The grading equivalents are as follows:
AB - 3.5
B - 3.0
BC - 2.5
C - 2.0
D - 1.0
F - 0
The final word
After visiting several countries and reviewing the cities I felt were the most popular abroad destinations, it is safe to say that when looking at places to go abroad, Prague should be at the top of everyone's list. While Prague may not have had the best food or the most efficient transportation system, it would provide students with the best overall experience as it excels in many other categories and is no worse than average in areas that aren't necessarily its strengths. When looking at the final grades, one must remember that each city is rated based on an experience abroad there and not just a weekend getaway; cities like Amsterdam can make for wonderful weekend trips while cities like Barcelona may be better suited for an entire semester abroad.
The grading equivalents are as follows:
A - 4.0
AB - 3.5
B - 3.0
BC - 2.5
C - 2.0
D - 1.0
F - 0
The grading equivalents are as follows:
AB - 3.5
B - 3.0
BC - 2.5
C - 2.0
D - 1.0
F - 0
Rome. IT: When in Rome
Prepared to set a record in the "weight gained in a single weekend" category, I arrived in Rome with a bag filled with my loosest clothing. Beyond my expectations for weekend spent eating amazing food, were the ancient historic sites which were scattered through Rome. Rome, one of the oldest cities in Europe kept much of its remains from the days of its glorious Roman Empire, one of the most powerful society has ever seen and being that this is one of the eras of human history that I am most fascinated by, I was very excited. Here are my thoughts from the weekend:
Transportation: C
I don't think there is any way that a city can design a less efficient mass transit system. All of the underground metro rail's only run in one direction meaning that if station B follows station A on the map you need to take a ride through stations C through Z before you can arrive back at station A. The bus system runs in a similar fashion except for the fact that bus drivers are known to strike regularly. Having a bus pull over in the middle of its route and have the bus driver walk out on his job is a regular occurrence in Rome and one that happened to our friends studying there several times.
Accommodations: C
The apartments in Rome were, for the most part, were no worse than Prague and saved the grade for Rome in this category. They were equipped with all of the modern amenities and very reasonably sized. They were also located in a fairly central area in relation to the rest of the city and were within a reasonable walk (5-10 min) from a school where many abroad students study.
The locals in Rome are solely responsible for the poor grade the city received in this category. What I expected from the Parisians I ended up getting from the Romans. The males were among the most aggressive and regularly greeted Americans with a scowl or a scoff. The females, similar to their male counterparts, were exceptionally cold and had no regard for anyone outside of their group. Nevertheless, I could hardly blame them, after all, if I was subjected to living with the Italian malesIi that my friends and I encountered, I would probably be a cold S.O.B.
Nightlife: B
Romes nightlife was without a question very entertaining. The bars and clubs are full of diversity with musical genres and scenes which suit a wide variety of tastes. An area known as Campo di Fiori has a variety of ex-pat and native bars which include both an indoor and outdoor area, yielding one large mixed crowd. Outside of Campo di Fiori, there weren't many places which stayed open past 3am and Campo can tend to be slightly overcrowded and unsanitary at peak hours.
Safety: BC
Some of the reasons Rome received a C in the "accommodations" category are the same reasons that Rome received a BC in this category. Generally there was very little about Rome that made me and my friends feel threatened, but the rude and aggressive nature of the locals made me feel like even an accidental bump into someone may spark an altercation.
Affordability.: BC
Rome was not incredibly expensive but at the same time you could get a lot more for your money in other culturally rich cities like Paris or Barcelona. Museums and other points of interest are fairly expensive and do not offer discounts to students. Dining out is also hardly affordable and considering the cost of buying fresh delicacies at the market, the costs of food which is consumed while eating out is incredibly marked up.
Aesthetic/Scenic Beauty: B
Seeing Rome receive a grade of a B in this category is like seeing Michael Vick or O.J. Simpson serve time behind bars; its not that they don't deserve it but that its such a shame to see such talent not live up to its full potential and go to waste. From the Coliseum, to the Vatican, Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum, so much of Rome's beauty is neglected and horribly preserved. The city is incredibly filthy and the river which flows through Rome takes on a solid shade of green.
Cuisine: A
If there was ever a single reason to study abroad or visit Rome, it is hands-down the cuisine. I am partial to Italian food but even those who prefer other types of food were left in awe with the quality of cuisine that Rome had to offer. For those on a budget, it does not take much to eat well. By simply walking into a deli one will get the best selection of prosciutto, salami, mortadella, they have ever tried, just to name a few (of the meats). For vegans, Rome has some of the most amazing fresh mozzarella, sauces, and baked goods one can ask for.
Transportation: C
I don't think there is any way that a city can design a less efficient mass transit system. All of the underground metro rail's only run in one direction meaning that if station B follows station A on the map you need to take a ride through stations C through Z before you can arrive back at station A. The bus system runs in a similar fashion except for the fact that bus drivers are known to strike regularly. Having a bus pull over in the middle of its route and have the bus driver walk out on his job is a regular occurrence in Rome and one that happened to our friends studying there several times.
