24 hours in ZAGREB

You know like in all my 24 hours in….-posts I’ve written that there is so much more to see and one day is not enough? Well, when it comes to Zagreb, I don’t.

I’d argue that if you’re not in Zagreb for a conference, convention, or exhibition, a day is enough to cover the most important attractions, do some shopping, and have a meal of Zagorski Štrukli, dough – baked or boiled, sweet or salty – or Ćevapi, a type of traditional kebab.

Street leading to St. Mark's church in Zagreb, landmark to be visited during 24 hours in Zagreb
Zagreb’s iconic St. Mark’s church
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The Best Murals Along Brussels’ Comic Book Route

In a wonderful urban art project, namely a Comic Book Route, Brussels unites the best of its iconic arts, namely comic books and murals.
In this post, I’ll take you on a special scavenger hunt along the fantastic Parcours Bande Dessinée through the exciting capital of Belgium. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as many of Brussels’ picturesque streets and alleyways are made of cobblestones. But most importantly, keep your eyes peeled so you don’t miss any of the works of art with which Brussels pays homage to its countless comic artists.

Mural of Jonas Valentin aka Broussaille by Frank Pé on Brussels Comic Route.
The very first mural created for the Brussels Comic Route project was Jonas Valentin – or Broussaille in the original French version – by Frank Pé.
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POREC – Venice’s Little Sister in Croatia

Technically speaking, Porec, Venice‘s little sister, was the fourth stop on my tour through Croatia.

View of the sunset over Porec Venice's little sister in Croatia
Istria used to be ruled by Venice – and funnily enough, not only do the alleys and palazzi of the little town remind me of my favorite Italian city, even the skyline looks a bit Venetian.

My trip had begun in Hamburg from where I went by train and busses via Munich, Ljubljana, and Zagreb to the Adriatic coast.

Hence, I was looking forward to going to Poreč.

It has this Italian history and a very cute, atmospheric little town with incredibly beautiful architecture. Most importantly, it’s on the coast and has beaches.

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Guide to PLITVICE LAKES: Waters in Dreamlike Colors

I’ve seen a lot of beautiful places in my time – oceans, mountains, jungles, and also lakes. However, the Plitvice National Park is one of the most beautiful sceneries I’ve ever laid eyes on. So come on, let me guide you through the National Park of Plitvice and awe at lakes and pools in their dreamlike colors.

Plitvice National Park Plitvice Lakes Croatia
If paradise is half as nice….as Plitvice National Park, we definitely have something to look forward to.
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Guide to KRKA National Park and SKRADIN

Krka, green paradise nestled between the hills and mountains of Central Dalmatia. Here, even the way can be the goal, since a picturesque trail connects the National Park with the idyllic small coastal town of Skradin. So let me guide you through impressively rich habitats full of endemic bushes, trees, grasses, and wallflowers.

Center of attention: The Skradinski Buk waterfall.
Center of attention: The Skradinski Buk waterfall.
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Guide to SPLIT, a city that has it all

Let me guide you to Split, another one of these many Croatian cities that seem to have it all: Rich history presented in a well-preserved, breathtakingly beautiful old town. Colorful farmers’ markets sell fresh produce to restaurants that prepare the most delish meals. Lush woods as well as nice beaches – and all that within the city limits. And a posh harbor – the gateway to splendid destinations beyond the sea.

Split - one of Croatia's most beautiful cities.
Split – one of Croatia’s most beautiful cities.

Nevertheless, visiting Split, I had to check it out in a….split second.

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Guide to DUBROVNIK, the Lustrous Pearl of Dalmatia

Guide to Dubrovnik, the Lustrous Pearl of Dalmatia. It was the grand finale of my bus road trip along the Adriatic coast.

View of the Old Town of Dubrovnik
Best of Dubrovnik: Architecture, mountains, and the deep blue sea.

Despite the large crowds and the flaws that come with tourist sellouts that overshadowed my stay a bit.

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24 hours in BRUSSELS

I was on the very early morning flight to Brussels which was actually my final destination. That’s why I was completely relaxed when they said we couldn’t take off because of fog. The only thing that annoyed me was the idea that I could have slept a good hour longer. Other than that, I didn’t care too much.

However, things looked completely different around me: passengers were nervously shifting back and forth in their seats, checking their phones, and pestering the stewardesses about what their connecting flights looked like.

Grande Place, visited during 24 hours in Brussels
The most beautiful architectural treasures surround the Grande Place, Brussels’ precious centerpiece.

This was how I discovered that I was pretty much the only one who didn’t have a connecting flight to Madrid or Nice, Kigali or Abuja. Hmm, Brussels seemed to be an important hub for international air traffic, interesting. Hence, I should definitely add it to my 24 hours in… series. No sooner said than done!
Of course, I hope that your layover is planned and not because of air traffic disruptions.
Whatever the reason for your extended layover might be, with this post, I have you covered.

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Best Things to Do in BRUSSELS, the Capital of Europe

Brussels is not only the amazingly vibrant capital of Belgium, it’s actually the historic, political, cultural, and gastronomic epicenter of Europe, for that matter. Breathtakingly beautiful historic architecture, fantastic museums, mighty street art, powerful international organizations, and last but not least beer, fries, and chocolate: This cosmopolitan city truly holds something for each and every one in store.
Therefore, it was quite a challenge to put together a list of just the very best things to do on a visit to Brussels.

Guide Capital Europe Brussels: Chocolaterie Manneken Pis
Different strokes for different folks: World’s most famous wee-er made of chocolate. Bon appetit.

If it hadn’t been for my daughter studying in Brussels, it probably wouldn’t have come to my mind to visit Belgium’s capital. Or Belgium at all, for that matter.

But Christmas came and families and loved ones were expected to get together. So I packed a couple of warm sweaters, threw in some fun presents, and hopped on the late flight to Brussels.
Just to find out that this European capital with all its old architecture and new street art, its pralines and beers, surrealist art, and political reality is not only for me but for everyone.

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RIJEKA, a place to enjoy the Istrian lifestyle

The other day at a party, I overheard a conversation. Two people were talking about travelling, and the girl said: “You know, when travelling, I also enjoy just being in a place”. She could have been talking about Rijeka, a place where the visitor can indeed just enjoy the Istrian lifestyle.

Port of Rijeka Istria Croatia
Port of Rijeka – the gateway to the paradisiac islands.

Actually, I’ve found that great – just being. No racing through cute alleys full of historic buildings. No waiting in line at museums. No pushing on boats and squeezing in vans. Just being in a place.

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