Posts on Travel Blog by Rafał Włodarczyk

The old city of Mdina

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 11:32:57 +0200

The silent city

The name derives from the fact, that in the XVI century, Mdina lost its importance as the capital of Malta has been moved to Valetta, never to raise again.

Mdina is also a popular arabic name, becuase “Medina” (مدينة) is in fact an arabic word meaning city. The name was given to the city during the arabic rule over Malta (870-1091).

The architecture

The city is famous for narrow alleys and sandstone buildings. The architecture is mostly Baroque, with some medieval elements - the city is in fact a grand fortress, surrounded by thick walls. It was in the very heart of the island in its natural defensive position.

The cathedral

The main building in Mdina is the St. Paul’s Cathedral, yet another church dedicated to Christianity.

The streets

Imagine how a small turn to the left can open up eyes to a restaurant that can house over a hundred people. Mdina is full of such surprises, full of captivating interiors and charming courtyards.

The residents

Even though not many people live in Mdina nowadays it is still possible to find some residents, which rather shut themselves from the tourists and the outside world.

The foss

Guarded from almost every side, the foss around Mdina today consists of a walking path and two gardens, one at the top and one at the bottom. The bottom one also houses a small entrance to the city.

The nature and flora of Malta

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:32:57 +0200

Blue Grotto, cliffs and raw stone

The strength of Malta lies in the rock formations, cliffs, caves, rock and sand beaches. Only to be seen after leaving the urban areas, which is not that easy, as almost the entire island is built up.

I have taken my time to take this photo, hope you will not be disappointed, by having to see my face in the very center of it :)

Tree

Outside of Mdina there is a greater foss and the tree which has stolen my heart. I am not sure what species it is, but its green leaves look magnificent and full of life, comparing against the limestone rock and dry landscape around.

Cacti everywhere

The arid climate is perfect for cacti growth. They are everywhere, both in the wild and in the gardens, some act as fences, or grow on fences. Some are flowering, with big red flowers - they look interesting. The Maltese have found a way to harness these fruits, making jams and liquors out of them. I have managed to try the liquor, it is sweet with a distinct flavor.

The calm of Gozo

Gozo island is still densely populated, but the rural areas are bigger - the entire island consists of a few villages connected by narrow roads. Everything in between is fields, farms and rocky areas. THe pace of life seems slower, and the people are relaxed. Every house has a reference to the local patron saint, with a small shrine visible etched into the wall, or a statue on the terrace.

The island of Gozo

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 22:32:57 +0200

The Maltese name for the island is Għawdex (ghawdesh)

Gozo Arrival

In order to visit Gozo, starting from Valetta one has two choices:

Take a bus to the very edge of Malta (Iċ-Ċirkewwa terminal) and then a car ferry to Mġarr. Combined price of 6.60€ one way.
Take a direct passenger speedboat from Valetta to Mġarr. Flat rate of 7.50€ one way.

Book the second option via Gozo Highspeed. 40 minutes from Valetta to Mġarr.

Definitely choose the second option, as the bus ride is long and tedious - over an hour. The speedboat is very fast, though my head hurt a little due to the waves. The weather in december is definitely windy, there was little foam on top of the 2 meter high waves and the wind was no greater than 10 m/s. My friends who took some meteorology classes said that it was a 4 in the Beaufort scale.

Ferry ride

The car ferry is enormous and does not sway. The trip takes 25 minutes and there is both a cafeteria on board and a deck to enjoy the sea from every angle. Travelling from Malta to Gozo on the right one can see the Comino island.

Forward and on the left, after Gozo there is just sea, which eventually ends up at Africa - not very far away as the distance from Malta to Tunisia is only 300 km. The closeness is the reason for arid climate, desert-like landscapes and language influences.

Maltese Language. To welcome somebody in Maltese one can say “Merħba”, which is almost identical to the Tunisian Arabic “Marhba” (مرحبا) ~ “Marhaban”, as spelled in the most common Arabic dialect. The language influence is staggering to say the least. On the other hand, words such as “Independenza” are clearly of Latin/Italian origin. It is one of the most fascinating language mixtures I’ve ever seen. To a Polish speaker however, the pronunciation is way too guttural and throaty to feel European. Good they use latin alphabet, and perfectly know english. Otherwise it would have been a nightmare to communicate.

Take a look at the map to see the calculated shore-to-shore distances. What is not shown here - the Sicily island is only 90 km away from Malta, which pinpoints the reason for the Italian influence on Maltese culture.

Similar language influences can be seen in the southern parts of Spain, especially near Grenada - the last Muslim stronghold in the Iberian peninsula. Spanish language has many Arabic loanwords, and the architecture is also heavy influenced, with some mosques turned into cathedrals.

First Glimpse of Gozo

Taking my feet off the ferry, I realized that taking the bus to Victoria immediately would have been a mistake, as Għajnsielem is a very charming town with a wonderful view of the marina, and the beautiful church right next to it.

Take a look at the weird christmas tree made entirely of wine bottles in Ghajnsielem.

They must drink a lot, as not only the tree, but also surrounding mini-decorations and lantern posts are made of empty wine bottles.

Victoria and the Citadel

Locals can refer to the city of Victoria as Ir-Rabat (Għawdex), which is a little confusing, as the main island also has a town called Ir-Rabat. The Citadel is a fortress located in the very centre of the city, in its topmost part. On top of the Citadel one can see almost the entire island. There are no more buildings in the northern direction, providing a great view of the fields and mountain ridges.

Inside the citadel there is another church, with two important figures guarding the entrance. The one on the right is John Paul II, who was a very important figure in the history of my country of origin - Poland.

I was lucky to capture both the citadel and the mountain during the landing at MLA airport. Take a look - the city on the left has a fortress in its topmost part, and the mountain you see in the middle is the same one I photographed from the ground.

Saint George’s Basilica

After entering I was greeted by a ticket table with a kind lady and a TV screen showing the insides of the basilica. I immediately recognized that the altar from the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City was copied 1-1. Asked the lady and she confirmed it and added that there are more connections to the Vatican inside.

There were christmas packages for the people in need, below one of the side altars. They seem to treat churches as not only a place of worship, but also a community center. Makes sense in the land of narrow streets and small villages.

The Comino island

The island as seen from the car ferry is a small piece of land between Malta and Gozo. It has a few tourist attractions, however I did not visit the island, in favor of staying longer at Victoria.

Catalan monastery etched in stone

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:51:10 +0100

Monastery etched in stone

By train, with an extra funicular to get there, or otherwise wonderful hikes in the surrounding mountains.

Valletta

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:32:57 +0200

The city of Valletta

Malta is an island on the Mediterranean Sea. It has a population of about half a million people, most of which are living in the capital area. The city centre is a big fort, with rich military history and of cultural significance. In its entirety it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Transportation

Malta has a great internet connection on the entire island, no matter how remote it may seem. This definitely encourages social media activity, and on the fly route searching. Google maps shows every bus route. Additional QR codes can be scanned at the bus stop for live schedule.

Bus tickets can be bought in two ways - either inside a bus for a 2€ flat rate per ticket, or using a dedicated Tallinja Card. The second way is cheaper, more flexible and everybody uses it.

St John Co-Cathedral

The name co-cathedral, a very strange one implies another cathedral in the vicinity of the one you will soon see images of below. The official seat (cathedra) of the Archdiocese of Malta is shared with the older St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina, which I loosely describe in one of the next posts.

This is a masterpiece of baroque art, it looks almost too rich to be authentic. A more rational interior is to be found on Gozo, where they simply decided to copy the altar from the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican City.

Tourism Sector

Malta is a renowned tourist destination for those seeking the views, culture and lifestyle of the southerners.
Tourism sector works like a well-oiled machine, with each branch working tirelessly towards the greater good. This is the first time I’ve seen a government do such a good job at ensuring seamless integration of various branches - airport, taxis, public transportation, hotels, museums and other activities, they all were deeply thought through.

Economy of Malta - Wikipedia states that tourism generates 15% of Malta’s GDP

Military Traditions

The capital of Malta is one of the few remaining ports with functioning defense walls and the system of forts. The peninsula is enclosed by two other enormous forts, which made the city almost impenetrable in previous eras.

Valetta supports the remembrance of the fellow military traditions. For example, twice a day (12.00 and 16.00) they perform a rehearsed cannon shooting for the people to enjoy. I’ve recorded the most important fifteen seconds myself and uploaded it for you to enjoy.

There is a shared similarity between Prague, the capital of Czechia, and Valetta. The first city ordered an american company to create a scenario for a ward change near its palace at Mala Strana.

Street-level Architecture

If I had to provide the city, which shares the most similarities with Valetta it would have definitely resided somewhere in the basin of the Mediterranean Sea. To ensure also the experiences match, not only architecture, I would have been left with Rome, the eternal city.

The most famous piece of elevation has to be these wooden balconies, often spanning across half the width of the building.

Exquisite Interiors

The interiors are also very detailed and present a whole different style in itself. It is an amalgamate of many greek and roman influences. The entrances to many buildings already show how rich and inviting they are.

Nighttime Cityscape

The most well-lit building of the night cityscape is the dome of the cathedral.

The city walls from the beginning of the peninsula are the most attractive for a romantic walk.

Tourism Survey

The government of Malta takes a lot of effort to ensure that everybody leaves with a great impression. At the airport, I received a survey from the ministry, which openly asked about my demographics and the quality of my stay. It was seven pages long, and some of the questions were really surprising. They consider various experiences and most interesting ones were agricultural and LGBT-friendliness. Poland could learn a lot from their mentality.

Copenhagen

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 15:32:57 +0200

Copenhagen

Copenhagen has given me very mixed signals the moment I entered the city centre.

The monuments

The Palace

I must say that the palace architecture resembles Dartmoor, and if not for the Danish flags, I’d say

Rosenburg Slot Park

The other castle on the other hand is located inside a large park. I was on time constraint however, which prevented me from going inside. I don’t think I missed much, and at least didn’t spend an extra 30€ for an entry ticket.

Kongens Nytorv

If there was only one street to recommend for a quick walk around the city centre I’d choose Kongens Nytov. On the square overground, there is a circle composed of trees, with classical European/Viennese architecture around. Underground there is a giant transportation hub connecting four different metro lines. With one of these lines - M2 - one can quickly reach the airport (took me about 12 minutes).

Christianshavn

A quick walk in Christianshavn, right before Christiania a small pedestrian bridge emerges. Its shape is similar to masts of a sailboat. Its walking part is created of a few interleaving circles, which protrude along the bank to allow for better views and pictures.

The National Library

Skyscrapers

The same day I was in Copenhagen 3blue1brown posted a video explaining the Laplace Transform. I quickly downloaded the video before the plane departed and watched it for half of the flight. It is 35 minutes long, and flight SK 765 from CPH to WRO takes about an hour. These are the skyscrapers I’ve thought about the moment he showed a plot of the transformed function.

