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Living in the forest - UK edition

Living in the forest – UK edition

Hello all! It is me once again! This time I have some stories for you from very nice and beautiful New Forest national park in United Kingdom where I moved just 1 week ago. So where is this place, what is so nice about it – if you read next few lines you might find it out.

Moving to UK

On the 1st of October was the day when I had to say Goodbye to Slovakia. I took a train to Prague and…

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Nature of Slovakia - Gorge in Mala Fatra

Nature of Slovakia – Gorge in Mala Fatra

Hello guys. It is me again and just yesterday I made another trip to Slovakia mountains. As it was Sunday, I was little bit afraid that it will be full of people. But slovak mountains surprised me once again – we (me and mom) met just 6 people during the whole trip. So let me tell you a little bit about it.

It all started at 9 am

It was Sunday morning and I just woke up. Previous day we…

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#bus #discovering #East Europe #europe #hiking #photographer #photographing #photography #slovakia #story teller #train #traveling

Oldest cycle path in Slovakia

Hey guys, here I am again. I survived more then 125km on bike so I am here today and I can tell you about it. This time I tried one of the oldest (probably the oldest) cycle path in Slovakia – it is called Vazska cyklomagistrala (The Vah cycle path) which is marked from Strecno to Hlohovec. It connects 4 counties, but I did it just through 3 of them as I started in my hometown of Puchov. So here…

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#Cycling #discovering #East Europe #exercise #photographer #photography #slovakia #story

I love hiking!

It is a simple title right? Yes, I know. Maybe you are curious why, maybe you are one of those who ask why I love to get sweat and why I like it when my legs hurt me after many kilometers. It is simple – I love hiking! Nothing more.

Tourists marks on trees – you find these all around Slovakia

Today I would like to tell you about one of my favorite trails, which I do with my mom every year…

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#europe #hiking #landscapes #nature #panoramic #puchov #slovakia

Slovakian - Polish bike connection

Slovakian – Polish bike connection

Hey there all! How are you doing? I was traveling again and found an amazing place once again. Do you like trains, bikes, nature, sights, uphill, downhill and also some good local cheese? If you answered yes at least on one of these things, this post will be for you! So let me tell you about a bike path which connects Slovakia with Poland or – bike trip from Trstena to Nowy Targ.

About cycle…

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Beckov castle and Gorge in Haluzice

So hello again! It’s me! Just yesterday I did another of my trips and this time, I am bringing you something really special. If you are not from Slovakia, there is a high possibility you have never heard of any of these places. They are really special, beautiful and unique. So if you like castles, nature, lookout towers – you are definitely on a right place! So sit down (if you are not sitting…

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#castle #gorge #hiking #history #nature #watchtower

Back in Barcelona

This post will be more about photos, less about talking 🙂 I just decided to do it in this way as I really love the photos which I took during my 2nd time in Barcelona.

Just a brief story what I did there. We were making a Europe trip with mom to France, Portugal and Spain. And as I was studying for 4 months in Krakow with some Spanish friends, I wanted to visit them. This is why I chose…

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Devil's rock

Devil’s rock

Want to visit something unique ? Do you look for a place which is not so much visited by foreigners? So you are at the right place! Let me introduce you Devil’s rock in Czech republic – right on border with Slovakia.

Devils rock

If you love trains and you are doing Interrail, I am sure you look also for places which are not so visited. One of them is Devils rock in Lidečko. It is a small…

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#Czech republic #eurrail #hidden gems #interrail #nature #photographing #rocks #traveling

Plan to visit Slovakia? Read this!

So once again I am here to tell you something more about my country. This time, I want to talk about places and things to see in my area. Every time when I go through Couchsurfing or Interrail, I can see that people from abroad visit or plan to visit Bratislava – our capital city. It is okay. I absolutely understand it. But one thing makes me feel sad – they entry Slovakia just by visiting…

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#eurrail #hidden gems #interrail #nature #slovakia #train #traveling

Romania and Moldova - connected for one more time!

