So, for those of you who know me, you know I was just on a European cruise around the Mediterranean. For those of you who don't know, I took a two-week vacation visiting some of the most beautiful and stunning areas in the world. After gaining this amazing experience, I wanted to be able to share it with others and even possibly help give tips to those who may be lucky enough to go on this beautiful extravaganza. Here is a review of the first half of my cruise:

1. Barcelona, Spain

While we started off the trip getting on the boat in Barcelona, Spain, we did not have the chance to actually go into town, so basically all I can tell you is that the port was pretty and that the views from my cabin balcony looked beautiful. However, that is about as in-depth as I can go on that.

2. Provence, France

Our first "true" stop was Provence, which is pronounced like "pro-vah-nce" not "prov-ince" (which I made the mistake of saying). Considering that this was my first time at a place outside of the United States, I was in awe as we stepped off our tour bus to walk around downtown Provence. The town was strangely modern, even housing a giant Apple store in the core area. However, the classicality of the buildings and churches in this town really gave it a typical European feel. This area had a lot of art in the background, including many statues, large art pieces, and beautiful fountains. While the French weren't jumping at the chance to talk to us Americans, their accents had me drooling. Tis town is one where you can sit back in a cafe with a cup of coffee sketching pieces on your sketch pad.

3. Monte Carlo, Monaco

Well, pulling into Monte Carlo I was sitting on my balcony just enjoying the warm weather and beautiful water, but as soon as I saw this amazing city coming into view I was almost instantly speechless. First of all, the whole city is on mountains and these large buildings all align the water. But I could barely even take in the scenery with all the absolutely breathtaking – and I mean breathtaking – yachts docked in the bay. These yachts, I kid you not, were the size of my whole house. I did not even realize that personal, private boats could be that size. This town was probably the richest area I will ever go to in my life. The common cars on the street ranged from Rolls Royces to Lambos to cars that I don't even know the names of because they were so expensive. The town was seriously just all-around royal. The buildings all looked like they could house princes and princesses (including the amazing castle that actually did hold the prince and princess of Monte Carlo) and even the smaller, less important buildings were beautifully crafted. If I ever have enough money to even spend a week in Monte Carlo, I will probably be the happiest person on earth.

4. Florence, Italy

Florence is a little town that captures both history and beauty. This town was known for famous statues like The Statue of David, and has one of the largest churches in the world, even holding the bodies of many famous French people. This town was less glamorous, but the tradition of the churches, art, and buildings really drew me into this area. I had my first true Italian pizza in Florence, and I have to say it was very delicious. Being in Italy was also extremely refreshing because the people liked tourists way more than the French and Monacans. The people in Italy are so friendly and approachable, which made it a more comfortable experience. Florence held so much history and religious impact that it gave the whole town a certain aura, and I really enjoyed that about Florence. Another positive aspect was that it was never extremely crowded. The stores open when they please and people sleep in. At 10 am it was almost a ghost town – which I think is very unique. Not to mention that sleeping in and starting work whenever you want sounds like a perfect life for me!

5. Rome, Italy

Well, let me start off by saying that I have a somewhat clouded judgement of Rome because we had a nine-hour tour in 101 degree heat and within the first hour I had sweat out so much of my body's water that I could barely enjoy the city. With that being said, Rome was one of the most historical places I will probably be in my life. With such iconic areas as the Coliseum, Saint Peter's Square, the Sixteenth Chapel, the Trevi fountain, and so much more, this place is incredible. You really need like two full weeks to get everything in, but a nine-hour tour was the best we could do. Again, the people were incredibly friendly and the food was amazing. The buildings we saw were beautiful and held such historical meaning that it was hard to even imagine what life was like back then. Rome showed a lot of culture and religion, and it was a place that I feel would satisfy everyone's wants. Beauty, tradition, culture, religion, and great food – what else could you ask for?

These are the first five stops on my trip, and I hope you enjoyed reading about them as much as I enjoyed reliving them! Stay tuned for Part 2!