I have ARRIVED.

So I have been in Ferrara for two weeks now and it has FLOWN by.

But then it also feels like I have always lived here, in this white, Ikea furnished box. (see below)

Ferrara is gorgeous. A proper Italian town/city with a medieval centre where its very easy to get lost in the winding, cobbled streets. Doesn't it look like a film set?!

This is a photo from the day I arrived, with my dad. As per usual, when on holiday/anywhere with my dad, there was no time to sitting in the sun getting to know the Italian coffee because that would be too relaxing. So off we went to explore the place, map and camera in hand.

We walked the various 'walking routes' and then the next day, because that wasn't enough, we hired bikes and rode the length of the wall. To be fair it was really great and it meant I could work out my running route for the next 6 months *cough*cough*

With this path though, I might just have to...

Things I have done these two weeks:


-Crashed a bike into a wall.
-Vowed to never buy a bike as they are dangerous and awkward
-Bought a bike (Everyone rides bikes here, its like the Oxford of Italy)
-Eaten a strawberry and custard filled croissant at midnight
-Drunk copious amounts of Aperol spritz
-Seen a man propose to his girlfriend with a flash mob, whilst being filmed for tv. (I may have almost shed a tear) 
-Eaten the biggest olive I have ever seen.
-Cooked pasta, under strict Italian instructions.
-Lived in a hostel, found an appartment, moved into an appartment FINALLY.

SOME PIXXXX !

Lucky me :)

Packing List for Year Abroad.

 Some stuff for girls..... but guys you get the gist.

CLOTHING
-Underwear x14
-Bras
-Socks x7
-Jumpers
-T-shirts
-Pyjamas
-Tops
-Jeans/Trousers
-Shorts/Skirts
-Belts
-Workout Clothes
-Swimming Gear
-Coat/Lightweight Jacket
-Umbrella
-Formal Dress/Going Out Clothes
-Trainers/Boots/Sandals
-Scarf/Hat
-Slippers

TOILETRIES
-Hairbrush
-Razors
-Nail Clippers
-Make-up
-Medicine
-Tissues
-Nail Polish/Remover
-Moisturizer
-After Sun/Sun Cream
-Scissors
-Plasters
-Mosquito Repellent
-Tampax

EXTRAS
-Purse
-Documents
-Sunglasses/Glasses
-Mobile/Charger
-Laptop/Charger
-Camera/Charger
-Adapters/Extension Lead
-Sheets/Bedding
-Towels
-Rucksack
-Hangers
-Clock
-Photos
-Ipod
-Headphones
-Watch
-Batteries
-Dictaphone

Documents to pack for Year Abroad.

-Confirmation Letter/Email if going to University
-Any other important emails
-Medical info/Doctor info
-EHIC Card
-Insurance Card/Info
-Driving licence
-National Insurance Number
- Bank Details/Statements
-Credit/Debit Card
-Phone contract info
-Euro Card
-Rail Card
-Student Card
-Passport Photos (Lots)
-Birth Certificate
-Next of Kin details
-Passport photocopies
-International Student Card
-Exam Certificates

(For most of these you will only need photocopies, but in colour!)

Be Prepared.

I LEAVE FOR FERRARA IN 3 DAYS! I am both terrified and itching to get there (even though I will have to live in a hostel for the foreseeable future), and have decided it is probably wise to start the stressful, yet very vital, task of packing.

I have allowance for two suitcases but looking at this pile of stuff (this is only half) that has swamped my bedroom, I can tell that this is going to be tricky.

I have written 2 lists being a control freak. One for documents/papers that I need or may need, and a packing list for everything else.

The documents have been put into a folder. Easy to carry and hopefully even I can't lose them.

So..... I will write down what I'm packing. Hopefully this will help, and let me know if you think I have forgotten something.

Diners in Paris.

You may think it criminal, but over the three weeks I spent in Paris I went to not one, but three diners. I didn't feel too bad seeing as I am not American and so don't get this kind of food/decor at home in Somerset. Well, that's what I kept telling myself.

