You’d probably like to know how to pronounce Bruges, right? Ah, if it were just that simple. As is common in Belgium I’ve come to find out, this beautiful city has two different names and spellings/pronunciations. Bruges [pronounced broozh] is the English and French version. And Brugge [pronounced broo-gha] is the Flemish version. Both are correct. But here in the US we say Bruges and in Belgium and The Netherlands they say Brugge. It can get a little confusing when talking with the Dutchies (nickname for my cousins).

You may very well never even have heard of Bruges before. It is not necessarily one of those cities like Paris or Rome or London that roll off your tongue when you think of Europe. *By the way, I’ll be writing about all three of those fascinating cities in the future.* But let me tell you Bruges will certainly not disappoint. As a matter of fact, I guarantee you will fall in love with Bruges the minute you step foot there.

But let’s just dive right in to the best of (IMHO) what I will refer to as Bruges hereon out. Let the countdown begin!

“I would rather own a little and see the world than own the world and see a little.” 
—Alexander Sattler

#10 :: Belgian lace-making

Lace is not just a craft in Belgium but a part of this region’s cultural heritage. Dating back as far as the 15th century this art form became more and more popular in Bruges. By the early 20th century nearly 70% of Belgium’s lace was being made in Bruges.

The Lace Centre where lace-making is taught is also home to a fine and interactive lace museum where you can actually learn some tricks of the trade. Short- and long-term courses for lace-making are available here and on the second floor of the Lace Centre you can see the lace-makers at work. It is truly fascinating to see these talented artisans making bobbin-lace (as shown below) and needle-lace. I am really disappointed that I didn’t think to video tape the fascinating demonstration myself. But lo and behold I found one online for you:

Although this centuries old art form has a rich history, designer lace-making has also found its way into contemporary high-end couture showrooms such as the lingerie of Korean designer Sun Mae and the wedding couture of Veerle Praet.

#9 :: Zand Square Fountain

Zand is the largest public square in Bruges. Used as an open air market on the weekend it also serves as a popular venue for open air concerts.

The fountain has a central pool with 4 sculptures around it (a mermaid, a group of cyclists, fishermen and four bathing ladies) and is at its most dramatic when the jets are turned up high.

Zand Square Fountain is really quite charming. And the atmosphere surrounding it is pretty awesome so when you visit Bruges you shouldn’t miss it.

#8 :: Horse and Carriage ride through town

One thing that makes a visit to Bruges really special is a romantic carriage ride (like I did in Vienna) through the heart of the city along the canals and historic small bridges. The carriage driver will provide you with a colorful recollection of the history of Bruges. Along the way you will see small picturesque nooks and crannies within the city center, several museums and other historic sites.

In good weather conditions the carriages roll until 10 pm. 50EU will get you a carriage full (max 5 people) for a 30-minute ride. This is truly a delightful way to see the city.

#7 :: The Beerwall

In this 15th century mayor’s house you will find an exposition called “All Belgian Beers.” They call this the Beerwall, appropriately named, which displays all of 1721 Belgian beers. It is a really impressive collection.

Behind the Beerwall is their 2Be-Shop where you can pick up souvenirs as well as 2Be-Bar which serves a dozen beers on tap and has a magnificent view of the canal from the terrace. Roydio and his cousin Joan enjoyed a flight of beers and it was here that Roydio decided that Belgian beer is the best in the world. You’ll have to come to Bruges to find out if that indeed holds true for you but I’m confident that you might just agree.

As we enjoyed the absolutely perfect weather and cozy atmosphere on the terrace of this charming medieval city I couldn’t help notice some swans making a meal of the low hanging foliage along the canal. I mean, when do you ever find an adorable scene like that? Not often for sure. I was thoroughly entertained and it certainly added more of that typical Bruges charm to my visit.

#6 :: Canal Tour

After a long enjoyable break at the Beerwall we went back to see about a canal tour. Bruges is often called “the Venice of the North” referring to the numerous canals and bridges on the river “Reie.” Make sure to take a canal boat tour because there are many sides of Bruges you can only see from the water.

Tours take only about 30 minutes but the tour guides do a great job of packing in a lot of information about the city in that short time frame. And I consider the price of 8EU very reasonable for a unique perspective and view of Bruges. I loved all the old bridges especially. It was a comfortable and worthwhile ride.

#5 :: Belgian waffles and chocolates and more

Did you know that Belgium is famous for some of their delicacies? We are all familiar with Belgian Waffles. It was Belgium that came up with the idea of adding all of those delicious sauces and fruit and whipped cream on top of plain old waffles. What a great idea!

And did you know that Belgian chocolate is known to be among the finest in the world? You’ve heard of Godiva, right? Yep, Belgian! Leonidas? Also. And two of the world’s largest chocolate factories are located in Belgium. Moeder Babeluut is a fine chocolatier in Bruges so of course we had to stop in and take a look (taste).

If you’ve heard of Flaamse Friet I would be surprised but this is the Belgian term for what we call “french fries.” Yes, you read that right. French Fries. HA! They originated in Belgium not France! And they double fry them in Bruges the way they were originally intended to be made. Flaamse Friet is bomb! And once you’ve had it in Belgium (or The Netherlands for that matter) you will never want the US version ever again.

Delicious coffee is always served with chocolate or cookies (both Belgian, of course). As a matter of fact if you’ve ever flown Delta Airlines chances are you’ve had one of their Bischoff cookies made in… you guessed it, Belgium!

And last but certainly not least :: Belgian fresh bread is to die for and it is unbelievable how many different kinds are available.

#4 :: Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady with its 400-foot brick steeple (the largest brick construction such as this in the world) dominates the skyline of Bruges. It is quite literally the ‘high point’ of the stonemasons’ art in this medieval city and took two centuries (13th-15th) to build.

Church of Our Lady houses the Carrara marble Madonna and Child the only Michelangelo sculpture believed to have left Italy in his lifetime. And although it was protected for hundreds of years this famous sculpture was taken by soldiers in both the French revolution and in World War II and hidden from everyone. It was later found and returned to Belgium. And now you can find it in the transept of this church.

#3 :: What a great walking town!

I loved exploring the different areas of town on foot. I have an affinity for little alleys and exotic looking doors as well as quaint waterways. All three were present in this beautiful town and walking is the best way to experience all the nuances of Bruges.

Buses are not allowed on the streets of the Bruges city center so walking is the only way you will see the entire town. But what a great way to see this charming city with all of its old world nooks and crannies throughout.

#2 :: The Best BnB ever :: De Vijf Zuilen

We were so fortunate to have found a gem and the best Bed and Breakfast we’ve ever experienced in our travels thus far. Roydio found this 5-star rated BnB on Booking.com and those ratings and reviews are not exaggerated one bit. I can confirm every single one.

Ginette is the owner and our most amazing hostess. She is delightful, informative and will treat you like kings and queens! And she has a wonderful sense of humor to boot. You will remember her name always. “Like Gilette, the best a man can get” she will recall the commercial jingle from the razor company. “I’m Ginette, the worst a man can get!”

Every room is delightful. The bed linens are top notch, the mattresses are super comfy, the dresser was adorned with a beautiful welcome gift and the beds were decorated to perfection. A sign hung out on Joan and Mitch’s door that said “Just Married” and ours was for our 29th Anniversary. Ginette sees to it that every detail is perfectly attended to.

I highly recommend De Vijf Zuilen, located walking distance from the city center. Next time we come to Bruges we will definitely stay there again. I’m really looking forward to it.

#1 :: The Historic Center of Bruges

Finally, my #1 reason that Bruges will steal your heart is its Historic Center which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. According to the UNESCO website “Brugge is an outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, which has maintained its historic fabric as this has evolved over the centuries, and where original Gothic constructions form part of the town’s identity. As one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe, Brugge developed cultural links to different parts of the world. It is closely associated with the school of Flemish Primitive painting.”

Crossing over the bridge and through the medieval town gate entrance was like going back in time… Thick walls and fortifications surround the city for protection from Viking marauders back in the day.

Bruges first rose to prominence in the 14th and 15th centuries thanks to viable waterways and the influx of well-off merchants and other elites. By the 19th century its fortunes had changed, funding was strapped tight so they could not afford modern building projects. Yet it was a blessing in disguise for this beautiful town. Medieval houses were spared the wrecking ball and Bruges’ quaint, historic beauty was rediscovered nearing the 20th century.

Architecture dating back to the 9th century, hand-laid cobble stones, crow-stepped gables, unspoiled historic cityscape and charming canals that weave through the town all contribute to making this a delightful place to visit.

While Bruges is technically a city any local will tell you the atmosphere is much more that of a village :: one swimming with tourists. But locals know that despite its many attractions Bruges is really a nostalgic town at heart and one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever been.

Bruges completely exceeded my expectations on every level. Not only did the atmosphere blow me away but every aspect of this charming medieval town made its way into my heart. From our AirBnB to the food to the Beerwall to the canals and historic laanddmarks and local people, Bruges is definitely a place I want to return to again and again.

