I recently took a train from Bucharest to Chișinău, and it was quite the experience. This wasn’t just any train; it was a sleeper train, offering a nostalgic journey back in time. I started my trip on a Saturday evening and arrived in Chișinău on Sunday morning. If you don’t mind a 14-hour trip covering approximately 275 miles and don’t expect modern amenities, you’ll be just fine. The train’s vintage charm was really nostalgic for me, particularly as someone who grew up during the communist era. It felt like a journey back in time and a chance to slow down and appreciate the ride. The people I met on the train were lovely. One fellow traveller, a lady in her 70s now living in Moldova, shared stories of her life in Russia, Italy, and Romania. Another passenger, a Norwegian student, listen… Read More
Tallinn
I booked myself a birthday trip to Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn, saving Tallinn for last, hoping it would be the cherry on my birthday cake. And it fit perfectly right on top. It's one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen, and I've seen hundreds. It rivals other cities from my personal top favourites, like London, Singapore, and Barcelona. I took my best travel mates with me: Florence, my partner, and our son, Alex. They made my truly memorable. But what also amazed me was the beauty of Tallinn itself. I was really impressed with how well-structured it was. The Old Town, right in the middle, was perfectly preserved with its medieval colourful buildings and stunning churches with tall towers. The financial district, although not too far from the Old Town, felt completely separate. … Read More
New York City Revisited
I like New York, but I'm not a huge fan. It's an intriguing city for many, a city that attracts a lot of people, but not me. I've been there once, checked it off my list, and didn't necessarily plan to return. When the idea of a family trip to New York came up, I thought, why not? It would be a good opportunity to see the city differently. And I'm glad we went. I rediscovered the city through the eyes of a 2.5-year-old child and my partner, who is a big fan of the city. It was wonderful. No matter how busy, crowded, and noisy the city is, during the four days spent in New York, I saw it in slow motion. My son helped me do that. I learned that you don't have to tick all the boxes; instead, you should feel the city and feel good yourself. You don't have to visit all the museums. One ca… Read More
Via Transilvanica #1
A few years ago, in my ongoing pursuit of adventures, I found this project called Via Transilvanica. The word Transilvanica alone was enough to catch my eye. Transylvania holds a special place in my heart. It’s my favourite part of Romania. So, naturally, I dove into some research. This amazing project reveals a super long and winding trail that covers an impressive distance of 1400 kilometers. Picture this: it kicks off in the enchanting northeast of the country and gracefully dances its way to the southwest, traversing vast stretches of glorious Transylvania. But here's what really got my heart racing: their captivating slogan: "The road that unites." Fueled by the spirit of unity, I set out to assemble a team of adventurers. It's crazy to think that most of us were total strangers. C… Read More
Tenerife
One of this year's resolutions was to start learning to travel with an open mind and low expectations. As I arrived on Tenerife, I was taken aback by its incredible development and use of its natural beauty. This Spanish island is home to Mount Teide, an active volcano that towers at an impressive 3,715 meters and is the highest mountain in Spain. Take a drive around the volcano or opt for an adrenaline rush by taking the cable car to climb above the clouds. Discover the island's gorgeous beaches, many of which are made up of sand imported from the Sahara. My personal favorite is Abama, where the crystal-clear water and soft sand will make you feel like you're on a tropical paradise. Visit the charming cities of Tenerife, including the picturesque San Cristobal de la Laguna, with its… Read More
Wembley to Camden Town
I like walking. A lot. When I've visited my friend's new working studio in Wembley, I had a look on his window and I've seen Grand Union Canal, just a few steps from his window. It didn't take too much time to give myself a new challenge: to walk by the canal from his studio to Camden Town. I did a bit of research: It's a 10 miles journey, about 3 hours. Challenge accepted, I say to myself. Just a few minutes later I've started walking by the canal, from east to east, starting with Wembley area, then Park Royal, Kensal Town and so on. I didn't regret a second the decision I've made. It's one of the most non-touristic route you can choose if you get to London and that's the main reason I really like it. You can discover London in layers: from industrial part, residential, green … Read More
To the airport
I like flying. I like flying so much that I felt stuck in time, during this pandemic. I couldn’t fly for more than one year and things got a bit weird in my head. Maybe because I’ve been used to flying almost monthly. I had even more than 15 flight segments in one month. It’s like an addiction. I needed a Pandemic to realise that I’m addicted to fly, to move countries, to travel. Anywhere. Now, after more than a year of staying on the ground, trapped, I fly again. The sky sent me an amazing gift for being so patient: one of the most beautiful view over the Alps.
Morocco
I think the best way to start a new trip is by lowering down your expectations. This is how I did before flying to Morocco. It's good, healthy. The post title is Morocco, but I actually had the chance to visit Marrakech only, so I don't know how accurate this content will be. It's 20th of January. My first day in Marrakech. I sit down by the pool. The sun is rising towards the middle of the sky. There's around 16 degrees Celsius outside and I still can't believe that yesterday I was freezing in London. I order breakfast, coffee and orange juice. All of them are delicious. After a few more hours of laziness I decide to start exploring the city. I go straight to Medina, the busiest part of the city. When I say busy, I say people walking, cyclists, cars, donkeys, craftsmen, butcher… Read More
Just cruising
My first cruise ship experience was as a photographer on Costa Magica. It wasn't easy. A lot of work, not much to learn and selling the photos was a huge pain in the ass. I got out quickly and I said to myself that, at some point, I'll get back on cruise ship as a passenger. That's what happened this time. I embarked on Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas. The itinerary was perfect: Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Maarten, Martinique, Barbados, Grenada, and back to Puerto Rico. I had the chance to experience most of the Caribbean in just a week. Of course, I couldn't go into details, but it was enough for a first timer. The ship, service, events were simply amazing. 5 stars for the staff. I know how hard it is to work on a cruise ship, so I give them a bonus star. Until now, I thoug… Read More
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is one of the biggest cruises hub on the world. That was the main reason why I'm here, right now. I'm staying a few nights here, before my departure to a 7 nights Cruise to the Caribbean. Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island and unincorporated U.S. territory is a nice mixture between north and south, between the new modern world and the old colonial heritage. Castillo San Felipe del Morro is one of my favourites places in Puerto Rico. Situated in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, the fortress is was finished in time to help protect Puerto Rico when the British attacked in 1797. Since then, is one of the most important icons on the island. Playa Ocean Park is also a nice place to visit for a few hours. the beach is long and wide and very accessible from the city. For… Read More