The first half of the year was spent working my ass off. I had an unpaid internship Monday to Friday and I also worked in a bar evenings and weekends. But it paid off in the end because 1. I got a full time job out of the internship, 2. I has saved up enough money to spend my entire Summer doing whatever I wanted and 3. It meant I actually deserved to treat myself a bit.
So in June I went on a short family holiday to Tuscany, Italy. A few days were spent on an Italian mountain side with spectacular views. We made a couple of day trips to Volterra (yes, the city from the Twilight book) and one of my favourite cities in Europe, Florence. After a few days we made our way down to San Vincenzo to relax by the beach. I've been to Italy six times and this is the first time I've known that Italy has beaches!
Not long after I got back from Italy, I was off again! This time to New York City with my sister and cousin. I had been previously but I didn't experience everything I should have. This time I did it all! Saw the Broadway show, Matilda, cycled in central park, went to the museums and walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. All the mandatory tourist activities were done. But we also experienced New York like a local because my cousin knew all the places to go (and eat.)
I went straight from New York to Orlando for a week of theme parks. You're never too old for Disney World! My sisters highlight of the trip was getting a selfie with Cinderella. My highlight was The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios! It was non stop roller coasters, shopping and eating and shopping. For the sake of my waistline, it was time to leave.
I was home less than 24 hours before I was at the airport again, this time for a girls holiday in Greece. This was three weeks of pure paradise! Mykonos was exactly what I expected Greek Islands to be like; white buildings with blue roofs, skinny streets and spectacular views! Ios was party all day all night. If you're looking for nightlife, go there! Santorini was exactly what we need after Ios. We chilled by the pool and watched the world famous sunsets in the town of Oia. Our last stop was Crete. A lot more built up than Mykonos and Ios, it wasn't my favourite. But we stayed in great accommodation, really quiet but close enough to the strip for some nightlife.
I was back in Ireland by the end of August to start my new job but I still had some travelling to look forward to in September. A group of friends and I were going to Berlin for a weekend for Lollapalooza music festival. We only had one day to sight see in Berlin so we did the predicable; Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. We were blessed during the music festival as the weather was absolutely glorious!
I had assumed that my travels were over for 2015 but working in the travel industry has its perks. I found out from my manager that I was heading back to Florida in October! The best part was I didn't do any of the same things I did when I had gone to Orlando over the Summer. I went to parks I had never ben to like Busch Gardens, Aquatica and Discovery Cove. As an added bonus, Orlando wasn't our only destination. We also spent four days in Clearwater, on the coast of Florida. After one day there I had already decided this is where I was growing old! I have never seen so many beautiful sun rises and sunsets!
That is when my trips came to an end for 2015. I can't wait to spend all my money on more unforgettable experiences in 2016. China is already booked for May and a quick trip to Blackpool or Amsterdam is on the table. Have you any suggestions for good weekend trips for me?
Talk soon, Uiscebawn x
