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Elora goes backpacking
  • Elora Shoaf
  • Elora Shoaf

Elora goes backpacking

I am backpacking for 4 months through Northern Africa and Europe! Follow along and see my travels through my eyes! Baca lagi
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  • Elora ShoafElora goes backpackingPengembara

    Larnaca, Cyprus Day 1

    27 Mei 2025, Cyprus ⋅ 🌬 26 °C

    Today we set off at 6 am for our flight to Larnaca, Cyprus! The airport was interesting as you had to do a security check to even check in and they were patting us all down. Then we checked in and dropped our bags off and went through another security screening before going through passport control to get to our gate. We eventually boarded our flight and I knocked out so fast. I woke up to people getting off the plane I didn’t even wake up through landing it was great! We then got a Bolt ride to the city center around 11am and hung out until we could check into our air bnb at 4pm. We sat at a restaurant and there were soooo many beautiful cats… one jumped on me and hung out for awhile. We were eating garlic bread so I named the cat that and he was my new best friend. After we were able to leave our bags at a hotel so we could go to the Church of Lazarus.

    The church was beautiful and I got to light a candle in honor of my loved ones that have passed away. I try to bring them along with me to new countries to keep their spirits alive and on my journeys.

    After we went on a small walk along the beach before getting our bags and checking into the air bnb. We got there and napped a little before going out for dinner    Baca lagi

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    Larnaca, Cyprus Day 3

    29 Mei 2025, Cyprus ⋅ 🌬 25 °C

    Last day we did a boat tour to a ship wreck and swam. Got some delicious food and spent the day having fun before I had to leave.

    I spent 1 month with 2 amazing Aussie girls Savannah and Jess. They truly were the most beautiful girls inside and out and I am so thankful to have met them and create life long memories and a life long friendship. My favorite Queens ❤️Baca lagi

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    Cyprus to Turkey

    30 Mei 2025, Greece ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    I left for the airport at around 6 and when I went to check in I met a guy who was also struggling to check his bag in. We figured it out together and he invited me to the first class lounge with him since we had time to kill and he had a free buddy pass so why waste it. His name was Samuel and he was from Germany and lived in Athens for his masters degree. We went through security and passport control together and chatted and then made our way to the lounge.

    The lounge was beautiful and it was my first time in one. There was a ton of food, drinks, and sweets. We talked for a while and had some wine and he gave me a ton of advice and recommendation for Istanbul which was very kind. Eventually we got to our plane and separated.

    We got to Athens and met in the luggage claim and waited for our bags before saying our goodbyes. I then went to my connecting flight to Istanbul and went off on my way.

    I arrived to Istanbul at around 2:50 am and got my bag and by the time I made it outside it was around 3:30 am. I found a taxi and had to Woman up and I got a good deal so I wouldn’t get scammed. I even told the guy to restart the meter because I don’t play games. It was then an hour ride to the city center to my hostel where I arrived around 4:30 am and checked in.

    I walked in and the night receptionist said hey Elora because he was waiting for me and he checked me in. I was also greeted by the hostel cat that I then named Butter cup since she didn’t have a name and now everyone calls her that. I then went and changed and brushed my teeth and instantly knocked out for the evening.    Baca lagi

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    Istanbul, Turkey Day 1

    30 Mei 2025, Turki ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Well, I arrived at 2:50 am and went through customs and passport control and then I finally got my bag from the conveyor belt. By the time I stepped outside to order an uber it was about 330am and I still had an hour long drive to my hostel. I eventually made it to my hostel at 430 and checked in where I was greeted by the nameless hostel cat who was yapping a storm up and allowed me to pick it up. A cat in the hostel was such a great sign to say the least… and I gave her the name of Butter cup! I eventually went to sleep and woke up at 930 for the free breakfast and then I went back to sleep of course!

    I met some of the guys in my dorm and started chatting with them for a while before I went out to walk around and sight see. I got to see the outsides of the blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. I then went to the Topkapi palace and walked around and learned about its history. After several hours I went back to the hostel to take a small nap before going out for the evening.