Read more ::

10 Unique Things to Do in Prague

15 Must-See Places on Berlin Walking Tour

10 Other Things that Make Berlin Special

And this may also be helpful on your travels ::

Best Travel Tips After 30 Years of Traveling

The post Bruges :: 10 Reasons She Will Steal Your Heart appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Six :: Barceloneta Beach and Platja de Barcelona

According to TripAdvisor Barceloneta Beach is the best city beach in Europe.

I took the following video at Platja de Barceloneta, a wonderful open square surrounded by restaurants and bars on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other.

Although you can expect it to be pretty crowded with tourists year round you can see it is a really delightful area to hang out. Whether you’re there to sunbathe, swim, dine, drink, people-watch or just stroll around here you will find the perfect atmosphere.

Tips:
1. Be aware that you will be approached by vendors trying to sell you everything from a circular towel to massages. Sometimes it can be annoying but you might actually enjoy some of their wares.
2. August is the most crowded month so if you’re not into waiting in lines you might want to choose another time to visit.

Five :: Try the food

Of course you know I’m going to talk about the local food. Food in Barcelona is all about making the most of the best local produce and boasts some of the best gourmet delicacies in Spain. I’m just going to touch on a couple of options here. In another post you can read more details :: Beginner’s Guide to Eating in Barcelona.

Tapas

Known for its Tapas (small plates) bars, Barcelona does not fall short of variety and flavor and quality.

This is actually my favorite way to eat: small plates of a variety of flavors and textures. I prefer this type of dining over a big piece of meat with a big helping of potatoes and vegetables.

Paella

Another recommendation I have for you is the paella (rice and seafood cooked and served in a large flat shallow pan). Paella originated in Valencia and you can therefore find the best of the best in that beautiful coastal town but with a little research you should be able to find quality paella in Barcelona as well.

There is much too much to cover when it comes to the food in Spain so I’ve gone into more depth in my post Beginner’s Guide to Eating in Barcelona.

Tip: Do your research to find places that serve authentic cuisine rather than the cheap and tasteless tourist versions. Once you taste the real thing you won’t want to settle for less.

Four :: La Rambla

[AKA Las Ramblas. Originally a series of 5 smaller “ramblas” have been incorporated into one big La Rambla]

La Rambla is the most famous promenade in Spain, a beautifully tree-lined pedestrian street 3/4 of a mile long, stretching from the Christopher Columbus Monument on the south end to Placa de Catalunya on the north end. La Rambla is filled with restaurants and shops and souvenir shops and street performers, etc. This very popular Catalonian landmark is visited by tourists from all over the world all year long. Once you experience it you’ll understand why.

Mercat de Sant Josep La Boqueria

My hotel in Barcelona was located less than a block off the center of La Rambla, not far from probably one of the reasons why (you might have guessed) I love finding local markets everywhere I go: Mercat de Sant Josep La Boqueria.

Font de Canaletes

On the north end of La Rambla and the heart of Barcelona by Placa de Catalunya you will find Font de Canaletes, a popular meeting point.

Font de Canaletes’ legend is this: “If you drink water from the Font de Canaletes you will always be in love with Barcelona. And however far away you go you will always return.” I can attest to that! I DO love Barcelona and I DO plan to return, so in my eyes this saying is not just a legend.

Tips for La Rambla:
1. Barcelona is known as the Pickpocket Capital of the World. Be very aware of your belongings when walking the streets, especially in the crowded tourist attractions and late at night. Your pockets are not safe. I would recommend you wear a money belt or a jacket or vest with inside pockets in which to keep your money, phone, etc. I’ll tell you what happened to Roydio in my next post: Don’t Do’s in Barcelona
2. There is no way to avoid crowds altogether in Barcelona but August is their busiest month. Just a heads up.

Three :: Camp Nou

My Roydio is a futbol player and therefore a huge futbol fan [not to be confused with American football: in the US futbol is known as soccer]. And because of him I’ve become a fan as well. Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe, in fact the third largest in the world in capacity – just over 121,000 and home to FC Barcelona whose captain is Lionel Messi who happens to be my fave player. So my visit to Camp Nou was compulsory. And it certainly did not disappoint.

**CHEESE WARNING** The following video is a little cheesy I admit, but Roydio was over-the-top excited about visiting this iconic stadium and couldn’t help himself from getting in front of the camera (not that he’s shy by any means). So I decided to include it here for you. You’re welcome.

Here is a panoramic shot for you as well.

For those who are fans (or not), Camp Nou is about as impressive as it gets. 25EU will get you in the door without paying for a tour. We went on a self-guided tour of the museum, the changing rooms, the press room and commentary boxes. We experienced the audiovisual and multimedia installations, sat in the VIP area, then down in the stands.

We were not allowed to go onto the field which was a disappointment but it was well worth seeing this massive stadium in all its glory. The next time we watch an FC Barcelona game we will feel as though we’re right there!

Tip for Camp Nou: Go during futbol season so you can catch a live game!

Two :: Montjuic

Montjuic “Jewish Mountain” is Barcelona’s biggest hill. On the side of the hill is the Montjuic Cemetery which you can’t help but notice as you drive into Barcelona from the airport. It is quite a beautiful sight.

Castell Montjuic itself is not near as impressive as other castles we have visited but what makes it so special is the view from the top.

From the castle I took a zoomed in shot of La Sagrada Familia that shows how big this cathedral is compared to the houses around it. So IMHO it was totally worth paying the reasonable entrance fee of 5EU.

Montjuic itself is a huge 57 acre park that sprawls over the entire hill and includes several parks within itself. Entrance is free, making this the best deal in Barcelona IMO.

I took the local bus to Montjuic and took the cable car up. I then walked around the parks and fountains and took the local bus back into town.

Don’t do what I did. Since the distances between the attractions on Montjuic are spaced fairly far apart I missed seeing several of them because of how long it took me to walk everywhere, although I saw more of the details by walking which was very cool.

Having said that, I would still recommend taking the Hop On Hop Off bus.

Tips for Montjuic:
1. Start at the top and work your way down.
2. Set aside an entire day if you want to see it in its entirety
3. Take the HOHO bus and get off at the different attractions in order to see it all because there is a LOT to see
4. Visit the castle on Sunday after 3pm to get in for free

One :: Works of Gaudi

Barcelona is home to the works of world-renown genius architect Antoni Gaudi, the world’s best practitioner of Catalan Modernism. Here are 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of his you shouldn’t miss when visiting Barcelona:

1. Casa Mila

La Pedrera “stone quarry” as it is popularly known. One of Antonio Gaudi’s main residential buildings, his last and a total work of art. The next time I’m in Barcelona I’d like to go back and take the full tour so I can see its rooftop terrace.

2. Casa Batllo

Antoni Gaudi was commissioned by its owner to restore this old house originally built in the 1800’s and to make it stand out. One of Gaudi’s most spectacular works.

3. Parc Guell

Located on Carmel Hills, Parc Guell is now a garden complex comprised of a series of Antoni Gaudi’s houses (including his own). It was originally designed as a housing development project that ultimately failed. The city took it over and made it public in1926. Parc Guell has been one of the city’s most important acquisitions since.

4. Basilica de La Sagrada Familia

Maybe not many people realize this but Antoni Gaudi was not the original architect on this project but took it over after one year of construction and completely changed its original design. This is considered the most famous of Gaudi’s works. La Sagrada Familia has been in construction since 1882 with its completion not to be expected until 2030.

Click here to find out more about UNESCO.

Other tips for Barcelona: 
1. Put that gratuity away. Tips are almost unheard of among the locals in Spain. If you feel your server has gone above and beyond in your eyes in an elegant restaurant, a 5-10% tip is more than enough. If your server is waiting for a tip, you’re probably in the wrong restaurant.
2. With the exception of the touristy areas and a few grocery stores, Spain closes many of its shops on Sundays. Restaurants are usually open only in the mornings on Sundays but closed in the evenings.

Click here to check out everything Barcelona has to offer and use it to book tickets, restaurant reservations, tours, etc. Goooooooaaaaaal!

Read More ::

9 Don’t Do’s in Barcelona

Beginner’s Guide to Eating in Barcelona

Bangkok :: How to See It in 3 Days

Lisbon :: One of My Very Favorite Cities in Europe

I definitely want to return to Barcelona in the future – there is only so much you can do in one visit or even two and there are just way too many amazing things to see here. Tell me what you think about Barcelona so far?

In my next post I will share with you what NOT to do in Barcelona. Because I want to make sure you are fully prepared for a great time without running into snags. “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin

The post Top 6 Must Do’s in Barcelona appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

After researching several boutique hotels and Bed n Breakfasts both of which I really enjoy, I opted for staying in an Airbnb in Vienna.

Surprise #1 About Vienna :: Our Airbnb was over the top

“… she took us for a ride up the elevator to the third floor (whaaaat? an elevator? in Europe??)”

OMG I was absolutely blown away by the Airbnb Roydio found for us in Vienna! Christiane met us at the front door and took us for a ride up the elevator to the third floor. Whaaaat? An elevator? In Europe?? Then she gave us the grand tour. And I do mean GRAND!