Romania and Moldova – connected for one more time!

So this time I chose really a destination where not so many people travel. Why I did it? Because I always wanted. Moldova was on my list for a long time but just right now I made a plan and just went there. I got a free week so I packed mylsef and took a first train there. And here is writen how it was 🙂

Whole route from Puchov to Chisinau Budapest .. oh dear Budapest

First train I took…

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#discovering #East #East Europe #europe #hungary #Moldova #Romania #slovakia #solotravel #train #traveling

Sweet home Switzerland

If you know me, you might be little bit confused now, why I call Switzerland my sweet home. Explanation is really easy, but lets start in year 2015.

Switzerland (Google) Summer 2015

Summer 2015 was coming and I was thinking with mom, where to go for a trip. Earlier that year I did my first trip to Slovenia and as I really enjoyed it, I wanted to visit some more countries that year.…

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#family #friends #home #interrail #nature #switzerland #traveling

So hello again. I was not here for a while. If you are asking why it is partly because I was studying for my finals (I graduated finally) and also because I was traveling a bit! And last trip was really amazing for me. It was on bike. So let me tell you the story how it happened.

Sunrise from balcony in Puchov

I finished my school and I had to pack myself for a way back home. So I put 5 years of my life in Kosice in some backpacks and hit the road back home. I arrived to train station on time but there were not free seats, so I had to wait for another – later train. I decided to go for a lunch, to have nice time during 2 hours of waiting for my train.

These 2 hours passed really fast. I found my place in train which was almost empty and I hoped to have some nice views. As we were driving around High Tatras, I don’t know how, and from where, I started to think about my bike. And also .. all these stories from the first city where I studied (Opava) and from Krakow (my Erasmus) and Kosice came on my mind. And then it happened. All these things connected in one big idea in my head, in that time. Lets do a trip where I will connect all these 3 parts of my life – and let’s do it on bike! Crazy idea but why not! So with this idea in my head I arrived home around 11pm.

Part one – Czech republic

During next week I bought some new bags for my bike – because at home I just had really heavy one. I also got some new lights, seat etc. And week after this I started the journey. First part from Puchov to Opava I did by train. It started at 5:47am from Puchov train station.

Train journey from Puchov to Opava

Puchov train station

All trains I took that day were regular slow trains. First stop I did in Horni Lidec, second in Hranice na Morave and last train change I had to do in Ostrava Svinov. From there it was a direct slow train to Opava východ. To find place where to put my bike on train from Puchov was not so hard. In Horni Lidec it was much more interesting. I had to ask the train crew, where is the place to put my bike. Of course it was last part of the train – so I went there and found there some hooks where I hung my bike.

Old slow regional train – Czech republic

Ostrava Svinov

To Opava I arrived after 4 hours. It already felt really warm so I was bit afraid how I will bike 36km in this weather to Bohumin – it was a city where I slept in my friend flat. First thing I wanted to do in Opava was to visit all the buildings and places where I went during the time I was studying here.

Train station – Opava východ

Opava – Silesian University

Around 11am I started the first part of bike route to Bohumin. It was 37km long. Not that much but it this weather it felt like I was making 74km.

Bike trip from Opava to Bohumin

On the way to Bohumin

To the Bohumin I arrived around 4pm. I did some stops on the way, took some photos and also bought something to drink. On this route from Opava to Bohumin was interesting that I had to go through small part of Poland also. The city (or village) was called Chalupki.

When I arrived to Bohumin, Ivca was waiting for me with her little boy and also her husband arrived a bit later. That day we walked into the park, bit around Bohumin and she also prepared some really tasty food for me – plus some cakes. I really liked it!

Burgers which Ivca made for me in Bohumin

Its time to move to Poland

I woke up early in the morning – It was 6am if I am right. I wanted to start the journey earlier today as the forecast said it will be warm day again. So from Bohumin I had to make a small part on Czech road and then, I crossed the polish border.