    In the evening, I met up with 3 French guys and we went out for a bar crawl and then to a rave which was quite fun. Our taxi driver was hilarious and the translation app did not understand anyone beside me because I have pronunciation like an American haha. We also showed him so great songs like trap queen, mo bamba, and obviously Chief Keef. We partied and got back around 6 am before going to sleep.    Baca lagi

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    Istanbul Day 2

    31 Mei 2025, Turki ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    I got back from party at like 6 am so I honestly slept a while before going out for lunch. I got some beef and Leo (not pictured) got lamb and I honestly kept stealing his food because it tasted better haha. And then we walked around and saw the mosque at night with the lights before heading back. That evening we played card games and Jenga with people at our hostel and had lots of fun!Baca lagi

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    Princess Islands, Turkey Day 3

    1 Jun 2025, Turki ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Today Leo and I walked about 30 min to the ferry to take one to the Princess Islands. When we got there we needed cash so we went to an ATM and THANK GOD he used the one he did because his card was eaten by the ATM and he had 2 debit cards unlike me. So I pulled out money for us to use and then we called his bank and the bank that runs the ATM but they were closed that day so we had to attempt the next day to retrieve his card. After that fiasco, we got our tickets and boarded the ferry.

    The ride was about 2 hours there and we didn’t expect that so we just talked and he showed me British punk bands since he’s French and German and I didn’t know who Blur was so he had to educate me.

    We eventually arrived and walked around and then found a cute garden that’s with a hostel and got drinks and played cards. The owner was so sweet and invited us to stay but we couldn’t, but she told us in the future we have a free home. After a while we walked around more and then went to a restaurant to finally eat food before heading back on the ferry for the sunset and to go out. The sunset was extremely beautiful and it was quite cold. The ride back was about 1.5 hours so not as bad and we got back around 9 pm.

    We made plans to meet at a bar with some lovely British lads Tom and Will who had messaged in the group chat inviting people. We finally got there and got some beers and started all getting to know each other. I also shared my hatred for Beowulf with Tom since he’s in Uni for English so I obviously had to rant about that book to him. I also met a super nice Turkish lady that shared her strawberries with us, a cool older british guy that was super funny, and my continent brother from Canada. We all drank until about 1am maybe and even became friends with one of the workers who slid us some free shots (what a cool guy). We played darts and Will and I won but mostly because of Will. We all then got a taxi back to the hostel and Leo and I were down for the count so we just went back to our dorm and slept while everyone else went to the terrace to keep drinking.

    It was a long but wonderful day and the Princess Islands are considered in Asia so technically I’ve been to Asia now, but I still need a South East Asia trip in my future with Jonas one day.    Baca lagi

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    Istanbul Day 4 (Last night)

    2 Jun 2025, Turki ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today was my last night in Istanbul so we kept it simple and went to the Grand Bazar. Here you have to negotiate prices and let me tell yall… I am a BEAST! I have no shame now and I will not be getting scammed what’s so ever.

    I helped Leo get 4 Turkish soccer (football) shirts for…. 1200 TRY which is about $35 today. People at the markets were starting 1 shirt at 1200 TRY to 1500 TRY which is a COMPLETE scam as they are fake jerseys. We had to get them at 2 different stalls and when bargaining with people I had fun telling them their shirt is a fake and that they are scammers and they would get soooo butthurt and upset. But my personal favorite was the last stand when the guy told me to calm down. I started yelling at him to not tell a woman to calm down and put my hand up and walked away. He then starts yelling for us to come back and agrees to my bargain so I told him 3 times just to make sure what our deal was and shook his hand and he looked so scared because I just called him out. He then had the audacity to ask where I was from and I told him none of his business and walked away proudly. We actually kept walking around and circled back and the guy was getting ready to call us over to shop and then we made eye contact and he closed his mouth and looked away… I felt even PROUDER! While all of this was happening Leo just stared and would join in here and there but the guy didn’t understand the British accent and I’m just a B**** so he knew I had it from there haha.

    Anyways, after we were walking for awhile I spotted a small Texas flag and then I saw the most amazing thing ever… a Buccees stuffed animal in a window. I had to find who went to Texas so I started looking around and the owner of the shop came out and I asked him about it and turns out he has a store in Houston so I had to get a card and he told me he would give me a special deal. The guy sold rugs and there was a massive one hanging so we asked how much since we were curious and he said that he changes the price based on if he likes the people asking and on what they look like. He said if they are older and have a tour guide I’m raising it high they have money, if they are not nice it’s higher, but if they are genuine like me and younger he would give a good price and not scam us. He offered some smaller carpets to us at a super good deal but I already got one in Morocco so I had to pass. He was very honest and hilarious! We said goodbye and thank you to him and then headed off to find food.

