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Tuesday, March 18, 2025
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Palawan – the fantastic island paradise of the Philippines

The paradisiacal island of Palawan is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Bizarre rock formations, dreamlike, fine sand, white beaches, hidden lagoons, turquoise blue water and a unique flora and fauna, as well as a fascinating underwater world characterize this exotic island paradise. A large part of the island’s area is designated as a protected area and since 1991 the entire island has been a designated biosphere reserve. Away from the main towns such as El Nido, Puerto Princesa and Coron Town, Palawan is very original and sparsely populated. Accordingly, the island, which is inhabited by indigenous peoples, is an attraction for adventurers, explorers, water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Location and Arrival

Also known as “the last frontier”, Palawan is the westernmost island of the Philippines. Puerto Princesa is the capital of the unique island paradise, which is only partially developed for tourism. The journey to Palawan is possible by plane, as there are airports on the island in Puerto Princesa, Busuanga, El Nido and San Vincente. Cheap flights to Palawan depart from Manila.

On the elongated island between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, it is recommended to get around by car, because the towns are relatively far apart on the 450 km long and about 40 km wide island. The smaller islands belonging to Palawan, which are largely uninhabited, can be reached by boat or ferry.

Palawan’s must-see places

Coron, Palawan
Relax and enjoy the day on Coron Island, Image: Phuong D. Nguyen / shutterstock

There are no big cities on Palawan, but there are some beautiful towns and villages that are embedded in the breathtakingly beautiful natural landscape of Palawan.

Puerto Princesa – the capital and port city worth seeing

Puerto Princesa is the first port of call on the island for many travelers, as it is the busiest airport on the island. The lively town not only offers good shopping opportunities and attractive restaurants, but it is also worth strolling along the Bay Walk. In Puerto Princesa there is also the possibility to ride in the dark on a boat through the mangrove forests, where countless fireflies cavort. Firefly watching is accordingly an experience in itself and incredibly romantic. A trip from Puerto Princesa to Hondy Bay is also a good idea, because not only are there three islands worth seeing here, but also a lot of starfish live here.

El Nido – the most famous holiday resort in Palawan

Situated along an emerald lagoon, El Nido nestles between rugged cliffs and white sandy beaches in the natural landscape of Palawan. The popular holiday resort is characterised by luxurious resorts, numerous restaurants and many small shops that line up along the lively alleys and invite you to go on a little shopping spree. El Nido is so beautiful that it almost seems unreal. In addition, tours to the offshore islands are offered from El Nido and hardly any other place on the island attracts as many visitors as El Nido.

Port Barton – the charming fishing village

Port Barton inspires with its pleasant atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Although the place is one of the most visited on the island, you can never speak of mass tourism here. Accordingly, the place has retained its original charm, because neither luxury hotels nor any tourist attractions can be found here. In return, the place offers a heavenly peace and the opportunity to get to know the simple life of the fishermen better and to taste truly authentic food, because the inhabitants of Port Barton are warm and particularly hospitable.

Coron Town – charming village on Busuanga

Accessible by ferry from El Nido, Coron Town is one of the places with an airport, but it is still more of a small and charming fishing village. Nevertheless, the visit is worthwhile, because embedded in the beautiful nature of the island of Busuanga, the place attracts not only with a good tourist infrastructure, but also with authentic markets.

Sabang – authentic village and beautiful nature reserve

A good 2 hours by car from Puerto Princess are the village and nature reserve Sabang. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River located here is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Numerous caves, beautiful beaches and untouched wilderness characterize the protected area, so that Palawan can be enjoyed here from its original side.

The most beautiful beaches in Palawan

Palawan is home to the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. Lonely bays, dreamlike lagoons and turquoise water invite you to relax, sunbathe, swim and dive.

Long Beach (San Vincente)

A good two hours’ drive from Port Barton is Long Beach. It is the longest beach in the Philippines. The white sandy beach, lined with palm trees, immediately gives rise to holiday feelings. There is no shortage of space here, as Long Beach is a bit away from the island’s well-known places, so it attracts few tourists.

El Nidos Beaches

El Nido, Philippines
El Nido on the island of Palawan, Image: R.M. Nunes / shutterstock

Around El Nido there are fantastic beaches. Although El Nido is a popular holiday resort, the beaches are not overcrowded and there are also numerous small bays where you can enjoy the whole day alone. The most famous beach is Corong-Corong Beach or Marimagmeg Beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in the island paradise.

The beaches near Sabang

The enchanting beaches around the small fishing village of Sabang are also popular. Here you will find mostly individual tourists and so the beaches are by no means overcrowded. The beaches here look much more like something out of a picture book and thanks to the naturally grown palm trees, there is always a shady spot to spend a day by the sea.

Travel and translation – the best way to learn

Traveling is the best way to learn more about foreign cultures and traditions. Whether you go to Portugal or India, Morocco or Japan – only those who have actually been to a country can claim to have got to know it!

In order to understand a country and its people – including its history, tradition and way of thinking – one thing is essential: language. Because conversations with the inhabitants of a country reveal and instruct much more than old buildings, more detailed and accurate than all travel guides and blog articles in the world could ever do.

