7 reasons why studying in Sydney will change your life

It is the city of the sun, surfboards and barbecues on the beach: Sydney, Australia. If you have not been there yet, it is likely that this coastal city is at the top of your list. 

While traveling for pleasure or for work are good choices, one of the best ways to experience the relaxed lifestyle of Sydney is to live and study there. Here are 7 reasons to study in Sydney will change your life:

1. Beach hours

Do you want to surf before or after school? Sydney is your place. Australians love surfing and spend a lot of time on the beach. Only in Sydney you have more than 100 beaches to choose from. Surf fans are close to the magnificent beaches of Bondi, Bronte and Coogee. Do you prefer a sunset walk? Go to the beach of Cronulla, with miles of sand to walk. The number one rule in Sydney is not to leave the house without a swimsuit or bikini. You never know, you can always arrange a barbecue on the beach from one moment to the next.

2. Did someone say coffee?

Australians love coffee. Well, maybe that's going to be short. Australians are OBSESSED for coffee. As a result, Sydney is full of cafés that fill the districts of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Newtown, Chippendale and Brickfields. For the inhabitants of Sydney, coffee is a way of life. And new cafeterias are opened every few days, so you'll surely find in your neighborhood one that you can go to study or hang out with your friends.

3. Take your dose of vitamin D

Sydney has one of the best climates in the world. With its mild winters and a time similar to the Mediterranean, the city has an average of 340 sunny days per year, which makes it the ideal destination for sun lovers. Do not forget the sunscreen!

4. Sydney loves diversity

You will not be the first person to fall in love with Sydney. When you walk through its streets, you will see and hear the influence of cultures from all over the world. The nationalities with more representation in Sydney are the Italian, the Chinese, the Irish, the Lebanese, the Greek, the Indian and the German. The city loves to celebrate this wealth of diversity with countless festivals and festivals, such as the Chinese New Year festival ( #CNYSYD ) and the Indian Spring Festival (Vasant Panchami).

5. Respectful with the LGBTQ community

Sydney not only accepts international diversity, she is also the proud representative of one of the largest gay populations in Australia. When you walk down Oxford Street, you will find yourself on a street dedicated entirely to the LGBTQ community. In addition, the annual Mardi Gras parade of gays and lesbians celebrates the rainbow symbol throughout the city.

6. Day trips

Are you worried that you might get bored of the beach? No problem. Rent a car and, in a few hours, you can walk through the Blue Mountains, Jervis Bay, Port Stephens or the Royal National Park. Also, if you like wine tasting, the Hunter Valley is full of world-famous vineyards where you can try wine and learn.

7. Christmas on the beach

Ok, let's be honest. It may seem a bit strange to celebrate Christmas in the middle of summer, especially if you are used to hot chocolate by the fireplace during this time of year. But the truth is that it is not so bad to celebrate Christmas in the sun with a cold drink in your hand and a barbecue on the beach. Australians know well how to celebrate Christmas and who knows? The experience may change your life.

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The 10 best places to travel in 2018

It's the beginning of 2018 and you already know what it means, "New year, new me!" But how about «New year, new places»? Yes, the growth and personal development is not only given in the gym or after a cleaning based on juices, also in travel. 

And although the world is full of incredible places to visit, here are the best places to travel in 2018:

1. Petra, Jordan

   
   

The Middle East is full of wonders, and Jordan is no exception. You can float without exerting yourself in the Dead Sea or make a getaway to the desert and visit the Wadi Rum, although Jordan is best known for its architectural masterpiece: Petra. Built on a rock wall, this UNESCO World Heritage site was carved in 312 AD and rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss traveler. If you like history and archeology, Petra should be at the top of your travel list for 2018.

2. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Off the Queensland coast of Australia are the more than 1400 miles (2253 kilometers) of the largest coral reef system on the planet. It is obvious that this should be on your list of must-sees. Known as the Blue Outback, this World Heritage Site has thousands of species of fish and mollusks, hundreds of species of birds, sharks, rays and dozens of species of dolphins, whales and porpoises. I feel overwhelmed writing this. Can you imagine what it would be like to see it in person? If you do not know how to dive, do not worry! The surface diving is enough to enjoy one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

3. Kauai, Hawaii, USA UU

Kauai takes the medal to the rainiest place on earth. And although the rain is not the best for curled hair, so many precipitations make it a tropical paradise. Think of walking routes through spectacular sites, indigo blue pools, beautiful bike rides and fascinating dives in colorful coral reef ecosystems. For me, and also for the Huffington Post , the best hiking trail in Hawaii is the Awaawapuhi Trail on Kauai. The route passes over huge cliffs on the Pacific Ocean, with one of the most impressive views that can be found.

4. Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

If you go to Victoria Falls, you will visit two countries for the price of one. Known as the "smoke that thunders", this magnificent fall of water separates Zambia from Zimbabwe and, although it is not the highest or widest cataract on the planet, the combination of the two dimensions makes it the largest in the world. Supposedly, the Zimbabwean side is prettier, but why not check it from both sides and decide for yourself? If you are hunting for emotions, go to the Victoria Falls Bridge, you can cross it in a zip line, bungee jumping from it or swing over the Zambezi River. You only live once, right?

5. Zhangye Danxia, ​​China

When you think of China , you usually think of the Great Wall and the giant pandas, but that is because you have not heard of the Rainbow Mountains. While weathering and erosion generally tend to be quite slow and boring issues, in this case they have created gorgeous strips of colors on the slopes of the Zhangye Danxia Mountains. And although it is not that you are going to find there with unicorns, seeing mountains of red, green and yellow colors is already quite impressive.

6. Yosemite National Park, California, USA UU

When people think of California, they always tend to think of sunny beaches bordered by palm trees and full of celebrities. I understand, the lifestyle of sunny California is fantastic, but I assure you, if you dare to look beyond that scenario and climb the Sierra Nevada mountain range, you will see a California you never imagined. One of those places is the Yosemite National Park. Bounded by granite rock skyscrapers, whispering waterfalls and endless forests, Yosemite is a mecca for rock climbers, hikers and campers. The North Face brand, which was founded in San Francisco, has based its logo on the famous outline of the Half Dome of Yosemite. With hundreds of hikes and climbs to choose from, the park not only has routes for all levels, it is also incredibly photogenic. Take a look at #yosemite on Instagram to get an idea of ​​the beauty of the park.

7. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

I admit that I am an enthusiast of nature and hiking, so I have to add another national park. But hey, it's 2018, right? Surely, one of your resolutions for the new year is to get fit, so here you are, you will thank me later. Anyway, you should know that, in the Magallanes region of Chilean Patagonia, you will find more sheep than people, emerald green valleys, vigorous rivers, crystalline lakes and a world of ice in the form of glaciers and icebergs; it is wonderful. It is also a hard, implacable land, and it is considered to be one of the most inhospitable places on the planet. That's why I recommend you schedule your visit for January or February. At any other time of the year the weather is probably too cold, wet, windy and, in general, miserable to make it fun.

8. Rome Italy

Although many people consider that Paris is the "City of Love", I prefer to think that it is Rome, because if the letters of the word Rome are read back, "Love" is read. Apart from that, can there be something more epic than being known as the Eternal City? It is not only one of the oldest cities in Europe, but it is also considered the cradle of Western civilization. There is so much history here! The Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain (one of my favorite places, the Plaza de España, the Colosseum, and the Vatican.) In just a few hours, you can see some of the most iconic architectural sites in the world and, after visiting the Vatican, you can go back home presuming to have been in the smallest country in the world, and all that without mentioning the delicious gelatos and carbohydrates that you will eat along the way.

9. Costa Rica

There is no better way to try to sleep than with a herd of howler monkeys to your window. But hey, sleeping is not the main reason to travel to Costa Rica, right? You can surf in the surf breaks of Tamarindo, point of reference for surfers, zip-line through the humid forests of Arenal and tour the dense jungles of Corcovado National Park; the action never ends in Costa Rica. With an incredible natural biodiversity, hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, surfing and beaches, Costa Rica is on the list of the 10 best places to visit in 2018 for many reasons, but most of all because of Costa Rica's national motto , «Pure life», a way of life that drives the Costa Rican people. It is used as a greeting and farewell, and refers to a lifestyle that values ​​people and things that really matter. With that in mind, surely a couple of weeks living in the Costa Rican style would do us all a lot of good.