    We ended up finding pita with Kefta (minced meat) and it was soooooo good! I feel like I inhaled it that’s how good it was! If I had space for a second one I would have eaten another in that sitting. Following that, it was time to go take a mini nap with our food coma so we went back to the hostel and napped. 2 other people in the room were napping too so we all had great ideas for a mid day nap haha.

    After the nap we were planning to go to the game night on the roof but had to get some beer from the store since it’s cheaper so we went down to grab that and one of the restaurant owners offered us tea free of charge from him soooo we went and sat down to drink tea because free is free. The owner was sooo nice and gave us apple tea which I have been obsessed with (I bought a box for when I’m back in Texas) and then he gave us orange tea and that was really good! We left after an hour and got our drinks and went up to the roof.

    We played lots of card games and jenga and I didn’t lose jenga like I always do so a win is a win. We all stayed on the roof until like 5 am, it was a great last night truly! I had the boys write British slang in my journal and had a good laugh at that, I also showed them how to shotgun a beer (it turned out to be Red Bull I think) the American way!    Baca lagi

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    Istanbul to Madrid

    3 Jun 2025, Turki ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today I woke up at 9 for breakfast off of 3 hours of sleep (Go me) and met with the boys before I had to leave at 12:30. We all ate and yapped and then realized we had 1 beer left so we all finished the Guinness for breakfast. I then finished packing my stuff and then met with them outside while I waited for my taxi to the airport. We then all said our goodbyes and then my taxi lied and I had to stand there awkwardly for 20 min waiting for the car. The car arrived at 12:50 and then we said our goodbyes again and I even got the red carpet service. The boys loaded my bags up for me and opened the door and rolled out the fake red carpet for me.

    I then started to stress because the airport is HUGE and my flight started boarding at 3 and was leaving at 3:50 and Savannah my Aussie girl was there on a layover and I obviously wanted to see her. I got to the airport at 1:50 and SPED through! I think in record time I got my bag checked in, went through passport control, and security in 45 min I was PROUD! I then raced to find Savannah and we reunited and got some pasta together. Things were going good it was 230 ish and I had 30 min before I had to walk to my gate which was only 8 min away. But… the airline lied, they did last call at 3 so I was inhaling my food and I had to RUN to the gate. I got a lid and bag for my food and took it with me and had to say goodbye again to Sav.

    I ran to the gate and got on the plane and I was very lucky! Others were running as well because the ticket lied so it made me feel better. I had a whole row to myself thankfully so I lifted the arm rest and laid across the seats and enjoyed the rest of my pasta happily. It was a 4 hour flight so I slept a little as well and went through photos finally. After landing I went through the usual stuff and then it was time to see my Laurita!

    I went through the exit and I was greeted by Laura and her parents who came to pick me up and I was so happy. Laura was in disbelief as well that I am tanner than her so I felt real good! We then drove to her house to drop my stuff off and then Laura and I went out to get beer and tapas… my Croquettes! I love them so much I could eat them daily! After a while that evening we went back home and watched the new fear street movie half way before going to bed for the night.    Baca lagi

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    21

    Madrid Day 2-3

    4–6 Jun 2025, Sepanyol ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    The next day I went with Laura to get a card for the city so it is only 8 euros a month for unlimited use. Got that and went home to watch the rest of the movie and eat lunch. I then took the metro to see Elena and have a sleepover with her.

    Elena and I met in Moncloa and then went to her house to drop my stuff off. Her dad was coming home from work so he offered to drive us to her friends house for the evening, where we made açaí bowls and spent time together.

    After we met with Daniella and Carlotta and got drinks and tapas. We then went back to Elena’s to bed rot and watch tik toks before bed haha.

    The next morning we went to another friends house to tan and swim. It was too cold to swim so we just tanned and ate snacks. After it was time to go back to Elena’s to eat lunch and she cooked me rice and eggs which I have missed soooo much since I couldn’t eat either in Africa because it is high risk for food poisoning. After eating her father drove me to Laura’s home and my girls finally met each other it made me so so so happy.

    That evening at Laura’s we watched Ginny and Georgia and then it was time to watch the Football game (soccer). It was Spain against France … vamos España they won!!!

    We went to sleep quite late and had to be up early at 630 for our flight to Tenerife.    Baca lagi

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    Tenerife Canary Islands Day 1

    6 Jun 2025, Sepanyol ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Today we woke up at 6:30am to fly to Tenerife in the Canary Islands. We got to the airport around 7:30 and dropped our shared suitcase off and Laura, Sandra, and I went through security. I was dying for a flavored coffee or chai tea and I tried 5 coffee shops and no one had it. I eventually caved and got some chocolate powder and added it to an iced coffee and it was alright, but it did its job. Gabriel and Nacho eventually arrived and met with us. Our flight was slightly delayed, but eventually we got to board the flight. We sat there for awhile and then 2 girls wanted to leave after the door was shut so we had to wait longer. But it didn’t turn out to be a final destination moment so it was okay.