Odense

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 15:32:57 +0200

Odense

Malmö

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 15:34:35 +0200

Malmö

Wrocław

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:40:17 +0200

The Centennial Hall

The National Museum

The Football Stadium

Events

The City Centre

The Japanese Garden

Napoli

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:34:35 +0200

The origin of Pizza

I’ve always believed in the connection between Naples and Pizza. I’ve never given a second thought why is that so, thinking that the name of this marvelous dish sounds italian enough. My fellow friend, with whom I travel a lot has decided to try to test this connection. We ate three normal size Pizzas that day and topped it off with a local delicacy - the Sfogliatelle - a shell-shaped pastry with a sweet or creamy filling - with each layer magnifying the taste.

Narrow alleys of the South

Many European cities in the basin of the Mediterranean Sea have significantly narrower alleys. But in Italy, as opposed to common sense, these small alleys are in fact roads for scooters, or even cars. One of such single-track vehicles is a beautifully designed Vespa my heart would long for, if only I wasn’t scared of driving a two wheel.

The order of the buildings

Naples is located on a dozen hills, and it lies close to Mount Vesuvius. A great need for a place to stay subsequently converted steep slopes into actual housing. The entire cityscape of the city is striking - looks nowhere near to a Northern grid. This what I would call mess is in fact what enriches the experience of italy and hispanic countries.

There are buildings on top and behind the hill.

Inside the Cathedral

The cathedral of Naples is a beautiful piece of architecture, comparable to the Papal basilicas in Rome.

The fountain of Neptune

There are two castles in Naples, one of which - Castel Nuovo - is located in the port district, and the second right above the first, with a perfect city view. I have taken all cityscape photos at Castel Sant’Elmo.

Gallery of Umberto I

The structure is a lookalike of Galeria Vittorio Emanuele II, located in the very centre of Milan. The major difference between both is not the architecture, but what’s located inside the shopping area. Milanese one is known for high fashion and expensive stores, where as in Naples - Starbucks. In the country which loves coffee - unacceptable.

Porta Capuana

Porta Capuana originally passed through the medieval city walls. Now is a free standing structure, with beautiful carvings inside the archway. I only photographed the main part, omiting two bastion towers, which still stand today.

Rail Station Shopping

Contrary to classical architecture and romanesque elevations a new mall below ground has emerged. The structure is located at the Giuseppe Garibaldi square, right near the entrance of Napoli Centrale train station.

Pompeii

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:34:35 +0200

Contemporary Pompeii

Currently inhabited part of Pompei does not differ much from other villages in the area which encircle Mount Vesuvius. There are normal restaurants, a train station, churches and other necessary buildings. However just a few minutes from the centre there lies an entrance, to what was a great Roman city in the past.

The Ancient City

Classifying all the places I’ve personally decided to visit, Roman Pompeii would definitely land in the strange category. It is not the nature, nor the architecture I was there for. I would not even consider the visit a part of my vacations, even though it was far from home.

It felt like visiting a traumatic place.

Plants are growing as we presume they used to in the past. Scattered around the city were countless vine stems, with wooden supports.

Alleyways

Long empty alleyways with partially destroyed houses, which stood untouched for nearly two thousand years. There are many tourists, each of them slowly striding on the sidewalks. It is April and the weather can be described as warm, with the lack of trees in the vicinity a bit too warm.

House of an Aristocrat

Out of many places with only a few bricks left, there’s a notable and extraordinary structure. Inside, there is an untouched atrium and then a plot of land, which used to be a wonderful garden, or even an orchard.

Second Floor

Pompeii had about 40,000 inhabitants at the time of the catastrophe. The photo below shows a two story building, which must have housed a great number of folk. This is the only one I’ve found to have had its roof part restored. However the entrance was guarded by steel bars, as was the case with many other buildings off the main alley.

Grand Theater

At last one can immerse themselves on a proscenium of an amphitheatre hidden at the verge of the town. There were a lot of tours which stopped by, presumably because of the great space around and the amplified sound distribution. At the top of the theatron Mount Vesuvius emerges.

The Basilica of Saint Peter

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:30:09 +0200

Main Facade

Central View

Blessed Sacrament Chapel Dome

The Tomb of John Paul II

Located inside the Chapel of Saint Sebastian, the second hall from the sacred entrance.

The Apse

The Altar of Leo the Great

Middle View

Michelangelo Dome

Topmost View

The smallest country on Earth

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:28:53 +0200

Entrance to the Saint Peter Square

Map Hall

Necropolis at Via Triumphalis

Musei Vaticani

Square Arc Monument

Vatican Helipad

Vatican Gardens

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:28:53 +0200

Entrance

House of Benedict XVI

Vatican Television

The Italian Garden

Sandstone Fountain

Second visit to Bratislava

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:40:53 +0200

The Presidential Palace

The City Centre

The Castle

After Hours

Mazury

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 14:56:35 +0200

Mazury

One day in Basel

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 23:59:00 +0200

Aerial view of Basel

This is by far the most impressive view to start with. As I was approaching the Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport a perfect cityscape emerged. Three countries are pictured on this photo. The upper-left corner is Germany with its small cities of Weil am Rhein and Lörrach. The bottom part is in France, and the city centre of Basel is in the upper-middle part of the picture.

The Dreiländereck

Taking a closer look at the port of Basel, right at the very end of the cape, between the passenger and cargo terminals lies the Dreiländereck - a monument which marks a tripoint where the borders of France, Germany and Switzerland meet. Literal translation of the monument name is three-country-edge, pretty self-explanatory.

The Architecture

Just as I imagined this part of Switzerland, the architecture is a mix of contemporary solutions with old classy style. Brown roofs, light painted elevations covered with rose or ivy, and windows with colorful window shutters.

Lively City

Basel is a culturally developed city. The city hosts many events, with UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 being the one I’ve experienced myself. On 27.07.2025 England won with Spain after penalties. I’ve been to the Spanish fan zone on Barfüsserplatz.

The Bridge

There is a legend that during the medieval times, when Rhine split two neighboring settlements, the king of Basel showed his tongue to the towards the other side of the river. In the very same place now stands the bridge.

Nordstern

A melting pot for culture, art, music and stuff in Basel, Switzerland. The lower deck of this converted cargo ship is a land of milk and honey for clubbers ~ A description taken from nordstern.com. I must say I really enjoy their 2025 red-black website design. It reminds me of Red-Black Trees.

I’m not a big fan of clubbing culture, yet finding a whole ship specifically dedicated to the rave community was cool. It really seems like a place to wear aggressive and exposing outfits and to celebrate the next beautiful evening on this otherwise lonely planet.

The Spalentor

The gate is the most magnificent and impressive still remaining ones from the city fortifications dating from 1400. It was built when the city walls expanded for the third time throughout its history. My hotel was on the same street and I must say the views were beautiful. Not only did I experience sleeping in the centre of a swiss city, but as a reward I also received Basel Card, which entitled me as a tourist to travel the city via public transportation for free. It also gave me some discount benefits in various museums and places.

Śnieżka

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 14:56:35 +0200

Śnieżka

The greenest city in Poland

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:56:35 +0200

Zielona Góra

La Città Eterna

Fri, 30 May 2025 21:16:21 +0100

In April, I booked a plane ticket to Ciampino Airport. Yes, the one that is not the main airport of Rome. Nevertheless, its outside of the walls location only meant a quick taxi drive on the way back at 2AM. We obviously missed the bus that would have taken us to the city centre, instead got into one that went straight to the city of Ciampino, which drove us around the entrance to the airport. I frantically checked the Trenitalia app, as it was dark already, and saw that the train to Roma Termini leaves from the second platform in 3 minutes. In 3 minutes, we’ve gone from a bus stop, through the ticket machine into the train, where I randomly asked two Hindi tourists if the train is going to Rome. It was going to Rome. Now out to get our AirBnb key.

A key feature of the Roma Termini station are these ramps which speed up walking, often times seen at greater airports. We had 20 minutes to get our key, we entered metro and were on our way.

The metro in Rome has an intricate issue - no matter where you dig in The Eternal City, you always end up recovering some artifacts. There are only 3 metro lines in Rome, and to be honest - only 2 of them are of any importance - the one crossing the city centre, from Anagnina to the Vatican City.

The Colosseum

After we went through an elaborate process of getting the key to our AirBnb, we left our carry-on bags and went out to discover what lies ahead. On foot, because the first time I visit a place I assume everything is yet to be seen. Our apratament had a view for the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano so we went there, saw The Colosseum, Fontana Di Trevi and then back, with pizza al taglio at hand.

Here are some of the later photos I took, when I got to enter the Colosseum and had the opportunity to see it from the inside. I know it may sound awkward, but there’s nothing there that wouldn’t be as interesting as watching this youtube video about this marvel of architecture and a giant crest of power.

There is something magical about the umbrella pines, for a northerner like me. I remember watching TV documentaries about the life in the warmer countries, the Mediterranean and in the Northern Africa. Here I take a look out of The Colosseum and have them standing right next to me.

Castel Sant’Angelo

This structure, at the right river bank of The Tiber, and near The Vatican City is in fact a mausoleum of Hadrian, and a burial place for a few other emperors of Rome: Antoninus Pius, Commodus, Marcus Aurelius, Septimius Severus, Geta and Caracalla.

The reduced ticket for the castle was so cheap that we decided to enter. It was a great decision as a beautiful panorama of Rome awaited us at the top of the structure. The historical part and the expositions were there, but acted as a supporting actor of the main one - which was the tour of Rome. Take a look at the view from the castle. Right of this picture there is the main entrance to The Vatican City.

Di Trevi

I had no prior information about this structure, though seeing an extraordinary large crowd in the vicitnity of the fountain, at 12AM, was in fact a surprise. How come this place is so iconic? It happens to be the most well-known baroque structure in the city, and possibly the most famous fountain in the world. It is also possible to visit the underground part of the fountain, though I didn’t have enough time to get to see it myself.

Campo de’ Fiori

The Field of Flowers is a square, which was undeveloped until the 15th century. The famous philosopher Giordano Bruno proposed a Copernican Model, for which he was burnt alive. His works were placed on the Index of Forbidden Books. In the centre of the square there is now a monument to him and the freedom of thought. A friend of mine said - During the day it’s a giant market with many stalls, to all converge into a single bar in the evening.

It is an ideal place to buy flowers, and to rest after visiting all of the colossal buildings in the city.

Villa Borghese

I didn’t have the opportunity to visit the gallery, though as an IT person I don’t miss it much. The park on the other hand has the most amount of green areas in the whole city. I chose to enter it through Piazza del Popolo.

Pantheon

At last, I must mention a fact about the more recent history I present the Tomb of Vittorio Emanuele II, the father of the nation of Italy, the one who united it all under one governate. He has been buried in The Pantheon, a temple where the gods of Rome were worshipped. Next to the founder of Italy lies his son - Umberto I, who was killed by an anarchist.

Budapest

Fri, 02 May 2025 14:00:00 +0200

The Panorama of the city

A friend of mine once said Budapest is how Vienna would’ve looked like if only there was a hill on one side of the Danube river, and plains on the other one. Apart from the fact, that here they speak an incomprehensible language, there aren’t many differences between these two adjacent cities. Let’s enjoy the view as presented to a tourist on the stairs near the Fisherman’s Bastion.

