O N T H E M O V EStudent Travel Magazine

Volume 1

We are uncovering the lesser known places and revealing the possibilities of the more common places.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine

As students we love to travel. Whilst inundated in books and impeding deadlines during term time the thought of lying on a sandy beach or traveling across countries could not be more welcome. Visiting new cities and meeting people used to a different way of living opens you up to all sorts of new experiences. You begin to lose sight of all the term time stresses. Everything balances out.

Here at ‘On The Move’ we know no two journeys are the same. We also know no journey leaves you unchanged, it has an effect on you, not matter how little. What we want to do is harness the things that have made journeys so special to us so we can pass it on. We know experiencing places doesn’t have to cost the Earth. We want to impart our memories of these places in the hope you visit them one day.

We want to pass on some of the places we think are best to visit, to eat, to relax, all based on a restricted budget in cities across the world.

We’ve begun doing so here in our first ever issue. As you read through the magazine you will find a bunch of tips and advice from our writers on their experiences and how to make the most of these journeys on a student budget.

Our writers have been fortunate to visit these unique places across the globe, exposing themselves to new people and activities. They are just as excited to share their stories as we hope you are to read about them. In doing so we hope that we can inspire your travels to make as wonderful memories as we once did.

We hope you like it.

WELCOME

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ContactIf you want write for us

onthemovecompany@gmail.com

Pula, Croatia3rd July - 11th July 2015

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Florence, Italy13th - 15th August 2015

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Contents

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Tofino, Canada11th - 16th July 2016

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New York, USA27th - 31 July 2016

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Tofino Canada

New York USA

Locations

Florence Italy

Pula Croatia

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YORK - PULAThis journey in particular was a major factor for me to contact Toby andElle one year later to tell them ‘I have something that I think could work and would love you guys to join’.

Pula was my first journey to somewhere I knew generally very little about. I couldn’t help but pick up on all the great things I did at such reasonable prices.

I would tell friends and family about the fun I had and people would say they’d love to visit one day. People love telling stories and people love hearing them. With that in mind I thought why not create something where we are free to express their stories to not just to friends and family but the world.

Alex Finch Founder

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Pula’s port with the arena standing proud in the background

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PULACroatia

Length of stay: 8 daysSeason: Summer

Pula’s historic ruins demonstrate the influence of past times on the city. Once used as a major transportation port for goods the city now caters for a very different kind of people. Pula’s arena will have appeared on your laptop, mobile and television screens this summer advertising the ever-popular European festival Outlook and Dimensions.

The city sees many young adults flock to the area not only for its festivals but its location on the west coast. Pula can be seen as a transport hub with Venice, Rodvinj and Split all reached within three hours by ferry, bus and plane. The former Roman port leaves a lot to be desired for and should be firmly marked on backpackers’ checklists. Here are my reasons why:

An abundance of gleaming white boats litter Pula’s harbour, boats you would associate with the rich kids of Instagram or the Kardashians. As you venture away from the glitz and glamour you will find everyday tourists regularly boarding and you can’t help but feel intrigued.

They are boarding boats run and maintained by local fisherman who in the summer swap the local tuna for the common British tommy. A thirty-minute boat ride will take you away from the hustle and bustle surrounding Pula’s arena and harbour and into the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Taking one of the all inclusive boat trips drops you off in the midst of Brijuni’s national park. A collective islands with national heritage status. Most islands are left undisturbed although the few visited by these boats include small scale amenities such as cafe huts to keep the commercial impact on the islands at a minimum.

WriterAlex Finch

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View across one of the Island’s in the Brijuni National Park

Visitors are encouraged to explore the area of these largely unscathed islands where untouched coves provide places of alternative private relaxation.

Local boat owners allow customers to take any of the hourly boats back to the mainland. Creating the possibility of spending the day on your own little bit of paradise.

The competitive nature of the locals meant package deals were sweetened by free drink and food on some. The competitive price stood at 160 Kuna (£18) although be wary of what is being offered, some may only offer a tour of the islands and not an opportunity to spend time on them.

