a travel blog by renata green
Birmingham, with its industrial past and its not always easy and smooth present, can be a challenging place for first-time visitors to appreciate. But if you take the time to peek behind the blinds of Britain’s second-largest city, you’ll discover that Birmingham has a lot to offer beneath its rough, at-first-glance unappealing exterior. In this post, I’ll shed light on even the darkest corners and show you what there is to see in Birmingham.
There is Mother’s Day and there is Father’s Day. There is Independence Day and there is Groundhog Day. Every day of the year, something or someone is being celebrated.
And then there is soup.
Not as a snack enjoyed during those celebrations.
No, soup is actually the main character of a debauchery that the city of Vilnius celebrates as a kickstart into summer.
Not just any soup, obviously. It’s Šaltibarščiai, the traditional pink soup that gets its color from its two main ingredients, kefir and red beet. For Lithuanians, it’s not just a refreshing dish, it’s a vibrant symbol of the country’s rich heritage, pride, and most importantly, pink joy in every bowl.
La Vie en Rose!
While I love city breaks, I’m always completely exhausted afterwards. I have a severe case of FOMO, which is constantly triggered by the big city lights, its seductive museums, its tempting architectural gems, and other tantalizations.
Food? I can eat later; after all, I had breakfast just a couple of hours ago.
Drink? Fine, but only a sip on the go so I don’t become completely dehydrated.
Plus, this ascetic way of visiting saves me from time-consuming trips to the bathroom.
Two birds with one stone.
Fortunately, there are also cities like Vilnius where leisure’n’pleasure are an important part of the culture, allowing me to both fulfill my mission as a self-proclaimed city scout and at the same time pamper myself and relax. This brings me to Vilnius’ rich coffee house culture. It needed to be explored. Someone had to do the job, so I sacrificed myself and can introduce you now to the best and most beautiful coffee houses in all of Vilnius.
Vilnius, the vibrant capital of Lithuania, is rapidly becoming a dynamic center of street art, delighting locals and visitors. From striking larger-than-life murals to subtle stencil drawings in hidden alleys, the city’s urban art scene reflects a diverse mix of civic engagement and creative freedom. Mind you, these values hold particular significance in a country, finally independent after centuries of foreign hegemony and cultural oppression.
In this post, I’ll take you to remarkable places where the best street art in Vilnius thrives. I’ll explore the stories behind some of the city’s most outstanding works and show you how urban art shapes Vilnius’ identity as a center of creativity and innovation.
This Way to the Whole Story ->The architectural style known as Vilnius Baroque is a regional variant of the Late Baroque in this specific part of Lithuania. Since this style is so unique, I’m dedicating this entire post to the amazing churches in the city of Vilnius.
After having introduced in my post BORDEAUX: Best Street Art on the Left Bank of the Garonne the best murals you’ll spot around the city’s historic old town, here is the best street art you’ll find alongside the right bank of the river Garonne.
Due to French centralism, Bordeaux has always been overshadowed by Paris. In my opinion, quite unjustly. France’s most important wine-producing city is a true treasure trove, and not just architecturally. In recent years, many dilapidated neighborhoods and the former quays along the Garonne River have been renovated and spruced up. Subversive art also flourishes on the city’s walls. In this post, I’ll take you on a tour to explore the best street art Bordeaux has to offer alongside the left bank of the river Garonne.
As you look to the sidebar on the right edge of the screen, you’ll see that the keywords in the tag cloud vary in size. Even in comparison with cities like Athens, Buenos Aires, or Tokyo, the tag of the German one-horse town of Büdelsdorf appears quite big.
Interesting, right? But why is that?
Well, in 2025, I’m reporting on the annual North German mega art event NordArt already for the sixth time, and that’s why its venue, Büdelsdorf, appears pretty large as I’m tagging it each time I go, which then pushes it up in the tag cloud.
I’m kinda making Büdelsdorf a clandestine shooting star.
Having this clarified, I’m glad you’re joining me for my sixth NordArt post in which I’ll tell you all there is to know to get the most out of your visit in 2025.
I might be the perfect person to guide you through Prague, granting three days of awe. Why so? Because I’m an unusual kind of local.
Locals know the best spots. They can communicate with other locals in the native language and, thusly, they might learn things visitors don’t.
On the other hand, locals tend to be oblivious to the beauty of their surroundings. Ignore iconic places. Bored by beauty.
So not being a real local actually works in my favor. I’m still amazed. And for some reason that I’ll explain below even deeply touched.
See? I’ve told you I might be your perfect guide!
This Way to the Whole Story ->