My eyes filled with green

I was amazed by the green. Green. Green. Green. My eyes became green. And I even think I started to have green heart.
Ireland is... green. I could not believe the stories, but it is true. So many shades of green that you cannot even name them. Some so dark, that almost brown, some so fresh and light, that seem to be unreal. And above all... mountains...
I can try to describe it to you, but only try. Everybody shoud see it, experience it... So... close your eyes (ok, only one, one still should read the blog ;)). And try to imagine spring. The very first touch of spring. With warm wind on your face and this smell. Smell of something about to begine. And the very first leaves, slowly coming up to sun. Can you feel that smell? And see that colour of green that just started to grow? Feel that? With warm sun and warm drops of rain - this is the image of Green Country I have now.
It was so picturesque, that I could stay there for much much longer then 3 days. I think I already know where I am spending my next holidays :) It is not about the cites or towns at all, although the atmosphere of Irish pub is unique and something you cannot find anywhere else. It is not about the people, although they are nice. It is about the nature. About the colour. About this green... About mountains and peaceful surrounding. About the peace that it gives you...
These were the "holidays" I needed :) Away from big cities, in Cork, visiting Jaanika´s friend Mariliis (thanks ;)) and Killarney doing nothing and enjoying it a lot. With the sun (yes yes yes, surprise! It was not raining, just few drops of light showers one day!) and... GREEN :)
Green hugs to all of you and... a pint of beer :)

7 million Londoners, 1 London :)

Yes. 7 million. Plus tourists. Crowded city. City full of life, people, city in a rush. Always going somewhere, doing something, running, moving, living, singing, being in a hurry. Sleeping from time to time. Excting city. City that leaves you breathless, impressed. And tired in the same time. I like London a lot, and I would be able to live there one day, but not longer then for one or two years. I think so... because I would be tired. I would need to relax, and in London there is no time for... wasting time. So we tried not to. We saw Greenwich, with the magical line, Natural History Museum, where we spent whole day, and it was worth it for sure, we went to Tower to listen to the history of this worldwide known prison, history that told by one old man sounded so real and painted in front of your eyes the executions, misteries, secrets. We also spent one day in Kewgardens, enjoying the trees, flowers, palms, and different sea fishes or creatures. It was amazing to be there, sometimes as if in completely different world, not in England, but in a tropical country, so hot and humid that I almost fainted. It was lovely day, and very nice time there. Without the rain, maybe few drops, I enjoyed my stay there a lot. Thank you Ewelina, for the place to stay and being a guide although the tense time and work :)
We went out for a beer, to dance a bit, feeling like VIPs that don't have to wait to enter the club :)we as well had quiet evening with ice creams and pijamas party :)
I have to tell you I learned something in London. Something about our trip. It is amazing. Unreal. Great. Exciting. Like making your dreams come true. But in the same time stressful. Exhausting. Because seeing all those cities, without time to relax and catch a breath, is tiring. Because there is always something to see, somewhere to go. Places to visit, that I want to discover, but we have very little time. I cannot complain, we chose that way, we plan the trip, so there is a big lesson from it. To go somewhere in the middle of the trip where you can just spend whole day in bed. With complaining and not making others taking it personally...
I realised that sightseeing is like...a job that you do. Bringing lots of satisfaction, and great memories, but also a need for... holidays :)

London by night - night bus :)

Here we are. 10 pm on Stansted airport. Pretty late. Imagine, that we still have to get to London and from the centre to my friend's place. Ewelina gave us very good instructions, and we are intelligent girls, but still...
We got to Central London, which was very easy and now the challenge - night bus from Victoria Station to a place called Downham Street. Street that turned out to be very difficult to say properly! But we managed to catch the right bus and... there you had two a bit confused girls in the night bus, where everyone was talking to you! Asking questions, explaining things. Night bus with some weird people as well (as in every city I suppose :)) Night bus that took us home! It was far better that I had expected it to be :) Ewelina was waiting for us at the bus stop, with some signs of relief we made it :) Of course we did :) The place we are staying is very nice, and I am sure we will feel like at home for these four days! :)

Feeling like a child again :)