Accommodations: C
The apartments in Rome were, for the most part, were no worse than Prague and saved the grade for Rome in this category. They were equipped with all of the modern amenities and very reasonably sized. They were also located in a fairly central area in relation to the rest of the city and were within a reasonable walk (5-10 min) from a school where many abroad students study.
The locals in Rome are solely responsible for the poor grade the city received in this category. What I expected from the Parisians I ended up getting from the Romans. The males were among the most aggressive and regularly greeted Americans with a scowl or a scoff. The females, similar to their male counterparts, were exceptionally cold and had no regard for anyone outside of their group. Nevertheless, I could hardly blame them, after all, if I was subjected to living with the Italian malesIi that my friends and I encountered, I would probably be a cold S.O.B.
Nightlife: B
Romes nightlife was without a question very entertaining. The bars and clubs are full of diversity with musical genres and scenes which suit a wide variety of tastes. An area known as Campo di Fiori has a variety of ex-pat and native bars which include both an indoor and outdoor area, yielding one large mixed crowd. Outside of Campo di Fiori, there weren't many places which stayed open past 3am and Campo can tend to be slightly overcrowded and unsanitary at peak hours.
Safety: BC
Some of the reasons Rome received a C in the "accommodations" category are the same reasons that Rome received a BC in this category. Generally there was very little about Rome that made me and my friends feel threatened, but the rude and aggressive nature of the locals made me feel like even an accidental bump into someone may spark an altercation.
Affordability.: BC
Rome was not incredibly expensive but at the same time you could get a lot more for your money in other culturally rich cities like Paris or Barcelona. Museums and other points of interest are fairly expensive and do not offer discounts to students. Dining out is also hardly affordable and considering the cost of buying fresh delicacies at the market, the costs of food which is consumed while eating out is incredibly marked up.
Aesthetic/Scenic Beauty: B
Seeing Rome receive a grade of a B in this category is like seeing Michael Vick or O.J. Simpson serve time behind bars; its not that they don't deserve it but that its such a shame to see such talent not live up to its full potential and go to waste. From the Coliseum, to the Vatican, Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum, so much of Rome's beauty is neglected and horribly preserved. The city is incredibly filthy and the river which flows through Rome takes on a solid shade of green.
Cuisine: A
If there was ever a single reason to study abroad or visit Rome, it is hands-down the cuisine. I am partial to Italian food but even those who prefer other types of food were left in awe with the quality of cuisine that Rome had to offer. For those on a budget, it does not take much to eat well. By simply walking into a deli one will get the best selection of prosciutto, salami, mortadella, they have ever tried, just to name a few (of the meats). For vegans, Rome has some of the most amazing fresh mozzarella, sauces, and baked goods one can ask for.
London, UK: Livin' big in Britain
London was easily the closest I've felt to home thus far abroad. Visiting a city which is so similar to my home city of New York, it seems appropriate that much of my homesickness took a back seat to some of my other emotions this weekend. A handful of my friends were studying abroad in London which provided us with a great experience and comfortable (and free) living. They were located in one of the city's wealthiest parts, and with Aston Martin's and Rolls Royce's lining the sidewalks in the vicinity, just for a moment, i got caught up in the elitist culture that consumes the lives of many Londoners. Here are my reviews:
Transportation: A
With 3 airports, Europe's largest metro rail transportation grid and more taxi-cabs per capita than any other city in Europe, there is very little bad that can be said about transport in London. During peak hours, the metro rail can become unbearably crowded as people will jam their way into cars with no regard for their fellow riders space. Another drawback is that cabs are incredibly expensive but with so many alternative options between the underground rail and the famous double-decker buses, riders will only be forced to use them if comfort is of the utmost importance.
Accommodations: BC
The living quarters in London, while centrally located, were among the most limited in space. Each flat had approximately 40 students living on each floor, sharing one kitchen and 4 bathrooms. Each room, which was no larger than 10x15 and housed 4 students which slept in 2 bunk beds.
The Londoners themselves were generally cold and unwelcoming. Living life in a fast paced city, most walked with their heads down and kept to themselves. Despite all of this, when approached by American's most did abide by the golden rule and maintained decent manners.
Nightlife: AB
London, like Barcelona is home to some of Europe's most renowned evening hot-spots. But unlike Barcelona, you are not limited in types of bars/clubs, as there are many different scenes for folks with different preferences. The one area where travelers and tourists are limited in terms of nightlife is the unreasonable price of indulging in going out. Whether going to an event (theater, sport, music, etc), club, or bar people can expect to pay a hefty amount for both entry and beverages. Additionally, some places are simply inaccessible as they cater strictly to a certain crowd or London's elite).
