The Quest for the Holy Beer

Trappist monks are known to have a knack for brewing beer, and when it comes to the monks at the Abbey of St. Sixtus of Westvleteren, they take the crown. The beer is exclusive to the monastery, and can only be bought there. We decided to take the journey to try this world renowned beer, which was no small feat. 

To begin our journey, we had to get there. You have to take a train to Poperinge, Blegium, a tiny city, with two platforms at the train station. You may have to make a connection or two to get there, but with your Go Pass, it will only be 5 euros. Once you get to Poperinge, you can get to the monastery in a few different ways. You can take a cab, or if it is a nice day you can rent a bike. If you go on a Sunday, many bike rental shops are closed, so you may need to have the number for a cab ready. 

Once you reach Westvleteren, you cannot visit the actual abbey or brewery, but you can visit the claustrum to see how the beer is made. Make sure to check in advance to see if they are open when you want to go, since they have season hours. 

Then, the best part, trying the beer. Beside the abbey, there is a visitor center and restaurant and brew house, called "In de Vrede" or "In the shadow of St. Sixtus Abbey". This is the only cafe in the world that serves Westvleteren beer. Fancy huh? There are three beers made by the monks, the Westvleteren Blond 6, Westvleteren 8, and the Westvleteren 12. The 12 is the real show stopper, it is a delicious beer that has won the title of "Best beer in the World" multiple times. They are very strong beers, starting at 5.8%, then 8%, ending with 10.2% alcohol. Even if you are not a beer drinker, I suggest trying a little of each. If you are with a group, order one of each and share if you are not wanting to get too tipsy. Or if you are up for anything, do what we did, and try one of each, plus an extra 12 just for good measure. When you get peckish, try the abbey cheese or pate, both are made at the abbey too, and are delicious! 

While you are there, visit the gift shop, where you can buy 6 packs of the beer to take home or share with friends, or glasses and other souvenirs. 

It is a journey, and does add up, but if you are a beer drinker, it is definitely worth it! It is a once in a lifetime adventure, just make sure you have some good friends with you to enjoy the good drinks, and you can never go wrong!

Belgium

Leuven, Belgium was my home while studying abroad, and while there I found many ways to get the most of my time and money. Here are some of my tips for Belgium. 

To travel, take advantage of the public transportation. You can get a "Go Pass" for the trains, which costs $50 euros, and is good for 10 one way train rides anywhere in Belgium. This was a deal, since most one way train rides were in between 5 and 10 euros, so you could take a day trip for just 10 euros! And if you are traveling to one of the countries on Belgium's boarder, you can use a pass to get to a boarder city, then buy a ticket to the city you want, which sometimes can be cheaper. This can come in handy when visiting Luxembourg, Germany and France! Also, if you have enough time, buy your ticket at the train station, instead of on the train. You will get stuck having a higher costing ticket if you buy on the train, since you don't have any option but to buy it! And buses are an affordable way to traverse the city once you get there. 

You absolutely must try Belgian fries while you are there; there are double fried for unhealthy goodness and then topped with sauce! I recommend the samurai sauce for a spicy kick! Another must eat: Belgian waffles. Most sugar waffles are just 1 euro, and the perfect snack or dessert. They are made with pearl sugar, which adds a caramelized sugary crunch on the outside of the waffle.  If you like seafood, try the mussels in white wine. Usually served with fries, this is a traditional Belgian meal! Many Belgians get sandwiches for lunch, and there are plenty of sandwich shops to chose from!

Next, beer. When in Belgium, you MUST try beer. How can you not when it is so cheap! And I'm not talking Natty Light cheap, I mean affordable and delicious! If you stop in Leuven, go to the Oude Markt, a square filled with bars, all with open air tables to enjoy your drink and the weather. There are also Drink Centers, which offer a wide selection of beers from all over the Country. There are also breweries all over the country that you can tour and do tastings, many offer student discounts. 

