Hi my little tariffs,
Apologies for the two-week hiatus. Shockingly, I have school and midterms—eye roll. Just kidding! It was 72 degrees and sunny in Paris. No work was done. But I wasn’t kidding about the midterms. Anywhoseldorf, welcome to the fourth edition of Abreast on Abroad: “Travel Diary Dump: Part Un.”
As I’ve mentioned in previous columns, traveling around Europe is not only doable time-wise, but also financially accessible. This means I’ve been kissing my sweet Paris goodbye most weekends and hopping aboard EasyJet chariots to explore more of this godforsaken world.
Below, I’m going city by city, breaking down the highlights and the hell-nos. My rating system is completely vibes-based: 10 means I’m marrying the city, below a 5 means not worth my time, nor your own.
Lion (Lyon): 6.95/10
Lyon is a charming little town just 1.5 hours from Paris. Some people choose to study abroad there, and while I’d never be one of them, it’s walkable and lovely and makes for a solid day trip. The thing about Lyon is that it’s neither overrated nor underrated, it’s just “rated.” However, I would still highly recommend going if you’re spending an extended time in Paris, if only for the Basilica de Notre-Dame and the Ferris Wheel. There is nothing more titillating than a Ferris wheel, and I stand by that.
Edin-“bruv”: 9.32/10
I know what you’re thinking: Scotland is basically England with a twist. Wrong! In fact, if you even mention the Brits, any Scot rambles about the “eegits,” or “idiots.” Charmed. However, if you thought Scotland was just like Disney’s 2012 film, “Brave,” you are absolutely correct. In the city, the kilts (#FeastYurEyes) are traded for skinny jeans (a staple of Europe, with or without Brexit), but everyone sounds like they’re friends with Merida. Overall, I loved the trip as there is nothing this girl loves more than a wry Scot.
St Andrew’s Scotland: 10/10
Shawarma House. That’s the review. (To my tiny colony of St. Andrews readers: ily.)
Moutardia (Dijon, France): 5.87/10
If you know me, you know I’m a whore for a good condiment. Dijon’s gorgeous, grainy, hand-churned mustard, or moutarde? No exception. Did I hop on a train for over an hour just to sample an assortment of moutards? Obviously. Other than that…not much to do. Unless you interface with the local Amorino, which follows me everywhere I go.
Amster-damn: 8.41/10
I LOVE AMSTA. Red lights? Give ‘em to me. Canals? Let me fall in. Bikes? Eh, I could do without. I went to Amsterdam for the first time with my family and did a variety of “touristy” activities, so I made sure this trip was more of a locals tour. I went to some incredible restaurants, one of which had not one, but two vinyl DJs. After a good meal, I loved stumbling into beautiful exhibitions and stores. On the last day, I obviously hit the Rijksmuseum (yes, pronounced like Rikers Island), and waved to my fav “Rembies” (Rembrandt paintings). However, this trip couldn’t reach a high-nine rating solely because of my lodging situation, which I discussed in my recent “ScareBnb” article.
Chan-tea (Chantilly, France): 9.09/10
Surprisingly, this ranks as one of my favorite day trips. Of course, the Chateaux de Chantilly was closed the day I went (everything everywhere is closed on Tuesdays, FYI), but I still had so much fun strolling the small city, walking through the forest, and seeing the race track. Most importantly, however, was a Chantilly crème (whipped cream) “cooking class,” although we didn’t technically cook anything. I always see Chantilly cream advertised, and while I thought it was a justification for price inflation, boy was I wrong—it was worth every €5 bite.
Copenis (Copenhagen, Denmark) 8.85/10
I loveeeee Scandinavia. The people, clothes, food, and atmosphere are all gorgeous. But if there is one SINGLE thing to complain about, it’s the weather. While it’s possibly on me and my boyfriend for poor planning, considering the conditions we had to endure in brisk February, I would not recommend a trip during the late-fall or winter. You’ll spend the whole trip racing from shop to shop to avoid the cold, and I once heard running was only for children and thieves. Oh—special shoutout to any local saunas and cold plunges—MUST do.
Os-loh my god (Oslo, Norway): 3.21/10
Ozzy, baby…you don’t deserve this review. I know that, you know that, the people know that. Disclaiming my bias: I found out my apartment in Paris was robbed while in Oslo. Another treat was that it was torrential downpouring and frigid while I was there. I can’t say a nice thing about the city, except that Babbo Collective has the most insane scrambled eggs I’ve EVER had. Overall, this one’s on me, and I need a do-over.
Mah-rihd (Madrid): 7.37/10
Just like in Oslo, the weather gods were NOT on my side. God was weeping when I landed in “Ethpana,” as they say. All in all, I loved Madrid for the culture, food, and, dare I say, the 11 p.m. meal times. I always complain about not eating dinner early, stating “We’re not in Barthelona,” but this time, we kinda were. I must return, and hopefully soon.
Londontown: 9.61/10
Classic. Sophisticated. Innit. You cannot go wrong with a London trip, especially when the Tube is so glamorous. Under three hours from Paris, the trip was easy, and I was with my best friends who visited during Harvard’s spring break. We ate Indian food (my fav cuisine), walked through Kensington Gardens, and yapped our asses off. Even though I technically speak English everywhere but Italy and France (generous of me, but #selflove), there’s something so freeing about not trying to communicate. That is, of course, until I am doing my heinously inappropriate British accent. London is a food paradise, and there’s nothing like eating my way through a city. I will go back to London time and TIME again.
Side note: I am convinced I had a full Alfie-Solomons from Peaky-Blinders cockney accent in a past life (deep cut reference—if you know, you know #JewishMob).
Lisboa: 10.93/10
Pull up a chez because this might just be my favorite trip abroad. First off, my seasonal depression was peaking pre-trip, so I greeted Lisboa’s 75-degree heat and UV 7 with open-fucking-arms. I don’t know what I did to earn Mami Natura’s favor, but I had a full sunburn when I returned to Paris. #WearProtection. There is truly no high like when your peers comment on your tan on Monday morning. Beyond the weather, the city was so beautiful, from the creative local brands to the mind-blowing food. ‘Boa should have been considered a top foodie destination yesterday. Speaking of magic, my last day in Lisbon, I met an “energy healer” with a speciality in magic water who—get this—lives ON my block in New York. What. Are. The. Fucking. Chances. Lisbon, I have absolutely no notes, and I am dying to get back to Portugal as soon as possible.
After eleven-plus cities, my European Google Maps has syphilis with all the little “favorite” dots, so be sure to reach out to me for recommendations #NoGateKeepersHere.
I hoped you enjoyed my highly biased reviews of these wildly famous and populated cities. I am sure it will drastically alter your travel plans for the future.
Please look out for my next articles about serendipitous abroad moments (Harry Styles featured) and my sobering spring break adventures.
Ciao,
Sadié
Sadie Kargman ’26 (sadiekargman@college.harvard.edu) is currently starring as your favorite Shitstain in Paris.