And here’s the same view, just a little bit to the right. The green island to be seen in the left side of the picture is a major recreational area for many to enjoy. Having been there I must say there were countless bikers, skaters and people just enjoying their free time. There’s also a Japanese garden at the verge of the island, a swimming pool complex, food stalls and a bar.

Matthias Church

Mátyás-templom, as it is called in Hungarian, is a place of worship for Christians, though for a certain period of time when Budapest was captured by the Ottomans, it was a mosque. It is to be seen by the colorful ornaments in the inside and a great tower (a minaret) on the outside.

The Market Hall

This is by far one of the most basic places that provide tourists with great memories. Every souvenir imaginable can be bought in the great market hall. Ranging from food to clothing, the most welcoming stores are these with the local food - fresh meat, The Tokaj wine and spice selection. The same pepper paste can be seen at almost every stall, with prices varying by about 200 Forints.

The Cathedral

The Matthias Church presents itself on the top of a hill, in a representative region of Buda. However it is not the only major christian construction in the city. On the other side of the river, called Peszt, there is a cathedral in the close vicinity of the parliament. I specifically took a photo of the stalls near the cathedral, as I thought they share some similarities with Campo di Fiori in Rome, if only there was figure out of Assassin’s Creed in the centre of the square.

The Greenest Capital in Central Europe

Almost unbelievable to comprehend how green their capital really is. Aside from the usual parks, which are present in every city, almost every major and minor street has trees on both sides, sometimes even in the middle. Almost each plot of land, excluding modern offices, has a fair amount of trees which combined with the already green streets provides an ubiquitous shade. During my visit there was a clear sky, and the temperature exceeded 30 degrees Celsius. Nonetheless it was surprisingly easy not to sweat, nor have any unpleasant experiences.

Varosliget is a beautiful park a further north from the centre, it is home to a castle and a museum - The Museum of Hungarian Agriculture. Take a look at these tower and a gate, straight out of a medieval fantasy book.

Further exploration of the park yields a public swimming pool, and a pond. It helped me regain my power to visit the rest of the city.

Gothic Architectural Influence

The tour guide I’ve had an opportunity to meet in Budapest pointed out the distinct features of the Gothic architecture: the famous arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. The coexistence of Austrian and Transylvanian styles creates a unique blend of intricate details in combination with golden baroque.

The Capital, especially in combination with the GDP per capita statistics paints out a clear picture - it is a city for tourists, and a rather expensive one. The prices for almost every basic supply was about 50% greater than what I would’ve paid in Poland.

Historical Figures and Events

This significant monument portrays the most important Hungarian kings, including the founder of the country, St. Stephen. It is the only place in Budapest I felt uncomfortable because of the amount of tourists and the visible lack of trees.

This monument of freedom, near the embassy of the United States, has been one of the more graphic representations of the recent history of Hungary. The inscription, written as a német megszállás áldozatainak emlékműve means: the monument to the victims of the German occupation. Figurative and vivid, the angel with its spread wings triumphs over the German Eagle.

Winter in Tirol

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 22:59:26 +0200

Hafelekarspitze, Innsbruck

It was an extraordinary experience to see the wide valley of Innsbruck from 2,334 meters above the sea level. An otherwise challenging route is accessible via a cable car straight to the top. The route starts from the city centre and takes three steps, where each one slightly changes the landscape and temperature - from crowded alleys, through small houses, skiing spots up to a small station at the top, where only a few meters in height is left until the metal cross at the peak.

You can ride a cable car for about 52€, latest prices are available here at nordkette.com

The southern view

After taking this photo I immediately found out - for me it will be one of kind, as five minutes later the same cityscape was fully covered with clouds. Bad weather was coming. We spent a few minutes to take pictures, take a look at each side of the world and left on our way back.

There were signs prohibiting any skiing, taking a look right below the cross I immediately understood why - a sixty-seventy degree slope with many fall barriers was enough to convince me to look back at the proper way down.

I constantly reminded myself to watch my step, as the icing on the route made it a lot more slippery than I expected. People who worn adidas shoes turned back the moment they tried to move through the ice. The heaps of snow were present on both sides of the path. Near the top station I deliberately lied on the snow to form a snow angel. At the top of the peak, about 40 meters above the final station there was about 80cm of packed snow on the southern side, and a little to nothing (less than 10cm) on the northern side of the peak.

The northern view

The other side of the peak presents a rather different view than the valley, and the cityscape. It was more cloudy and rocky, the light reflected through the snow was getting into my eyes. I was glad I took my sunglasses with me - just like people forget that white umbrellas can be used to cool down in the summer, and aren’t there only to protect from the rain - sunglasses may be essential for winter travel in snowy areas.

Beautiful winter in Tirol

The photo you see down below is what the austrian winter is all about, full snow coverage with little to no exposed rocks, yet signs of civilization wherever you decide to look.

Innsbruck

Down in the valley, near The City Hall I was able to capture how Hafelekarspitze looks from the other size. Truly astonishing to wake up and realize the surroundings are taking half of your viewport.

Kitzbuhel

Let’s now move a little more to the east, where lies a small and lovely city of Kitzbuhel. It is a renowned skiing resort, with many routes to take - they host a World Cup in ski racing annually since 1931. It is the second oldest alpine skiing competition after Lauberhorn (Switzerland).

Kitzbuhel Ski Resort

My friend told me, that the day we went to see the top of Hahnenkamm there was barely any snow to ski on. It was not packed, and the only places for comfortable downhill were marked by snowcat paths of improved grip. It was the end of February, a common time where people drive hundreds of kilometers to practice this sport. Fortunately I was there only for the views, and wasn’t disappointed at all.

Schwarzsee

Waking up to a frozen lake right outside of the window was another attraction, as it was the first time I saw a fully frozen lake, stepped on it and enjoyed a beautiful panorama with a small resort on the other side of the lake. I love how instead of taking a route around the lake you can simply try to go straight to your destination.

The whole experience was complete the moment I drank a cup of warm tea.

The land of order

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 21:16:21 +0100

The Capital of Bavaria

Deutsches Museum

Unlike the name suggests the museum is only related to popular science. There are two floors dedicated to aviation and its history. One of the most interesting recent marvels of engineering is the cross-section of a Lufthansa plane and the cockpit of Airbus A320. On the upper floors, which there are four in total, there are exibits related to the Moon landing and German/American rocket science programmes.

In another part of the building there is also an exhibition fully devoted to ciphers and cryptography machines. Various classical ciphers are explained in the form of interactive actions - one can learn simple substitution ciphers like ROt13, ultimately enjoying a full ATM with some explanations. The mid-part is The Enigma machine - an important piece of World War II, as seen from the eyes of a mathematician.

BMW Welt

Germany was built on science and engineering, therefore after visiting the science museum I quickly ran into the metro to visit BMW Welt - a huge complex of BMW buildings featuring the main headquarters, the factory, a museum and a brand-new giant showroom. The museum has almost all of BMW cars and motorcycles on display, featuring record breaking machines - in terms of speed, innovation and comfort.

The museum felt a little awkward, for they haven’t accepted any cash payments. The only way to get the ticket to the museum was to use an ordering booth, which looked like the one in McDonalds. You pay and receive a ticket to then scan at the entrance, no human intervention. The museum is quite large featuring over 20 rooms, afterwards you can go through a bridge over a wide street to enter the showroom, which features BMW, Rolls Royce and Mini. The Mini one caught my eye as it had this gamers’ lair atmosphere.

Marienplatz

Back to the city centre I went for an evening shopping, bought some local groceries, visited the Apple store and took this photo of The City Hall, which I believe was inspired by The Brussels Town Hall in Belgium.

Infrastructure

Only when I stopped and left the train at Marienplatz did I realize, that I’m four stories underground and there are eight metro lines that meet here. It was surprisingly difficult to leave the station as the signs didn’t help with the navigation. The same issues arose when I later went to the train station in the evening. I was surprised on how weird the Main Station of Munich looked like, and by the fact that now it is a Muslim district, where many people hissed and yelled at me, presumably because I was the only guy with long, blonde hair in the radius of a kilometer.

It was typical for the Deutsche Bahn to be late, and the delays happened again. The train was supposed to leave at 19.13 to Innsbruck, it fällt aus, so we had to wait until 19.56 for another train to Austria. The whole waiting part was terrible, as there was no place to sit and charge phone in possibly one of the longest chain of stores I have ever seen.

The Capital of Czechia

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 16:59:02 +0100

Prague

The history of the city perfectly announces Czech distinctiveness from the neighboring countries. For many years it was a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but the Czechs never lost their identity and the sense of humor, which I will try to explain in the following paragraphs.

The Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge is the most central landmark of the city. It connects The Old Town with The Lesser Town, both being key historical districts of the city. It is also the most crowded place, with thousands of tourists crossing it every day. Take a look at the picture below to see, that the seemingly jagged edges on the bridge are in fact the heads of the tourists during their walk across. It was just too easy to get lost in the crowd.

The view from a boat on the Vltava river allowed me appreciate the beauty of the entire construction without the need to push through or being bothered by other people. The dock is right ahead of another bridge behind the Charles Bridge.

The Lesser Town

Or as they call it in Czech, Mala Strana. The district is known for housing the most important buildings in the city, such as the castle of Prague, and many embassies. Before jumping onto the boat, I took a walk around and snapped a picture of the Prague Castle from the other side of the river.

Their unique language practically disappeared for a few hundred years after the entire Czech nobility was slaughtered by the Habsburg following the Bohemian Revolt during 1618-1620. Following the revival sentiments of the 19th century, the Czech culture and their language were brought back to life.

After joining the EU in 2004 a strange piece of art was installed in the Lesser Town. The outdoor sculpture of two men pissing into a pool in the shape of the country of Czechia is a subtle way of showing the attitude towards the skepticism of the membership - a perfect provocation. The sculpture is located near the Kafka Museum, which is not worth the time. Franz Kafka wrote in german.

The St. Vitus Cathedral

Entering the Prague castle, which doesn’t have a security checkpoint anymore, I am instantly greeted with the front of the St. Vitus Cathedral. The construction took a record 600 years to complete, and it is the most important church in the country. The elements of the gothic architecture visible from the outside are stylised to look older than they actually are. Take a look at the picture below and try to see odd shapes and figures on the facade.

If you focus your eyes on the top part of the facade, near the circular window and at the bottom of the arch you will see four figures wearing suits and ties. The figures are the architects of the cathedral, who were allowed to leave their mark on the building. They are from 1929.

The Golden Gate on the right from the tower was once the main entrance to the cathedral, with its top mosaic covered in gold.

Czechs have invented defenestration, which is a fancy word for throwing someone out of the window. The most famous defenestration took place in 1618, when the Czech nobility threw two Habsburg representatives out of the window of the Prague Castle. The event marked the beginning of the Thirty Years War, one of the most brutal conflicts in the history of Europe. There were a total of four defenestrations in the history of Prague.