The first thing I noticed about the apartment which appears to be normally used as a training/conference center (this is a first for me!) a conference-type living room with a full-sized conference room. The bedroom is located behind pocket doors and there are two full bathrooms. 

But the most amazing feature of this Airbnb is the huge windows to let in TONS of light and the most MAGNIFICENT view! 

Yes! This is what you see when you look out our windows! This definitely was one of the most magnificent views outside my window that I’ve ever seen and it was the first thing that surprised me about Vienna :: WOW!

When you enter you find a good-sized open kitchen area with all the sparkling water and local Ottakringer Lager you can drink :: nice perk!

This place is new. It is clean. But the best feature for sure was its location :: Location, LOCATION!

#1 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: our Airbnb

AirBnB Vienna: https://bit.ly/2QKHVcu
Otxakringer Lager: http://www.thebeerstore.ca/beers/ottakringer-wienerorigin

Surprise #2 About Vienna :: Stephansplatz, such a lively square!

Located smack in the center of Vienna, Stephansplatz is a lively square that actually incorporates residences and businesses outside the main square area. You can imagine my surprise when I realized that one of the most exuberant things about Vienna was right there outside my door!

Food stalls and shops galore line the square where you can wander for hours. And actually this is another thing that surprised me about Vienna :: the food wasn’t as boring as I’d remembered from my visits to Austria as a child. As a matter of fact it was rather tasty and special!

“We ate standing at a bar-height table…”

We stopped at what seemed like a very popular stand and ordered a sausage dish that was delicious.  We ate standing at a bar-height table as everyone else did. It was quite crowded so I was pleased when a table opened up just in time.

So yea, the #2 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: Stephansplatz. And the fact that it was right outside my door was more than I had ever imagined.

Surprise #3 About Vienna :: St. Stephan’s Cathedral, a sight to behold!

The main highlight of Stephansplatz is St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

Stephansdom, as it is known in Vienna, is a Romanesque and Gothic medieval cathedral which stands on the ruins of two earlier churches dating back to the 1100’s. One of the tallest churches in the world, I heard its bells ring proudly throughout the day as wells as in the evening. A truly breathtaking sight to see. A beautiful sound to hear especially since it is located directly in front of our Airbnb apartment! Seriously? No better view to be had, for sure! Unbelievable…

Parts of the cathedral require an entrance fee but the main sanctuary is free to the public and definitely worth a look (and listen).

It was so relaxing to wander the square and take in all the sounds and smells of my surroundings. The thought “I’m in Vienna!” kept creeping into my mind. This is a place I’ve always dreamed of visiting and I am actually here.

#3 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: St. Stephan’s Cathedral. I just opened my window and there it stood, in its grandeur and splendor! Magnificent doesn’t even begin to describe it.

But there is so much more to this area that is worth mentioning!

The Streets of Vienna

Not too far from my apartment in the oldest square of Vienna “Hoher Markt” I found a wonderful cafe called Joma Cafe Brasserie Bar which came with outstanding reviews and where Roydio and I had breakfast of a soft-boiled egg, toast and egg-filled avocado as well as a latte and hot chocolate. It was all yummy and worth the price we paid.

On the next block over is the famous Anchor Clock representing  a typical art nouveau design. Everyday at 12 noon it does a “dance.” I wasn’t there at the right time so I’m including a video I found online so you can see what it does…

I don’t know but I think I may have developed an affinity for clocks over the years, but this was definitely one of the things that surprised me about Vienna. It was absolutely beautiful!

Rathaus :: Vienna City Hall

The Rathaus is the Vienna City Hall and on the list of the most beautiful buildings in Vienna. Apparently there is always a lot of construction going on inside the Rathaus and sure enough when I was there so I didn’t get to go inside. If you’re there at Christmastime, I hear their decorations compare to none. But I was there in May, so…

I did, however, stop to take some pictures of the outside and the beautiful archways that frame it. 

Surprise #4 About Vienna :: Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

They call them “fiakers” taken from the Parisian Rue de Saint Fiacre. Roydio and I took Fiaker Paul for a ride through Vienna’s historic City Center and were blessed with the perfect weather for it. We shared our two-horse carriage with an older couple from a different country. We didn’t recognize their language so we just smiled at each other. HA! 

You can easily find the fiaker stands in Stephansplatz, Michaelerplatz, Albertinaplatz, Petersplatz and Burgtheater/Volksgarten

“finding out where to get a Sachertorte was a close second!”

The driver spoke English and showed the four of us where Mozart and Sigmund Freud lived. He explained how old some of the buildings were and what their uses are. The highlight of the ride for me was seeing the Spanish Riding School. But finding out where to get a Sachertorte was a close second! The ride was a little bumpy so I wasn’t able to take good photos on our tour. Bummer. And the tour itself is rather pricey so I recommend doing the shorter. You can certainly see a lot of Vienna in 30 minutes!

The driver was kind enough to take our picture before we continued on our journey through Vienna on foot.

After our fiaker ride we spent some time going back and visiting some of the sites we passed that looked interesting. Although I’m glad we sprung for the carriage ride for the sheer sake of experiencing Vienna in this traditional way, I found that walking is still the best way to see everything in this beautiful city.

#4 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: the spectacular way to see it :: in a fiaker!

A little tidbit about Vienna

Vienna is known as Wien [pronounced VEEN] from whence you get the word WIENerschnitzel one of the city’s popular dishes. And for those who live in the US, no, they don’t serve hot dogs…. HA! Wienerschnitzel is actually fried breaded veal. 

Surprise #5 About Vienna :: Roman ruins at Michaelerplatz

I was pleasantly surprised to come across an archaeological excavation where remains of the Roman residential settlement for soldiers’ wives and children from back around 168AD were uncovered. And it apparently was also reputed to have been used as a brothel for those soldiers.

At the junction of two road routes which led across the Kohlmarkt and Michaelerplatz, four different buildings were discovered, inhabited until into the fifth century. A foundation stone was found west of the road junction indicating the existence here of a pillar-type commemorative tomb or monument.

“it’s a must-see for sure, especially if you’re a history buff”

What a find, this portion of the Wien Museum right in the middle of Michaelerplatz. Located directly in front of the palace complex of the Hofburg which is also one of the pick up locations for the “fiakers.” It’s a must-see for sure, especially if you’re a history buff.

#5 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: I definitely wasn’t expecting to find these amazing Roman ruins in the middle of town! And it was awesome to see some of these other places on our ride through town ::

Hofburg, Vienna seat of government

As of the 13th century Hofburg has been the documented seat of government for Vienna and was the former imperial palace. Today this is the residence and workplace of the President of Austria. It’s a beautiful grand building located across from Heroes Square, the Kaiser Apartments (renting for $87 and up), the Sisi Museum and Maria-Theresian Platz.

At the dome below the Kaiser Apartments, it appeared to be tradition for people to stand in the center and sing out loud because apparently the acoustics in the dome are magnificent. And it certainly was!

There were several men who took their place in the center of the dome and began singing their hearts out while I was there. It would probably have been considered rude of me to video tape their performances so I decided against it. But it sure was fun to see and hear! And it seriously ranks as one of the things that surprised me about Vienna. I know, I’m quirky like that. But these types of little unexpected experiences is what make traveling so special to me.

Heroes Square also known as Heidenplatz is most notably the place where Adolf Hitler announced the annexation of Austria to Nazi Germany in 1938. So many historical places in such close proximity to each other. It made me just stop and think about how grateful I am for the freedoms we enjoy. 

Viennese cafes and coffeehouses

Famous for their cafes and coffee houses I made it a point to keep an eye out for all the cute little Viennese places on my way to here or there. It was fun just strolling down the streets of Vienna and happening upon opportunities to enjoy a cup of coffee, some sparking water and perhaps a light lunch or snack.

“the famous Cafe Mozart, one of the oldest traditional Viennese coffee houses in Vienna”

As I trekked across town I found the main Tourist office and with info and maps in hand decided to go across the street to the famous Cafe Mozart, one of the oldest traditional Viennese coffee houses in Vienna, to strategize plans for the next couple of days. Located in the heart of the city this 200 year old coffee house was highly recommended in all the reviews we read. Roydio and I chose seating outside on the patio and ordered an espresso and lemonade to discuss our plans. Seriously, our drinks were wonderful but not worth the 11.50 Eu we paid (hence no pastry). I guess sometimes you just have to pay the standard fare for touristy places. Buy hey, I can now say “I’ve been to Cafe Mozart.”

Hop On Hop Off Bus Vienna

“I highly recommend it!”

Throughout my travels I usually try to find a HOHO bus which is a great mode of transportation. Buy a one-day pass for a great way to see everything the city has to offer and then go back to the places that interest you. I highly recommend it. You can hop on and hop off wherever you think you’d like to spend more time. But this time I took it from beginning to end just to see an overview of the city because I planned to do a lot of walking here.

If the day is beautiful and warm you’ll have an unobstructed view sitting outside on top. If it’s too chilly or if it rains, inside provides shelter from the elements. Either way, it’s a great way to see the entire city because there is a lot to see!