Safety: A
Roaming around unfamiliar territories, late at night, by yourself is generally not a good idea while spending time abroad. But after splitting up from my friends and getting lost on the streets of London i couldn't have felt less threatened. Pickpocketing poses a relatively small threat in London, compared to the rest of Europe and while i didn't roam into any dangerous areas and stuck to centrally located points of interest, even in the less ritzy places i saw, London police seemed to have a solid grasp of order in the city.
Affordability: D
If it weren't for being forewarned of the financial injustices that awaited me in Copenhagen, i would've thought that spending a weekend in a city couldn't have been more expensive. There was no aspect of life in London that was affordable; good food wasn't available for a fair price, the entertainment (nightclubs, bars, theaters, shows, sporting events) were ridiculously overpriced, and all entry's to tourist points of interest were simply not worth it (30+ Pounds to see the inside of the London Castle, 20 Pounds to get into Westminster Abbey).
Aesthetic/Scenic Beauty: AB
There are very few cities in Europe with the architectural depth that London has. Some of its structures have been around the 10th century are relatively preserved. Between the London Castle, London Bridge, Parliament, Westminster Abbey St. Paul's Church, and Buckingham Palace, the history of London is told through many of its buildings. Furthermore, for such an old city, London has been well preserved and maintained through one of Europe's best sanitation and sewage systems.
Cuisine: C
Food in London is generally sub-par and comparable to other lousy food cities. The one element of London's cuisine that prevents it from receiving a failing, or near failing grade, is its Indian cuisine. With a strong Indian population from its former colonized territories, London has some of the worlds best authentic Indian food. Unlike most food in London, the Indian food is also reasonably priced and affordable.
Transportation: A
Accommodations: BC
The living quarters in London, while centrally located, were among the most limited in space. Each flat had approximately 40 students living on each floor, sharing one kitchen and 4 bathrooms. Each room, which was no larger than 10x15 and housed 4 students which slept in 2 bunk beds.
The Londoners themselves were generally cold and unwelcoming. Living life in a fast paced city, most walked with their heads down and kept to themselves. Despite all of this, when approached by American's most did abide by the golden rule and maintained decent manners.
Nightlife: AB
London, like Barcelona is home to some of Europe's most renowned evening hot-spots. But unlike Barcelona, you are not limited in types of bars/clubs, as there are many different scenes for folks with different preferences. The one area where travelers and tourists are limited in terms of nightlife is the unreasonable price of indulging in going out. Whether going to an event (theater, sport, music, etc), club, or bar people can expect to pay a hefty amount for both entry and beverages. Additionally, some places are simply inaccessible as they cater strictly to a certain crowd or London's elite).
Safety: A
Roaming around unfamiliar territories, late at night, by yourself is generally not a good idea while spending time abroad. But after splitting up from my friends and getting lost on the streets of London i couldn't have felt less threatened. Pickpocketing poses a relatively small threat in London, compared to the rest of Europe and while i didn't roam into any dangerous areas and stuck to centrally located points of interest, even in the less ritzy places i saw, London police seemed to have a solid grasp of order in the city.
Affordability: D
If it weren't for being forewarned of the financial injustices that awaited me in Copenhagen, i would've thought that spending a weekend in a city couldn't have been more expensive. There was no aspect of life in London that was affordable; good food wasn't available for a fair price, the entertainment (nightclubs, bars, theaters, shows, sporting events) were ridiculously overpriced, and all entry's to tourist points of interest were simply not worth it (30+ Pounds to see the inside of the London Castle, 20 Pounds to get into Westminster Abbey).
Aesthetic/Scenic Beauty: AB
There are very few cities in Europe with the architectural depth that London has. Some of its structures have been around the 10th century are relatively preserved. Between the London Castle, London Bridge, Parliament, Westminster Abbey St. Paul's Church, and Buckingham Palace, the history of London is told through many of its buildings. Furthermore, for such an old city, London has been well preserved and maintained through one of Europe's best sanitation and sewage systems.
Cuisine: C
Barcelona, Spain: A cool weekend in Catalonia
I want to preface this post by saying that if there was ever a city that I would want to relive my abroad experience in, it would be Barcelona. As the grades will reflect, Barcelona didn't only provide me with a hell of a weekend, but a look at what would be a great place to study abroad again if I am lucky enough to have the opportunity. As a religious sports follower, there is something that one can truly appreciate about the passion and tradition behind FC Barcelona's soccer games; even if you're not a soccer fan. Here are my thoughts about the city of Barcelona:
Transportation: B
Barcelona's transportation system is efficient, orderly, and frequent. But for such a large city, there is definitely room improvement and of all the cities where I wouldn't suggest trying to explore using mass-transit Barcelona would top the list. If you're looking to catch Barca's main tourist spots, many of them aren't accessible via rail, and bus service is not as frequent as you'd find it in other cities so you're definitely better off taking a double-Decker, hop-on-hop-off, tour bus.
Barcelona has 2 airports, which give students and tourists plenty of options of flying into the city. Nevertheless, neither of these airports have a connecting mass transit rail to the city, forcing you to have to take a pricey cab ride to your final destination.