To speak a language means to adopt a world, a culture.” This beautiful sentence comes from Frantz Fanon. The psychiatrist, writer and politician lived in the 20th century and is considered one of the most important pioneers of decolonization. Decolonization – also known as decolonization – is the transition from colonial rule to state independence. However, this decolonization does not only happen at the political level, at the state level. Decolonization must also be done mentally. The best way to do this is not to look at and judge other countries and cultures from the outside. Instead, a perspective is to be taken that is, so to speak, inside the culture itself.

However, this is only possible if you speak the local language. If we now look at Frantz Fanon’s theorem from this point of view, a whole new meaning opens up: it not only finds the translation of words from one language into another, no, one also adopts their meaning, one translates them into something of one’s own, something familiar. In this way, you familiarize yourself with a culture that would otherwise only remain something unknown, but at best a curiosity.

Travel to learn

Language
Image: pathdoc / shutterstock

You have to travel to learn,” said Mark Twain, one of the greatest writers of the 19th century. This is certainly true. But the opposite is also true in a certain sense: you have to learn to really travel! Because this is the only way to immerse yourself deeply in the culture, in the identity of a country and its people. Therefore, it makes sense to learn the language of the destination beforehand. Not only that you can talk to the locals later on, have the opportunity to ask them questions. Even before the trip, you can immediately start learning what Mark Twain mentioned! For example: translating literature yourself, watching films in the original language or with translated subtitles, or translating posts in Internet forums and even writing them yourself. There is probably no better preparation for a trip than translating! So you start right away with what is so important during a trip: the transfer of foreign impressions into your own world of thoughts.

 

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” Another sentence that is often quoted when it comes to travel. It comes from Augustine of Hippo, who lived around 1600 years ago. So a lot of time has passed – but the meaning of this statement is still as true today as it was in late antiquity! But now one can also say: Whoever does not translate the Book of the World will not understand even one page! In other words, traveling only makes sense if you also understand what you see, read and hear. After all, reading is only useful if you understand the meaning behind the words. Otherwise, the most beautiful volume of poetry remains nothing but black ink on white paper.

Travel and translation are inseparable. So the motto is: Translate and translate – from one language to another and from one shore, one culture.

Hiking paradise Georgia: Camping & Trekking in the Caucasus

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Georgia is love for me at first, second and also at every further sight. The country in the Caucasus has made it very far into my heart. On the one hand, this is due to the hospitable locals and the delicious Georgian cuisine – but above all to the outstanding and diverse landscapes. I am particularly fond of the mountains in Georgia. They are beautiful, some of them over 5,000 meters very high and in many regions they are still very wild. In my opinion, the most beautiful way to discover the country is definitely with a tent and trekking backpack! Thus, you can discover the most impressive sides of the Caucasus on multi-day hikes and experience the nature of Georgia even more intensively.

When choosing worthwhile hiking areas, trekking enthusiasts are spoilt for choice:

Historic fortified towers and charming mountain villages in Svaneti

The Svaneti region is probably the most famous tourist trekking area in Georgia and there are good reasons for that. Numerous tours in all possible lengths and levels of difficulty await hikers here. A very beautiful and popular multi-day hike leads, for example, from Mestia to Ushguli, the highest mountain village in Europe. The road to Ushguli runs over a pass of almost 3,000 meters, past glaciers, mountain rivers and breathtaking views. On the way, you can camp in beautiful places or spend the night in cozy, family-run accommodations. A characteristic feature in Svaneti are also the historic fortified towers, which characterize the image of the small villages here and serve as an ideal photo motif. In the high-lying mountain settlements, life is very comfortable and original. Nevertheless, there is no lack of amenities – after energy-sapping (multi-day) hikes, you can enjoy a few hearty Georgian specialties with a clear conscience in one of the rustic inns, such as Khachapuri, an incredibly filling and very tasty cheese flatbread. In combination with the beautiful nature, the villages in Svaneti are therefore the perfect place for a relaxing active holiday.

A wild ride into wild Tusheti

Abano Pass Tusheti
The Abano Pass in Tusheti, Image: Marco Schätzel

In search of a portion of adventure, my second trip to Georgia ended me in the little-developed and hard-to-reach mountain region of Tusheti. The journey to Tusheti alone is an experience that everyone who has done it will remember for a long time. The trail leads over the Abano Pass, the highest passable mountain pass in the Caucasus at over 2,800 meters. The gravel road winds its way through the mountains in hundreds of serpentines. The steep slopes and views down into the valley are sure to make one or the other’s heart slip into their pants. But the long and nerve-wracking drive to Tusheti is worth it! The region is even more pristine than other hiking areas in Georgia, as it is still little developed for tourism and the journey alone deters many travelers. If you still make your way to Omalo, the largest village in the region, you will find hikes in a class of their own, such as the multi-day trekking tour over the Borbalo Pass or the beautiful day walk from Ghele to the village of Parsma. By the way, a trip to Tusheti is only possible in the summer months – the Abano Pass is snowed in for most of the year and is not passable.