I have high expectations from diners as I always expect them to feel like this scene in Grease, and am disappointed if they don't.

The first one was Coffee Parisien. There are two of these diners in Paris, one in the 6th and one in the 16th. (I went to the one in the 6th) These diners don't really feel typical 'dinery' as in the decor is pretty sombre, so not much over the top America 50's memorabilia. Having said that the burgers are scrummy.

We then ventured to Breakfast in America (the original one, south of the river) and here, the pancakes are bigger therefore getting more for your money. The staff were really friendly and the place had a really good vibe, with cool wall art and personal touches from previous visitors. This was our addition which got a post on their instagram:

 

 Coke Float >>>














Finally, we went to a Happy Days Diner. There is a total of 5 in Paris, and we went to the new one on Rivoli. Now this was 50's America, Grease style. With all the garish colours, retro posters and juke boxes that you would expect. YAY.

And the food was great with loads of choice. It also seemed to be a little cheaper than the others. Yet again the staff were really friendly, even offering my friend a job!

All these pictures are making me hungry...

Bars in Paris.

While in Paris, due to the amazing weather, we tended to chill by the Seine in the evening along with everyone else. Make sure you do this if you can, and bring a picnic/various bottles of wine to really feel like a local.

But at the weekend we did venture to some bars for a change of scene.
We just HAD to try some of the cocktails on offer (or the €3 wine if we had spent too much money in Zara that day).

 The first one we went to was Pont Ephemere near the Jaures metro stop.
This bar's terrace is right next to the canal but it's not huge so you might have to hover and wait to grab a table.

The deco inside makes it feel like an art gallery... probably because it is I have later found out. (look at the website for exhibition dates)

even the toilets are arty>>

 They also have concerts here but we failed to check the dates before went, so make sure you do!


This place is great for a chilled drink early evening on the terrace, then if you fancy it, throwing some shapes on the dance floor which gets busy a bit later on.








I was staying with a friend while in Paris, Lilys, who she is living there as an au-pair at the moment.

So we had a guide, although there is only really one bar that she goes to ALL THE TIME.

Looking at these, I'm sure you can see why! >>

It's called The Bottle Shop and its a favorite with the locals for its array of interesting cocktails and in-house DJ. It's owned by Cheap Blonde Bars so if you're staying a bit too far away from the Bastille area, check the other bars out which may be more convenient and just as good!

Happy Hour is 6-8 and I would recommend making the effort as the cocktails are amazing. The barman will pretty much make anything you want on request and who doesn't love some money off?  If you don't manage to get there early enough, get one anyway.

Starting at €8 they aren't cheap, but go on... TREAT YOURSELF. You've earnt it with all that walking I'm sure.

The sun has got his hat on... but it's too hot to play.

In case anyone hadn't noticed. Its really hot atm. Like REALLY hot.

So hot that we are currently passed out in my flat, lacking the energy to move.

Seeing as much of Paris as I can this weekend is going well...

Yesterday the Paris Plages opened! And although I haven't yet ventured onto them, I plan to asap next week. Then are open from 9am-midnight which will be perfect for a cooler, evening visit.
However, if you're in need of somewhere to rest, but can't face the thought of being covered in a sweaty/sandy combo, there is a great little park at Pont Neuf, opposite the beach called Vert Galant. This place would be the perfect spot to meet friends for a picnic and even on a Saturday it wasn't too busy.

Today, we went to the Breakfast In America south of the river for some hangover-curing pancakes (so daymm yummy)
and as we were in that direction we decided to pop into the Jardin des Plantes. This place is lovely, it feels like they have picked up a museum from the South of France and dropped it in Paris. The only downer was the park warden stopping anyone chilling on the grass... but in slightly cooler weather I would definitely recommend a trip there to escape the hustle and bustle.
Oh and there's a zoo for €9 pp. with a leopard and everything.

Happy Sunday!