The city I planned to reach was called Bielsko Biala and village Kamienica. In that place I found amazing small pension – called Pokoje Pod Dębowcem. But I will tell more about this place later!

Bike journey from Bohumin to Kamienica

After city Karvina I came on border with Poland. There were some routes for cyclists – I was really surprised. I knew that day will be one of the hardest – just 60km but the profile of route said – 889m uphill. But I was not afraid. This was the adventure I was looking for. So navigation prepared, let’s go to Bielsko Biala!

Border with Poland

On the way to Kamienica

Just about 20km before Bielsko Biala I saw a sign which said – Wooden Church in village Bielowicko. I was thinking if to go there or not. It took me about 5 minutes – and of course I went there! It was just extra 10km – so why not.

Wooden church in Bielowicko

To Kamienica next to Bielsko Biala I arrived around 1PM. I was really hungry so I was trying to find a place where to eat. I searched for place where they prepare pizza. I crossed my fingers for actual data in Google Maps. And .. yes .. the first place was opened (as Google maps said) but in real – it was closed. So I had to find another one. Luckily there was 1 not far from the place where I was. Only problem was a big road, which I did not know how to cross – so to get to this place – I actually had to make extra 4km big circle. But it worth it. I think I found there the best pizza place in the city. I loved it and I felt so good after I ate whole pizza by myself!

View from accommodation in Kamienica

After the lunch I went to find the house where I planned to sleep that night. It was next to forest – quite far from the city. I liked that area as it was really quite, I had room for myself and the area looked just beautiful! After I accommodated – I decided to go to buy some food for tomorrow and also some water and food for tonight. Biedronka was like 4km far away – so I took my bike. On the way back a big storm started but luckily I got home before the big ice balls started to fall. Later, my friend told me in a next city there were these ice balls big like a eggs. Scary!

View from accommodation in Kamienica

After few storms, I decided to walk around a bit. Sun was getting lower and I hoped to catch some nice shots. I didn’t even think I will be so lucky to take a photo of salamander!

Salamander in Kamienica

View from accommodation in Kamienica

Sunset in Kamienica

After small walk I came back, locked my bike inside the house and got ready to sleep. And now it is time to tell you more about the accommodation. This was the cheapest one I found in this area. Was called Pokoje Pod Dębowcem and room for 1 person cost 10€. You got bed, table, TV, sockets and one window. Check out booking to see how the room looked like – I really loved it. I gave them 10 points of 10. For this price, it was super nice!

Moving to Krakow – I can’t believe it!

Morning view from my room was amazing. Sun was just going higher and higher and I knew it was time for me to start. 5:30am and I am ready to go! Streets were still empty so I had whole road just for myself!

View from accommodation in Kamienica

Bike journey from Kamienica to Krakow

On the way to Krakow

Part of this route was on roads for cars, some on roads for cyclists. I also had to use one raft. Views were amazing and I really liked the mountains all around.

On the way to Krakow

I did a small stop in Wadowice, to buy some food and water. I love Poland because of stores like Biedronka, Zabka or Lewiatan. They are always opened – and so if I need to buy some drink, or some food or something sweet, it is so easy to get in here!

On the way to Krakow

After the raft, I found this old air plane on field. It was not possible to get to it, so I just took a photo from the road. Kinda creepy I have to say!

On the way to Krakow

Today journey was the longest – it was about 91km. And it took me around 5 hours to arrive to Krakow. I was climbing up with a bike .. and on the top of mountain, I saw a church. And I knew I was close to Krakow. I knew this was the monastery not far from Pilsudski mound. The feeling that moment was like .. I don’t even know how to describe it. I was proud of myself that I did it. I did something, what I was just thinking about few weeks ago. I was there, just few more kilometers from Krakow – from the city where I lived 4 months.