10. Mauricio

As I write this, slush is falling outside, so it is likely that this will influence my desire to go to warm tropical places, but, in fact, it is not valued as it is due to Mauricio. Often overshadowed by the Seychelles and Maldives, the beauty of Mauritius is indescribable. With magnificent white sand beaches, fantastic places to surf and dive, and sunsets that will totally surprise you, Mauritius is a truly magical place. And African sunsets are famous for something. To the south, you will find great places to do kite surfing and hiking. Mauricio was also very influenced by the British, so do not get confused when you see yourself driving on the left. I mention this because I recommend renting a car to get away from the coast and go inland, where you can enjoy meals that are 25 times cheaper and 10 000 times more authentic and delicious. What more could you want?

Greetings to the new year and happy trips!

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9 reasons to travel to Malta | EF Blog

It is impossible not to fall in love with Malta. The sun shines all year, there are more beautiful beaches than you could wish for, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of options for sports and adventure. Here is a list of reasons to travel to Malta. This list will make you wonder why we do not all live in Malta. Really.

THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES

One of the reasons to travel to Malta more important: the good weather. This Mediterranean country enjoys a very long summer of eight months, so it is never a bad time to enjoy the rustic charm of these islands. From April to November, Malta enjoys temperatures above 30 ° C for much of the year. It is also one of the sunniest places in Europe, with more than 3000 hours of sunshine each year. Even in "winter" you can take a dip in its crystalline waters, or tan on any of its immaculate beaches.

THE BEACHES ARE BEAUTIFUL

Malta has beautiful beaches, too many to mention here. You can bathe in the San Pedro Pool, or have a party with your friends in the golden sands of Ghajn Tuffieha, on the islands of Malta you will find the perfect beach for you. The only problem is that once you have enjoyed the Golden Bay or the isolated inlet of Mgarr ix-Xini, it will be almost impossible for you to leave.

THE BLUE LAKE IS THERE

Malta is made up of three main islands. Enclosed between the two main islands, Malta and Gozo, lies the small island of Comino. The rugged island has a population of only four permanent residents, but it is a favorite spot for locals and tourists looking for pristine landscapes and hidden coves. No trip to Malta is complete without enjoying the blue and lush waters of Blue Lake cumin, one of Malta's many natural pools.

A FIRST NIGHTLIFE

Another one of the Maltese likes to enjoy the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle during the day, but do not make the mistake of thinking that Malta has a quiet nightlife. Not much less. Look beyond the old facades and you will discover that the Maltese know how to make parties with important international DJs, such as Tiesto, who makes passes on the island. One of the places brimming with nightlife is San Julián, an important tourist spot.

OLD HISTORY

The first signs of human life and culture on the island of Malta date back more than 7000 years, before the Egyptian pyramids and the Great Wall of China. It's no wonder that the charm of its streets makes the island look like a picturesque open-air museum. The walled city of Mdina is imbued with a rich and colorful history, dating back some 4000 years. The capital, Valletta, is so beautiful that the entire city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

THE PLACES ARE CHARMING

If you are staying with a Maltese family, you will not be a guest, you will be one of the family. The Maltese population is one of the most welcoming on the planet. They also love languages, English and Maltese are the official languages. A third of the population also speaks Italian.

AND THE FOOD IS THE BEST

Everyone knows that Mediterranean food is one of the tastiest there is. Maltese dishes are a fascinating mix of all the countries that have influenced Malta over the years. Maltese prides itself on its delicious cuisine, in which exquisite dishes based on fish predominate.

COMPACT

One of the advantages of visiting such a small island is that you are never too far from the next adventure. The stunning beaches, the vibrant nightlife and the quiet coves are always within reach and within walking distance. Malta may only be 27 km long and 14 km wide, but it holds a lot of wonders in such a small space.

