The epitome of Estonian culture and zenith of the national calendar, Estonia’s Song Festival is held in Tallinn in early July every five years, attracting crowds of 100,000. Over the course of two concerts, 35,000 singers (from over 1,000 choirs) perform. Hearing them all sing at once is a truly memorable and moving experience! The Song Festival can overshadow its sister, the Dance Festival held on the same dates. This event brings together over 10,000 performers, who demonstrate folk dances en masse, creating shapes and patterns across the grounds of a large stadium. Both come together on a massive six-hour parade, in which nearly 50,000 march towards the Song Festival Grounds to celebrate the first concert. Estonia may be larger than Switzerland or the Netherlands, but the country often feels like the world’s smallest town, especially during the parade, a cheerful must-see, as marchers are greeted by family and friends. With 1/10 of the country’s entire population gathered in one place, the festival plays the role of a massive impromptu reunion, and stumbling across old classmates and neighbors while heading to the refreshment stands is the norm. The Song Festival played a key role in Estonia’s 19th century national awakening and its return to independence from Soviet occupation, making it a key part of the national history that can be experienced today. In 1988, increasingly brave demonstrators spontaneously began to sing forbidden patriotic and traditional songs. This culminated in massive crowds marching from an officially sanctioned festival in Tallinn’s center to the Song Festival Grounds to sing tunes that still came with the risk of a prison sentence. This, and other cases of singing forbidden songs at large gatherings, helped the fledgling Estonian independence movement demonstrate and gain further support from the masses, and accelerated the Soviet breakup. The Youth Dance Festival held two years ago saw a performance cancelled due to a storm, but the dancers held their own impromptu performance in the city’s main square. Despite dismal forecasts this year, the Song Festival was dry, and even clouds were rare. For the first time, officials cut off ticket sales to the second concert, as the audience began to swell past 100,000, which meant that even the public viewing areas were busy. Fortunately, Song Festival tickets go on sale half a year beforehand, making them easy to obtain for those who plan ahead (although the Dance Festival can sell out as early as February). Otherwise, the festivals went off without a hitch, and even the president herself (and some bodyguards) was spotted marching with her old choir. If you visit and would like to take a break from the parade, we recommend making a detour a bit down the coast to the Maarjamäe Palace, and the nearby memorials. This recently renovated former manor house often hosted Peter the Great. It now contains a film museum, a room completely covered in a colorful mural showing the Soviet Union’s bright future (finished shortly after its breakup), a history museum and an exhibition of Soviet-era statues of Lenin, Marx, Stalin, and other leading communists. This museum is as creative and quirky as the country’s other modern museums. A short distance from the palace is a series of memorials, offering several different takes on events from the 1940s. Within sight of each other are a Soviet memorial to soldiers killed in the city’s capture from Nazi forces, a graveyard for Germans and Estonians killed resisting the Red Army, and an impressive new memorial to the tens of thousands of Estonians killed or deported during Soviet occupations. When viewed from the right angle, with blue skies, the newest memorial subtly turns into a giant Estonian flag. Despite the reminders of the country’s dark past, the festivals, and their grand parade, are moments of pure joy and connection. We at JayWay heartily recommend attending the next Song and Dance Festival in 2024, or the similarly massive and emotional Youth Song and Dance Festival in 2022. For more information on the Estonian Song Festival, and its similarly mammoth counterparts in Latvia and Lithuania, see this recent blog post . Related PostsThe post Estonia’s Fondest Festival appeared first on Jayway Travel . The post Estonia’s Fondest Festival appeared first on travelers abroad. from travelers abroad https://travelersabroad.online/2019/09/17/estonias-fondest-festival/ from https://travelersabroad.tumblr.com/post/187780278333
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Sailing the Baltic Sea What good’s a lot of water if you can’t sail on it? With its thousands of islands and long, rugged coast, the Baltic Sea offers ample opportunities for sailing. Indeed, strong winds and almost nonexistent currents and tides make for an easy sail. As part of your JayWay vacation package we can arrange for everything from the rental of a small boat to full luxury charters with skipper and crew lasting for a week or more. Here are some of our favorite sailing spots. HelsinkiAn archipelago city, visiting Helsinki means flitting from island to island, so why not explore the capital’s many islands by boat? Still bouncing back from the Ice Age, the Finnish coast is literally rising from the sea, gaining seven square kilometers annually. As a result, Finland’s shore is especially rugged, and Helsinki presents a panorama of islands, islets, and rocks as far as the eye can see. Many of the smallest islands have just a cabin, with a sauna and a few trees, even next to the city’s main harbor. Whether sailing or just taking a brief ferry, be sure to visit Suomenlinna, the fortified archipelago in the main harbor that the city was built around. This UNESCO-listed site has retained many of the Swedish fortifications that made this spot known as “the Gibraltar of the North,” and you can often find students from the archipelago’s art school painting of sketching especially scenic spots. We can offer a sailing tour to the fortress, with a stop at the island of Lonna along the way. Once used to store mines, Lonna now features a restaurant, coffee shop, one of the city’s best public saunas, and excellent sunset views. TallinnTallinn’s Old Town is best viewed from the coast, its romantic silhouette making for an unforgettable backdrop. With its central location on the coast, and islands just offshore, Tallinn offers many opportunities, from several days of sailing or a day trip to the Finnish coast, to a quick jaunt or dinner cruise. Visitors tend to spend a few hours sailing around Tallinn Bay, with stops along the way, including the innovative Seaplane Museum. Tallinn’s islands are the most common day trips. Aegna, Naissaar, and Prangli may be sparsely populated today, but their forests cover centuries of history, from Czarist fortifications to secret Soviet works. Naissaar even spent a brief period as its own sovereign socialist state, founded during the chaotic early days of the Russian Revolution! Estonia’s long coastline and thousands of islands offer ample opportunities for sailing far beyond Tallinn’s calm waters. The seaside resort town of Parnu works as a base from which to visit Kihnu and Ruhnu, isolated islands where locals hold onto centuries-old traditions, such as wearing folk dress in daily life. Parnu’s biggest competition is Haapsalu, a favorite of the Czars, in part thanks to its sizable castle ruins. From Haapsalu, it’s a short sail to Estonia’s largest islands, Hiiumaa and Saaremaa, which resemble their own, much older country, littered with medieval churches, walls, windmills, and lighthouses. As with our other coastal destinations, we are happy to offer boat tours and rentals. RigaLocated just a bit inland from the Baltic (to help defend against coastal raiders), Riga makes a good base for sailing. If you’re looking for a lazy afternoon with a memorable sunset, we can offer a sailing tour down the Daugava River and into the Baltic Sea, complete with drinks, snacks, and perhaps a swim. You can also sail to nearby Jurmala, the old-fashioned beach town popular among 19th century nobility, and still the center of the “Baltic Riviera.” KlaipedaSeaside Klaipeda makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding coast, whether sticking to the calm Curonian Lagoon, which still provides a living for local fishermen, or heading out to sea, with its sandy beaches backed by tall pine forest. The Curonian Spit, with its fishing villages, artist’s colony, and massive sand dunes held at bay by vast forests planted by 19th century French prisoners of war, is naturally the main reason to visit Klaipeda. With a sailboat, you can visit the peninsula’s villages, witness its quiet nature, and indulge in ancient recipes, such as smoked fish. We can provide a sailing tour, or boat rentals, with or without a skipper. GdanskGdansk is situated close to the Baltic, but the section of river between its center and the sea is busy with commercial traffic. Some of that traffic comes from the shipyards that gave birth to the Solidarity movement, and with it, the rebirth of Polish democracy (be sure to visit the Solidarity museum, near the Old Town!) As such, it’s best to sail from one of the other members of the Tricities area, although skippered boats can be chartered from Gdansk’s central marina. Sopot is a classic beach resort town, popularized by one of Napoleon’s officers, a doctor who founded a health spa. With its sandy beaches, grand hotels, and charming promenade, this is an excellent starting point. Sopot also makes an easy day trip from Gdansk by train, and has some memorable architecture worth checking out, such as the the “Crooked House,” the old lighthouse, and Europe’s longest wooden pier. People often cruise from here to the northernmost member of the Tricities, Gdynia. Poland’s main port, shipyards, skyscrapers, and museum ships testify to the city’s connection to the sea. Maritime fans should be sure to visit the Dar Pomorza, a full-rigged sailing ship that has served in the German, British, French, and Polish navies. Naturally, the Tricities host a sailing ship festival, as do Klaipeda and Tallinn. Moored next door is the ORP Blyskawica, a storied destroyer. One of World War II’s fastest and most heavily armed destroyers, the “Lightning” lived up to its name, becoming the sole ship to earn Poland’s highest military decoration. Two days before the German invasion in 1939, this ship obeyed secret orders to seek