Guide to BOGOTÁ – Colombia’s hip ‘n’ artsy capital

Come, let me guide you to Bogotá, Colombia’s hip ‘n’ artsy capital.
It’s the most energetic and vibrant Latin American city I’ve ever visited, indeed.

Bogota-Graffiti in Bogota
All the ingenious and powerful murales, colorful graffitis, are one of Bogotá’s strongest suits.

I’m still overwhelmed by the charm and the beauty of many neighborhoods. I’m also impressed by the environmental awareness, by the countless delightful little shops and vegetarian and vegan snack bars. The most amazing suit, however, is the eclectic, outstanding, creative art that can be found at every corner.

Totally unexpectedly, Bogotá took me by storm.

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How to Avoid Copyright Infringement: Unexpected Traps

As I am reading posts written by my fellow bloggers, I’m getting chills. There is so much copyright infringement – and as I’m afraid that the ‘offenders’ don’t breach the law on purpose, read this post on how to avoid it.

erased painting to avoid copyright infringement
This picture is mine – what’s on it, however, is not. If I had photographed the girl from the front, I would have had a different legal problem – based on GDPR.

After I’ve notified some of those bloggers time and again individually, I finally decided to put my tips into writing for everyone.

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Mallorca’s East Coast Bay by Bay: Cala Santanyí, Cala Llombards, Cala Figuera

Apart from long sandy beaches, there is an amazing number of picturesque coves surrounding the island, and on Mallorca‘s east coast, you can even explore them hiking from bay to bay – from Cala Llombards to Cala Santanyí to Cala Figuera.

View from Mallorca's east coast at Cala Llombards.
From the beach of Cala Llombards overlooking the turquoise waters all the way to the more mesmerizing Calas on the horizon.

Hiking through the rural Hinterland between fields lined by olive and almond trees and Mallorca’s iconic terrace orchards, you’ll most certainly break a sweat. No problem, since the turquoise waters of the countless picturesque bays are awaiting you to take a refreshing dip.

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Hiking the Circular Trail Around PUIGPUNYENT

A circular hiking trail that starts and ends at Puigpunyent, a picturesque village located about 16 kilometers west of the island’s capital Palma, is one of Mallorca’s most intriguing yet easiest hikes.

View of the Tramuntana Ridge while Hiking Circular Trail Puigpunyent
One of Mallorca’s most rewarding hikes goes in a circle from and back to Puigpunyent.

In some aspects, I’m kind of a traditionalist. For instance, I do like the idea of a classic Sunday outing to the countryside. Wandering through beautiful sceneries, whistling a joyous tune, having a cheerful dialogue with birds and beasts.

Yes, you basically do find all that around Puigpunyent, but before I get carried away by my own cheesiness, let me introduce the real thing – which is charming enough even without my sugarcoating.

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From PORT d’ANDRATX to SANT ELM – Hike With a View

Crossing the Tramuntana Mountains from Mallorca’s posh yacht harbor Port d’Andratx to the secluded port town of Sant Elm, you’ll find yourself surrounded by all those breathtakingly beautiful sceneries – definitely a hike with a view.

Andratx to Sant Elm Hike: Woman resting on a bench at Sant Elm
Taking a break on the shore of Sant Elm.
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FORNALUTX – the Most Delightful Village in the Tramuntana Mountains

There are many intriguing settlements on the island of Mallorca, however, Fornalutx is definitely the most delightful village – located in the heart of the Tramuntana ridge close to the Puig Mayor, the island’s highest mountain.

Stairs in the center of Fornalutx
Brick by brick, stone by stone: Fornalutx architecture is incredibly beautiful.

With its winding streets, narrow stairs, and picturesque stone houses, the village is an architectural gem. The moment you get there, you’ll understand why Fornalutx has already been named Spain’s most beautiful village twice!

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From FELANITX to SANT SALVADOR – an Uplifting Day Trip

The charming town of Felanitx is nestled at the foot of the Serres de Llevant mountain range from where you can climb the slopes of Puig Sant Salvador to the homonymous monastery, statue, and cross on a lovely day trip.

View of the cross of Sant Salvador close to Felanitx on Mallorca
After a sweat-breaking hike way up high a very rewarding view.
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24 hours in HAMBURG

Hamburg is home to Europe’s third-largest harbor. This might give travellers – like for instance cruise ship passengers – the opportunity to explore the city on a layover. For them, I’ve put together a perfect itinerary for up to 24 hours in Hamburg.

Port of Hamburg
The iconic Landungsbrücken, Hamburg’s piers.

This very popular category on my blog is designated to transform a layover into a short extra vacation.

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Guide to the CAMERON HIGHLANDS, Malaysia’s Fruit Bowl

This is a guide to the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia’s Fruit Bowl, that should be on every visitor’s itinerary. This mountainous part of Malaysia is famous for tea farms, vegetable fields, and flower nurseries – and the fabulous Rafflesia Arnoldii.

Tea Plantation in the Cameron HIghlands
A visit to the beautiful tea plantations is not to be missed when visiting the cool highlands.

While we poor Europeans are travelling to Asia seeking the tropical sun, the Colonialists – no matter from which motherland – were desperately looking for cooler places in higher regions. Here, they were building settlements and mansions to take a break from….being wealthy and having servants.

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ISLAND HOPPING in GERMANY

While international tourism to Germany is increasing, visitors rather stick to the clichés like beer and Lederhosen at Munich and a cruise on the river Mosel; or they hang out at the hip capital Berlin – instead of enjoying Island Hopping in Germany.

I guess that’s the reason why many people think Germany is landlocked. They don’t think about long coasts, two seas, and about 80 islands.

Hooded wicker chairs on the beach of Borkum West of East Frisia
The Strandkorb’s hood can be left in the upright position or reclined so that the sunbathers lay in the sun. The footrest can also be used as a storage space and to the sides are small wooden fold-out tables large enough for your drink and a book or magazine. It definitely is the perfect beach furniture.

However, that’s exactly what Germany’s north has to offer – and many fascinating phenomenons like the tideland that comes with it. As a matter of fact, Germany’s shoreline is longer than the Portuguese one.

So what are you waiting for? Join me on my island hopping…in Germany!

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