Tour guides are incredibly informative and helpful on the harbour, happy to let you book in advance. The whole city has realised the potential of this unique attraction and really wants to open it up to anyone that visits.

The restful, quiet beaches of the islands

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One of the islands main ports

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The Brijuni islands quiet and reclusive coastline

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Pula stands proud for its historic beauty as well as its natural beauty. The city boasts the sixth largest surviving roman arena in the world and the greatest ancient monument in Croatia. Not bad right. Its iconic Roman form possesses so much history from inside and out. The beaming midday sunlight glimmers on the gravel once coated in criminal’s blood, beheaded for acts such as theft and fraud. Now entertaining the modern day midnight rave.

The orientation of the arena would allow Pula’s harbour to provide a wonderful backdrop to any event. Look at tying your visit in with concerts or festivals that are of interest to you. I’m sure this unique event will be the stage for a truly unforgettable experience.

Whilst prices in concerts may vary, entrance on a day is 50 Kuna (£5) for those really interested in seeing this relic from within.

In the Second World War, the population of Pula was accustomed to the sound of oncoming sounds of air raids in the dead of night and the panicked rush for shelter. Its location of the West Coast also made it popular for trade and the docking of naval ships.

This brought about the creation of a series of tunnels running under the city known as the Zerostrasse. These tunnels provided shelter and comfort for the population in these terrible times.

Wandering through the tunnels creates feelings as eary as those felt by Pula’s people back in the 1930s. Photo exhibits line the tunnels making historic reference to the usage of the tunnels whilst simple strip lighting guides you. Ticket prices stand at 15 Kuna (£1.50), a potentially interesting addition to your day whilst providing excellent sheltered routes under the city.

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The inside of Pula’s arena with the inclusion of temporary seating for shows

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Entrance into one of the Zerostrasse tunnels

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The abundance of travel opportunities should not be passed up if staying for more than a long weekend. Use Pula’s transport connections to full advantage, beginning with bus travel. The city’s bus station is located just off the harbour and one of the most popular journeys taken by locals and tourists alike is to Rodvinj. Buses leave the station often to this coastal town with a return journey payable on arrival to the station for 64 Kuna (£7).

The town’s location alongside Tokyo and New York as hosts of Red Bull’s Air Race is telling of its scenic nature. Cobbled narrow streets provide shade from the midday sun that is often magnified off the lightly coloured buildings. The lower grounds of these buildings open up as galleries, heralding the work of famous artists like Picasso, bakeries and little trinket shops.

Navigating yourself through these streets can be difficult but at the top of Rodvinj’s main vantage point stands the Church of St. Euphemia. Climb the many rickety wooden steps of the church’s bell tower and you will be rewarded with wonderful panoramic views of the orange tiled town. Whilst entrance to the church is free of charge those brave enough to ascend the bell tower must pay only a few Kuna.

Both Rodvinj and Pula are quiet coastal locations that pride themselves on delivering an honest experience to all whom may arrive. Whilst budget airlines have led to an ever increasing numbers of tourists from across the globe, the locals continue to provide a true experience of what Rodvinj was like and will continue to be like.

A view of Rodvinj from the church of St. Euphemia

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A Croatian timetable at Rodvinj’s bus station

A view through the trees to one of Verudela’s beaches

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Exploring the south of Pula opens up a wonderful stretch of white sandy coastline. If you can withstand the heat on regular bus services from the centre then go and explore for as little as 10 Kuna (£1) a return.

Pula is a perfect location for relaxing; its locals are passionate about making sure you have the most honest experience of the city and its culture. Verudela is no exception to this; its stretch of coastline is largely unknown to the everyday tourist meaning on weekdays it remains peaceful.

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Sunset on Verudela’s beach

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NEXTFlorence Italy

Pula was one of the first travel destinations for me that I knew nothing of prior to arriving and intended to keep it that way. Through this I could pick up on things that I thought were interesting to me personally and not what numerous travel guides and websites told me.

By doing so you create a stronger connection with the place, enjoying it for what you see in front of you and not what you are expected to see.

