One of the greatest things about backpacking is the freedom– no set schedule, the ability walk basically into a train station and get on any train, going anywhere.
I find I don’t always take full advantage of this freedom. I tend to plan ahead, often mapping out my route months in advance. However, opportunities pop up and it feels silly not to take them just because I planned to be in another city or country that day.…
No post about Dubrovnik would be complete without talking about what happened here from 1991-1992. The early 1990s saw the breakdown of Yugoslavia and the formation of several new nations, including Croatia. During that time the Balkan area was plunged into war and turmoil. Dubrovnik was heavily shelled. Almost 70% of the buildings in the old town were stuck by shells; the shelling and fires caused massive amounts of damage. The world watched as this historic, picturesque city was destroyed.…
I’ve had a hectic few days since I left Prague.
From Prague I caught an overnight train to Budapest, Hugary. It was my first overnight train in Europe, and I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I was excited nonetheless. It ended up being a really good experience; sleeper trains here include a reasonably comfortable bed and blankets. Usually in second class there are three people in each compartment. However, I was the only person booked in my compartment!…
In the 1980s people started writing John Lennon and Beatles lyrics on this wall in Prague. Along with the lyrics people voiced criticisms of the authoritarian regime and called for freedom. Gustav Husak (president of Czechoslovakia in the 1980s) had the wall painted over several times– but the writing and painting continued. ‘…
Prague– even the name seems to hold some sort of promise a mystical old European city, one of castles and gothic cathedrals.
Prague didn’t disappoint; it is an amazingly gorgeous city full of narrow, twisty streets and old buildings. However, I’m pretty sure there is a rain cloud that as been following me since I landed in the UK, so I’m afraid Prague may look a little washed out and foggy in my photos.…