Arrived to Krakow

Wawel castle – Krakow

In Krakow I found accommodation in Boby Hostel. Sadly I have to say this was the worst experience I ever had in a hostel. Maybe it was because of Ukrainian, Belarusian and Russian workers or I don’t know. I have many friends from these countries but those people were just super weird. I felt not good in this place so this was reason why I was trying to be outside most of the day. From my point of view, I really do not recommend this hostel – I really did not feel good in the place (and I was already accommodated in many other hostels, so I think I can compare .. )

But I was happy to be back in Krakow. I was going to meet my polish teacher and also my good friend Katarzyna from International students office. So first day I arrived I just went to my old student house, to see what changed there.

Dorms in Krakow

Next day I received email from my polish teacher that she will have last polish class with Erasmus students and if I want, I can join them. So of course I wanted to come. At 9am I went to the building which she wrote in email, found the class and was waiting. Class was funny as always – as I remember it from my Erasmus. I liked it really a lot. It was a bit different as my friends were not there but I didn’t mind. After the class I went with Anna (the teacher) to the place called Wadowicka where we both had frappe. It felt so good to have this drink in this warm day. I talked with Anna around 1 hours and then she had to leave to another class. So we said goodbye and I moved to International students center.

Katarzyna was working – so I was happy I will meet her. When I arrived she was not surprised at all – as she knew about my plan (I wrote her email before). She and her colleague were busy as always because students were leaving from Krakow. So I spent there just few minutes and I left to the city. For later that day I managed to meet with Katarzyna and went with her to the park next to Tawron arena – where she had some activities with other friends and some kids.

Later that day I also went to Kazimierz to have my favourite foods! Zapiekanka and ice cream from Good Lood! Just check the photo and you will know why I so love it!

Zapiekanka – Krakow

I stayed in Krakow for 3 nights. I visited all the places which I loved so much when I was living there. I met people who I liked the most and also ate food which I missed so much. Bit after these days it was time to move for my final part of the journey.

Border is waiting!

In the morning I woke up at 4:30. My train from Krakow was leaving after 5am so I packed all my bags, connected them to the bike and ride through the empty city to the train station. I did one last stop on main square to take a photo of course!

Rynek Glowny – Krakow

Train was already at the train station so I found a place where to put my bike and I was waiting when train will move. It didn’t long and we moved – my final destination was Muszyna.

Train journey from Krakow to Muszyna

This train was really cheap so this was why I decided to take it on border. I paid just about 3€ + 2€ for a bike. Train was really slow and it took like 4 hours to get to Muszyna. My plan that day was just to move to Circ in Slovakia – what was about 10km. But on the train I met an older man who was going to bike in this area and he gave me some ideas where to go. So, from 10km I did about 50km. I visited some wooden churches and some mineral waters. I have to say it was the best decision I made that day! And I just did not know that time, this was going to be the best day of the whole journey!

On the way to Muszyna

Wooden church in Jastrzebik

Somewhere over Muszyna

Mineral water Bulgotka

Wooden church in Zlockie

Somewhere over Szczawnik

Wooden church in Szczawnik

Muszyna

So from Muszyna to Circ it was about 10km. Part of the road was for cyclists, part of cars. There was a lot of mountains so it was taught to bike there – but I liked it a lot. The views were simply amazing!

Bike route from Muszyna to Circ hranica

From Muszyna to Circ hranica

When I arrived to my accommodation I was tired so I just put my thing down and ran to the only store which was right next to my accommodation. I bought 3 no alcoholic beers and drunk them all in 15 minutes I think. Then I felt so pleasant – haha. The accommodation here was called Penzión na Hranici Čirč. I have to say this was a huge surprise. In this area it was the cheapest accommodation – but it felt so luxury! Inside, it was like a completely new flat with super clean shower, bedroom, livingroom etc. I loved it so much that definitely I will come back later. I think it is the best place to spend your time, if you want to make some bike trips in Poland (in the Muszyna and Krynica zdroj area).

