Malaga Malaga was the perfect European destination for a 3-day weekend in February. The weather was perfect the entire time, the food was great, and the sights were gorgeous. Malaga lies on the Costa del Sol of the Mediterranean, about 100 kilometers east of the Strait of Gibraltar and about 130 km north of Africa. Malaga’s history spans about 2,800 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Accommodation I stayed at Atarazanas Malaga Boutique Hotel in Malaga city center. The hotel itself wasn’t anything too special, but it was conveniently located. It is located near the Atarazanas Market. The Malaga Cathedral is a 7-minute walk, the Gibralfaro Castle is a 23-minute walk, the La Marina metro station is a 5-minute walk, and the Maria Zambrano train station is a 14-minute walk. The beach is also within-in walking distance so I opted to stay in the city-center vs. closer to the beach since I would be spending most of my time seeing the sites in the city and catching public transportation to Ronda. Transportation I flew from London Stansted to Malaga Airport (AGP). The most efficient option of getting into the city center is by getting a taxi from the taxi stand, which cost about 25 euros and took about 15 minutes. However, the train is also a quick option, taking only 12 minutes and costing 1.80 euros. Additionally, there is a bus that costs about 3 euros and takes about 20 minutes. Atarazanas Market Malaga’s central market is a restored historical building which had been closed for years. It hosts a daily market where locals go to get some fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local produce. The market is closed on Sundays. Constitution Square Teatro Cervantes This theater is known to host amazing events almost every day of the week, ranging from classical dramas to flamenco performances. Get more info here. Basilica of Santa Maria de la Victoria This ornate Baroque church is a bit of a detour, but I enjoyed looking at the street art on the way. El Pimpi Restaurant This wine bar has a really good selection of wines and tapas and a lovely atmosphere. It is very crowded so it is recommended that you book in advance. However, even though we didn’t have a reservation, we were still seated relatively fast since it is so large. The prices are also reasonable. Gibralfaro Castle The climb up to Gibralfaro Castle was not as easy as it seemed initially as it was quite a ways up. However, the hillside gardens made for a lovely walk along the defensive walls. The castle offers great views of the city. Admission price is typically 2.20 euros, but luckily I went on a Sunday, which is free after 2PM. The castle is open daily from 9AM to 8PM. The castle overlooks Malaga city and port and dates back to the 10th century. Inside the fortress itself you will find some buildings and courtyards. The ramparts have been well restored and you can walk all the way around them. At one point, you can get a good view down into the bullring. Some visitors linger here for a free view of the bullfight. There are three ways to reach the entrance of the castle. One is from the Alcazaba: This follows the fortress’s outer wall and joins a cobbled path, which traces the hill’s contours and passes through the pine trees on the Coracha. Another way is to climb the zig-zag steps which lead from the Plaza del General Torrijos at the east end of the Alameda Gardens to join the same cobbled path. The third way is to take a taxi or the tourist bus which uses the road around the back of the hill. Take a bottle of water, as there is no kiosk until the top. Bullring and Bullfighting Museum La Malagueta is the bullring in Malaga which has been around since 1876. It is located in the eastern district alongside the Paseo de Reding. Tickets are available at the UniCaja bank or at the box office at La Malagueta. Malagueta Beach This beach is the most popular and populous one in the city. It is just a short walk from the bullring. Muelle Uno After taking a stroll on the beach, I walked over to the huge waterfront complex and had a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. Shops and cafes also line the pier. Centre Pompidou Malaga Parque de Malaga Alcazaba of Malaga This monumental Moorish citadel with its origins in the 11th century has a great strategic position with views over the city and over the coastline. It is probably the best preserved citadel in the whole of Spain. Admission is 3.50 euros or you can get a combined ticket with the castle that costs 5.50 euros. Malaga Roman Theater These remains of a Roman theatre were discovered in the 50’s. The Arabs used its blocks to build Alcazaba. Merced Square This is one of the largest public squares in Malaga’s city center, and is also known for containing Pablo Picasso’s childhood home. Picasso Museum Artist Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born in Malaga. The Museo Picasso Malaga opened in 2003 in the Buenavista Palace, and has 285 works donated by members of Picasso’s family. Admission to the museum costs 7 euros. Cathedral of Malaga The Cathedral of Malaga is a Roman Catholic Church and is in the Renaissance architectural tradition. Entrance to the cathedral costs 6 euros. You can get a great view of the cathedral from the AC Marriott Hotel. AC Hotel Malaga Palacio The rooftop bar at the AC Hotel Malaga Palicio, called Atico Bar & Restaurant, is one of the oldest in the city and a perfect place to enjoy the views from above. The rooftop is perched on the 15th floor giving it an incredible view over the city, harbor, and the Mediterranean Sea. Both
