Grand Tour of SOUTH KOREA – A Guide for Individual First-Time Visitors

BTS and Gangnam Style, Squid Games and Parasites – never before has South Korea been this hyped. Korean pop culture is not only on everyone’s lips, but also in everyone’s eyes and ears.
Time to join the hype?
Well, although everything Korean has become so incredibly popular, a first trip to Korea can be a challenge, especially for individual solo travellers who are not basically carried from place to place on a pre-organized tour.
Time to scratch your travel plan?
No way! In this post, I’m taking you on my first individual grand tour of Korea, the motherland of K-Pop, Kingdoms, and Kimchi. I’m by your side, supply you with much useful info, and warn you of some foolish rookie mistakes.

Change of the guards at the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, the capital of Korea. Grand Tour of SOUTH KOREA - A Guide for Individual First-Time Visitors
Despite Korea’s booming economy and industry, there is still a lot of traditional culture and heritage.

All this will make your trip to Korea easy and smooth and so much fun!
Hence, 한국에 오신 것을 환영합니다 – Welcome to South Korea!

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

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.
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TORCELLO – a church, a bridge, and 15 residents

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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Complete Guide to COMO – a Lake to Like

I love Italy: The gelato, the papagalli, the dolce far niente. Somehow, my head got tangled in these clichés like a fork in a heap of spaghetti. The funny thing is: On my frequent trips to Bella Italia, I actually find these clichés reflected in the reality around me. Just like around the North Italian lake land.
Need proof?
Here is a complete guide to the wonderful Lake Como – truly a lake to like.

Sail and motorboats quay at Colico, the Northernmost village at Lago di Como - a lake to like
Sail and motorboats quay at Colico, the Northernmost village on Lake Como’s shores.
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A Day in BURANO: United Colors of Venice

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

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

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

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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CAPE VERDE – a guide to five amazing islands

Cape Verde – a group of amazing islands scattered in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa.

Fishermen pulling boat on shore in Tarrafal, Cape Verde
Fishermen pulling boat ashore in Tarrafal.

I get asked quite often which was my best trip and which has been my favorite country so far. How can I possibly answer such a question? How can I compare let’s say Italy to Vietnam?
Well, the pizza is tastier and the language is prettier in Italy.
Then again, the Buddhist temples are bigger, and the variety at farmers’ markets is more abundant in Vietnam.
Got the point? How could I ever compare?
Fortunately, I don’t have to.

But if someone pointed a gun to my head and made me choose, I would say Cape Verde. Cape Verde, with its beauty, charm, and incredible variety, is the secret star on my personal globe.

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