    The plane eventually took off and the 3 hour flight began. I was in a middle seat and I slept maybe 30 minutes so I just went through photos and played games. We eventually landed around 1:30pm and then went on a hunt for a rental car that is automatic since I can’t drive manual. We weren’t able to get a car though because Laura is only 19 and has only been driving for 9 months. I could drive but I would be the only one driving so we said F it and got a 2 hour bus to the south to our accommodation.

    We eventually arrived and on the walk up we decided to get Burger King before walking to our accommodation. After we checked in and it is a beautiful stay with a perfect sunset view on the patio. After a little we went to the grocery story to get food and then went back to shower and eat pizza. We were going to go out and party but we were all tired so we decided to stay in and get some sleep for the night.    Baca lagi

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    Tenerife Day 2

    7 Jun 2025, Sepanyol ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    I woke up last today of course at 11 today and we made sandwiches and got ready to go to the beach. On the way to the beach I saw a hedge hog and it was sooo cute so it is now called Sonic and I check on it daily. We walked about 20 minutes to a market and I got a cool ring that’s a star fish. We then walked about 15 more minutes to the beach and set up shop to get tan and eat sandwiches.

    We ate and I showed nacho and Laura how to play shit head and then nacho rage quit after he lost twice. The water was too cold for my liking so I didn’t swim. We stayed for like 2 hours and then Laura, Gabriel, and I left and took a bus to get back and Sandra and Nacho stayed. I wanted Starbucks so I went and got Laurita and I drinks and then walked back to shower and take a siesta (nap).

    We woke up around 8 or 9 and then ate and got ready to go out partying. We went partying and I had some good drinks to say the least. We ended up leaving around 2am by uber and I went to sleep and slept very very very well.    Baca lagi

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    Tenerife Day 3

    8 Jun 2025, Sepanyol ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Today we relaxed and went to the rooftop pool to watch the European Football games first was France and Germany and France won coming in 3rd. The second was Spain and Portugal and Portugal won by a penalty shootout… it was insane!

    That evening we went to a Holi festival and I know it’s in March but for some reason it was celebrated in June here but aye it was fun! I wanted to look colorful and I did!

    After I showered and got most but not all of the powder off of me I went and played mini golf with Sandra and Nacho. Sandra won the first round and I won the second… it was very intense and funny.    Baca lagi

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    Tenerife Day 4

    9 Jun 2025, Sepanyol ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Today we went to Playa De Los Guíos and got to swim and relax at the beach surrounded by Los Gigantes which had beautiful rocks surrounding the area. After 2/3 hours we went to Piscinas Naturales Los Abrigos and it was a natural pool overlooking the ocean and Los Gigantes. It was beautiful but I didn’t sweet because I don’t like touching algae with my feet so that a no for me. I did get some cool videos of a crab eating as shown in this post and I got to hold a super small hermit crab that Nacho found. It was really fun and the scenery was so beautiful!Baca lagi

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    Tenerife Day 6

    11 Jun 2025, Sepanyol ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today we went on a boat tour to see dolphins and whales. We saw a lot and we even got to go swimming. I got pushed into the water because I was being a chicken but it wasn’t that bad actually.

    After I had a surfing class and it was an experience. We did 30 min on the sand practicing before getting in the water. I was struggling but I surfed for 1-3 seconds and that was an accomplishment. It was a fun experience that I would do again for sure!

    After we went back to the hotel to shower and nap before going out clubbing. We went out around 11pm and partied until 3am before taking an uber back for the night.    Baca lagi

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    Tenerife to Madrid

    13 Jun 2025, Sepanyol ⋅ 🌙 26 °C

    We checked out at 10am and had to be at the airport by 4 so we walked around for a little before taking a bus to the airport. Our flight was 3 hours and Laura and I watched pitch perfect 2 on the flight. When we got back to Madrid we dropped our stuff off at her house and went to her neighborhood center for a festival and enjoyed live music together for my last night with her.Baca lagi

