Author: Renata Green

The world is my oyster: I'm Renata, founder and editor of this travel blog. bye:myself - no, that's not a typo, it's referring to me saying bye to my comfort zone and heading for new shores solo. Having been a solo traveller, flashpacker, and poverty jet setter for ages made me an avid and savvy planner and organizer of worldwide travel. Since I've been an author and journalist practically all my life, I love to put my travel experience into writing to encourage, inspire, and assist you. Looking forward to meeting you somewhere on this planet!

Best Things to Do in BRUSSELS, the Capital of Europe

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Brussels is not only the amazingly vibrant capital of Belgium, it’s actually the historic, political, cultural, and gastronomic epicenter of Europe, for that matter. Breathtakingly beautiful historic architecture, fantastic museums, mighty street art, powerful international organizations, and last but not least beer, fries, and chocolate: This cosmopolitan city truly holds something for each and every one in store.
Therefore, it was quite a challenge to put together a list of just the very best things to do on a visit to Brussels.

Guide Capital Europe Brussels: Chocolaterie Manneken Pis
Different strokes for different folks: World’s most famous wee-er made of chocolate. Bon appetit.

If it hadn’t been for my daughter studying in Brussels, it probably wouldn’t have come to my mind to visit Belgium’s capital. Or Belgium at all, for that matter.

But Christmas came and families and loved ones were expected to get together. So I packed a couple of warm sweaters, threw in some fun presents, and hopped on the late flight to Brussels.
Just to find out that this European capital with all its old architecture and new street art, its pralines and beers, surrealist art, and political reality is not only for me but for everyone.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

solo travel – PROs and CONs

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When I started my blog in the Spring of 2017, it was mainly because I got asked so often about travelling by myself. Obviously, solo travel comes with PROs, but there are also what might be considered CONs.

illustrating the pros and cons of solo travel: Renata Green walking through the Museu Niemeyer in Curitiba
This picture was just too congruent to illustrate solo travel. However, you do not always walk alone! Just so you know, I’m walking all by myself through the Museu Oscar Niemeyer in Curitiba in the South of Brazil.

Therefore, I decided to share my experience not only with my friends. Actually, I hope to inspire, inform, and encourage as many of you as I can. Follow my example and give solo travel a try.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

RIJEKA, a Place to Enjoy Life

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The other day at a party, I overheard a conversation. Two people were talking about travelling, and the girl said: “You know, when travelling, I also enjoy just being in a place”. She could have been talking about Rijeka, a place where the visitor can indeed just enjoy life.

Port of Rijeka Istria Croatia
Port of Rijeka – the gateway to the paradisiac islands.

Actually, I’ve found that great – just being. No racing through cute alleys full of historic buildings. No waiting in line at museums. No pushing on boats and squeezing in vans. Just being in a place.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to VELA LUKA on the Island of Korcula

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The coastal town of Vela Luka might not be as mesmerizing as its big sister, Korcula town. Nonetheless, I’d argue it’s the better choice if you’re looking for a tranquil base where you can just drift from day to day during your stay on Korčula island. In this post, I’m telling you why.

View of Korčula town from the Uvala Plitvine bay.
View of Korčula town from the Uvala Plitvine Bay.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to MALACCA, Malaysia’s Oldest Settlement

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So here comes a guide to Malacca, Malaysia’s oldest settlement on the Straits of Malacca. Therefore, it is heavily reflecting the country’s ever-changing history.

Chinese Row Houses in Malacca
Colonial Chinese Shop Houses.

Finally, in 2008, the city made it to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For an obvious reason: The city is culturally and culinarily a true treasure box.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

CUXHAVEN – walking on water

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“The sun reflects strongly off the puddles, so don’t forget to put sun protection on your knee pits”, orders Ute pointing at my bare legs as we start walking on water off the shores of Cuxhaven.

Crossing the mudflat from Cuxhaven to the Neuwerk island.
Crossing the mudflat from Cuxhaven to Neuwerk island. About twelve kilometers lay ahead of us.

I already did, but under her strict eyes, I repeatedly do as I am told. I do everything Ute marshals. The next four hours, she will guide me together with about two dozen other hikers into the tideland off the shore of Cuxhaven. My life will depend on her knowledge and sense of orientation, after all.

We will be sort of walking on water – so I better listen to my leader.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

MALAYSIA – Asia’s Melting Pot – a complete guide

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Since the Malayan people consists of various ethnicities and different religions, Malaysia is definitely Asia’s most fascinating melting pot.

Merdaka Square im Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia - Asia's Melting Pot
At Merdeka Square, the colonial past and today’s modernity come together.

Also, when it comes to tourism, the country has been stepping up a notch. However, it’s by far not overrun by tourists. Apart from the fascinating cultural mix, you’ll still find unspoiled nature and empty beaches.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Five Highlights of KUALA LUMPUR – literally

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Being Malaysia’s capital and one of Asia’s mega-cities, there are many sights and landmarks to experience in Kuala Lumpur – literally. So let me guide you to the five most important highlights of Kuala Lumpur and beyond.

View from the Batu Caves over the Lord Murugan Statue all the way to Kuala Lumpur
View of Kuala Lumpur from the most imposing landmark – the Lord Murugan Statue in front of the Batu Caves in the district of Selangor, 12 kilometers north of Malaysia’s capital.

In all honesty, all in all, it’s not such a great city. However, practically everyone is visiting. Because, basically, everyone has to: Kuala Lumpur has not only two major airports. There is also a reliable system of trains and long-distance buses.

Its location practically halfway between the northern border to Thailand and Singapore in the south makes Malaysia’s capital a great hub.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to IPOH, Malaysia’s Most Underrated City

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So here comes a Guide to Ipoh, Malaysia’s third-largest yet probably most underrated city and a two-hour train ride north of the capital. However, it is mostly considered a gateway: To the Cameron Highlands in the east or to Pangkor Island in the west.

Train Station in Ipoh, an Underrated City in Malaysia
Ipoh welcomes its visitors at a colonial building – the railway station, opened in 1917.

Still, Ipoh’s own attractions should not be underestimated: The Hakka Chinese heritage, mysterious cave temples, and bustling Asian city life.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to GEORGE TOWN in PULAU PENANG

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This is a guide to George Town on Pulau Penang, after all, one of my favorite cities in all of Asia.

What makes it so special?
I don’t even know where to start.
It was the first British settlement in Southeast Asia and became – together with Singapore and Malacca –  a British crown colony in 1867.

View of the modern part of the city of George town from the Kek Lok Si Temple on Pulau Penang.
View of the modern part of the city of Georgetown from the Kek Lok Si Temple.

George Town, counting about 710,000 inhabitants, is Malaysia’s second-largest city and the capital of Penang Island.

This Way to the Whole Story ->