Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Category: Travel & Adventure

  • ✈️ From Iowa to Sweden: My First Days in Stockholm

    ✈️ From Iowa to Sweden: My First Days in Stockholm

    Traveling to Sweden was such an incredible adventure! I left from my hometown airport in Des Moines, Iowa, and made my way all the way to Stockholm and Oskarshamn. This trip was part of a study abroad program with classmates from KTH and Stockholm University — and it was everything I hoped it would be (and more).

    🗓️ Day One: Wheels Up!

    Departure: Des Moines Airport ✈️

    Packed, nervous, and beyond excited, I was finally heading to Sweden! It didn’t really hit me until I was in the air that I was going to be spending the next few weeks living, studying, and exploring abroad.

    🗓️ Day Two: Hello, Stockholm!

    Arrival: Arlanda Airport 🇸🇪
    Check-In: Zinkensdamm Hostel
    1:00 PM – City Tour: Gamla Stan (Old Town)
    6:00 PM – Dinner at a local Irish pub 🍽️

    Once we landed at Arlanda, we hopped on a bus that took us straight to our hostel — and let me tell you, I highly recommend Zinkensdamm Hostel. The breakfast spread was amazing (I still think about those fresh pastries), and the restaurant on-site was great too. It’s also super close to public transportation, which makes exploring Stockholm so easy.

    Now, fair warning — the rooms are definitely on the smaller side. It’s cozy, but you’ll want to pack smart! Oh, and double-check your adapters before you leave. I brought an older one and couldn’t charge my laptop at first (rookie mistake 🙃).

    That evening, our group wandered down the street to a nearby Irish pub for dinner, and I tried the lamb. It was delicious — the perfect cozy meal after a long day of travel.

    🚆 Getting Around Stockholm

    Using public transit in Stockholm is surprisingly easy! The trains are clean, efficient, and simple to navigate. That said, if you’ve got a lot of luggage, I recommend grabbing a taxi or booking a driver service for your first day.

    Since I was there for three weeks, I picked up a train pass — totally worth it. It made it so easy to hop on and off the metro whenever I wanted to explore.

    Sweden instantly felt like a second home — calm, beautiful, and full of charm. This was just the start of an unforgettable trip!✨

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    Buy me a coffee!
  • A Hidden Gem: Exploring Tallinn, Estonia

    A Hidden Gem: Exploring Tallinn, Estonia

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    While studying abroad in Sweden, a group of us decided to hop on a two-day cruise to Tallinn, Estonia — and wow, what a hidden gem! Tallinn felt like stepping straight into a storybook, with its medieval towers, cobblestone streets, and dreamy sea views.

    We took the Baltic Queen (Tallink) cruise ship, which was clean, surprisingly spacious, and served the best mixed drinks. (Seriously, I’m still thinking about that mojito.) Plus, bonus points — they have accessible-friendly rooms, which is always great to see.

    Once we arrived in Estonia, we had a guided tour planned… but about 15 minutes in, we collectively decided, “Nah, let’s do our own thing.” 😂 Best decision ever. We found a cozy café for lunch and wandered through the old streets at our own pace.

    One of my favorite discoveries was a local bookstore filled with international editions of Harry Potter. I love collecting the series in different languages — though my wallet did not approve at the time! I ended up skipping the Estonian version, but I did grab a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Swedish. The cover? Absolutely gorgeous.

    Later that day, a friend and I split off from the group to explore some of Tallinn’s hidden corners — old walls, watchtowers, and postcard-perfect views everywhere we turned. It was the kind of place that feels magical without even trying.

    Tallinn, I’ll definitely be back. 💙

  • College Throwback: A Night at Johnny’s 🍻

    College Throwback: A Night at Johnny’s 🍻

    Okay, let’s talk about Johnny’s. If you went to Iowa State, you already know the magic — and if you haven’t been, add it to your bucket list ASAP. Going back recently gave me all the college nostalgia feels. There’s just something about being surrounded by Cyclone pride that takes you right back to game days, packed stands, and that unbeatable energy of Hilton Magic.

    Now, here’s the wild part — rumor has it you need to make a minimum donation of $12,500 for direct access to Johnny’s. Um, excuse me?! My college self could barely afford ramen noodles and Cherry Vodka Sours, let alone that. 😂 But hey, we’re manifesting. Maybe one day I’ll make that donation like a true alum baller. As Rihanna once said, “Work, work, work, work, work.”

    Let’s get to the good stuff though — the food, the bar, the atmosphere. It’s next level. I shamelessly hit up the buffet three times (because college habits die hard), and the unlimited lemonade refills? Chef’s kiss. 🥤

    The crowd, the cheers, the buzz — it’s like being wrapped in Cyclone spirit all over again. There’s something about Johnny’s that just feels like home for every ISU fan. It’s classy, it’s chaotic, it’s a total blast.

    So here’s to Johnny’s, to Hilton Magic, and to all the Cyclones who still get chills when the crowd starts chanting. Once a Cyclone, always a Cyclone. 🌪️❤️💛