Accommodation in Circ hranica

The bench in front was lovely – I sit there for a while when sun was running down. It was lovely. Nobody around, just me, this place and mountains. I simply loved it and I was a bit sad that next day I will have to leave so early!

Accommodation in Circ hranica

Morning sun – Kosice are waiting! Last part!

93km. It was plan for the last day of the journey – I wanted to connect the North with a South. I was curious how it will go. The morning sun was lovely. I saw some deers on fields or next to the river. There was also 1 fox. I just hoped to not meet bear. It was really early. I started at 4:57 so people were still sleeping but animals were really active.

Bike route from Circ hranica to Kosice

Sunrise over Čirc hranica

After 10km and 30 minutes of biking I climbed up to the highest peak on this part of journey. When I turned back I didnt believe what I saw. It was the nicest sunrise I have ever seen. I took out my camera and started to make shots. I felt it … I knew .. this was going to be one of my best shots ever. And surely it was. Or what do you think?

Sunrise over Lubotín

When I arrived to Kamenica, I knew now it will be easier than it was. It was a long way down .. many many kilometers when I did not have to pedaling that much. Kamenica, Lipany and Sabinov I passed and I arrived to Presov around 9am. I was surprised how fast I did it. Kosice were really close and I felt like I was gonna make this trip to the happy end!

Alone horse somewhere in Slovakia

On the way to Velky Saris

Kysak and … Kosice. I was there. I made it. I felt so happy. I did what I planned and thanks God nothing happened to me during the road! I connected all the 3 cities which I wanted to connect. I loved that feeling.

Rye in Trebisov

And what should I tell at the end? I am proud of myself, I really have to say it. This was my first bike journey away from Slovakia. It was the longest I have ever done. I used navigation for a first time in my life on bike. I had to do many compromises, I had to wake up early in the morning. I had fought with my fears to be alone early in the morning on road between woods. And I am happy I did it. And if you are afraid of something – go ahead and try to fight your fears. At least try it! 🙂 I never believed that one day I will say I did 4 000m uphill and some more downhill in just 6 days. I never believed I will do 400km on bike in a week! 🙂 So .. now I can say, everything is possible!

If anybody had any questions about this journey – do not hesitate to ask me! I am here to help you or tell you more information that were said here on my blog 🙂 Here is a whole journey!

And for these who are gonna make any journey soon – here is a link for discount on Booking! – https://www.booking.com/s/35_6/9a484ff9

Your Supertramp!

3 Universities – 3 Cities – 400km on bike So hello again. I was not here for a while. If you are asking why it is partly because I was studying for my finals (I graduated finally) and also because I was traveling a bit!

#bike #Czech republic #poland #slovakia

Supertramps on Europe trip! Mom and son edition - 3rd part - France

Supertramps on Europe trip! Mom and son edition – 3rd part – France

So from UK we were moving to another destination – France. So back from UK to continental Europe to Lille Europe. It is a name of Eurostar and TGV train station in Lille. We had just 3 hours in Lille so we walked a bit around, visited some churches and also shopping center to buy something for a journey to the south – to Avignon.

Journey from Peterborough to Carcassonne

Shopping center in Lille

C…

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It was time to move to the next stop – Peterborough – Great Britain. If you are curious why Peterborough was the first stop, read the next story which I prepared for you 🙂

Whole journey from Amsterdam to UK

Before we arrived to Great Britain with Eurostar train, we made a short stop in Belgium. Our train from Amsterdam went directly to Brussel and as I found out, right this day they had special occasional in Brussel. Amazing carpet from flowers was made there in the city center. We arrived quite early so I hoped for less tourists, but there were thousand of them already. The main square is not far from train station (which is btw really old-looking and I have to say this is the ugliest train station I have ever seen – if I do not count our in Bratislava). So we walked a for few minutes with other tourists and there we found it.

