Luxembourg: Luxembourg City + Vianden

Luxembourg was by far my favorite country that we visited during Spring Break. Despite the major language barrier, being a country mainly speaking Luxembourgish and some French, we found our way around some breathtaking areas. The city center is full of massive big shops which didn't interest me, but as soon as we stepped outside of the main city center, Luxembourg City proved to be ruins of old castles, canals, and beautiful old buildings. There were trees everywhere, and since Luxembourg was built on a plateau, the valley is basically one large park. I had so much fun photographing the city because of all the natural beauty it presented to us.

 We got a tip to visit the castle of Vianden, so we hopped on a train and spent an hour winding through the countryside until we found ourselves in the quaint town of Vianden. This town was so small, but at the top of the hill sat this beautiful old castle that seemed to look over the village like an old guardian. This is the view of the countryside from the castle.

 Vianden village via the castle.

 Oh, well.

 One of the many large halls within the castle.

 Some pretty cool textures found around the castle.

 The colors of the houses here just made me so happy, although there are a lot of them, they seem to blend in with the nature which holds them tight.

 The castle from below.

 In case you needed more castle shots.

 Last one, I promise.

 Some cool trash that we found.

 Luxembourg City at night, can you understand why I fell in love with this country yet?

Luxembourg, I love you. And I certainly have not had enough of you, I will be back. But for now, Äddi!

Netherlands: Amsterdam + Groningen

Our next destination on the Spontaneous Express was the Netherlands!! First, we ventured into Amsterdam only to find coffeeshops, the infamous Red Light District, and lots of different languages. Now, coffeeshops are not cafes, that was our first tip into Amsterdam. Coffeeshops sell marijuana legally, they have menus just like cafes, but instead of food it's different strands of weed. It's interesting to see a culture whose economy is boosted by the legalization of marijuana as that subject is fresh in America's mind. But Amsterdam was more than just coffeeshops (surprisingly). The gorgeous canals surround the city center adding beautiful landscape everywhere you go.

 Amsterdam is one big love party.

 I love Vespas, especially these colors, but what intrigues me was the sticker, it just made it so much more...green.

AHHH the Red Light District was definitely eye opening. I kept having to tell myself, "Nope, those aren't mannequins in the windows, those are real girls. Don't make eye contact."

 After Amsterdam, we headed off to Groningen, a little town a couple hours north and at the top of the Netherlands. Sarah, my neighbor from California, is studying to receive her Masters degree there. She was such an amazing host and took us out for the best night life and a beautiful tour the next day of her quaint and youthful town.

 Me and Zorro.

 From Dana Point to Groningen...such a beautiful love story indeed. Thank you Sarah!!!

Belgium: Brussels

This past week was our "Reading Week", or as we call it in the states, Spring Break. Zoe and I headed off to Brussels, Belgium without any other plans. We ended up staying with the best host, Mark. The night we got in he showed us the real Brussels nightlife with real Belgian sour beer-woof! Although I got used to it after a while and it wasn't half bad! This is Mark's apartment, it was so cute and pretty spacious. Notice the massive beer bottle collection.

 Mark decided to make us a classic Belgian lunch, mussels and fries! Zoe was the potato slicer.

 Mark and Zoe discuss mussels in Brussels.

 After lunch Mark showed us some local chocolate liquors. Chocolate is a delicacy of course, and these were incredible.

 This is the smallest building in Brussels, it is only about half a foot deep. You can't really tell from this angle but the building is not deep at all and apparently the stairs inside are super steep.

 Belgian beer!

 The gorgeous, intricate, enormous buildings here were beautiful.

 Mark showed us his favorite traditional chocolate place in Belgium, I ate so much chocolate, yum!

 It's hard not to get distracted by all the beautiful Americans that visit Europe.

 The trees that surround this park are natural, I can't imagine what the trees look like when the leaves are on them.

When life hands you a sandwich...

Thanks a kilo, Brussels! Loved the waffles, chocolate, fries, mussels, and beer!