Author: Renata

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!

A Visit to the Berlin Biennale 2022

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After having presented three mega art events on this blog over the past few weeks, I actually wanted to leave it at that for this summer. But last weekend, I paid the Berlin Biennale 2022 a visit. This event impressed me so much that I needed to write at least a short post about it.

Exile Is a Hard Job by Nil Yalter at the Berlin Biennale 2022
Turkish-born artist Nil Yalter left Turkey in 1965, hence, she knows what it means to be an immigrant. Today, she is 84 years old. In 1983, she interviewed and filmed migrants on their experiences in a foreign country. Now she brought the topic to the Berlin Biennale.

Like the Biennale in Venice and above all the Documenta in Kassel, the Berlin Biennale is also influenced by current political and social developments. Therefore, conceptual works and installations are presented rather than pretty pictures.

What impressed me in Berlin – especially ten days after my visit to Kassel – is a clear concept, the conscientious subdivision, and the stringent and consistent thematic organization and execution.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

24 hours in BERLIN

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Berlin is huge – actually, with almost 3.7 million inhabitants it’s not only Germany’s capital but also its largest city. So, how can you possibly explore Berlin in only 24 hours?

Reichstag visited during 24 hours in Berlin
The iconic Reichstag building in Berlin.

Truth is, you can’t. But since Germany’s third-largest airport – after Frankfurt and Munich – is in Berlin, chances are that you’ll have the opportunity to spend a layover there. Of course, you can always come back for more. I already have you covered by two comprehensive guides to Berlin’s West and East. Also, you’ll find an extended guide to the city’s best street art.

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Best Street Art in VALENCIA

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Valencia is basically an open-air gallery decorated with many amazing murals – you just need to walk around with your eyes open and your camera ready to spot the city’s best street art.

Street art by David de Limón in Valencia
David de Limón’s signature ninja is flirting with a Valencian beauty created by La Nena.

So, don’t be shy to walk down small back alleys, turn into backyards, and follow the slightest signs of urban art.

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How to Visit the DOCUMENTA fifteen in Kassel in 2022

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Cultural Life is back! And instead of timidly knocking, it simply kicked down the door and threw three mega art events at us. So after having introduced what’s on at this year’s Biennale di Arte in Venice and at the NordArt in Northern Germany, it’s time to inform you on how to visit the 15th edition of the documenta in Kassel in 2022.

Mural by the Ruan Grupa at the Documenta fifteen in Kassel in 2022
A bold mural on the northern wall of the ruru House is announcing all the amazing participants of this year’s documenta.
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How to Visit the NordArt in 2022

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In this post, I’m telling you how to visit the NordArt 2022, an international art event taking place in Büdelsdorf. Büdels…what? I knew you’d need more information and possibly a guide.

Ode to Art by Liu Ruowang at the NordArt 2022
Ode to Art by Chinese superstar Liu Ruowang. I’ve introduced him on the blog before – for instance in my post on Florence where his cast iron wolves were roaming the city.

Although the NordArt is an international art show that takes place every year, it’s by far not as important as the Documenta in Kassel let alone the Bienniale di Arte in Venice. However, it is installed in an intriguing setting, a wonderful day trip away from Hamburg or Berlin, and therefore totally worth the visit.

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50 Most Beautiful Palaces in Venice

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On its barely 415 square kilometers, there are about 200 magnificent palaces at the Centro Storico of Venice. In this post, I’m navigating you to the 50 most beautiful ones.

Canale Grande in Venice lined with Palaces
The mighty Canale Grande is lined with nothing but mesmerizing palazzi.
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How to Visit the Biennale di Arte in Venice in 2022

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After having been on a travel diet for over two years, you cannot imagine how thrilled I am that life is getting back to some kind of normal. Not only can I easily travel to Venice – I was even able to visit the mega art event Biennale di Arte in 2022.

How to visit Biennale Venice 2022: Entrance to the main venue Giardini.
Who’s Exploiting Who in the Deep Sea? is the title of the exhibition of funny creatures created by the German conceptual artist Cosima von Bonin. While a rock band made of fish plays on the roof of the main pavilion, two seashells are rocking on a swing and a crab has made itself comfortable in a cement mixer. So, have fun at the 59th Biennial!

Wanna enjoy it, too? In this post, I show you how. So put on your most comfortable shoes and follow my lead.

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Break a Leg – My Bumpy First Encounter With Gran Canaria

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It was in June when I booked a flight to the Canary Islands. It was on a Wednesday that I landed at Gran Canaria’s international airport south of the capital Las Palmas. This city would be my base, however, it had to wait another night for me. The first day was dedicated to Agüimes, a small town about 30 minutes inland at the foot of the island’s famous mountains.

Barranco in Gran Canaria where I did break a leg
Not a busy spot, indeed.

Agüimes is very picturesque, however, there is not that much to do. I spent the afternoon walking around, awing and taking pictures of alleys and well-maintained houses, and many statues telling stories about the town’s history and culture. Then, the next morning, I wanted to walk to the famous Barranco de las Vacas, a gorge with rock formations as beautiful as those in Utah.

And then it happened. I broke a leg.

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A Visit to the Colonia Güell – Where Eusebi Güell Created His Universe

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One of the most impressive places I’ve seen during my recent visit to Barcelona was the Colonia Güell.

Gaudi Crypt at the Colonia Güell
The Colonia’s highlight: The unfinished Crypt by Antoni Gaudí.

The Colonia Güell is a former industrial settlement including a factory and residential buildings for the workers as well as a famous crypt by Antoni Gaudí. It is named after its proprietor, the magnate Eusebi Güell, obviously. The Colonia is part of the village of Santa Coloma de Cervelló about 23 kilometers west of Barcelona.

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Antoni Gaudi in BARCELONA: A Guide to Modernism

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The significance of Antoni Gaudi for Barcelona is already reflected in the fact that out of nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the city, he designed seven – so let me guide you to these gems of Modernism.

Gaudi's two most iconic works in together: The chimneys of the Casa Mila with the Sagrada Familia in the backdrop. Gaudi Barcelona Guide Modernism
Gaudi’s two most iconic works together in one picture: The chimneys of the Casa Milà with the Sagrada Família in the backdrop.
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