Accommodations: B
Part of my stay in Barcelona was spent with a friend whose living conditions were very comparable to mine in Prague. The apartment was equipped with similar appliances and amenities to mine in Prague - TV, fully equipped kitchen, washer unit, etc. The one drawback to studying abroad in Barcelona, or going there for a weekend stay, is that most of the student flats and hostels are not centrally located and a substantial amount of travel is required to get to the main points of interest within the city.
Nightlife: AB
Home to some of Europe's most famous nighttime hotspots, Barcelona is considered by many to be the best party-city in Europe. The world top DJ's make it a priority to stop in Barcelona on every tour as their fan base is among the strongest in Europe. For those looking to dance till the wee hours or simply go out for drinks at a dive bar, Barcelona can be especially accommodating, with most of its clubs and bars staying open through the morning rush-hour. Locals are especially energetic and lively, making for a good nightly social scene. The one biggest drawback to Barcelona's nightlife is the lack of diversity that is seen in Prague's nightlife, as its house music scene reigns supreme above all others.
Safety: BC
This is one area that Barcelona can use improvement, as its police are generally uncaring and unresponsive to Americans. The natives can be very aggressive and view soliciting attention from girls as a hands on experience. Most travel guides will instruct students and tourists to keep their personal belongings and pocket books on the inside of a sidewalk as motorists are known to try and snatch valuables while driving.
Affordability: B
Considering Barcelona is on the Euro, the city is relatively affordable compared to others on the same currency. Most excursions and sites of interest have fairly priced entrance fees and there are many affordable meal and travel options whether you are leaving the city for the weekend or going from point to point within the city.
Aesthetic/Scenic Beauty: AB
Barcelona is a city entrenched in the arts and it doesn't take long for one to appreciate its beauty upon arrival. Right out of the airport, tourists are welcomed by palm trees and large contemporary scupltures. The Olympic village and surrounding areas provide breathtaking views of the city and an environment that even those who don't care for sports, can appreciate. The presence of several Gaudi designed buildings provide early 20th century architectural fans with several captivating points of interest including the extremely intricate and unique Sagrada La Familia. Similarly, the Catalan construction design is unique to not only Europe but the rest of the world.
Cuisine: AB
Like Paris, if I had never been to Italy, then without question, Barcelona might have received a top grade in this category. With a style and element of its own, Barcelona's cuisine is simply fantastic. Among the local favorites are Tapas which are a variety of small, bite sized delicacies ranging from a fried potato called "la bomba" to octopus doused in a vinegar based sauce. Barcelona also has a very respectable variety of diverse cuisine from Asian to Middle-Eastern.
Transportation: B
Barcelona's transportation system is efficient, orderly, and frequent. But for such a large city, there is definitely room improvement and of all the cities where I wouldn't suggest trying to explore using mass-transit Barcelona would top the list. If you're looking to catch Barca's main tourist spots, many of them aren't accessible via rail, and bus service is not as frequent as you'd find it in other cities so you're definitely better off taking a double-Decker, hop-on-hop-off, tour bus.
Barcelona has 2 airports, which give students and tourists plenty of options of flying into the city. Nevertheless, neither of these airports have a connecting mass transit rail to the city, forcing you to have to take a pricey cab ride to your final destination.
Accommodations: B
Part of my stay in Barcelona was spent with a friend whose living conditions were very comparable to mine in Prague. The apartment was equipped with similar appliances and amenities to mine in Prague - TV, fully equipped kitchen, washer unit, etc. The one drawback to studying abroad in Barcelona, or going there for a weekend stay, is that most of the student flats and hostels are not centrally located and a substantial amount of travel is required to get to the main points of interest within the city.
Nightlife: AB
Home to some of Europe's most famous nighttime hotspots, Barcelona is considered by many to be the best party-city in Europe. The world top DJ's make it a priority to stop in Barcelona on every tour as their fan base is among the strongest in Europe. For those looking to dance till the wee hours or simply go out for drinks at a dive bar, Barcelona can be especially accommodating, with most of its clubs and bars staying open through the morning rush-hour. Locals are especially energetic and lively, making for a good nightly social scene. The one biggest drawback to Barcelona's nightlife is the lack of diversity that is seen in Prague's nightlife, as its house music scene reigns supreme above all others.
Safety: BC
This is one area that Barcelona can use improvement, as its police are generally uncaring and unresponsive to Americans. The natives can be very aggressive and view soliciting attention from girls as a hands on experience. Most travel guides will instruct students and tourists to keep their personal belongings and pocket books on the inside of a sidewalk as motorists are known to try and snatch valuables while driving.
Affordability: B
Considering Barcelona is on the Euro, the city is relatively affordable compared to others on the same currency. Most excursions and sites of interest have fairly priced entrance fees and there are many affordable meal and travel options whether you are leaving the city for the weekend or going from point to point within the city.