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    Madrid to Tirana

    14 Jun 2025, Sepanyol ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    This was my last day in Madrid so I had Churros of course and watched tv with Laura in the morning and then in the evening I went and saw Andrès my first exchange student. We ate food and played racket ball with his friends for a few hours before he took me to the airport for my 10pm flight to Tirana, Albania. I got to Tirana at 1:30 am and took an hour taxi to Skoder where I am staying for 2 weeks volunteering. When I arrived it was 3:30 am and reception was closed so I snuck in through the roof entrance and slept on the couch until 7am when Xhulio came to get me. Once he got me I got a bed and got some good sleepBaca lagi

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    Shkoder Day 1

    15 Jun 2025, Albania ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today I started my first day of volunteering at Travelers Hostel in Shkoder, Albania. I will be here for 2 weeks as an event coordinator and helping out around. We are also helping set up a new hostel nearby so that is extremely exciting.

    I woke up around 12pm after much needed sleep and I met some of the workers that I will be spending my days with. Everyone has been soooo nice! I then went and got pizza with Amete (a volunteer that I’ll be with the whole time) and Anika (I was her replacement as she was leaving the next day), we found a great restaurant and had a blast!

    After we went back and Anika took a nap and Amete and I rode bikes to the other hostel to help paint and work on the room with Enes and xhulio (the owners). We worked for about 2 hours and even got fresh fruit from the trees to snack on.

    That evening we went back and played games and hangout for the evening.    Baca lagi

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    Shkoder Day 2

    16 Jun 2025, Albania ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Today I woke up at 12 and went and got a banana from the market and drank some strawberry tea. I then went and got a haircut at a salon and it was an EXPERIENCE! For $20 I got my hair washed, cut, blow dried, and styled, and I even got my eyebrows done… what a steal! After I got went to a pharmacy to get some mosquito bite cream because they have been RIPPING ME TO SHREDS… absolutely feasting on my blood like there is no tomorrow , I am beyond itchy it is atrocious.

    After I went back to the hostel and changed clothes and we rode bikes to the other hostel to go and build bunk beds and move things down stairs to throw out. After a while we went back and got some kebab for dinner and then I took a well needed shower.    Baca lagi

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    Shkoder Day 4

    18 Jun 2025, Albania ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Today I did a walking tour with Rory and Isabella (we met 15 months ago in London and decided to catch up in Albania, it was very nice). The walking tour was really interesting and we learned about the history of Albania and the city. It is actually mind blowing to me that they were under communism until 1992.

    After the tour we got some food in the center and went back to the hostel to nap. After my nap, I played some games and learned how to play pool and I got 2 balls in so I was quite proud.

    To end the night we had a movie night with Kebabs and watched the wild robot. It was sooo beautiful and it is now a personal favorite truly!    Baca lagi

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    Theth day trip

    19 Jun 2025, Albania ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Today we set off at 7am for a 2 hour drive to Theth. We arrived around 10 and got started. It took us about 4 hours to walk to the famous Blue eye (a crystal blue water spot).

    Let me tell yall, hiking a real hike for the first time ever whooped me. I don’t have hiking shoes so I had my sandals on and I kept kicking rocks by accident and my big toe was hurting. And I didn’t have a small day bag so I had a tote bag and that sucked. It was still fun though. I didn’t swim because I’m not a cold water swimmer so I just dipped my feet in. After a little we got a taxi back to the start to catch our bus back to Shkoder at 5pm. We were exhausted to say the least but had a wonderful time!Baca lagi

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    Shkoder Day 6

    20 Jun 2025, Albania ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    So I’ve been missing tacos and Texas recently and decided that it was time to make some and have a cute family dinner with everyone in the hostel to bring us all some good food, good vibes, and a sense of home. We all gathered and cooked together with new friends and had a great time. I showed everyone one of my favorite meals and it was a blast. I get worried sometimes about my cooking but it was an absolute HIT! Everyone enjoyed the tacos and there were no leftovers at all! Well… there was 1 tortilla left over so we decided to use it for a game of tortilla slap and I won both games and had a great time.

    After we all drank and played lots of games in the hostel until around 4 am. It was such a warm time and truly a wonderful evening with everyone 🥺❤️ I also had to dance in the rain and it was very needed.    Baca lagi

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    Shkoder Day 7

    21 Jun 2025, Albania ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Today was pretty chill during the day. Got a tarot reading and relaxed. And then in the evening I went out on a bar crawl with some people I met and had lots of fun.

    Walking up spiral stairs after a night out was humbling and it felt like it took ages to walk up them.Baca lagi

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