I saw so many special places on this HOHO bus ride including the Danube River, St Francis of Assisi Church, the Millennium Tower and the Donauturm. Happy to have had such a nice day in which to enjoy the ride. Such a great way to see so much.

Surprise #6 About Vienna :: Schoenbrunn Palace, one of the best

The idea to see the Schoenbrunn Palace actually came from my granddaughter Samy who recently visited there. Upon arrival I found out that the busiest months to visit Schoenbrunn are April to September and the busiest times are 10am-12pm on the weekend. And wouldn’t you know it :: I found myself there in May on a Saturday at 10am… HA!

“…research ahead for this one”

The line for tickets kept me waiting the better part of 2 hours. The time slot I was given was 3:30pm so yea my timing was the worst possible. Too bad this is one place I did not research ahead before visiting. But now I’ve experienced it for you so you don’t have to! I’ve placed some “tips” at the bottom of this post regarding what you can expect when you come to Schoenbrunn.

Schoenbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is my goal in life to visit as many of the UNESCO sites as possible; so far I’ve seen maybe 20+.  Having known better but much to my chagrin I was not allowed to take photographs inside the palace. As a matter of fact they took my purse and emptied my pockets prior to gaining entrance. But let me just say I’ve been to a lot of palaces around the world including what many people consider to be the most beautiful, the Forbidden City in China, but Schoenbrunn must be in the top ten. Go see it!

The grounds of the Schoenbrunn are unbelievably grand much like that of the Palace of Versailles but smaller in scale in which you can spend the better part of the day wandering the grounds. In fact that is exactly what you will do if you don’t book your tickets and a time slot ahead of time (again, check my “tips” at the bottom of this post).
https://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/

#6 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: Schoenbrunn Palace was magnificent!

Surprise #7 About Vienna :: Glorietta, the best view in Vienna

“On this beautifully tree-lined path you will run across gardens and waterfalls and statues and fountains…”

I did exactly that: wandered the grounds while waiting for my time slot. I must say it wasn’t the worst way to kill time. The gardens were magnificent! Although there is a tram (for a fee) that takes you to the panoramic terrace called the Glorietta, knowing I had a lot of time I opted to just take the leisurely stroll up the hill. On this beautifully tree-lined path you will run across gardens and waterfalls and statues and fountains… I would highly recommend you not miss the opportunity to experience this peaceful journey on your way to the highest point of this expansive property.

Once I arrived at the Glorietta, I was awestruck at the gorgeous view! From this vantage point you can see the palace in all its glory. The massive surroundings as well as the city of Vienna behind it make a memory in your mind that will last a lifetime.

#7 thing that surprised me in Vienna :: the amazing view of the entire town from the Glorietta! I wished we could have stayed up there and enjoyed the view for a lot longer than we did.

It would have been nice to have brought a picnic lunch and sat on the grass to enjoy it at my leisure as others were doing. They obviously did their research!

There is a restaurant and swimming pool (for a fee) around the back side of the Glorietta which gives the perfect location for respite before heading back down to the Palace. On Sundays there is a brunch with live music.

“watching the Royal Wedding was so surreal”

It just so happens that I was at Schoenbrunn on the day the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was taking place so during our lunch there I watched a portion of the ceremony on my phone. I have to say it was kind of surreal being at a palace in Vienna while watching the Royals in Windsor. It made me feel as though we were sort of connected…

Back at the apartment

We spent our last evening in Vienna enjoying the nighttime activities in Stephansplatz and ended up at one of the food stands to order dinner. We found what looked like a delicious local dish made with pork and crushed potatoes with onions called “Greste Krumpian.” We then walked over to our favorite bakery Aida Cafe/Konditorei for dessert. We brought our dinner back to our apartment and enjoyed the magnificent view from our amazing Airbnb one last night. 

Of all the things that surprised me about Vienna, the ambiance was evident everywhere we went. From the history to the architecture to the food and the coffee shops :: Vienna was a spectacular find.

Is it time to leave already?

Vienna exceeded all of my expectations… holding all of the old-world charm I had hoped for. Yet this is a city of contradictions with it’s unique blend of imperial traditions and stunning modern architecture. And although we crammed a lot into this three-day booking, the time passed much too quickly and I found myself wishing we could stay longer! Vienna, you are beautiful and I’ll definitely make it a point to return…

TIPS for Schoenbrunn:

1. Plan to visit during the off-season prior to April or after September
2. Plan to arrive on a weekday either early in the morning or later in the afternoon
3. Buy your tickets online; book your time slot before you arrive
4. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beautiful grassy field
5. Bring bottled water. You will need it walking around the vast grounds
6. Know that they will take your bag/purse before entering the palace so be sure not to bring valuables
7. Arrive on Sunday to enjoy brunch in the Glorietta as well as live music ranging from the classics to jazz

TIPS for Vienna:

1. Don’t expect everyone to speak English
2. You’ll have to ask for the bill
3. Stores usually close early
4. There are no non-smoking areas
5. Be sure to carry change (public restrooms charge)
6. Subway: don’t sit where it says “blind,” “pregnant,” “elderly”
7. Tipping: 10% is suitable
8. Let little old ladies cut the line in front of you; it’s expected
9. Don’t forget to partake in a Sachertorte

The post Things That Surprised Me About Vienna appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Some of the places I’ve traveled have touched me deep down in my soul. Berlin definitely is one of those places for me. If you get the chance to visit Berlin I highly recommend it. I hope these images will inspire you to go. Perhaps it will change you too…

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How would I describe Berlin? Interesting. Beautiful. Horrific. Infamous. Monumental. Awe-Inspring. Tumultuous. Mind-blowing. Unforgettable.

The walking tour I took here really inspired in me the need to dig deeper into the throes of the history of this city. I came away with more questions than answers. It was like taking a course in university but never passing the exam for a lack of time to study. There is so much to learn!

So when I returned home from this trip I felt the need to dig my head into the history books. OK, maybe not the books but I went online. I am so thankful for the internet where you have access to information about anything and everything at your fingertips. Literally.

I highly recommend a visit to Berlin. I hope these images have inspired you to go!

The post Berlin Germany :: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

And with his guidance we learned a ton about this wonderful city! Vasilis was pretty incredible :: his personal goal (besides showing us the best sites of the city) was to stay ahead of all the tour buses (OMG there were so many!) so that we could get in and out of every stop quickly and BOY was he successful! We could definitely not have seen as much as we did if we’d opted to take a bus tour… whew!

… and to top it all off, Visilis brought us to a traditional Greek restaurant for a traditional Greek lunch and ended the day relaxing with him with drinks overlooking the harbor. It was a seriously hot day but compared to every incredible thing we did it was hardly noticeable.

Athens is a city that has so much history and because of the many places we visited here I will be giving you a lot of information. I’ll try to include links for you and even teach you a few Greek words.

TIP :: Please be sure to contact Olive Sea Travel on Facebook or Instagram and ask for Vasilis who manages the company. He is the best of the BEST!

It’s unbelievable to think that we covered all of this in One. Day. Here is a map of only SOME of the things we saw in our one-day excursion to Athens ::

The Acropolis

Many people think that the Acropolis is a structure but no, it is an area. The Acropolis means “top of the city” and is actually a rocky hill in the centre of Athens. On its flat top there are three temples: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike with the Porch of Maidens among other ruins. But first there is the Propylaea.

The Propylaea

The building of Propylaea which in Greek means “that which is before the gates” started in the year 437 and served as the entrance to Acropolis. It is made of white and grey marble and is where the treasury was kept. No one unclean was allowed to enter the Acropolis in those days. It stood then as it still does today.

The Parthenon

The Parthenon is regarded as an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece, Athenian democracy and Western civilization. It is one of the world’s greatest cultural monuments. And although the Parthenon is architecturally a temple it is not really one in the conventional sense but is regarded as the finest example of Greek architecture, by some being the most perfect Doric temple ever built.

It was dedicated to the patron saint Athena for one thousand years after which it changed hands between the Turks and Venetians due to wars, converted to a Christian church and then a mosque. Finally the government took it over and began a restoration project.

The Erechtheion

The Erechtheion is yet another ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis which was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. Its name is derived from a shrine dedicated to the Greek hero King Erichthonius, a legendary early ruler of ancient Athens.

On the south side of Erechtheion you will find the famous ::

Temple of Athena Nike

Dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike which in Greek means “victory.” The citizens worshipped the goddess in hopes of a successful outcome in the long Peloponnesian War fought against the Spartans and their allies.

Built around 420 BC the temple is the earliest fully ionic temple on Acropolis. It is a tetrastyle which means “four column” structure with a colonnaded portico at both front and rear facades in amphiprostyle designed by the architect Kallikrates. You didn’t realize you would get a lesson in architecture, did you? Surprise, surprise!