Whilst larger cities like Split and Zagreb dominate the thoughts of travel goers, Pula stays away from the limelight. The city hasn’t conformed to modern times, it has stayed true to itself. Festivals like Outlook have brought a younger wave of people to the city but with venues located in Pula’s arena and on its shores the city

demonstrates the pride and stance the city has on its history.

Simply by staying true to its heritage, Pula provides a refreshing alternative location for those wanting to try something new this year.

SUMMARY

WHAT TO DOBrijuni National Park Boat Trip (160 Kuna)Pula Arena (50 Kuna)Zerostrasse (15 Kuna)

WHERE TO GORodvinj (64 Kuna) Verudela Beach (10 Kuna)

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YORK - FLORENCEThis trip inspired me to recall and record my experiences a year on, in order to put together an article that would be interesting to aspiring visitors to Florence.

I wanted to give an account of the city that showed my own personal take on the best ways to see the city on a budget, which the magazine aims to achieve throughout.

It was also an opportunity to practice my writing, photography and editing skills in a new way; a concept which the magazine aims to make appealing to anyone who would be interested in sharing their travel experiences. I am thrilled to be a part of the project and will be contributing regularly in future volumes.

Toby Putnam Writer

FLORENCEItaly

Length of stay: 3 days Season: Summer

Upon traveling to Florence last summer it was its significance in the history of arts that drove me to make a second visit. Throughout history Florence has seen rise of world renowned architects, artists and writers. How these figures were shaped by the city and how they in turn shaped it as a cultural centre is fascinating to see. It is easy to see why Florence inspired the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Filippo Brunelleschi, both of whom can be considered true renaissance men in every sense.

A visit to Giardino di Boboli on the south side of the river Arno earns jaw dropping panoramic views of the city, surrounded on all sides by the mountains. This puts this seemingly large city into perspective. The gardens themselves offer a welcome respite from the bustling streets, that become incredibly humid in the midsummer heat. I spent a day exploring the gardens and didn’t even see half of them, with intriguing architecture and landscape design at every other turn.

At one corner of the gardens, a fort sits even higher above the city. Steeped in history, the building now plays host to art installations which give the place a true sense of continued cultural significance. It also has an outdoor bar, which may be more likely to draw your attention than the art, particularly after a climb up the garden’s steps and hills in the Florentine sun. The drinks are a little expensive, but can be justified given the free student entry available to the gardens.

Florence is an ideal place for students, especially those studying or interested in the arts; many attractions and museums offer free entry to students. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city is a huge draw for art lovers so to be able to avoid expensive entry fees is a big plus.

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While the city centre surrounding the Cattedrale diSanta Maria del Fiore has become packed with flash restaurants and shops, parts of the city remain untouched.By exploring the quieter areas, you will find the truly Florentine businesses and shops. Old curiosities, prints, locally grown tea and food can all be discovered with a bit of searching; this is the best way to experience Florence.

In the Bellosguardo area of the city, a market fills the piazza adjacent to the Basilica di Santo Spirito. Here you can pick up all manner of beautiful clothes and trinkets, of Italian and international origins. The locals are usually up for bartering, but don’t expect to get a bargain. The square also boasts a few classically Italian restaurants, serving reasonably priced and delicious food and, if you’re lucky, shade from the sun.

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Some of the city’s most striking landmarks are its bridges, most of all the Ponte Vecchio (Market Bridge). The bridge itself is now filled with jewellery stores and is packed with tourists most of the day. It’s worth a visit, but it’s best experienced from the bridge to its east, where at sunset you will be treated to an incredibly iconic view of the sun setting behind the bridge.

Florence is known for its architectural beauty and a great representation of this is the Palazzo Strozzi. Here you can discover historic items and art in the museum spaces, as well as good café food. There is also a courtyard with seating where you can people watch and take a break from the city. It also has free wifi, a precious commodity when traveling.

Placed in the rural setting of Tuscany, Florence stands out as a cultural highlight. It has a traditional Italian charm to its architecture and a feel to it which other cities in Italy have lost in part over the years. There is not a skyscraper to be seen.

