"Exploring the Wonders of Peru: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Nature"

Welcome to my blog! In this post, I'll be taking you on a virtual journey to Peru, a country known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu to the colorful streets of Cusco and lake Titicaca. Peru offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. So, grab your backpack and join me as we explore the wonders of Peru!

Discovering the Wonders of Pelion!

A Journey through Nature and Tradition

Welcome to Pelion! ⛰️

    A hidden gem nestled in the heart of Greece. With its breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage, Pelion offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Join us on a journey through this enchanting region as we explore the wonders of Pelion and delve into its natural beauty and timeless traditions.

The Netherlands! 🌷

 A place that feels like home!

- At first I wasn't that optimist that I would like this country.But it turned out one of my favorites! 😊

REASONS TO VISIT THE NETHERLANDS

1. Rich Cultural Heritage: The Netherlands has a fascinating history and is renowned for its cultural heritage. From picturesque windmills, historic canals, and charming old towns like Amsterdam, Delft, and Utrecht, to world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, there is plenty to explore and admire.

2. Amsterdam: The capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is a major tourist destination. It offers a unique blend of history, art, and a vibrant atmosphere. Explore the famous Anne Frank House, take a canal boat tour, visit the iconic museums, and enjoy the lively nightlife.

3. Tulip Fields and Keukenhof Gardens: The Netherlands is famous for its beautiful tulip fields, especially during spring. Keukenhof Gardens, located near Amsterdam, showcases millions of blooming flowers and is one of the largest flower gardens in the world.

4. Biking Culture: The Netherlands is a cyclist's paradise. With an extensive network of well-maintained cycling paths, you can rent a bike and explore the country at your own pace. It's a great way to experience the Dutch countryside, charming villages, and picturesque landscapes.

5. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Netherlands boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the historic canal district of Amsterdam, the picturesque windmills of Kinderdijk, the Beemster Polder (a reclaimed area of land), and the Wadden Sea (a unique coastal area).

6. Dutch Cuisine: Dutch cuisine may not be as widely known as some other cuisines, but it has its own delicious specialties. Don't miss out on trying traditional Dutch treats like stroopwafels, herring, bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), and Dutch cheeses like Gouda and Edam.

7. Outdoor Recreation: The Netherlands offers various opportunities for outdoor activities. Explore the stunning national parks like Hoge Veluwe or Biesbosch, go sailing or boating on the lakes, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk along the beaches.

8. Festivals and Events: The Netherlands hosts a range of vibrant festivals and events throughout the year. Experience the colorful King's Day celebrations, the Flower Parade, the Rotterdam International Film Festival, or the carnival in Maastricht, among many others.

9. Unique Architecture: Dutch architecture is distinct and diverse. Explore the modern designs of Rotterdam, including the iconic Cube Houses and the Erasmus Bridge, or visit the historical architecture of cities like Delft and Haarlem.

10. Friendly and Welcoming People: Dutch people are known for their friendliness and openness. Visitors often feel welcomed and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals during their stay.

- These are just a few reasons to visit the Netherlands, but the country offers much more in terms of history, art, natural beauty, and cultural experiences.

- It is also a country that you can do road trips easily and within a few hours as all cities and villages are close! 

- Me, I have even more reasons to visit, as I have friends that have moved there! 

Hope you enjoyed this post and kinda helped you as well! 

Till next time, stay safe and travel a lot!! Explore the world and its beauty! 😘

CUBA - A TIME TRAVEL!

 A trip that made me feel blessed one more time for being born in a democratic country. 🙏🏻

DAY 1 - VARADERO

Arrived early in the morning at Havana airport and already felt the humidity and warm climate! 😅

The bus was outside waiting for us to get on board and go to our first destination in Varadero!

Buying internet: When it comes to internet, there is a desk inside the airport that you can buy 6GB for 32 euro but it will not last more than 6-7 days! Furthermore, wifi at the hotels, works with hotspot, which means that you will face difficulties with the connection! The first day was a bit of nightmare for me as i was used to perfect internet connection, but then i realized that this was a good opportunity to actually relax and enjoy the place i was visiting! I recommend you do the same and you won't regret it!

We had a small stop on our way to see the view of a beautiful spot and of course try our first Piña colada!

cheers! 🍍🍍🍍

After 3 hours more or less, we finally arrived in our hotel in Varadero! We had a welcome drink which was made from the bartender and i am not sure what it was but i tried it!

Once we settled, i wore my bathing suite and went straight to the beach area to relax a bit form the long trip! The sea was not as i was expecting it as i am Greek you know and i find it difficult to see something more beautiful than the mesmerizing colors of the Ionian sea! 

My balcony view! 😊

I then return to my room, had a bath and got ready for dinner time. The hotel was an all included type, so we had a bouffe which was awful. I am not overreacting! I saw Canadians to enjoy a little the bouffe but for us, Mediterranean people the food was not even eatable! The only thing that you could eat safely was the rice! 

An amazing adventure in Africa!

🦓🦒🦏🐒 Safari in Tanzania 🦁🐘🦛🐆

This was the best trip i have ever had so far! I definitely want to visit more places in Africa! It is an amazing Content with such a beauty!