Architects excavated the temple in the 1830s and it was re-erected from remaining parts in 1836. A third reconstruction was done very recently in 2010. The main structure and columns are largely intact, minus the roof. Fragments of the sculpted frieze are exhibited in the Acropolis Museum ::

Porch of the Maidens

The famous Porch of Maidens at the Temple of Athena Nike consists of six sculpted draped female figures called “caryatids” used as supporting columns. The word comes from the Spartan city of Caryae where young women did a ring dance around an open-air statue of the goddess Artemis. Antiquity’s most famous caryatids are these six in Acropolis.

The Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora was originally used as a commercial, assembly or residential gathering place. The most famous structures in the Ancient Agora is the Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos which houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora, the Library of Pantainos and the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles ::

Temple of Hephaestus

Hephaestus was the patron god of metal working, craftsmanship and fire. There were numerous potters’ workshops and metal-working shops in the vicinity of the temple and that’s how it got its name. Built mostly of marble the temple housed the bronze statues of Athena and Hephaestus.

From the 7th century until 1834 the Temple of Hephaestus served as the Greek Orthodox church of Saint George Akamates. According to Wikipedia “the last Divine Liturgy in the temple took place on February 21, 1833, during the celebrations for the arrival of Otto in Greece. In the presence of the Athenians and of many others the bishop Talantiu Neofitos gave a speech.”

It is amazing to me how well this structure has held up over the years!

Stoa of Attalos

Stoa (“covered walkway or portico”) Attalos was built by and named after King Attalos II of Pergamon, identified as a gift to the city of Athens for the education that he received there. The ceremony of the signing of the 2003 Treaty of Accession of 10 countries (Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovakia,and Slovenia ) to the European Union was conducted in the Stoa of Attalos on April 16, 2003.

The Stoa of Attalos houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora whose exhibits are mostly connected with the Athenian democracy.

Library of Pantainos

Built around the same time as the Library of Celsus (135 CE) in Ephesus and the Library of Hadrian (132 CE), the design of the Library of Pantainos was different in that it is said to have been built from a converted house. It was also more than just a library :: the west and north wings were a series of rooms that were used for other purposes other than storing books, stoas the revenue of which it is said may have contributed to the maintenance of the library itself.

Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles

Dated back to the 10th century the Church of the Holy Apostles is located next to the Stoa of Attalos. It is significant in that it is the only monument in the Agora besides the Temple of Hephaestus that survived wholly intact since its foundation.

The Ancient Agora is the best-known example of an ancient Greek agora, located to the northwest of the Acropolis and bounded on the south by the hill of the Areopagus.

Areopagus

Before the 5th century BC), the Areopagus which means “rock” was the council of elders of the city. It was from this location that the Apostle Paul is said to have delivered the famous speech, “Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.” (Areopagus sermon, Acts 17:24)

It was pretty surreal for us to be standing in this place. If you look closely you will see Roydio standing on the top of the Areopagus where the Apostle Paul once stood. Gave me goosebumps.

As we walked through the Ancient Agora there were many ruins that were uncovered and not yet reconstructed. How fun would it be to put the puzzle pieces together? Well, fun for me at least. I think I must have missed my calling in life…

Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is focused on the archaeological findings of the Acropolis. It exhibits nearly 4,000 objects in over 14,000 square meters of floor space.

Ruins below the Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum lies over the ruins of a part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens. According to Wikipedia, “Excavation has revealed two layers of modest, private roadside houses and workshops, one from the early Byzantine era and another from the classical era.”

The Parthenon Gallery

On display on the 3rd floor of the Acropolis Museum you will find the Parthenon Gallery where the story of the Panathenaic Procession is on display in direct correlation of where they would have fit together using original blocks of the frieze and cast copies of the pieces that are currently in the British Museum and the Louvre.

It is a pretty impressive display. As you walk through the gallery it’s as if you are actually walking inside the Parthenon itself.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum houses some of the most important artifacts from a variety of archaeological locations around Greece. It is considered one of the greatest museums in the world and contains the richest collection of artifacts from Greek antiquity worldwide.

Location :: It is situated in central Athens between Epirus Street, Bouboulinas Street and Tositsas Street while its entrance is on the Patission Street.

Temple of Olympian Zeus – Archaeological Site of Olympieion

Foundations of the Temple of Olympian Zeus were laid on the site of an ancient outdoor sanctuary dedicated to Zeus upon which an earlier temple had previously stood. After destruction 15 columns remain standing today and a 16th column lies on the ground where it fell during a storm in 1852.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone theatre structure built in 161 AD by an Athenian magnate of the same name in dedication to his wife and reconstructed in 1950.

The Odeon has been the venue for many important performances over the years. In 1957 Maria Callas performed at the Odeon as part of the Athens Festival. In May 1962 Frank Sinatra gave two Benefit concerts for the city of Athens. It was the venue for the Miss Universe 1973 pageant. Luciano Pavarotti performed at the Odeon twice, in 1991 and in 2004. The venue hosted Yanni‘s Live at the Acropolis performance in September 1993. Sting performed at the venue during his Mercury Falling Tour on May 17, 1996. Elton John performed two concerts at the venue during his Medusa Tour in 2000. In September 2010, tenor Andrea Bocelli held a concert at the Odeon to raise funds for cancer research. Other important artists who performed at the Odeon include :: Bolshoi Ballets, Diana Ross, Liza Minelli, Jethro Tull and the Foo Fighters.

Panathenaic Stadum

One of the main historic attractions of Athens the Panathenaic Stadium is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. Originally built in a natural ravine between the two hills of Agra and Ardettoson and the site of a racecourse, it was used primarily for the Panathenaic Games with a capacity of 50,000 seats.

After being refurbished, it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896 and then again in 2004.

Arch of Hadrian

More commonly known as Hadrian’s Gate it is made of Pentelic marble, from Mt. Pentelikon and it is said that the arch was built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and to honor him for his many contributions to Athens.

Constitution “Syntagma” Square

Syntagma Square is the central square in Athens and the most important square of modern Athens from both a historical and social point of view, at the heart of commercial activity and Greek politics.

National Library

The National Library has 4,500 Greek manuscripts including many decrees issued by Byzantine Emporers and archives of the Greek Revolution as well as a Gospel Book attributed to the scribe Matthew and the first publication of Homer‘s epics and hymns.

Academy of Athens

The Academy of Athens’ main building is one of the major landmarks of Athens and the highest research establishment in the country. It has operated under the supervision of the Ministry of Education since 1926.

University of Athens

The University of Athens is the oldest higher education institution of the modern Greek state and the first contemporary university in the Eastern Mediterranean. Today it is one of the largest universities by enrollment in Europe with over 100,000 registered students.

Hellenic Parliament

The Parliament is the supreme democratic institution that represents the citizens through an elected body of Members of Parliament (MPs) the 300 members of which are elected for a four-year term.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A war memorial in Constitution Square this monument was dedicated to Greek soldiers killed during war and guarded by the Presidential Guard of which the changing of the guards still occurs every week. The Grand Change takes place at 11 am on Sunday mornings and involves the whole Guard with its officers and a military band all marching from the Guard Barracks to the Tomb for the Change and back. The Grand Change is a popular Sunday morning spectacle for Athenians and tourists alike.

Sotira Lykodimou Russian Orthodox Church

Also called St. Nicodemos this church built in the 11th century and now the Russian Orthodox Cathedral is the only Byzantine church with an octagonal plan. It used to incorporate a monastery before it was abandoned after destruction in 1701. A bell tower was added in the nineteenth century.

Kolonaki

Kolonaki which means “little column” is a wealthy and upscale neighborhood in central Athens, one of the capital’s leading shopping areas. In Kolonaki you will find a number of high-end boutiques from casual fashion to prestigious haute couture from Greek and international designers. One of its main shopping streets, Voukourestiou Street, is now known for its jewelry.

Fagopotio

This quaint and unassuming Greek restaurant is where Vasilis brought us to enjoy some delicious traditional food. The food was truly delicious and I loved the ambiance and typical Greek decorations.

Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus is made of limestone and can be reached by the Lycabettus Funicular, a funicular railway which climbs the hill from Kolonaki but of course we got here with Vasilis.

And what a great view of Athens and the Acropolis. I can see why it is a popular tourist destination. Vasilis brought us here to have drinks and to just relax and enjoy the view. What an amazing way to end the day.

Location map ::

Dromeas

On our way back to the ship we saw this amazing glass sculpture called “The Runner.” It is made of thousands of individual pieces of sharp, jagged glass pieces stacked atop each other to take the blurred shape of a runner in motion. It was fun to see a modern sculpture in the midst of this city filled with ruins but I would be afraid to get near it. OUCH!

Location :: Pl. Megalis tou Genous Scholis, Athens

I guess I should include a picture of our amazing tour guide Vasilis Vlahos :: please be sure to contact him if you are planning a trip to Athens. You won’t regret it!

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Ruins, ruins everywhere and the archaeological finds in this amazing city are truly in abundance! If you’re a history buff this city will overwhelm you. I couldn’t wait to learn more about this fascinating city and when I had access to my computer I spent hours and hours reviewing all of the things I’d seen to learn more in-depth information about each and every single one. OMG it really was overwhelming.

