Bucharest - Romania

Bucharest – Romania

Post published:26 May 2013
Post category:Eastern Europe Europe Romania

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Paris of the East

It’s always great to travel anywhere, but when that includes going to a country never been before, it gets even more exciting. Romania it is then, starting at its crawling capital Bucharest. Although the whole main plan for the trip itself would of course be the travelling to the amazing Transylvania region in search of the world famous Bran Castle and the beautiful city of Brasov. And now, after the trip I will not hesitate in saying I will be returning to this wonderful country soon to keep visiting the countless great cities and places it has to offer.

It is important to remember a fact that changed the history of the city and the country. The earthquake of 1977, which epicenter was at Vrancea, locality not far from Bucharest that destroyed a huge part of the city. Signs can still be seen across the old town with some dilapidated buildings and others falling apart in peaces and ruin. Thankfully there is currently a great effort to rebuild and restore many of these old historic constructions along the old town and beyond, turning it back again into a thriving, beautiful East European and greatly gentrified city.

From its nickname, the Paris of the East, anyone can wonder why but it’s not hard to discover. Wide tree-lined boulevards, great buildings from all eras and styles, elegant and beautiful, the city has much more to offer than what you expected before you came, considering the incredible wonders lost forever after the earthquake.

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Kos - Greece

Kos – Greece

Post published:29 April 2013
Post category:Europe Greece Southern Europe

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The birthplace of Hippocrates

Finally, a very much desired Greek island for a long time now in the bucket list, Kos. Considering how many islands are out there in this region and in Greece alone, this could take several years finding nice deals every now and then, or make the most on an Aegean Cruise, why not. But for now, this is the fun of keep travelling, going every time to a different destination, and enjoying as much as possible, never getting tired.

What we believed it would be a very small island, as Google maps might look like, ended up being bigger than expected. The airport is at the centre of the island, and we first headed to Kos Town where our hotel was. A very charming city and amazingly quiet, thankfully because it was still low season. Another reason why we love travelling to places always during the low season months whenever we can.

The ancient Greek-Roman remains are spread all around. On one side is the Forum, on another the Odeon; then the Western Archaeological site and the Casa Romana, while farther away outside of the city is the Asclepeion, ancient healing temple. We only found out that distances were actually bigger than expected when we were there, and decided to rent a car for 24 hours. Best decision ever, out of sudden we were flexible to travel around the entire island.

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Bergen - Norway

Bergen and the Fjords – Norway

Post published:21 April 2013
Post category:Europe Northern Europe Norway

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The door to the Norwegian Fjords

One of the most seek destination across Norway, Bergen, it is not always the easiest and the cheapest place you can find a nice flight deal. Then knowing about the remaining expenses as hotel, rental car and food, we knew this trip was not going to be anymore on budget but a be very pricey considering how short it was, merely a weekend. Nevertheless, considering how beautiful is this city and the incredible region surrounding it, returning is not even questionable, it is a reality.

Bergen is the door to the fjords. If you are coming here it is likely that you will be either taking a tour, (there are many), from half a day, one day or the longer ones, getting on a cruise; or you will be driving on your own around. Whichever the option it does not matter. But getting a rental car and be free to do as you wish for as long as you want, no hassle of running from one place to another and no one rushing you is simply ideal.

A weekend is really enough to do both the fjords and Bergen, if you cannot have any longer that that. But of course I am only talking about the most notorious sights and places, as otherwise one can be in this region for weeks every day in a different place.

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Alexandria - Egypt

Alexandria – Egypt

Post published:31 March 2013
Post category:Africa Egypt

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Where the greatest ancient lighthouse once stood

Even though we had a very tight agenda and not too many days and time overall while in Egypt for this trip, we definitely planned a day out to visit what was once upon a time, one of the greatest, most luxurious and vibrant cities the earth has seen, Alexandria. Unfortunately, today that glorious of the past is long gone. First, and main cause, the many earthquakes which made the ancient city to sank and disappear under the Mediterranean Sea, together with the remains of the Great Lighthouse, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world; and secondly, for the current state of the city where no one seems to take care that much for the old architecture and buildings, the lack of cleanliness and general care.

We found ourselves immersed in a city full of waste. In every park, corner or even by the beach, there was dump. Hundreds of plastic bags full of rubbish everywhere. Really disappointing to see, and at points quite uncomfortable. We knew it was just a matter of bad luck that time since it was a general cleaning strike; still, the dump was not just coming from it, but for months and months of careless behaviour.

Then, all these countless beautiful French colonial buildings in that state of disrepair. Just some paint and general care and would make a totally different city. I hope they don’t take that long until they realise what incredible potential they have in this city and do something about to solve it. It could definitely be a very beautiful and elegant city. (more…)

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Zaragoza - Spain

Zaragoza – Spain

Post published:17 March 2013
Post category:Europe Southern Europe Spain

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Roman Caesaraugusta, Moorish Saraqusta

Completing a guide for another great city in Spain, it’s time for Zaragoza. One of the long pending guides for a proper upgrade and revamp since it was one of the first generation bunch of blog entries when I started this site; now there was no further excuse after the most recent trip here, in coincidence with one of the largest festivities across Spain, El Pilar. Already the 4th time in the city, and for sure not the last. Nowadays it’s not any longer about sightseeing there, but visiting my great friends the priority in this case.