Kazbegi: Climb 5000m peaks and take postcard photos

Gergeti Church, Georgia
Gergeti Church, Image: Marco Schätzel

North of Tbilisi, on the way to Russia, lies another scenic pearl of Georgia – the Kazbegi region, with the Kazbek mountain of the same name. The Mt. At 5,054 meters, Kazbek is the third highest mountain in the country and eighth highest in the Caucasus! If you want to climb a 5,000-metre peak in Georgia, you can try it out here, especially since previous alpine experience is not necessarily necessary to climb the summit and the ascent should usually not take longer than three days. The city of Stepantsminda is the starting point for the ascent of Mt. Kazbek. From here, an asphalt road has recently led up to what is probably the most famous church in the country – the Gergeti Trinity Church. Picturesquely enthroned by the peaks of the Caucasus, the Holy Trinity Church is embedded in an incredibly beautiful panorama and is one of the most spectacular and popular photo motifs in Georgia.

If you don’t have enough time or strength to climb the summit, you can also hike up to the Kazbek Glacier from the Gergeti Church and will also be rewarded with fantastic views. The whole region around Kazbegi definitely offers enormous potential for hikers, both in terms of day hikes and multi-day trekking tours. Highly recommended and relatively little knowledgeable is, for example, the path from Sno to the picturesque mountain village of Juta. By the way, the way from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda, over the old military road, is paved throughout and the journey is therefore not as lengthy and adventurous as to Tusheti. Nevertheless, the drive is scenic!

The best time to hike? Now!

Just writing about Georgia makes my hiking heart beat faster and I will almost certainly be drawn back to the Caucasus pretty soon – there are many other beautiful hiking regions to discover! A good time to travel for hiking in Georgia is from May to the end of September, although trekking tours over high mountain passes are not snow-free until mid to late June. By the way, Georgia is a very interesting travel destination, especially at the moment, in times of Covid-19. The country has one of the lowest infection rates in the region and direct entry from Germany has been officially allowed for German citizens since July 8 (as of 23.08.2020).

Camping and hiking in the mountains of Georgia is probably one of the best and most beautiful ways to go on holiday relatively safely, despite the virus. But beware: the risk of infection for a lasting Georgia travel fever is of course still extremely high!

 

The best tips for learning a language

Language serves understanding. In our everyday lives, we usually don’t have to worry about whether someone understands us or not. But when we travel to other countries, there is usually no longer smooth communication. However, by learning foreign languages, you can communicate with the locals, which can be enormously helpful. For example, you will learn about important information and insider tips. Learning foreign languages can be challenging, and we want to help you overcome it with this post.

Tip 1: A good reason

If we want to learn a language, we need a motivation to do so, a reason, something that keeps us going. Think about why you want to master the foreign language. Do you have a dream of traveling to a certain country and therefore want to learn the language? Your new partner or parts of your family speak a different mother tongue than you?

Tip 2: Combine language learning with everyday life

Learning doesn’t mean sitting down at your desk and cramming. For example, if you regularly sit on the train, turn on a podcast in the language. This will also give you a feel for the language and learn the pronunciation. Even if the weekly house cleaning is due, you will listen to an audio book in the language.

Another option is to download an app such as Babbel, which can be used to learn languages. Whether iOS or Android, you can practice foreign languages online with both operating systems. Apps are certainly more practical than index cards, because we always have our smartphone with us.

It is also important to use the language when you are alone. Tell yourself things. Do you like to write a diary? Try it in another language.
The more often the language surrounds us, the faster we master it.

Tip 3: No monotony when learning

It is most effective when we learn with more than one sense. We all know flashcards from school, but how about having pictures on them instead of words? Another help is mnemonics. Learning vocabulary can suck, make connections that help you remember words better. Search for similar words in your language.

Tip 4: The alphabet

The alphabet is fundamental to any language. We are taught all the letters directly in the first grade, because our language is based on them. Especially in languages that use a different alphabet than ours, it is necessary to master the letters. Regular practice and application is important, and here too you can work with pictures.

Tip 5: Learn with media

You can also learn through books and films. There are many reasons to read books and it is equally beneficial to read a book in the original. You can simply set the film to the desired language, where you can even add subtitles. Another idea is to listen to music in the respective language, if you feel like it, you can even sing along.

Tip 6: Look for a tandem partner

What better way to learn than from someone who has the language you want to learn as their first language? The practical thing about a tandem partner is that you benefit from each other. If you have any questions, you can simply contact him. Meetings are not always necessary, and talking to the person on the phone or video calls also helps to get to know the language and culture. The prerequisite is that you get along well and enjoy talking to each other.

Tip 7: Mistakes are human

Everyone starts small. Especially in the beginning, mistakes often creep in, but the more you practice, the better you get. You should start speaking the language as early as possible. Keep at it!

Learning a foreign language is not a piece of cake, but with effort and regularity anyone can do it. Don’t give up because it’s going to be difficult! At some point, you look back on your process and realize how much you have actually achieved.