shelter in the UK, fighting alongside the Royal Navy for the rest of the war, logging 146,000 nautical miles in the process. Your own sail will be far less harrowing, if still memorable. We recommend following the coast north, past a hulking abandoned German torpedo test complex that rises from the water, and along the misnamed Hel Peninsula, beloved by beachgoers. Whether going for a quick sail around Tallinn Bay, crossing international borders, making a day trip to an island or spending a week along the coast in a chartered yacht, we’ll be happy to help you realize your maritime fantasies. Contact us for a trip, and we’ll help you get started, on land and sea. Related PostsThe post Sailing the Baltic Sea appeared first on Jayway Travel . The post Sailing the Baltic Sea appeared first on travelers abroad. from travelers abroad https://travelersabroad.online/2019/09/17/sailing-the-baltic-sea/ from https://travelersabroad.tumblr.com/post/187780278243 Legendary for their history, beauty, and sheer variety, Rome and Venice are our most visited Italian destinations. Fortunately, these cities are more than just museums and churches. We asked our staff in both cities, Giorgia in Rome and Elisa in Venice, for their favorite recommendations for guests with kids. Going beyond the typical amusement parks and zoos, and they had plenty of suggestions in mind. RomeExplore where the gladiators prepared and foughtSpending a day with a nine-year old in the Vatican Museum may be a bit much, no matter how precocious and “well-traveled” they are, but with the right guide and approach, Rome’s history can be fun and memorable. For an extra fee, you can embark on a VIP tour and see a portion of the Colosseum not visited on regular visits. You’ll see the Colosseum’s Hypogeum (the underground area where combatants, including wild animals, were kept) and the Third Tier, the highest portion of the building that can be visited, and home to its best views. As you walk the “Gladiator’s Path,” your guide will tell the stories of the most famed gladiators, and the feats that made them celebrated across the empire. Go to gladiator schoolFor a more hands-on approach, visit a “gladiator school,” fittingly located on the Appian Way, ancient Rome’s most famous road. This is a fun option for kids and adults alike. If you’d rather not spend several hours with your kid as they wave a wooden sword around, the school provides a great opportunity to leave them behind in safe hands and have a quiet walk on your own. Historians offer two hours of training, while you can borrow clothing and various kid-safe weapons, then enjoy free entrance in the neighboring gladiator museum. Learn to make some Italian classicsIf you’re looking for a more peaceful class, we have plenty of cooking classes on offer that don’t require knives or boiling water. Pizza, gelato, and tiramisu classes are popular, especially since kids can make their own flavor of gelato, or decorate tiramisu themselves. Naturally, these courses end with a memorable meal. Comb the catacombs and cryptsElsewhere on the Appian Way, you’ll find two spots that tend to appeal to teens. The Catacombe di San Callisto is the largest of Rome’s storied catacombs. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, this is the burial place of Saint Paul, as well as Saint Peter and several other early popes. Kids often delight in trying to find and identify the early Christian graffiti that the tunnels feature. Those who enjoy the catacombs should also visit the crypt under the Santa Maria della Concezione church. Here, the walls are almost entirely lined with the skulls of more than 4,000 monks, some of whom were laid to rest here less than 150 years ago. As in the Czech Republic’s Kutna Hora, bones are used to decorate the crypt, covering the ceiling, while some skeletons still sit in monk’s hooded robes within niches. For a more active approach to the Vatican, take part in one of the “treasure hunt tours” that the Holy See’s museums offer. Like the VIP colosseum tours, these are quite fun, and a great way to explore the past without risking boredom! Be judged by the Mouth of TruthOn the exterior wall of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church, on the grounds of ancient Rome’s cattle market, you’ll find a massive marble face weighing nearly 1.5 tons. Depicting the face of Oceanus, the personification of the ocean (who appears in a more flattering form on the Trevi Fountain), this unwearable mask is the Bocca della Verita, the “Mouth of Truth.” As depicted by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in “Roman Holiday,” those who put their hand inside the mouth and say a lie are likely to lose it! There are many stories involving the giant mouth, but the most famous involves a married woman said to receive regular visitors from a man when her husband was out of town. Confronted by her angry husband, who had heard the rumors circulating around her, the woman offered to prove her innocence via the mouth of Truth. On the day of the test, a crowd formed around the couple and the mouth. A young man, clearly mad, jumped out of the mass of bystanders just before the woman reached into the Mouth. He hugged and kissed her, then ran away screaming nonsense. The audience, while shocked, let the lunatic escape, and once the chaos ended, the woman put her hand into the mouth, and said that she had never kissed any men in her life, save for her husband, and the madman. Naturally, the mouth let her go free, hand intact. The legend ends by noting that the supposed madman was the woman’s lover, having faked insanity to give the woman a perfectly innocent reason for kissing him! While no longer seen as a credible test of loyalty, the mouth is still great fun for kids! Escape the heat by renting a boatEscape the heat and wear out the kids by visiting Villa Borghese and renting a canoe or boat. Rome’s largest, oldest, and most central park, the extensive grounds of this former villa’s park feature a zoo, plenty of good spots for picnicking, and of course, a relatively large lake. While swimming is forbidden, the lake is still fun to explore, and can be a relief from the heat of the surrounding city. Cool (and cooled) museumsWhen there isn’t enough gelato in the world to keep the kids cool and happy, retreat into the cool embrace of air conditioning. Naturally, Rome has an excellent children’s museum, Explora, which will not only keep kids cool, but curious. There are plenty of inventing hands-on activities, and a good cafe for a well-deserved rest. Another cool choice when the weather outside is hot or rainy is VIGAMUS. Less than a mile from one of Rome’s oldest museums, the Vatican, you’ll find one of its youngest, the VIdeo GAme MUSeum, which recounts the history of video games, from the very first time someone figured out how to use a computer for something other than work. An interactive joy, this museum features everything from arcade and console games, to modern virtual reality. There are frequent events, and some rare artifacts, some related to the infamous burial of the failed video game adaptation of the ET movie. VeniceHunt for lionsVenice is famous for its artistic treasures, so why not leave your kids to hunt for them? Many tour guides organize “lion hunts,” but we can help you organize one for yourself if you’d prefer. These treasure hunts involve finding the omnipresent lions (winged and otherwise) that symbolize Venice. This game gives people a reason to look around, turning history and architecture into a game. The lions themselves give clues about the city’s history, and when the structures hosting them were built. When the city was at peace, the winged lions hold an open Bible in their paws. If completed when the city was at war, however, the book is shown as closed. Most hunts end at St. Mark’s Square, home to the most famous lion sculptures. These lions are a good size for kids to climb on for pictures, or the sheer fun of it. Explore Venice’s past and stories with a themed tourSeveral companies organize boat trips with kids and teens in mind. These include special games (often involving pirates or hunting for details), which teach about the city and include fun stories. On these tours, kids can discover hidden islands, ancient ruins, and more. Another themed tour focuses on Venice’s spookier past. Starting after dark, your kids can wander through silent streets and quiet squares, as the guide tells the spooky legends, thrilling stories, and mysteries that Venetians have passed down for generations. As a city dense with history, there’s no end to the kinds of curious stories and unexplained events that make great campfire fodder. Make a memorable souvenir at a mask-making workshopOne of Venice’s highlights is Carnevale, which can be a memorable experience for kids. Even if you’re not visiting for Mardi Gras, your youth can still make their own unique masks at one of the city’s oldest workshops. While putting their arts and crafts experience to work, children can learn fun facts about the city’s history, and the place masks have in it. We recommend heading to Ca Macena, a traditional workshop where kids can make and paint their own souvenirs. Blow your own glassFor centuries, Venice produced Europe’s most advanced and beautiful glass. Located on Murano, a colorful archipelago north of Venice’s main body, the city’s glassmakers were almost equal to nobility, and could even walk in the streets with swords and marry their daughters to the city’s elite. These privileges came at a cost. To prevent Murano’s techniques from escaping into the wider world, glassmakers were forbidden from ever leaving the Venetian Republic, at the cost of their lives. Fortunately, glassblowing techniques are far less of a state secret these days, and Venice offers youth the opportunity to take part in glass-making classes with expert craftsmen, who teach them to blow and shape glass using traditional techniques. Kids can create small glass objects, such as beads or little animals, which are sure to be souvenirs with a story. Workshops generally offer tours showing master craftsmen harness centuries-old techniques to make some of the world’s most cherished glass masterpieces. Naturally, we offer private and group tours of Murano for adults. Whether hunting for lions or making gelato, Rome and Venice have plenty of fun activities to keep kids busy and happy, while quietly teaching them along the way. With