Tag: EUROPE

24 hours in BRUSSELS

Posted onAuthorRenata Green2 Comments

I was on the very early morning flight to Brussels which was actually my final destination. That’s why I was completely relaxed when they said we couldn’t take off because of fog. The only thing that annoyed me was the idea that I could have slept a good hour longer. Other than that, I didn’t care too much.

However, things looked completely different around me: passengers were nervously shifting back and forth in their seats, checking their phones, and pestering the stewardesses about what their connecting flights looked like.

Grande Place, visited during 24 hours in Brussels
The most beautiful architectural treasures surround the Grande Place, Brussels’ precious centerpiece.

This was how I discovered that I was pretty much the only one who didn’t have a connecting flight to Madrid or Nice, Kigali or Abuja. Hmm, Brussels seemed to be an important hub for international air traffic, interesting. Hence, I should definitely add it to my 24 hours in… series. No sooner said than done!
Of course, I hope that your layover is planned and not because of air traffic disruptions.
Whatever the reason for your extended layover might be, with this post, I have you covered.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Best Things to Do in BRUSSELS, the Capital of Europe

Posted onAuthorRenata Green85 Comments

Brussels is not only the amazingly vibrant capital of Belgium, it’s actually the historic, political, cultural, and gastronomic epicenter of Europe, for that matter. Breathtakingly beautiful historic architecture, fantastic museums, mighty street art, powerful international organizations, and last but not least beer, fries, and chocolate: This cosmopolitan city truly holds something for each and every one in store.
Therefore, it was quite a challenge to put together a list of just the very best things to do on a visit to Brussels.

Guide Capital Europe Brussels: Chocolaterie Manneken Pis
Different strokes for different folks: World’s most famous wee-er made of chocolate. Bon appetit.

If it hadn’t been for my daughter studying in Brussels, it probably wouldn’t have come to my mind to visit Belgium’s capital. Or Belgium at all, for that matter.

But Christmas came and families and loved ones were expected to get together. So I packed a couple of warm sweaters, threw in some fun presents, and hopped on the late flight to Brussels.
Just to find out that this European capital with all its old architecture and new street art, its pralines and beers, surrealist art, and political reality is not only for me but for everyone.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

RIJEKA, a Place to Enjoy Life

Posted onAuthorRenata Green8 Comments

The other day at a party, I overheard a conversation. Two people were talking about travelling, and the girl said: “You know, when travelling, I also enjoy just being in a place”. She could have been talking about Rijeka, a place where the visitor can indeed just enjoy life.

Port of Rijeka Istria Croatia
Port of Rijeka – the gateway to the paradisiac islands.

Actually, I’ve found that great – just being. No racing through cute alleys full of historic buildings. No waiting in line at museums. No pushing on boats and squeezing in vans. Just being in a place.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to VELA LUKA on the Island of Korcula

Posted onAuthorRenata Green2 Comments

The coastal town of Vela Luka might not be as mesmerizing as its big sister, Korcula town. Nonetheless, I’d argue it’s the better choice if you’re looking for a tranquil base where you can just drift from day to day during your stay on Korčula island. In this post, I’m telling you why.

View of Korčula town from the Uvala Plitvine bay.
View of Korčula town from the Uvala Plitvine Bay.
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A Day Trip to Lake Bohinj – Where Slovenia is Beautiful And Wild

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Lake Bohinj is Slovenia’s largest lake, wild and at the same time incredibly beautiful, which makes it the perfect day trip destination for everyone. The lake is a paradise on earth with its crystal clear water, shimmering in cool shades of turquoise and green, its densely wooded shores, and the heavenly tranquility. It’s a Garden of Eden for those seeking peace and quiet, who just want to take a stroll and otherwise relax on the banks. But it’s also a paradise for those who want to work out in unspoiled nature by hiking, cycling, rowing, or stand-up paddling.

Day Trip to the beautiful and wild Lake Bohinj
The beautiful water of Lake Bohinj is mirror-smooth and crystal clear.

In short, Lake Bohinj, Bohinjsko Jezero in Slovenian, is the perfect place to get away from it all and become one with nature – and yourself.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Day Trip Into a Fairy Tale: Lake Bled by Public Bus

Posted onAuthorRenata4 Comments

Lake Bled is one of those European places of longing. It is one of the sites whose pure name brings a sparkle to the eyes of any day-tripper.
Who hasn’t seen the image of Saint Mary’s Church which seems to float on an island in the middle of the iconic Slovenian lake?
And believe me, this picture is no illusion. These sceneries fulfill their promise of captivating you the moment you lay eyes on them for the first time.
I had the privilege to experience this for myself on a day trip to Lake Bled, which I was actually able to organize myself by taking the public bus from Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana.

View of Lake Bled on a Day Trip by Public Bus
Everybody loves Lake Bled.
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FRIEDRICHSTADT – A Little Piece of Holland in Northern Germany

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In northern Germany, the city of Friedrichstadt was founded by religious refugees from Holland in 1621 – and it shows to this date. On a weekend break or even just a day trip from for instance Hamburg or Lübeck, you find yourself amidst cute little gabled houses and can even enjoy a canal cruise just like in Amsterdam.

Dutch Architecture in Friedrichstadt
Houses like in Amsterdam.

It’s a shame that Germany just seems to stand for beer and cuckoo clocks and Gesundheit while there are so many beautiful places, quirky phenomenons, and natural wonders to discover.

On my blog, I made it a mission to introduce those highly interesting’n’intriguing places that are still under the international visitors’ radar.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

LJUBLJANA Mon Amour: What Not to Miss During Two Days in Slovenia’s Beloved Capital

Posted onAuthorRenata Green71 Comments

Ljubljana mon amour: In fact, already the city’s name sounds like a tender song and derives from the word ljubljena which translates to beloved. Various charming bridges are crossing the picturesque river Ljubljanica. With an amazing number of captivating buildings from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Deco, onion-domed churches, and an imposing fortress high above the city, Ljubljana absolutely lives up to her lovely name.
And since Ljubljana is small but definitely mighty, you can explore the city’s most iconic spots and landmarks easily in just two days.

The Dragon Bridge in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Like in every decent fairy tale, you have to make it past the dragon to get to the beautiful princess. Ljubljana is no exception.

Although the city is no secret anymore and can actually get quite busy in the high season, Ljubljana has kept its sleeping beauty charm and is a sparkling gem.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

24 hours in MILAN

Posted onAuthorRenata Green11 Comments

After another stopover in Milan on the occasion of my trip to Venice where I visited this year’s Biennale, I’m now ready to share an itinerary for a short 24-hour stay in Italy’s Northern capital of funds’n’fashion.

View of the Duomo from the Novecento Museum, both landmarks durinng 24 hours in Milan
Here you can kill two birds with one stone – which is actually quite a disturbing idiom: Best view at the Duomo, Milan’s cathedral, from one of the city’s nicest museums.

As always, when putting together these itineraries, I had in mind a stopover between flights or a quick break on a road trip down south. If you can stay longer and experience more of Milan, check out my recent post Best Things to Do on a Long Weekend in Milan for inspiration and information.

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