In case of emergency, throw the emergency out of the window.

Near the Cathedral there is a so-called Golden Lane - my guide instructed me not to go there, as it is a tourist trap without any relevant history. The alley of a few buildings was painted in bright colours in 1950s to leech money of tourists.

The French Embassy

The French Embassy is known for being located in a secluded square, right across from the Lennon Wall, which was the symbol of the Czech resistance and the fight for freedom during the soviet occupation. It was there, that the people wrote messages of criticism towards the regime. It has been repainted many times, but on every next day, the wall is again filled with new forms of expression.

The Old Town

The Municipal House

Declaration of Czechoslovak independence took place in the Prague Municipal House on October 28, 1918. The balcony of the building was meticulously planned to be the place where the first president of Czechoslovakia, Tomáš Masaryk, would announce the independence of the new state.

Jan Masaryk, the son of the first president - was the foreign minister of Czechoslovakia. The communists asked him many times to join the new forming satellite government, but at some point he was found dead in the courtyard of a building. He refused. The official version states that his death was a suicide.

The National Museum

The New City Hall

On the left side of this building there is also a library.

The Astronomical Clock

The Orloj Clock features many parts. The top part is the astronomical dial, showing the position of the sun and the moon, on a 24-hour face with all zodiacal symbols included on the outer rim. Below there is a rotating disc - a calendar that shows each day of the month. Every hour the figures near the clock: The Apostoles, Death, The Turk and The Miser perform rotations and movements, which create a fascinating display of the art of timekeeping.

Infrastructure

Metro

Metro in Prague features a network of three main lines. The metro runs daily from ~5:00AM to 12:00AM, with shorter intervals during peak hours. You can buy the tickets in a ticket machine available at every station, however before entry each ticket must be manually validated in a different machine. The metro felt clean and safe, with the stations being easy to navigate. It also connects two major transportation hubs - the main train station and the main bus station, which are in different parts of the city.

Main Station

The main station is a large building near The National Museum. The station, even though old, is well maintained and clean. It features many international connections, with trains to that travel to Poland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

The River Bank

I couldn’t help but to stare at the cute yellow penguins on the river bank. The penguins are a part of the art installation.

Looking to the left, one would see The Charles Bridge.

Vysehrad

I strogly encourage to take a romantic walk along the Vysehrad fortifications. I found this tiny alley with a stairway. There were many couples hanging around, sitting on the benches and enjoying the night panorama of the cityscape.

Synagogue

There are two main active synagogues in Prague. The Old-New Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in Europe, and the Jerusalem Synagogue you see on a photo below.

Dresden - the wealth and the Saxony's splendor

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 15:03:31 +0100

Dresden

Having been a capital of Saxony for centuries, Dresden city centre is a place filled with architecture with its insides available for public viewing. The main part of the city is located on the left bank of the river Elbe, where the Opera House, the Zwinger and the Residenzschloss are located. Not so far away there is the main square and the Frauenkirche.

The sheer wealth of art

Take a look at one of the many interiors in the central buildings of Dresden. This serves as the testament for the wealth of the past. Two enormous chandeliers are hanging from the ceiling, intertwined with baroque, golden ornaments. Each wall, each floor and each ceiling has depth and detail, with meticulous attention to the overwhelming symbolica of the reign of the Saxon kings. Gold and white are the main colours of each room, with all the other colors, shapes and surprises serving by providing rythm and pacing to lead the eye through the exposition.

The museums of Dresden

The museums of Dresden have formed an organization called SKD (Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden) which is a network of 14 city museums. They collect all their tickets under one price and provide online resources for every showpiece they have. Make sure you visit the online collection if you’re unable to visit the city in person, as they did a great job of digitizing their collection.

The museums of Zwinger

The Zwinger is a palace complex that houses a few museums. There is an art gallery, a museum of porcelain and a museum of mathematical and physical instruments. During my stay I visited all of them, however the whole outer part of Zwinger and its square were under renovation. Take a look at the maritime devices that allowed sailors to navigate the seas in the past.

A sextant is a navigation instrument that measures the angle between two visible objects. It was used to measure the angle between an astronomical object and the horizon for the purposes of celestial navigation.

Vanitas is a recurring theme in art and philosophy. It uses symbols like skulls, hourglasses to remind of the transcience of life and the inevitability of death. The painting you see is a part of the collection of the Old Masters Picture Gallery.

For further read about the painting refer to its online details.

The museums of Residenzschloss

The royal palace of Dresden is a complex of four museums. The Green Vault is a treasure chamber with a showcase of former wealth of the Saxon kings. Remember to book your tickets in advance, as there is a set amount of tickets available for each day. Apart from the vault, there is a collection of weapons and armour such as the knight’s armour you see on the photo. The number of rooms and their scale accounts for a serious few hours of sightseeing.

The striking number of unique art

Not only was I astonished by the sheer scale of the collection, but also by the number of unique pieces of art. Take a look at the winemen, a set of porcelain figurines made in the 18th century. I used my very best to portray the detail, however with my best phone macro lens I was only able to shoot a few of them, and one of these you see right down below.

There are two figures on the top of a box carrying what appears to be freshly harvested grapes. They have the faces of mice, and they both carry weapons and wear hats. I was unable to find the reference for this piece online, but I am sure it is a part of the collection of Residenzschloss.

Outside of the palace there is a facade with the longest (102 meters long) procession I have ever seen. I left out few people on the photo for the sake of size comparison. The Fürstenzug, as it’s known in german, is a large mural made of porcelain tiles. It was created in 1876 to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Wettin dynasty, and then replaced with meissen porcelain tiles during 1904-1907.

Frauenkirche

A quick walk over the city centre will take you to the Frauenkirche, near which there are many affordable restaurants and cafes. It is quite a sight to visit the inside of the church. The dome of white and gold is a masterpiece of baroque architecture and the whole church features a few enormous balconies spanning across the perimeter of the building.

Dresden was a victim of carpet bombings at the end of the Second World War. The Frauenkirche you see on the photo was almost completely lost, but rebuilt in 2005. The dark bricks are the original ones left as a reminder of the destruction. The church is now a symbol of reconciliation and peace.

Bergamo - an unexpected pearl

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 19:16:58 +0100

Bergamo

Even though I knew my trip to Italy is packed with many destinations already, I decided to take a look on the city, where I would be landing in. That decision turned out as a perfect starting point, and it only grew my expectations larger. Instead of driving straight to Milan, please help yourself with half a day in this charming city. You will not regret it.

Bergamo is has over 100.000 inhabitants. The historic town is located on a hilltop you see on the photo. The centre is pretty much entirely walkable with tiny restaurants and gelato stalls at every corner.

The Airport has been build following a large departament store nearby, they are separated by a highway. The bus to the main railway station takes about 20 minutes. If you’d then like to take the route to the very historic centre - there is a funicular and a steep stairway ready for you at the end of the street above.

Stylish architecture

Having seen many examples of Roman Architecture I can’t get out of admiration for how clear depth and compositions Italian buildings retain. Many facades have ornate columns set in like bas-reliefs, all in white and green, with local stone and marble. An example of such building was right around the corner from the main station - the old bank of bergamo.

On the way up

If you are a rail hater and think the same about funiculars, you can still travel using conventional stairs. That still accounts for great views and you can stop at any time to breathe fresh air that is omnipresent in this part of the city.

The funicular costed below 3€ per ride. I recall we left the upper station through a beautiful doorway. It was embedded in a normal building that had its side wall carved out to make way for the railcar. Quite a mix of usual elevation and unusuality from the inside.

The views

Here is where the whole pleasure starts, you have already seen a city landscape in the banner of the article, now allow me to show you a seamless connectio between nature and Italian architecture. Each of the buildings aside from the narrow alleys is now covered with plants, which as you look around are ingrained in every stone nook and cranny.

During the walk I came across a church with a gorgeous red curtain at its entrance.

Following the road further I ended up seeing a bend in the former defensive walls. From down the wall a newer part of bergamo was emerging and thanks to the good visibility that day - just on the horizon line - the suburbs of Milan it was bound to see in the evening.

Vienna - First Impressions

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:39:36 +0100

Vienna is my favourite city in Europe. I have been there a dozen of times and each time I discover new places of history. The photos you will see shortly have been taken last year in february, that’s why they have that rough, metallic feel you would expect from winter camera sessions.

After jumping out of the train at the main station you can cross a few streets to enter Belvedere. The building provides a space for an art gallery - you can observe dangerously similar trend for any noncontemporary building you find here. The back façade invites us through, to the front garden with a fountain pond and a quaint view, standing a bit over the roofs of the city.

The City Centre

Even though the Ringstrasse is exceptionally wide and encircling the whole city centre, inside its permiter there are lots of narrow alleys and streets. The centre also features a few wide boulevards, with the most famous one being the Graben, which you can see at night on one of the photos below.

The cathedral right as the moon is rising above it. It is a must see in Vienna, as it presents the most gothic soul of the whole architecture inside the city centre. Very difficult to portray, as the streets are narrow and the building is of enormous height.

There are lots of activities available in the centre of the city. One of which is to try and understand the role of the complex of buildings that takes almost a third of the very center. The Hofburg featured in the banner of the article was used as a residence for the Habsburg dynasty. It has been divided into a few sections, one of which has become the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments. The second part is the National Library and the Spanish Riding School. And the rest has been designated for the Austrian President and the government offices.

The story of Elisabeth of Bavaria is filled both with both pride and sadness. She was married to Franz Joseph I for 44 years and was seen as an icon by her people. She was known for her beauty and sense of fashion, until her assassination by an Italian anarchist in 1898.

The view that is usually connected only with the south - late night hours with empty streets, yet still full of life in the restaurants. That’s how the vicinity of Hofburg shines in the dark. The Graben boulevard, during the day, is known for the most expensive and exclusive stores in the city.

Graben, The New Bond Street of Vienna.

The Schönbrunn Palace

The district of Hietzing is located in the western part of the city. It is known for the Schönbrunn Palace - the former imperial summer residence, and seen as an ideal discrict for families. Having taken a walk near the Schönbrunn Palace, we have found a whole small town of gardener’s houses, horse stables, the whole zoo, orangeries and many other buildings. The palace presents the most beauty during the summer, however during the winter I was able to snap the photo from behind the main fountain, that was during maintenance, awaiting the spring.

Having gone up the hill, we have found a cafe with a view on the whole city. Even though they serve Sachertorte, I have decided to ultimately eat one in the Sacher Hotel, as it is the real birthplace of the cake. The reward for the decision was a later view on The Opera House, accompanied by champagne.

The Airport

Austria fortunately doesn’t have what you would call a secondary far away airport, like many other countries, such as France with its Beauvais or England with Luton. It brought me the most of joy when I realised the commute to the city centre is easy, fast and cheap.

It wouldn’t be an understadment having said that the airport in Vienna is one of the best in Europe. It is located right next to the city and the train station is just downstairs from the arrivals. The ÖBB train ticket is inexpensive (~4€) and the train features an onboard restaurant.