Aesthetic/Scenic Beauty: AB
Cuisine: AB
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Europe's sin-city
Ahhh Amsterdam... the city all my friends back home will probably ask about first when they talk to me about my time abroad. And while some may think it is a dream location for 4 months spent abroad, I will do my best to convince them of the opposite; that it is a great city to visit but if you want to gain more from your experience than you lose, in terms of brain cells, you will take your weekend trip there, just like everyone else, and move on. Everyone has their reasons for looking forward to Amsterdam... the pot, the red-light district, the seemingly endless partying, but beyond those reasons lies a city with remarkable beauty and culture. And while my review may not seem encouraging, readers must keep in mind that I evaluate Amsterdam as a city for the purpose of studying abroad, not for a weekend trip. I truly do believe Amsterdam is one of the better places to visit in Europe and with that, I present you with my thoughts (which I hope don't convince you otherwise):
Transportation: AB
Amsterdam's transit system, although one of the smaller ones in Europe, compliments the city very nicely. There is an absence of an underground rail, but that is compensated for by the canals, street trams, and bike paths. The city is small and relatively easy to access from the airport. Schipol, the main hub for flights into Amsterdam, can be a bit pricey and a more affordable option is available in Eindhoven International Airpot which is located an hour and a half outside of the cityt. With Europe's largest canal system in terms of distance of canals (yes, even larger than Venice), and 2nd to Copenhagen in terms of bike paths/lanes, Amsterdam provides a very unique and efficient travel system via water.
Accomodations: B
The living quarters in Amsterdam were definitely sub-par. I was told by friends who had previously visited the city that if there was ever a weekend to invest in a decent hotel this was the one. Surely enough, when I had seen the living quarters that my other friends were subjected to within their hostel, I was very happy with my decision. The hostels and the amenities they provided were without a question, unsatisfactory.
The locals were generally nice and saved Amsterdam's grade in this category. Most are well educated and understand that tourism accounts for a considerable part of the city's income. Amsterdam is among of the the loosest cities in the world in terms of drug-laws, and considering many of the local's have to deal with disrespectful and insubordinate tourists who are often under the influence, they are very respectful and warm.
Nightlife: C
The portrayal of Amsterdam through mass media provides for a hell of a shock when tourists encounter the city. The nightly social scene in Amsterdam begins to shut-down at 1:30am with the exception of the red-light district. Students who leave their home-cities (abroad or at home in the US) for a weekend of night-filled debauchery are better off saving their money and staying home, because truth be told, Amsterdam isn't what many perceive it to be in terms of nightlife.
Safety: B
There is very little in Amsterdam to suggest that it is an unsafe city, other than the fact that wherever there are an overwhelming number of tourists, there are an overwhelming number of shady characters looking to profit/scheme on them. Besides for one person I know getting pickpocketed, there were very few incidents where me, and both my guy and girl-friends encountered any trouble or felt threatened. The loose drug-laws save tourists the trouble of dealing with hagglers on the streets trying to sell their product, like they do in so many other European cities.
Affordability: B
In Amsterdam,I found that my friends and I spent an average amount of money in relation to our other weekends traveling. Food, although awful, was generally inexpensive and the guided tours were fairly priced as well. Furthermore, Amsterdam provides tourists with many affordable travel options from getting to the city to actually traveling from point to point within the city.
Aesthetic/Scenic Beauty: AB
If there ever was a reason to visit Amsterdam, or even study abroad there, the city's architectural and scenic beauty would be it. Many of America's most highly regarded architectural cities, like New York and Chicago, find much of their influence in Amsterdam. In some places where the city's buildings may be very uniform and mundane, the presence of canals provides a nice contrast. The one issue lies in its sanitation department. Garbage pick-ups occur only once a week, leaving garbage to pile up on the side of streets until its collection by sanitation crews.
Cuisine: F
For a city which yields such strong appetites through the presence of its loose drug laws (research has shown an increase of appetite as a side effect associated with marijuana usage), Amsterdam couldn't provide less of a nourishing environment. The presence of so many fast food giants is extremely fitting considering they must have little competition from local food vendors. My best meal in Amsterdam: a $5 gyro which can only be considered a 5th as good as an average gyro in the United States.
Amsterdam's transit system, although one of the smaller ones in Europe, compliments the city very nicely. There is an absence of an underground rail, but that is compensated for by the canals, street trams, and bike paths. The city is small and relatively easy to access from the airport. Schipol, the main hub for flights into Amsterdam, can be a bit pricey and a more affordable option is available in Eindhoven International Airpot which is located an hour and a half outside of the cityt. With Europe's largest canal system in terms of distance of canals (yes, even larger than Venice), and 2nd to Copenhagen in terms of bike paths/lanes, Amsterdam provides a very unique and efficient travel system via water.Accomodations: B
The living quarters in Amsterdam were definitely sub-par. I was told by friends who had previously visited the city that if there was ever a weekend to invest in a decent hotel this was the one. Surely enough, when I had seen the living quarters that my other friends were subjected to within their hostel, I was very happy with my decision. The hostels and the amenities they provided were without a question, unsatisfactory.
