Romania 3-Days Trip 2nd part; Bucharest City Walk

3-Days tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Bulgaria

June 17-19, 2015

Romania 3-Days Trip 1st part; Morning Bus Ride from Sofia to Bucharest

I roam the city through self-guided walk accompanied by a downloaded map online starting from the hostel where I booked-in (The Funky Chicken Hostel). I passed-by the Botanical Garden, Revolutionary Square Old Town, Court of Appeals, Palace of Parliament, Arch of Triumph and how locals and other tourists hassles on the streets. Photography and video taking is allowed.

Bucharest is a booming city with many large infrastructure projects changing the old face of the city. Known in the past as "The Little Paris," Bucharest has changed a lot lately, and today it has become a very interesting mix of old and new that has little to do with its initial reputation. 
http://wikitravel.org/en/Bucharest

Romania 3-Days Trip; Bucharest City Walk

Romania 3-Days Trip 1st part; Morning Bus Ride from Sofia to Bucharest

3-Days tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Bulgaria

June 17-19, 2015

Bulgaria Day Tour last part; Sofia City walk

timezone - +0300H UTC (summer time);   capital - Bucharest;   language - Romanian
currency - Leu; 1 EUR = 4.2 RON
visa - pre-arranged not required per privilege of having valid Schengen visa. Valid Schengen Visa holders regardless of nationality can transit/visit Romania not exceeding 90-days stay in any 180-days period given in the Schengen Visa duration.

Romania is situated in the north of the Balkan Peninsula on the western shores of the Black Sea. It enjoys great natural beauty and diversity and a rich cultural heritage. Romania enchants visitors with its scenic mountain landscapes and unspoiled countryside areas, and also with its historic cities and its busy capital. Over the last decade Romania had undergone a significant development and it is one of the recent members of the European Union. This is a large country which can sometimes be shocking with contrasts: some cities are truly Western Europe; some villages can seem to have been brought back from the past.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Romania

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ROMANIA (",)
1. The archetypal vampire Count Dracula, created by Bram Stoker, was inspired by the Romanian prince Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler because he was fond of impaling his enemies and standing them along the roads.
2. The tallest wooden church in the world, and the second tallest wooden structure in Europe, can be found in Sapanta Peri, Maramures of north-western Romania.
3. The Romanian language is 1,700 years old.
4. Romania is Europe’s richest country in gold resources.

Romania 3-Days Trip; Morning Bus Ride from Sofia to Bucharest

Bulgaria Day Tour last part; Sofia City walk

1-Day tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Bulgaria

June 16, 2015

Bulgaria Day Tour 2nd part; Road Trip to Rila Seven Lakes

I roam the city through self-guided walk accompanied by a downloaded map online starting from the Sofia Central Bus Station which is only around less than kilometer away to city center. I passed-by the Banya Bashi Mosque, Synagogue, Statue of Sofia, Russian Church, Sofia Church, Alexander Nevski Temple Church and how locals and other tourists hassles on the streets. Photography and video taking is allowed.

Sofia is a dynamic Eastern European capital, distinguished by its unique combination of European and Communist-style architecture as well as many beautiful orthodox churches. Furthermore, it claims to be one of the few European capitals with beautiful scenery and a developed ski-resort so close to it - the Vitosha mountain.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Sofia
  

Bulgaria Day Tour; Sofia City walk (Alexander Nevski Temple Church)

Bulgaria Day Tour 2nd part; Road Trip to Rila Seven Lakes

1-Day tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Bulgaria

June 16, 2015

Bulgaria Day Tour 1st part; Overnight Train from Belgrade to Sofia

How to Go to Rila Seven Lakes;
Rila Seven Lakes is somehow hard to navigate from Sofia Central Bus due to (1) this is not famous yet to locals and (2) its very hard to find someone who can speak english. Even so, please see the following table how did I go there via public transportation. Entrance fee costs 18 BGN that includes chair lift return ride. Photography and video taking is allowed. Free Wi-fi at the restaurant above 2,000masl.