Take look on how clean the baggage claim area is. It is brand new, almost as there was still some bubble wrap here and there.

I was very keen on trying the train menu, however the trip was too short. I am sure next time I take a train to another city, such as Salzburg or Innsbruck I will have a chance to try and rate the food, not to mention the view on the Alps that awaits me as well.

An unexpected winter treat

To our surprise we have found a great ice ring in front of the city hall. The whole space from Ringstrasse to the city hall building was covered with ice and people were skating around. There were many interesting pathways to take, similarly to the ones you would find in a water park. Close by, there a few food trucks selling mulled wine and sausages.

We joked about the word Traum having completely opposite meaning in German and Polish. In German it means dream, while in Polish it means a nightmare. You can guess what was our opinion on the venue.

Take a look at the sheer distance between the street and the building. To your left there’s The Hofburg, The Museum of Natural History and The Parliament. Behind you a speaker announces the repertoire for The National Theatre (Burgtheater).

The Museums of London

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:50:50 +0100

The Capital of Free Museums

The museums in London provide free entrance to everybody. There’s one catch though - Not only isn’t The Tower of London admission free, but also quite expensive.

There are however a few tricky things to be aware when planning your visit - you are expected to provide a free ticket on entrance. You can obtain it earlier on the website of a given museum, or stand in a long queue to get one on the spot. The latter option can be compared to an excruciating pain of a person that forgot the existence of the internet in the XXI century. Just download the QR and save yourself time and nerves.

That being said, the entrance time written on the ticket is not strictly enforced, so there is no need to worry about being too early, or too late. Outside every museum there are people to control the crowd and also to help you out. They are friendly. I was an hour early to the Science Museum, and I asked one of the guards right away:

Excuse me, may I enter with this ticket now? A bit too early I know…
- Not a problem, come in. :)

The guard then proceeded to show me the quick entrance. I was inside the museum in less than a minute, with a full line of people waiting outside.

The British Museum

Right after entering the British Museum you are greeted by The Great Court - a huge round courtyard with a curved roof made of glass and steeel. The building in the middle of the courtyard is called the Reading Room, alongside a café and the museum’s shop spanning across its perimeter.

No strict order is enforced, you can start from the Egyptian section, the Greek, the Roman, the British one, or move straight up to the end of the museum to see the pieces of art from The Far East, Africa or India. The museum is not making it any easier for you, as all the exhibitions are meticulously arranged to make you eager to explore further. From the courtyard you can go to the right, to the left or straight ahead, yet afterwards still having a feel that you missed something.

The Plan of the British Museum as copied from the official guide. Compare the map with the photo above to get a better understanding of the layout and the monstrous scale of the museum.

The Visit

Even though the place is generally full of tourists, the only discomfortable crowded part is the Egyptian section, in the room with the Rosetta Stone. During my visit, I was just about to turn nineteen at the time, I was already familiar with the story of the Rosetta Stone, and the importance of it in deciphering the Egyptian hieroglyphs, but knowning that almost half of all the cultural artifacts I was taught in school were no further that a few rooms away from me, was a bit overwhelming. My visit to the British Museum took around 3 hours, the pace was considerably marathonic, but managed to discover everything I originally planned to see, plus many more unexpected treasures.

The Rosetta Stone - The top and middle texts are in Ancient Egyptian using hieroglyphic and Demotic scripts, respectively, while the bottom is in Ancient Greek. The decree has only minor differences across the three versions, making the Rosetta Stone key to deciphering the Egyptian scripts. (wikipedia.org)

The Tower of London

For the pleasure of visit I paid £26.80 (discount ticket in 2023)

The Tower of London is a fortress, a palace, and a prison. The main visit purpose of the Tower is to see the Crown Jewels on display at the end of the tour.

Genuinely recommend visiting in the morning, as the line of people to see the Crown Jewels can stretch throughout the whole fortress after noon. You can go straight to the Jewel House, and then explore the rest of the Tower at your own pace.

For me it was a bit concerning that the oldest building in London is surrounded by the most modern skyscrapers. However it is relatively easy not to look in their direction and focus on the historical place. The oldest part felt royal, definitely British, but a bit basic, lacking of furniture. The White Tower was the most interesting, with broad weapon displays, same feeling for the Chapel of St. John.

There are guides at every corder of the Tower ready to navigate you. They are dressed in the traditional red uniform, and are happy to answer any questions you might have. The King Guard you see on the photo is not one of the guides, he’s serious and doesn’t talk to tourists.

The Science Museum

I was always driven towards STEM subjects. The moment I land in a new city, immediately after you can find me en route to the science museum. Fortunately the London one, located in the vicinity of The Imperial College, does live up to its reputation. It’s a great place to spend two to three hours, and then move on to visit the neighbouring Museum of Natural History.

Two years after my visit, during the lecture on the architecture of computer systems, I’ve seen a photo of something that looked quite familiar. I quickly opened my photo gallery and found out that I have too made my very own photo of the first computer in the world. The computer was built by Alan Turing, and it’s on display in the Science Museum. The plaque describing the computer was on the wall next to it, but I must’ve been too busy taking photos of the machine itself to notice it. What a coincidence.

The Museum is divided into several sections, each with a different theme. The first part is all related to the steam engines, afterwards it’s rocket and space technologies, then cars, boats, the medical section, the computer section, the popular appliances of the past and finally the aviation room. The museum is also very well lit, with a lot of natural and artificial light sources.

The aviation hall located on the top floor, at the very end of the museum. There are a few jet engines on display and a cross section of the enormous Boeing 747.

The Natural History Museum

The Animal Section

With its iconic dinosaur skeleton hanging from the ceiling in the entrance hall.

This museum is a must-see family attraction for dinosaur lovers. A lot of exposition is dedicated to the prehistoric creatures and is accessible for kids. The museum is divided into two parts - the animal kingdom and the geological section.

The Geological Section

Having been born near granite mines, I was always fascinated by the geological processes. The museum has a great collection of rocks and minerals. There is a giant room that has almost every mineral available on display, with intricate descriptions of their names and origins. At the end there is also a vault with the most precious stones.

This sulfur crystal is part of the permanent collection. There are more than a thousand minerals on display in the same room.

Kraków in the winter

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 13:56:35 +0200

Kraków in the Winter

Barcelona

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 13:51:10 +0100

The Capital of Catalonia

The moment I drove into Barcelona, I knew I was in for a treat. The athmosphere suddenly became more relaxed, the sun was shining, and the people randomly started conversations.
It was friday the 13th of december, a pleasant 17°C and the sky was perfectly clean.

Y bailé hasta que me cansé
Hasta que me cansé bailé
Y me ena-na-namoré
Nos enamoramos

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is the highest building in Barcelona and the most extraordinary minor basilica in the world. The construction of the church began in 1882 and is still ongoing. The design is so intricate that I literally spent hours one day enjoying the beauty of the side facade, and the interior. I bought a 30€ entrance ticket with a guided tour and spent half a day in the church contemplating the architecture and life of Antoni Gaudi.

I met a brilliant guide Miguel, who was more than passionate about the church. The Holy Spirit was with him all the time and it was a pleasure to listen to his peaceful voice. For hours he tried to explain all the intricate symbolism of the church, and I was trying to keep up with him. He enjoyed my spanish, and I enjoyed his english. We were a perfect match. Salud y suerte, wherever you are Miguel.

Having left the church, I decided to take a walk around the neighbourhood. It was christmas market all around, and the streets were full of stalls selling wooden toys, christmas decorations, figures, trees, lights and food. I decided to find a place to eat, and ate the nicest tacos of my life, two streets away from the church.

The Scale of the Kindgom

There are many points of interests in Barcelona. It is exceptionally easy to find monumental architecture, having so many grand buildings in one place is a rare sight. Let’s look at those located in Montjuïc. The hill right at the verge of the sea, with an enormous palace on top, providing citizens with a place to relax and enjoy the views of both the city and the sea. The building in mention is the National Palace, which now acts as the National Art Museum of Catalonia. Montjuïc is arguably the second-best area for viewpoints, right after the Tibidabo on the other side of the city.

However beautiful the palace is both outside and the inside, the other side of the hill is also worth mentioning. The Olympic Stadium, the Botanical Garden, the Castle and many interesting viewpoints, such as the one I visited one evening:

On one of these viewpoints at 11PM I met two bikers and we danced to their music. They were having a great time. The view was amazing and the city definitely didn’t sleep that night.

Parc de la Ciutadella

It was with a great pleasure that I learned that the parliament of Catalonia is located in the Parc de la Ciutadella. I picked a few oranges from these trees and ate them happily. The park is a perfect place to relax, in the vicinity of such modernist architecture.

Él vino a buscarme y ahí lo supe
Vi clara su actitud
Me dijo son tantas las que ya tuve
Pero me faltas tú

See the Mediterranean

What is more relaxing that a walk in the port of Barcelona? The palms, the breeze, the smell of the fried fish (and marijuana) everywhere. The music is playing from everywhere, and the streets are full of people. You lean on the railing and look at the countless yachts on the horizon, soon the sound is drowned in the waves of the sea and you start to lead back to the centre of the city.

La agua era muy fría, pero el sol estaba caliente.

The Metropolis

Even though I enjoy Barcelona with its unique mix of Southern culture and Catalan invidituality, let’s not forget its still just an enormous city with all the flaws of a metropolis. I was travelling off-season, it was not free of the traffic, nor the polluted air. Almost every street aside from La Rambla was way too littered. The city didn’t feel safe at night, fortunately pickpockets were during their winter sleep.

Below you see the view from my €140 hotel room, turn around and you see the sagrada familia (photo above). Eixample is a nice neighbourhood, the historical center is a bit closer to Montjuïc though.

Lleva, llévame en tu bicicleta
Pa’ que juguemos bola ’e trapo allá en Chancleta
Que si a Pique algún día le muestras el Tayrona
Después no querrá irse pa’ Barcelona

I love singing.

Take again a look at the Parc de la Ciutadella, this time from the other side.

The Way Back

I decided to fly back through Girona. The airport is small, but the city is beautiful. I spent a few hours walking around the old town, and then took a bus to the airport.

Thank you Spain for brightening my spirit and allowing me to see the sun in december. I will be back.

Air Travel

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:06:02 +0100

Booking the flight

There are great sources on the internet to help you find the best flight deals. I personally use two websites that I find the most reliable:

Google Flights - Book for a specific day - the cheapest flight on a specific day.
Skyscanner - Book for a time range - the cheapest flight in a mo nth.
Flightlist - Reverse flight search - interesting and unexpected connection flights.

What is a great feature of these websites it that they allow you to browse flights to multiple destinations at once. I tend not to pick one destination and try my luck with the prices, but rather start with the cheap plane tickets and build my itinerary around them.

Remember to set up a price alert for a flight you are interested in. The price months before the flight can change significantly, and you might just be able to save tens of euros.

What is reverse flight search?

