Potsdam is a one day trip from Berlin, and is a city that invited exploration as it has 17 palaces spread across 3 parks from a Prussian royal heritage. The National Parks and palaces complex are today an UNESCO World site and a mix of styles with gardens inspired from many parts of the world – Greece, Italy, France or ancient Asia.
Continue reading “Potsdam – Palaces & Parks”
Kreuzberg and Neukölln neighborhoods were like a puzzle. East-meets-West aesthetics. Unconventional, different, yet still Berlin. Contrasting parts of the city, most tolerant, and in the same time, surprisingly traditional, both part of former West Berlin.
Continue reading “Kreuzkölln in Berlin”
There is something about European train stations and time. The most beautiful train station I ever saw with magnificent details was in Antwerp. The classic central station was first used in 1905 (yes, really). The city, known as Anvers by French speakers, is one I feel connected by many memories, and must be the third most visited Belgian city in the years I lived in this country, after Brussels and Bruges.
Continue reading “Antwerpen Central Station”
Going East to start the party. Friedrichshain is an eclectic mix of alternative places, street art, pieces of Berlin history and lively squares. A little rough around the edges. The place of the iconic East Side Gallery, the destination for techno club culture, but also home to Berliners and filming location for the Queen’s Gambit.
Continue reading “Berlin Friedrichshain”
Exploring the old Berlin in Charlottenburg. A walk in this area is like a return to the Belle Epoque period. Is both cool and stylish part of former West Berlin, located near Tiergarden park, you can combine Palace or museum visits with vintage shopping.
Continue reading “West Berlin & Charlottenburg”
Heading West today to Timișoara, the 3rd largest city of Romania. Still left to explore in this part of the country. Near the borders with Serbia and Hungary, Timisoara is beautiful and full of surprises. For generations, Romanians have lives here alongside Serbs, Germans, Croats or Hungarians. The city was chosen as the 2023 European Capital of culture and is truly a touristic destination.
Continue reading “Amazing Timișoara in 24 Hours”
While sitting in the train from Berlin to Potsdam, I started writing about my last trip to Düsseldorf. Even though “dorf” means village in German, Düsseldorf is such an interesting dinamic city today. I visited it in for a reunion in summer and by myself in autumn. And two time in winter, for the Christmas market, as we have to admit the holidays are the only best part during the cold months.
Continue reading “4 things to do in Düsseldorf”
Munich is beautiful, voted several times as the most livable city in the world. Home of Oktoberfest and Bayern München, the Bavarian capital is both traditional and modern – a winning combination in my books.
Continue reading “Munich – Coffee meets Fashion”
Since I visited Prague twice, once in winter weather, and in summer, I feel I saw and photographed two different contrasting cities, both beautiful. I explored so far only districts Praha 1 and Praha 2. May sounds as Hunger games, but in fact Prague is more bohemian than entertaining, more Kafka than Hollywood.
Continue reading “Photo journal from Prague”
Moin. The return to Hamburg felt as seeing an old friend. I might exaggerate or I really missed being a traveller. This time, I revisited the warehouse district Speicherstadt (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and made new discoveries – neighborhoods Blankenese and Altona, Stadthöfen / New Wall, plus the park Planten un Blomen.
Continue reading “Hamburg revisited”
Three recommendations with love, from the heart of Transylvania and one cliché, as usual. The historic region is synonym with mystery, but travelers must look past Dracula to discover it properly. Sibiu, Sighișoara and Braşov. It has much to offer, from nature, adventure, mountains, fortified cities, Saxon villages and yes, appropriately spooky castles.
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The diversity of Berlin Mitte mirrors the diversity of the city. When I moved here, I discovered the city by neighborhoods. After Tiergarten, now I wrote down some moments spend in Mitte, considered today the city downtown, but for almost 30 years was divided between East and West.
Continue reading “Berlin Mitte (updated)”
Starting a districts round, as Berlin is divided in 12 administrative districts, each of those with many neighborhoods. Tiergarten is a huge urban park that is part of neighborhood Mitte (Middle). Used to belong to West Berlin before the Reunification. The former royal park is now open to the public and is a great connection from the West part to the center.
Continue reading “Berlin & Tiergarten”
Even though Verona is known for tragical Romeo & Juliet of Shakespeare, what I remember from that holiday are pumpkin ravioli, pecorino cheese, tiramisu, lake Garda, stunning architecture and opera. Yes, Italian opera! Is so easy to keep finding reasons to return to Italy, right?!
Continue reading “Memories – “AIDA” in Verona”
Berlin is a city full of life, culture and history, with concerts, international film festivals, parties, fashion, popular sporting events and many other opportunities. Looking forward to a few moments this year that I broke down by season and category. I am sure that this is just a glimpse, but is a good idea to have a plan.
Continue reading “Berlin 2020 ~ Calendar (updated)”
The Festival George Enescu at the Atheneum lasts a month every 2 years in September and is without doubt the biggest cultural manifestation that Bucharest has at the moment.
Continue reading “Bucharest. Part 2”
I belong to several cities thanks to my destiny of choice of a wanderer. Maybe a native skill is that I feel at home in many places. But I never experienced the feeling living in Bucureşti – belonging, that I could easily fit in, but still be free and on a journey.
Continue reading “Dear Bucharest. Part 1”
Applying and receiving an Erasmus scholarship in Denmark at 19 years old I actually received wings. 10 years feels like a lifetime and is beautiful to look back where it all started. Those months have been some of my favorite.
Continue reading “Erasmus revisited. Copenhagen”
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