the help of our local staff, we’ll be happy to help you and your kids have a memorable, active, and stress-free trip, in Italy and beyond. Related PostsThe post Rome and Venice for Kids appeared first on Jayway Travel . The post Rome and Venice for Kids appeared first on travelers abroad. from travelers abroad https://travelersabroad.online/2019/09/17/rome-and-venice-for-kids/ from https://travelersabroad.tumblr.com/post/187780278153 Many of the destinations we offer have parks combining stunning beauty with centuries of history and unique attractions, so take a break and spend a serene afternoon soaking up their beauty. We asked all our local staff across our destinations for their favorite picnic spot, and received a plethora of heartfelt responses. This is part I, covering Central Europe. Come back next week for Part II for practically everywhere else on our map: Italy and the Adriatic, as well as Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. Our in-destination team will advise you where you can acquire refreshments for a picnic, though some locations listed also have shacks, booths and concessions that will provide sustenance of some kind. BudapestScenic Gellert Hill is one of the city’s most popular spots for a picnic. The city’s best view can be found from the Citadel atop the hill, which is especially popular for watching the sun set, an ideal way to end a romantic picnic, beneath the Liberty Statue. After leaving the hill, you could head north to Buda Castle, or south to the Gellert Baths, or the Gellert Hill Cave’s shrine. Budapest’s most popular area on nice days, at least for locals, is Margaret Island. Located in the middle of the Danube, near the parliament building, this large island forms a park and botanical garden that stretches for 1.5 miles, with scattered landmarks such as medieval ruins and more recent memorials, fountains, pools, and gardens. We also recommend City Park, at the end of the UNESCO-listed Andrassy Avenue, Heroes’ Square, and the world’s second oldest subway line. Here you’ll find one of the city’s best baths, and Vajdahunyad Castle, a strange combination of architectural styles built in 1893 to celebrate Hungary’s 1,000th anniversary, and home to several museums. There are plenty of neat spots with charming views in this large forested park, which has museums, restaurants, and various amusements from a circus to a zoo. ViennaThere’s a reason Vienna’s known for its parks. The Prater is Vienna’s classic park, in part due to its amusement park, which contains the Riesenrad, the world’s largest Ferris wheel from 1920 to 1985. With its three neighboring subway stations, and railroad station (in addition to its children’s railroad), the Prater is easy to visit. Sure, there’s a museum and a planetarium, but you’ll want to visit the Republic of Kugelmugel a large sphere and self-declared nation. The artist who built it in the 70s was unable to get a permit for it, so he took the easy way out and declared the sphere to be its own nation. The authorities were not amused, but you’ll be! After you’ve had your fill (and filled your stomach), cross the Donaukanal and visit the Hundertwasserhaus, the extraordinarily colorful magnum opus of Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s idiosyncratic architectural style, which avoids straight lines and emphasizes vitality, biomorphic spirals, and uniqueness (Hundertswasser’s name could be translated as “Peace-Realm Hundred-Water.” If you need a refuge from the city and sights, visit the parks that line the ring road that separates Vienna’s innermost district from the rest of the city. The City Park is pleasant, with its canal, Kursalon, and pond, but we recommend the City Garden, with its memorials, and palace buildings. These once formed the Imperial Palace’s gardens, and are a popular place for a picnic before or after a guided tour. Afterwards, you can head in any direction. Likewise, the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens are a great place to take a break after a tour. SalzburgFor Salzburg’s best views, head to the Hohensalzburg Fortress Gardens. Here, from Central Europe’s largest preserved fortress, you can take in breathtaking views of the Alps, and Salzburg’s UNESCO-listed center. The gardens cover a small area, but you can find benches and picnic spots on the plateau that runs northwest from the fortress, forming the Old Town’s western side. For something else exotic, head out of town to the neighboring Hellbrunn Palace. On the grounds of this water-obsessed baroque palace (“Hellbrunn” literally translates to “clear spring”), you can find unique Mannerist trick fountains, from a mechanical theater to a music-playing theater, and a crown pushed up and down by water. Beware of the trick fountains that spray guests via elaborate jokes (there is a dining table, for example, with fountains hidden in its stone seats). If you love people-watching, or prefer hidden grottoes, this park will work well. InnsbruckReach the sky from the city center of Innsbruck via taking the Nordkettenbahnen (a funicular followed by a cable car, then a chair lift) to the top of the Nordkette Mountain! This mountain is a mecca for those fond of adventurous activities year round, but its many hiking trails make it easy to find the ideal outlooks for a scenic picnic. For a more central spot, visit the Hofgarten, on the edge of the Old Town. Over the last 600 years, its design has varied from Renaissance to French formal, and now to a traditional English landscape garden. Amidst plants planted personally by Maria Theresa, you can find a palm house, art pavilion, restaurant, and ponds. Save for the sunbathing lawn, visitors aren’t allowed to walk on the grass, but there are plenty of benches. GrazIf you’re in Graz, the Schlossberg (Castle Hill) is a must. The fortress that once crowned the hill may be largely gone (thanks to Napoleon) but this hill still has excellent views, alongside cafes, restaurants, and a charming clock tower and bell tower. The hill is steep, but it can be ascended via a funicular, or an elevator, in addition to stairs. We recommend heading into its extensive tunnels, dug as shelters during World War II. Here, you can find a large church, and a railroad for kids. MunichMunich’s classic picnic spot is the beloved English Garden. A must for visitors to Munich, this is one of the world’s largest urban parks, and chock-full of unusual places to visit, as well as excellent views of the city’s historic skyline. The most unusual attraction is the Eisbach, a stream with a standing wave popular with surfers and playboaters. Open only to experts, the wave is always a good show. The park itself was built around faux Greek ruins, highlights of the park’s largest lawns. The park hosts both a Japanese teahouse and garden (a gift from the Japanese for the Olympics) and an 18th-century “Chinese Tower.” This five-story pagoda is popular with locals, especially because it’s next to the city’s second largest beer garden, and a children’s carousel. Further north, beyond the park’s main lake, is a calmer area, known for sunbathing and often home to flocks of sheep. Locals often head to the banks of the Isar River, near the Ludwig Bridge and the Isartor. Here, you can walk down the Wehrsteg bridge as it runs down a gravel bar in the middle of the river between islands, which have parks, fountains, and cultural venues such as a theater. This area is rife with beaches, although their size depends on the river level. BerlinBerlin has many parks, each with a different feel. To get a better idea of where to go, please visit our recent blog post about its parks, Berlin: A Park for Every Personality . PragueFor picnicking spots that are centrally located yet quiet, head to the Vltava River’s islands. Just down the stairs from the Charles Bridge and across a picturesque square, Kampa Island forms a quiet oasis in the heart of Prague. This picturesque spot may not feel like an island, but it’s separated from the rest of the city, and its noise, by a narrow channel. There’s plenty of lawn to lie down on, and if you forgot to bring cold refreshments, Mlynska Kavarna, a bar and café owned by the famous local sculptor David Cerny, will provide the beers. Cerny’s idiosyncratic, surrealistic works can be found everywhere from the Kafka Museum to the side of the TV tower. This area has great views of the Charles Bridge and the Old Town beyond, as well as the Museum Kampa, a modern art gallery featuring several of Cerny’s works. Slovansky Island lies a short distance to the southeast. You can get here from the Old Town by heading south alongside the river. Just past the National Theater, you’ll find a bridge to this island. We recommend sitting on its wall and taking in the view, or renting a pedal boat if you’re feeling more energetic (skip the swan boats, they’re too heavy and slow). If you forgot to pack food, the patio of the Neo-Renaissance Zofin Palace’s restaurant is a pleasant spot for a lunch, or for a pre-show dinner if you intend to take in one of the palace’s concerts. If islands aren’t your thing, we have two more recommendations popular with locals: Vysehrad and Letna. Both have unsurpassed views of Prague, from opposite sides of the Old Town, alongside beer gardens and historical landmarks. Vysehrad is Prague’s original fort, dating back to the 10th century, and still home to a basilica, 11th century rotunda, and a cemetery home to many of the greatest Czechs, including Dvorak and Mucha. We recommend strolling amidst its bastions and ruins. Directly north of the Old Town, Letna’s giant metronome is an easy landmark to walk to. Once there, amidst plenty of playgrounds, lawns, and benches, you’ll find the eccentric baroque Hanavsky Pavilion, with its stunning views and charming, if understandably pricey, cafe. Just outside Prague – Pruhonice Country ParkPruhonice Country Park gets a special mention because since 2010 it was added to Prague’s UNESCO World Heritage Listing. The park was founded in the year 1885 by the Count Arnošt Emanuel Silva-Tarouca. The result of his lifelong work is an original masterpiece of garden landscape architecture of worldwide importance. The focal point of the park is its chateau, with an artificial lake. There are ample opportunities to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic here, whether you want grassland or woodland. KrakowA hike to Kopiec Kosciuszki, a memorial mound to