• Once i landed at the airport of Dar El Salaam i started seeing the differences. It is a city that if i remember well is not the Capital but it seems that it's becoming one. They built new buildings like malls, even a Casino is getting in place. Apart from that, if you drive a little further, you will realize that the development is only a dream about African people. 😞

• I stayed just for one night there and the next day, early in the morning i left for the domestic airport area to take a small plane that landed at the Seronera airstrip in the Serengeti National Park. Seronera airstrip

Tip: The name "Serengeti" is an approximation of the word siringet used by the Maasai people for the area, which means "the place where the land runs on forever".

Dar El Salaam airport (my plane to Serengeti National Park)

• Flying over the National Park is a beautiful experience! Once you land in there, an SUV picks you up to take to the lodges!

Seronera airstrip

lodges be like.. 

• As you heading to the lodges you start being a witness to one of the most beautiful views on earth!

The ground was very uneven! 😂

• Serengeti National Park is a World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife: over 2 million ungulates, 4000 lions, 1000 leopard, 550 cheetahs and some 500 bird species inhabit an area close to 15,000 square kilometers in size.

It is where time seems to stand still, despite the thousands of animals constantly on the move!

When the sun goes up, it's getting reaaaally hot! 😅

early morning baths to handle the heat! 🦛

Sunsets in savanna be like...💖

backstage photoshooting... 📸

lunch break in savanna 😋

No comments 😂

souvenir store

         Info: There's a lot of ways to plan your trip there. You can find in the web many different sites where you can book your safari trip which includes several parks around Tanzania or Kenya, or even Kilimanjaro as well! Do not hesitate to contact them and even plan your tailormade safari trip of your dreams. There are trips which include the transportation and the lodges which can be a luxury option if you cannot afford it, a simple one! It is totally worth it!

Let me know if you make it happen, how was your experience! 😊

When in Rome...

 My favorite place in the world!

Once i visited for the first time Rome, i promised that i would be going back every few years! It is the atmosphere, the fact that i felt like home, the people, the architecture, it is all of it!

      Let's begin this trip...

•       How to reach Rome

      There are two airports in Rome, Leonardo da Vinci Airport(at Fiumicino)  is used by the major airlines, while Ciampino Airport  is used by budget airlines Easyjet and Ryanair.

•      Where to stay 

       I will not recommend a specific hotel because there are plenty of nice hotels, but i would definitely recommend you to stay in the city center so as to go on foot everywhere!

•    What to see 

      This is going to be a huge list if start counting! But i will give you the top spots so if you plan to go just for 2-3 days you will be able to get the best taste of Rome!

•     Piazza di Spagna
•     Fontana di Trevi
•     Pantheon
•     Altare della Patria
•     Piazza Navona
•     Vatican City
•     Colosseum

  Tip: For all museums but especially  for the Vatican museum, book your tickets online in order to avoid the crazy lines! Trust me , it will save you priceless time!

 

•   Where to eat 

       Well, as in many places in Europe, there are specific times that you can eat in a trattoria! Lunch if i remember is between 14:00 - 17:00 and dinner 20:00 - 23:00. If you want to eat earlier, you will grab something form a cafeteria or in tourist areas you can also find some restaurants but with very good pasta! Remember to book your table in the Trattorias!  

      Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna ("Spanish Square"), at the bottom of the Spanish Steps, is one of the most famous squares in Rome, Italy. It owes its name to the Palazzo di Spagna, the seat of the Embassy of Spain to the Holy See. 

      Fontana di Trevi

The Trevi Fountain (Italian: Fontana di Trevi) is an 18th-century fountain in the Trevi district in Rome, Italy, designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini and several others. Standing 26.3 metres (86 ft) high and 49.15 metres (161.3 ft) wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world!!!

      Altare della Patria

The National Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II ,synecdochely called Altare della Patria , is an Italian national monument located in Rome , in Piazza Venezia , on the northern slope of the Campidoglio hill , the work of the architect Giuseppe Sacconi . It is located in the center of ancient Rome and connected to the modern one thanks to roads that radiate out from Piazza Venezia. It is my favorite building!!!

       Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona was transformed into a highly significant example of Baroque Roman architecture and art during the pontificate of Innocent X, whose family palace, the Palazzo Pamphili, faced the piazza. It features important sculptural creations: in the centre stands the famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or Fountain of the Four Rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, topped by the Obelisk of Domitian, brought in pieces from the Circus of Maxentius;the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone by Francesco Borromini, Girolamo Rainaldi, Carlo Rainaldi and others; and the aforementioned Pamphili palace, also by Girolamo Rainaldi, that accommodates the long gallery designed by Borromini and frescoed by Pietro da Cortona.

         Vatican City

Vatican City contains religious and cultural sites such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. They feature some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. There is also Castel Sant'Angelo (Castle of the Holy Angel) and the bridge, Ponte Sant’Angelo, a Roman bridge that is considered one of the most beautiful ones in Rome. The castle is now a museum, definitely worth exploring.  

         Colosseum

The Colosseum, Italian: Colosseo  is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, and is still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world, despite its age.

Last but not least, there are a few more tips...

                                         Don'y skip trying the famous "gelato" somewhere in the area! 😋

If there are still some hours of daylight and you wish to relax a bit, head to Villa Borghese, one of Rome’s most romantic public parks. Here you can lie on the grass or go for a stroll and discover its lake and numerous buildings. If you’re traveling with children, they will love this green space.

That's all folks! 💋