 

 

 

From 3.9. in the Cinema – 972 BREAKDOWNS – By Land to New York

A film by leavinghomefunktion and Daniel by Rüdiger

The leaving-home function is a term used in the automotive industry. The flashing of the headlights is intended to ensure that the driver can safely route from the front door to his own car in the dark. Or that’s us five artists on four rusty motorcycles – ready to finally get going! What counts today is safety: Don’t take any incalculable risks! For us, however, “leaving-home function” means the exact opposite: leaving the safe environment, going out, without a multi-secured emergency plan, letting the realization follow chance and developing trust in the unknown.

The content
In September 2014, we, a group of young artists, will start an expedition to the east in Halle/Saale. We, Elisabeth, Efy, Kaupo, Anne, and Johannes, exchanged hairbrush for wrenches, house for tent tarpaulin, stove for campfire. On 4 old Russian sidecar motorcycles we made our way towards New York – always looking for the point where we can’t go any further. None of us had a clue about motorcycles until recently. After completing our art studies, we got our motorcycle license and packed our studios directly into the sidecar. So the journey into the big, wide world could begin, to finally see it with our own eyes. If you follow our journey on the map, the red line of the itinerary winds from Germany to the Balkans via Georgia to Kazakhstan on to Mongolia and even further to the most remote corners of the Far East. There, the red line leaves the course of the strait and follows one of Russia’s largest rivers, the Kolyma, northwards, crossing treeless tundra before crossing the 80km wide strait of the Bering Strait from Russia to Alaska . From Alaska, the route winds for thousands of kilometers through the North American continent to finally end in New York. With a good deal of naivety, we explored what it means to master endless corrugated iron tracks in the Mongolian steppe, what it means when there is no hospital nearby in the wilderness of Canada or when roads flood in the north of Russia and bridges become a rarity. A momentous decision for a shortcut brought us to the end of our strength and only with a lot of luck and the help of many people we managed to continue.

972 BreakdownsAt some point, all roads stopped and helmets were exchanged for life jackets. After a long period of tinkering, the motorcycles were converted and were able to swim 1600 km on the Kolyma River in the far east of Russia to the Arctic Ocean. The rickety sidecar motorcycles, manufactured in the former Soviet Union, set the pace of our journey. The constant mishaps initially made the project seem hopeless. The challenge was to accept failure as an almost inevitable result of one’s own action. Nevertheless, day after day, I set off again to discover with amazement that it was precisely the breakdowns that served as the key to establishing contact and allowed countless insights into kitchens, living rooms, but above all into the workshops of the local population. Only thanks to the help of all the people we met on the way, we were able to reach our destination after 43 000 kilometers on 10.01.2017 at 15:04. New York City.

Director: Daniel von Rüdiger
110 minutes (German, English, Russian with German subtitles)
Theatrical release: September 3, 2020

How do you find the right luggage?

Whether it’s a short trip, a city trip or a two-week holiday in Mallorca, the right piece of luggage is important. But before you even start the journey, there are many questions about luggage. It must be neither too big, nor too small and not too heavy. If you also travel by plane, you have to comply with certain standards. In the following sections you will find important information about luggage. Furthermore, we present different types of luggage so that you too can find the right travel companion.

Trolley, suitcase or backpacker backpack – Which is best?

Basically, this question depends on your travel style. If you travel through Asia for weeks, you definitely don’t want to carry a suitcase with you. If you change hostels every other day and travel in uncomfortable trains and buses, you should definitely grab a backpacker’s backpack. Globetrotters want to see the craziest places and always have their equipment with them. A backpacker backpack offers hip fins and chest straps for the perfect fit. At the same time, they remain flexible at all times. Depending on their size, they can even be carried as hand luggage on air travel. Otherwise, you just have to check them in.

A trolley is best suited for city trips and weekend trips. If you only want to travel through Europe’s capitals for a few days, you will be happy about the suitcase with integrated wheels. Whether hard or soft shell, your luggage is always close to you. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the faithful companion can almost always be taken into the aircraft cabin. With the help of the extendable pole, a trolley can be pulled comfortably. However, it can get a bit complicated in cities with a lot of cobblestones, such as Rome. Then you have to carry the travel trolley by means of a handle.

Travel suitcases are suitable for longer holiday trips. A week or two in the Dominican Republic? No problem with the right rolling suitcase. Like trolleys, suitcases usually have two or four wheels. Despite the contents, they can be transported so easily. Especially on long distances at airports or train stations, they show all their skills. Depending on the intended use, you can choose between a smaller or larger capacity. If you travel by plane, you can often give up 20 or 23 kilograms.

How do you pack a suitcase quickly and in a space-saving way?

It should be clear that you pack a suitcase differently than a backpacker backpack. In this section, we refer to packing a classic wheeled suitcase or trolley. If you pack with a little brains, you will save yourself a lot of trouble later.

Before you start packing, you should first answer the following questions:

  • How long is my stay?
  • What is the weather like at your destination?
  • What clothing is suitable?