Polish leader (and American Revolutionary War hero) Tadeusz Kościuszko erected above the city, offers scenic views and gorgeous hiking paths through the forest. Take a picnic lunch and make an afternoon of it. Alternatively, you can visit the Krakus Mound, a burial mound thought to be the grave of the legendary founder of Krakow, King Krakus. South of the city center, this tumulus offers good views of Krakow. On the opposite side is an abandoned quarry, used to film Schindler’s List. A strange site, the quarry’s road of Jewish tombstones, and perimeter fencing are not as real as they look, but the lime kilns are. For a more central, and popular, spot, visit the Vistulan Boulevards, which run alongside the Vistula River past Wawel Hill and the Wawel Castle. Picturesque and a brief walk from the Old Town, these floodplains form one of the city’s most scenic areas, while providing room for water when the city is threatened by floods. To see more picnic suggestions, from Rome to Tallinn to Tbilisi, visit part II of this post. Related PostsThe post Spend a Serene Afternoon Picnicking (Part I, Central Europe) appeared first on Jayway Travel . The post Spend a Serene Afternoon Picnicking (Part I, Central Europe) appeared first on travelers abroad. from travelers abroad https://travelersabroad.online/2019/09/17/spend-a-serene-afternoon-picnicking-part-i-central-europe/ from https://travelersabroad.tumblr.com/post/187780278038 From renaissance villas to isolated islands to a lake accessible by cablecar and a park home to some of the largest statues and monasteries in Europe, we can help you find some of the most scenic and memorable picnic spots, from Rome to Tallinn to Tbilisi. We asked out local staff for their favorite picnic spots, for when they like to spend an idyllic afternoon, and were inundated with replies. For part I of this post, covering Central Europe, see here. DubrovnikUniquely, we offer a picnic service in Dubrovnik. You’ll receive an insulated, comfortable picnic backpack stocked with a delicious selection of local specialties, from savory to sweet. The wine and lemonade are chilled, local and carefully chosen, and plates and cutlery are eco-friendly, so all you need to do is pick your destination and head out to experience true Dalmatia. You get a blanket to spread out yourselves as well. You’ll receive the backpack at a designated pick up point, and can leave it at your accommodations when you return. One of our local staff recently used this New York Times-recommended service for her 10th anniversary, and loved it. We recommend enjoying your picnic on Lokrum Island, an oasis of nature and tranquility just ten minutes from the Old Town harbor via a frequent ferry. This island has peacocks and monastery ruins hidden among its pine, cypress, and olive trees. You will also find a botanical garden here. For a much higher vantage point, take a cable car (or hike) to the top of Mount Srd. The breathtaking views here are especially romantic during sunset, but this mountain is a great way to slow down, get oriented, and make plans. Feel free to visit the summit’s Fort Imperial, with its museum devoted to the Siege of Dubrovnik during the 1990s. SplitJust a short walk from Split’s Old Town is Marjan Hill, a natural treat. When the sun is shining, we recommend coming here for a quiet break, immersing yourself in the scents of pine and the sea. Covering the peninsula just west of Split’s historic core, this forested park has many scenic viewpoints and paths. Amidst the trees and vistas are historic areas, such as a Jewish graveyard with over 700 gravestones. Be sure to check out the hill’s views of the city, and the mountains and islands looming beyond. At the hill’s edge, you can find hidden beaches popular with locals. If you’re looking to focus on the beaches, we recommend renting a bike, and biking along the coast and through the forest. TrogirIf you’d like to escape Trogir, and the busy beach on neighboring Ciovo Island, we recommend taking a one hour ferry ride (a $4 round trip) to Drvenik Veli. Home only to a small village, this peaceful island is studded with bays and beaches. The island has a few cafes and restaurants, but otherwise you’ll be the only visitors in many of its coves and olive groves. BelgradeBelgrade’s best picnic spots are also historically important, so you can get to know the city’s history at your leisure. We recommend taking a walking tour of Belgrade Fortress, the ancient site that the city grew around (most of today’s structures and ruins are medieval). Then, descend into neighboring Kalemegdan Park. Belgrade’s largest park, Kalemegdan is located where the River Sava meets the Danube, and sports everything from a gondola to an amusement park, as well as many monuments. If the weather’s nice, head to Ada Island, one of Belgrade’s most popular picnic spots. The name is a bit of a misnomer, as the island has become a peninsula. A long, closed-off lake with beaches that stretch for miles forms one side, and the river the other. There are plenty of recreational facilities, from jogging paths to places for renting bikes, as well as parks for yoga, rock climbing, and zip lining. VenicePicnicking in Venice can be tricky, due to a lack of green space, and thanks to a new law that fines tourists who eat their own food by the main tourist sites, or bridges, as many visitors were blocking bridge and church steps. Fortunately, tourists and locals can dine without fines at Giardini della Biennale and Sant’Elena, a park bisected by a canal (hence the two names). Even here, it’s best to eat at the picnic tables located around the park (which is connected by a small bridge). This park is composed of gardens created by Napoleon, and are now one of the city’s largest green spaces. A venue for the Biennale, this relaxing oasis is a 15 minute walk from San Marco, and easily reached by water bus. RomeRome’s largest and most famous parks are the grounds of villas that have long since passed into public hands. Villa Pamphili forms Rome’s largest park, surrounding a 17th century villa. We recommend visiting Vivi Bistrot, where you can buy a picnic basket with the sandwiches, pasta, salads, and other items of your choosing. For a place a bit more central, check out Villa Borghese, right above the Spanish Steps. Here you can find a great view from the Pincio (a balcony), as well as statues, museums, a zoo, a water clock, and even a reproduction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. TallinnKadriorg Park is the best spot for strolling and picnicking. Surrounding the Baroque Kadriorg Palace, this park has more than just art museums, thanks to its cafes, manicured gardens and flowerbeds, alongside meadows and forest groves. We recommend following its rocky coast from the Rusalka Monument (devoted to a Czarist warship that sank in a storm) to Pirita, with its Song Festival grounds, memorial and graveyards devoted to World War II and the Soviet Occupation, partially ruined convent, and accommodations built for the Olympics. Head to the edge of town and visit the Tallinn Botanic Garden, upstream from Pirita’s Convent. In summer, this garden makes for a perfect, family-friendly spot for picnics, and the occasional concert. The rose garden is the most popular spot. We recommend visiting the nearby TV Tower. Visible from Helsinki during perfectly clear weather, this tower has excellent views from its observation tower and restaurant. The gutsy can walk along its exterior, secured by a safety harness. This tower played a pivotal role during the Singing Revolution, when unarmed volunteers managed to keep it safe from Soviet soldiers sent to shut down its dissemination of free media, through a particularly brave bluff. KyivNamed for Ukraine’s greatest writer (who was also a talented painter and illustrator), Taras Shevcheko Park is a quiet refuge in the heart of Kyiv. This charming park has playgrounds, fountains, and kiosks selling crepes, beer, cider, and snacks, in case you forgot to pack refreshments. Nearby is the city’s botanical garden, while in between lies the bright red main building of Shevchenko University (Shevchenko is perhaps Ukraine’s greatest hero, and most places devoted to Lenin have been rededicated to him). Several of the city’s best museums are located across the street, such as the Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Arts. The park is lively in the summer, with buskers, cheese players, and salsa on Fridays and Saturdays, but there are plenty of quiet spots, making this a favorite for local picnickers. The botanical garden is a good picnic spot in its own right, even when hosting food and art festivals. For a picnic with a view, visit the Pechersk Landscape Park. This sprawling area runs between the extraordinary Pechersk Lavra (also known as the Monastery of the Caves), and the Motherland Statue, both of which are must-sees. This area hosts flower exhibitions and gardens, as well as music festivals, and a World War II museum, as well as tanks and other weapons from World War II, and more recent conflicts. There are plenty of kiosks for chilled refreshments and warm crepes, and stunning views of the Dnieper River, and Kyiv’s sizable left bank. TbilisiFor a taste of Eden in the city center, head to the National Botanical Garden, located behind the Narikala Fortress, on the opposite side from the Old Town. This park is at least 400 years old, having started life as a royal garden, save for the fortress overlooking it, it would be hard to tell that the city center lies just over the ridge. Amidst waterfalls, Muslim graves, and thousands of distinct species, this lush valley conceals many hidden spots that delight visitors. During the warmer months, locals love to escape the heat by flocking to the lakes on the city’s periphery. Turtle Lake can be reached by cablecar from Vake Park, which has a large World War II memorial. This shallow lake barely gets deeper than 8 feet, and has many turtles, as the name implies. Surrounded by cafes, this pretty lake has good views, and hosts many concerts and festivals. Tbilisi’s open-air ethnographic museum, with its 70 buildings from throughout the country, is located nearby and is itself a great place for a stroll. BucharestKing Michael I Park, known as Herastrau Park until 2017, and named for Stalin in the 50s, encompasses Lake Herastrau, the largest lake along the Colentina River. This peaceful park is popular with locals, in part due to its sheer variety. Here, you can find lakeside paths for running, biking, or just strolling. Along the way, you can visit one of Europe’s largest beer gardens (with space for 3,000 inside and out), or relax in the quiet, charming Japanese Garden. There are plenty of nice places for a picnic pause in the Village Museum. There, you can find 272 authentic peasant homes and other buildings, from churches to barns, stables, windmills, and inns. Deep in the heart of the park, you can find the Elisabeta Palace. The official residence of Romania’s former royal family, this palace hosts many VIPs and special events. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a celebrity, president, or royalty! Perhaps our favorite area for a picnic, though, is Insula Trandafirilor, “Rose Island.” This quiet location is easy to reach thanks to its three bridges, and has several promenades decorated with roses, as well as views of the Elisabeth Palace and a small natural reserve with swans and turtles. Another charming local favorite is Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park. Of its five islands, we recommend “Insula Artelor,” the Island of Art (across from the Island of Dogs, which is, naturally, a dog park). A place to relax, there are terraces, rowboats, paddle boats, and frequent concerts. Feeling hungry?If you would like to visit these picnic spots, ask your JayWay Travel advisor to include it in your vacation package, or if you’ve already booked with us, you’ll find all of these in your custom Guest Page. If you are curious about planning a trip with us to these destinations, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions, and get to work on a custom plan for you. Related PostsThe post Spend a Serene Afternoon Picnicking (Part II, Everywhere Else!) appeared first on Jayway Travel . The post Spend a Serene Afternoon Picnicking (Part II, Everywhere Else!) appeared first on travelers abroad. from travelers abroad https://travelersabroad.online/2019/09/17/spend-a-serene-afternoon-picnicking-part-ii-everywhere-else/ from https://travelersabroad.tumblr.com/post/187780277883 We often get asked what travel documents, such as visas, are needed for visitors. Below you’ll find plenty of details, but to start, always bring a passport good for at least 90 days after you arrive. Border guards always assume you will stay for the maximum amount of time you’re allowed in a country, which is generally three months. At the end of this article, we’ve listed different categories of countries and their visa requirements for Americans, Canadians, and Australians. Visa-Free Travel in the EUWhile we cover a large area, most of the countries we offer are EU members (and most of them are part of the Schengen Area), which makes things easy. If you have a US, Canadian or Australian passport, you can visit the EU without a visa for three months. You’ll receive a passport stamp when you arrive, but if you’re traveling through the Schengen Area, you’re free to cross borders without worrying about checkpoints or stamps. If your passport has been issued for another country, we recommend checking with that country’s embassy in the country that issued your passport, or with the interior ministry’s website for any country you’re visiting. All EU members are part of the Schengen Area save for Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus, which are moving to that point but still have border controls with their EU neighbors. Thus, if you enter these countries, even from another EU member, you will still have to get your passport stamped. Even if you’re crossing a border within the Schengen Area for a day trip, keep your passport on you, as this is still legally required, and police occasionally stop vehicles to make sure all passengers have valid passports or visas. Starting in 2021, if you visit a Schengen member, you will have to register with the new ETIAS system, the EU counterpart to the American ESTA. This requires registering online before your arrival and paying a €7 fee. Approval should be granted within minutes. Countries requiring visasEven if a European country isn’t an EU member, it generally grants visa-free access to citizens of the US, Canada, and Australia. Indeed, the only European countries that require generally visas for citizens of these countries are Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Russia. Another exception is that Australians need to apply for an eVisa to visit Ukraine, at least 10 working days before their arrival while Canadians and Americans don’t. Azerbaijan requires an eVisa, but this only takes a few minutes online and $23, and is generally granted within 24 hours, although people with Armenian names are often denied entry. Always be sure to use the official Azerbaijan government eVisa site , not one of the many that masquerade as the official site. You’ll need to provide the details of the accommodation you’ll be staying at in Azerbaijan. RussiaVisitors to Russia generally need a visa. Once a deposit has been paid on a trip and rooms are booked, we’ll receive visa support materials from the hotel(s) where rooms are booked. We’ll forward these to you, as well as contact information for a service that helps with visa paperwork, checks them for errors, and expedites the process, for a surprisingly small fee. As Russia has recently closed several of its consulates in the United States, this process can take longer than usual, so we recommend getting the ball rolling a soon as you’ve made your deposit and have the necessary supporting materials. It is possible to spend 72 hours in Russia without a visa by taking a cruise/ferry from Helsinki via the Moby/St. Peter Line. Doing so involves follow a series of unusual restrictions. Passengers are required to sign up for a group tour of St. Petersburg upon their arrival, and are only allowed to stay at one of a short list of generally overpriced hotels in the city center. The cruise between Helsinki and St. Petersburg is overnight in either direction, so a three-day trip takes another two days, unlike the high-speed train that tourists usually take to get between Helsinki and St. Petersburg. The sea is also often rough during fall and winter, which can cause problems even for those not normally susceptible to seasickness. For this reason we advise against this way of visiting St Petersburg. The convenience of not needing a visa is outweighed by these other issues. BelarusAs with Russia, while foreigners generally need a visa to visit Belarus, there is one exception: visitors who arrive via Minsk International Airport. Minsk’s airport has few connections, and almost all of its flights are provided by national carrier Belavia, which is fortunately partners with KLM, Finnair, Air France, Etihad, and several other major airlines. Once you’ve landed, you need proof of at least €10,000 worth of medical insurance valid in Belarus, but this can be purchased for €1 per day at a desk before passport control, with dollars or euros, and proof of at least $24 worth of assets per day you plan to visit (a credit card will do). You’ll then be able to travel in the country for 30 days, although if planning to stay for more than five business days, you must register with the interior ministry. Hotel staff will take care of this for you. Belarus and Russia are a “union state” thanks to vague, confusing agreements from the mid-90s that did little more than grant the two countries an open border, but this visa-free travel this does not let you travel in Russia, nor apply to people flying to Belarus from Russia. KosovoAmericans, Canadians, and Australians can visit Kosovo without a visa. Indeed, there may be no other place on Earth where Americans are more welcome, thanks to the country’s aid in ending fighting in the 1990s and its military presence. Getting into the country, though, can be tricky. According to Serbian law, Kosovo is part of Serbia. If you enter Kosovo from another country, then try to enter Serbia, you will be refused entry, as you will have de jure entered Serbia without a Serbian entry stamp. Likewise, if you enter Kosovo from Serbia, you will not receive a Serbian exit stamp, and will have to return to Serbia, in order to legally exit that country (and thus legally return to Serbia in the future). This is not a problem for EU citizens, who can use their national ID card at the border, and thus avoid stamps. Travelers often enter Kosovo via Macedonia, then pass through Skopje to visit Serbia, but people occasionally take a brief detour through Montenegro to get from Kosovo to Serbia. If you enter Kosovo from Serbia, we recommend returning to Serbia afterwards, in order to get a Serbian exit stamp when you leave Serbia again. Unrecognized territoriesOK so countries themselves are generally straightforward, but what about unrecognized states? Aside from tongue-in-cheek sovereign Uzupis, Vilnius’ bohemian district, or Kosovo (recognized by over 100 countries, including the US), there are several unrecognized states in the area we cover. While we don’t offer stays in Transnistria, a breakaway sliver of a state only recognized by other unrecognized states, we do offer it as a stop for those traveling between Odessa and Chisinau, or as a day trip from either of those two cities. Although this breakaway republic is isolated (it has no airports or ATMs so be sure to bring cash to convert), Americans, Canadians, and Australians can visit visa-free for 24 hours. Even though it’s not officially a country, in our experience their border control officers will take a good long look at your passport, probably just to sow unease. Officially, the other states are territory occupied by Russian or Armenian forces, and their allies, and are financially, politically, legally, and geographically isolated (while legally part of Georgia, South Ossetia’s sole border crossing is with Russia). These areas are generally difficult for westerners to visit, and we cannot cover them or offer aid there. Due to a trade embargo, we are also unable to offer tours of or services in, Crimea. AppendixCountries we cover that are visa-free for US/Canadian/Australian citizens: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. Of these, Austria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia are in the Schengen Area and share open borders with each other. Countries we cover that generally require a visa or eVisa: Russia, Belarus, and Azerbaijan. Ukraine