AND FULL OF ADVENTURES

The cozy waters of Malta make it one of the best diving spots in Europe. Dive through the caves and reefs of Comino to experience the waters of the Mediterranean in its best turquoise blue. Malta is also a paradise for other water sports, such as windsurfing and water skiing. If you are able to get out of the water, you can also do horseback riding and epic mountain biking routes.

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10 movie spots in New York - EF Blog

Last month, I finally visited New York. It was a dream come true. And even though I wanted to see a few old friends, the main objective of my stay was to take a tour of film and television locations and get to know all the movie shooting locations in New York. 

Many of my favorite movies and series were shot in the Big Apple, and I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my favorite actors. Here you have a list of all the places I visited and some tips to make the most of the trip.

1. Skating Rink Wollman Rink, Home only 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Great ideas are born in creative environments, and what could be better than planning your ice-skating strategy? It worked for Marv and Harry. But for this occasion, it is better that you take your scarf.

Address: 830 5th Ave, Central Park, New York

Tip: Today, the entrance costs 40 dollars, and this place is usually full of people (especially at Christmas). If you want something similar to half the price, walk 20 minutes south until you reach the Bryant Park track.

2. Coffee and diamonds, Breakfast with diamonds(1961)

It's still the most elegant opening scene in Hollywood history, it's impossible to see Breakfast with diamonds without feeling a little envious. Upon entering the Tiffany store in New York, you will imagine what it must have been like to feel like Holly Golightly.

Address: Tiffany's, 727 5th Ave, New York

Tip: If you want Audrey's picture, pose like she did. The shooting of the scene was made on a very early Sunday morning. Do not forget the coffee and the Danish cake!

3. Nightly Conversations, Manhattan (1979)

«This is a great city. I do not care what others think. It's so extraordinary ... " This scene is one of the favorites of everyone and takes place after a long and witty conversation, when the character played by Diane Keaton asks Woody Allen if he wants to take a walk on the river. It ends with the famous scene under the bridge.

Address: Sutton Place Park, near the Queensboro Bridge, New York

Tip: The bridge scene was shot around 4 or 5 in the morning. If you do not want to freeze, leave your nighttime conversation for the summer.

4. Pastrami sandwich, When Harry found Sally(1989)

"I'll take the same as her." Who can forget the famous interpretation of Meg Ryan with the pastrami sandwich in the Katz? I am vegetarian, so I would skip the sandwich, but for those who eat meat, it is a must in the visit to this location of the film.

Address: Katz's Delicatessen, 205 E Houston Street, New York.

Tip: The table on which they sat is distinguished by a sign that says " Where Harry met Sally ... Hope you're having what she had! Enjoy»(Where Harry met Sally ... We hope you'll take the same as her!

5. Hot chocolate ice cream, Serendipity (2001)

Two strangers meet fortuitously at Bloomingdale's and then go together to drink hot chocolate ice cream. If you want to see the table on which the actors sat, ask for the «Star table».

Address: Serendipity 3, 225 E 60th Street, New York

Tip: The place opens at eleven o'clock in the morning, although if you want to avoid the queues and get the best possible picture of the place, it is better that you go something before.

6. The only one, FRIENDS (1994 - 2004)

The best. Situation comedy OF THE HISTORY. Although it was filmed in a studio, the exterior of the building where Monica and company lived was a shot of a real building. It is worth visiting if you grew up with the series!

Address: 90 Bedford Street, New York.

Tip: The best photograph of the building can be taken from the opposite side of Grove Street, next to the lamp post.

7. Bane against Batman, The dark knight: The legend is reborn (2012)

I love this movie, mainly because Bane is a magnificent villain. Of all the melee battles between him and Batman, my favorite is the one that takes place on Wall Street, with his gang and Gotham police.

Address: Wall Street and William Street, Manhattan, New York.

Tip: However, the building with large columns in which Batman and Bane fight is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The scene was filmed at the entrance of the Mellon Institute (Gotham City Council).