I was not expecting to enjoy Lithuania as much as I did. I think it is another one of those underrated places. I’ll be honest, I originally chose Lithuania because it was a cheap plane ticket to a country that I haven’t been to yet. I didn’t know much about it – Lithuania isn’t a country you tend to read about on most travel blogs. However, this was more of a reason for me to go. I love visiting destinations that aren’t full of tourists. The colorful streets and mix of Old Town and New Town feels made this destination well worth my visit. Lithuania is one of the Baltic states situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, to the east of Sweden and Denmark. It is bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and South, Poland to the south, and Kaliningrad to the southwest. The official language is Lithuanian and their currency is the Euro. Vilnius is the capital and largest city with a population of 580,000 as of 2020. Vilnius International Airport The airport is located only 15 minutes (5.9 km) outside of the city center. It is the largest of the four commercial airports in Lithuania by passenger traffic. With one runway and about 4.9 million passengers a year, Vilnius International Airport serves as a base for airBaltic, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. Because it is so small, the arrival and departure procedures were very quick. I was out of the airport within 30 minutes of landing and to my gate within 30 minutes of getting dropped off. Accommodation Artis Centrum Hotels I stayed at Artis Centrum Hotels for 3 nights during my stay in Vilnius. The hotels in Lithuania are very cheap compared to other European cities. This hotel has a restaurant, bar, gym, pool, and spa. One of the main reasons that I selected this hotel is because it has 24-hour front desk service and I needed to check-in in the middle of the night since my flight arrived at 2:35AM. They even arranged an airport shuttle service for me for 20 euros. The driver was waiting on time outside of arrivals and got me to the hotel within 15 minutes. The hotel’s buffet breakfast is very good, with a large selection. The hotel is centrally located in Old Town, with mostly everything being within a 5-15 minute walk away. The bus and train stations are a bit further and are about a 20-minute walk, which still wasn’t a bad walk. Day 1 St. Catherine’s Church This is a magnificent church that boasts Baroque and Rococo-style decorations. It is a venue for a variety of cultural performances. This is the first church that I saw in Vilnius and it instantly reminded me of the cathedrals in Sofia, Bulgaria. I love all of the colors and architect of the cathedrals in Vilnius. Each one is different from the next, but all are beautiful. Vilnius Town Hall Vilnius Town Hall is a historical town hall in the square of the same name in the Old Town of Vilnius. Easter Egg This 300kg heavy, pretty egg sits atop a nest and has become a popular meeting point in the city. Tauras Hill This hill offers a great vantage point of Vilnius. Orthodox Church of the Apparition Our Lady of the Sign Church is an Eastern Orthodox Church in the Zverynas district of Vilnius, built in 1903. The idea of building a new Orthodox Church in Vilnius came from Orthodox Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit, which also organized a collection of funds in the whole Russian Empire. The church, constructed in the popular Neo-Byzantine style, was consecrated in 1903 by the Orthodox archbishop of Vilnius. He also opened a school for poor children and a library which were to be run by the church’s clergy. Unlike many other Orthodox churches in Vilnius, the church was not closed during World War 1, nor during World War 2. The Soviet government agreed to register it as a parish church in 1948. White Bridge Located in the modern part of the city, this footbridge offers beautiful panorama of the old city. The greenery around is also a popular place for locals to chill when it’s warm outside. Vilnius Cathedral The Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus of Vilnius is the main Roman Catholic Cathedral of Lithuania. It is situated in Vilnius Old Town in Cathedral Square. Bell Tower The history of one of the oldest and highest towers in Vilnius Old Town goes back to 13th century. In the 16th century the defensive tower was converted into the Cathedral’s bell tower and acquired its present appearance in the 19th century. The bell tower contains functioning bells and the earliest surviving clock mechanism in Lithuania. You can hear the bells daily at 5PM. The height is 52 m, with the cross at 57 m. The tower offers a panorama view, which only accessible at certain times with a tour that costs 5 Euros. I chose not to do this since you can get views for free at several other spots around the city and I was losing daylight. Gediminas Tower Gediminas’ Tower is the remaining part of the Upper Castle in Vilnius. The first wooden fortifications were built by Gediminas, Grand Duke of Lithuania. The first brick castle was completed in 1409. The three-floor tower was rebuilt in 1933. Some remnants of the old castle have been restored, guided by archeological research. It is possible to climb to the top of the hill on foot or by taking a funicular. The funicular costs 1 Euro one-way or 2 Euros round-trip. I decided to take the funicular up the hill since I was running out of daylight and then I walked down the hill. The tower houses a museum exhibiting archaeological findings from the hill and the surrounding areas. The museum has models of Vilnius castles from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Entry to the museum