for Australians. Related PostsThe post “So, do I need a visa to travel to Europe?” appeared first on Jayway Travel . The post “So, do I need a visa to travel to Europe?” appeared first on travelers abroad. from travelers abroad https://travelersabroad.online/2019/09/17/so-do-i-need-a-visa-to-travel-to-europe/ from https://travelersabroad.tumblr.com/post/187780277638 After the fall of communism, many products disappeared from the eastern side of the Iron Curtain, as factories struggled to compete with an entire globe’s worth of products, often flashier and higher quality. That doesn’t mean that communist heritage has completely disappeared from daily life and culture. In time, many came to miss aspects of life under communism, from stable employment and greater gender equality, to simple goods connected to happy memories. In Germany, this has become known as “Ostalgie” (from the words for “east” and “nostalgia,” “Ost” and “Nostalgie,”), and is especially visible in Berlin, from traffic lights and cars, to tourist kitsch and popular films like Goodbye, Lenin! Here are some ways to get an often literal taste of East and Central Europe’s communist heritage. Cola-style DrinksDuring the Cold War, Coca-Cola and Pepsi became symbols of the west. This is visible in the popular 1964 Czechoslovak musical comedy “Lemonade Joe,” a satire of commercialism starring a cowboy who supports “Kolaloka,” a fictional soft drink (in Czech, “limonada” can refer to soda) Because Coke was difficult to get behind the Iron Curtain apart from in Yugoslavia until the late 80s, many countries instead created their own versions. You don’t need to be in a musical western to try the Czechoslovak take on Coca-Cola, thanks to Kofola. Introduced in 1960, Kofola in its many forms can be found throughout East and Central Europe, especially in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Kofola is made with 14 herbs and fruits, and contains less sugar than its competitors. Popular communist soft drinks can be found in all directions from the Czech Republic, such as in Germany, home to Vita Cola. Introduced in the late 50s, Vita is less sweet and somewhat thicker than its competitors, with a more fruity taste, which has helped it remain one of Germanys’ most popular soft drinks, especially in the former DDR. Another East German soda still on shelves is Club Cola. Made from a recipe combining 11 herbs and fruits, especially rose hips, Cockta is another ersatz Coca-Cola. Introduced at a ski jumping competition in 1953, this soda took off as quickly as a ski jumper, first around Yugoslavia, then throughout the Eastern Bloc. Inspired by Cockta, Poland launched Polo-Cockta in the 70s, which was revived in the 2000s as part of a wave of communist nostalgia. Polo-Cockta played a key role in the 1987 cult classic fantasy comedy, “Kingsajz” (pronounced “king size,”) which subtly mocked authorities. CandiesThe rising tide of nostalgia for communist products in Poland also revived two nearly extinct sweets. “Warm ice cream” is made from mousse, topped with chocolate, syrup, or nuts, in a waffle cup. These are akin to Germany’s popular Schokoküsse (“Chocolate kisses”), marshmallows covered in chocolate. Also seeing a resurgence are Bambino ice cream bars, which older Poles associate with bygone beachside vacations. Most of Poland’s other favorite desserts predate communism, but the country’s most popular candy only dates back to 1955: Prince Polo chocolate wafers. Packing a lot of taste for their size, these candy bars were a hit throughout Communist Europe, and are still legendarily popular in Iceland, which traded herring for tons of the Polish sweets (the average Icelander still consumes half a kilo of Prince Polo annually). CartoonsCommunist-era cartoons are still dear to many, having been a cherished part of childhoods the continent over. The Sandmännchen (“Little Sandman”) came out in East Berlin a few weeks before West Berlin aired its own version, but the eastern version quickly eclipsed its western doppelganger, becoming popular throughout Europe, especially in Scandinavia. A charming, gentle stop motion animated show that played right before bedtime, the eponymous character traveled the world (and occasionally cosmos) with vehicles ranging from West German cars to hot-air balloons to spaceships, visiting children. At the end of the show, the Sandmännchen would sprinkle the screen with sleep dust, and its millions of young viewers would rub their eyes and start feeling sleepy, thanks to the wonders of classical conditioning. Another big hit is Krtek, a long-running series of Czechoslovak cartoons about a mole (“Krtek” in Czech). Originally meant to explain flax production in 1956, this first film won two Golden Lions at the Venice Film Festival, and the episodes produced sporadically over the following decades (as recently as 2002) became a beloved fixture in countries as distant as Japan, India, and Iraq. The show’s characters are cute, and the simple dialogue certainly eased its transition abroad. Krtek remains a common fixture in street art and shops throughout Central Europe. A bit further east, Cheburashka plays a similar role. The star of a series of stop-motion Soviet films that began production in 1969, this adorable character has the body of a bear and giant monkey ears (leading to occasional comparisons to Mickey Mouse), and goes on adventures with a crocodile and a mischievous old lady. The Cheburashka films were also known for their sweet but catchy songs. Cheburashka has achieved iconic status in Japan and among Russian speakers, and can be found in the forms of plushies, socks, and even as the namesake of a chain of daycare centers in Berlin. Another Soviet evergreen is “Nu, Pogodi!” or “Well, Just You Wait!” the adventures of a wolf trying to catch a hare. Produced occasionally since 1968 (the most recent episode was released in 2012), this show is akin to Tom and Jerry, with the wolf’s schemes to catch the hare perpetually foiled, followed by the wolf shouting the show’s eponymous catchphrase. Although the wolf has slowly transformed from a threatening hooligan to a bumbling but sometimes friendly antagonist, his bellbottoms have stood the test of time, as has the show itself. Some TV shows have attained cult status, such as Poland’s “Four Tank-Men and a Dog,” about a tank crew fighting in World War II (and their lovable dog), but certain Soviet films and TV episodes are still aired annually in Russia. “Seventeen Moments of Spring” is a 1973 TV series starring Max Otto von Stierlitz, a fictional double spy sometimes compared to James Bond. Immortalized further by a series of novels and films, Stierlitz became one of the Soviet Union’s most famed fictional characters. Although the butt of an entire sub-genre of Soviet humor, “Seventeen Moments of Spring” is still aired in Russia around Victory Day. Stierlitz jokes often made fun of the series’ voiceovers, such as in this example “Stierlitz arrived at [SS leader] Himmler’s house in a red Russian shirt and carrying an accordion. He played a Russian folk song and danced squatting while whistling. Kopelyan’s voiceover commentary: ‘Yes, never before had Stierlitz been as close to blowing his cover as on that night.’” A similar Polish TV series from the 60s about a secret agent infiltrating the Nazi Party remains a hit on Polish telivision, and had a following elsewhere in the Eastern Bloc. 1976’s “The Irony of Fate” has become as much of a New Year’s Eve tradition in Russia as Salad Olivier, fireworks, and Putin’s end-of-year speech (and is a fixture in most of the rest of the former Soviet Union). As much a holiday staple as “It’s a Wonderful Life,” this screwball rom-com mocks the uniformity of Soviet architecture. Shortly before New Year’s Eve, the drunken protagonist is accidentally put on a plane to Leningrad by his friends. When he lands, thinking he is still in Moscow, he takes a taxi to his address, where he finds a building identical to his. His key works in the identical lock, and the furniture is identical as well, so he has no trouble falling asleep in what he takes to be his bed. The poor man only discovers he’s in the wrong city when the apartment’s rightful dweller arrives, followed by her fiancée. Hilarity ensues, along with a happy ending just in time for the new year. Communist Era CarsWhile most civilian vehicles had bad reputations due to poor materials and craftsmanship some have places in locals’ hearts and garages. East Germany’s Trabant is a classic example. Produced with few changes from 1957 to 1990, much of the tiny, cramped “Trabbi” was made from plastic synthesized from recycled waste. Despite weighing very little, the car had a top speed of 62 MPH thanks to its impressively underpowered and polluting two-stroke engine, which lacked a fuel pump. The butt of many jokes, the waiting list still exceeded ten years. While many Trabants were quickly replaced after the fall of the Wall, they have seen an increase in popularity as an icon of East Germany. Tourists can be seen driving around Berlin in them, and they’re still used for everyday life in East Berlin (although all have had their engines replaced to meet emissions regulations). East Germany’s charming “Ampelmännchen” (“Little traffic light man”), a pedestrian crossing signal, has become one of East Berlin’s main symbols, and has spread to West Berlin and some cities in western Germany. A similar feeling of nostalgia has powered sales of Junak motorcycles, the Polish take on Harley-Davidson, although modern Junaks are produced in East Asia. Ongoing OstalgiaThis article is just a taste of the many communist-era products that still line the shelves and streets of East and Central Europe, and have a cherished spot in the memories of many. While very few have any interest in returning to communism, that hasn’t hurt the sales of Tisza tennis shoes in Hungary, Poland’s Tiger vacuum cleaners, or tickets on Tito’s recently restored Blue Train. Related PostsThe post Communist Reminders in Daily Life appeared first on Jayway Travel . The post Communist Reminders in Daily Life appeared first on travelers abroad. from travelers abroad https://travelersabroad.online/2019/09/17/communist-reminders-in-daily-life/ from https://travelersabroad.tumblr.com/post/187780277768 As the quirky capital of the Germans, you’d expect Berlin to have a few decent spots to drink. And you’d be more than right. Here you’ll find a