Ok, I feel like that often :), but today it was something special. We went to the amazing museum in Karlsruhe, museum full of media, museum that you can a bit create yourself. Press here, look there, choose this, try that. I had so much fun there! And it would be possible to spend the whole day there, it is a pity we had only two hours!
We wanted to see also Heidelberg with castle and narrow streets, where is unique atmosphere and very good beer. Beer with form, so that Jaanika can see how it is to have beer form on her nose :) Beautiful castle and nice sights. But we don't have much time to enjoy the city, since today we are flying to London!
As Piotr had to pick up his friend, there was little time to go back home, take our stuff and get to the airport. Now I experienced what does it mean to be on a German highway, without the speed limit! It was much too fast for such a little girl as me. I am afraid of the speed! I felt that in a second we could start to fly. But thanks God, Piotr is very good driver, so it was safe... But I do NOT recommend that ;P
We managed to take everything and... London is waiting for us!!! Thank you Piotr for everything!

A little bit of France...

Sleeping!! Today we have a chance to sleep a bit longer :) I have to admit, we are lazy, so there was no way to leave the house before 11 :) Supposed to meet Piotr for lunch, we were extremely late. My sense of direction was still sleeping I think... Anyway we made it, had lunch in nice students' restaurant and decided to... see France. One more, unexpected, country to visit. Strassbourg is so close, that it would be a crime not to go there.
It is amazing how different it is, just few kilometres away, few minutes by car, and completely different world. Full of charm, and something... French ;) A little bit less in order, more spontanious, again full of live - tourists. Contrast between France and Germany and contrast between modern and old. The contrast that allows not to judge which is better, but shows that these differnces can be used in a very creative way.
Of course France is a big country, full of unique places, and in Strassbourg you could feel the link between Germany and France, place in Europe that the borders seem to be a bit artifical, or life near border just simply means the same experiences and conditions, creating the similarities. But the influence of "French" or "German" is visible.
Strassbourg, a link between the modern and old. Council of Europe, European Parlament and "small France", old houses and canals like in Venice. Place for everything, although I liked the old part much much much more :)
The city was so lovely, that we didn't want to go back. Sitting in one of the small cafes, or drinking wine on the shore of canal... But there is always the last train that forces you to go back to reality.
With a bottle of wine and few kinds of cheese, evening in Karlsruhe and late talks... Not so much real after all...

Travelling in Germany...

Leaving Vienna in pouring rain. So early in the morning that my eyes are still filled with a dream that I was dreaming. Vienna. Saying goodbye to the the city, I have the impression, is crying... Emmi, I am sure you will have fun there!!! (and sauna!!)
Flight to Nurnberg and... welcome to Germany. Country that I like many people from, but itself... well, let's see what will be this time...
Tired, waiting for ages, trying to find the railway station and the tourist office, we get to know that if we want to get to Karlsruhe we are going to go... bankrupt... So there must be another way! Leaving the luggage in the railway station, we are going to see the city. Nice, but the stubborn thought of "how are we going to do it" is still in my mind, and I think Jaanika's also. We have to go to Karlsruhe, and after making small accounting we figured out that we should start saving money :) still so many countries to see...
So... since we already took a bus, train and plane, why not to hitchhike? At the end of the city, with the piece of paper and big sun we tried to "catch somebody to give us a lift". Hello, is there anybody who wants to take two very nice girls?? People were looking at us, waving and smiling. I understand that it was nice to see the sun and smiling faces, but it was not really an entertaining show :) After more then one hour, when we were almost to give up, appeared someone who decided to pack us to his van :) Going not exactly to Stutgart, but near by, he tried to talk to his colleagues to take us even further, but unfortunately it was not possible. Anyway, we got to Stuttgart, where Piotr was waiting for us. Great thanks to the stranger!
In the evening we went to see Baden Baden, really nice town, filled with beautiful houses, villas and rich people :) and castle, that was rented by some young people to have a party in :) Maybe we can do it one day?;)