During my trip to Switzerland, I ventured out to the Kingdom of Liechtenstein. This tiny sovereign country is nestled between Switzerland and Austria. And by tiny, I truly mean tiny. Of course it’s bigger than Vatican City, but you can basically drive from top to bottom of the country in an hour. Most people do a day or half-day trip here either as part of their journey to Austria or Switzerland or as a pit stop on their way between the two nations. There are no train stations or airports in the country; the only way in and out is by car or bus. Liechtenstein speaks German, uses the Swiss Franc, and has one of the world’s highest per capita GDP as well as the lowest unemployment rates. Unfortunately, I couldn’t have picked a worse day to travel to Liechtenstein. I was so excited so see the beautiful scenery from all the photos I looked at before my trip, but upon arriving I couldn’t see anything but fog. I still recommend that you take a trip here to check it out for yourself, but my blog post is not going to win you over in the slightest. I went on New Years Day and aside from the gloomy weather, it was a dead town. There were few tourists wondering around and all the locals were assumingely bundled up at home. There were a couple restaurants and shops open, but for the most part it was a very dreary and quiet day. Transportation I stayed in Zurich for 3 nights so decided to dedicate one of the days to seeing Liechtenstein. Since Liechtenstein does not have a train station, the best way to get there is by taking the train to Sargans and then taking the bus into Liechtenstein. I bought a roundtrip ticket from Zurich to Sargans for 66 CHF and then took the 9:37AM train. The trains run about every half an hour or so, which makes it easy and stress-free. There are both local and express trains, both take around 50 minutes to an hour. Once arriving at Sargans, I exited the open-air station and proceeded to the bus area right outside. There are maps at the station to tell you which bus departs from which stop in the bus plaza. For Liechtenstein, you will take Bus 11 to Vaduz. I bought a one way ticket directly from the driver for 8 CHF (cash only) and got on the 10:36 bus. The bus comes around every half hour. It takes 30 minutes, including stops, to reach Vaduz Post. Be on the lookout for the Liechtenstein flag flying right after you cross the bridge over the river to know when you’ve entered the country. After Vaduz, I purchased another one-way ticket for 8 CHF and got on the 2PM bus. Along the way back to Sargans, I stopped in Balzers and was able to hop back on with the same ticket. Unfortunately, after visiting Balzers, I missed the bus by 30 seconds. The bus driver saw me approaching and kept going so if this happens to you, make it very apparent that you want them to stop. Waiting an extra 30 minutes in the freezing cold was not a great way to end the day. I finally got back to Sargans at 3:50PM and then took the 4:25PM train back to Zurich. Vaduz Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein and also the seat of the national parliament. The town, which is located along the Rhine River, has 5,450 residents. Although Vaduz is the best-known town in the principality internationally, it is not the largest; neighboring Schaan has a larger population. Vaduz Welcome Center After arriving in Vaduz, I first went to the Vaduz Welcome Center. They have a 2-story shop full of souvenirs and a public restroom. You can also pay 3 Francs to get your passport stamped. I decided not to do this because I’d rather not waste the pages in my passport. I did, however, get my magnet here for my collection. You can also go to the Liechtenstein Center for a passport stamp and information. I ate lunch at a small pizza and burger joint next door. Rathaus Vaduz Across from the Welcome Center is the Vaduz Town Hall, which dates from 1932. It was renovated in the years 1982 to 1984. The Town Hall Square is used for various events, such as markets or sporting events. When I was there, an ice-skating rink filled the square. Parliament I passed by the Parliament Building, which lies at the heart of the Peter-Kaiser-Platz square, just down the road from the government building. After a proposal to create a new parliament building in Liechtenstein was rejected in a 1993 referendum due to its high cost, a Munich-based architect designed the building which is currently home to the parliament. Together with the government building and the national archive, the parliament forms the government district in Vaduz. Kathedrale St. Florin Vaduz Cathedral is a Neo-Gothic church that was built in 1874. During my stay, it was a nice place to go in and take a seat in the pews while warming up. Post Museum The Postage Stamp Museum (Briefmarkenmuseum) is very popular with most visors to Liechtenstein, since these small works of art travel the whole world and are in everybody’s mailbox daily. Rare stamps from Liechtenstein, historical documents, devices, historical postal service equipment, and special exhibits are presented in the museum. The museum exhibits postage stamps issued by Liechtenstein since 1912 and also the history of postal service of the country. The museum was closed on New Years Day. Vaduz Castle I took the 20-minute hike up to the Vaduz Castle, which is the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein so it is not open to the public. The castle gave its name to the town of Vaduz, which it overlooks from an adjacent hilltop. Unfortunately, I could barely even see the castle in all of the fog. I definitely
Gdansk is a city on the Baltic coast of northern Poland that has so much history. At the end of WWII, Gdansk endured heavy air raids and then was rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s. Gdansk could be seen in one rushed day, but I think it is best for an extended weekend, especially if you want to take a day trip to Malbork, the world’s largest castle. Gdansk Airport to City Center There is only one airport in Gdansk – Walesa Airport. It is located about 15 km from the city center. You can get to the city center by train, bus, or taxi. It is very easy to find all means of public transport getting from the airport to the city center. All you need to do is follow the lines on the floor until you get to the desired place. Both the train station and the bus stop are very close to the airport. Bus 210 leaves once an hour and the journey lasts about 30 minutes. One ride ticket costs 3,20 PLN. If you arrive at night, the bus N3 goes to the city center and lasts about 45 minutes and costs 4,20 PLN. Currently there is no direct train to the city center. You will need to change one time in Gdansk Wrzeszcz. The trip with a change will usually last no more than 45 minutes and costs 6,50 PLN. However, there are no night trains. The price for a taxi is much higher than public transport and can range from 50-100 