Category: Writing Samples

Located directly south of the Czech Republic, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is the perfect place to escape for a seaside getaway.

In late April, my friend and I had the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Zadar, situated along the Adriatic Sea. Although it took a lengthy 18-hour bus ride to get there, the gorgeous views, friendly people and fresh food proved our tedious travels to be absolutely worth it.

Zadar’s prime coastal location has dozens of places to enjoy the colorful Croatia sunset. Just a five-minute walk away from our hostel was Zadar’s marble water promenade, the Riva, adjoined to the famous Sea Organ, a series of concrete steps with underwater pipes that produce music notes as the waves fill them with water. Crowds gather around this incredible feat of engineering every day to listen to the peaceful sounds of the ocean while enjoying the jaw-dropping sunset over the Zadar Channel.

Read the full column on SouthCoastToday.com, published on June 26, 2018.

Poland, perhaps the most underrated country in Europe, is home to the charming, colorful city of Krakow. Although it is not the capital, Krakow is known to be the leading center of academic, artistic and cultural life in Poland. My family and I recently spent the weekend in Krakow, aimlessly strolling the streets and appreciating the history and growth of Polish history and culture.

Upon our arrival to Krakow, we first explored Europe’s largest medieval market square in the heart of the city. With the Town Hall Tower and Saint Mary’s Basilica towering over and shops and restaurants lined all along the exterior, this square adds character, energy and life to the city. Many of the restaurants and markets sell traditional Polish cuisine such as golapkis, beef and rice wrapped in cabbage and beef and coated with tomato sauce; and piergoies, boiled dough stuffed with mushrooms and cabbage and other types of meats and vegetables. Enjoying a traditional Polish meal in the grand Main Square of Krakow couldn’t have been a better way to feel immersed in Polish culture.

Read the full column on SouthCoastToday.com, published on June 13, 2018.

From chocolate and churros to plazas and parties, Madrid, Spain, is a vibrant city thriving with life, happiness and pride.

As a major European capital, this metropolitan city contains a mix of both modern and ancient architecture. The pastel buildings and balconies of each street frame the intense, artistic beauty of Madrid in a magical way. Famous for its art, food, and endless fiestas, this city has the power to give any tourist a fully immersive Spanish experience.

I ventured to Spain in early April to visit a friend of mine studying abroad in Madrid for the semester. Although we experienced some brief springtime showers, the Mediterranean climate of Madrid was perfect for comfortably exploring the city by foot. We meandered the streets of Madrid with a curious attention to the grand monuments we passed along the way.

Read the full column on SouthCoastToday.com, published on May 29, 2018.