variety of popular spots for a brew or two, from a venerable ballroom to the banks of a canal to several rooftops, and everything in between. KlunkerkranichBerlin is famous for its hardcore techno scene, with clubs in former industrial spaces that attract top talent, such as infamous Berghain, but charmingly laidback Klunkerkranich is a more inviting place to hang out. Day or night, the club has one of the city’s best views, and is free before 6 PM. With its roots in the same anything-goes mentality that made Berlin a clubbing capital in the 90s, this rooftop bar, cafe, and community garden was founded by veterans of the underground scene who wanted something more legitimate, and ended up building their dream atop a mall’s parking garage (access the club by taking an elevator to the penultimate floor, then walk through the nearly empty garage to the rooftop). Take your time to absorb the details, from various cranes (the place’s namesake) and a massive faux Koons balloon dog, to a massive “bird favela” (in German it rhymes) made from seemingly endless birdhouses. The line gets pretty long in early evening, so show up early if you’d like to catch the sunset, or arrive a bit later for its jazz nights. PraterSince its humble birth as a ramshackle hut selling beer in 1837, the Prater has become an institution. Now the city’s oldest beer garden, it’s been open from April to September since 1852 (save for understandable intermissions during World War II and in the early 90s). The Prater’s restaurant is open-year round, offering beloved seasonal local classics like goose and white asparagus. The Prater was once famous for its ballroom and theater, which offered everything from operettas to marionette and vaudeville shows, a combination that attracted a diverse audience. The Prater still features occasional theater, and one of the city’s oldest art galleries, but is especially popular due to its old-fashioned, lush beer garden. Be sure to try the Prater’s own pilsners, but keep in mind that the beer garden is still a cash-only place. Cafe am Neuen SeeThe relaxing atmosphere at Cafe am Neuen See (Cafe on New Lake) more than makes up for its surprisingly small variety of beers on offer. This beer garden (the name is a slight misnomer) is tucked away in a corner of the Tiergarten near embassy row (we recommend visiting the Nordic Embassies, a modern complex shared by the Danish, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, and Finnish embassies, all of which have distinctive buildings, but share a common entrance and art exhibition area), this is also a short walk from the Victory Column, a must-see. This makes a great spot to relax after a busy summer’s day, and becomes a romantic candlelit space in the evening. You can also rent a rowboat from the cafe to explore the lake yourself. EschenbräuHidden away in the courtyard of an unassuming postwar apartment building in the district of Wedding, Eschenbräu is the city’s oldest microbrewery, and a true treasure. A fun, cozy spot in winter, come summer there is a small beer garden, where you can enjoy the brewery’s three main beers (including a traditional Old Berliner Dark), or one of its 21 seasonal specials (one of which is named for Jimmy Carter). We recommend the Panke Gold, a lager that smells like a fruity IPA and is named for a nearby river. Open daily after three, you’ll find plenty of regulars and beer connoisseurs here, and can fill your stomach with flammkuchen, the Alsatian take on pizza. If you’re looking for something more filling, we recommend Falafel Al Amin across the street, which stands out in a district already stuffed with good Arabic food (try the makali falafel). Insel der JugendThe Isle of Youth is a charming spot in an area rife with great places to enjoy a beer. Located in the historic Treptow Park, the romantic arched Abbey Bridge will bring you to this small island, and its charming cafe and bar area. There’s an ample lawn, and plenty of places to sit by the water, but you can rent a variety of boats, enjoy live music on Sundays, or even watch a film at the open-air cinema. A nearby youth club legally ensures that the surrounding area is kept relatively quiet. The park itself features a promenade, gardens, abandoned amusement park, and extraordinary Soviet war memorial. Monbijoupark and James-Simon-ParkClose to many of our accommodations, these two parks stretch out along the Spree, across from the northern tip of Museum Island. There are plenty of bars and stands selling drinks and food, so we don’t recommend any one in particular (save perhaps for the “summer beach bar”) but instead suggest grabbing a few drinks, and sitting by the riverfront promenade. Although no longer home to the royal Monbijou Palace, Monbijou Park is kid-friendly, with a children’s public pool, playground, and the historic Fairy Tale Hut, a theater that performs fairy tales for young and old alike. James Simon Park is smaller, but has a number of bars and restaurants beneath the elevated tracks that cut it off from Monbijou. LandwehrkanalThe banks of this canal are a popular place for locals to hangout with a few drinks. You can motor up and down the canal on a tour boat, but when the weather’s nice, you’re more likely to see locals floating downstream on inner tubes, inflatable boats, or canoes, loaded with beers. We recommend visiting the section that passes through Kreuzberg, from Böckler Park (with its restaurant boat and many swans) to the cherry trees of the Butterfly Lawn (Schmetterlingswiese) south of Görlitzer Park, where it intersects the Neukölln Ship Canal (Neuköllner Schifffahrtskanal). If you’re feeling energetic, you can follow the latter canal, which will take you past several excellent cafes. On Tuesdays and Fridays, be sure to visit the popular Turkish Market, held along the Landwehr Canal’s southern bank, in the heart of Kreuzberg. Also known as the BiOriental market (a three-way pun) this bustling market offers plenty of snacks, produce, and crafts. The same area hosts clothing and textile markets on Saturdays and every other Sunday. The canal itself is historic. In 1962, a group of East Germans stole a boat, armored the wheelhouse with steel plates, and successfully escaped to the West under a hail of bullets (thanks in part to West German police, who fired back at an East German patrol boat). The scenic stretch that passes through the Tiergarten past the zoo is also where you can find a memorial to communist Rosa Luxemburg, whose body was dumped into the water by a far-right militia in 1919. Madame ClaudeMadame Claude is worth visiting for its trademark quirk alone–everything is upside-down, with an apartment’s worth of furniture and decor hanging from the ceiling–but is fortunately good for more than just a few photos. Located in a former brothel, the place hosts events (usually musical) nightly. Berlin is a creative place, and this isn’t the only upside-down-themed place in the district (to the west is Upside-Down, an upscale restaurant and a bar centered around Georg Baselitz’s famed inverted paintings), but Claude is worth a stay after the initial shock. Clärchens BallhausBerlin’s most famous dance hall, Clärchen’s Ballroom opened in 1913, and doesn’t seem to have changed much since (save for the forlorn facade, which is set to be renovated in 2020). Which is one reason the place served as the setting for part of Inglorious Basterds. There are frequent concerts, and nightly dances in the mirrored main hall, but this venerable institution has a good restaurant, a charming beer garden, and a short walk from many of our Berlin accommodations. Monkey BarA very short walk from one of our accommodations, Monkey Bar sits atop one of our partners, the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin, which is itself above the 1950s Bikini-Haus (if you’re creative enough, you can see how the mall and office building’s third floor might resemble a bare midriff). The hotel has a jungle theme due to its location between the city’s concrete jungle, and the Tiergarten’s zoo, while the bar continues that theme, being located above the zoo’s actual monkey house. The hotel’s sunlit NENI restaurant transforms into Monkey Bar after midnight, but keeps the panoramic indoor and terrace views, and serves snacks from the restaurant kitchen. Accessible from the street by express elevator, you don’t need to stay at the hotel to enjoy this spot, and its live music and chill atmosphere. While the bar closes at 2, you don’t need to stay long to see why it was voted “best hotel bar” at the 2015 European Hospitality Awards. Berlin’s reputation for beer and partying is well deserved, but with millions of people living their lives there, every district is riddled with neat spots (except Bohnsdorf on the periphery, where there doesn’t seem to be anything to do beyond buying furniture). With the help of our local staff, we’ll be happy to guide you to whatever you’re looking for, from the above, to other secrets, such as a small bar with a secret entrance that leads to a hidden basement bowling alley, or a former DDR broadcasting center by the river that sells excellent pizzas alongside beer. Let us know what you’re feeling, and we’ll provide! Related PostsThe post 10 Spots for Grabbing a Beer in Berlin appeared first on Jayway Travel . The post 10 Spots for Grabbing a Beer in Berlin appeared first on travelers abroad. from travelers abroad https://travelersabroad.online/2019/09/17/10-spots-for-grabbing-a-beer-in-berlin/ from https://travelersabroad.tumblr.com/post/187780277543 Although Hungary has long had a reputation for having the Central Europe region’s best cuisine, Budapest itself has become a gastronomical Mecca, thanks to its six Michelin-starred restaurants. While the city abounds in excellent meals, for a truly memorable experience, seek out one of the six wonders of Budapest’s culinary world listed below. OnyxLeading the pack is opulent Onyx, the city’s only place with two-stars, so be sure to book it well in advance! A glitzy place, here you’ll inevitably find plenty of onyx, beneath sparkling chandeliers, and amidst plenty of gilding. As is popular with the city’s high-end, this restaurant combines modern techniques and ingredients with classic Hungarian favorites. While there are 3- and 6-course lunch menus, for dinner the restaurant only offers two tasting menus, one focused on international flavors, the other on ingredients found closer to