PLN depending on the time and day. Free Now taxis or Uber let you control your cost and estimate it before you reserve a taxi. Where to Stay I stayed at Hotel Artus right in Old Town directly across from St. Mary’s Church. The view from the bedroom of the cathedral was amazing! I loved hearing the church bells throughout the day and night. I don’t think the location could have gotten much better. Main Town Hall is right around the block, Golden Gate is a 5 minute walk, the Crane and main river walk is a 5 minute walk, and the Central Train Station is a 12 minute walk. The price was so cheap considering the location! Day One Gdansk Main Town Hall is a historic building in the main city. It is one of the finest examples of the Gothic-Renasissance historic buildings in the city, built at the intersection of the Long Lane and Long Market, in the most popular part of Gdansk. The Main Town Hall houses the History Museum. Neptune’s Fountain is located at the Long Market, in front of the entrance to the Artus Court. The restaurants by the fountain are a lovely place to sit for a bite to eat or a warm drink while keeping warm by the fire. The Green Gate is one of the city’s most notable tourist attractions. It is situated between Long Market and the River Motlawa. Across the bridge from Green Gate is Granary Island. Crops used to be stored in more than 300 granaries on this island. You can see their ruins now, as most of them were destroyed in WWII. I stopped for breakfast at Nana’s Pierogarnia. The staff was very friendly and the food was delicious. If you continue walking, you will see Milk Can Gate. Two towers of this gate have cylindrical shapes, reminding people of milk cans. Its aim was to defend the city in the past. The Polish Maritime Museum was established in 1962. It is dedicated to gathering, researching and preserving artifacts and documents concerning ship transport, international trade, fishing, and culture of people working at sea, rivers, and those ashore – as well as the dissemination of knowledge on maritime history of Poland and its economy through the ages. I did not go in the museum, but I did pass by it. SS Soldek was a Polish coal and ore freighter. She was the first ship build in Szczecin after World War II and the first seagoing ship completed in Poland. The name was given in honor of Stanislaw Soldek, one of the shipyard’s shock workers. The ship is currently preserved as a museum ship as part of the National Maritime Museum collection. Next to the Museum is the Polish Baltic Philharmonic, which is a concert hall that hosts regular concerts and annual festivals. If you continue on this side of the river you will reach the Ferris Wheel and Gdansk sign. This is a fabulous spot to take photos. The AmberSky Ferris Wheel is something fun to do to get a great view of the city. On the other side of the river, I went to the Museum of the Second World War, which opened in 2017. You could easily spent 3+ hours in this museum. I highly recommend spending the extra 5PLN for the excellent multilingual audio-guide, which senses where you are and tells you what you are looking at. The heart of the museum is the permanent exhibition which is split into three parts – The Road to War, The War’s Long Shadow, and The Horrors of War. The building consists of three major spheres, which symbolically represent the connection between the past (museum), present (current outside surroundings), and future (40-meter tall leaning tower with a glass facade). Down the road is the Museum of the Polish Post. You can see various exhibitions about the history of the Polish post in this museum, including the collection of documents from WWII. Heading back to the river, I came upon Swan Tower. This Gothic tower used to be a part of the city fortifications and now serves as a seat of the Polish Marine Club. Continuing to walk along this side of the river back toward the city center, I came to Huckster Gate. Built at the end of the 15th century, this gate is the youngest in Gdansk. Its style reflects Flemish influence. There are several restaurants along the river,
Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia that is extremely photogenic with wonderful sights that include ancient churches, medieval streetscapes, and noble merchants’ houses. I really loved how walkable the Old Town is. On every single street, there was something beautiful to see. Tallinn definitely ranks very high on my list of European cities and is probably my favorite in Eastern Europe. St. Olaf’s Church is the closest attraction to the cruise port. It is only a 15-minute walk from the ship. The church is believed to have been built in the 12th century and to have been the center for old Tallinn’s Scandinavian community before Denmark conquered Tallinn in 1219. Its dedication relates to King Olaf II of Norway. The first known written records referring to the church date back to 1267, and it was extensively rebuilt during the 14th century. The City Wall that surrounds the Old Town has several towers. The first that I stopped at was Koismae Torn. The next was Loewenschede Torn, which was completed in 1373. A little further is Nun’s Tower, in which you can go up and walk along the wall. I then took a stroll through Toompark. It is the largest park in the bastion zone and is formed on the former earth forticifaction ground around the Shnelli Pond. The pond is the only remaining part of the moat that once surrounded the city. Taking a walk up the steep Toompea Hill from the park, I came to St. Mary’s Cathedral. It was originally established by Danes in the 13th century and is the oldest church in Tallinn and mainland Estonia. It is also the only building in Toompea which survived a 17th-century fire. Originally a Roman Catholic cathedral, it became Lutheran in 1561 and now belongs to the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church. A very short distance from the Cathedral is Toompea Castle. It has been in use since at least the 9th century and today it houses the Parliament of Estonia. You cannot