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!

Best Street Art in BRUSSELS

Posted onAuthorRenataLeave a comment

Brussels is famous for many things: The European Parliament, the Atomium, beer, waffles, and comic books. Belgium’s capital celebrates the latter even in a beautiful street art project called Parcours Bande Dessinée. I’ve introduced many of the walls decorated by beloved comic book characters in my former post The Best Murals Along Brussels’ Comic Book Route.
But how about other murals that are not comic-themed?
What a question!
In Belgium, you’ll find grand street art even in the smaller cities.
So of course there are amazing powerful murals all around the country’s capital – and in this post, I’m telling you where to find the best street art Brussels has in store.

Charm of Uniform by Jaune, one of the best pieces of street art in Brussels.
Charm of Uniform by Jaune.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

MORRO JABLE – the South Gate to Fuerteventura

Posted onAuthorRenata10 Comments

While most visitors are landing at the island’s international airport, I entered Fuerteventura through its south gate at Morro Jable.

Lighthouse of Jandía.
The endless beach of Morro Jable in the South of Fuerteventura.

This way, I found myself in one of the most intriguing spots the island has to offer: A pleasant small town, the island’s largest nature reserve Parque Natural de Jandía, as well as some of the broadest’n’best beaches the entire archipelago has in store.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

PUERTO del ROSARIO – Fuerteventura’s Underrated Capital

Posted onAuthorRenata17 Comments

Puerto del Rosario is Fuerteventura’s capital and totally underrated. No wonder, the competition is powerful: Golden beaches, turquoise waters, gigantic sand dunes, and windy surfing grounds.

Statue in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura's Capital
Pescador de Viejas – the old fisherman by local sculptor Juan Miguel Cubas from Betancuria is greeting visitors next to Puerto del Rosario’s promenade.

Hence, it’s understandable that hardly any tourist spends time in Puerto del Rosario. If you ask me, that’s a big mistake since the city has enough to offer to spend at least one day there.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

The Best Murals Along Brussels’ Comic Book Route

Posted onAuthorRenataLeave a comment

In a wonderful urban art project, namely a Comic Book Route, Brussels unites the best of its iconic arts, namely comic books and murals.
In this post, I’ll take you on a special scavenger hunt along the fantastic Parcours Bande Dessinée through the exciting capital of Belgium. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as many of Brussels’ picturesque streets and alleyways are made of cobblestones. But most importantly, keep your eyes peeled so you don’t miss any of the works of art with which Brussels pays homage to its countless comic artists.

Mural of Jonas Valentin aka Broussaille by Frank Pé on Brussels Comic Route.
The very first mural created for the Brussels Comic Route project was Jonas Valentin – or Broussaille in the original French version – by Frank Pé.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

One Week in MALLORCA – Guide to the Island’s Mesmerizing Hideouts

Posted onAuthorRenata35 Comments

If you believe that Mallorca is just this tacky party island, you definitely need my guide on how to see the island’s most mesmerizing hideouts in just one week.

One Week Mallorca Hideouts: An old gentleman walking down an alley in Fornalutx.
Mallorca off the beaten paths, far away from the partying crowds.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

PALMA de MALLORCA – what to see in two days

Posted onAuthorRenata75 Comments

Since I’m afraid that the capital Palma de Mallorca might be the most underrated place on the entire island, I urge you to spend at least two days in this vibrant’n’wonderful city – and don’t worry: From Palma, you’ll quickly get to all the other magnificent places the island has to offer – even by public bus!

Beach at Palma de Mallorca with a view of the city.
The mountains, the palm trees, the architecture, the fun in the sun: Palma sure has it all.

From the beginning, I wanted to do things differently. I didn’t want to roast on beaches, getting wasted on Sangria made from cheap wine, surrounded by party people from Germany, France, and Great Britain.

Mallorca is a Spanish island. I was keen on experiencing Spain with all my five senses. I wasn’t searching for the extraordinary, but wanted to dive headfirst into the common!

What better place to do so than a standard Spanish city full of local day-to-day routines.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Mallorca’s East Coast Bay by Bay: Cala Santanyí, Cala Llombards, Cala Figuera

Posted onAuthorRenata17 Comments

Apart from long sandy beaches, there is an amazing number of picturesque coves surrounding the island, and on Mallorca‘s east coast, you can even explore them hiking from bay to bay – from Cala Llombards to Cala Santanyí to Cala Figuera.

View of the beach of Cala Llombards in Mallorca.
View of the beach of Cala Llombards.

Hiking through the rural Hinterland between fields lined by olive and almond trees and Mallorca’s iconic terrace orchards, you’ll most certainly break a sweat. No problem, since the turquoise waters of the countless picturesque bays are awaiting you to take a refreshing dip.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

ALCÚDIA – Dreamy Beach on Mallorca’s North Coast

Posted onAuthorRenata39 Comments

The long beach on the outskirts of the idyllic town of Alcúdia is one of the tourist hotspots on Mallorca’s north coast. The white sandy beach stretches for kilometers along the turquoise waters. As the beach slopes gently into the sea, it is the ideal spot for families, foreign visitors, and locals alike.

Beach of Alcúdia in northern Mallorca.
Crystal clear waters are waiting for you beach bums.

And due to first-class wind conditions, sailors’n’surfers also find their dorado off Alcúdia’s shores.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Hiking the Circular Trail Around PUIGPUNYENT

Posted onAuthorRenata25 Comments

A circular hiking trail that starts and ends at Puigpunyent, a picturesque village located about 16 kilometers west of the island’s capital Palma, is one of Mallorca’s most intriguing yet easiest hikes.

View of the Tramuntana Ridge while Hiking Circular Trail Puigpunyent
One of Mallorca’s most rewarding hikes goes in a circle from and back to Puigpunyent.

In some aspects, I’m kind of a traditionalist. For instance, I do like the idea of a classic Sunday outing to the countryside. Wandering through beautiful sceneries, whistling a joyous tune, having a cheerful dialogue with birds and beasts.

Yes, you basically do find all that around Puigpunyent, but before I get carried away by my own cheesiness, let me introduce the real thing – which is charming enough even without my sugarcoating.

This Way to the Whole Story ->