Greece

 

        Greece has recently climbed a few notches on my priority list of places to visit during my European adventure. The picturesque buildings in hues of white and soft blue rest peacefully on the the clifftops above the calm sea below. The pristine beaches in the same shades of deep blues and creamy sand seem almost too-good-to-be-true. I rarely find myself saying this, but these beaches are a close comparison to the sandy shores of my home and heart, Hawaii. I can just picture myself sprawled in the sand basking under the warm summer sun. Take. Me. Now.

San Sebastian, Spain

           San Sebastian is a city located in the north of Spain and is one of the main tourist destinations in the country. The coastal city is located in the north of the Basque Country and on the southern coast of the Bay of Bascay and is a popular beach destination.

          One of the unique things about San Sebastian, and a reason I would like to travel to this city is because there lie beautiful beaches in the midst of a busy city. In a way, it almost reminds me of Waikiki and I feel like it may be a comforting sense of home. Mind you the buildings won't be tropically themed hotels and resorts, but old historic buildings and churches filled with history and a story to tell.

Ibiza, Spain

       Ibiza is a small Mediterranean island off the coast of Spain. It is world renowned for having an array of activities for people of all ages and with all sorts of interests. As far as the younger generations are concerned (mine included), Ibiza is known as the party capital of the Mediterranean. Known as the birthplace of electronic music, the steady pulse can be heard and felt once the sun sets and the nightlife scene takes main stage. During the day, Ibiza is recognized for its pristine beaches with crystal clear waters and picturesque coves. The sunny hours offer the opportunity to visit the local markets and stroll through the cobblestone streets and quaint local restaurants.

       Ibiza is a must see on my European to-do list. I cannot wait to experience island life in a completely foreign culture.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

              Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest national park in Southeast Europe and the largest national park in Croatia. The park consists of 16 interlinked lakes and a large forest surrounding them. There are boardwalks and pathways traversing through the incredible scenery, allowing visitors to get an unobstructed view. The lakes glisten radiantly in colors of turqouoise, blue, green, and gray and change constantly due to the quantity of minerals and organisms, as well as the angle of the sunlight.
   
             This place is a top priority on my list of places to go and things to see. I can just imagine how peaceful and serene it must feel to be there in person. I also have an interest in photography and I am sure I will get some incredible shots in such a beautiful place.

Manarola, Italy

      Manarola is a small village located along the coast of the Italian Riviera . This is the oldest and second smallest town of the five villages along this coastline that make up "The Five Lands" of the popular tourist destination known as Cinque Terre.The area is known for its vibrant culture, picturesque views, lush hillside hikes, and unique local dialect of "Manarolese".

And it Begins...

Growing up in a very small beach town in Hawaii was just about as picture perfect as it gets. Riding beach cruisers around town in bikinis, walking a couple minutes down the street in either direction to a best friends house, causing innocent mischief where ever we could, and just being genuinely happy. There really isn't much to complain about given the circumstances I've been dealt. And while I appreciate every aspect of the life I have been blessed with, I feel like I am ready for a new chapter. New adventures. New places. New people.

This May, I will be graduating from the University of Hawaii after five long years. One month later, I plan to sell all my possessions (or most of them anyway), pack my life into a single suitcase, and buy a one way ticket to Europe. Where exactly am I going? What exactly will I be doing? Your guess is as good as mine...

I plan to use this blog as a virtual map- or to-do list, if you will- to slowly start piecing together this quickly approaching adventure. These are the places I want to visit, the sites I want to see, the food I want to taste, and the people I want to meet. Care to join me? Come along for the ride!