enter the castle but can walk around the exterior in Governor’s Garden. Directly across from the castle is the beautiful Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This orthodox cathedral was built to a design by Mikhail Preobrazhensky in a typical Russian Revival style between 1894 and 1900, during the period when the country was part of the Russian Empire. The Cathedral is Tallinn’s largest and grandest orthodox cathedral. It is dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky who in 1242 won the Battle of the Ice on Lake Peipus, in the territorial waters of present-day Estonia. Opposite of the cathedral is Danish King’s Garden, which is one of the most beautiful parks in Tallinn and serves as a remnant of the centennial Danish rule over the city. I then headed towards Freedom Square, which is a plaza on the southern end of the Old Town, where military parades and various concerts often take place. It is bounded on the east by St. John’s Church, on the south by Kaarli Boulevard, and an underground shopping center, and on the west by a Victory Column commemorating the Estonian War of Independence 1918-1920. Down the street is St. Nicholas Church, which was originally built in the 13th century. It was partially destroyed in the Soviet bombing of Tallinn in World War II. It has since been restored and today houses a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia, focusing mainly on ecclesiastical art from the Middle Ages onward. It is also used as a concert hall. There are lovely cafes across the street in which I had a few drinks while I enjoyed watching people walk by. On the next corner is Raekoja Plats, or better known as Town Hall Square. It is a venue for numerous small festivals or concerts like Tallinn Old Town Days, and several bars and restaurants are located in the vicinity. The square also hosts a market regularly, with many stalls selling traditional Estonian items and souvenirs. This is a fabulous place to eat lunch. Within the square is the ancient gothic Tallinn Town Hall. It is the only one of its kind in Northern Europe. Also in the square is the Town Hall Pharmacy (Raeapteek), which is the oldest in Europe that has continually operated in the same premises. It was first mentioned in town records in 1422. You can go and take a look at the small museum inside. Walk a little further and you will come to St. Catherine’s Passage. A charming example of medieval architecture, this narrow street is full of craftsmen’s workshops and artists displaying their beautiful work. At night, the passage is lit up nicely. After you pass through the passage, you will come back to the Tallinn Town Wall. Here you can take the stairs up and walk along the medieval defensive walls. There is a small entrance fee. If you follow the path of the walls and walk through the street market, you will come to Viru Gate. It is positioned on a trendy shopping street. The last church that I visited was Holy Spirit Church. Also called Church of the Holy Ghost, it is a medieval Lutheran church located behind Raekoja Plats, and lies opposite the Great Guild and Maiasmokk, Tallinn’s oldest cafe. I ended my day by walking down Pikk Street, Tallinn’s busiest and most picturesque street in the historic center of the city. It was perfect for an afternoon stroll and I found a nice spot to have a drink before heading back to the cruise ship.
I was in St. Petersburg for one evening and one full day on my nine-day baltic cruise. Unless you apply for a tourist visa in advance (in which you have to mail your passport beforehand), then the only way you can exit the ship is with a guided tour. I wish that I had looked up private tours in advance, because I am not a fan of being on a 40-person guided tour bus. For anyone going in the future, I definitely recommend looking up independent tour companies rather than taking a tour through the cruise ship. However, if you do wish to take a tour with the cruise ship, go with the full day tours instead of the half day ones like I did. However, the first evening, I really enjoyed the tour titled A Night of Russian Ballet. That evening, I had the opportunity to enjoy a special performance by the well-known ballet Swan Lake, in one of the city’s theater venues. Dance is a huge part of Russia’s culture and traditions. St. Petersburg has long been regarded as one of the world’s most famous ballet centers. For two centuries, Russia has maintained its superiority in ballet, an art that was brought from Europe at the beginning of the 18th century. I thoroughly enjoyed the ballet. On the second day in St. Petersburg, I went on the Cathedrals of St. Petersburg excursion. On this tour, we traveled to the city center and were introduced to the history of St. Petersburg through its most iconic cathedrals. The Peter and Paul Fortress was founded in 1703 and is considered to be the birthplace of St. Petersburg. Here, we visited St. Peter & Paul’s cathedral, designed by Trezini. It is a distinctive landmark and known to be the burial ground for many members of the Romanov Royal family. After taking a souvenir and restroom break, we headed towards the Church on the Spilled Blood. It was built in memory of Alexander the II on the spot where he was assassinated. Inside is a collection of mosaics that covers over 8,400 square yards with jeweler’s enamel. Our final stop was at St. Isaac’s Square where we visited St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Built between 1818 and 1858, it is the largest church in St. Petersburg with a capacity of 10,000 people. Sculptures and massive red granite columns adorn the facade, and its interior is richly decorated with intricate mosaics, paintings, and columns. I think my experience of St. Petersburg would have been more enjoyable if the weather was cooperating and if I was able to do it with a private tour guide or even on my own. There is so much more to see and do in St. Petersburg that I just didn’t have the time for. The next time I go back to Russia, I will definitely want to get a visa in advance.