Suppose you don’t have a specific destination in mind, but you want to travel europe. Trying to reverse search for your domestic airport may show you the cheapest way to get back home. This is a great way to find a cheap flight when returing from a trip. Europe offers many transportation opportunities, maybe the bus is cheaper one way, and the plane the other way. You can never be sure until you check.

Cheap flights model of operation

Even though a 20€ ticket may sound like a great deal, remember that for the most part you are flying to a secondary airport, far away from the city you are visiting. Most times this means one to two extra hours of travel for an additional 10-20€ for the train or the airport shuttle. Especially risky are the airports without any city close by whatsoever, such as Aeroporto di Girona, which is a 1.5h bus ride from Barcelona, and a 40 minute bus ride from Girona. However if you are aware of the extra time spent on the road, booking a cheap flight is always a great deal.

A nightmare situation at Luton airport. The airport is known for its long queues, the lack of sitting space, late gate announcements and terrible checkpoints. You have been warned.

Extra luggage

If you travel for up to 3 days you can easily pack everything in a cabin-size ryanair handbag
(size 400x250x200 mm). I strongly recommend buying a backpack that is compliant with the airline requirements, as it will save you a lot of burden in case somebody wants to squeeze it into the measuring device. However for the most part nobody cares, as long as you don’t have a giant suitcase.

(Fast track in Ryanair) I once asked my friend. Why should we pay for fast-track or priority boarding when we still end up at in the same plane?

In many cheap airlines fasttrack grants overhead luggage space, which is a great deal for the price.

I generally don’t recommend buying anything extra, apart from the seat reservations if you are travelling with a friend. There are rows in the Airbus A320 that have great leg space, and you can pick them up for cheap.

Airport security

Laptops, powerbanks and other electronic devices often times must be taken out of the bag and placed in a separate tray. All of them are made so that they can be taken on a plane, so don’t worry about them rejecting your personal devices.

Entertainment during the flight

If you never flew before, you might be surprised how the monotonic sound of the engines can make you annoyed. I recommend bringing a pair of headphones or a book. Any mid-range headphones will do, as the sound quality is not that important as the noise cancellation. It is always nice to have a friend to talk to during the flight, but for the most part you will want to lean on their shoulder and sleep. I don’t recommend looking at the clouds as that can temporarily worsen your eyesight.

Packing List

I have a packing list for a 3 day trip, that I haven’t changed for years. It is a great way to make sure you don’t forget anything. In any case - you still travel to civilization, and you can buy most of the things you forget.

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Carry-on luggage contents:
 x1 Passport (a must have)
 x1 Student ID
 x1 Wallet
 x2 Tshirt
 x2 Socks
 x2 Underwear
 x1 Towel
 x1 Sunglases (even in the winter)
 x1 Phone Charger with USB C cable
 x1 AC Plug Adapter UK / EU
 x1 Powerbank 10000 mAh
 x1 Hairbrush

20cm x 20cm transparent ziplock bag:
 x1 Toothbrush
 x1 Lipbalm
 x1 Toothpaste 50ml
 x1 Shower soap 50ml

Sunglasses in the winter are just as important as in the summer. The sun is low and both the snow and the bricks reflects the light.

You can discard a few items if you think they will be available in the hotel:

Wall plug adapters are usually available in the hotel or at the airport.
Good hotels have shower soap and toothpaste, may have a toothbrush, hairbrush and towels.

If you don’t forget your wallet and passport (or ID), you can really manage without anything else.

Lugano - A glimpse of Italy in the heart of Switzerland

Wed, 29 May 2024 14:00:00 +0200

An Italian city in Switzerland

Lugano is just a short train ride away from Como. I was surprised to see how different it is from the rest of Switzerland. Everybody speaks Italian, the infrastructure is modern and the city is very clean. It has its Meditereanean charm, with palm trees, a beautiful lake and a lot of watch shops. Most of the people also speak English.

The Astonishing infrastructure of Lugano

Lugano is a city with a lot of modern infrastructure, mainly the train station and the modern funicular - a glass elevator straight to the city center. The way out of the train station is carved in the rock, and the view is breathtaking. The city is easy to navigate, however very pricey - a train ticket to Como costed me 12 CHF, a souvenir magnet 7.50 CHF and a coffee 5 CHF.

The Park of Villa Ciani

The park is located in the very center of Lugano, directly connected to the lake. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy groups of chess players, or just to take a walk. The park has vibrant red benches, referring to the Swiss flag, and a lot of flowers. From the park you can see the Monte Bar, a mountain located in the Swiss Alps.

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo

Just out of the train station and along the stairs emerges a tiny, but very well maintained cathedral. The interior is simple, though beautiful. Exiting the cathedral, you can see the lake with Monte Sighignola in the background.

Lago di Como - The real pearl of Lombardy

Tue, 28 May 2024 14:00:00 +0200

The most beautiful lake in Italy

Lago di Como is a mountain lake situated in the Lombardy region of Italy. Geologically, it is a glacial lake, surrounded by the Italian and Swiss Alps. The lake is 146 square kilometers big and has a depth of 410 meters. The lake is a popular tourist destination, with many charming towns and villas situated on its shores.

Varenna - A charming town

The little town of Varenna is a perfect starting destination at the lake. The train station is an hour and ten minutes away from Milano Centrale. The old part of the city is well mixed with nature and the buildings act as a separation layer between the water and the peaks. I was tempted to already take a ferry though, so I chose to stand in a queue for the tickets, which can also be bought online. The car ferries go to both Bellagio and Menaggio, and along with the other tourists we were constantly hearing a distinct departure information out of the port speaker - This is a ferry to Menaggio starting with an M, and then Bellagio with a B. These names are easily mistaken. They ticket Varenna - Bellagio costed 4.60€.

Bellagio - The pearl of the lake

Due to its center point location the small city of around 3500 people offers great views with a calming atmosphere. During my ferry ride I was able to capture both southern ends of the lake, with the Bellagio peninsula situated in the middle.

The city is spead across a hill with some of the buildings being on one side, and some on the other side of the peninsula, though the evident main part was in the vicinity of the ferry port. Out of the ferry, on the pier, I already saw a few hotels, a cafe and a bus stop. First of, I went up the hill and tried some of the local gelato.

Then proceeded with walking to the northernmost point for a picturesque photo shoot of the Swiss Alps, emerging from the northern bank of the lake. It was oddly satisfying for me to see both the almost tropical vegetation up close and the snowy peaks far away. The highest peek on the photo you can see down below is, from my google maps calculations about 3200m above the sea level.

Como

To finish the trip at the lake I took a bus ride right to Como.

It is a town of reasonable size, with a proper marina. For the first time I saw sailboats and a dockside promenade. The place itself had a different vibe than the other towns, with a more urban feel, significantly wider streets and few story buildings. The place also features a church, some classical buildings and also funicolare - a cable car to the top of the hill. Surrounded by city walls and a grand gate. I really enjoyed the classic look of the bank of Italy. The city has also been a starting point for the train to Switzerland, which I took the same day.

Trains in the northern Italy

Northern Italy features one of the best public transportation system I have ever experienced. They are on time and rather inexpensive, with weekend tickets available for unlimited travel. The trains are very modern, some of them feature a double decker design. The train goes through the mountains, with a few tunnels and bridges. It is itself a great experience, as a teaser for the upcoming trip. See how nice the train station in Como looks like:

Milan - The city of fashion and design

Mon, 27 May 2024 14:00:00 +0200

Plaza del Duomo - The heart of Milan

The square is vastly dominated by Duomo di Milano - the gothic cathedral of Milan. The largest church in Italy, constructed over six centuries, is a must-see for every tourist. On the left side of the cathedral, you can find Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - a multistory shopping center with luxorious brands and restaurants. On the right side there is Palazzo Reale - the royal palace of Milan and the Museo del Novecento - a museum of contemporary art. Turning around, you can see the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II on a horse. The square is the most crowded place in Milan, with many tourists, locals and street artists.

The ticket to the cathedral and the roof costs a lot of money, and the queue is very long. The best way to avoid loads of people is to book a ticket online, and come early in the morning. At the time of my stay the cathedral was closing for tourists at 19:00, which seems a little bit out of place for a city known for its nightlife.

Museo del Novecento - The museum of contemporary art

Right next to the cathedral, the museum is a tiny gem of modern art. It presents a well curated collection of paintings, sculptures and installations. The entrance fee is very inexpensive and the museum is not crowded. On the top floor there is a terrace with a view on the square. You could also do a photo session with a grand piano, unfortunately without being able to play it. The visit should take about half an hour, there is a toilet, a cloakroom and a place to leave your luggage.

Castello Sforzesco - The castle of Milan

Built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, the castle is a symbol of military power and medieval architecture. Surrounded by a dried moat and a spacious park, the castle provides a nice walk and a lot of free space. Inside the castle there are some museums and exhibitions. The park is a nice place to relax and enjoy the sun.

There are a lot of beggars and scammers around the castle, I was approached by a strange group of immigrants selling cheap bracelets. They were very persistent with their offer. I would recommend to avoid them and not to engage in any conversation, as they can be very annoying and possibly pickpockets.

Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio - The church of Saint Ambrose

The church is a very old Romanesque basilica, built in the 4th century. It was named after Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan. The entrance is free, inside you can see the altar in the middle, surrounded by a lot of frescoes and sculptures. Directly under the altar there is a crypt with the relics and the tomb of Saint Ambrose. The church is a very quiet place, with a very small number of tourists. The atmosphere is spiritual and calming. There is a small shop with religious souvenirs, which I did not visit. Instead I lit a candle for my deceased relative and said a prayer.

Teatro alla Scala - The opera house of Milan

The most famous opera house in Italy, with a museum inside. The student entrance fee to the museum was 8€, and just in time I entered the last available booth with a view on the stage. On their website you can check whether there are any rehearsals or performances, during which the view on the stage is limited and the photo session is not allowed. The few story exhibition is very interesting, with a lot of noble items, instruments and costumes. There are video projections and contemporary art installations, and a small terrace without a significant view.

Navigli - The canals of Milan

The canals of Milan are sort of a hidden gem, away from the very center of the city. The Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese are both surrounded by restaurants, shops and market stalls with street vendors. The area is lively and does not seem as posh as the city center. Originally a transportation system, the canals now provide symmetrical views from countless bridges.

Boconi University - The university of Milan

One of the most renowned business schools in Europe, boasting a lot of famous alumni. On the campuse there are a lot of modern buildings, a series of which is connected together leaving a quasi courtyard in the middle. On the elevation the university boasts itself with a large message saying World’s 3rd best MBA. The campus is very clean and everybody seems to be well dressed, well mannered and very busy. The atmosphere was very serious and professional. With my casual clothes and a backpack I felt a little bit out of place, but nobody seemed to care, as most of the students were interested in their smartphones or math notes.

The metro system

It is by far one of the most efficient public transportation systems I have ever witnessed. Throughout my stay I have never waited more than 3 minutes for a train. The one fare ticket costs 2.50€ and is valid for 90 minutes. The metro is very clean and well connceted. Our hotel was located a street away from the red line, which was very convenient as the same one passes through the cathedral. The ticket machines are very easy to use, support multiple languages and accept both cash and card payments. It was refreshing to cool down in the air conditioned station after a long stay at the hot and crowded square.

