The BA Highlife

I finally managed to land internship number two, this time at British Airways Highlife Magazine. Today marked the end of my first week a the magazine and what can I say about my time there so far? It's a really good experience, no really. I'm not just saying it because it's an actual REAL-LIFE PROPER INTERNSHIP, I actually feel like I'm learning a lot from my time there. Why? Well firstly I'm not just sat there, ho hum, twiddling away my fingers as the forgotten intern with nothing to do but wait to make tea and deliver people's post.
Secondly, the folk at Highlife seemed to have chucked me in to the deep end with a variety of tasks sent my way, from the usual admin-y stuff to sub-editing, transcribing, research, etc to actually being allowed to sit in meetings. How cool is that?! In my experience I've never been allowed to sit in meetings and to seriously contribute ideas.
Thirdly, everyone is super friendly and welcoming which is just what you need when you're the intern with little clue into the everyday workings of the magazine.
And finally, I'm coming to realize that travel and life style are areas I'd love to write about.
I definitely recommend getting involved with BA Highlife if magazines and travel writing is your thing. The only downside is that the internship is only two weeks which is incredibly short. But I'm hoping to make the most of my time there (and secretly hoping I'll land a job too).

Day four: Clogs and Cheese.

And so, after many a waffle, pancake, and beer came the end to a long and eventful Easter weekend spent in brisk Amsterdam.  Alas, all good things must come to an end, right?!- Ahhh but not before a quick visit to the Rembrandt Hoeve cheese and clog factory!

Situated just outside Amsterdam is this traditional little farm, which dates all the way back to the 15th century, and is one of four that specalizes in the production of clogs and delicious, organic cheese. The strong scent of cheese mingled with wet wood was only too noteiceable upon entering the place. The tour demonstrates the making of traditional dutch cheese as well as the signature clog shoe. At the end of the tour you are led into the shop, faced with a variety of sample cheeses at the ready- including garlic, pepper, and even smoked cheese and bacon. The man who conducted the tour - the farmer himself - was quite a funny, eccentric sort of character and it may be useful to note that this is not your average show and tell kinda deal. This guy is just full of the jokes and won't hesistate to make you a part of them! But one must not take him too seriously- he was certainly entertaining and actually a really great laugh.

Lots and lots of cheese!

And lots and lots of clog shoes!

The visit to the farm was a nice way to end the tour, especially after the boozy night beforehand, to take in the peaceful pastoral scenery in the dewy morning air. After the tour we were homeward bound and boarded the coach back to Calle.

Overall the Topdeck-led-Amsterdam-tour was a great experience and really good fun. It was a weekend crammed with activities that encompassed a range of tastes and preferences which bodes well for anyone who may want a certain experience of the city, or better yet, for those looking for variety. Again I'd like to thank Topdeck for this brilliant opportunity.

Vaarwell Amsterdam - It's been a blast!

Amsterdam bound!

At last Easter has arrived and whilst for some that means indulging in several chocolate eggs over the weekend for me it's spending 4 days in the lovely city of Amsterdam thanks to Top deck travel and Student i magazine. 

I could not be more grateful for this brilliant opportunity. Not only do I get to go on this trip but I get to write about it too and have it featured in the Student i magazine. 

I've never been to Amsterdam or the Netherlands so naturally, I am beyond excited to explore this city. Infamous for its red light district and known for such landmarks like the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum-  I can't wait to visit them and also check out what else the city has to offer. I'm eager to try out the local fare and hope to squeeze in a trip to the Heinekein experience (for a cheeky beer,obv). More importantly I just want to have a good time and make it a really memorable experience. 

In the meantime I've been trying to do some homework on the city itself and purchased this little number today to read on the coach tomorrow. 

My journey starts at 5.30am tomorrow so I should probably get an early night. 

I definitely intend to blog whilst I'm out there so watch this space! 

Also - if anyone has any suggestions of sights to see in Amsterdam please feel free to leave the comment :-).