In Brussels, make sure to see the Manneken pis, the statue of a little boy peeing. It's a strange concept, but it's still fun to see! Depending on the time of the year, he is dressed up for any occasion! And the best part, it's free!  Also, The Town square and city hall, beautiful and historic buildings in the center of the city. Delirium Cafe is a famous bar with a long beer list and interesting atmosphere, try their beer while you are there! Finally, Cantillon Brewery: famous for its lambic beer and spontaneous fementation. It's an acquired taste, but definitely worth a try. When you get hungry, try the side streets off the Grand Palace, where there are many traditional restaurants where you can get a good deal!

In Ghent, hike up the narrow spiral steps to the to of the bell tower revealing a spectacular view of the city! Then stop in St. Bavo's Cathedral, an ornate Cathedral that is the seat of the diocese of Ghent. See the city from the water, and take a boat ride along the river! Try a nose of Ghent, a chocolate treat famous for the city. 

The country may be small, but it has a lot to offer! Visit Belgium for a wonderful time!

           

Ireland

Ireland is a beautiful country, and full of many adventures just waiting to be had! You won’t need the luck of the Irish to guarantee you have a great time in Ireland, just these tips to help your Euro go further!

When booking your hostel, make sure you look into the location. Many buses and trolleys only go through the main part of the city, so if you are outside that radius, you will need to lace up your walking shoes! We stayed at a nice hostel, but it was about a 20 minute walk from down town, so we got our workout every day!

On the menu while in Ireland, fish and chips, Irish coffee, and of course a Guinness beer. If you go to Dublin, check out the Guinness Storehouse, where you can pour your own perfect pint, or enjoy your pint at the Gravity Bar on the top floor of the factory overlooking a lovely panoramic view of the city! Although tickets are rather pricey since it is a very touristy thing to do, it is still a fun stop for friends! The Jameson Whiskey distillery is also in Dublin, and another fun attraction to get a taste of Irish life. Your student ID will get you a discount at both. 

Also in Dublin, a great sight is Trinity College where you can see the beautiful historic buildings and the magnificent library. You can take a guided tour that ends in seeing the Book of Kells, which is housed in the library, at the end. The Book of Kells is a spectacular sight; it is the four Gospels written in Latin and ornately illustrated, dating back to 800 AD.  

A great way to see more of the country is to take a bus tour. There are many different routes that go all over Ireland. The one we took went to castles, a Neolithic tomb, a fairy ring, Celtic crosses and the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs were one of my favorite sights in Europe; I would definitely recommend seeing them! The tour was a great way to cover a lot of distance in just one day. We traveled with the Galway Tour Company, where you get a student discount. 

So grab your camera and make your way to Ireland for an adventure of a lifetime!

Budapest

Known for its party hostels, thermal baths,and historic statues, Budapest is a

must see in Europe! Here are some tips for getting hungry, and thirsty, in Hungary. 

First, when you arrive and stop at an ATM, don't faint when you see the conversion amount. That would lead to someone stealing you Debit card and your passport to adventure! Just kidding, but one hundred USD= 27,383.50 Hungarian Forint, so when I made my first cash withdraw I was a bit shell shocked. But luckily, forint goes a long way in Budapest! 

We decided to stay in a party hostel. You know, when in Rome, or this case Budapest. Retox was the name of our chosen hostel. It was very affordable, since it was a 16 bed mixed gender room. We were a little concerned going into it, but the facilities were very nice, providing linens and towels for our stay in the price. When staying in a hostel, always travel with friends, and bring a lock. Most hostels have lockers for your backpack and valuables, not that I suggest leaving anything too valuable in the room. Rotate who brings toiletries, like shampoo and soap, to leave more room to share with your travel mates. And don't be afraid to book the cheaper rooms with more beds, a penny saved is a penny you can put toward something fun! After all, you will just be sleeping in your room!

I suggest only taking out the amount of money that you will think you will need for a few days, and keeping it on you, in a safe location. Most tourist cities are packed with pickpockets, so just be careful when you are out and about! If you can separate your money into an inner pocket and your purse, so if something does happen, you will not lose it all. A money belt or passport holder that goes under your clothes is a great investment when traveling the world!