home. Reservations are mandatory (we recommend booking 1-3 months in advance during the weekend and at least 3 weeks in advance for a weekday), and the restaurant closes for most of August, and half of January. Despite the formal atmosphere, the dress code is relatively casual. CostesHungary’s first restaurant to receive a Michelin star, Costes and its female head chef excel in applying French techniques to Hungarian favorites, especially in its legendary dinner tasting menu. Costes emphasizes fresh ingredients, using only milk produced earlier in the same day, and meat from animals slaughtered in the morning. Everything here is immaculate and carefully planned. Costes DowntownCostes’ sister location, Costes Downtown doesn’t have the most creative name, but the haute cuisine more than makes up for this. It’s somewhat less formal, with a modern design, open kitchen, and wooden tabletops, but retains its sibling’s emphasis on fresh ingredients. Costes Downtown doubles as the Prestige Hotel’s main restaurant, giving all the more reason to stay there. The Prestige is one of the most popular picks with our guests. StandStand is the fine dining take on Stand25, a beloved casual restaurant, mixing haute cuisine and local traditions. It’s impressive what Stand’s talented cooks can do with simplicity, doing wonders with a small number of high-quality ingredients. Both Stand and Stand25 were founded and are run by Onyx’s head chefs, creating a talent pipeline from casual Stand 25 to Onyx. BorkonyhaBorkonyha (“Wine Kitchen”) has just the cellar you’d expect, with 200 Hungarian wines on offer alongside Hungarian-influenced pan-European fare (and excellent takes on more humble local dishes). Despite the Michelin star, and mandatory reservations, the prices are relatively low, and the atmosphere more relaxed. This can work well as a memorable lunch stop near St. Stephen’s Basilica. Since the menu changes every fortnight, it may even be worth a second stop! BabelBabel focuses on dishes from Transylvania (now central Romania), the original home of head chef Istvan Veres. Using simple ingredients such as nettles or lichen, each dish is meant to reflect a memory of Veres’ Transylvanian childhood. We recommend the tasting menu, which is accentuated by its theatrical presentation. The wine cellar is nearly as impressive as Borkonyha’s, with nearly 200 Hungarian vintages on offer. Our travelers receive many recommendations via their Guest Page, a guide covering everything from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. For more excellent restaurants (that won’t empty your wallet as quickly) visit our friend, The Foodie Flashpacker . Related PostsThe post Budapest’s Leading Stars appeared first on Jayway Travel . The post Budapest’s Leading Stars appeared first on travelers abroad. from travelers abroad https://travelersabroad.online/2019/09/17/budapests-leading-stars/ from https://travelersabroad.tumblr.com/post/187780277428 Florence is an undeniably scenic city, but the best way to get oriented is to find a good view. We asked local staff and guides for some favorite vistas. Below you’ll find a variety of places for photos and plotting, from rooftop bars to historic towers and gardens. SE·STO on Arno Rooftop BarThis is, yes, a rooftop bar, as well as a highly rated (and priced) restaurant aiming for a Michelin star, with help from a head chef trained at a Michelin-honored restaurant. Even the indoor section uses glass walls to make the most of its central, sixth-floor views. Sesto on Arno ’s decor is modern and elegant but warm, and the food is likewise modern with strong Italian influences. Beneath the restaurant, you’ll find the Westin Excelsior Florence, just across the river from the baroque San Frediano in Cestello church. La Terrazza ContinentaleLocated atop the 4-star Hotel Continentale, this chic riverside cocktail lounge has great views due to its location within the city center, although views to the west are partially blocked by a medieval tower. While the bar opens at 1 PM, you can reserve a table for breakfast, weather permitting. Empireo Rooftop View American Bar & PoolYes, this place’s theme is “America,” but the excellent view, food, and drinks more than make up for this. As does the pool. As with the other two rooftop bars we recommend, this riverside place has good drinks and service, and a vista that explains its prices. Although the pool only open to guests of the 4-star Plaza Lucchesi Hotel that lies underneath, after 7:30 the bar opens to the public on a reservation-only basis. Sky LoungeFor the ultimate in romantic settings, book the Sky Lounge , atop the 4-star Grand Hotel Minerva (one of our partners) This entire rooftop terrace can be reserved for a candlelit dinner, with room for up to eight people, or reserved for 20 partiers. Located near (and with a direct view of) the Duomo, this is a popular option for anniversary dinners, and wedding proposals. B-RoofThis rooftop restaurant can be found five stories up, atop the Grand Hotel Baglioni, a block from the Sky Lounge. No rooftop with drinking and dining is closer to the Duomo. This restaurant is famous, which often makes it crowded, even though it focuses on, and attracts, celebrities and other elites. This is the closest rooftop for drinking and dining to the Duomo, making for a truly amazing view. Piazzale MichelangeloThere are plenty of places for great views without paying 5-star prices for food and drink. Michelangelo Square is easily reached by car, bus, or even a 20 minute walk from Florence’s center, and is perhaps the city’s best free view. Located across the river from the historic center, this is one of the city’s most iconic angles, and the view of the city and its bridges will surely look a bit familiar (especially if you pause to buy postcards during your stay in Florence). The view of city walls, the Bardini Gardens, and olive groves to one side, and mountains beyond on a clear day alone make up for the walk up to this plaza. True to its name, the plaza itself has bronze copies of Michelangelo’s works in Florence, including David. Take your own snacks and drink to enjoy while you savor the view. Biblioteca delle OblateIf you want a fantastic view of the Duomo’s dome, head to the Oblate Library a block away at Via dell’Oriuolo, 24. Located in a 14th century convent, this pleasant public library’s main draw to those who don’t read much Italian is the rooftop cafeteria, which has surprisingly great food and drinks (alcoholic and otherwise), yet is affordable and popular with students. With its easy elevator access to the street, this is a great spot to catch your breath and plan what’s next. San Miniato al MonteThe church of Saint Minias on the Mountain is devoted to Florence’s first Christian martyr, who is said to have been an Armenian prince who survived several lethal tortures, only to be decapitated. Losing his head didn’t stop him, though, as he merely picked it up and carried it back to his hermitage, where the church was later erected. The current church recently celebrated its 1,000th birthday, but despite its archaic architecture, remains in excellent shape (thanks in part to Michelangelo, who wrapped the facade with mattresses during a siege), with high wooden beams, and plenty of mosaics and paint. Crowning one of Florence’s highest points, St. Minias on the Mountain is a memorable example of Romanesque architecture, complete with a geometrically carved marble facade. Surrounded by defensive walls, the church complex includes a cemetery home to local notables, and a cloister. Giardino BardiniLocated near Michelangelo Square, the Bardini Garden’s woods, orchards, and ornate garden proper only opened to the public recently. Flanked by medieval city walls, this scenic site offers a grand panorama of the city, including the church of Saint Minias on the Mountain. Stroll along the grounds and you’ll find an Italianate garden with baroque staircase, an English wood with an Anglo-Chinese garden, and an agricultural park with a pergola covered by wisteria and a fruit grove. A short walk away, the Boboli Gardens and 16th century Belvedere Fort offer further views and greenery, as well as frequent art shows. We recommend following the new Greenway Florence trail from the riverside to this park, then continuing on to Michelangelo Square and the San Miniato church. Palazzo VecchioThose expecting the city’s most famous tower to have winning views are unlikely to be disappointed. Overlooking the Piazza della Signoria (the city’s unofficial center and main square), this fortified 14th century structure is enhanced by its tall clock tower. At over 300 feet, it’s a steep climb, and closes in the event of rain. While Michelangelo’s David no longer stands by the main entrance, the solid copy is still quite photogenic, and the real thing is hiding out at the nearby Galleria dell’Accademia. The interior is no less beautiful, with chambers and rooms decorated by artists including Michelangelo (one of his lost paintings is thought to be hidden in a secret cavity behind a fresco) and Da Vinci. New Michelangelo works are still coming to light. You really should be sure to check out the main chamber, the Salone dei Cinquecento. DuomoCrowned with the world’s largest brick dome, Florence’s Cathedral is one of the world’s largest churches, and delivers great views. Unfortunately, it lacks one thing: overall views of the cathedral itself! Visitors to the Duomo, officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, should expect crowds and lines. The Duomo itself is free, but you’ll need a pre-booked ticket to climb the 464 steps up to the dome, or 414 steps to the panorama provided by the cathedral complex’s showy freestanding Giotto’s Tower. While both views are impressive, the dome is naturally best for seeing the city, and the tower lets you get a better idea of the dome’s sheer size. Whether you want to get your bearings, or have a memorable anniversary dinner, we’ve got you covered. Let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll get you above the crowds, and make your stay memorable. Related PostsThe post Florentine Vistas: Florence’s Best Views appeared first on Jayway Travel . The post Florentine Vistas: Florence’s Best Views appeared first on travelers abroad. from travelers abroad https://travelersabroad.online/2019/09/17/florentine-vistas-florences-best-views/ from https://travelersabroad.tumblr.com/post/187780277298 |