Personal impressions

Out of many cities I have been to I must clearly state that Milan is generally a rather uninteresting city. The city is clean and safe, but absurdly expensive. The historical heritage is not as rich as in Rome, or even Berlin. The city itself being a paradise for excessive consumption is not an ideal tourist destination. Many architecture pearls are hidden inside a private courtyards and the city with its high number of people is not easily walkable. There are many people in suits, possibly taking a break from work and occupying the restaurants and bars. Apart from the Sforzesco castle park there are almost no lovely green areas. A lot of stone, a lot of concrete and a lot of glass.

Bad Muskau - The Park of Fürst Pückler

Thu, 02 May 2024 14:00:00 +0200

Described here: the towns of Bad Muskau and Forst are 30 kilometers apart. Schloss Kromlau with picturesque Rakotzbücke is in the next town, a few kilometers from away Bad Muskau. Visiting all of these places should take just a day and create a nature consistent trip.

Bad Muskau - The Park of Fürst Pückler

This masterpiece of landscape design is a UNESCO World Heritage site. An enormous park, spanning across two countries was designed to be a place of relaxation and contemplation. The park is full of surprises, such as: hidden paths, artificial lakes, a lot of bridges and a beautiful castle. One could without a double spend there a full day. The park is well maintained, and the entrance fee to the castle museum is inexpensive, considering how interesting and modern the museum really is. Inside the castle museum there is a small cafe, a ticket office, a gift shop and three stories of exhibition space, featuring a lot of multimedia, interactive displays, a love letter machine and a small cart track for everybody, even the adults. The museum is entirely available in three languages: German, Polish, and English. The best time to visit the park is in the summer, when everything is green and welcoming.

The Greenery of the Park

During the museum visit, one can learn about the life of the prince, his travels, and his ideas about the park. It is astonishing to see that Pückler’s original view of the park is still preserved to the very last detail. After prince’s death, the park was taken over by the family of his wife, and later by the German state. During these times, the park was improved and expanded. Though it was heavily damaged during the Second World War, it was restored to its former glory in the 1960s, and in 2004 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

A brief view on the Rosengarten of Forst

The Rosengarten - the rose garden of Forst is a beautiful park in the town of Forst. I would recommend visiting it in the summer when the roses are in full bloom. Outside of the blooming season no entry fee is charged, and it is still a nice place to visit, but the roses are the main attraction. The park is well maintained and has a nice atmosphere. The visit should take no more than 1 hour. Inside the park, there is a restaurant and a ticket office with a small local goods shop. There is a free parking lot right across the street from the park.

Enjoy the view of the topiary columns, their shapes are tailored to perfection. Three times the height of a normal person, they are a real eye-catcher.

The Rakotzbrücke

The Rakotzbrücke is a picturesque bridge in the town of Kromlau, a few kilometers from Bad Muskau. The bridge is a popular tourist attraction, often crowded. The bridge is a perfect semicircle made out of stone, and it creates a perfect reflection in the water. The bridge dates back to the 19th century. The bridge is located in a rododendron park.

A day in Warsaw

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 13:56:35 +0200

Warsaw

Berlin - Christmas Markets

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 14:00:45 +0200

The tradition of Christmas Markets in Berlin

Berlin loves to celebrate Christmas. Starting from the end of November, many of the city squares are transformed into Christmas markets. There are many to choose from, but the biggest and most famous are the markets at Alexanderplatz, Potsdamer Platz, and the one near the Gedächtniskirche. I would definitely recommend visiting all of them, as each has its own charm and the things they offer may vary a bit. The markets are a temporary wonderland of lights, decorations made of wood and glass. They are a great place to buy Christmas presents, decorations, and to try some traditional German food and drinks. Opening hours, and even dates, may vary on each market.

Food and drinks

The markets serve traditional German cuisine to grab a bite, warm up and enjoy the festive atmosphere between the market stalls. Some of them allow to sit down inside a small wooden hut, while others offer standing tables. The most popular food available at the markets are sausages, pretzels, german pastries, and of course Glühwein - a hot mulled wine with spices, mainly cinnamon, cloves, and star aniseed. It is served in a glass mug and you can keep it as a souvenir, or return it to get your deposit back. The prices are generally similar on all markets, but the quality may vary - a typical sausage with a bread roll and a mug of Glühwein should cost you under 10€.

Shopping

The main reason, apart from the atmosphere, to visit the Christmas markets is to buy some presents. The markets offer a wide range of products: decorations, lights, candles, fragrances, handmade crafts, such as scarves, hats, gloves, nutcrackers, wooden toys, jewelry, and many more. The prices are generally high compared to the regular shops, but for a unique handmade product it seems to be worth it.

Entertainment

The markets offer a tiny bit of entertainment. You can listen to music at a restaurant stall or a musical box stall, watch a performance, or even take a ride on a carousel. Some markets, such as the one on Alexanderplatz offers a small circular ice rink, where you can rent skates and have some fun.

My experience

I have spent a whole day visiting the Christmas markets in Berlin. I started at Alexanderplatz, seen some near the Museuminsel. Then I went to Potsdamer Platz, and finished at the Gedächtniskirche in the evening. The last of them was the most crowded, but also had the best illuminations and the most festive atmosphere, which you can see in the photo below.

I have tried Glühwein at the Humboldt Forum market, and it was delicious. I have also bought a few presents. Germany is a rather cash-based society, so I recommend having some cash with you, as not all stalls accept cards. I was very surprised to see that some of the sellers did not in fact speak German, but English, which was helpful for tourists, but a bit disappointing for a German market. Most of them are available to visit free of charge, but there was one that required a small fee of 2€ to enter - somewhere at Unter den Linden street. Many of the markets are open until Christmas Eve, but some may close earlier, so make sure to check the opening hours before you go. They can close right after the Christmas Eve, or stay open up until the New Year’s Eve.

Hradec Králové - The city of Czechia

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 08:00:00 +0200

City of Hradec Kralove

Hradec Kralove is a city in the middle of Czechia. The location is excellent, not too far from Prague and not too far from Poland. It is a great place to meet with friends and have a good time together. It has some green areas and parks, a nice city center with a cathedral and a main square. Take a look at the best photo I took during my visit.

Arrival

The city is easily accessible by bus and train. There are bus connections to Prague and Warsaw. The bus station is in the center, and the train station is just two blocks away. One can easily walk from the train station to the city center. There is a free-of-charge bus connection between the train station and the bus station for those who do not want to walk.

The architecture of the main bus terminal is quite interesting - a modern building with a lot of glass and steel. If it wasn’t all between the buildings, it would look like an airport terminal. Overall the terminal is very clean and well maintained, a great place to wait for a bus. There is a special waiting area for international buses.

City Center

The main square is almost equivalent to every other square in Czechia. It has a church in the center, a fountain, and a statue of a famous person. The only thing I don’t understand is why the local government decided to put a parking lot in the middle of the triangular-shaped square. It just doesn’t fit the overall look of the square.

Above you can see the backside - a part of the square emerging from the church. During my visit in July, this small area behind the church had a nice shade. There are quite a few restaurants and cafes around to enjoy.

As we went further from the main square, we found this building. It turned out to be the main office building of Hradec Kralove. It is a nice building with a fountain and the statue of the first president of Czechia - Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. He was the first president of Czechoslovakia from 1918 to 1935, a philosopher, and a politician. Born in 1850 and died in 1937.

We also went to a market_square_back_side.jpg

City Park

Finishing the day in the city park. The most beautiful photo of it I put at the beginning of this post. The park has a pond and a dozen tiny bridges and pathways. Perfect to walk around, enjoy nature, and relax with friends. I rate this park as one of the best I’ve seen in Czechia.

Kraków in the summer

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:56:35 +0200

Kraków in the Summer

Berlin - The city of history and culture

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 08:00:00 +0200

Background

The longest summer break once again invited me to travel. I chose Berlin, a city close to where I live. I have been there before, however without any tourism-related activities. To lower the costs of an overnight stay I decided on a one-day trip to cover most of the iconic places, while still on a budget. I took a bus and at 9 AM I had my German dream come true. I could finally test my German speaking and comprehension abilities.

Berlin

Berlin is the capital of Germany, marked by recent history to the extent of being politically split in half for over 40 years. The Berlin Wall as I know it from the books has become a symbol - of the end of the Soviet era. The new government has decided not to completely bulldoze the wall and instead keep a tiny segment, known as the East Side Gallery.

East Side Gallery

The most iconic view of the East Side Gallery. It was very crowded and there were a lot of souvenir stores nearby. It checks out every point to become a tourist trap - a few metro stations away from the historic part of the city and a big bus stop. The passengers are thrown away to view a painted piece of wall, 15-minute break, and then hop on the bus driving them to the center. Not necessarily a comfortable experience, but at least they don’t drive along the wall. Parts of the Berlin Wall are still sold in postcards, plastic or resin displays - the ubiquity of the souvenir is undeniable.

Center

Prussian Berlin was built to amaze, but also terrify in its scale. The buildings and the spaces between them, for example, Reichstaggebaude (Parliament Building) and Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Main Railway Station) are significant. Berlin was home to the biggest office building, right before Nicolae Chaucauescu decided to build its palace.

Brandenburger Tor

The most iconic part of Berlin had once been almost entirely covered by the wall, an approach had therefore not been possible. Fortunately, it changed, and from what I saw during the brief walk - Berliners make use of this freedom. The front part of the gate became a place similar to the London Speakers’ Corner. I was in Berlin a few times after my first stay and almost always some extremists were screaming about either the laws being broken, or radically displaying their affection towards different minorities. However, the place is rather safe with a lot of police patrols around.

Turning the head to the right of this frame shows the road leading to the Potsdamer Platz. The road is wide and the buildings in the background are tall, especially the skyscraper with the DB (Deutsche Bahn) logo. On the asphalt, one can see stone remains that were once the border splitting the city in half.

The Museum Island

When the Prussian revolution had taken its toll on the previous political system, the countries west of Germany were not satisfied with the change. The Prussians had first replaced the elites for their benefit and then, to curry favor with the West, they started building a new foundation for the German culture. I saw a direct architectural result of this deep approach - The Museum Island, which houses the most important museums in Berlin. The Berlin Cathedral is also located on the island. The Humboldt Forum is a new building, that had been built on the site of the former Berlin City Palace. The palace was destroyed during the war and the East German government decided to demolish the ruins. The new building is a gallery of non-European art, housing the Ethnological Museum and the Museum of Asian Art. The building has been finished in 2020.