It was back in the year 2002 when I first came to Zaragoza, to visit and to be with friends, and of course, enjoying El Pilar party. Returning for a couple more times in between, and 17 years after the first time, the most recent trip here. That’s a long time for a city to reinvent itself and showcase more than ever the architectural wonders and countless sights so neatly restored and refurbished. Plenty of new areas and revamped streets, modernised and pedestrianised after the re-introduction of the tram through the core of the historical centre and beyond.

New landscaping and re-structure of some buildings, squares and streets led to the discovery and recovery of more Roman remain now beautifully set on display for anyone to enjoy. Let’s not forget an entire Roman city lies beneath the current modern layout of Zaragoza. That’s the ancient Caesaraugusta.

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Granada - Spain

Granada – Spain

Post published:10 March 2013
Post category:Europe Southern Europe Spain

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The Moorish Jewel at the foothills of Sierra Nevada

Finally reaching one of the most spectacular cities in Spain, Granada and it’s most precious sight, the Alhambra. Coming here from Malaga was easy, in fact we decided to get the hotel in Granada instead of Malaga in order to have the most of the day for visiting Granada before heading back to Malaga and make our way back home. Unfortunately this time, we really run short of time to visit such impressive city. Quite severely to be honest, plus the bad luck with the pouring rain later in the afternoon that made us retreat from continuing any sightseeing. Not to worry much, I know I will return and enjoy it bigger time soon.

Although not a big city, it’s packed with places to visit, not to mention these sights are located on each hill of the city, making it pretty hard and tiring if you want to get on foot, or even using the public transportation, as it all takes longer than originally expected. If you have a rental car instead, then you will be much better off saving you lots of time. Still no matter whether you have your own transport or not, you should at least plan 2 full days in here. An entire weekend would be ideal.

One of the main reasons to come to Granada is actually quite self-explained. The world renowned complex of palaces within the castle and fort of Alhambra. This unique, greatest Moorish piece of architecture is listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1984, and one of the most celebrated and finest tourist destination in the whole of Spain. Entering through its doors is like appearing anywhere in Morocco, especially Marrakech, Fez or Meknes. Luxurious courtyards, gardens with ponds, fountains, sculptures and statues perfectly designed; impressive palaces and buildings so incredibly well decorated and all so impressive and painstakingly restored. Lets not forget it was here from where the Sultanate of Granada was governed, one of the most powerful back in the days of the Muslim occupation of Spain.

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Budapest - Hungary

Budapest – Hungary

Post published:5 March 2013
Post category:Eastern Europe Europe Hungary

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The Heart of Europe, Pearl of the Danube

It always feels great to return to a city you love so much before. This was about the right time to enjoy once again the stunning Budapest. And for sure it will not be the last and won’t pass many years either to step back in its pavements. It keeps impressing me as for the first time for its elegance and great planning of urbanism with so much to see and do everywhere and the amazing food.

It is really unbelievable the fate the city had for the past centuries. Destroyed many times, being the most recent the great destruction suffered during WWII, it has always recovered from the rubble, and thanks goodness it kept, retained, and rebuilt after the war most of the incredible Austro-Hungarian impressive constructions. Only Vienna (as the capital of the Empire than once was) can rival with such elegance and opulence, but Budapest does not come short. Both cities have always competed with each other in having the best and grandest of them.

This is therefore not a city you can visit in a short weekend time. It will need at least 3 full long days or otherwise you won’t be able to enjoy the countless sights and attractions. It is also a city that requires public transport in order to get to the different areas of the city as it’s quite a large city with very spread tourist sites. A 4 days city break would be ideal in this case.
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Montecarlo - Monaco

Montecarlo – Monaco

Post published:10 February 2013
Post category:Europe Monaco Western Europe

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The second smallest country in the world

Our second day of this weekend trip to Nice, we spent it for taking the short bus drive to the capital city of Monaco, tiny Montecarlo. Getting here from Nice is as simple and easy as to take a public bus for just 1 Euro! And the views you will get along the way are amazing too. Make sure you sit or locate yourself on the right hand side of the bus, this is where you will get the views of the coast and mountains for the whole of the journey. Around 40 minutes journey and you will be there.

There are few stops within Monaco itself, being one of the best to get off at the one near the Castle, which is the old town also known as Monaco Ville or The Rock, and start your visit from there. Of course note that the castle is high up in the mountain, and the bus stop is down in the road. Just ask the driver which one you need to get off or check this in a map.

For a day trip, you have more than enough time to do and see everything. It’s in fact a very small place, so the only area where you will spend more time is by the Castle and Royal Palace, which is the most historic area. The views from here are the best you can get of the whole bay. When you start going uphill and start getting the views, don’t rush to make pictures along the way, you will soon be on the top and realise from there you can have even better views. (more…)

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