Porto Vecchio, Corsica, France

One of the things I loved about Azamara is that they were always trying to go above and beyond with the relationships between the passengers and the staff.  They also want to provide a unique experience- longer stays and amazing nights.  

Honestly, Corsica was not my favorite place to be.  There was really not much to do in the ports besides the beach and shopping.  But if that is what you want, then you are set!  We walked around and shopped a bit, I found a really great dress, but other than that, not much to see.  

Thankfully that night, Azamara had the Azamazing night planned.  The Azamazing nights are "free" and only for guests on the ship,  For our Corsican adventure, they took us on buses from the ship to a private country clubish type venue.  The  greeted us with their music as we walked in and once inside the grounds, there were stations to try Corsican desserts, cheese fritters (which were delicious) and local wines.  

Making Cheese Fritters

 

After that, the Napoleonic Imperial Guard did their ceremonial march and then a famous Corsican band played for us.  I don't remember who they were but they sang in Corsican.  They were really good I just wish I could have understood them.  

Not a good picture, but you get the idea

Once the night was over, we were bussed back to the ship.  And of course, what was waiting for us there?  The cruise ship's band as well as more desserts!  The cruise really wanted to make you feel at home (and maybe help you gain a few pounds from all of the delicious food!).  

To be completely honest, I expected more out of the night from what they were telling us before we left.  However, I love the idea of having a special night in port for the guests,  Many of the crew members were also able to go to the event so it was cool talking to them and seeing them while they were not working. 

Overall, it was a fun experience and something I look forward to next time I cruise with Azamara.  Coming up is another special event Azamara has for its guests! Until next time.   

Saint-Tropez and Ajaccio

I'm not going to lie, it has been a draining week.  Thankfully tomorrow is Friday and Thanksgiving is next week! I don't have much to say about these ports so I am going to combine them. But they were fun cities to visit!

Saint-Tropez

It was fun to walk around, look at the yachts and go shopping.  There are so many great stores to stop at.  We also went to the beach.  Just FYI, whenever you are somewhere in public putting on spray sunscreen, be careful with how many people are around you...

Saint Tropez 

Saint Tropez

Ajaccio, Corsica, France

So Corsica is an island and is part of France.  However, they have their own language and culture.  My family and I did one of the excursions from the cruise and saw the Gorges of Prunelli. We were in a huge bus, the roads were very narrow, and most of the sides dropped off to a cliff... Kind of a scary experience for some of the turns!  Also, most of the roads were only made for one car so the drivers had to honk their horns going around the bend to warn other cars that we were coming.  

Once we arrived up the in the hills, there were great views of the island! There were so many views of the gorges.  We could even see the Mediterranean.  

Once we were back, we walked around the city,  There was a nice market, but I expected there to be local food.  It was a nice city to just explore! 

Ajaccio is also the birthplace of  Napoleon Bonaparte.  Once we (finally!) found the museum, we took some pictures, but did not go in.  The line was long and there was a fee.  Some people did go in and they told us how interesting it was. 

We walked around and found a place that sells macarons.  There are so many pastry shops in France.  I loved it! 

Yumm!

Until next time about Porto-Vecchio! 

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5 Things Never to Forget When Traveling

Since I have been traveling recently, I've noticed that there are 5 very important things never to forget when going on a trip.  Unfortunately, I do not have any more trips coming up, but that just means I'll be looking for more adventures to plan!  Stay tuned for my next post about Saint Tropez, France!

1.  Reusable Water bottle

How many times are you thirsty while traveling?  If you are like me, I always am looking for water to drink.  Unfortunately, full water bottles cannot be taken through airport security, but an empty reusable water bottle can!  I've been carrying my Eddy CamelBak everywhere with me.  Airports have many water fountains, and the Cincinnati airport even has a water bottle "fountain."  

Image Found Here

I've seen so many people in line for airport security, throw away their unopened bottles of water.  You can always pour them out and save the bottle for once you pass through security! When you carry your own water bottle around you will be saving money and saving the environment.  

2. Student ID/AAA /Senior Discounts

So many places offer student discounts. Almost anywhere with an admission fee is likely to offer a student discount.  My family has AAA, which offers discounts all across the United States.  It never hurts to ask if the place you are at offers a student discount/AAA discount or even a Senior rate.  You'll be surprised on how much money you can save this way! Stores also offer many discounts.  Kate Spade and J.Crew are 2 of my favorite places to shop with student discounts! 

