European Wanderlust

As you probably have realized, summer is officially in full bloom. And with that, of course I am hit immensely with a sense of longing and wanderlust, which is probably magnified with the sad reality that I am not going to be travelling anywhere exciting this summer, with the exception of the odd cottage weekend trip here and there. So, as a form of melancholy heartstrings being pulled towards my beloved homeland (Poland, but in all honesty all of Europe), I will enlighten myself (and hopefully you all) with my favourite memories of my European travels.

Kraków, Poland

 Last year, my sister and I had the pleasure of attending the World Youth Day when Pope Francesco visited Kraków. Our best friend, Kasia is currently studying there which left us with the perfect opportunity to experience one of those rare once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

The streets were filled with an energy that was simply indescribable - everybody had gathered all for the same purpose- to see the pope, and rejoice with love and happiness. It was absolutely breathtaking to be part of such a lively, young and literally infinite crowd of all shapes and sizes, races and cultures, with many people our age but also families, children and elders, united by the same cause and life-changing experience.

Although we hadn't come to Kraków as a religious pilgrimage, it didn't matter, because the excitement and love for God and Pope Francesco was infectious. We sang until our throats were sore and walked kilometres in drizzling rain to get to the main stage and watched in awe as incredible performances unfolded. World Youth Day is definitely something I'm willing to attend again in the future, as the memories are the kind that stay with you forever.

Portofino, Italy

This was the first time I had ever been to this beautiful part of Italy, and I cannot fathom how much it took my breath away. Its painted little houses coloured in beautiful pastels combined with the turquoise of the water made it seem as though it was a painting or movie set. 

We ate mouthwatering dishes of seafood and pasta, swam in the cool, shimmering waters after a beautiful scenic walk along the coast and, needless to say, had the most perfect day that one could ask for. The only thing I was uncertain of was whether this little town was more beautiful in the day or by night!

Valborg Festival in Lund, Sweden

This festival was one of the most unique experiences my sister and I had the pleasure of attending. Although it sounds like some epic music festival, it's actually a university student - wide festival that is based in Lund, which is known to be a university town, and so it literally involves the whole of Lund partying from 8:00am to whenever you crash of (intoxicated....oops) exhaustion. Yup, believe it or not, the drinking literally starts bright and early with a bottle of champagne (or prosecco, emphasis on STUDENT budgets.. ) with a delicious waffle breakfast, followed by the whole town sitting, drinking, smoking and socializing in its largest park.

 

The festival was incredible, but Lund itself is such a charming little town that, when these two things combined, makes for one of the most memorable parties you will ever attend in your life!

Cinque Terre, Italy

I hate to insinuate a bit of favouritism, but my family has visited Italy numerous times and every time there is something absolutely gorgeous to explore....I mean it's just not fair that they have amazing beaches, delicious food, charming towns and cities that date back to gladiator times and mountains, to top it all off.....literally. Cinque Terre is none other than what its name means, which is "Five Villages". They're off the coast of the Liguria region of Italy, and sunsets from these towns are something that will stay behind you eyelids every time you close your eyes.



Cinque Terre is one of those day trips where no matter which town you go, you are left completely mesmerized with the views and beauty.

There are so many places (even continents!) in the world still left for me to explore, and many that I have been to that if I included, would probably become a novel rather than a blogpost. Below are some more photos of my travels around Europe, and with that my daydream of hot, summer days on the beach under blue skies and white sands must sadly come to an end. Europe, I miss you, and as always, I will be back.