What to do when you visit London

Although known for its gloomy and cold weather, London is a city full of history and character. There are endless things to see and places to visit, but it is very easy to get carried away with the amazing shopping and horrible pound to dollar exchange rate. Upon leaving this city, you will have seen traditions that have been carried on for centuries, and monuments you will never forget.

In order to see all of the cities main tourist attractions, I recommend buying a map and walking. This way there is nothing stopping or slowing you down from seeing each site on your list of attractions, which will be very long. Always use the Thames River as a point of reference if you get lost, as it runs directly through the center of London, and many attractions lay on the waters edge.

London's famous Big Ben is one of the sites that sits on the Rivers edge. Visiting this clock tower at sunset and into the night is the best time to go, as the building lights up and shines on the water below. The architecture of this tower and building is intricate and spectacular, but also reminds me of a dribble castle on the beach. 

Straight across the Thames River from Big Ben is the London Eye, a massive ferris wheel that offers the best views of the city, and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete a full circle. The 443 foot "ride" fits 20-30 people in each cart, offering both standing and sitting room. 
  


The next attraction on the list is Buckingham Palace. Though the changing of the guards is quite long and repetitive, it is worth catching at least part of, just to say that you have seen it. The Palace sits at the end of a large park, and is a perfect spot for a photo op. Also, if you visit during a time that the Queen is out of town, parts of the Palace are open for guided tours!



Speaking of the Royals, the Westminister Abbey is a MUST when deciding what to see. The gorgeous church where all of the members of the Royal Family are wed is grand and full of history. Walking around the Abbey you find tombs of different influential figures in England's history, some even demanding an entire room. Although the cost for entry is about 15 pounds, the visit is well worth the money, and you will not leave disappointed.

What you MUST eat in Europe

When traveling around Europe, food is like sight seeing. Everywhere you go, it is mandatory to try the local cuisine or "best" item on the menu. European countries are all known for specific food items, and if you don't try these, you probably should not have even visited.

Italy is clearly known for it's savory pasta, paninis' and pizza; however, it is rare to order anything without prosciutto on top. Prosciutto is a dry, salty, and thinly sliced cured ham found in many Italian dishes, and serves as Italy's normal sandwich meat. All over Italy there are whole in the wall restaurants where anyone can quickly grab a caprese panini; prosciutto, tomato, mozzarella, basil and some olive oil, pressed together between two toasted pieces of fresh bread. If this doesn't get your mouth watering, you can always stick to pizza or pasta, you certainly will not be disappointed!

Spain has a unique twist on what Americans would define as a tortilla. Their traditional dish Tortilla con Patata is a dense but fluffy looking dish that is served either as a whole, or as a pie slice for a tapa. This appetizer is made up of potatoes and eggs, however some restaurants add peppers, vegetables or meat to the mixture, just for some extra flavor.

German Bratwurst with spicy mustard is the key to a successful trip to Germany. In Berlin, venders with stoves attached to a rope around their neck are found all over the city, selling fresh brats to anyone walking by. The bratwurst are always longer than the bun, and though it looks a little funny, you will be happy since the deliciousness sits in the dog, not the bread.

Lastly, when thinking about what the Dutch like to eat, nothing really comes to mind, until you visit Amsterdam and discover their dessert waffles. Whether you want frosting, fruit, ice cream, sprinkles, or chocolate syrup, anything is possible. Many of these waffle joints are open 24 hours, which is perfect to satisfy any sweet late night cravings. Though I am sure there are many other savory food options in Holland, the waffles are certainly something to try.