In order to make the best use of the volume of the suitcase, some clothes should be rolled tightly. T-shirts, trousers, skirts or dresses take up less space. However, be careful not to stuff the suitcase to the brim. Firstly, they could suffer damage and secondly, you often want to bring a souvenir from your holiday destination. Anyone who arrives at the airport overweight is often punished. Many airlines know no mercy and charge horrendous fees for every kilogram.

Furthermore, we recommend that you pack heavier items such as shoes and pants downwards in the suitcase. Light things such as shirts, dresses and blouses are packed at the end. If they are at the top, they will also wrinkle less. To make better use of the storage space, you can also hide socks and smaller items in shoes. Cosmetics and hygiene products must be packed securely before they are spilled. Cling film is best suited for this. If you wrap the cap tightly with foil, you won’t have any problems with leaking shampoos later.

If you want to travel with technical devices, you should carry them with you as hand luggage. There you can keep an eye on them at all times. In addition, task cases are often lost. Important documents, documents, passports and medication also belong in your hand luggage.

How do you secure your luggage?

Suitcases from renowned manufacturers usually have a security lock integrated. As a rule, these are three- or four-digit combination locks that can be individually programmed. Trolleys or smaller suitcases are usually made without a lock. Then it is worth buying an additional suitcase lock.

Famagusta – Charming port city in the north of Cyprus

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Famagusta is a port city on the east coast of the island of Cyprus. It is located in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and forms the capital of the district of Gazimagusa. In ancient times, Famagusta was also known as Arsinoe.

Even today, the port city impresses with medieval architecture. For example, it contains a city wall of ancient Venice from the 15th to 16th century, which is still particularly well preserved. It reaches a length of three kilometres. In addition, Famagusta is rich in its cultural and historical heritage.

Until 1974, Famagusta was a tourist stronghold of the Mediterranean island. But then came the civil war, so that the former tourist district of Varosha is now a military restricted area that may not be entered.

Nevertheless, a visit to the city is highly recommended even in the present, as there are numerous interesting sights.

Best time to visit Famagusta

Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque, Famagusta
The Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque, Image: trabantos / shutterstock

The best time to visit Famagusta is considered to be from March to November. It will be warmest from June to September. During this period, there are also dry periods. The coolest temperatures are in January and February. December and January are the most likely to rain. In August, the highest average temperature rises to 32 degrees Celsius, and in January the lowest temperature reaches 16 degrees Celsius.

How to get to Famagusta?

Famagusta can be reached by plane via the airport in Ercan, about 50 kilometers away. However, direct approaches are only possible from Turkey . We continue by bus from Ercan to Famagusta. However, a taxi can also be taken to the port city. The journey takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

Alternatively, Larnaca Airport, which is located in southern Cyprus, can also be visited. Due to the division of the island, however, there are no direct connections to Famagusta.

In Famagusta itself, it is no problem to cross the old town on foot.

Beach holidays in Famagusta

Famagusta is well suited for a holiday on the beach. There are various beaches of varying scope between the archaeological sites of Salamis and Gazimagusa. Most of them offer sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, beach bars or taverns.

The most beautiful beach in Famagusta is Silver Beach near Salamis. It is ideal for a combination of recreation and culture. Silver Beach also has a lagoon and reef that invites you to snorkel. The shallow, calm water conditions are ideal for exploring the underwater world.

There is also a small cafeteria near the beach, where guests can get drinks and snacks.

Also recommended is the Glapsides Public Beach. It is also located near Salamis and offers a shallow sandy beach. Young people get their money’s worth in the beach restaurant with bar and DJ. Beach parties are often held during the summer months. The sunset is particularly magnificent at Glapside Public Beach. The beach is one of the most popular in Cyprus and scores with an extensive range of water sports. You can also go camping.

Another insider tip is the Bafra Public Beach, which is located on the other side of the cape and has a small restaurant.

The sights of Famagusta

One of the attractions worth seeing in the port city is the old town with its 16th-century fortress wall. The centre of the old town is the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. It was once the Christian St. Nicholas Cathedral and was converted into an Islamic mosque after the conquest of the city by the Ottomans in 1571. It was named after the Ottoman general Lala Kara Mustafa Pasha.

The Ravelin

Ravelin is a defensive structure in the shape of a crescent moon, which is located in the southwestern section of the city wall. The building protrudes far into the moat. Next to it is the Landtor, which in earlier times formed one of the two entrances to the city. A ramp leads to the city wall, which offers a magnificent view of the surroundings.

The Tower of Othello

Othello Tower, Famagusta
The Othello Tower in Famagusta, Image: koralex / shutterstock

The fortress of Famagusta includes the Othello Tower. Its main entrance dates back to the 14th century. Above it was a marble St. Mark’s lion, which formed the coat of arms of the Venetians.

The name Othello Tower goes back to the British colonial period of Cyprus. The British paid tribute to William Shakespeare’s work “Othello”, which was set in Cyprus.

The Sea Gate

The sea gate, also called Porta del Mare, formed the second entrance to the city. Access was through the port.

Other attractive sights in Famagusta are the Martinengo Bastion, the Cafer Pasha Bath, the Franciscan Church and the museum with dungeon. Shopping enthusiasts are also in the right place in Famagusta.

