Jess in Transit Blog Posts
What I Ate on My First Trip to Germany
During the German leg of my trip, I was lucky enough to stop in several cities, including Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Cologne, where I experienced the culture, met people, and, of course, tried the food. I left knowing I’d only skimmed the surface of German cuisine, but I tasted enough to know that Germany has some truly incredible food.
What I Ate in Iceland – and Why It Wasn’t Whale, Shark, or Puffin
When I told people I was going to Iceland, they assumed I’d be trying shark, chowing down whale, and dining out on puffin because people tend to believe that these are staple foods in Iceland. However, I decided I would not be partaking in any of these meats. This is not a rebuke of Icelandic culture but rather reflects my newfound understanding that these foods are not staples of the modern Icelandic diet. Luckily, there were plenty of other foods to enjoy!
Visiting Goethe in Germany: Harz Mountains and Frankfurt
When trying to decide the classic book to read for my trip to Germany, I was spoiled for choice. German literature is vast and as complicated as the history of Germany itself, shaped over centuries by shifting borders, empires, and ideas of national identity. I ultimately chose to read Goethe’s Faust, which shaped my itinerary.
Dancing to Songs I Couldn’t Understand in Hamburg, Germany
I had no plan for Hamburg, my first stop in Germany. I had just heard that it was a bustling port town, one worth visiting for a few days. I arrived, ready to explore, knowing nothing other than where I was staying and the number of nights I’d be there.
Visiting Hans Christian Andersen in Denmark
Before coming to Denmark, I read Hans Christian Andersen’s complete fairy tales, and I became interested in him as a writer and wanted to learn more about him, discover what shaped him, see where he worked. As I began my planning, I learned in some cases I could, literally, walk in his footsteps. After researching, I found out the two places I had to go were Copenhagen and Odense.
Do You Need a Rental Car in Iceland? Here’s What My Trip Was Like Without One
When I first started planning my trip to Iceland, all the advice was to rent a car. I chose to not go down that route, electing to use public transport and go on tours instead. Read on to find out how that experience went, both the highs and the lows.
Backpacking for Five Months in Europe: Everything I’m Bringing
All the bags and supplies I’m taking with me on my first international backpacking trip.