The locals were generally nice and saved Amsterdam's grade in this category. Most are well educated and understand that tourism accounts for a considerable part of the city's income. Amsterdam is among of the the loosest cities in the world in terms of drug-laws, and considering many of the local's have to deal with disrespectful and insubordinate tourists who are often under the influence, they are very respectful and warm.
Nightlife: CThe portrayal of Amsterdam through mass media provides for a hell of a shock when tourists encounter the city. The nightly social scene in Amsterdam begins to shut-down at 1:30am with the exception of the red-light district. Students who leave their home-cities (abroad or at home in the US) for a weekend of night-filled debauchery are better off saving their money and staying home, because truth be told, Amsterdam isn't what many perceive it to be in terms of nightlife.
Safety: B
There is very little in Amsterdam to suggest that it is an unsafe city, other than the fact that wherever there are an overwhelming number of tourists, there are an overwhelming number of shady characters looking to profit/scheme on them. Besides for one person I know getting pickpocketed, there were very few incidents where me, and both my guy and girl-friends encountered any trouble or felt threatened. The loose drug-laws save tourists the trouble of dealing with hagglers on the streets trying to sell their product, like they do in so many other European cities.
Affordability: B
In Amsterdam,I found that my friends and I spent an average amount of money in relation to our other weekends traveling. Food, although awful, was generally inexpensive and the guided tours were fairly priced as well. Furthermore, Amsterdam provides tourists with many affordable travel options from getting to the city to actually traveling from point to point within the city.
Aesthetic/Scenic Beauty: AB
If there ever was a reason to visit Amsterdam, or even study abroad there, the city's architectural and scenic beauty would be it. Many of America's most highly regarded architectural cities, like New York and Chicago, find much of their influence in Amsterdam. In some places where the city's buildings may be very uniform and mundane, the presence of canals provides a nice contrast. The one issue lies in its sanitation department. Garbage pick-ups occur only once a week, leaving garbage to pile up on the side of streets until its collection by sanitation crews.
Cuisine: F
For a city which yields such strong appetites through the presence of its loose drug laws (research has shown an increase of appetite as a side effect associated with marijuana usage), Amsterdam couldn't provide less of a nourishing environment. The presence of so many fast food giants is extremely fitting considering they must have little competition from local food vendors. My best meal in Amsterdam: a $5 gyro which can only be considered a 5th as good as an average gyro in the United States.
Paris, France: Your textbook romantic getaway
There's a time and setting for everything. The shore presents a good setting for warm weather and time spent with friends and family, Vegas presents a good setting for drunken debauchery with friends of the same sex, and similarly, Paris presents a good location for a romantic getaway with your significant other. This past weekend, my girlfriend and I took off to Paris, a city entrenched in the arts (culinary, musical, visual, creative, performing) for some good cultured fun.We stayed with a friend of ours who guided us around the city and got a good sense of what an abroad experience there was like. Here are my thoughts:
Transportation: AB
With a transportation grid which is second largest only to London, getting from one point to another in metropolitan Paris is hardly an issue. While there are no street trams like in many other European cities, bus service is considerably strong and frequent. For a system which serves one of Europe's most crowded metropolitan areas, we did not find ourselves jammed in the trains and buses like we did during peak travel hours in Prague. While cabs can be expensive, there is hardly ever a need to use them, as train service spans as far as Charles De'Gaulle International airport. A few notable drawbacks to Paris' mass transit system include the overwhelmingly unsanitary conditions in certain stations, the homeless people which call many of these stations home, and the lack of service between midnight and 5am.
Accomodations: B
Paris, like many other corporately driven cities, is home to incredibly expensive living quarters. Our friend, who was lucky enough to be placed in an apartment which was semi-centrally located (7th arrondissmont), had to share a tiny apartment of no more than 1200 square feet with 4 girls. Furthermore, there was no washer/dryer unit, a mini-fridge instead of an average sized one, and no TV's radios or modern entertainment appliances.
The one part about Paris that gave it a grade of a B in this category were the natives. Contrary to my beliefs and prior experiences in France, Parisians made great hosts and were generally very helpful when we needed them to be. I suspect that this is because we had a french speaking friend with us but I certainly cannot neglect their grade for the unkindness that never was.
Nightlife: B
While Paris is home to some of Europe's most trendy night spots, my girlfriend and I never got a chance to experience that side of Paris' social scene. Generally, clubs in Paris tend to close relatively early compared to other places and instead of paying a large entry fee we decided to indulge in a rather unique experience.
Our friend took us to a restaurant, where, for a set price of 17 Euros, we received all the meat and cheese fondue we desired, as well as drank an unlimited amount of red/white wine from baby bottles. The experience was great to say the least and our crew of people all agreed that between what we would've spent anywhere else on entry-fees, dinners, drinks, etc this was a great all-in-one ordeal.
