Study Abroad Files: Belgium

Belgium can be easily conquered in a long weekend with youth train tickets that fetch for €12.60 and travel times in between cities that run from 30 minutes to an hour at the most. Keep reading for a whirlwind tour of Belgium's highlights! 

Brussels

In all honesty there isn't much to see in Brussels–the city is mostly overrun with corporate office towers and shopping strips dominated by chain stores like H&M or Zara. For touristy sites, the Grand Place (pictured below) is quite impressive, but even lovelier at night. The famous Manneken Pis (peeing boy statue) is also a fun photo-op, but pretty underwhelming in person, so I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to see it. 

For fun nightlight, adjacent to the Grand Place is a series of lively bars and clubs. Floris Tequila is a cozy bar with 500 types of tequila and mezcal to choose from. Right next door is the famous Delirium Café, home to countless options of top-notch beer starting at €3 a glass, a lively crowd and great dance music.

The Grand Place at night; image via

Bruges

Bruges is really beautiful and incredibly easy to navigate on foot. The historic Belfry of Bruges is definitely worth the climb for breathtaking views of the city and located right in Place De Bruges, a central square bustling with touristy attractions. If you have the time and the fortune of good weather, definitely opt for a canal tour of the city by boat or a brewery tour at Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan. For lovely architecture and a sense of history, there is the Basilica of the Holy Blood or the Church of Our Lady, home to Michelangelo's Madonna and baby Jesus statue.

Food can be pricey, but the 't Brugs Pitahuis has great falafel, pita and dipping sauces for a decent price and for less than €5 you can find waffles, fries, gelato, milkshakes and more. I would skip the crowds at the famous (albeit overpriced and touristy) The Chocolate Line since you can't really go wrong with any one of the countless chocolate shops you're bound to pass as you explore the city.

One of Bruges winding canals at sundown; image via

Ghent

Ghent is adorable and scenic and almost feels like a set from Beauty and Beast with its winding canals, picturesque vistas and countless Belgian waffle and hot chocolate shops. Definitely make a point of visiting the medieval Gravensteen castle and the Design Museum, which specializes in textiles and fabrics. The historic Water House on the Bierkant offers hundreds of beers and nice views of the canal if you sit outside.

For a hearty meal, grab lunch at Soup'r for the best soup EVER. Also take the time to wander up and down Sint-Baafsplein and Limburg streets to see several beautiful churches and cathedrals and public squares full of locals enjoying a weekend brunch.

Ghent's signature townhouses reflected in the canal; image via

Antwerp

Antwerp is lots of fun and should definitely be a stop along the way for more design and arts-inclined travelers. Museum aan de Stroom documents the city's heritage, for contemporary art head over to Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst, ModeMuseum for fashion and couture or the Royal Museum of Fine Arts for a little bit of everything. If none of these suit your fancy, there are also museums that specialize in photography, medieval art, 16th-century printing and more! Middelheim is a lovely park and sculpture garden worth visiting for a picnic or casual stroll.

The De Koninck brewery is a bit of a production, but lots of fun if you're willing to set aside an hour or two. The Cathedral of Our Lady is quite lovely, but doesn't offer free admission, so I'd recommend admiring the view while dining on delicious pasta at 't Putke, a nice bistro and restaurant with outdoor seating. Gelato is readily available almost anywhere, but you can't go wrong at one of the many Australian Home Made Ice Cream stores scattered about the city.

One of Antwerp's central squares; image via

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Study Abroad Files: Iceland

Iceland, a small island nation situated between Greenland and mainland Western Europe, has a lot to thank Eyjafjallajökull for. When the volcano, (pronounced ay-ya-fee-yat-la-yuh-kut-l), erupted and disrupted air travel across Europe for weeks in 2010, it catapulted Iceland, a country of only 330,000 people, into the spotlight. People began noticing its beautiful scenery, and once they visited, they encountered friendly locals, and some of the best nature-themed vacations Europe has to offer. I visited in 2015, and fell in love. Iceland is indescribably beautiful and super friendly to boot. It will however make you rethink Chicago's title of "The Windy City". The Blue Lagoon

This industrial accident-turned tourist site is a must-visit. The story is that a nearby geothermal power station had a spillage of geothermal fluid, and for some unknown reason, a worker went in the pool and his psoriasis was completely cured. Since then, the dermatological benefits of this hot spring water have been repeatedly cited. The water is infused with the many minerals present in Iceland's bedrock, and  kept at a steamy 100 F, so even if it's snowing out, you can bask in its skin-saving waters without freezing to death. Another ply,s is that there's a world-renowned spa attached, and it's on the way from the airport  to the capital Reykjavik, so it's the perfect antidote to tired airplane skin!