Its rich history of art makes it an essential visit for anyone wanting to experience one of the defining parts of Italian culture, supplemented of course by the countless places to eat authentic food. It is a place that will have an effect on you long after you leave.

SUMMARY

WHERE TO GOGiardino di Boboli FREEBellosguardo Market FREEPonte Vecchio Bridge FREE(See right)Palazzo Strozzi FREE

WHERE TO EATPescheria San PietroProbably the best place to eat seafood in Florence, pricey but discounts are offered through many local hotels.

Osteria Santo SpiritoTraditional Italian food with a varied menu, for a great price.

NEXT TOFINO Canada

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YORK - TOFINO When Alex asked me to write an article for the first issue of On The Move I instantly thought of my recent trip to Tofino. I’m about to go into my fourth year of university at Edinburgh and I’m trying to make the most of the long holidays while I still can.

I love the magazine as a way of sharing recommendations and hope my article introduces people to somewhere perhaps a little less well trodden. I always try not to let money be the deciding factor of where I travel, but instead let it influence how I travel.

Traveling with money is definitely easier but I’ve stayed in enough strange hostels to know you miss out on all the adventure! I’m definitely an advocate for roughin’ it least a bit- you get far better stories.

Elle McKee Writer

surf inTOFINOCanada

Length of Stay: 6 daysSeason: Summer

WriterElle Mckee

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As you get off the bus, there’s a sign at the ocean’s edge that reads ‘Pacific Terminus Trans-Canada Highway’. This is literally the end of the road and as far West as you can possibly go.

This is Tofino.

In Vancouver Island, Canada, nestled amongst the Broken Islands and overlooking a turquoise Pacific Ocean, lush rain forest, home to some of the tallest trees in North America, tumbles out onto sandy beaches, with ferocious surf, jutting cliffs anda rugged coastline. Above, rain mist rises from the trees like steam and hangs in mysterious hazy layers.Add to this, the possible sighting of wolves, and the whole thing starts to feel like something straight out of a Twilight film (with surfers instead of vampires). In fact, the third film, New Moon was partly filmed on Tofino’s Long Beach.

Just as impressive as its coastline, is Tofino’s wildlife. The 2,000 local residents are easily outnumbered by the 759,000 grey whales that pass through Tofino on their way to Alaska. Expect to see bald eagles, sea lions, seals, and if you know where to look, Black bears and wolves. Keep your eyes peeled for Banana Slugs, too. On a boardwalk trail through the rain forest they are everywhere, the second largest slug in the world and bright yellow, they can’t be missed.

As for the village itself, the swell of visitors in the summer could have ruined Tofino but it has remained unpretentious and fiercely honest to its roots as a surfer town, and before that a First Nation settlement. In 2010, a by- law was passed protecting Tofino from large franchise operations, so instead of Starbucks, Tofino has a tangle of piers, brightly coloured bars and a collection of indie restaurants, surf shops and galleries.

Despite its rustic charm, when the sun isn’t shining, Tofino is not for the faint hearted. Early settlers of the old maritime trading post dubbed it “Tough City” because of its toll on the human spirit. In winter, the storms are so huge, storm watching has become ‘a thing’. It is officially the wettest recorded place in North America, but yet it brings in around one million visitors a year and some residents live in renovated chicken coops, garages and vans in order to call Tofino home.

Aside from the ridiculous scenery and wildlife, there is one main reason for the passion people have for this place and it starts with Magic Seaweed. No, not a new drug you haven’t heard of, but the surf report website that you have definitely heard of if, like everyone in Tofino, you surf.

Despite being dubbed the ‘Wilderness surfing mecca’ Tofino is relatively new on the surf scene. In fact, Peter Devries, Tofino born local, now pro surfer, remembers the days when it was a struggle to find people to surf with growing up. Raph Bruhwiler, another Tofino surf veteran, knows the harsh reality of learning to surf back in the day, when kid’s wet suits didn’t come thicker than 2 mil. As Raph has said;

‘We’d surf for a half hour, run back to the bathroom and jump into the tub, in there with our crappy little wet suits. We’d run out, surf, run back in, thaw out for 10 or 15 minutes, run out, surf, run back in...’