Safety: BC
Generally most homeless people tend to be non-hostile and unless they are provoked will generally leave you alone. But the overwhelming amount of homeless people in Paris leaves the city with several outliers. Among the negative experiences which suggest the city may not be as safe as some think; a woman getting spat on, cursed out, and slapped by a black male during the morning rush hour (those around us suggested that as France continues to struggle with racial discrimination, this woman may have crossed the line by uttering a certain racial slur at the man, though none of this can be confirmed) and being surrounded by gypsy's at the Eiffel tower who were trying to set me up in a scheme that we had been previously warned about.
Affordability: C
Paris' provided me with one of the more expensive weekends to date in Europe. Eating out generally never provides for an affordable experience, but in Paris you can find yourself spending 10-15 Euros and an average sized meal at MacDonalds. The one advantage to Paris is that most museums, tours, and tourist points of interests are discounted or free to students.
Aesthetic/Scenic Beauty: A
Paris' strong point, without question, is its unparalleled beauty. Rivaled by only Prague in Europe, Paris' architecture is at a world class level as some of the city's oldest buildings have been unharmed by world wars. The city, for such a large metropolis, is very well taken care of and held to a very high standard of cleanliness, even outside its central business districts. In terms of art collections, the Louvre is the largest in the world and while it is home to hundreds of thousands of priceless works, the museum itself can be considered a piece of art.
Cuisine: AB
If not for my previous experiences in Italy and my partiality to Italian cuisine, Paris would've without question received an A in this category. Home to some of the world most refined culinary practices, Paris presented me with some of the most eccentric foods I have ever tried. While the food can be a little pricey, for one willing to indulge, it can provide a heck of an experience. Among the best foods tried were the Brie cheese, escargot, french onion soup, caviar, cheese fondue, and near-raw red meat.
Transportation: AB
With a transportation grid which is second largest only to London, getting from one point to another in metropolitan Paris is hardly an issue. While there are no street trams like in many other European cities, bus service is considerably strong and frequent. For a system which serves one of Europe's most crowded metropolitan areas, we did not find ourselves jammed in the trains and buses like we did during peak travel hours in Prague. While cabs can be expensive, there is hardly ever a need to use them, as train service spans as far as Charles De'Gaulle International airport. A few notable drawbacks to Paris' mass transit system include the overwhelmingly unsanitary conditions in certain stations, the homeless people which call many of these stations home, and the lack of service between midnight and 5am.
Accomodations: B
Paris, like many other corporately driven cities, is home to incredibly expensive living quarters. Our friend, who was lucky enough to be placed in an apartment which was semi-centrally located (7th arrondissmont), had to share a tiny apartment of no more than 1200 square feet with 4 girls. Furthermore, there was no washer/dryer unit, a mini-fridge instead of an average sized one, and no TV's radios or modern entertainment appliances.
The one part about Paris that gave it a grade of a B in this category were the natives. Contrary to my beliefs and prior experiences in France, Parisians made great hosts and were generally very helpful when we needed them to be. I suspect that this is because we had a french speaking friend with us but I certainly cannot neglect their grade for the unkindness that never was.
Nightlife: B
While Paris is home to some of Europe's most trendy night spots, my girlfriend and I never got a chance to experience that side of Paris' social scene. Generally, clubs in Paris tend to close relatively early compared to other places and instead of paying a large entry fee we decided to indulge in a rather unique experience.Our friend took us to a restaurant, where, for a set price of 17 Euros, we received all the meat and cheese fondue we desired, as well as drank an unlimited amount of red/white wine from baby bottles. The experience was great to say the least and our crew of people all agreed that between what we would've spent anywhere else on entry-fees, dinners, drinks, etc this was a great all-in-one ordeal.
Safety: BC
Generally most homeless people tend to be non-hostile and unless they are provoked will generally leave you alone. But the overwhelming amount of homeless people in Paris leaves the city with several outliers. Among the negative experiences which suggest the city may not be as safe as some think; a woman getting spat on, cursed out, and slapped by a black male during the morning rush hour (those around us suggested that as France continues to struggle with racial discrimination, this woman may have crossed the line by uttering a certain racial slur at the man, though none of this can be confirmed) and being surrounded by gypsy's at the Eiffel tower who were trying to set me up in a scheme that we had been previously warned about.
Affordability: C
Paris' provided me with one of the more expensive weekends to date in Europe. Eating out generally never provides for an affordable experience, but in Paris you can find yourself spending 10-15 Euros and an average sized meal at MacDonalds. The one advantage to Paris is that most museums, tours, and tourist points of interests are discounted or free to students.
Aesthetic/Scenic Beauty: AParis' strong point, without question, is its unparalleled beauty. Rivaled by only Prague in Europe, Paris' architecture is at a world class level as some of the city's oldest buildings have been unharmed by world wars. The city, for such a large metropolis, is very well taken care of and held to a very high standard of cleanliness, even outside its central business districts. In terms of art collections, the Louvre is the largest in the world and while it is home to hundreds of thousands of priceless works, the museum itself can be considered a piece of art.