0910H		ETD Sofia			bound to Dupnitsa	bus	6 lev
1100H		ETA Dupnitsa			20mins bus transfer
1120H		ETD Dupnitsa Sektor			bound to Panichishte	bus	1.6 lev
1200H		ETA Panichishte			ask locals, taxi to Rila 7 lakes lift	taxi	16 lev
1245H		Rila Seven Lakes			roundtrip ride	lift	18 lev
		chicken meal			free wifi at 2,000masl		7 lev
1515H		ETD Rila Seven Lakes			fridge magnet		10 lev
1630H		ETD Seven Lakes lift			hitch ride	car	25 lev

Rila Seven Rila Lakes are without a doubt one of the most notable natural attractions on the Balkan Peninsula, a dream destination not to be missed. The lakes have been named for their shapes and qualities. The highest of them is Tear Lake, which gained its name for its crystal-clear water. It is 2,535 meters high. Next is Eye Lake, the deepest of the seven at 37.5 meters. Somewhat lower than Eye Lake is Kidney Lake, named for its kidney shape, which has a surface area of 85 hectares and steep rocky banks. Next comes the Twins. Wide at both ends and narrow in the middle the lake resembles an hourglass. During dry years, the lake becomes two smaller lakes, and this is the source of its name. Farther down the trail are Three-leafed Lake and Fish Lake. The Seven Lakes Shelter is on the banks of Fish Lake. The lowest lake is appropriately called Lower Lake, which feeds the Dzherman River. The lakes are all connected by narrow streams.
http://bulgariatravel.org/en/object/274/sedemte_rilski_ezera
  

Bulgaria Day Tour; Road Trip to Rila Seven Lakes

Bulgaria Day Tour 1st part; Afternoon Bus Ride from Belgrade to Sofia

1 Day tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Bulgaria

June 16, 2015

Croatia 2-Days Trip last part; Zagreb City walk

timezone - +0300H UTC (summer time);   capital - Sofia;   language - Bulgarian
currency - Lev; 1 EUR = 1.9 BGN
visa - pre-arranged not required per privilege of having valid Schengen visa. As of January 2012, valid Schengen Visa holders regardless of nationality can transit/visit Bulgaria not exceeding 90-days stay in any 180-days period given in the Schengen Visa duration.

Bulgaria is a country in the Balkans on the western side of the Black Sea. Bulgaria is one of the few exotic nations of Europe, due to the fact that it boasts sublime beaches, lovely churches, winter sport opportunities, to name a few. Although it is not regularly visited compared to other European nations, it is a beautiful place, with a wide range of activities for a traveller to do.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Bulgaria

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BULGARIA (",)
1. Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe that hasn’t changed its name since it was first established. This happened in 681 AD.
2. Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, was founded 7000 years ago. This makes it the second oldest city in Europe.
3. Bulgarians invented the first electronic computer, digital watch and car air bag.
4. Bulgaria has the world's largest IMAX 3D cinema.

Bulgaria Day Tour; Afternoon Bus Ride from Belgrade to Sofia

Serbia Day Tour last part; Belgrade City morning walk

Day tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Serbia

June 15, 2015

Serbia Day Tour 1st part; Overnight Bus from Zagreb to Belgrade

I roam the city through self-guided walk accompanied by a downloaded map online starting from the Belgrade Bus Station which is only around less than kilometer away to city center. I passed-by the Temple of Saint Sava, Nikola Tesla Museum, Trg Republike, St. Mark's Church, Belgrade Fortress and how locals and other tourists hassles on the streets. Photography and video taking is allowed.

