I have decided not to write a post about the travel day from Belgrade as it was a single flight on Air Serbia. Flying time is just over two hours and it was beautiful at sunset to see the landscape change from arid and brown to dark rich green. I am visiting this city for …
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time visiting this UNESCO World Heritage city and exploring the nature that surrounds it. From climbing medieval towers and exploring the subterranean bastions, to wading in the Baltic Sea and everything in between. There is so much to see, experience and learn and I can’t wait to return again soon. …
On this short visit to the capital, my intention is to explore the streets, enjoy the beautiful sunshine and take in the atmosphere. What has come as a huge surprise is the astonishing amount and variety of architecture that crosses my path. Normally cities are like an onion. The core is the oldest and one …
The weather forecast shows a few days of sunshine in a row and that alone has determined its time to discover this capital city. Having just arrived on the Viking Lines ferry, I walk off, and with no set destination, head for the first thing I see that catches my eye. Let’s have fun exploring …
Something I admire about any municipality is the ability to change an area from one of decay and disuse to vibrancy. Examples would be old factories, historical buildings and such. As I explore this incredible city, I see these sites all over, and each one is unique and interesting. Here is industrial Tallinn, the best …
Do you want to experience time travel? I have discovered the perfect destination for that. Since 1997 this historical core has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You see, its one of the most complete, intact and well-preserved cities dating from the 13th century. The medieval magic of Old Town Tallinn Estonia will leave …
Having never visited northern Europe in adulthood, I am curious and excited to see what this part of the continent has in store. I have preconceived ideas of fashion, architecture and nature, whether those hold true remains to be seen. Here are my first impressions of Tallinn Estonia as I get out and begin to …
Since I am flying from Vienna to my next destination, I though it would be fun to spend a few days here. The train from Bratislava is only one hour long, cost €19 and I would have had to take this trip regardless, on my actual travel day. So let’s jump right in and see …
Always trying to find unique ideas to pass along to my fellow travellers, I have been successful here. It almost seems like every time I turn a corner, something crosses my path that makes me pause and take note. Here are 10 free things to do in Bratislava Slovakia that I hope you find as …
In my previous post, we get lost in the streets of Old Town, the Medieval period. But there is so much more history in this city that begs to be given a stage. Did you know that for 250 years, the city was called Pressburg and was the capital of Hungary? That era is what …
What an interesting place to have arrived in. The city has loads of history including when it was the capital of Hungary and called Pressburg. I’m excited to get out and explore the old town and the newer sides, to see what I can find. Here are my first impressions of Bratislava Slovakia. Graffiti I …
This part of the city was actually not on my radar, but after doing a little research, I find myself really curious as to what remains. Like The Bund, this was one of the extraterritoriality locations in the city and remained so for just under 100 years. An area, governed by France, I have to …
I haven’t seen much real history yet in Shanghai so I search where to go to experience some old Chinese architecture. You know the style, those gorgeous swooping eaves like birds’ wings, dark carved wood, romantically conservative. As soon as these buildings alight on my iPad screen, I know I have found exactly what I’m …
After the initial exploratory jaunts around my neighbourhood, I notice what appeared to be European architecture. Surprised and delighted by this, I have been researching and walking further afield. An area that is now a tourist hotspot is our destination today. Here’s a few ideas of what to see at The Bund in Shanghai. Brief …
I have really lucked out on the selection of the neighbourhood I find myself immersed in. When selecting my hotel, besides price, which is almost always the guiding factor for my frugal budget, it was location. I knew on this first visit, I would need somewhere more gentle, less big city. The charming district of …
What am I actually seeing? Like I mentioned in the previous post, this destination more than any other, requires prior research, setting up apps, banking, and logistics before arrival. Part of that research was the hotel of course. I prioritize first, one where I know the front desk staff speaks a little English. The other …
My first sunny day and I decide to head straight for the centre of the city. Here sits a structure that pops up in almost every Google image of this capital city. Surrounding it are a plethora of innovative modern buildings, statues, green space and more. Beautiful Baiterek & Nurzhol Blvd in Astana Kazakhstan is …
Having taken one single two-hour flight, I have left the old capital of Almaty in the south, for the new capital of Astana in the north. I did have the option of a 15-hour train ride but that did not seem appealing especially as much of the journey is through the Great Steppe. This large …
I find myself in a city with a less distinguishable ‘old town’ than many others. You see, in the late 19th century, there occurred a massive earthquake followed by another in 1911. Between these two events, most of the old buildings were wiped out. Come get lost with me in Almaty Kazakhstan and let’s see …
The other place, besides Samarkand, that I knew I wanted to visit on this first sojourn into Central Asia is this one. Take the high speed Afrosiyob train and its only a two-hour journey before you find yourself immersed into a spectacular old destination that oozes Islamic history. Bukhara Uzbekistan, a beautiful Silk Road city …