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But these guys were not deterred and while all the focus was on California, Mexico and Hawaii, in a quiet village on the edge of Canada, where there was little else to do but surf, skate or watch surf and skate videos, kids like Devries and the Bruhwiler brothers were quietly getting ready to put Tofino on the map.

It kicked off in 2002, when Numb was released. A short video boasting Tofino’s surfers stunned surf media. Tofino was producing some serious surfers and in turn legitimising Canada’s surf scene worldwide. As Devries and the Bruhwiler brothers started to bring home sponsorships and competition wins they also brought attention to their home, Tofino.

It wasn’t long before Tofino got the recognition it deserved. In 2009 it hosted the biggest names in surfing, in its first ever internationally ranked Competition: the 6- Star O’Neill Coldwater Classic, with Peter Devries starring as Tofino’s very own wild card. When, against the odds he made it into the semi-finals, the remaining residents, still working in Tofino, packed up shop and migrated to the beach, leaving Tofino a ghost town, with signs reading ‘Gone to watch Peter surf’ in their windows. A now 1000 strong crowd, audible from the waves watched in disbelief as Devries pulled off the unthinkable beating Aussie, Jay Thompson and taking the win. Tofino responded in an explosion of pride, rushing into the icy sea, fully clothed, to celebrate with their underdog turned hero. There were tears, champagne and yells of admiration including ‘we quit our f*cking job for you Pete.’ And an excited commentator screaming in disbelief ‘TOFINO, DO YOU BELIEVE IT?!”

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In 2016, modern thicker wet suits mean Bruhwiler’s days of rushing to the bath to warm up are long gone. He has his own kids now who, featured on his Instagram, can spend all day in the battering cold waves. As for Devries, it’s certainly not hard to find a surf buddy now; Tofino was listed the best surf town in North America in 2010 and news spread of its cool vibe and amazing scenery. Not to mention a dozen surf schools pumping newbies into the water every day.

Although Tofino is not the secret it once was, it certainly doesn’t feel over crowded. Long Beach lives up to its name and there is plenty of space for everyone. Despite the crowds and their nostalgia for more isolated days, Bruhwiler and Devries are both still based in Tofino. As Ralph has explained:

“There’s always going to be waves to explore because the coast is so rugged and untouchable, and the only way to get to a lot of the best spots is by boat or plane. We’ve got SeaDoos now, which makes it easier to get around during big swells. We found a lot of new good waves this winter, but it definitely takes time and money and effort to get to them. Risk, too. If something happens out there, you’re going to be in survivor mode for a couple weeks.”

For those of you who don’t own a ‘SeaDoo’ there is 35 km of breathtaking surfable beach surrounding Tofino. Surfing is the most fun, the best work out and the cheapest thing to do in Tofino. You can easily blow $99 on a whale/bear watching trip, a sea plane trip or a tour to the hot springs- all amazing but not possible an a tight budget.

If you have your own board and wet suit however, surfing is free. If like us you’re not quite that committed, rent them froma surf school. We went to Sepp Bruhwiler’s Westside Surf (same Bruhwiler; both brothers have schools in Tofino) and for about $40 CAD (about £20) we got a suit and board for 24 hours, as well as leashes to attach the board to our car. If you don’t have a car then rent bikes with a special attachment and cycle you and your board to Long, Chesterman or Cox beach. There are also affordable surf lessons from multiple schools and they will take you to and from the beaches themselves.

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Like a lot of Canada, Tofino is pretty progressive, their super market is packed with healthy organic food, when we visited they were promoting their #StrawsSuck campaign and this attitude reaches the waves too. Tofino is one of the only places in the world where you will often see more female surfers in the water than male.

People don’t buy into the trope of the rare and mysterious surfer chick, because it seems in Tofino everyone surfs; mums, sisters, and grandmas. This is partly down to ‘Surf Sister’, a school that was set up in 1999 to help girls become included in Tofino’s surf scene. It completely took off and they now hold an annual all Women’s Surf Championships ‘Queen of the Peak’.