The Golden Circle

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This is Iceland's most famous driving tour, around 300 km in length, and covering Iceland's top tourist attractions:  Þingvellir national park, where the Icelandic parliament was founded, the Gullfoss ("Golden Falls") waterfall, Haukadalur geothermal site, and some of the world's most awe-inspiring geysers. This journey can be done in a day and gets you around some of the most beautiful parts in the country, and many bus trips can be booked if you don't feel like making the drive yourself.

Iceland Airwaves

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This festival, held in early November and lasting 5 days, is all about exposing the greatest new acts in music, both Icelandic and international. Acts that have performed over the years include Of Monsters and Men, Sigur Ros, Fatboy Slim, Klaxons, Kaiser Chiefs and Metronomy. If you're going to be in town, this festival is famous for its party spirit as well as its intimacy, so hit it up! Tickets for all five days will set you back ISK 19,900 (around $150), only $30 a day!

Kaffibarinn

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Kaffibarinn is a cafe-turned-bar that is known as one of Reykjavik's finest. It's been around for so long that staff can't actually remember why their sign is based on the London Underground station signs, and while it serves great coffee in the day, it has a wide array of beers and spirits available at night. Make sure to check out Topas (a liquorice liquor) or Rekya (Icelandic vodka).The drinking age in Iceland is 20, and drinks can be hard to come by and expensive. Kaffibarinn is an easy way to try some local alcoholic delicacies, and while not exactly cheap, the atmosphere is worth it.

A Glacier Walk

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This was the highlight of my 2015 trip to Iceland: walking across the Solheimajokull glacier, ice picks, caverns, hard hats and all. This is a truly unique experience, and will let you unleash your inner explorer. Tours are regular, and lead by experienced and friendly guides with impeccable English. They can also be personalised to change their duration, as well as the specific areas you walk across (great for those who feel less confident leaping over endless crevasses or want to do nothing but that).

Skógafoss

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Skógafoss is one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls.You can climb to the top (all the 370 steps!) and get a stellar view of the surrounding area, or approach the falls from below. This waterfall is situated on one of the main tourist roads, so you can easily reach it for ample photo opportunities. The mist is bitterly cold, but the scene is so breathtakingly beautiful, you barely even notice.

Seljalandsfoss

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Seljalandsfoss is a truly unique waterfall - you can walk behind it! Experience nature like you never have before - and might not again - here. A bonus is that it's completely free, and situated on Route 1 - which also passes through Skogafoss, and straight on to central Reykjavik.

In terms of getting around Iceland, you'll ether need to rent a car or join a bus tour group. There are loads of companies to choose from. All the locals, especially in Reykjavik and around tourist sites, speak English, so you won't have to worry about Icelandic's pesky case system and strange extra characters. Iceland uses ISK, the Icelandic Krona, which makes prices look exorbitant ($1 is ISK130), but since Iceland is an isolated island that has to import nearly everything, stuff can very expensive. If you're vacationing in Iceland, stay in a hostel. They're far cheaper than hotels and offer fabulous service.

IcelandAir and WOWAir both fly to Iceland, and WOWAir is a great budget option. Keflavik airport is modern and well-furnished, and is also tax-free, meaning your duty free shopping is even cheaper.

So don't neglect the friendly, beautiful nation in the middle of the Atlantic. It'll surprise you!

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What's the coolest place you've traveled to? Tell us about in the comments below!

Study Abroad Files: Vienna’s Kaffeehauskultur

Viennese Kaffeehauskultur, or, translated into English,“Coffee House Culture” is very succinctly described in the German language. Perhaps because the Viennese coffee heritage runs deep through the veins of this ex-imperial city, functioning almost as a microcosm of the comfortable and welcoming Viennese lifestyle. Here, coffee houses are not only places “where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill” (according to UNESCO, which lists this special part of Vienna as “Intangible Cultural Heritage”), but continues to be an integral part in shaping Vienna as a city.

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With centuries of history to its name, Viennese coffee culture is deeply entrenched in tradition. Rooting back to the Ottoman Empire's sieging of Vienna in 1683, the legend goes like this: the retreating Turks left bags of coffee beans that Viennese citizen and hero Georg Franz Kolschitzky (1640 - 1694) snatched up and began brewing. The rest is history, and the birth of a rich coffee tradition ensued.

Never buy a newspaper in Vienna – instead, choose one at a café, carefully mounted on wooden spines, and choose a from a selection of meticulously prepared pastries - perhaps a slice of Apfelstrudel or Esterhazy Torte. Order a coffee (try an Austrian specialty coffee, such as a Melange, Schwarzer, or Einspänner,instead of your usual cappuccino), which is traditionally served on a silver platter with a glass of still water and a small cookie. Unlike coffee shops in other countries, it is entirely normal, and even welcomed, to linger hours after pastries and drinks have been consumed. 