Belgrade (Beograd) — meaning 'White City' — is the capital of the Republic of Serbia. Various styles of architecture dominate the city while its recent resurgence as the leading hub in south-eastern Europe makes it a must-see destination. Belgrade is an energetic city re-discovering its tourism potential.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Belgrade
 

Serbia Day Tour; Belgrade City morning walk (Temple of Saint Sava)

Serbia Day Tour 1st part; Overnight Bus from Zagreb to Belgrade

Day tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Serbia

June 15, 2015

Croatia 2-Days Trip last part; Zagreb City walk

timezone - +0200H UTC (summer time);   capital - Belgrade;   language - Serbian
currency - Dinar; 1 EUR = 120 RSD
visa - pre-arranged not required per privilege of having valid Schengen visa. As of October 2014, valid Schengen Visa holders regardless of nationality can transit/visit Serbia not exceeding 90-days stay in any 180-days period given in the Schengen Visa duration.

Serbia is a country located in the Balkans, in Southern Europe. It was a founder and one of the six republics forming the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia was such a beautiful country with so many different attractive places that somehow, Serbia was neglected and it is still to be rediscovered not only by visitors, but by many Serbs, too. It is also a varied and beautiful place notwithstanding the fact that it is landlocked. 
http://wikitravel.org/en/Serbia

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SERBIA (",)
1. In Serbia there is a religious building that was turned into a mosque 10 times. (The old cathedral church in downtown Cacak.)
2. Statistically, Serbs are the most hospitable people in the world.
3. Serbian clock making industry is older than 600 years earlier than Swiss
4. During the 3rd and 4th century, 18 Roman emperors were born on the territory of Serbia

Serbia Day Tour; Overnight Bus from Zagreb to Belgrade

Croatia 2-Days Trip last part; Zagreb City walk

2-Days tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Croatia

June 13-14, 2015

Croatia 2-Days Trip 4th part; inside Museum of Broken Relationship

I roam the city through self-guided walk accompanied by a downloaded map online starting from the Zagreb Bus Station which is only around 4 kilometers away to city center. I passed-by the Zagreb Cathedral, Ban Jelacic Square, the Old Town Hill Museum of Broken Relationship and how locals and other tourists hassles on the streets. Photography and video taking is allowed.

Gornji grad, (Upper Town) and Donji grad (Lower Town) are the cultural, religious, and commercial hubs of Zagreb. These are where most of the restaurants, bars and tourist sights are located. The Upper Town, which is the medieval core of the city, developed as two separate (and often warring) towns - Kaptol, the seat of the Bishop (where the imposing Cathedral now stands), and Gradec, the free town where tradesmen and artisans lived (proclaimed by King Bela of Hungary in the 12th century) to form the northern section of historic Zagreb. 
http://wikitravel.org/en/Zagreb

Croatia 2-Days Trip; Zagreb City walk (Ban Jelacic Square)

Croatia 2-Days Trip 4th part; inside Museum of Broken Relationship

2-Days tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Croatia

June 13-14, 2015

Croatia 2-Days Trip 3rd part; Hiking the Plitvice Lakes

Museum of Broken Relationship grew from a traveling exhibition revolving around the concept of failed relationship and their ruins. Unlike "destructive" self-help instructions for recovery from failed loves, the museum offers a chance to overcome an emotional collapse through creation; by contributing to the museum's collection.

Conceptualized in Croatia, the museum has since toured internationally, amassing an amazing collection. Although often colored by personal experience, local culture and history, the exhibits presented here from universal patterns offering to discover them and feel comfort they bring. 

"Where do broken hearts go, Can they find their way home?
Back to the open arms of a love that's waiting there..."

I guess the real place where do broken hearts go can be found in heart of Croatia.

How to Go to Museum of Broken Relationship;
Museum of Broken Relationship is located in the Old Town Hill of Zagreb. Entrance fee is 25 KN. Photography and video taking is allowed.