Surfing in Tofino is different to surfing in other places. Perhaps because its younger and newer or perhaps because of the genuine and mellow nature Tofino has. Whatever it is, Tofino boasts a delightfully forward thinking surfing vibe. There are no turf wars or the old surfer stink eye. You will see young kids surfing with gnarly pensioners and pros sharing waves with beginners. It is unintimidating and downright friendly, in true Canadian style.

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Where to stayWhalers Point Youth HostelShared room in summer ($40 CAD a night)Hands down the best hostel I have ever stayed in. Huge panoramic windows in the communal area, a really friendly atmosphere and everyone goes out together for drinks or to watch the sunset. It offers complimentary Coffee and homemade muffins every morning and there is a sauna and pool table. My bunk had a sea view and I literally fell asleep listening to the sea.

Where to eatTacoFinoTacos ($4CAD) and Burritos ($10CAD)A taco truck in a parking lot on the way back from the beach for the best post surf food you’ll ever have. Now it has restaurants across Canada but this is the original truck. It’s bright orange and has a picture of the Virgin de Guadalupe holding a taco so that’s brilliant, too.

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Doing Tofino on a budget

How to get thereFerry ($14CAD) and bus ($62 CAD) There are a few ways to do it depending on where you are coming from. To get to the island we took the ferry from West Vancouver to Victoria, one of the most stunning journeys I’ve ever been on. We then broke the journey in order to see Victoria and the next day we got the four-hour bus to Tofino. A trip in itself on a mountain through forests that American guide books and scary, but its really not.

What to doSurf, hike, secret garden, Free!Bike ($30 CAD), Seaplane ($140CAD Per person based on a group of four)Apart from surfing, cycling down Long Beach was one of our highlights. Also, if it’s a clear day and you’re in a group, it’s worth all pitching in for a trip on seaplane ride up to the glaciers and down the coast. It was so beautiful and we even spotted a grey whale breaching from above.

There are loads of breathtaking hikes up to stunning views and trails that take you through the rain forest. The Tofino Botanical gardens are a hidden gem, twelve acres of gardens, forest and shoreline. Herb gardens, ponds, flowers and strange art instillations, it gets pretty weird in there.

N E X T

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Y O R K

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YORK-NEW YORKLeaving behind the cobbled pavements of the Shambles for the polished marble of the World Trade Centre Transportation Hub. I swapped old for new. York for New York.

After spending five days in America’s most watched city I sat down in front of my laptop screen jet lagged and overawed. The general impression of the city is overwhelming but as I broke down how I spent my time I began to pick apart the times that created the most meaningful and genuine feel of this big city.

I hope you enjoy and maybe even learn something new.

Alex FinchFounder

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The Big Apple. Heard of it? Its architecture, its people, its title as the resting place to where people go ‘to make it big.’ You can’t help feel so tiny and insignificant in such an imposing and scary city.

Give yourself five days in this place to try and ‘see it all’ and not until you arrive will you see the size of the task ahead. This is further heightened when breakfast TV presenters are reporting potential record breaking highs of 97F. The drive to ‘see it all’ wears thin.

Although, traveling should not always be about visiting a place and spending all your time going to and from the city’s landmarks. Sometimes its these places that are left devoid of the true sense of the city itself.

I wanted to explore further and gain a greater understanding of America’s most well known city. I hope what you’re about to read reveals more than the top ten results on Google.

NEW YORKUnited States of America

Length of stay: 5 daysSeason: Summer

Construction began in 2006 for one of the most anticipated and innovative solutions to the public realm in the city that beforehand stood as an eyesore to most. Once the potential was recognised to transform an unused overground train track into a public park the backing and popularity just grew and grew. Ever since its completion in 2014 it receives five million passengers annually and this year I was fortunate enough to be one of them.

Starting on 30th Street, 11th Avenue the tracks follow the Hudson river south. As you wander thirty feet above street level you are met with a welcome cool breeze when compared to the humid heat felt on street level. The park has allowed designers to be creative with the landscaping as boardwalk planks rise up to create cantilevered benches and seats are orientated to frame views into the city. Perhaps one of the strongest commodity of the Highline is the variety of different views it creates. Each street shows something different, something new.