On my way back home from the Lake District, I stopped in York for a few hours. York is a city in North Yorkshire, England located at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss. Since I had my dog with me, I could only explore outside attractions besides the dog-friendly cafe that I ate at. I started my time in York by walking around the Remains of Saint Mary’s Abbey. These ruins of an old Benedictine monastery, located in the very center of York, are a great place to relax on a sunny day. I then ate at the cafe garden overlooking the Ouse at Circles Cafe, where I sipped on some wine and had a delicious ham and cheese panini. It is very small, but a lovely place with friendly staff. Next, I broke the rules and walked along the city walls with Mila from Mickelgate Bar. I pretended not to see the “No Dogs Allowed” sign and brought my dog along. I was relieved to see other dogs on the walls and no one seemed to mind my dog up there. York has, since Roman times, been defended by walls of one form or another. To this day, substantial portions of the walls remain, and York has more miles of intact wall than any other city in England. They are known variously as York City Walls, the Bar Walls, and the Roman Walls. The walls are 13 feet high and 6 feet wide. It does not cost anything to walk on. At the end of the walls, I walked a little ways to York Minster, the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter. The cathedral is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. The minster is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the third-highest office of the Church of England, and is the mother church for the Diocese of York and the Province of York. The combined ticket (minster and tower) costs 15GPB. The cathedral on its own cost 10GBP. After admiring the cathedral and having a photo shoot with my dog, I wandered through the city to Clifford’s Tower. Along the way, I walked on Shambles, an old street with overhanging timber-framed buildings, some dating back as far as the fourteenth century. There are many shops and restaurants in the city, as well as carousels for children and food trucks creating a lovely outdoor environment. Clifford’s Tower was built by William the Conqueror and it’s the last remnant of York Castle. It is believed that it had a variety of uses – from a well-protected treasury to a prison. The tower costs 5.40GBP. Although it was a very quick visit, I had a wonderful time exploring York. I am excited to go back so that I can enjoy what else the city has to offer. Some things I wish to visit in the future include: Heslington Hall, Jorvik Viking Center, and the York Dungeon.
Brugge (or Bruges) is a city full of canals, beer, fries, and of course the delicious waffles. It is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium, in the northwest of the country. It is described as “Venice of the North” and if you catch a boat and cruise the city via the canals, you will surely understand why. The canals are a part of the city nearly as old as Brugge themselves. They were built in the 12th century in order to help carry merchandise across the city and cross through the entirety of the city center. They allow visitors to see the attractions from a different angles, as well as to view some that would otherwise remain inaccessible. I went on an extended day trip with ITT at the end of March and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. One day was the perfect amount to see the highlights of Brugge, but two days would have been ideal. I felt a bit rushed toward the end of the day and I wish I had one more day to go in more of the attractions. The bus drops everyone off at the train station. From there, I headed toward the city center by crossing over Barge Bridge. This modern bridge will catch your eyes with its bright red color and unique shape. This takes you to the Lake of Love, which is surrounded by a park and has a terrace facing the lake for the perfect view. Near the lake is Beguinage. This complex was a home to Beguines, women of a Christian spiritual movement of the 13th century. These women decided to devote their lives to Christ, live in poverty, and take care of the sick and poor. It is the only preserved beguinage in Brugge. Since 1927, it serves as a convent of Benedictine nuns. After taking a stroll through the gardens, I made my way to Saint Salvator’s Cathedral. Along the way, I passed De Halve Man Brewery, the only family brewery left in Brugge. After seeing the inside of Saint Salvator (free admission), I walked toward the Church of Our Lady. On the way, I stopped in a shopping square to have breakfast. I quickly realized that Brugge was quite expensive. When I reached the Church of Our Lady, I was amazed at its colossal height. The church tower stands at 115 meters and is the second biggest brick tower in the world and also the biggest building in the the city of Brugge. The church possess a marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child by Michaelangelo, various paintings and wooden carvings, and even tombs of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold. You can visit the main part of the church for free, but if you wish to see the museum and artworks, you will need to purchase a ticket. Make sure to go around the back of the church to get a different perspective. Down the street from the church along the canal is where the city’s market is, which is supposedly there most days. Opposite the market is Groeninge Museum, if you are interested in an art museum. I walked through the market and noticed a brewery on the other side of the canal called Bourgonge des Frandres. It was time a great time to stop and have a drink on the outside patio as I watched the boats pass by. Next, I walked around the Quai of the Rosary, which a starting point of many boat trips. This place offers one of the most spectacular views in all of Brugge. I loved the atmosphere of this area. One drink wasn’t enough, so next on the agenda was the 2be Bar and Shop. As soon as you walk in, you will notice the very long beer wall. This work of wall art features a large display of beer bottles and glasses. This bar is an awesome place to try different kinds of local beers. The shop also has a wide selection of beers to take home with you. I came back at the end of the day to