3. Great Jacket

Temperatures in airplanes can be a plane.  It may be too hot or too cold, and if you are very lucky, you might be able to figure out the temperature so it is just right.  A great jacket can always fix those times when it is too cold!  You'll also want to look put together before, during, and after the airplane ride.  It is also so much easier to look put together with a jacket when you are walking around your destination!

My favorites right now are the J.Crew Puffer vest (post found here) and my Lauren by Ralph Lauren Jacket!  I always feel so put together when wearing these pieces.  When you look good, you feel good.

J.Crew

Image Found Here

4. Sunglasses and Watches

Sunglasses are one of my favorite accessories.  Such a fashion statement but also very practical!  I hate when I am walking around and I can't see because of the sun.  I am literally always wearing my sunglasses in the summer at the pool and I keep a pair in my backpack in case the sun comes out on my way to class.

Watches are also very important when trying to know what time it is!  If you are traveling it can be hard to know the time or ask someone what time it is if you don't speak the language.  When I was out shopping this weekend, I found the cutest watch at Francesca's!  After doing some research, I found the same one at Urban Outfitter's since Francesca's did not have it on their website.

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5. Scarf

Scarves can double as a fashion statement and as something to keep you warm!  Scarves can be used as wrap and keep your shoulders warm as well as your neck.  But the best part about having a scarf in Europe is that when you need to cover your shoulders, head or legs, a scarf works!  Always throw a scarf in your purse and if you need to cover yourself before heading into a religious place, you're set!

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One of my favorite scarves right now!


What is your must have when traveling?

A Few Hours in Monte Carlo, Monaco

And back to Europe!  Let me know what you think of the blog and what you want to see more of.  

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The next morning, we woke up pretty early and went to the other train station so we could travel to Monte Carlo, Monaco, the departure port for our cruise! 

The train from Paris to Nice and then to Monte Carlo was about 6.5 hours.  I slept most of the way on the train but we went through so much beautiful scenery.  There were a lot of open fields, but somewhere in the middle, we went through a gorgeous sunflower field!  I do not have pictures because I woke up towards the very end of it.  But there were so many flowers! 

The coast of Europe with the cities built right into the rocks are amazing.  I can't wait to go back and see more of the coast.  We arrived in Monte Carlo and headed to the cruise ship to drop all of our stuff off, change clothes, and get something to eat and drink.

Monte Carlo was honestly one of my favorite places on the entire vacation.  We only had a few hours and I would definitely like to go back and see more.

Top Places to See:

Prince's Palace:
 Prince Charles' Palace is open for visitors.  It was interesting to see but definitely was not as grand as Versailles or Buckingham Palace.  There is a fee for admission, but it wasn't too bad and they offer a student rate with your ID! This was the home of Prince Grace Kelly and there is a huge family portrait of them inside.

Even if you don't go inside the Place, there are great views of Monaco from the top of the hill. When we were there, the Prince was hosting a concert that night.  So after we toured the Palace, some of the guests were arriving.  These guests had some very nice cars and outfits!

The Streets Around the Palace:

Like any European city, the streets are narrow and the buildings are old.  But this adds so much character to the city!  I loved just walking through the streets and seeing how the people of Monaco live.

Depending on where you come from in Monaco, the walk can be quite challenging.  Thankfully, there are hidden escalators around the city!  You may think I'm joking, but I am not. Click here and find where the escalators in Monaco can take you.

Oceanographic Museum of Monaco:

We did not go in the Aquarium but everyone says it is one of the coolest things!  Unfortunately due to our muster drill on the cruise ship we did not have much time for sightseeing.  We walked by and walked in the front door and it looked like a place my family would come back to!

If you go to the Prince's Palace and walk downhill by the water, this is one of the places you will pass.  Also, you can buy the Prince's Palace admission and the Aquarium tickets together and save even more money!

Monte Carlo Casino:

My family did not go to the casino because not everyone could get in, but some of our friends' on the cruise did and they said it was amazing to walk around.  The richest of the rich are there in their evening gowns and tuxes with the most expensive cars you can think of!

The Pier
How many times will you be able to see some many luxurious boats in one trip?  Well if you go to the French Riviera/Italian Mediterranean, it will be every stop!  (I really want a yacht now...)  All of the yachts are amazing so just walking around the pier is something not to be missed!

There are also many restaurants along the pier and along the way to the Palace.  We did not eat anywhere, but they all looked so cute and delicious!

There are many more places not to be missed in Monaco but I hope you enjoy these! Is there anywhere else in Monaco that isn't to be missed?