Croatia 2-Days Trip; inside Museum of Broken Relationship

Croatia 2-Days Trip 3rd part; Hiking the Plitvice Lakes

2-Days tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Croatia

June 13-14, 2015

Croatia 2-Days Trip 2nd part; Strolling GoT's Dubrovnik by day

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the largest of Croatia's eight national parks and was proclaimed in 1949 and included in UNESCO list of world natural heritage on 1979. The park represents a phenomenon of karst hydrography. The lakes are known for their cascades and the ongoing bio-dynamic process of tufa formation under specific ecological hydrological conditions. Tufa or traveltine is a porous carbonate rock formed by the sedimentation of calcium carbonate from water. The broader zone of the national park hides rich forest and meadow habitats with many diverse species of plants and animals. The forest communities are predominantly made up of beech and fir.

How to Go to Plitvice Lakes National Park;
There is daily direct bus from the Zagreb that takes around 2 hrs travel time. Entrance fee is 110 KN that includes lake boat ride. Photography and video taking is allowed.

Croatia 2-Days Trip; Hiking the Plitvice Lakes

Croatia 2-Days Trip 2nd part; Game of Throne's Dubrovnik by day

2-Days tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Croatia

June 13-14, 2015

Croatia 2-Days Trip 1st part; Overnight Bus from Ljubljana to Dubrovnik

How to Go to Dubrovnik, Croatia;
There is daily direct bus from the Zagreb that takes around 7-8 hrs travel time. Dubrovnik is bordered by Bosnia, separated in Mainland of Croatia. Free entrance inside fortification but walk on the wall cost 100 KN. Photography and video taking is allowed.

Dubrovnik is a stunningly intact walled city on the Adriatic Sea coast of the extreme south of Croatia. Although its population barely exceeds 40,000, it's one of the most prominent tourist resorts of the Mediterranean and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. One reason Dubrovnik has surged in popularity in recent years, aside from its history and beauty, is its starring role in the HBO TV hit "Game of Thrones" where the Old Town has stood in for 'Kings Landing'. Much of the filming took place on the City Walls (with a notable scene from 'Qarth' filmed at the base of the Minceta Tower) and also Fort Lovrijenac and the little beach and pier in the cove below it. 
http://wikitravel.org/en/Dubrovnik
 

Croatia 2-Days Trip; Game of Throne's Dubrovnik

Croatia 2-Days Trip 1st part; Overnight Bus from Ljubljana to Dubrovnik

2-Days tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Croatia

June 13-14, 2015

Slovenia Day Tour last part; Ljubljana City Walk

timezone - +0200H UTC (summer time);   capital - Zagreb;   language - Croatian
currency - Kuna; 1 EUR = 7.5 HRK
visa - pre-arranged not required per privilege of having valid Schengen visa. As of July 2014, valid Schengen Visa holders regardless of nationality can transit/visit Croatia not exceeding 90-days stay in any 180-days period given in the Schengen Visa duration.

Croatia (Croatian: Hrvatska) is a country situated in Southeast Europe. It is to the east side of the Adriatic Sea, to the east of Italy. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 90's and 2000's Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the EU in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Croatia

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CROATIA (",)
1. Croatia invented the necktie
2. Croatia has the highest number of UNESCO Intangible Goods of any European country (in a tie with Spain)
3. Croatia is home to the world’s smallest town
4. The fortified walls of Dubrovnik (where King's Landing of Game of Thrones was filmed) are the most preserved fortification system in Europe.

Croatia 2-Days Trip; Overnight Bus from Ljubljana to Dubrovnik (the view outside)

Slovenia Day Tour last part; Ljubljana City Walk

Day tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Slovenia

June 12, 2015

Slovenia Day Tour 2nd part; Train and Walk Trip inside Postojna Cave

Ljubljana is at its best when... enjoying the view from the Castle Belvedere Tower, strolling along the Ljubljana river and exploring plentiful bars and inns, absorbing some ancient characters while wandering through narrow cobblestone streets in the old town, going for a walk through the Tivoli Park, buying goodies at the picturesque central market, experiencing a special sophisticated lighting of Ljubljana's downtown area in December.