get a suitcase full of a variety of local beers. A little ways down the street is House of Waffles, which is a fantastic place to stop for all of your waffle cravings. You can get waffles all over Brugge, but this place stuck out to me because of the large selection of toppings. You can order at the window or go inside to sit down. You will have an option between Brussels or Liege waffles and Liege are way better in my opinion. I topped mine with vanilla ice cream, strawberries, and bananas. Mmm Mmmm Mmmmm. My next stop was the astounding City Hall, which is located in Burg Square on the grounds of a former castle. It was built in 1376, making it one of the oldest city halls in Belgium. This is where the ruling over the country took place for some 600 years. Nowadays, it houses a city museum. Not far from City Hall is Market Square, the very center of the historical heart of the city. The square is lined with wonderful sights, like the Bell tower and the Provincial Court. There are various restaurants, pubs, and stores around the square. Belfry is an 83 meter high bell tower. If you climb all the way to the top on a sunny day, you can see the entirety of the city below you. Unfortunately, I did not have enough time for this as the line was long and I didn’t want to miss seeing the rest of the city. When visiting, do not miss the chance to admire the Belfry’s 47-bell clarion. The bells are made to ring by hand every day at 11 o’clock. Keep in mind that there is no elevator at the Belfry, so it is not wheelchair accessible. It takes 366 stairs to reach the top of
I have been to London several times and each time I go, I discover something new. London has so much to offer and is a great place to go for any length of time. When I plan what I am going to do in London, I first decide what tourist attractions I would like to see and do, and then I route my trip based around the tube map. The London Underground is divided into nine zones: central London is covered by zone 1. There are 11 Tube lines. The Tube fare depends on how far you travel, time of day, and how you pay. Oyster or contactless payments are the cheapest ways to pay for single fares. Tube services usually run from 5AM until midnight, with Night Tube services on some lines on Friday and Saturday evenings. After I have decided what I would like to see and do, I look up the nearest underground station of each place on LondonTown.com. Below is a list of major tourist attractions categorized by their closest underground station. Tower Hill Tower of London – This is London’s version of a castle. It is a fortress, royal palace, and infamous prison all in one. Buying your tickets online is the cheapest and most convenient way to visit the Tower. The cost is 22.50GPB. It is open from 9AM to 4:30PM Tuesday-Saturday and 10AM to 16:30 on Sundays and Mondays. Check out the official website for more information. Tower Bridge – This is one of London’s famous bridges and one of many must-see landmarks in London. You can discover the stories behind the engineering, the people, the architecture, and the city that build Tower Bridge. From the high-level walkways, you can take in stunning panoramic views and experience the thrill of seeing London life through the Glass Floor. In the Victorian Engine Rooms, you will learn about how the bridge was engineered and how it functions. The bridge is open daily from 9:30AM to 5PM. You can receive discounted tickets by booking online. The price is 8.70GBP. You can find out more information on the website. Coppa Club Igloo Restaurant – The terrace of this restaurant has been transformed into the copies set up the Thames has to offer. With fluffy blankets and sheepskin rugs, sparkly night’s sky and unrivaled views of London’s Thameside skyline, it’s the dreamiest spot ideal for hiding away from the cold and the city outside. There are a limited amount of spaces so you have to book well in advance. There is no booking fee and the prices are very cheap considering. You can check out the menu here. London Bridge Shard – Formerly known as London Bridge Tower, this 95-story skyscraper is the tallest building in the European Union. The building has a viewing gallery and open-air observation deck on the 72nd floor, at a height of 244 meters (801 feet). It offers visitors a 360-degree view for up to 40 miles. The ticket is quite expensive at 32GBP. You can book it in advance or when you arrive. There are also several restaurants and bars, all of which boast floor to ceiling windows and an excellent view of the city. You can learn more about each and make reservations here. Clink Prison Museum – This museum is built upon the original site of the Clink prison which dates back to 1144, making it probably the oldest prison in England. Visit the website for more information. Westminster Big Ben – Elizabeth Tower’s Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster has been nicknamed Big Ben. When construction completed in 1859, the clock was the largest and most accurate four-faced striking and chiming clock in the world. The tower stands 315 feet (96 meters) tall, and the climb from ground level to the belfry is 334 steps. In August 2017, a four-year schedule of renovation work began on the tower. With a few exceptions, such as New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Sunday, the bells are to be silent until the work is completed in the 2020s. House of Parliament – The palace of Westminster, commonly known as the House of Parliament, is the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of Parliament of the United Kingdom. The UK Parliament is open to visitors year round, Monday to Saturday, to attend debates and committee hearings or to take a tour of the building. Visit the website for more information. Westminster Abbey – This cathedral is across from the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the United Kingdom’s most notable religious buildings and the traditional place of coronation and burial site British monarchs. There have been 16 royal weddings at the abbey since 1100, including Prince William and Catherine. You can attend church services, free of charge or book tickets for visiting at another time. London Eye – This is a cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames. It is Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel and is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom with over 3.75 million visitors annually. The structure is 135 meters (443 feet) tall. If you book online, you will save 10% on tickets and guarantee a time slot. The London Dungeon – This is a tourist attraction along London’s South Bank which recreates various gory historical events in a humorous style. It uses a mixture of live actors, special effects, and rides. There are 19 live shows and 2 thrilling rides. Book online for the best price, guarantee entry, and choose your arrival time. You can also combine your ticket with another London Attraction for 40GBP. For opening times and more information visit the website. Sea Life Aquarium – Here you will find Europe’s largest collections of global marine life. The Rainforest Adventure allows you to immerse yourself in a world of creepy crawlies, charming crocs, and curious critters. The Ocean Invaders welcomes you