8. The floor of Kathleen Kelly, You have an e-mail(1999)

I've always been a big fan of the role of Meg Ryan as Kathleen Kelly, maybe because having a library seems like a good plan, and maybe also because Meg Ryan loves it. Either way, the exterior of Kathleen's flat is a must see.

Address: 328 West 89th Street and Riverside Drive, New York.

Tip: If you also want to know Joe's flat, do not be fooled by the movie. The building is at 210 Riverside Drive.

9. The stairs of the Met, Gossip Girl (2007 - 2012)

«Seen on the stairs of the 'Met', a struggle for power between S. and B.». Going to New York and not visiting the Gossip Girl locations is simply unforgivable. To begin your redemption, there is no better place than the emblematic stairs of the Met (Metropolitan Museum). Be careful not to sit on any step that is above Blair and his subjects, that could end your social life.

XOXO, Gossip Girl

Address: Metropolitan Museum, 1000 5th Ave and 82nd Street, New York.

Tip: Buy a coffee at Dean & Deluca at 85th & Madison to feel like the real queen B.

10. The big stage

Whoever you are -fan of the Godfather ; a Carrie, a Samantha, a Charlotte, or a Miranda; Woody Allen enthusiast; admirer of Audrey Hepburn; Wall Street geek-, New York is the perfect place to see the backdrop of your favorite scenes.

Tip: If there is something that can be learned from Begin Again (2013), it is the power that music has to transform New York. Make sure your playlist is ready before you pack your bags.

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8 Reasons to travel to Cape Town in Winter

While here the days are shorter and the sun is lower in the sky, in Cape Town the days are long, the sun is shining and the summer has only just begun. Here are 8 reasons to travel to Cape Town in winter.

1. Endless summer

In Cape Town you will have the summer weather that you miss so much. If you could not enjoy a warm summer at home, do not risk it happening again. If you visit Cape Town in December, January or February, you will have virtually guaranteed your dose of vitamin D.

2. It is a time of braai

This South African tradition consists of grilled meat, cold drinks and a beautiful sunset. Similar to the word " barbecue ", " braii " is a noun and a verb. For example, you can make a " braii " on the beach and, since you're there, you can " braai " a chop.

And although English is a widespread language in South Africa , the country currently recognizes 10 other official languages: Afrikaans, Ndebele, Sesoto, Sesoto Sa Leboa, Suazi, Tsonga, Setsuana, Banda, Xosa and Zulu. The only common word among all these languages ​​is " braai ".

3. Mediterranean climate throughout the year

When the northern hemisphere is under the dark, stormy skies of winter, Cape Town is in its summer heyday. But not only good weather during the summer. Thanks to the moderate Mediterranean climate of Cape Town, temperatures range between 23 degrees Celsius in February and 13 degrees in June, July and August, making Cape Town an attractive place for travelers throughout the year.

4. Learn to surf

One of the best reasons to travel to Cape Town in winter; Surfer culture Whether you're starting out on a long board or practicing with a short board, the spectacular capes, caves and beaches of Cape Town are perfect for surfers of any level.

5. Penguins

If that is. Penguins in summer. On the beach. Go to Boulder Beach to sunbathe and take a few pictures worthy of Instagram with the only penguin species on the African continent.

6. Outdoor markets

In case you did not know and as another reason to travel to Cape Town in winter, South Africa has become a gastronomic focus, and Cape Town is at the center of it all. The artisanal markets of Cape Town - with the freshest aromatic herbs, vegetables, meats and seafood from across the African continent - are places where you go to inspire and eat.

If you like to get up early, do not forget to visit the Neighborhoods Market, the Oranjezicht City Market or the Earth Fair Food Market. Do you want to eat well to start the night? Go to the Hout Bay Market.

7. Visit the Bo-Kaap neighborhood

Cape Town is not just a culturally dynamic city, it also has the most colorful neighborhood in all of Africa: Bo-Kaap. With houses painted in bright pastel colors, this colorful neighborhood is the best place to lift your spirits and take some pictures.

8. Rugby season

Rugby is the favorite sport of many South Africans. Buy a ticket to see a match of the Stormers of Cape Town and meet a stadium with a public capable of leaving in evidence the hooligans of English football.

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