Extremadura-Spain’s Jewel of the West

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Spain. Mallorca, Costa Brava, the Canary Islands, Barcelona, Andalusia and many more. Cities and places that we all know at least from hearsay and that attract thousands of tourists every year. They are geared towards tourism and holidaymakers from all over the world are welcomed with open arms every year. However, the beautiful west of Spain on the border with Portugal is often forgotten. At best, the vacation should take place by the sea and for any city trips, large and well-known cities are preferred. Yet right here, in the unknown west of Spain, you have the feeling of discovering an original and old part of the country. So if you are looking for old cities, scenic seemingly eternal expanses, little tourism and delicious pinchos, you should undoubtedly pay a visit to this region.

I’m Mel, yoga teacher, social worker and travel around Europe together with my better half in our camper (“Erwin”). We surf, work on “Workaway” from time to time and enjoy every new adventure. I love to record my experiences, experiences and encounters in writing and share them with others. The motto “Sharing is caring” is very important to me and I would like to give others the opportunity to inform themselves in advance about a place or a country, because I myself love to read in addition to writing and of course stock up on reports and tips about the respective country before every trip.

Extremadura Landscape
The Tagus River in Spain’s Extremadura region, Image: abriendomundo / shutterstock

After leaving the wild, green Atlantic coast in Spain’s north behind us, we are now more or less unplanned and involuntarily stranded on our way to Andalusia , but fortunately in the region of Extremadura, which includes the provinces of Cacerès and Badajoz. Our Erwin had problems with the clutch and had to go to the workshop. All good, the insurance covers most and we are first accommodated in a hotel in Càceres. After it turns out that we will be here for at least 10 days (in Spain everything happens with a lot of peace and comfort), we move into a great Airbnb apartment and can explore the city without time pressure.

One of the best tips for me personally when it comes to city trips is always Airbnb. Absolutely reasonably priced, you have a large selection here, your own four walls and can do whatever you want. Especially for vegetarians and vegans, having their own cuisine is worthwhile, especially in countries like Spain, which are very much geared towards meat and fish. So we get hold of an absolutely lovingly furnished small apartment in the middle of the city center and thus have the perfect base for a nice time here. Of course, Càceres also has enough hotels and since the city is not too big, the center of almost every one of these hotels is within easy walking distance.

Cacerès, the capital of the province of the same name, is therefore located in the middle of the Extremadura region, which is known for its remoteness, its lakes and mountains, nature reserves, acorn groves and the Iberico pigs. The capital of the region is Merida, which is definitely worth a visit with its Roman ruins and monuments. Extremadura’s capital is about 45 minutes by car south of Càceres and can be easily reached by train for about 5€. So no matter which city in the province your city trip takes you to, the cities are relatively easy to reach and definitely worth a visit.

Temperatures in the region can quickly climb above the 30 degree mark in summer, so the low seasons are recommended for a city trip with milder temperatures.

The fantastically beautiful old town of Càceres, which has a population of about 100,000, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 and was destroyed in the 15th century by the ordered destruction of Isabella I. From Castile the nickname “Decapitated Capital”. The two palaces, which were intact, are still part of the old town today. If you are interested in the history and culture of the city, you should not miss the “Museo Guayasamin” (dedicated to the painter Osvaldo Guyasamine) and the cistern “Aljibe vin Cáceres”, built at the highest point of the city.

Of course, in addition to the historic old town, Càceres offers countless opportunities to enjoy the famous and lovingly prepared pinchos (the tàpas of the north) with a good glass of wine or cold beer, in one of the restaurants or bars. In the cozy bar “Lizarran” we unexpectedly even found two very tasty vegetarian dishes. This may sound strange, but it is not a matter of course in Spain. Normally, vegetarians eat “patatas bravas” or fries here. Nightlife is also not neglected in Càceres thanks to its countless bars. At the Plaza Major there is an open-air cinema every now and then on weekends, of course in Spanish, but sitting between the ancient walls the whole thing is undoubtedly an experience. Not to be forgotten, of course, are the ice cream parlors, which are essential for every holiday, and offer many different varieties.

Cacares
Càceres offers great shopping, Image: Melanie Stampfl / Grounding Elements

As an additional pastime, there are plenty of shopping opportunities. Whether you look around the small, lovingly designed shops of the old town, where you can get everything from Spanish delicacies to handmade jewelry, or whether you want to browse through well-known clothing brands in larger shopping centers, Càceres offers everything and more. The city is remarkably clean and in the lovingly landscaped park/green strip you can relax wonderfully in the shade of the trees.

However, a rental car is definitely recommended in the Extremadura region, as the landscape outside the cities also proves to be beautiful. We are lucky enough to be on the road with the van and are therefore allowed to discover incredible expanses between acorn trees and cows, lakes and mountains. Balmy summer nights with picturesque sunsets and a completely different Spain are granted to us when our camper is not making a detour to the workshop.