Here are five distinctive locations, in no particular order:

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Traditional – Café Griensteidl 

Café Griensteidl has a rich 19th century history as a favorite spot for literary powerhouses like Stephan Zweig and Hugo Wolf. Located just behind the Hofburg palace in Michaelerplatz, this coffee location is one of many that epitomizes Vienna's coffee house culture, but distinctly, has been beautifully renovated over the years. The weight of its history is seen and felt in its rich red upholstery, white marble countertops, and crystal chandeliers.

€ € € // Michaelerplatz 2, Innere Stadt, First district

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Favorite Latte – Caffè a Casa

This unpretentious café focuses on the artistry of coffee, and serves arguably one of the top five lattes in the city. Caffè a Casa serves a variety of organic, house-roasted beans from all over the globe, including but not limited to Guatemala, Ethiopia, Panama, and El Salvador. Buy any mix by the kilo to brew at home, but the macchiato is truly delicious.

€ € // Servitengasse 4A, Alsergrund, Ninth district

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More than just a great latte – Supersense

Supersense is not only a locally-sourced coffee bar/delicatessen, but also a retail photography store, a recording studio, and the kicker – a former palace. Located in a former Venetian Palazzo, Supersense has been extensively renovated into its beautifully gold-accented space. You can even rent a bike and polaroid camera for €20 a day. Try the delicious apple cake (Apfelkuchen) if it is available that day.

€ € // Praterstraße 70, Leopoldstadt, Second district

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Best coworking study space – Das Möbel

Möbel’s comfortable and easygoing atmosphere feels like a close friend’s living room, with plenty of large tables for collaborative work and a long menu of drinks for the inevitable hours spent inside. Outfitted in rather modern furniture, the chairs, tables, bookcases, lamps, etc. are all for sale in Möbel’s original furniture shop in the sixth district. Try the extensive breakfast buffet on Sundays.

 € € // Burggasse 10, Neubau, Seventh district

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Best on-the-go – Kaffeeküche

Located inside of the subway station just steps away from the University of Vienna’s main building, or Hauptgebäude, this small and understated coffee shop is not to be overlooked. Kaffeeküche makes a simple, high-quality latte and boasts a friendly staff, a delicious Schokokaffee (Mocha) in white and dark chocolate, and warm brioche, croissants, and paninis. Try the goat cheese and pesto panini (for under 4 euros too!)

€ // Schottentor Passage 8, Innere Stadt, First district

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hat are your favorite study-abroad gems? Let us know in the comments below!

Study Abroad Files: London Eats (From a Native!)

I have a confession: I didn't study abroad in London, but I have lived there for my entire life. Therefore I think I'm pretty qualified to recommend some great eats to you, lovely MODA readers. These are my personal favourite places to nosh (super British phrase right there) around ol' London town.....

El Olivo

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This is my favorite haunt in my home neighbourhood. Spanish tapas with a Turkish twist, El Olivo is amazing for grabbing a quick lunch or having a celebratory sit-down meal (I dined here for my 18th birthday in fact!). The servers are incredibly kind and attentive, and the chefs are spot-on with their blend of flavours and wide range of reasonably-priced tapas. They recently expanded next door to add on a bar that serves excellent cocktails. As if you needed more reasons to go!

Try: Chorizo hummus tapas, Chilli chicken wrap, any of the juices

££ // 24 Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 0LU

The Diner

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The Diner is an up-and-coming chain of American-style eateries in the hipster towns of North London, offering interesting takes on traditional US dishes like hotdogs, burgers and pancakes, all in huge US-style portions. They also serve hard shakes and teas for a more grown-up version of your childhood faves. The whole place is decked-out in traditional diner-style gear, with an abundance of neon signs and comfy booths to really relax in. If you're yearning for some good old American food, this is the place to go!

Try: Sweet potato pancakes, Diner fries, Oreo shake

££ // Various locations around London

Chilango

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Chilango is sort of like the British Chipotle, but infinitely better and more interestingly decorated. Boasting a range of fillings (including steak, chicken, shrimp, vegetarian and pulled pork) and dishes (such as nachos, salads, burrito bowls, and classic burritos), this personalise-your-own-Mexican-dish place is famed for its soundtrack of Mariarchi versions of pop hits and its flamboyant decor, prominently featuring fluorescent colours and Mexican wrestlers. It's perfect for grabbing a quick bite at lunch, or catching up with friends over a burrito.

Try: Chicken tacos, Shrimp burrito

£ // Various locations around London

The Wolseley

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This is one for those very special occasions. The Wolseley is one of London's top eateries, winning Zagat's favourite restaurant in 2012 and 2013. This isn't a standard destination of mine, but a family friend works there and occasionally (very occasionally) hooks me up with a lunch deal. If you feel like treating yourself, hit this place up.  They offer a great lunch menu, afternoon tea featuring amazing pastries, as well as a more substantial dinner menu. Its luxurious decor and European-style cuisine will have you feeling like a member of the British Royal Family in no time. Just watch the prices, since opulence this big can come at a price, and does.

Try: Tomato soup, Afternoon tea, Schnitzel

£££ // 60 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB

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