To help everyone at Tea “go there,” we make a yearly contribution to each employee for international travel and exploration. Upon their return, our Tea travelers write blog posts to share their adventures with all of us (and the world).
Priscilla, a customer account manager and blogger, recently returned from a whirlwind trip to London, Paris, and Prague.
Tips from a first time European traveler:
1) Be able to carry your luggage without assistance
2) Bring the best walking shoes you have
3) Eat everything over there! Stuff your face because you will definitely walk off all those calories.
After you’ve got those down, here are the highlights of my trip and things that I think you should see and do.
London: If you’re in London, you must have tea at Fortnum& Mason. This was a definite highlight of my trip. Their duo of scones served with Somerset clotted cream and strawberry preserve is mouth-wateringly delicious. My picture does not do it justice. Fortnum&Mason has been around since the 1700s and their carousel theme runs throughout the entire store. After a duo of scones and a Jubilee blend pot of tea, stroll over to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guards. Rumor has it that the guards do not leave their post until they are relieved from their duties.
Paris: If you find yourself in Paris, purchase a Paris Museum Pass and have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower at night. We grabbed quiche and sandwiches from Rue Cler, a bustling street lined with markets and cafes that locals frequent which is just a stone’s throw away from the Eiffel Tower. We lugged our delicious treats and situated ourselves with a picturesque view of the tower as the sun set. The Eiffel Tower lights up every hour on the hour once it gets dark. Sit back and watch it twinkle and shine in the Parisian sky. The best part about this is that there are no lines, tickets, or security guards.
Prague: If you are in Prague in the fall, bring a warm jacket and hike Petrin Hill. Since I am a born and bred San Franciscan, I haven’t really experienced different seasons and the leaves changing. On two separate occasions, we hiked up Petrin Hill once to visit Strahov Monastery/ Brewery and the second time to visit the Hunger Wall. This was a tiring ascent to the top but the views here were breathtaking. I loved the juxtaposition of amber colored leaves to the colorful buildings that decorate Prague’s skyline. Make sure to enjoy their dezerty there (no really, that’s how they spell it).