So if you are in the mood for a somewhat different and more original holiday in Spain, you should definitely think about a trip to Extremadura. Even if it’s just a short or city break, it’s beautiful. And for all those who have already read the article “Stay free on holiday – drive to the sea with a rental car” – from the coast of Andalusia it is only a few hours to Extremadura. Portugal is also only a few kilometres away, so the region is perfect as a starting point for all surrounding holiday destinations. Enjoy the original and somewhat different trip to Spain, away from mass tourism.

Extremadura
Image: Melanie Stampfl / Grounding Elements

One last short note, as the times, especially when it comes to traveling, are a bit special with COVID-19: In Spain, masks are mandatory no matter where you move, which makes walking through the city a bit more unpleasant than usual. In restaurants and bars, no mask is necessary as long as you remain seated at the table. All of Spain seems a bit more extinct than usual, some restaurants and bars didn’t survive the whole thing. Nevertheless, it is still worth a visit. The people are friendly and public life continues in the best possible way. The only restrictions we have to “complain about” as tourists are the constant wearing of masks and that all bars have a curfew from 01:00. I think these little things are absolutely acceptable in return for beautiful scenery, little tourism, delicious food and great cities.

Wellington – the capital of the Kiwis

Wellington is located at the lowest tip of New Zealand’s North Island and, with its approximately 200,000 inhabitants, is one of the country’s metropolitan areas. Despite the relatively high population density by New Zealand standards, the capital has a lot to offer and invites you to many different sights. A visit to the Kiwi capital is definitely worthwhile – it’s not for nothing that Wellington was named the “coolest little capital in the world” in 2011.

Wellington Cable Car

Wellington Cable Car
Wellington Cable Car, Image: Robert CHG / shutterstock

If you are looking for information about Wellington, you can’t miss the famous cable car . A ride on the cute red train is simply part of a visit. The cable car transports visitors directly from the centre to the Kelburn observation deck and the main entrance of the Botanic Gardens. During the 5-minute ride, passengers can enjoy the breathtaking view of the beautiful city as well as the picturesque harbor.

Nature in and around Wellington

Just like the rest of New Zealand, the capital has a lot of nature to offer and attracts with numerous hikes and action for nature lovers. As already mentioned, there is the botanical garden to marvel at, where the typical New Zealand ferns grow and you are enchanted by the lush green. If you like it a bit more action-packed, you can let off steam in the Rimutaka Forest Park and explore the area on mountain bikes. A hike through the beautiful beech forests is also a good idea here. Here, too, there are many different plants to marvel at and a lot to discover.

Another hotspot for nature lovers in Wellington is the Makara Track, which runs directly along the wild west coast. The special feature of this beach hike is the spectacular view far into the distance. The start and end point of this trail are at Makara Beach, which is also the namesake for this hike. The paths are well paved and therefore this circular route is also well suited for families with children. You should plan about 4 hours for the hike and pack sturdy shoes.

The Wellington Walkways

There is also a lot to discover and experience directly in the city. The so-called Walkways are well-signposted walks in the middle of the city, which lead you through the city in an interesting and varied way.

These walking paths lead through the middle of Wellington’s local recreation areas and parks and you quickly forget that you are actually in the capital. Depending on which part of the city you are in, you can choose between the Northern, Southern and Eastern Walkways. All three routes have a different length and lead to a wide variety of destinations.

Northern Walkway, 16 km and 4 hours duration

This trail starts in Johnsonville and leads through many green parks (including the botanical garden) in the middle of downtown. The paths are relatively easy to walk, but there are some steeper sections. However, these are always worthwhile, as there are many impressive viewpoints along the way and you can get a good overview of the city.

Southern Walkway, 11 km and 5 hours duration

Beehive Wellington
Beehive, one of New Zealand’s parliament buildings, Image: JoshuaDaniel / shutterstock

This trail starts in the harbor suburb of Oriental Bay and leads all the way up to the summit of Mount Victoria. From here you have a breathtaking view over Wellington and the rugged coast. We continue through the forest, which is also known from the movie “Lord of the Rings” and offers a beautiful backdrop. Past the Wellington Zoo , the path finally leads to Island Bay and thus back to the south coast of the island.

Eastern Walkway, 2.5 km and 2 hours duration

This slightly shorter route is great for getting a first impression of the city. In the south along the Miramar peninsula to Tarakena Bay there are some beautiful views of Wellington harbour. In addition, this route takes you to some Maori sites and can get an impression of New Zealand culture.

Away from nature – a real metropolis

Wellington, despite the charm of a small town, also has a real metropolitan feeling to offer. It is even said that Wellington has more restaurants and bars per capita than the metropolis of New York. So you can also spend some time in a wide variety of locations and enjoy delicious food and unique drinks. After all, Wellington is also the culinary capital of New Zealand.

Wellington can also keep up with other metropolises on a cultural level. Concerts and live shows take place in the city almost every day, so that visitors really have a lot to offer.

The wildlife around Wellington

Due to the location directly on the water and the rugged rocky coast, sea lions in particular feel right at home in Wellington. So if you would like to experience them in their natural environment, you can take part in one of the numerous tours and experience nature from a completely different side.

The adventurous journey can be undertaken by boat as well as by jeep.