Vienna... without a comment

I fell in love. With Vienna. At the first sight. You might ask me why... Because it was a big city with the intimate atmosphere. Creating the sense of belonging, light. City like.. waltz. Somethig you want to experience, live, breathe. Something with a touch of magic on your shoulder, sparkling. City that has something I find so difficult to explain...
We were staying in Tiina's place (and Laura's that was not there :(), thank you so very much!! It was a beautiful house and family that made us feel so comfortable. It is great to meet people like this, thay always teach you something.
Vienna during the day, Vienna by night, Vienna's night life. Everything was just perfect. Even ... sauna. The thing we were not expecting at all on our trip!! Relax, sleep and fun. I am so much impressed that cannot find proper words. To describe the atmosphere of great architecture, culture, fun, style and intimacy in the same time. Sensing a bit of aristoctatic life in Habsburg's palais (I know we are tourist ourselves, altough we were take as... exchange students :), but could someone remove tourists???)I liked it a lot and I will try to come back. I will come back. I... I will not write anything more. To leave you with Vienna and waltz. With music and magic, wine and stars and city blinding lights in the night. With your imagination. With ... Vienna...

The rest of hungarian story...

Still in Veszprem. At noon we decided to go to traditional Hungarian restaurant with Gypsy's music, and it was for sure right decision. Eating this food and listening to this music that evokes in the heart the feeling of nostalgy, just perfect combination that created atmosphere of being in a special place in a spacial time. And in this "middle of nowhere" our waitress, lady up to forties, turned out to... speak Polish :) Polish everywhere, tourist or Polish people or simply people that like the country and the language. Amazing :)
Later we did some sightseeing in Veszprem, which was charming with all these new buildings that anyhow fitted into the atmosphere of the town, said sad goodbye to Nori and Alari, and went to try how it is to swim in this strange Balaton. It was magical... with thounderstorm in the sky, coming slowly, lights of tourist resorts, and sound of waves... a little bit of dreaming...
But it was time to get back to reality. City again. Big city with lights. With million of lights that make you feel that behind each small one of them is standing a person... I was enchanted... And very very very sleepy. My eyes were like widely closed...
Only one more day in Budapest, one night and the morning. Sightseeing , sightseeing, sightseeing. Time planned to the very last moment, and so many kilometres that my feet were dying. But it was something that made me think how big this city was and how many things there are too see. There is still something I left for the next time, to have a reason to come back. Night with a glass of wine and Donau, stars and deep navy blue sky... But we have to leave...
In the morning we woke up earlier to have a bit of hiking and mountain feeling, nice view and relax. And bus to Vienna... Vienna... place for different story...
Thank you Istvan for everything, and good luck!!!

A lake!!!

Hungary - the second day. But surprise surprise, not in Budapest... We are going to see Balaton and visit Jaanika's friend - Nori in Veszprem. Sun sun sun all day, the fields of sunflowers almost like fields of gold. So many little suns on the way there...
And so many strange sounds - ambulance like Star Wars, doorbells, phone ringtones and so on...
And... the lake. Water. Water that has a strange colour of green with a little bit of milk. Something that fascinates and amazes. We tried Langos, saw Cowsauros (grey cattle that was living in Hungary thousands of years ago :)) And finally... we tried WINES... White Hungarian wines... really really good...we recommended them from the bottom of the heart. I like the most Aiswine... delicious, with the taste like... a bit of sun. Have to admit that after trying seven wines we were in very good "wine moods", all of us but for driver (I am sure Istvan had a good mood also because of drunk people in front of him ;)). We were laughing and telling funny stories and singing a bit and then... we got home and fall asleep almost immediately after late dinner :) It was great evening :) And will stay in my memory for a long time...

Budapest - city of... shoes?