BTW I have to mention that when we got home our tour guide Vasilis friended me on Facebook! I found out he ran in the Athens Marathon. The Authentic. the next year! Anyway, he checked out Every One of the pictures I posted of our trip to Athens (and there were a LOT) and was kind enough to tag those that I had forgotten the names of! Now, THAT is customer service! Make sure you look him up at Olive Sea Travel and book him if you go! You. Will. Not. Be. Disappointed!

Well, after the amazing time we had I just knew it would happen :: Athens, you Stole My Heart! And I look forward to the day that we meet again!

Oh, and you’re welcome for the history, archeology and language lessons! It was fun researching everything so that I could pass it on to you!

The post Athens :: You “Ruined” It For All the Others! appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Bed and breakfast

At the discretion of and research by Roydio we stayed in the hills of Bad Ems at a highly rated Bed and Breakfast called Hotel Wintersberg. What a gorgeous view!

Strategically located at the end of a windy road at the very top of a hill overlooking Bad Ems we arrived at this beautiful and peaceful place, a contrast to the other places we have visited in Europe so far.

Apparently this hotel has been in the same family for five generations. Located in a beautiful setting of trees and nature what a wonderful way to relax. Next to the lovely patio out back is a Roman watchtower that is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site. So special!

Wine tasting

The next day we set out to find a wine tasting room and vineyards in the Koblenz area so that Roydio could try out some of his favorite :: Riesling wine.

Our GPS led us to the middle of a residential area which confused us. Tempted to just find another I insisted on knocking at the closed door of the Weingut Matthias Muller building to see if I could get more information. And I’m so glad I did!

Luckily for us the owner, Frau Muller, was still at the shop and opened the door for me. She explained that the wine tasting rooms in Germany are located apart from the vineyards and showed us on a map where we could find their vineyards. 

But considering we had traveled so far even though it was after hours she was kind enough to do a private wine tasting for Roydio. And we walked away with a case full of wonderful German wines which made him a very happy camper.

As we got underway we passed the vineyards along the hillsides. What a beautiful sight.

Rheinanlagen Parks

At the end of our drive along the vineyards which ran along the Rhine River we came to a spot that was so picturesque that I had to pull over and get my camera out.

The flowers, foliage and greenery in this stretch of parks were stunning. There appeared to be some very old castle-looking buildings and tunnels as well as beautiful gardens that compelled me to do some exploring.

When I read about this place I found out that it is called Rheinanlagen parks that stretch 3.5 km and one that the wife of Kaiser Wilhelm I commissioned a Prussian landscape architect to design between the years 1856 and 1861. An addition to this park was constructed in 1902 which gave rise to a magnificent river boulevard lined with lots of wonderful sights through which to take a stroll.

One of my favorite strips of land on this trip for sure.

Boppard

Purely by accident we found Boppard, a cute little town on the river!

Boppard we learned was one of the most important settlements on the middle Rhine and one of the best preserved fortifications in Germany. It used to be walled, the gate and portion of which remains on Bingergasse. Seriously another adorable medieval town. And apparently it’s a favorite stop for several river cruises. What a wonderful surprise to find this town.

The waterfront is lined with beautiful flowers and timber-framed houses with elaborately carved frontages. And the main square or Market Place is the town’s focal point in the center of which is a modern fountain and dominated by the striking twin towers of St. Severus Church.

St. Severus Church

The Roman Catholic St. Severus Church occupies one side of the Market Place and is one of the largest and most important churches in the Middle Rhine, dominating the town. It is built on the site of where the original Roman baths used to be.

The present building dates back to the 13th century and is a great example of late Romanesque architecture. The walls are whitewashed and the arches and ceiling ribs are all painted. And you can’t help but notice the 13th century triumphal crucifix where Christ is crowned as a King rather than the more common depiction of him on the cross.

Its five church bells ring throughout the town every day at 10am and 12 noon.

Cafe Baldeau

When we arrived in the main part of town we got out and strolled along the street.

We stopped at one restaurant Cafe Baldeau…

…where the owner, Bert Baldeau, walked out and greeted us and invited us in for lunch. His smile and friendliness drew us in and we indeed had a bit of lunch there. He sat with us as we waited for our meal and gave us a little history on this cute little town of Boppard along the Rhine.

Sauerlingsturm

The Sauerlingsturm tower although not in its original location is a part of the town’s medieval fortifications. It was dismantled between 1906 and 1908 to make way for another railway line and then reassembled a little north of where it originally stood.

Continuing our journey…

From Boppard we returned to our Bed and Breakfast for the evening.

After a pretty amazing breakfast in the morning we continued our northbound journey through Germany.

We stopped in Cologne where my cousin Robby and his wife Elke live, about a 2.5-hourdrive, and where they have a successful travel magazine called ReisenExclusive. We met them at their office. It was so good to see them!

After a tour of their office we set out to cross the Rhine on the ferry to the other side.

Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral or the “Dom” is incredibly the most visited tourist attraction in all of Germany. And I can certainly see why.

Building on this impressive Gothic structure started in 1248 and houses the remains and shrine of the Three Wise Men as well as outstanding stained-glass windows and many other important works of art which deemed the Cathedral of Cologne a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

It is also the second tallest structure in Cologne, second only to the telecommunications tower.

It holds more than 20,000 people and has almost 8,000 square meters of floor space.

We spent some significant time inside admiring all the facets of its beauty and then lit a candle as is the tradition in the catholic church when praying for someone.

Cafe Reichard

After our stroll from the cathedral across the square we came to the famous Cafe Reichard, a family-owned institution since the 19th century and prime location in front of the Dom. It is a large venue with several indoor rooms and plenty of outdoor seating in nice weather which for us thankfully it was.

The cases are filled with rows and rows of cakes, pies, macarons, truffles, pralines, chocolates… OMG they really have every beautifully baked item you can possibly think of.

We took this time to enjoy a light lunch from the salad bar, a tasty cake and coffee. Cafe Reichard is impressively service oriented. My order for a pot of tea was taken as soon as I was seated and service at the luncheon buffet was friendly and efficient. I would highly recommend a stop at Cafe Reichard after visiting the Cologne Cathedral and the many attractions in this central neighborhood.

And it has the best and most amazing view of almost any other restaurant I’ve ever been to. Click here for more information about Cafe Reichard.

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Germany as so much to offer and I was so blessed to be able to experience this part of the Middle Rhine and to visit family north of there on our way back to The Netherlands. One day we will have to go back and see much, much more!

The post The Rhine :: 2 Days Along This Iconic German River appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Since this was just a stop on our Eastern Mediterranean cruise and the weather didn’t call for beaching it we spent nearly all of our time here. I hope you enjoy the photos of this spectacular piece of history.

Funny story :: I got so caught up with taking photographs of this castle Roydio and I got separated. When he finally found me he told me he panicked a little and walked all the way down the hill to where the bus was to see if I was there before hiking back up the hill to find me planted in front of the castle waiting patiently for him. It’s a good thing we had some time to spare. But it was here that we decided that if we ever get separated again we would meet at the place we split up. Luckily everything worked out this time but it could have ended up badly. HA!

Oh and we also now have international texting included in our calling plan so we can communicate no matter where in the world we are. Shout out to T-Mobile for saving us! HA!

Tip :: if you’re traveling with other people be sure to make a plan for meeting back up again or make sure you have the international texting on your phone plan. HA!

Before boarding our ship I also got a couple of quick shots of La Seu, Cathedral-Basilica de Santa Maria de Mallorca, a pretty impressive Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral…

…and the Windmills of Mallorca.

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This time around we spent our time here in the historic places of Palma de Mallorca and I’m so glad we did. But should there be a next time I think we will opt for visiting when the weather is more conducive to laying out (and perhaps snorkeling) on the beaches because I hear they are pretty spectacular.

Click on these links for more information on ::
Museu d’Història de la Ciutat
Cathedral de Palma (La Seu)
Windmills of Mallorca

The post Bellver Castle :: 30 Images in Palma de Mallorca appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Its history is so compelling when you realize that during the age of pirates the houses made of vernacular stone remained colorless for them to easily blend with the landscapes as a strategy against the pirate raids in the Aegean. And they were built in a maze-like pattern to confuse the pirates, giving the locals more time to escape. But oh what a beautiful place to get lost in.

The white paint also helps keep the houses cooler in the scorching heat. In the 60’s and 70’s a military government ordered everyone to paint their houses only the colors of the Greek flag. This rule also helped bring Greece into the limelight attracting tourists from all over the world. What a picturesque place – Greece is now known for the white houses constructed in an attractive maze along their hillsides. Read more about Greece here.

Here are 8 of my favorite things about my visit to Mykonos ::

8. Seaside bars

One of the things that make Mykonos so charming is all the little bars located in places you don’t expect. Tables outside along a white (of course) building seems unlikely to be one but this is Kastro Bar. I found it among several charming hangouts in Mykonos town. Love all the views!

7. Old Harbor Fishing boats

I loved hanging out in the harbor and watching the fishing boats come in and going out. All of the restaurants in Mykonos serve the freshest of fish these local fisherman bring in daily. The boats themselves are so colorful and make a beautiful contrast to the mostly white background of Mykonos town.

