europe
Whether embarking on a Eurotrip or a weekend jaunt to a foreign city, European travel requires some smart planning; you may know all the must-see landmarks, but we provide the hidden gems.
New Year's in Kiev
They greeted us at the hostel with salo, pelmeni, and syrniki. It was a narrow room, featuring a cracked old, black fake-leather couch across from the receptionist’s counter. It was New Year’s Eve—not the Orthodox, Julian New Year, but the Gregorian—and they were preparing for a celebration. I took the meat and cheese and shoved it greedily into my gullet. I was hungry, and I loved trying new foods. I had never been to Ukraine before. Everyone in Moscow had told me that the culture was similar, but no one in Moscow greeted you at the door with snacks.
By Robert Pettus3 years ago in Wander
A Trip to England (Part III)
There are moments in your life that cloud things; that make things seem so difficult to comprehend that you just do not deal with them in a way that would seem proper. I was given that photograph of my half-sister and kept it hidden in a drawer from any curious eyes in my house. I did not mention it or even hint at it until my mother confessed that she knew all about her and we both realized that two lies were living in the same house. As I think about that scene between us, I realize that I would not believe it if I had heard about it from a friend (not even the film studios of Hollywood could have imagined such things). But it was too real and made me more aware of what was true and what was imaginary. I paid more attention to the racist graffiti I saw on an embankment wall as we travelled to a cricket match (contrasted with a wheat field that appeared like liquid gold, it was startling to see an attitude so honest). I noted that fruit sold in the markets came from South Africa. This was during apartheid and I made a point of buying a t-shirt that recommended that one Boycott South African Goods. I then looked carefully around that neighbourhood. Cramped homes, grey weather, narrow and mugger-friendly lanes and walls, appalling programs on TV (comedy specials seemed to have to volume of the audience turned way up for the weakest jokes) and I have already commented on the food.
By Kendall Defoe 3 years ago in Wander
Innsbruck on the River Inn
The capital of the western state of Tyrol and the fifth-largest city in Austria, Innsbruck is well-known as a winter sports destination. The city is located in a magical setting with the Alps all around. It sits on the River Inn. The city itself has lots to offer tourists, and then you can stray up the mountains and into the meadows for breathtaking views. In winter this is the ideal place for skiing and other winter sports, and in the summer months for hiking and mountain climbing.
By Rasma Raisters3 years ago in Wander
A Trip to England (Part II)
It is hard for me to accept how naïve I was about life in London, even at the age of fourteen. I unpacked my bags and filled up her front room with my collection of music tapes. This was my first mistake and a sign that I did not know the culture I was in. I was listening to mostly progressive or light rock (Genesis and Supertramp were personal favourites). My mistake was sharing this so publicly. I had a Walkman, but I sometimes insisted on playing these records on her stereo. What I mean by saying this is that I did not understand the culture I was in and that I was out of step with what I thought I knew from those exports I mentioned (most of my recordings were made by British groups and record companies).
By Kendall Defoe 3 years ago in Wander
A Trip to England (Part I)
When I was fourteen, I was sent to visit part of my family in London, England. It was in the summer of 1988 and I do not know why I was sent at that particular time. We had just moved into a new house (this would be our last move after years of changing apartments and houses around the same city). Perhaps my mother felt that I would be used to another change in my location and had enough experience travelling to take such a trip. I had already seen parts of the Caribbean on different plane trips with my family and we had taken part in a long trip by car from our home to a friend’s place in California. The trip to England would be another stamp on my passport.
By Kendall Defoe 3 years ago in Wander
Scilly: Britain’s Mediterranean-like isles steeped in myth
The mere mention of King Arthur makes most people think of Guinevere, Lancelot and the sword in the stone. But what about the Isles of Scilly? This cluster of islands 28 miles off Cornwall’s tip is where some believe the legendary British king is buried, on the site of his final battle with Mordred in the 6th Century. That was in the mythical land of Lyonesse – a flooded country stretching west from Cornwall whose submerged peaks are believed by some to be the Isles of Scilly.
By Seamons Mahall3 years ago in Wander
How Vienna built a gender equal city
Walk through the Reumannplatz, one of the best-known squares in Austria's capital city, Vienna, and you will probably spot an outdoor platform, prominently labelled Mädchenbühne (girls' stage). The large podium, which can be used by everyone, was requested as a performance space by the girls of the nearby school when asked what they would like from the urban area.
By Copperchaleu3 years ago in Wander
Giżycko in the Heart of the Great Mazurian Lakes
Gizycko is the largest town on what is known as the trail of the Great Mazurian Lakes. The town lies on a narrow pass between Lake Niegocin and Lake Kitano. This is one of the most attractive regions of Poland and great for tourists looking to visit places away from overcrowded cities. As much as European cities sometimes provide a lot of excitement, it’s great to get away from the crowds and discover lovely places you might have overlooked.
By Rasma Raisters3 years ago in Wander