London - Leisure and green areas

Mon, 29 May 2023 13:00:00 +0200

After spending a few days there I began to notice how difficult it is to keep up with my typical traveling pace. It’s not like the city one day became boring, but having the entire bucket list checked out does not help with finding new activities quickly. One of the key aspects of travel is to know when to rest, so I decided to spend an entire day on leisure and entertainment. What better day to observe Londoners resting than on Sunday? image: /images/germany/berlin_tour/berliner_dom_humboldt_forum.jpgFrench Gardens

I started my day by grabbing a drink at a convenience store and taking a tube to Hyde Park. It was 10 in the morning, and as a hiking enthusiast, I thought I was already too late to rest from the enormous crowds of London. What a big surprise was awaiting me right after I crossed the gate - no cars parked, no people - just me and beautiful nature. I took a few steps in and another surprise - no skyscrapers, all tall buildings covered from my eyesight by trees. Most people who wanted to rest took a few steps away and celebrated shade sitting under a tree, whereas others were enjoying large flat greens playing football.

The Serpentine Bridge

The Arch by Henry Moore

The photo you see right above lacks any major movement, the water is still, and a single person is crossing the bridge - a major roadway that splits Hyde Park in half - doesn’t seem like you’re in the center of the biggest city in Europe. I took on a few possibilities to talk with the people nearby and everybody was very keen on small talk, especially on cheering ducks to come and bite our fingers.

After visiting The Imperial College and The Science Museum I fortunately found another interesting square right back of the building. I bought a coffee nearby and sat down under one of the trees waiting to meet my friend, who was coming from a different part of the city. I observed the kids playing football and two old men having a deep philosophical conversation.

Speakers’ Corner

Imagine you had a problem with something in your country: the politics, high taxation of the poor, or how the government is unable to resolve the immigration crisis. Speaker’s Corner offered every attendee a right to speak publicly about almost everything - as long as you have something to stand on. The photo below shows a man standing atop the ladder, claiming his right to challenge his opinions.

The Prince’s Gardens

While we are waiting for my friend to join us, take a look at another precious building I’ve found in Mayfair. The architect had an interesting point of connecting nature with modern glass and metal, and I think he succeded in keeping it in phase with the other elevations. A more nature-oriented neighborhood by Hunderwasser can be seen in Vienna.

London - My first impressions of the British capital

Sat, 27 May 2023 13:00:00 +0200

Background

The whole trip was without any doubt a bit wild. It was a day after high school finals when I received a message from my good friend. We started chatting and soon concluded that I strongly needed a break from studying. There was this visible urge to somehow distance myself from everything, life included. What’s a better opportunity to rethink one’s purpose than by traveling and experiencing another culture?

Time is running up

The decision was made and London was chosen as a city I’ve previously never been to. We both knew that we had to be quick with our bookings. My friend found a flight and I found a hotel room with two single beds on the outskirts. Three days later we were at the airport, ready to begin.

Landing

We were eager to start our journey as soon as we landed in Luton. There was only one small thing on our way - a passport check, which was over quickly, thanks to our common visit origin. A lady at the counter welcomed us in and smiled, knowing I would soon lose all of Mom’s allowance by buying a coffee at the airport lounge. I must say that UK food is costly, but more on that in a food-related article.

Out of the Luton airport, on our way to the station. Hilly landscape and green fields. We didn’t pay £5 for Luton DART, but instead decided to walk 20 minutes to the station. The weather was perfect, and the sun was shining. We were in a good mood, and the journey was just beginning.

Train to London

We left the airport and went by foot to the train station, from which we had a short 20-minute ride to St Pancras International. No sooner did we get off the train, than we started seeing the skyline, constructions, and unique brick architecture, with everything screaming at our eyes - you are in London, a city unlike any other.

First impressions

Straight out of the station, we ran to the tube, taking a ride to Liverpool Street. We exit the station and see a change in architecture. The city center we see now is a unique combination of centuries-old, classical brick and limestone buildings with brutal modern skyscrapers purely out of steel, glass, and concrete. As we continue on our way to the Thames we get increasingly more amazed by how vibrant the city center is and how much it has to offer.

Bratislava - The romantic city of Eastern Europe

Mon, 01 May 2023 13:21:47 +0200

Slovakian Capital

Bratislava is an interesting city mainly due to its location, it borders both Austria and Czechia. Many new infrastructure projects are under development. The money flow caused by the EU market unification, and switching to Euro is visible in the new business district. The closeness to Vienna also enables a comfortable and cheap overnight stay opportunities while traveling - tourists sleep in Slovakia and in the morning take a 30-minute train to Vienna.

Above is a photo showing the view from comfortable and cheap overnight stay opportunitiesBratislava Castle with the camera pointing at the Austrian border. During the Soviet era, the forest was a demilitarized zone and the Danube - the river was the border between the two countries. After the collapse of the USSR, the Slovakian government decided to keep the area green and allow the public to have a bit of nature near the center. The wind turbines in the background, already in Austria, belong to the outskirts of Vienna.

Bratislava Castle

However fancy or extravagant it may sound in the XXI century, the Slovakian government decided to build the castle to house their country offices - on the other side of the parliament. The castle is open to the public until 10 PM, which makes it perfect for romantic walks, and during my stay, I indeed saw a lot of couples around.

City architecture

Because of the vicinity of Vienna and Krakow, the architecture of the old town is visibly referring to their typical arches and hallways. Some elevations take their inspiration from the Viennese order. However, the whole city maintains its rather cozy and calm atmosphere, which unfortunately is changing in favor of many high-rise buildings being built as a part of the foreign investments.

Slovakian cuisine

Irresistibly I must compare Slovak dishes to the Polish ones. They love to put cheese in almost any national dish. I was tempted Try some of them such as Brynzove Halusky so Slanikou, a photo of which you can see right down below.

The Skocjan Caves of Slovenia

Sat, 27 Apr 2019 21:16:21 +0100

The Skocjan Caves

The entrance to the caves is by far one of the most surreal experiences one may have, as each step down leads to a darker and darker place, all acompanied by a hiss of the underground river. The caves are a heritage site, and during the tour I was told that the caves all fill with water every season, when the siphon is flooded. The water level rises up to 100 meters, and the caves are closed for visitors.

The light trail you see on the photo depicts the very end of the tour. The trail, covered with artificial light, was more than a kilometer long, in the middle of which there is a marvelous bridge, rising 48 meters above the river. The bridge is a part of the tour, however due to the darkness it was impossible to take a picture. Take a look at one of the high-exposure photos posted online on wikimedia.

We toured the cave and then proceeded to the exit through a wide tunnel.

The Nearby Cliffs

Afterwards the cave opens up to a huge cliff, with trees growing at the bottom and at the top. It was again another strange and surreal view, having just left the kilometer long darkness of the cave.

Our tour guide, she was great and her English was almost perfect. She told us that the waterfall you see on the photo is one of the entry points to the main cave, and during huge rains it actually has the potential to flood the cave entirely.

Ljubljana

A whole day of walking around and inside the caves rewarded me with a visit to the tiniest capital of Europe - Ljubljana. Having a little over 200.000 inhabitants, the city population temporarily rises by a quarter with each academic year. I was astounded by how natural the city felt, with the canals and the bridges, the parks and the squares. There’s a castle on the hill, and a triple bridge in the city centre, which acts as a great meeting point. I recommend this city to anybody who is tired of a big city life and wants to relax in a cozy, quiet and intimate place.

The song about Ljubljana

I felt in love with the city so much, and later happened to write a song about it. The song is called “Ljubljana, my love” and I haven’t ever published it online, but I managed to record a RAW VERSION. If you think that you have the guts to try with yourself and sing your own version, here are the guitar chords and the lyrics for the song:

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(capo on the 2nd fret)

Verse
E7 a The streets from Vienna, Oh Ljubljana my love
E7 a The place so calm, I'd never been to before
C E7 Now that I'm coming back
E7 a We gonna have much to talk about

Chorus
F E7 a Now I can breathe, let me feel the small river bank
a G C By the castle, near the congress square
E7 a I've been crying all night and all day
E7 a Just to ask you, if I can see you again

Verse 2
E7 a I haven't seen you for a while hope we can be friends
E7 a There is no place in the world I remember that well
C F Hope you'll recall the one last night
E7 a The triple bridge and my smooth hand

Verse 3
E7 a The place so calm, Oh Ljubljana my love
E7 a The sense of vibrance, I had felt for so long
C E7 Now that I'm coming back
E7 a We gonna have much to talk about

Interlude
E7 a Ljubljana, what you gave to me
F E7 a Oh Ljubljana, what you gave to me
F E7 a Ooooo, what you gave to me

Pardon my songwriting skills, I wrote this song in 2017, almost 8 years ago.

Thank you for reading.

My double trip to Croatia

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 07:06:15 +0100

The Dalmatian Coast

The Dalmatian coast doesn’t feel that severly urbanized as the north of Croatia. There are a few big cities, Split featuring an airport, and Zadar with its famous sea organs. I have been astonished by the beauty of Trogir, a small town located on an island, in the close proximity of Split. The town is almost entirely made of stone, and the streets are narrow and winding.

That was my view from the first hotel, a village away from Trogir.

Istria

Istria is generally a little more green than Dalmatia, however the coast is very rocky and for the most part there’s concrete laid everywhere. Resorts are connected with one another, and you can easily walk the entire coastline. The water is still crystal clear, and the weather is still sunny. If I were to choose between the two, I’d definitely choose Dalmatia, but Istria is also a great place if you want to practice speaking with countless German tourists.

Perversely, the best photo of costal views I took in Poreč. The water hitting against the limestone rocks was a sight to behold.

Istria is definitely greener as you can see on a photo below. It features many small cities located on hilltops, with narrow streets and lots of corners to explore. The cities are nicely preserved and give off the Italian, which is not very surprising, as Istria was a part of Italy for a long time.

Novigrad

Istria features a city literally named Novigrad, exactly as in The Witcher Series. The city in real life seems to be a little different than the one described in the books, or visible in game, but the Slavic architecture, and culture topped up with the warm climate is still alive and well.

There is Italian influence visible everywhere, however what defines The Balkans is how on every corner you can buy self-made alcohol - two of the most known ones being Travarica and Slivovica, consecutively made with grass and damson plums. Rakija - fruit brandy is also well known and easily obtainable.

No matter where you are in Croatia, this image of a narrow street with stone pavement, window shutters and light pastel colors of the elevations is omnipresent and awaits you to slowly walk and enjoy the warm mediterranean climate.

Pula

Pula is a major roman city, which acts as the capital of the region. Almost the entire city has close ties with the former Roman Empire, the centre features a colloseum, and a small XVII century castle, in the port district.

It is the only photo I took in Pula, as I didn’t find the architecture very amusing.

Rijeka

What is more interesting than Rijeka, is Opatija, a small town located directly across the gulf. It was already a well-known health resort, as early as in the 18th century. It was considered the capital of the Austrian Riviera, the most famous and fashionable resort of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Before the Great War the city and its surroundings belonged to the Austro-Hungarian empire. From 1918 to 1945 it belonged to Italy, later to Yugoslavia. It has a population not exceeding a few thousand people.

The first trip took place in 2017, the second one 2 years later in 2019. I didn’t think of writing about it online back then, so I didn’t take many photos. These were the only trips abroad I have been to as a kid, for which I would like to thank my mom.