Brussels main square

Amazing city square with beautiful flower carpet. I really love buildings in Belgium. I visited already some cities as Leuven, Liege, Antwerp and so and especially in Leuven I loved the city hall. The details and the statues, which can be also seen here on this city hall in Brussel are just simply amazing. If you want, check my Interrailing in Belgium here – https://supertrampdiaryblog.wordpress.com/2016/09/14/interrailing-in-belgium/

Let me tell you now few facts about the carpet in Brussel.

it can be seen only for 2 days every second year

120 volunteers created it

size of the carpet is 77m x 24m

it is created from about 1 million begonias

time to create the carpet is only 4 hours

This year theme was Mexico. Specially it was created as a symbol of Guanajuato – it is a city in Mexico where tourists can find really rich floral culture and traditions. If you want to find more about the carpet in Belgium, visit the website of Brussel or just simply write into Google – Flower carpet Brussel. But we had to move, so some more pictures of the carpet and story can continue.

Flower carpet in Brussel

Eurostar train from Brussel to London

I always wanted to try this special train. The only one which operates under the channel between France and UK. This train was included in our Interrail ticket, we just had to buy reservation which was 30€ for each. It was quite a lot, for sure, but it worth it. The experience was amazing. And money are just money. One day you have them and another you don’t. But the memories from this ride will be never forgotten.

To get on the train, it takes some time. We had to arrive at least 1 hours in advance. It was because of check in things – pretty the same as on the airport I think. They checked our bags, passports and IDs and so we moved to the waiting room. There we had some drinks (mom finally got her coffee) and later from speakers we heard, our train was ready and we could go up to our platform.

Seats inside were comfortable and also I (I am 2 meters tall) had enough space for my legs. The whole journey should take about 2 hours. The trains operate between Brussel and London St. Pancras train station. It stops only in Lille and make also one stop before London. Maximal speed is over 300km but most of the time we saw on display 290km/h or so. WiFi was working perfectly but we did not use it that much as we were amazed by the speed and we were also looking for the tunnel, which was somewhere in front of us. Deepest part through which train drives in the tunnel is about 70m. When we reached this part, I really felt it in my ears. We launched the tunnel in France and in just 25 minutes we entered it in UK.

To arrive to UK was something unbelievable for me as I have never though, I will visit UK once – and by train. First stop as I said, London St. Pancras.

London St. Pancras train station – Eurostar terminal

Maybe you have never heard about St. Pancras station. I didn’t to be honest. But you will probably know its neighbour which is called Kings Cross. You are right, it is the famous train station from Harry Potter stories. This is the station where all the kids went on platform 9 3/4. As we entered it, we saw a big crowd, which was waiting in long time to take a photo with shopping trolley which was on the wall – half of it was inside the wall and half outside. If you are Harry Potter fan, you definitely have to take a photo here and also go to the store which is right next to this place. Its full of souvenirs from HP. But be ready for long lines and lot of people – but it worth it – I am sure. But we had to move and our next stop was Peterborough. And here comes the story about my accommodation.

St. Pancras train station from Kings Cross

Kings Cross train station – London

Kings Cross train station from inside

Peterborough – Slovaks are everywhere!

Why Peterborough? It was not on my list really. But just during the summer, I visited my best friend in Slovakia in his house. Also 2 of his brothers were there and we had some nice time together – they are something like my second family. And that time I found out, one of those brothers plans to move to Peterborough where his Slovak girlfriend lives. And that time I already got that idea to visit him. But I didn’t say anything and planned to ask him this later. As time went, the day when I told him I plan to visit UK came. First plan was to sleep somewhere in London, but when he told me we can sleep in their house in Peterborought, the decision was made. We go to Peterborought! And we were here. It took about 2 hours to get to Peterborought from London. On train station Patrik and his girlfriend were waiting for us. We went with them to their flat, put down our things and made some plans for tomorrow – we chose London and I had one surprise for mom there – but more about it will be written next!

Place where we lived in Peterborough

London – the meeting point of everybody I know!