Take advantage of the delicious street food vendors! Some Hungarian specialties include lángos, fried flat bread topped with anything from cheese, sour cream, or sausage; goulash, a stew made with potatoes, veggies and meat; kurtoskalacs or chimney cakes, sweet spiral bread cooked rotisserie style and coated in sugar and cinnamon; and let's not forget sausages! Another one of my favorite meals we had were gyros, which are not traditionally Hungarian, but where we stopped made their own pita and sauces, and would fill yours however you wanted it! With so many affordable good eats, it is easy to eat well on a budget!

Traveling the world can be stressful, so take some time for yourself and visit one of Budapest's thermal baths. We went to Szechenyi, which has large indoor and outdoor pools ranging in temperatures, as well as steam rooms, saunas and full spa services. We went in the winter, so it was a delightful sensation to retreat from the cold air by slipping into the heated water!

Budapest had a wide selection of free walking tours. The city is large so bring your walking shoes and make sure to give your guide a tip! The city has statues sprinkled all over it, and many have stories and traditions connected to them, such as rubbing or patting them for luck. Another sight you must see is the Chain Bridge, which crossed the Danube River and connects Buda and Pest, the two parts of the city.

If you are in the city for the party atmosphere, make sure to stop in Instant, the club/bar that spans multiple floors and themed rooms. It feels like traveling through decades and countries based off the décor and music; it definitely makes for a good time! Just watch out for people who have indulged too much, as the city is known for a lifestyle of debauchery! Or take a nighttime river cruise, where you can have a beautiful view of the light up buildings from the Danube, and the price of the ticket includes a battle of champagne!

No matter why you go to Budapest, you will be glad you did! Make the most of your money, and don’t forget your camera and your walking shoes!

Italy

Art. Architecture. Food. More food. Here are some tips for doing and eating as much as you can for as little as you can!

As always, Ryan Air has discount flights to multiple destinations in Italy. Look into flying into one city, then taking a train ride to another city where you can fly out of. We flew into Rome, took a TrenItalia trip to Venice, and then flew back from there. Book your flights online at RyanAir.com, and your train tickets at TrenItalia.com.

In Rome, there are so many cultural hotspots to check out! Use your student ID to get a discount at the Vatican Museum, where you can take a tour and see the Sistine Chapel. After, you can visit St. Peter’s Basilica, which is free to enter. The huge cathedral is full of ornate statues and tapestries. Make sure to stop by the Pieta, sculpted by Michelangelo. The Coliseum also has a discount for students, although it is still pricey to get in, but definitely worth it! A few more cost effective sites in Rome include the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and of course the Trevi Fountain, just make sure you have a few coins to make a wish!

Book a place to stay at AirBnB.com; if you are traveling in a group it is the best way to get a private apartment right smack dab in the city! A group of five of us stayed in an apartment in Rome, right by the metro and within walking distance of the Coliseum.

If you get peckish, stop for some gelato, a cannoli, or a tiramisu. A great and very affordable place is Pompi, which is famous for their desserts!

In Venice, the very city itself is something to see! The first thing you need to do is get a map! The city has canals for roads, and certain walkways dead end in a canal, so a map is very important for getting around, and can save you from spending money on water taxis to get around! Head to San Marco’s square, where you can see beautiful buildings like Saint Mark’s Basilica. If you want to go inside the church, make sure you leave your backpack at your hostel, or else you can rent a locker for an hour. Also check out the Rialto Bridge, which is lined with shops! Don’t miss the intricate and sometimes bizarre masks!

For food, stay off the main canals, restaurants there are overpriced for mediocre food! If you get off the beaten path you can find some hidden gems, like The Taverna del Campiello Remer, a 20 euro buffet. It sounds expensive, but it included all you can eat meats, cheeses, veggies and desserts, as well as a plate of pasta and a ½ liter of wine! It was well worth the cost, since we were full for the rest of the day! Another tip for eating is to stay in a hostel or apartment, where you can cook your own meals! Markets are affordable, and groups can pitch in to make a delicious and authentic meal for a low cost!

