La Tomatina

It's just occurred to me that I may be able to take part in the world famous La Tomatina! For those of you who aren't aware, La Tomatina can only be summed up as the world's BIGGEST FOOD FIGHT. 

Now, I can imagine most of your are thinking this is going to be one of those crazy old traditions that has maybe 80-100 people and just a small table of food...WRONG.

Once in a year, in the town of Bunol, in the region of Valencia, (The University I will be studying at during the summer) tens of thousands of people descend on the small town of Bunol. Although this town only has a population of 9000, it is no surprise to see between at least 20 000 - 50 000  turn up to take part in this phenomenon.

In short, each year, on the last Wednesday of August,  tens of thousands of people gather in the streets to throw TONS of over-ripe tomatoes at each other for exactly an hour. It has been estimated that around 150 000 tomatoes, or 90 000 pounds of the food are thrown in this hour. 

The festival is a week long and consists of dancing, street parties, fire works and on the night before the fight itself, a paella cooking competition. 

Perhaps the strangest and yet most interesting fact about this famous event, is that no one is quite sure as to how it officially started. Of course there are rumours that it was simply witnessing a group of children having a food fight in the street, no one is quite sure of the official reason.

I am SO excited to think I may be able to actually participate in this! Pictures below!

Read more...

Two VITAL cards to take

So, pretty sure I'm leaving for Strasbourg either Sunday or Monday! Excitement is kicking in.

Here's another key tip for you travellers:

Travel Ex Cards:

I mentioned these in my 'What to pack' guide. For those of you who have been abroad before I wanted to withdraw money from an ATM using your debit or credit card, you'll notice when you return home there's a nasty fee for using your card abroad. Now, most banks will promise you it's only a minimal charge in comparison to the conversion rate and all this rubbish but the truth is, if you use your card abroad, you're most likely going to be charged for it. Now, I'm going to be using my card for a year, and I don't fancy returning home to £300 of just charges.

This is where Travel Ex comes in. Basically, a Travel Ex card is a card that can be bought for however much money you would like on that account. For example, I purchased a Travel Ex card for £100.60 with £100 (155 euros worth) on it. It can be used at anyone ATM displaying the Mastercard logo and I will not be charged to withdraw my own money! As I created account with cashpassport (the site you use to sign up for the card) I can transfer funds between my regular bank and my Travel ex card whenever I want. So glad my friends informed me of this and I would STRONGLY URGE any travellers out there for an extended period of time to invest in one of these!

Can sign up here:

http://www.cashpassport.com/


Card number 2:

E111 Card.

Now, hopefully I will never have to use this card. Basically it's a European health insurance card that will mean if I do fall ill, I will be able to save a large percentage of the fees. For those of you who have fallen ill abroad before and had to purchase medicine, you'll know exactly how I feel when I detest paying such large fees for anti biotics etc. Although this card doesn't entitle free health care, it WILL cut down your medical fees buy a substantial amount.

Applying for one of these cards is easy enough. You can either pick up a E111 form from your local post office  or you can apply online here:

https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do

NOTE: This card is only available to UK residents
NOTE: This card is completely free, but some places will try and charge you. DO NOT LET THEM CHARGE YOU 
Read more...

Tips on what to pack when studying abroad

Another post for all you travellers out there with some information on key items to take when travelling. This is going to be primarily based on first hand experience (even 5 days at Reading Festival was a huge lesson on the DO's and DONT's for what to pack!)

So I hope you guys find this useful, and even if you don't, it'll be a good reminder to myself for when I leave in the next fortnight!

Right let's crack on, and remember this is personal opinion! So if you disagree or feel I've missed something, let me know!

Documentation:

Passport and a several photocopies of said passport

Several passport sized photos (These can come in really handy)

Proof of insurance

Acceptance letter or proof of study from university (whether it's the abroad university or your home university)

Cards and licenses:

Debit card

Driving or provisional license

TRAVELEX CARD (This is so important and I'll provide a post about it soon)

Clothing:

Now, this is far more easier for boys than girls!

One pair of COMFORTABLE shoes. I can't stress this enough. Unfortunately shoes take up a lot of space in the bag so it's likely you're only going to have room for just the one pair. You're going to be doing A LOT of walking whilst abroad and I strongly recommend you choose comfortability over style. Although you don't want to look like a tramp for your travels, you're going to be on your feet the majority of the time, and being comfortable is always a bonus over fashion.

For clothing, make sure you research the weather for where you're staying. I.E Don't pack tight tee shirts if it's going to be 30 degrees Celsius! Only take the essentials. I suggest you chose darker clothes as dirt and marks don't show up as well compared to white or lighter clothing. Although you don't want to look scruffy for a year, don't take any clothing that you don't mind loosing or getting damaged.

Toiletries:

Again, this is a much easier decision for guys. I would only recommend taking a toothbrush here. Although foreign  stores may not sell your favourite brands, they will still stock types of deodorants and toothpaste etc, so I recommend buying most toiletries whilst out there.

Girls, the same is probably true for your make up. Remembering, your spending your time travelling and chances are, you're not going to look your greatest. That said, most stores will sell make up, but you may have to fork out a bit more cash if you're looking for your high market brands.

Misc:

A small torch

Plug converters

Small notepad and pen

Money Clips

Maps

Extra SD cards for your camera!

A large ruck sack (This saves taking your suitcase everywhere, allowing you to carry your essentials whilst leaving  clothes etc wherever you're staying)

Read more...