SANTIAGO – Capital of Afro-Cuban Culture

Santiago in the island’s eastern part is the capital of Afro-Cuban culture. This alluring home to the country’s largest Afro-Cuban population was actually the birthplace of the Revolution.  

Santiago de Cuba, the Capital Afro Cuban culture, in the early morning.
Good morning, Santiago! Walking in the wee hours to the Viazul bus station. 

Since Santiago is cheaper and more relaxed than Havana and full of tropical vibes, I really don’t understand why so many visitors simply skip this underrated treasure.

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Guide to BARACOA – Cuba’s Hidden Gem

Let me guide you all the way east where Cuba keeps a hidden gem called Baracoa.

View of Baracoa and the Bahia de Miel, the Honey Bay, from the Hotel El Castillo.
View of Baracoa and the Bahia de Miel, the Honey Bay, from the Hotel El Castillo.

I was very glad that Baracoa was my last stop in Cuba – since it was definitely the highlight. Wrapping me in its relaxed, homey atmosphere, Baracoa would have spoiled me for the rest of Cuba.

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Back to School: Italian Classes at the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci

Taking Italian Classes at the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci is a quite distinctive experience. Whereby, I find that taking a language class in another country is a very special experience at any time and a grand opportunity for everyone.

The Fountain of the Books in Rome
Quenching the thirst for knowledge at the Fountain of the Books.

Not only can you practice what you have learned right on the spot – which will hopefully be an encouraging encounter. It also grants you the opportunity to experience life from a whole different perspective.

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Booking Ahead Versus Walking In

Booking ahead or just walking in – what’s more advisable?
As I mentioned on various occasions, doing research on the internet, reading guidebooks, sketching routes, making reservations sometimes months before my trip to me is a big and important part of the fun. This way, your brain does already all the travelling before you – just like a scout.

Woman opening a hotel door with a key card.
Booking ahead or just walking in – both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Those who need inspiration and guidance on how to plan a trip from scratch will find it in this post.

But planning and booking ahead is not only an extra portion of fun. It can also save you lots of time and money.

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Travelling by Bus Around the World or Ride with the Devil

I always thought if I had the chance to choose on judgment day, I might rather go to hell than to heaven. I’m suffering from acrophobia so a place as high as heaven might scare me to…well, at least it cannot scare me to death anymore. Then, I’m afraid that way up high over the clouds it will be always a little nippy. And I like it hot.

Renata Green on the bus from Delphi to Kalambaka in Greece
I’m definitely a solo traveller – taking the whole alone travel to an even higher level.

But after recent events, I’m not so sure anymore. After I was riding with the devil, I’m afraid I’m not fit for the highway to hell.

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24 hours in LOS ANGELES

24 hours in Los Angeles is the fifth issue of the popular category on my blog, which is overall designed to transform a – possibly forced – stay like a layover into a short extra vacation.

Los Angeles with the iconic Hollywood Sign that you have to see even if you have only 24 hours in the city.
Los Angeles, with the iconic Hollywood Sign

Of course, these itineraries – one for a sunny and an alternative for a rainy day – are great not only for layovers but for any kind of brief stay – for instance, on a road trip through California.

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Pickled: Easy Recipes to Store the Mediterranean Sun in Your Pantry

Pickled fruits and herbs from the Mediterranean cuisine are fantastic: Tasty, pretty, and with my recipes so easy to make! It’s also a great gift to your family’n’friends and a creative way to store the Mediterranean Sun in your pantry.

Oil infused with Herbes de Provence, lemon peel, and garlic next to a lavender plant. An Easy Recipe for Pickled Mediterranean Herbs
Oil infused with Herbes de Provence, lemon peel, and garlic. Close your eyes and find yourself in a lavender field at the Plateau de Valensole.

Especially during travel-restricted times, it’s a great way of bringing the flavors of summer into your kitchen cabinets.

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The Ski Instructor of Sri Lanka

I’m often asked how it is to travel by myself. If I’m not scared. If I don’t get lonely. If I’m not afraid that the sky may fall on my head tomorrow.

A Ski Instructor by himself in a snowy landscape
No, Sri Lanka looks nothing like this. Definitely not.
(Photo: Sondrekv, Påske, detail, cropped to 2:3, CC0 1.0)

The answer has always been no, and meeting Sri Lanka’s only ski instructor was clearly another proof that travelling solo is a great chance to come across people who open up to you in the blink of an eye.

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most instagrammable – till death do us part: a rant

Yes, this is a rant on how Instagram deteriorates the art of photography to death. But it also makes the world a dangerous – and endangered – place.

mural of a guy taking a picture. most instagrammable - till death do us part: a rant
You’d be surprised at how many pictures death is present – even though not always visible.

I love good photography. That’s why I hate Instagram.

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