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!

What Not to Miss in AVIGNON in One Day – Apart from Dancing on Bridges

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I’d argue that the bridge in Avignon that everyone had to at least verbally dance on is the most famous overpass in the entire world. Show me one child who did not mumble something that sounded more or less like sir ly pong davynong already in kindergarten. Later, you probably had to translate in your French class that everyone is dancing on that stupid bridge. Only, if you were to actually dance across it, you’d end up in the Rhône river! This bridge is broken and only a part is walkable; or danceable, if you prefer.
Anyway, this is not the only surprise the majestic city of Avignon has in store.
So put on your dancing shoes and let’s see what not to miss when visiting Avignon – even if it’s for just one day.

Not to Miss When Spending One Day in Avignon: Palais des Papes
Looking down on Avignon from the majestic Palais des Papes.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

TORCELLO – a church, a bridge, and 15 residents

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If you are going on a day trip to Burano, the colorful gem in the Venetian lagoon, you should definitely spare an hour or two to cross the 150 meters to the island of Torcello. Here, a church, a bridge, and 15 permanent residents are awaiting you.

Chiesa di Santa Fosca on the island of Torcello where you can visit a church and a bridge
Chiesa di Santa Fosca on the island of Torcello.

While the islands Murano and Burano are beautiful yet still not that very different from the main island, the so-called Centro Storico, Torcello is a whole different world with very few landmarks surrounded by meadows and fields.

Enjoy the silence.

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A Day in BURANO: United Colors of Venice

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I know, I know: There is so much to explore in Venice’s Centro Storico, the historic center, that adding yet another beautiful place seems crazy. But believe me: If you set sail to spend a day on the island of Burano, you won’t regret it – since it will add some very unique colors to your visit to Venice.

Renata Green on a Day Trip to Burano from Venice
Life in bold colors.
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One Day in NÎMES – What Not to Miss in the Most Roman City of France

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Nîmes is said to be the most Roman city outside Italy. In fact, the city’s rich history dates back to the Roman Empire. It still boasts amazing antique monuments such as the Amphitheater of Nîmes and the so-called Maison Carrée.
Yet, on the outskirts of the historic center, you also find some truly remarkable urban art. In addition, you absolutely need to try some of Nîmes’ culinary gems like Brandade, a popular cod gratin, and my personal favorite, the Pâté Nîmois, stuffed puff pastry.
Do you want a glass of regional wine with it?
You know what, let me just quickly put into writing for you what absolutely not to miss when in Nîmes, even if you’re in town for just one day.

One Day Nîmes Not Miss: Roman Amphitheatre in Nimes
The people of Nimes really take good care of things: The city’s Roman Amphitheatre is the best-preserved one worldwide!
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How to Experience the Folk Heritage of Korea in ANDONG

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Located almost 100 kilometers north of the former imperial city of Gyeongju, Andong seems to stand in the shadow of its smaller yet more glorious sister. Far too few international visitors foresee a stop in Andong on their trip to Korea.
Not me.
The only thing I regret regarding my visit to Andong is that I couldn’t stay for a few days longer since the city has an unexpected amount of tradition, culture, and absolutely authentic vibes to offer. Hence, it’s time to experience Andong where the folk heritage of Korea has been living on for generations.

People crossing the Woryeonggyo Bridge in Andong.
Strolling across Andong’s Woryeonggyo Bridge is a favorite pastime of locals and visitors alike.
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A Day on MURANO: It’s a Crystalline World

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Visiting Venice, you absolutely have to venture out on a day trip to discover the Crystalline World of Murano, located in the dreamy Venetian lagoon.

The Vetreria Ducale, adorned by a sign of Guerrieri pottery, and to the left the Ferro & Lazzarini glass factory. Murano Crystalline World
Some of the best places to shop for glass on Murano island: The Vetreria Ducale, adorned by a sign of Guerrieri pottery, and to the left the Ferro & Lazzarini glass factory.

Most visitors to Venice stay and explore only the Centro Storico, the historic center. However, there is a total of 120 islands in the lagoon of which only 11 are permanently inhabited. Of those islands, Murano is the third largest one – after the Centro Storico, obviously, as well as the Lido di Venezia. As a matter of fact, Murano consists of seven small islands divided by eight channels and connected by bridges.

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JEONJU – Cradle of Korea’s Cultural Heritage and Home to the Country’s Best Food

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When you look at pictures of Jeonju’s famous Hanbok Village, you might think that we are dealing with a cute small town where time has been standing still for centuries. But no, with almost 700,000 inhabitants, Jeonju is actually a bustling’n’busy mid-sized city. Nevertheless, the cultural heritage is the most celebrated side of Jeonju – together with the best food Korea has to offer.

Roofs of the old town of Jeonju in Korea.
Jeonju’s historic Hanok Heritage Village from above.

Mind you, Jeonju’s amazingly rich culinary scene even catapulted the city onto the list of Creative Cities for Gastronomy as part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in 2012. Hence, it’s no wonder that Jeonju is one of Korea’s most important tourist centers.

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NordArt 2024: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit

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Last Saturday, the moment had come: NordArt 2024 opened its gates and is once again delivering a wealth of inspiring art to its visitors.
In this post I’ll tell you everything you need to know for your visit to the NordArt 2024 – but first, I reveal the secret of where the fun-sounding venue Büdelsdorf is actually located.

Eva by MojDa David Moješčik at the NordArt 2024
Eva by MojDa aka David Moješčik in the center of the humongous former production hall.
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GYEONGJU: Two Days in the City Where Korea’s Imperial History Comes Alive

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All the places I visited during my trip to South Korea were amazing: Beautiful, interesting, rich in culture and delicious food. However, if I had to pick one apart from Seoul that under no circumstances you ought to miss out on, without a doubt, it would be Gyeongju. Gyeongju has so much cultural heritage and so many archaeological sites that the city rightfully bears the nickname Museum Without Walls. But during my two days in Gyeongju, I wasn’t only looking back at a thousand years of Imperial History. The so-called Golden City is also a major center of the country’s artisan bakeries and belongs on every true connoisseur’s itinerary.

Daereungwon Tomb Complex in Gyeongju, the city of Imperial history.
The clean aesthetics of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex.
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One Day in ARLES – What Not to Miss in Vincent’s Picture-Perfect City

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Already Vincent van Gogh knew it: Arles is one of the most worth-seeing cities in the French Provence region. In 1888, the warm light attracted Vincent to the city where he then created some of his most famous paintings.
Other travellers are attracted to Arles by the numerous relics of Roman antiquity and evidence of the Middle Ages.
Personally, I always appreciate the mix: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Add some delicious food and a glass of good wine: Life in Arles is a feast for all the senses.
In this post, I have summarized for you what you definitely should not miss, even if you only come to Arles for one day.

Amphitheater of Arles
View of Arles’ Roman treasures.
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