Ugggh. I’m in a pickle.
Scratch that.
I need advice from people who have done some European sightseeing.
The “predicament” that I’m about to express is hardly a predicament. Truth be told, it sounds borderline bratty for me to even attempt to call this a ‘pickle,’ so I’ll refrain from that terminology for the time being.
I had anticipated quite a rough term and had entered week one with the underlying assumption that Social Shannon was going to be overshadowed by Solitary Shannon; that Sight-Seeing Shannon was going to be substituted with Studious Shannon. I actually had come to terms with this and surrendered any semblance of sociability for attending on-campus lectures and catching up on readings. Something interesting happened last week though: I came to the realization that of the three presentations and three formative essays that I thought I would have due, only the presentations were actually to happen. The formative essays, which would normally be due during the last week of February, are actually non-existent for me this term based on the classes that I have chosen… I had no idea! That being said, the presentation dates that I picked allow me to have all of my presentations handled by February 22nd! This is seriously fantastic news because I have decided to treat myself to a getaway during the last weekend of February! Thus, I’m planning a trip from the 25th of February through the 28th — a little four-day getaway to explore a part of Europe (or beyond?) that has gone untouched by me as of yet. So, here’s my predicament:
Where do I go for a four-day weekend?
[For more insight, the pinpoints on the map are clickable.]
I’ve hit up Scotland, Germany, Italy and Malta already and will be going to France and the Netherlands with my dad and sister during their visit. So, if I have a four-day break, I would like to spend it exploring a city I have yet to see. So, if any of you have a moment, I would love, LOVE, LOVE some feedback on this from people that have already done their fair share of exploring! I’ve semi-narrowed it down to Istanbul, Turkey; Barcelona (or Madrid?), Spain; or Marrakesh, Morocco. That being said, I am definitely open to alternatives. I’ve considered Vienna, Geneva & even Prague, but I’m still uncertain!
Any ideas or input? I’d love to hear from you!
Hi Shannon! Came across your blog (admittedly via facebook stalking – no shame there :) ). I really wanted to create a blog when I moved over here but never really got it together – really impressed by yours though, well done! Anyway, I have some strong opinions on your travel predicament, having been to both Marrakesh and Istanbul in the last 3 months. My advice: DEFINITELY go with Istanbul!!!!!!!!! The weather might not be great which is a bummer because the city really thrives on its outdoor space, but you never know – we went in November and it was 75 and sunny the whole weekend. Morocco was really interesting to see (and has great weather) but it’s super INTENSE/crazy (not in good way) and I think harder than most places to do on the cheap and still be comfortable. You should def see it at some point, but if you are looking for a weekend to relax and get away from school, I don’t think it’s the best place. Istanbul, on the other hand, was totally incredible – fun, super young city with tons of culture and history and AMAZING food. If you go there, I have tons of recs I can give you if you want. I also am a big fan of Barcelona … haven’t been in years but I don’t think you can go wrong there either.
Hey Barret!
Thanks for the input! That’s seriously helpful! I had been leaning towards Istanbul but I don’t know enough about either Istanbul OR Morocco to know which is more tourist-friendly. I may have to take you up on those recommendations!
Hi Shannon! For a 4-day weekend, I recommend going to Ghent, Belgium. I went there for a weekend when I was in London, and it’s a real treat. There are usually Eurostar deals on it. That’s how I ended up going there. The town is so historic and simply gorgeous! It’s like walking into a story book. The only tricky thing is that the town speaks Flemish. But, I got by without much problem. If not this time, definitely find a time to hit up this town at some point. Enjoy! -Wendy
Hey Wendy! Thanks for the tip! I hadn’t really considered Belgium, but I’ve heard good things — maybe I’ll do a 4-day tour of Ghent & Brussels :)
I’d agree with the first comment about Istanbul. It is more ‘manageable’ than Marrakech for a first-time visitor and it has a spectacular array of sights to see (probably more so than Marrakech and certainly enough to sustain a 4-day visit). In addition, its location is superb. Nothing beats taking a ferry from the Golden Horn up the Bosphorus or to the Asian shore and seeing the skyline lit up by the minarets, bell towers and grand buildings such as Aghia Sophia and the Topkapi palace. Eating breakfast on the roof of a hotel overlooking the Blue Mosque is another spectacular memory. Great food, great location, great sights!
Wonderful! Thank you — Istanbul it is, I think! I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback on it :)
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