They also offer fishing expeditions and tours for those who love to fish.

6. The Churches

There are a total of between 600 and 800 churches, monasteries and chapels in Mykonos which adds up to be about one church or chapel per local family! Mykonian custom is to place the bones of dead family members in a shrine in the church. This is still practiced in modern times across the island. Perhaps this is one of the main reasons there are so many churches in Mykonos.

I visited four of these adorable churches in town or “Chora” (pronounced hora). Each is white of course but each is unique in its own way. 

Agios Charalambos

You will find Agios Charalambos just behind the windmills in the Chora sitting above the waterfront with a lovely view of the ocean and the surrounding hills.

Agia Kyriaki

Agia Kyriaki which still holds regular services throughout the year is located in the square of the same name where you will also find the public library. This large church with its tall, white walls stands out among the little shops that line the charming square.

Agios Nikolakis

One of the most picturesque churches in Mykonos Agios Nikolakis is a small antique building perched on cobbles near the port and features a beautiful blue dome.

Panagia Paraportiani

Panagia Paraportiani means “Virgin Mary standing next to the entrance door” or otherwise known as The Church of our Lady. You will find this adorable church with a little bell at the top right next to the side entrance of Castle Panigirakis in the Kastro neighborhood. Its interesting architecture and history makes this one of the most photographed churches, it is said, not just in Greece but in the world.

The really unique thing about this church is that it actually consists of five small churches that were built one on top or next to the other. The church of Agios Efstathios is the center of this complex, surrounded by the churches of Agios Anargyros, Agios Sozon and Agia Anastasia. On top of these four churches, there is the church of the Virgin Mary, which looks like a dome.

The five churches were built gradually at different times over centuries. The oldest church is Agios Anargyros which was built in the late 14th century. The other churches were built in the 16th and 17th centuries with renovations till 1920.

5. Seaside restaurant Kavos

Restaurant Kavos is set in a perfect location next to the ocean. Shielded from the winds which occur daily in Mykonos you can have a leisurely meal here and pick your own fresh fish from their fish bar. Comfortable and charming. The wait staff as throughout Europe really are not in a hurry to serve you or to give you the check so don’t be in a rush. Take your time and do as the Greek do :: relax and go with the flow. Greek time is different from what we Westerners consider for time so anyone in a hurry here is going to be frustrated by the slower pace. Five minutes might mean 15 minutes. Just allow more time for your meal, soak in the atmosphere. You will be so glad you slowed down enough to truly enjoy being in Greece!

Tip :: Gyro. I know the pronunciation has been debated. But this is what I learned :: It’s not a “hard G,” it’s not a “hero,” it’s pronounced YEE-roh and don’t forget the rolling R!

4. Little Venice

Little Venice built in the mid-18th century consists of rows of fishing houses along the waterfront, some having been converted into bars and cafes and shops, and yet another of the most popular places in Mykonos to be photographed. Originally built for rich merchants and captains the bottom floor offered direct access to the sea. The legend is that the owners were secretly pirates. 

Many artists come here to paint the picturesque coastline. Best time to visit is 9-10am to have breakfast in some of the local bakeries. Or you can come down between 5 and 7pm to enjoy a stroll through this unique spot, have a cocktail and watch the sunset in what many people consider to be one of the most romantic spots on the island.

3. Castle Panigirakis

The Castle of Panigirakis was built on the foundation of the love between Marcos Panigirakis and his wife Ismini in the 18th century, surrounded by 7.5 acres of gardens and stone walls overlooking the Aegean Sea. This historic property is protected by the Ministry of the Environment as a ‘Preservable Monument of the Pre-Industrial Period.’

Today it serves as a hotel with 5 stars across the board. With breathtaking panoramas, lavish interior and exclusive accommodation :: an oasis of tranquility and indulgence. It is also a popular spot for weddings and spectacular events. 

Rooms at the castle go for anywhere between $178 to $359 USD per nite but you would be hard-pressed to get a reservation as it is booked well in advance.

Location :: Axioti 310, Mikonos 846 00

2. Kato Mili Windmills

Located next to Little Venice, the conical white windmills capped with wood and straw, the 3-story windmills are iconic to Greece and in Mykonos there are actually 16 of them on the island but in the most famous are the five overlooking the harbor. Built in the 16th century they were primarily used to mill wheat and mostly by wealthy families. Most of the windmills face towards the north where they have the strongest winds.

Some of the windmills in Mykonos have been refurbished and restored to serve as homes and some as vaults for Mykonos’ heritage documents.

Tip :: be prepared for a little wind! Mykonos is known for its windy skies all year long and probably the reason for the windmills in the first place. But if you aren’t prepared it may just catch you off guard and sweep you off your feet!

1. The Views

The views are absolutely breathtaking. From where the windmills are to the castle to Little Venice… you have an amazing vantage point from wherever you are in Mykonos.

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What a beautiful island! We were not expecting to enjoy it here as much as we did. Quaint little beaches and shops and streets and houses in this adorable Greek town on the island of Mykonos :: it is really beautiful here! We walked all around the town, through the narrow, winding streets and alleys, all the way up to the windmills and back around to the shore. The views were incredible, waters beautiful, little white houses on the hills picturesque… I can see us coming back this way again one day!

The post Mykonos :: 8 Things That Will Bring You Back appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

SPLIT on the island of Ciovo

We flew into Split from Vienna and spent a couple of days here :: another great European town with lots of history and charm. Being 17 centuries old and dating back to the time of Roman Emperor Diocletian who built his palace here, over the years his Palace grew to become a city.

Split has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 due not only to the Palace but all of the old Roman structures dating back to the Middle Ages that have been wonderfully preserved. Many residents built their own palaces in and around the main one in town. This is an example of one.

The architecture was to die for. Oh. Em. Gee. Everywhere I turned I saw a wonderful mix of Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque architecture. And Split’s Venetian heritage is also prominently noticeable. Walking through this medieval town felt as if I had been teleported back to the days of Shakespeare! This happens to be the northern gate to the main Palace (more on that later).

But Split is so much more than architectural scenery. It comes alive in its cultural film and theatre festivals, exhibitions, museums and other eclectic forms of entertainment. It is the home of nearly a dozen Olympic medal winners along with other sports medal winners which is quite a feat when you consider the relatively small size of this city which has only about 180,000 residents.

Lying on the Adriatic Sea, Split is the largest city in Dalmatia, the second largest in Croatia and has the second largest cargo harbor in the country as well as one of the largest passenger harbors on the Mediterranean. 

Speaking of Mediterranean, Split has much to offer its residents and tourists alike thanks to the wonderful year round climate. Winters are mild, springtime is amazing, summer heat can be diverted by a trip to the nearby islands such as Brac, Hvar or Solta, and autumn is when the water along the coast is at its best temperature.

“There is no place like Split” is a saying of the locals. And I can definitely see why. And the laid back small town atmosphere is so appealing. Their typical greeting is “Pomalo!” which means “take it easy!” How is that for laid back?

Let me take you on a tour to Split, Croatia so that you can get a better feel for this ancient city and give you lots of reasons to come for a visit!

Diocletian’s Palace

One of the most popular attractions in Split is the Palace of Diocletian which is considered one of the best preserved monuments of Roman architecture in the world. And let me tell you it is grand. It was built in approximately 300 AD the remains of which are included in the historic core of the city of Split and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The builders and architects are not known. 

At each of the four corners of the Palace walls stand a large tower with doors (gates) on each of the four sides.

There happened to be some kind of event going on in the inner court of the Palace the day we visited, with music and speakers, but I snuck in to take a picture anyway. HA!

Amazing in-tact ruins of Diocletian’s Palace. So incredible to see.

Diocletian’s Palace :: Golden Gate (north main entrance)

The Roman name for the Golden Gate is “Porta Septemtrionalis” and were built in the shape of a rectangle with double doors. At the time the Palace was built in 305 this entrance could only be used by the Emperor and members of his family. The niches of Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius and Constantius Chlorus were used as decoration. In the 16th century and under the influence of Venice the name of the gates were changed to Porta Aurea or Golden Gates.

Diocletian’s Palace :: Silver Gate (east entrance)

Porta Orientalis is the Roman name for both the East (Silver) and West (Iron) gates and are more modest in its decorations and was closed from the Middle Ages until 1952 after which it was reconstructed. Octagonal towers remain on each side of the gate. Through this gate you can walk on the original ancient pavement. And in 2000 Pope John Paul II passed through this entrance on his way to Domnius Cathedral (where he later was said to have prayed).

Diocletian’s Palace :: Iron Gate (west entrance)

In the 11th century Church of Our Lady of the Belfry was built above the door dedicated to St. Theodor. The city clock there has 24 digits instead of the usual 12. 

Palaces around Diocletian’s Palace

From reading more about the area around the Diocletian Palace I found out that many prominent and distinguished citizens of the day built their own residences and palaces in and around the Diocletian Palace so everywhere I turned I found placards about these palaces, some remaining as residences or lodgings and some having been turned into shops or museums. It is so interesting to see the preserved courtyards, portals, staircases, loggias and windows.