So here we are. Budapest. After a night in the train, with Italian students, we are in Budapest. Jaanika's friend, Istvan, was waiting in the railway station. Some time at home, short nap and... sightseeing :) Stairs, stairs, stairs... I would call it stairway to heaven :) Today we could see Budapest from the hills. Beautiful city. Amazing. Taking the breath away... When you are inside the city, walking, you feel so small there... the buildings are just so impressive...And when the night comes, there are millions of lights... the city is living, glimmering, shinning... And the pearls of architecture with the light play... I saw falling star and made a wish. With the whole Budapest behind me, hope it will come true...
What else about first impression? Many pairs of lonely ... shoes... left somewhere, a pair or single, sport shoes or sandals... missing the owner :) We were laughing about it and... there was another shoe without anyone to take care :)If you are missing some shoe, we recommend Budapest ;)
After walking for many hours in the city, we came back home and... were given small glass of homemade wine. Don't even ask... Or it was really strong or we should not drink at all :) We were laughing and laughing and laughing... With no reason :) I think we need more practice in drinking wine :) So... we will do it tomorrow :)

Prague - the city of... beer

Seven o'clock in the morning, Prague, bus station, still a little bit foggy - at least morning sun makes it look like that... I am here! A bit tired, but ready to get to know the city, where our Czech friends promised to prove they have the best beer in the world... Fanda picked me up from the station to show me the place we are staying with Jaanika and... I think they used many arguments yesterday, which was nicely called "the beer mood" and a bit of headache :) Short nap before going to the city, washing off the rests of the journey and ... Prague, here we are :)
The city is lovely. Great architecture and... food. Ok... I have to admit... very good beer :) We were walking, sitting, walking, sitting, walking... Trying to avoid MILLIONS of tourist! It was unbelieveable... the river of people, floating the city, from every single part of Europe and every corner of the world. Have to tell it was a bit too much for us... It would be great to see this city in some foggy October's morning, standing on the Charle's bridge almost completely alone... Can someone please close the city for me?? :) I will just make this one photo and... be grateful forever :)
Two days in Prague. Thanks to all the people we met there, it was amazing to see you :) Ales, thank you for the place to stay, Fanda - it was great to know how NOT to be a stupid tourist and hear proper legands and traditions, Jano - thanx for showing us nice place with "locals" :) I didn't meet Filip and Luba, but I am sending you my best regards :)
Hopefully we will meet soon :)
Good beer, good food, nice company, cute bartenders...We will be back :)

WANTED - dead or ALIVE :)

JAANIKA, 25, Cancer. Student. Estonia. Australia? Yes, I speak Finnish. No, it is not like Russian. Because. I do. No, he is not Estonian. I'm sorry. Dreams are to come true. If not, they were not the important ones or they have transformed to the new ones.
KASIA, 24, Cancer. Student. Still. Poland. This is the tricky question. It is in Europe. Have no idea if people are really happy about it, have to ask people. We don't use only horses now, imagine, there are cars and... tractors! No. I don't know why... Chasing rainbows. Because sometimes you have to.

Quess what were the questions we answered :)

Plan of the trip: Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Nurnberg, Karlsruhe, London, Cork, Porto, Coimbra and then some places in Portugal and Spain. We left the end of the trip as unknown and spontanious. Just to do what we feel after a month of more or less planned travelling :) For sure we want to end in Barcelona... from that place we will have our last flight together to London, and then... The road is falling apart. For Jaanika - England again, I am going to Vilnius :)
Let's hit the road then :)

Let's get it started :)

Almost time to start my holidays :) I am almost packed and almost ready... Almost :) As usual, there are always things left for the very last moment... Without a bit of stress I would not feel so excited probably ;)
I have my smile, my camera and huge bagpack (how many times I promised myself to take less things...). I have home-made wine for Jaanika (for a good beginnig) and Gosia's summer kit :) So everything I really need for my holidays. Our Europe-tour :)
I'm almost ready to go.
I'm almost going :)
Time to start the summer adventure :)

Let's talk about... me :)

Who am I?
Just a little girl :) With eyes that are changing colour, and big smile. Smile that is not disappearing often... because I believe there are bright sides of life :)
I am sometimes spiteful, sometimes horrible, sometimes moody and sometimes nice :) I do sing, although it is not one of my skills, I am dancing in the rain, I love music and I usually cannot sit too long in one place - a soul of traveller is calling... Journeys don't have to be long, it is all about this feeling when you get into car, bus, train or plane...
I believe in angels, fairies, magic and... fairy tales. I am trying to write my own :) With few tears and many smiles. My experiences, adventures, thoughts. My life. My fairy tale... :)