Tag: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

Two Days in MEKNES – the underrated Versailles of Morocco

Posted onAuthorRenata19 Comments

As many visitors to Morocco pay Meknes, supposedly the country’s Versailles, just a short visit on a day trip – or even skip it altogether – the charming city is much more serene and authentic than her big sisters Fez, Marrakech, and Rabat.

Man on a bike in Meknes, the Versailles of Morocco
Mesmerizing Meknes can be explored by various means of transportation, obviously.

Conveniently located between Rabat and Fez, Meknes is a perfect retreat for those who need a break from the hustle’n’bustle and still want a truly Moroccan experience. Ideally, you should spend not only a day, but at least one night in Meknes to truly enjoy its laid-back oriental vibe.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to SIGIRIYA and a day trip to DAMBULLA

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Another day, another place, another homestay:
Here comes a guide to Sigiriya, home of the famous Lion Rock, from where you can go on a quick day trip to Dambulla to see the beautiful cave temples.

Climbing the Lion Rock in Sigiriya before a daytrip to Dambulla
If you really need assistance climbing up, there are many young men willing to help you for a tip.

Sigiriya is probably the most famous and iconic landmark in Sri Lanka, and while it is also a town, it mainly consists of small houses scattered in a jungle-ish area.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

50 Most Beautiful Palaces in Venice

Posted onAuthorRenata18 Comments

On its barely 415 square kilometers, there are about 200 magnificent palaces at the Centro Storico of Venice. In this post, I’m navigating you to the 50 most beautiful ones.

Canale Grande in Venice lined with Palaces
The mighty Canale Grande is lined with nothing but mesmerizing palazzi.
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How to Visit the Biennale di Arte in Venice in 2022

Posted onAuthorRenata27 Comments

After having been on a travel diet for over two years, you cannot imagine how thrilled I am that life is getting back to some kind of normal. Not only can I easily travel to Venice – I was even able to visit the mega art event Biennale di Arte in 2022.

How to visit Biennale Venice 2022: Entrance to the main venue Giardini.
Who’s Exploiting Who in the Deep Sea? is the title of the exhibition of funny creatures created by the German conceptual artist Cosima von Bonin. While a rock band made of fish plays on the roof of the main pavilion, two seashells are rocking on a swing and a crab has made itself comfortable in a cement mixer. So, have fun at the 59th Biennial!

Wanna enjoy it, too? In this post, I show you how. So put on your most comfortable shoes and follow my lead.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

A Visit to the Colonia Güell – Where Eusebi Güell Created His Universe

Posted onAuthorRenata25 Comments

One of the most impressive places I’ve seen during my recent visit to Barcelona was the Colonia Güell.

Gaudi Crypt at the Colonia Güell
The Colonia’s highlight: The unfinished Crypt by Antoni Gaudí.

The Colonia Güell is a former industrial settlement including a factory and residential buildings for the workers as well as a famous crypt by Antoni Gaudí. It is named after its proprietor, the magnate Eusebi Güell, obviously. The Colonia is part of the village of Santa Coloma de Cervelló about 23 kilometers west of Barcelona.

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Antoni Gaudi in BARCELONA: A Guide to Modernism

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The significance of Antoni Gaudi for Barcelona is already reflected in the fact that out of nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the city, he designed seven – so let me guide you to these gems of Modernism.

Gaudi's two most iconic works in together: The chimneys of the Casa Mila with the Sagrada Familia in the backdrop. Gaudi Barcelona Guide Modernism
Gaudi’s two most iconic works together in one picture: The chimneys of the Casa Milà with the Sagrada Família in the backdrop.
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Guide to SIEM REAP – beyond ANGKOR WAT

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So here comes my guide to Siem Reap – beyond Angkor Wat. A place that at first made me feel bad. And ignorant.

Because contrary to expectations, Angkor did not blow me away.

Angkor Wat in Siem Reap - a guide
The world-famous reflection can be captured as well at 7 a. m.

This lack of enchantment makes me feel like such a jaded snob who thinks to have seen it all. However, I remember how the temple site in Sukhothai dazzled me. Was the spell broken? Will I no temple ever mesmerize me again?

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From the Sunken Kingdom of AYUTTHAYA to the Monkey Temple of LOPBURI

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Only 90 kilometers north of Thailand’s capital Bangkok is the sunken Kingdom Ayutthaya where you immerse in the country’s glorious past before visiting the Monkey Temple of Lopburi.

From the Sunken Kingdom of AYUTTHAYA to the Monkey Temple of LOPBURI: Buddha head embedded in a Banyan tree at Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya
The Mona Lisa of Thailand: Probably no other sight in Ayutthaya is photographed as often as this stone Buddha head embedded in a Banyan tree at Wat Mahathat.
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