So you save up all year to pay for flights only for you to forget how you’re going to actually finance living whilst you’re out there. Oh well. New York may not be the cheapest city in the world but there are always ways to explore the city without it costing the world. Here are a few of my tips.

First things first, get a map, maybe even a few because they’ll be so useful to you. Reception desks at hotels and hostels are normally happy to provide you with one. What you’ll notice is the clear grid system throughout most of New York, you’ll realise Avenue’s run from North to South and Street’s run from West to East. Understanding this system will help later on in this piece when I label the location of places as to there avenue and street positioning on the map.

Taking the route from north to south opens you up to a multitude of possibilities. The tracks end at the Whitney Museum of Modern Art, a new Renzo Piano building that opened in sync with the completion of the Highline in 2014. Student entry fee stands at $18 (£14), although look at the exhibition guide before committing at that price as there are a few other famous galleries in New York that may have exhibitions more to your taste.

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Views from the Highline down streets

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Views from the Highline down streets

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Once back on the ground you will find yourself in Chelsea. One of the more affluent areas of New York, where one bedroom apartments regularly sell around the seven figure mark. Within this village sits Chelsea market, its sheltered industrial feel is matched with contemporary stores ranging from independent jewelers to single branch restaurants. If you happen to be passing by I’d highly recommend walking through, I’m sure if you like what you see in Chelsea you’ll enjoy what there is to offer within the markets.

In 1904 New York’s Subway system opened. 112 years later it stands as one of the largest, oldest and most well used transport system in the world. It provides enables millions of people (5.7 million in fact) to get from A to B every day, allowing that first person into the office before the sun has even rose.

My advice would be to locate your nearest tube station to where you are staying. Most tube lines overlap so even though a single priced at $3 may seem steep, use this to your full advantage by interchanging between stations to get as close as possible to your desired location.

That said, I’d advise getting a metrocard, they’re available at ticket booths and self service machines and effectively serve like an Oyster Card. Topping them up at the beginning of your stay will reduce delays as you won’t need to stop at the machines every time you enter a station. Also if you’re traveling in groups (which you probably will lets face in New York is scary) you can swipe the card and pass it on to the next person saving you even more time.

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In such an amazing city like New York where expectations are so high, so is the quality of food. All kinds of cuisines and restaurants want to open in this city, giving you some of the best food out there. Well priced food for students, thats harder to find.

If you’re looking for authentic New York cuisine mixed in with something a little different head down to 77th st, 9th av. Here you’ll find ‘The Meatball Shop’ where laminated menu’s and markers allow you to tick your assortment of balls, catering for vegetarians and meat eaters with a variety of side dishes and salads to accompany your meatballs.

If you are located on the south of the island you may come across Fulton Market, the first place I actually saw New Yorkers stop, rewind and relax with friends and colleagues.

To me the south side of the city seems much more comprehendable with its rows of low rise traditional buildings housing, honest

local restaurants and friendly design market. To me the public space at Fulton Market defines the boundary from the buzz and pure hectic nature of New York into a social, slower paced haven.

Ever since the tragic events of 11th September 2001, Lower Manhattan has invested countless hours into reinvigorating the area so it comes back stronger. With the market playing just as big as part as any other section of Lower Manhattan to help bring people together.

Fulton’s well known fish market has now been relocated with a restaurant replacing it, adding to the buzz in the area. Beach style chairs lie out on the plaza for people to recline and relax with a drink from a pop up bar. Restaurants like the Beer & Lobster provide drinks deals on from 4-8pm, encouraging people to see their visit as more than one short stay drink. Locals and tourists are often found conversing into the night in this well integrated public space as the sun sets behind Brooklyn bridge in the background.

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A unique New York chain of restaurants

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Fulton Market, located on Front Street

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My accommodation during my stay was located in the Battery Park area. On most days I would walk through the park only to see lines of people fanning themselves in the blistering heat and continuously clock watching. Funnily enough the thought of enduring all that put me off taking the ferry to the famous Statue of Liberty.