We arrived to London around 9 or 10am. Me, mom and Patrik were waiting for another friend from Slovakia, who was actually working in Cambridge and he wanted to meet in London with us. But there was still one person missing. Who? My friend from Taiwan, Sandy, the girl from Taiwan who I knew for about 10 years. But the special thing was that we have not met yet and when I found out she is now in London, I decided to meet finally after so many years.

Garden in front of Buckingham palace

Mom absolutely didn’t know about it and I was sure will be happy to see her. She know her just from letters and Skype calls which we made long time ago. We walked around Westminster and Big Ben and then to the other side through the bridge. And there Sandy finally arrived. She looked pretty the same as I knew her from Skype 🙂 It was amazing for me and for mom as well. It was hard to believe that we finally met after so long time. Mom had tears in her eyes and didnt want to stop hugging her. It was really nice. Since then Sandy joined out group and we were finally ready to discover London.

Big Ben

Westminster abbey

London Eye

We tried to see the most famous and photogenic places in London. We did not have much time so we bought a day ticket and used metro and busses a lot. I was happy for mom as she tried metro for a first time and also the red double-decker bus. Nicest place which we visited was probably Tower Bridge and British National museum.

Tower Bridge

British National Museum

Somewhere in London

In front of British National Museum we had really tasty lunch. I was a bit worried about price but when we went to pay, I was surprised as good the price was. Thumbs up London! This was a nice experience and nice surprise! The place was called Museum Tawern and food there was really amazing. Here is the website –

https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/museum-tavern/?utm_source=g_places&utm_medium=locations&utm_campaign=

At the end of our trip, we went to business part of London to see skyscrapers and there we also found this golden street. Looked lovely, what do you think?

Golden street in London business part

Skyscrapers in London

Edinburgh – day 2nd – bagpipe

For next day we chose Edinburgh. I always wanted to visit Scotland and Edinburgh was just 4 hours away from Peterborough by train. Our interral ticket was included so we took the first morning train to there. When we stopped in stations on the way to Edinburgh, I felt like in an unreal movie. All these cities, which we were passing by sound so famous, sounds so cool – like Newcastle or so. I loved it. The countryside was changing more and more as we were getting to the north. Nicest part was definitely the part where train was running right on the coastline and we saw the sea on the right side of train. That part was lovely, with all these cliffs and so.

Train station in Edinburgh looked kinda simple as we went out of train. But from outside it was a different story. It was actually the first train station which I visited, which was hidden under ground. To understand what I mean by saying “hidden” check next pictures.

Train station Edinburgh Waverley

Not far from train station Waverley, was a Scottish monument. Surreal, giant, big, amazing. These are just few words which I can use to describe it. We felt as in Scotland not just because of this amazing monuments and accent but also because of bagpipes which sound we heard from every corner. Weather was perfect, no rain at all so we walked up to the castle. From there we went by main street to the other side of the city from where we walked up to one of hill – called Calton hill – from where it was possible to see the whole city.

Scottish monument – Edinburgh

Green parks in Edinburgh

Edinburgh castle

Way up to Calton hill

On the top was some other monument which looked more like from Greece than from Scotland – at least for me. From here was really nice view over the city – to the castle, side where regular people were living but also to the industrial side.

Nelson monument on Calton hill

View from Calton hill

Hollyrood park and its hill – from Calton hill

Edinburgh castle from Calton hill

Panoramic photo from Calton hill

We bought some souvenirs in Edinburgh and it was time to go back to Peterborough. Way back was not so comfortable as we did not have seat reservations, so for whole 4 hours we had to stay next to toilet, where was some kind of place where it was possible to sit. But we did not complain, we are not that kind of travelers who like to complain about everything.

When we arrived to Peterborough, we spend last few hours with Patrik and his girlfriend and we also had to pack our things. Because out journey was continuing to France. I was sad that we had to leave but on the other side. I was excited also because we will take TGV tomorrow and drive through whole France – from Lille right to Avignon! I always wanted to try TGV and tomorrow, it will be real!