I roam the city through self-guided walk accompanied by a downloaded map online starting from the Ljubljana Train Station which is only around less than kilometer away to city center. I passed-by the Butcher's bridge, Ljubljana Castle and River, Town Hall, Triple Bridge (group of three bridges across the Ljubljanica River), Trg Republike Square and how locals and other tourists hassles on the streets. Photography and video taking is allowed.

Slovenia Day Tour; Ljubljana City Walk

Slovenia Day Tour 2nd part; Train and Walk Trip inside Postojna Cave

Day tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Slovenia

June 12, 2015

Slovenia Day Tour 1st part; Overnight Train from Sargans to Ljubljana

Experience the world you cannot see anywhere else. Postojna Cave is one of the most famous show caves in the world as well as one of the most impressive and easily reachable ones. Just a few kilometers away from the highway lays a web of fantastic underground passages, surrounded by an immense nature park, which offers a full day of family fun. There is nothing more impressive than experiencing the majestic halls while travelling on a unique underground train. Tiny droplets have created an endless parade of crystal fancies in the underground halls of Postojna Cave. Truly a heaven underground. 

Its 21km of galleries, tunnels and magnificent halls make the Postojna Cave one of the world's best known tourist caves. Its many unique, picturesque features have been enchanting visitors from all over the world for almost 200 years. The Postojna Cave is the only cave where you can experience train ride through a breathtaking underground landscape. Riding under magnificent arches is an experience you will never forget.

A tour in the cave takes around 90 minutes and is available in 15 languages. No special equipment is required but a warm sweater and comfortable shoes are recommended, as the temperature in the cave is 10'C.

How to go to Postojna Cave;

From Ljubljana Bus Station, take bus going to Postojna. Departure is every hour, travel time is around 1hr15mins and fare cost 6 Euro. Entrance fee is 22.9 Euro that includes guided tour and train ride. Photography and video taking is allowed but using tripod and flash is prohibited.

Slovenia Day Tour; Train and Walk Trip inside Postojna Cave

Slovenia Day Tour 1st part; Overnight Train from Sargans to Ljubljana

Day tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Slovenia

June 12, 2015

Liechtenstein Day Tour last part; the capital Vaduz and other tourist spots

timezone - +0200H UTC (summer time);   capital - Ljubljana;   language - Slovenian
currency - Euro; 1 EUR = 1.1 USD
visa - included in Schengen Agreement, Filipino's are required to apply 1st before travel

Slovenia (Slovenija) is a member of the European Union, Schengen Agreement and NATO. Slovenia became the first 2004 European Union entrant to adopt the euro on 1 Jan 2007 and has experienced one of the most stable political and economic transitions in Central and Southeastern Europe. Despite its small size, this eastern Alpine country controls some of Europe's major transit routes. Previously one of Yugoslavia's six constituent republics, present-day Slovenia became independent in 1991. 
http://wikitravel.org/en/Slovenia

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SLOVENIA (",)
1. Slovenia is the only former communist state to be a member of the European Union, the Eurozone, the Schengen area, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe and NATO at the same time.
2. You can pay to stay in a prison cell at the Hostel Celica in Ljubljana
3. The Slovenian language is one of the most archaic languages in Europe and in the world. It is the only EU official language which has the Dual. In addition, it has the most dialects given the number of inhabitants
4. The first married couple who climbed Mount Everest were Slovenian alpinists Andrej and Marija Štremfelj

Slovenia Day Tour 1st part; Overnight Train from Sargans to Ljubljana

Liechtenstein Day Tour last part; the capital Vaduz and other tourist spots

Day tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Liechtenstein

June 11, 2015

Liechtenstein Day Tour 1st part; Night Train from Frankfurt to Sargans

Liechtenstein is characterized by breathtaking nature, rich cultural scene and vibrant economy. With population of around 37,000 spread across 160sqkm, it is the smallest state in the border region where Germany, Austria, Switzerland Liechtenstein converge. Visitors can look forward to 400km of hiking and cycle trails as well as whole host of memorable moments fit for a prince.

