Instead of hitting the beaches for spring break, I traveled to Hungary for a week. It was probably the coolest thing I've ever gotten to do. Luckily, we knew some people who had traveled to the United States last summer to study so we had a place to stay and great tour guides.
Hungary is not the first place I would have thought to vacation to but I couldn't pass up the opportunity. We spent the first couple of days in Budapest, the capital, then traveled by train to Szeged, which is a big university town. While in Szeged we visited, among other places, a huge cathedral and the Szeged Plaza. It was amazing to see a place filled with so much history. In Budapest we visited their "Statue of Liberty" and the castle the city was originally built around. The cities were especially beautiful at night, as you can see in the picture. The architecture is nothing like 
the buildings we see here. I could go on and on about the experience but I'll stop here.
Unfortunately, the friend I was traveling with got pretty sick halfway through the trip so we spent more time inside than we would've liked. But in the short time I was there I met some amazing people who really seem to be proud of where they are from. I know there is much more that I was not able to see so hopefully I can make my way back there sometime in the not too distance future.
Sticking with the local venue theme, I'll talk about the Inner Harbor in Baltimore Maryland.
The Harbor is only about 45 minutes away from my home so it's some place I like to visit often. There are many attractions there such as the Science Center, the U.S.S Constellation, a shopping center, the Baltimore Aquarium and cruises on the Spirit of Baltimore. Not to mention, you're not far from Camden Yards, home of the Orioles and M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens.
If you're looking for some place to visit, keep the Harbor in mind. I know it might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoy it. Spend the day by the water, visit a museum or do some shopping. And while you're there, grab some dinner at one of the restaurants on the water. Unfortunately, I don't have any of my pictures to post, my computer recently stopped working and I haven't found a way to get my pictures off of it yet.
I decided that since all of the places I've been writing about have been pretty far away and would cost a good chunk of change to get there, I'll do some more local (to me) locations that are more affordable too.
I've lived in Maryland my whole life and always wanted to live on the water. This is probably because we have a boat we take out almost every weekend during the spring and summer and into the fall. Solomons Island is one of the places we have traveled, and it was quite different than the busy city life.
While there you can jetski, kayak or try to catch some fish. You can also charter a boat for big fishing on the Chesapeake or a sailboat for a more relaxing day. Whatever you decide to do on the water, you should try to visit the shops and grab a bite to eat.
Solomons Island is open all year. Visitors can make a day trip out of it or stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast. The island is quaint and full of relaxing charm.
You don't have to leave the United States to go somewhere beautiful.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is one of the most stunning places I've ever seen. Walking through the canyon and huge rock towers made me feel about an inch tall. The are vibrant and contrast beautifully against the bright blue sky.
The park is historically rich as well. There is evidence of activity as long as 12,000 years ago. Later the Ansazi inhabited Zion, taking advantage of its geology to grow crops. Several hundred years later, they moved southeast probably because of overuse of the land. In the 1860s Mormon settlers arrived and also struggled to survive. Life in Zion is not easy due to flash floods and extreme temperatures.
While out west I visited the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and many other places, but I have to say, Zion National Park was my favorite. It seemed so surreal. The rock towers are enormous but it had such a peaceful feeling as well. Definitely add Zion to your list of places to explore!
Greece, located in Southern Europe, gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829 and later continued to expand to neighboring islands. Later in World War II, the country was invaded by Italy, then Germany. Some time after the war ended, Greece joined NATO in 1952. It was not until 1974 that a parliamentary republic was established.
Because of its location, its landscape is dramatic and dynamic throughout. While visiting Greece, you could explore its beaches, caves and natural monuments. Greece offers not only beautiful weather and landscape, but also some fantastic architecture and archeological sites. Some of these include The Temple of the Epicurean Apollo and the medieval city of Rhodes.
However, visitors must be aware that, in an attempt to keep Greece beautiful and in tact, they must observe all rules pertaining to the protection of natural habitats, ecosystems and pollution.
A few years ago I went on cruise during which we stopped in the small country of Belize. It only recently gained its independence in 1981 because of territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala; however, Guatemala refused to recognize its independence until 1992. Not surprisingly, tourism is the main source of economic gain for this beautiful and historically rich country.
When we arrived in port we boarded a charter boat which took us to land to wait for a boat to take us up the Belize river. After we boarded the small boat, no larger then 6 feet wide we began our excursion. The trees on either side of the river were teaming with howler monkeys and iguanas. The bridge supports were covered in hundreds of little bats while the banks of the river were spotted with large, curious crocodiles. After we exited the boat we took a bus to see some magnificent ruins of an old Mayan city which were quite breath taking.
Although I only spent a few hours in this country I know it is a place I would like to visit again. I don't know how many people know where Belize is located or even that it exists, but if you're into history, don't mind warm, humid weather and the company of crocodiles Belize may be a place you'd like to visit!
Instead of hitting the beaches for spring break, I traveled to Hungary for a week. It was probably the coolest thing I've ever gotten to do. Luckily, we knew some people who had traveled to the United States last summer to study so we had a place to stay and great tour guides.
the buildings we see here. I could go on and on about the experience but I'll stop here. 
