Easter Break Adventures in Germany

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Hello, friends! 

I’ve been struggling for the past few weeks trying to decide how to write a post that would describe how amazing my spring break was. But last night I came to the conclusion that there are not enough words to even begin to tell you how much that trip meant to me.

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

One of the main things I was scared of about studying abroad was making new friends. But almost instantly I met this amazing group of girls. We have danced, sang, laughed and cried together over the last four months and their friendship means the world to me.

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

With that said, our trip to Germany was absolutely perfect because we were together. It didn’t matter what we did on the trip because the only thing that mattered was the people that we were with. I want to say a huge thank you to Anna Sophie, Shere, Ana, Alejandra, and Andrea for being my best friends and making our trip unforgettable.

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Anna Sophie’s family was amazing and made every aspect of our trip amazing. In Berlin, we met her Grandparents who treated us like family from the second they met us at the airport. They greeted us with hugs and flowers and it didn’t matter that we didn’t speak the same language because their actions spoke volumes about the amazing people that they are.

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

When we arrived at Anna’s family home we met her brothers, mom, and dad. They welcomed us warmly and we immediately felt at home with them. Her parents made us amazing dinners and took us on a ton of adventures near their home. In Germany I gained two grandparents, a mom, dad, 2 brothers, and 5 sisters. It was truly an amazing experience.

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

When I decided to study abroad I set a goal for myself to travel to as many countries as I could during my time abroad. I think the old me would have been disappointed with me deciding to spend my whole spring break in Germany. But the one thing I have realized most during this trip is that it’s not about what you are doing, it’s about who you are with. These girls have made my study abroad semester truly unforgettable and their friendship means the world to me.

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Going back to London after spending ten days in Germany was hard. I missed my family and the relaxed lifestyle that we experienced. But most of all, I missed my girls.

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

I miss spending every night with them because it was like an amazing ten day sleepover. I miss talking until 2 am and our “midnight walks.” I miss watching Mama Mia together while laughing, singing, and dancing. I miss eating massive amounts of chocolate and drinking tea all day. I miss the sea and watching the sunset at the beach. I miss that time because I know that I will never experience the same feelings again. I am thankful to have had this experience and to be able to share these memories with you.

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Studying abroad has been such a rewarding and life-changing experience. At times it’s been scary but every second of fear has been worth it. Following my dreams hasn’t been easy but I’m so glad that I did. I’m a much different person now than I was in January and I will go back to Michigan as a stronger and happier individual. I have finally figured out what it feels like to really live your life and I don’t think that I will be able to go back to my old life.

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Easter Break in Germany // Study Abroad London // Travel // www.lifeofhayley.com

Thanks for reading! My family is arriving soon so I probably won’t update much until I am back in the U.S. I have a ton more adventures that I would like to share with you though!

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London Bucket List!

London Bucket List // Study Abroad // www.lifeofhayley.com

Hey friends!

I am officially on spring break which means that I have the next 17 days off to travel and explore Europe with my friends! I am so excited!

With that said, I have been thinking a lot about the things that I still have to do before heading back to Michigan. There’s not enough time to get everything in London done which means that I will have to come back again! 😉

Here’s a few of the most important things that I want to do before I leave:

  • Portobello Market
  • Notting Hill
  • Windsor
  • Les Mis
  • Westfield Mall
  • Convent Garden
  • Natural History Museum
  • Victoria & Albert Museum
  • London Eye
  • Harrods’s
  • Oxford

Tomorrow I am leaving for Germany where I will be staying until April 8th! I probably will not be writing blog posts while I am away because I’m not sure if there will be Wi-Fi available! Follow my Instagram and Twitter to stay updated while I’m away! I am so excited to go explore Germany!!

Thanks for reading!! I will talk to you all in April 🙂

Stay Updated: Instagram // Twitter // Bloglovin’ // Pinterest

Spring Break: Arizona Part Two

Our first full day in Arizona was on a Sunday. My grandparents took us to this giant flea market to look around and shop. Dani found a lot of really cool things including, jewelry, beads, and dream catchers. I enjoyed walking around with my grandparents and just looking at all of the cool and very random items on display. You can find anything at flea markets and the best thing is most of the vendors are willing to negotiate prices with you!

Enjoying the mountain views on one of the many drives in Arizona.