So make sure to check out Italy while you are abroad, and with these tips you can get a great experience for a great price!

Video Blog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX9OMbtL5Ok

Barcelona

The city of Barcelona is amazingly bright and unique! The streets are filled with laughter, art and sunshine; The exciting sites and tastes make up for a spectacular experience; although the city may seem affordable, there are definitely ways to save some Euros!


For food, head to La Rambla, a main street in the city and check out the weekend market! Vendors come to sell their fresh produce and creations at a very fair price. Whether you are looking for fresh fish to cook at your hostel or apartment, or you just want a pick me up snack of an empanada or fresh juice, there is something for everyone here! It's always bustling with people, so it will make an authentic and delicious stop on your way!

Also, try out local tapas bars. Tapas are Spanish appetizers that make a perfect meal! Keep an eye out for buy one get one deals, many Tapas Bars have somewhat of a "tapas happy hour"! There are many choices that can please a diverse group of taste buds, and they are filling enough to serve as Lunch or Dinner! 

And for dessert, don't forget churros y chocolate! The fried dough is delicious dipped into the sweet melted chocolate and will be a perfect end to your day's adventures!

For sightseeing, you must check out what puts Barcelona on the map! First, the  Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece! Started in 1883, but still in construction today, the two unique facades characterize the original and the new artist's style. Use your student ID to get a discount into the church to check out the bright stain glass inside! It truly is a sight worth seeing!

Then head to Parc Guell, which is covered with beautiful flowers and Gaudi's famous mosaics!

There is so much to see in this huge amazing city, so save time by hopping on the metro! Get a multi-day ticket, or pass for ten trips, both are more affordable then buying single fare tickets and will help you see everything on your checklist! 

So bring your appetite and sense of adventure and explore the artistic city of Barcelona! 

Video Blog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oONG9-PJmY

The 28th member: Croatia

Croatia was on my list of places I had to go while studying abroad. I saw Pinterest pictures of the beautiful beaches and read articles of the spectacular food, and knew I had to go! Here are some tips to help you put your Kuna (Croatian money) to good use!

Plan your trip in advance; we got a flight to Pula for just 30 euros round trip! We also stayed in a hostel in a good location for under 10 euros a night! It will be cheaper to go in the tourist off-season, like we did, and you will still have a great time!

Food: Be aware that some restaurants and tourist attractions aren't open during these periods. We wandered around looking for a restaurant with great reviews on Trip Advisor, but none in that area were open! When looking for a place to eat, instead just walk towards the city center and check out the menu boards. Croatia uses the Kuna as their currency, so 1 USD = 5.50 HRK, so most everything you find will be at a great price and be some of the best food you will have while abroad or ever! I really think that the

truffle and Prosciutto hand-made pasta was the best meal I have ever tasted! And it only cost me 70 HRK, so roughly 12 bucks!I also suggest seafood, I had the most delicious fried calamari!

Attractions: Croatia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Most of them are public, so you won’t have to pay to go to them. We went in late October and could still go swimming! The water is so clear that you can see every detail of the bottom while floating in the water! Another great thing is that you can have food and drinks on the beach. We packed a picnic of local olives and wine and discovered what the region had to offer!

Check out the local land marks as well. Croatia has a heavy Roman influence, and there is a lot of spectacular ancient architecture to see! In Pula, there is one of the six largest amphitheaters in the world! It is one of the best preserved as well, and with your ticket in you can experience it in a truly personal way! You can walk around the center stage, in the center, climb on the inner walls and sit in the seats! We got in with a student discount, making our entry cost about 3 USD, definitely worth it!

Transport: Croatia has a great public bus system. Tickets were cheap and could take you to the beach or nearby cities for the day! A one way trip ran about 2 USD. We also took a cab from the airport. There were 8 of us, and even with a big van the trip only cost us a few American dollars. 

So bring your student ID and your sense of afventure, and get to Croatia for a great get-away!