menu of all of the different panini, feel free to make up your own! Try to go straight from class the line gets long quickly during lunch hours.