By: Rachael Holliday
Paris’ twenty arrondissements are arranged in a spiral pattern much like a snail shell if one should look at it from an aerial perspective. Near the center of the shell lies the fifth arrondissement, known as the Latin Quarter. Here, you will find many of Paris’ places of interest and learning, such as the Panthéon, Jardin des Plantes, and the Sorbonne to name but a few. It is also here that you will find the Centre Cultural Irelandis, formerly the Collège des Irlandais or the Irish College.
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By: Jaime Marie
Almost two months ago, I met a guy named Ryan, who is on a six month mission to walk across Japan from the south to the north, a distance equivalent to the length of California. As open-hearted travelers, writers, and adventure-seekers, we quickly formed a solid friendship. Thus when Ryan asked me to join him for the “Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage,” I eagerly agreed, intrigued by the mystique of a pilgrimage before I even knew what the trip would entail.
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By: Rachael Holliday
The island of Santorini, Greece, is part of a small archipelago, all remnants of a volcanic caldera. Much of the caldera is submerged, creating a lagoon that Santorini curves around. Oia is a little village perched on the rim of the island, looking as if it could slide down into the lagoon. The village consists of white washed houses, blue domed churches, and cafes that seem to be carved directly into the rock. The beauty of the Cycladic architecture is everywhere, yet for me, the highlight of visiting Oia was the little bookstore, Atlantis Books.
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By: Maggie Cusack
When is the last time you bought a postcard? Do you remember who you sent it to? Buying and sending postcards used to be my favorite part of my vacation. I would spend so much time picking out the perfect postcard. Sometimes I would go to up to five gift shops before picking the perfect postcard. After it was picked, I would write something about the places I'd been along with a cheesy "wish you were here." I'd find a mailbox and off that thing went to its excited owner. They often didn't get it until I was home already. It's been awhile since I thought about postcards. Whenever I see them in a Walgreens aisle or airport gift shop, I think "Who sends postcards anymore?".
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By: Rachael Holliday
After touring the Acropolis in Athens, you should take the time to visit the Acropolis Museum a few blocks away from the base of the hill. While on study abroad in May 2014, I had the opportunity to explore it.
The walkway leading up to museum entrance divides into two sections, with a hollowed oval in the center. Reaching the edge of the oval, I looked down upon the uncovered ruins of Athens, archeological evidence of the people here before us, houses and workshops left intact and incorporated into the new construction of the museum.
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