Stay free on holiday – drive to the sea with a rental car

Every year, when it’s time for a holiday, the same questions are asked: Where do you want to go? How do I get there? Many then book a trip with fixed times for departure, arrival, pick-up and so on. In the end, the vacation will be a trip planned in advance down to the smallest detail, with some stress and obligations. Actually, many people just want to go to the sea, but all the planning takes the fun away from them. One way to keep the freedom to travel is to rent a car. With a car, you can make much more spontaneous decisions on the spot. Anything is possible. We present our road trip to the sea.

The sea

As soon as possible to the sea – that is our motto. From anywhere in Germany you can get to the North Sea relatively quickly. In Lower Saxony , there is enough water from Cuxhaven to Emden to go swimming for the first time. The sea is still too cold for us here. We have enough time to travel not only to the German North Sea coast. Accordingly, we drive west and cross the first border.

Netherlands

Amsterdam, Bike
Amsterdam is a real cycling city. Explore the city on two wheels, Image: Yasonya / shutterstock

In the region around Groningen we overtake the first caravans with Dutch license plates on the motorway. We look for the roads that keep us as close to the sea as possible. The path leads us along the North Frisian Islands to Amsterdam. We’re going on a city trip. Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam impress with lots of water, culture and breathtaking port facilities.

English Channel

We follow the road south. After a short stopover in Bruges, we leave Belgium and reach France. At Dunkirk and Calais, the sky clears up. We think we can see the British mainland on the other side of the English Channel. We consider returning the car and taking the ferry. That is definitely possible. According to Goautos.ch , with most car rental companies, the pick-up location does not have to be the drop-off location. This gives travelers the freedom they want. Instead of crossing over to England, we decide to drive further south.

Brittany

In Brittany, we get lost in the streets through the steep cliffs. One lonely beach after the next appears in front of us. We left the North Sea and finally arrived at the Atlantic. In La Torche we rent surfboards. The waves here are good for beginners. After three days we have learned the basics and a first tan on our face and hands.

Bordeaux

In Bordeaux we spend a few days in civilization again. After the nights in the car, we take a room in the hotel. We explore the medieval streets. Soon it drifts back to the water. We cross the National Park de Gascone and reach Hossegor and Biaritz. The Surf World Cup takes place here once a year. We test our skills at La Torche and have to realize that we still have a lot to learn.

Bilbao

Finally we reach Spain. Contrary to expectations, it is only raining here. In constant rainfall we reach San Sebastian and a few hours later in Bilbao it is still raining. We decide to seek shelter and visit the Museum of Basque History. Similar to Catalonia, the Basque Country has wanted to be independent of the Spanish motherland for centuries. The museum takes us through the grueling history of the region. Afterwards we feel like something simple. We decide to watch a football match of the local club Athletic Bilbao. The special thing about this team is that it has always only included players in its ranks who have learned to play football in the Basque Country.

Lisbon

Sunset in Lisbon
Sunset in Lisbon, Image: Balate Dorin / shutterstock

To escape the rain, we follow the coast to the west. Only when we reach Galicia does the sky clear up again. In Santiago de Compostela we find out about the world-famous hiking trail. Again we could leave our rental car and continue on foot. But we have gotten used to our car and continue to Portugal. In Lisbon we take another break. Here, temperatures do not fall below 17 degrees all year round. We move again and spend a few days exploring the city’s seven hills. Then we get back in the car and become thoughtful. In the past, a trip of this kind took months and perhaps years. At that time, carriages and horses were used to follow simple paths. We feel connected to the simple travelers and continue to the end of the continent.

Sagres

In Sagres we come across the southwestern tip of the European mainland. Go West – you can’t go any further west. One last time we borrow surfboards. The Algarve is Europe’s surfing stronghold. On our way west, we passed Nazaré. This is where the biggest waves in the world break in winter. We are not ready for that yet. Accordingly, we spend days in the Algarve looking for lonely beaches with light waves.

The way back part 1

Cathedral
The Cathedral of Seville, Image: agsaz / shutterstock

At some point we think about home again. You can’t go further south without crossing over to Africa. It is time to turn back. We don’t want to go back the same way we came. So we drive east for the first time on our journey. Our way back takes us back to Spain near Cádiz . After a long time on the water, we now decide on a different landscape. From Seville to Barcelona we drive for ten hours through the Spanish continent. As varied as the coasts are, the interior is similar. Desert, ghost towns and a church on the road is all we encounter. Otherwise, there is only the road. Time to reflect on our journey. With the red sunset over the flat landscape, we feel more mobile and flexible in the rental car than we have for a long time.

Return Part 2

During the night we pass Barcelona. We are back at the water. The Mediterranean Sea shines in the evening light. In the Pyrenees near Andorra, it gets very cold in the car. We warm up and for breakfast we are in a suburb of Paris. Here we make a stop and have breakfast croissant, coffee and baguette. We are back the same evening. The rental car is taken over by the car rental company with a full tank of fuel and without any problems. The way back drained us. We have a long journey behind us. The only question that remains: Which road will we follow next time?