I went to Kiev for two full days and I was completely surprised at how much I enjoyed it. After visiting tons of European cities, I started to feel like they were all pretty similar. However, Kiev definitely has a different feel from most European cities and I think it is completely underrated. I wish that I had at least one extra day to see some extra sights. I spent one day wondering around the city and the other day taking a guided tour to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. I flew into Kiev-Boryspil International Airport. After arriving at the airport, I went through immigration. Ukraine does not require a visa for U.S citizens. After getting through passport control, I took out some money at an AM (1000 UAH limit) before going to purchase a local SIM card. I knew that this would come in handy with navigating my way around throughout the trip. It was only about $5 for 8GB, which was the smallest option they had available at the time. I then found the Sky Bus outside of the airport, that takes you to the city. You pay for the bus ticket on the bus, which is 100 UAH, which is less than $4. The downside of the bus is that it does not go all the way into center city. It will drop you off near a metro stop and you will have to take the metro the rest of the way into the city. The bus does not announce the stops so it will be useful if you have maps pulled up on your phone. Otherwise, just get off on the first stop, which is about a 15-minute ride. The metro ride is only 8 UAH, which is only 30 cents. The metro takes about an extra 30 minutes to get into the city center. This mode of transportation is much cheaper than taking a taxi. If you want the convenience of a taxi, there is an official taxi desk inside of the arrivals terminal. This will get you a government taxi instead of getting inside a taxi from some random guy that may try to overcharge you. It is also safer going with the official taxis. Most Ukrainians do not speak English so you may also run into a problem if you take the taxi route. I stayed at an apartment in the Independence Square area. This is main square. The apartment is owned by Kiev Accommodation Hotel Service and can be booked on hotels.com. The apartment is in a great location and is only 30 USD per night. Since I arrived at night, I didn’t have time to see anything on the day of arrival. I read about a unique bar online, so I thought I would go check it out. The bar is called Palata No6 and is named after Anton Chekhov’s tale about life in a madhouse. It is hidden down a back alley and is a bit challenging to locate. The male bartenders are dressed in doctor’s scrubs and the females are dressed in white nurse’s outfits. If you ask for the Pyramida, you will be served vodka through a giant pyramid of test tubes. My husband asked for the Helmet, which involves chugging absinthe and getting your helmet lit on fire. I advise you not to order food though since it took over an hour just to get some wings. This bar was definitely an interesting experience though. On the first full day, I took a walk around the city to see the main sights. Everything was fairly walkable and goes in a circular direction. I started at Independence Square. If you have time, they offer free walking tours every day, but since I only had the one day, I wanted to explore at my own pace so that I could fit more in. Maidan Nezalezhnosti is the actual name of the central square and is also the name of the metro stop. It is located on Khreshchatyk Street, which is the busiest street in Kiev. The square is the location for political rallies, so I recommend making sure that there aren’t any going on during the time that you plan to come. I then headed down the road to People’s Friendship Arch. This is a monument built in 1982 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the USSR and the celebration of the 1,500th anniversary of the city. In 2016, the Ukrainian government announced plans to dismantle the arch as part of its decommunization laws. There are plans to put a memorial dedicated to veterans of the War in Donbass in its place. However, when we were there, the arch was still there although there was construction going on. Since the Friendship Arch sits high up on the hill, you can get a good view of the city. You can also look across the way and see Volodymir the Great statue. I didn’t want to walk down one hill and up another hill to see the statue, so I made my way to St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery. Admission to the monastery is free. Behind the monastery, you will find the Kiev Funicular, which connects the historic Uppertown, and the lower commercial neighborhood of Podil through the steep Volodymyrska Hill overseeing the Dnieper River. It is 8 UAH per trip (30 cents). I took the funicular down thinking that it would get me closer to St. Andrew’s church, but I actually just ended up walking back up the hill. However, I did walk up a cool street called Andriyivsky Descent. On this 720 meter, cobblestone street, you will find lots of street stalls selling souvenirs. At the top of the steep hill, sits St. Andrew’s Church overlooking the historic Podil neighborhood. This was my favorite church in Kiev because of the pretty turquoise color. The church was being renovated when we were there so we did not get to go in, although we were able to walk around the grounds. Not