Enjoying the mountain views on one of the many drives in Arizona.

My grandparent's spoiled us with about a million of these delicious peanut butter cups! If you haven't tried them yet you should go buy yourself a huge box right now!

My grandparent’s spoiled us with about a million of these delicious peanut butter cups! If you haven’t tried them yet you should go buy yourself a huge box right now!

 

The rest of the day was spent catching up and relaxing. My grandparents left right after Christmas for Arizona so we had a ton to talk about. They are huge supporters of mine and my sister’s education and really take in interest in what classes we are taking and what we are learning from them. I especially like talking to my grandpa about education because he is really smart and knows a lot of different information on a variety of subjects.

Relaxing with grandma

Relaxing with grandma

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We spent most of our time in Arizona going on “adventures”. My grandparents had looked forward to use coming and had a huge list of activities for us to do. It’s never a dull moment with my family!

One of my favorite days in Arizona was Tuesday morning when we got up bright and early to get pedicures. Tuesday was a girl’s day and even my Aunt Marilyn joined in on the fun. We had a relaxing time getting our nails done and they even lined all of us up in a row so we could talk! My grandma had so much fun and she met a ton of new people. My toes are now red with feathers on the big toe.

After pedicures, we went shopping at this beautiful outdoor mall. My grandma had been talking for a couple of months about taking us to this store called Charming Charlie’s. I had never even heard of it before but fell in love with it! Charming Charlie’s is basically a girl’s dream closet. It has jewelry, shoes, and clothes in every color of the rainbow! We spent a good hour in there looking at everything. I helped my grandma pick out the cutest outfit for spring complete with jewelry and a new purse!

That night we went to a restaurant called “Organ Stop Pizza” with the whole family. My grandparents live in the same community as my Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Gordon, Uncle Larry, and a few of their other close friends. Last time we were in Arizona we went to this place and I loved it so much so my grandparents made sure to take us back this time. We all split a giant pizza and sat back and watched two of the organ shows. At one point in time my grandma was singing along with the music which made me unbelievably happy. If you are ever in Arizona I recommend stopping at this place and watching the show!

Organ Stop Pizza! This man was incredible at playing the organ!

Organ Stop Pizza! This man was incredible at playing the organ!

There will be more later but for now I have to finish my economics and business technology homework. Thanks for reading!

Spring Break Arrival

Last week was spring break for my university. I spent my break in Arizona with my grandparents, mom, and younger sister. My dad is going on a fishing trip in May so he decided to stay behind. My grandparents are “snowbirds” they live in Michigan in May through December and in Arizona January to April. This is the second spring break that I have spent visiting them. The last one was when I was in the fifth grade so I don’t remember much of it.

Our adventure started on Friday night after my mom finished work. We drove from Kalamazoo to Chicago which took about three and a half hours. As usual, my sister and I annoyed my mom the whole way there. We arrived at our hotel, Crowne Plaza, and parked the car for the week. This hotel is only a mile from the airport and offers shuttle rides. The hotel room was very nice with two queen sized beds and a giant bathroom. Dani and I spent the rest of the night trying out a new face mask and then going to bed relatively early.

I am thinking about doing a review about this products on the blog.

I am thinking about doing a review about these products on the blog.

Our flight was at 2 pm on Saturday. There was supposed to be a snow storm in Chicago but luckily our flight left before the storm hit. The flight was really bumpy and scary. We had to stay buckled most of the flight and the flight attendants couldn’t leave their seats. They told us we may have to land early due to bad weather. The last hour of the flight was really nerve-racking but we made it to Phoenix!

Cloud view from the plane

Cloud view from the plane

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My grandparents picked us up from the airport and took us to dinner at Village Inn. The name of the restaurant made me think of some little place inside an Inn. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was a cute little chain restaurant. I had a really good BLT and the waitress gave my sister and me a free piece of pie to celebrate our arrival! We went to bed early that night and I was just so happy to be with my grandparents.

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I know most people my age wouldn’t want to spend their spring break in a retirement community but it was honestly one of the best spring breaks that I have ever been on. We made a “bucket list” of things that we wanted to do over break and my grandparents went above and beyond to make sure that we did everything on that list and so much more. I am so grateful that I got to spend my break with them and I am just thankful that I got blessed with such great grandparents.

More on my break to follow and thanks for reading! How was your spring break?