Cuisine: AB
Week 1 in Review: Getting acclimated to life abroad
WOW! What a week. It's safe to say that i am a bit culture shocked. Despite going into this feeling like I couldn't have been more ready for life abroad, I have been a bit anxious. Throughout this semester, i will be sharing my experiences with those of you who are interested in travel and possibly going abroad yourselves one day. I will be reviewing a variety of cities around Europe and sharing my experiences in them with you. My reviews will take a holistic look at each city and its suitability for a semester abroad. I will be reporting on each city based on its transportation system, how accommodating it is to American students, nightlife, safety, affordability, aesthetic and scenic beauty, and cuisine. Each city will receive a grade which is scaled and relative to all other cities. By the end of my experience abroad, I hope to provide you with some insight as to why Prague may be the right choice for you.
I'll start this weeks review by taking a look at the city i will call home for the next 4 months, Prague:
Transportation: B
Compared to previous experiences in Europe, I have to say that Prague had quite an impressive mass transit system. The metro grid covered a vast majority of the city and within Prague's 7 central districts, I never found myself walking for no more than 5 minutes from a metro stop to my destination. During peak hours, underground trains and above-ground trams run in a maximum of 5 minute intervals. The system is extremely clean and orderly which may come as a surprise to some considering it operates on an honor system - nonuniformed officers conduct random checks once patrons pass a given area. But despite the cleanliness and efficiency of the mass transit system, the city of Prague, especially in its most central areas, is oriented like a maze, making cabs and auto-transport extremely inefficient. Prague also has a relative large amount of gypsy cabs which prey on tourists who are unaware of their fraudulent meters and corrupt practices (taking a longer route then necessary).
Accommodations: B
Generally speaking, the natives in Prague can be extremely cold; they will keep to themselves unless you extend an open arm to them and give them a reason to be warm to you. From my previous travels, Ihave noticed that most Europeans have similar tendencies and I certainly can't fault them for this; after all, my home city of New York can be an equally cold place. After a week of school, social gatherings, and late nights on the town, I can wholeheartedly say that Czech's abide by the golden rule.
The actual living quarters were very good. All students and most hostels in Prague are centrally located within the Old Town, approximately 5 minutes from Old Town Square and 10 minutes from the historic Charles Bridge. All locations were equipped with modern amenities and appliances -- ours even came with a 42 inch TV (not that it was much to get excited about, there were only 3 English channels).
Nightlife: A
Coming from Madison, the home of 400 dollar underage drinking tickets and 2am bar-time, Prague can only be considered 2nd tier to heaven. The bars and clubs are eccentric and there is a place for everyone regardless of scene or musical taste. From neighborhood dive bars to 5 story clubs featuring a floor dedicated to playing music from each of the last 5 decades, Prague can suit the late night social needs of almost any abroad student. In a day where students are constantly search for cover/entry and drink specials, Prague also allows students to oblige in a night of fun with no more than 15-20 US dollars.Safety: AB
All things considered, I couldn't have felt safer to this point. While males of my size aren't usually the ones who are targeted for crimes, girls generally feel comfortable in Prague as well. Most of the crimes which occur in Prague are petty, non-confrontational crimes -- in other words no one is ever going to try and rob you to your face. Americans and tourists alike should make a habit of carrying their wallets in the front, or inner jacket pockets as pickpocketers are some of the most skilled in the world. To make a long story short: a friend of mine had his wallet with 300 dollars taken from him in a matter of 30 seconds of paying a cover entrance fee and placing it back in his pocket.
Affordability: A
In this first week alone, with all meals and 7 straight nights out, I found myself spending less than 100 US dollars. 3 course dinners at a very good restaurants are usually no more than 15 dollars with drinks and tips included. Cabs rides of approximately 10 minutes are never more than 2 dollars/person when split with 2 people. Beers are generally cheaper than water for the same equivalent in fluid ounces. Books and transportation passes are also provided by the University abroad and almost every business in Prague gives considerable discounts to students on everything from gym memberships, to clothing and groceries.
Aesthetic and Scenic Beauty: AB
There aren't many cities in the world which are as historically preserved as Prague. Decimated by several wars, there are few cities in Europe which can tell the story of its past through architectural depth like Prague can. While the city's main tourist attraction, a Gothic cathedral known as St. Vitus often steals the show, there are many different masterpieces such as a slew of Renaissance buildings in Old Town Square and the Baroque, St. Nicholas cathedral which separate the city from its European counterparts.
Cuisine: B
After getting food poisoned from my first meal in Prague, it's hard to give this city anything higher than a B when it comes to cuisine. But after a few day's of fending off my homesickness with McDonald's, KFC, and Subway I took some recommendations from some of the abroad staff and explored some local delicacies such as Czech goulash, duck, potato soup, sausage, and schnitzel (to name a few) and found that beyond the nasty beef and stew catastrophe that subjected me to several hours in the bathroom, Prague has a lot of fantastic eats to offer.
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