If you are interested in reading more about these other palaces you can do so by clicking here.

Church of St. Martin – the narrowest church in Split

One of my favorite surprises was finding tucked into a sentry’s walkway above the Golden Gate to Diocletian’s palace, one of the oldest churches in Split dedicated to Saint Martin, the patron saint of soldiers. St. Martin is considered “one of the best preserved sacral monuments of the ancient world” with a beautifully carved pre-Romanesque altar partition that has not been moved from its original place since the 11th century. It is really a very special place.

The narrowest church in the city, some say it may even be the narrowest in the world at 1.64m wide and 10m long. Luckily we saw the sign on the wall that led up to a narrow staircase. It is not an easy find. But I’m really glad we paid attention to the placards on the walls!

Boat Tour

Having only a few days in Split we wanted to make sure to get on the beautiful water around Split so a boat trip seemed like the best way to go. We opted for a speedboat that took us out to the Blue Lagoon, Solta (quick stop for lunch) and then out to Trogir a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Blue Lagoon

Our first stop on our boat tour was to the Blue Lagoon. Our timing wasn’t the best to enjoy this beautiful area. Had the sun been out in its full glory we would have seen a different color blue we were told. Nonetheless it was a beautiful spot. And although the water was a bit chilly it was clear and you could see all the way down to the ocean floor. The shore is rocky so there is no beach. And we must have come at a time when the facilities were closed. Bummer. But there were plenty of trees for shade. No facilities and no amenities here. Just amazing water.

Tips :: 1. Be sure to wear water shoes because there are lots of rocks in the water. 2. The ocean is your bathroom. 3. Bring your own snacks and drinks if you plan to spend some time here.

Solta

I would have loved to stay a little longer and actually roam around this picturesque coastal town on the shores of Solta but we only stopped for a short lunch and we were on our way. Lunch, by the way, was yummy and we really enjoyed it!

Trogir

This amazing ancient town is connected to the mainland of Croatia by a bridge. We of course took a speedboat on our tour but I was over the moon to be given such a surprise and gift. From afar I could already tell that Trogir was going to be an experience I would not forget :: you could see the charm of this ancient city from miles away!

I have written a separate post on Trogir which you can read by clicking here.

Old Town Split

My heart was full walking around Split’s Old Town with the splendid culture and heritage beaming from every angle. Many times during our walks through town I was overwhelmed not knowing in which direction to look first. Old Town is truly a feast for the eyes and where antiquity and urban life fully intersect.

Split Riva

The Riva (waterfront) promenade is the most popular place in Split and a pedestrian’s heaven. When you take the time to wander around the Riva you will see why it is so popular. With all the cafes and restaurants here it is lively during the day as well as all night.

And the views are truly spectacular. They say the best time to be here at the Riva is during the celebration dedicated to the patron saint of Split :: St. Domnius. Splicani are very proud of their city indeed and they have a lot to be proud of.

Republic Square

Trg Republik (Republic Square) is a large open square located just west of Riva, past Marmontova. It is surrounded on three sides by an elaborate red neo-Renaissance structure known as Prokurative. Locals therefore call the square Prokurative and rarely by its real name. The southern side of the square is open, providing a breathtaking view of the harbor front.

Green Market (Pazar)

I love wandering through the markets everywhere I travel and so we had to see what they call the Green Market (locally known as Pazar) in Split where market day is every day because a visit to the market is a daily ritual for locals. It’s fun to see the local people in their element, it is definitely worth a visit.

Cathedral of St. Domnius

This Cathedral is located in the oldest building in Split :: the Mausoleum of the Roman Emperor Diocletian who was a persecutor of Christians. In the 7th century altars and relics of executed martyrs St. Domnius and St. Anastasius took an honorary place here.

The Cathedral’s Christian worship services have continued non-stop for a millennium and on Split’s patron saint’s St. Domnius’s Day they hold a traditional procession and Sunday mass.

The main altar took from 1685 until 1689 to be built. The wooden bench rests which originally stood in front of the main altar were carved in the first half of the 13th century and are the most important work in the Baroque choir.

Bell Tower

The most original Dalmatian medieval architecture which started in the 13th century is the Bell Tower of the Cathedral of St. Domnius. Reconstruction took place at the turn of the 20th century and today you can climb the steps all the way to the top of the tower to see a spectacular view of the entire city of Split. Isn’t this a gorgeous view?

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My final thoughts about Split are this :: I am so glad that we took the time to visit this amazing city and took our boat tour to Trogir. It wasn’t originally on my radar but when push came to shove it did not disappoint whatsoever. One thing I would have loved to do is spend more time and perhaps even stay overnight in Trogir.

I highly recommend a visit to the islands of Croatia. Give yourself a minimum of three days (for the true history buffs I recommend five) and take the time to enjoy everything this beautiful area on the Adriatic has to offer!

The post Split :: When in Croatia Make Sure You Do This appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

When we arrived we were told we only had a few hours here so we immediately set out through the elegant North Gate where we found ourselves immediately within the well-preserved walls of this amazing medieval city which is a UNESCO World Heritage and holds many iconic landmarks. I found it to be completely captivating. Many perfectly preserved buildings here date back to the Middle Ages and we found the same beautiful marble streets and old-fashioned street lights throughout which give Trogir a wonderful romantic ambiance. Oh, and all the differing ancient styles of doors, balconies and alleyways. Right up MY “alley.” HA!

In the John Paul II square lies Saint Lawrence’s Cathedral which was built in the 12th century and took almost 500 years to build. Beautiful views are to be had from the attached and famous Clock Tower at 47 meters high. And a lovely respite can be had at the attached Loggia. This exterior gallery made up of arches on columns was a perfect place to rest in the shade, drink in the beauty around us and do some people watching.

We then took a stroll to the outside of the walls to Kamerlengo Castle, a mid 15th-century Venetian fortress, where I took in breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. We then did the same back on the promenade along the water before heading out back to Split. Trogir’s coastline is beautiful with a view of deep blue water everywhere I looked. The atmosphere there is truly delightful and I was really sad to leave.

Check out the sites we were able to visit in our short time in Trogir ::

St. Lawrence Cathedral and Bell Tower (Trogir Cathedral)

St. Lawrence Cathedral is considered one of the finest architectural achievements in Croatia. Built on the site of a destroyed ancient church construction started in 1193 but wasn’t completed until 1500. Its amazing Romanesque door flanked by two stone lions is one of its notable features. 

The climb up the 47-meter tall bell tower is open to the public for a nominal fee. Don’t miss the Renaissance Chapel of St. Ivan which features many fine paintings.

Cipiko Palace

Cipiko Palace is located in the Town Square across from the main entrance of the Trogir Cathedral. It was home to one of the region’s most prominent families of the same name during the 15th century and the product of two splendid palaces joined together featuring an amazing Venetian Gothic window and a carved wooden statue of a cockerel taken from a Turkish ship.

The City Gates: Land Gate

This was the main entrance to Trogir during the 15th century and a vital part of the defense walls, the doorway of which even housed a drawbridge. It was rebuilt in the 17th century in late-Renaissance style. 

Note the Lion of St. Mark above the door’s arch (symbol of Venice) and the statue of St. John of Trogir (Sv Ivan Trogirski, the patron saint of Trogir).

The St. Sebastian Clock Tower and City Loggia

Standing on John Paul II Square and next to the Loggia is one of the city’s most famous landmarks with its large blue face and domed roof and once part of the church of St. Sebastian.

The Loggia can be reached by a few steps and was once linked with the Church of St. Mary.

St. Dominic Monastery

St. Dominic Monastery was founded in 1265 although much has been added over the years such as the church and nave. Inside the exquisite interior you will find a number of old tombs such as those of Ivan and Simun Sobota (well-known humanists). The triumphal arch and altar made of wood dates back to 1600 as well as a number of important works of art and religious relics.

The Church of St. Peter

Although the outside is rather plain looking the interior of St. Peter’s Church features a number of important paintings by Molinari and Lazzarini as well as 17th century sculptures by Jakov Jucen who designed the building’s paneled ceiling and wooden carved statues of St. Peter and St. Paul.

The Church of St. Peter is best known for the half-sculpture of St. Peter looking down with the Bible in his hand.

Kamerlengo Castle and St. Mark’s Fortress

A fortress surrounded by a ditch filled with sand back in the day as part of the defense system, Kamerlengo Castle and St. Mark’s Tower (round shaped) withstood long sieges from Turk attacks, once with guns at the ready.

Today the interior courtyard is used for open-air concerts and theatre.

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Trogir is one of the finest surprise gifts in my travels. What a beautiful ancient town full of such well-preserved ancient ruins. The culture in Croatia is also really wonderful. The people are friendly and helpful and it is a pleasure to visit a place where the locals are truly grateful for you coming to see them.

Make your next travel destination Croatia and be sure to visit the islands and definitely don’t miss Trogir!

If you are interested in reading more about Trogir, check out this Wikipedia entry

The post Trogir :: Where Ancient Charm Meets Urban Life appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.