Little did these people know that a ten minute walk through Battery City’s wonderful regenerated, community run park would lead you to Staten Island Ferry terminals little brother; Governors Island terminal. At a price of $2 for adults and students you are equipped with a return journey to the island with ferry’s leaving the mainland on the hour and returning at half past.

Formerly a military base in the time of the American revolution once acquired by the state of New York in the late 18th century Governors Island became largely disused. Excavation material from new New York Subway lines was dumped on the north of the island demonstrating the consideration the city had for the island. It wasn’t until the people of New York bought the island for $1 that care and vision was reintroduced to the island.

Evidence of military properties still remain as you arrive on the ferry at the north east of the island. As you explore further south you can see elements of regeneration from West8 Architects. Man made hills, collections of hammocks and a picnic point giving wonderful closer views of the Statue of Liberty are a few of the standout features. Some streets and buildings from the military era remain, leaving a distinction between new and old. Although, once you pass through the barracks you can see why the city wants Governors Island to become a new landmark of New York.

Bikes are also free to hire, ranging from one to four man bikes to add to the fun of your journey. Pack yourself some lunch and recline back and enjoy views back to the mainland. Here is a collection of my pictures from the trip:

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Welcoming sign to the island on the

ferry

Modern furnishings on the play lawn

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Views ascending up the hills of the Statue of Liberty

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Caught up in the buzz of one of the world’s biggest cities can make you forget about the little things sometimes. But New York does little things too. The piers on the west side of the island has been seen as an excellent platform for regeneration.

For those of you looking for a break from the real touristy things head down to pier 25 for a game of mini golf. Often popular with local workers at the end of the day you soon realise this little gem is largely unknown to the average tourist. $8 gets you a round of 18 holes with a wonderful backdrop of the famous Hudson river.

I’ve drawn on my favourite experiences from my time in the ‘Big Apple’ but below sits a list of interesting things that didn’t quite make the cut.

Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Centre - $32 Great way to see New York from above. At a price cheaper than ascending the Empire State building with less queues and views of the iconic Empire State itself.

MoMA - $15Guggenheim - $18For you art lovers out there in addition to the Whitney sits the MoMA and Guggenheim. Both are wonderful buildings in explore inside and out and located on the periphery of central park. I’d say combine those two activities one day if they are exhibiting art of interest to you.

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The windows of MoMA’s bookstore framing the adjacent facades

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As a student, opportunities like this do not come around regularly. You can try and prepare, set out what plan to do each day, say ‘I wanna do this, this and this on this day’, but nothing can quite equip you for when you arrive.

Ever street corner looks like one from a movie set, yellow cabs dominate the streets as they did your television screen from your youth. Buildings dominate

the skyline that not only pioneered architectural movements but inspired you to build as big and as tall as possible with Lego as a child.

Whilst it is one of the more challenging places to survive on a budget it’ll certainly be a trip that sticks in the memory for years to come. You can’t put a price on that...right?

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END NOTE

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine

Thank you very much for taking the time to read our first edition. We would love to hear your thoughts and even better some stories of your own.

Our ultimate aim is to provide you, the reader, with inspiration and most of all encouragement that even the biggest cities in the world are not out of your reach. It is common fact that your student years are the best of your life and we don’t doubt that. We want to reaffirm that by showing you guys all the possibilities that lie ahead.

We would love to hear from you; your travels, your opinions on the magazine. We really want this magazine to bea platform to which students can demonstrate their creative writing and photography abilities, hopefully encouraging more to do so in the process.

Ultimately, we want to become one collective database where we share our stories, our experiences in the hope that readers will learn and take things from them.

So far we only consist of three friends from York but we want to continue to grow and reach out to students not just nationally but internationally. On our first opening page lies our email address, if you want to be part of this community then send us a message. Don’t be shy!

We wish you all the best and safe travels.

All the best,

Alex, Toby and ElleOn the Move Team

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ON THE MOVEVolume One