There is an every hour departure bus trip from Sargans train station to Liechtenstein capital, Vaduz. Bus #12E for fare cost of 12.8CHF which is unlimited ride within a day covering 4 zones, travel time is 30mins.

I roam the capital town and nearby places through self-guided walk accompanied by a downloaded map online starting from the Vaduz post office. I passed-by the Tourism Information, Vaduz Cathedral (Cathedral of St. Florin), Vaduz Castle (palace and official residence of the Prince), trekking the Wildshool and how locals and other tourists hassles on the streets. Photography and video is allowed.

Liechtenstein Day Tour; Vaduz Castle

Liechtenstein Day Tour 1st part; Night Train from Frankfurt to Sargans

Day tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Liechtenstein

June 11, 2015

Germany Revisited; Night Walk Tour in Frankfurt

timezone - +0200H UTC (summer time);   capital - Valduz;   language - German
currency - Swiss Franc; 1 EUR = 1.1 CHF = 1.2 USD
visa - included in Schengen Agreement, Filipino's are required to apply 1st before travel

Principality of Liechtenstein is a small, alpine German-speaking country doubly landlocked by Switzerland and Austria. It is the last remnant of the Holy Roman Empire and an independent nation with very close ties to Switzerland. Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719 and became a sovereign state in 1806. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to conclude a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Liechtenstein

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LIECHTENSTEIN (",)
1. In Liechtenstein’s last military engagement in 1866, none of the 80 soldiers sent were injured, and that in fact 81 returned, including a new Italian “friend”.
2. The average citizen of Liechtenstein doesn’t even lock their door because crime in the country is so low. The last murder was 10 years ago (as of 2007).
3. Liechtenstein is so small that in 2007, Swiss troops accidentally invaded it after getting lost in a rain storm.
4. Liechtenstein is the world’s major exporter of false teeth. There are even two false-teeth factories specialising in making dark-brown teeth, for export to countries such as India where people chew tooth-blackening betel nut.

Night Train from Frankfurt, Arrival from Sargans (bus to Vaduz, Liechtenstein)

Germany Revisited; Night Walk Tour in Frankfurt

night tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Frankfurt, Germany

June 10, 2015

5 Days Solo Travel in Autumn Germany (Oct. 2013)

timezone - +0200H UTC (summer time);   capital - Berlin;   language - German
currency - Euro; 1 EUR = 1.1 USD
visa - included in Schengen Agreement, Filipino's are required to apply 1st before travel

Germany is one of the most influential European nations culturally, and one of the world's main economic powers. Known around the world for its precision engineering and high-tech products, Germany is an economic powerhouse boasting the largest economy of Europe, and the 2nd largest country of the world in terms of exports.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Germany

Frankfurt is the business and financial centre of Germany and known for its futuristic skyline and the busiest German airport. Located on the river Main, Frankfurt is the financial capital of Continental Europe and the transportation centre of Germany. Frankfurt is home of the European Central Bank and the German Stock Exchange. 

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GERMANY (",)
1. German people are the second biggest consumers of beer in the world (after the Czechs), with an average of 107 litres per person per year in 2010 (or 0.30 l per day).
2. Germany has nearly 700 zoological gardens, wildlife parks, aquariums, bird parks, animal reserves, or safari parks, including 414 registered zoos (more than the USA) ! Berlin's Zoologischer Garten is the largest zoo in the world, both in terms of number of species (1,500) and animal population (14,000).
3. The Germans can be credited for the discovery of insulin, the invention of the clarinet, the pocket watch, the automated calculator, the light bulb, television (partly), paraffin, petrol/gasoline & Diesel engines, the automobile (as well as the engine, differential gear and other important devices), the motorcycle, the jet engine, the LCD screen and the Walkman. 

Germany Revisited; Night Walk Tour in Frankfurt (Eiserner Steg Bridge)