Category Archives: Ramblings

Good: Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade. Although not a very big museum, there was a guided tour in English which included demonstrations of Tesla’s inventions (e.g. induction motor and remote control) and their continued impact in today’s modern world. Tesla … Continue reading →

Good: Rila Monastery, which is an easy day trip from Sofia using the one-timing-a-day public transport. The entrance to the monastery grounds and church is free, and photo-taking is allowed outdoors. Great that the exterior of the church is covered … Continue reading →

Good: The interior of small and cosy Boyana Church with its 90 murals dating from the 13th century. Recently restored, the murals are rich in colour and detail, and there are parts where an even older 11th-century layer of paintings … Continue reading →

Good: Managing to squeeze in a visit to the Ivanovo Rock Monastery despite exercising the option of waking up late, leisurely eating a free breakfast at the hostel, and arriving at Ivanovo about 8 hours later than planned. Although, I … Continue reading →

Good: Free use of washing machine and detergent at Puzzle Hostel in Bucharest, with a semi-covered outdoor area to hang-dry laundry. Not-so-good: Zero vampiric atmosphere at “Dracula Castle” in Bran, Transylvania. The castle does have written descriptions in decent English … Continue reading →

Good: Bucharest metro day pass for just 1.5 EUR when it costs 0.50 EUR per trip. I took the metro 9 times in all. Not-so-good: In short, Bucharest. The city is grimy and dusty, and many areas look abandoned and … Continue reading →

Good: I was able to store my luggage for free at Irene’s Hostel in Suceava even though I wasn’t going to stay there for the night Not-so-good: No buses from Gura  Humorului to Voronet Monastery so I ended up walking … Continue reading →

Good: University town Chernivtsi. Finding accommodation at an unplanned stopover; strolling around town in the cool of the night munching on a 0.95€ toasty chicken panini; watching English MTVs on a big screen in a small square with surround sound. … Continue reading →

Good: Lviv sights are pretty close together and thus I was able to finish my sightseeing early with some time for a late afternoon tea break. Following a recommendation from a brochure picked up at the Tourist Information Office, I … Continue reading →

Good: Fresh linen provided for sleeper on overnight train. Not-so-good: Sights are spread out requiring lots of walking over hilly terrain, despite the city having an efficient Metro system. Noteworthy food/drink: Expensive varenyky (7€ Ukrainian jiao zi) at a sit … Continue reading →