Edinburgh from Calton hill

So see you next time with a story from France – it will be about Avignon and Carcassonne.

And here are some good tips if you plan to visit UK :

buy Eurostar tickets in advance as there are just some tickets for Interrail travelers

if you have a problem to book your ticket only, call Eurostar info center – they are really helpful but also check your bank settings (I had this problem)

be on check in really at least 1 hour before departure

get ready that in UK they might choose you for special check-in – but do not worry, its nothing serious, they just do their job

read carefully information on Eurostar website what you can and can’t carry on train https://www.eurostar.com/rw-en/travel-info

all trains in UK which are included in interrail ticket can be found here : https://www.raildeliverygroup.com/uk-rail-industry/passenger-freight-track.html#tocs (in UK you have many train companies, so its better always check which one you gonna use and if it’s included – but to me did not happen that train which I used was not included 🙂 but just in case, check it.

get ready they have special gates on train stations in UK where you have to scan your QR code (use the one which you have on your interrail ticket) and if it does not work, there is alway some staff which can help you

For more questions about traveling by train to UK, do not hesitate and ask!

Your Supertramp

Supertramps on Europe trip! Mom and Son edition – 2nd part – Great Britain It was time to move to the next stop - Peterborough - Great Britain. If you are curious why Peterborough was the first stop, read the next story which I prepared for you 🙂

Supertramps on Europe trip! Mom and son on Europe trip - 1st part - Netherland

Supertramps on Europe trip! Mom and son on Europe trip – 1st part – Netherland

So finally after some time I am ready to share here with you this story, which happened this summer (2018). Before summer vacation I got an idea to take my mom on some big trip. And as I tried Interrailing before, I loved that idea to take her on trip by train around Europe. Firstly, I was planing to visit South Europe. Later I had to change my plans so, the actual journey was planned just little…

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This title is little bit tricky. Actually think one is gonna be about Couchsurfing and my best experience which I had in 2017. So here is a small intro.

Whole route of Baltic trip

My plans for summer 2017 were this – buy Interrail ticket and travel around Europe. Visit Germany, Denmark, Sweden etc. But just one day before whole this trip, things changed and I had to change my plans. So, where to go, which country, which part of Europe? And there it came, an idea to travel to Baltic countries. There were 2 main reasons why to go there :

I didn’t know anything about these countries, probably just their capitals

Helsinki and Finland is so close, so maybe there will be a possibility to visit it

So decision was made and I was ready to go. Things were already packed, so I just bought a ticket from Puchov to Warsaw and from Warsaw to Suwalki. From there the story began – if you are curious what happened, follow this link to my previous post about Baltic trip :

https://supertrampdiaryblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/23/vilnius-klaipeda-very-first-baltic-experience/

https://supertrampdiaryblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/29/estonia-tallin-finland-helsinki/

But back to the accommodation, that it what I wanted to talk about. So first Couchsurfing experience in Baltic countries was for me in Riga, Latvia. I wrote to one older lady from Riga. She looked really nice and had a good references on Couchsurfing, so I was hoping and I though this might be a good deal – to meet a nice person and also to get a great accomodation. First of all she wrote me that she offers a small room in her massage saloon in city center. Massage saloon said I .. hmm that sounds interesting.

Living like a King in Riga

So I arrived to Riga and I went directly to meet with Alinda. It was her name. She was waiting right on the place where we said, we will meet. She was really friendly, her English was so so, but it was really cute. She was a bit in hurry so she just went with me to this place, gave me the keys, explained what to do how to do where to go .. and offered me help on Viber. Btw she gave me some really good tips what to visit in Riga, I loved it. She cared so much about me even we did not meet later – I just left the keys on the place she told me and that was it. But now lets speak about the accommodation.

Riga, Latvia

I was seriously amazed when we were going closer and closer to the city center. My expectations were, not even close to what I got. We went through one gate, next to Blue Church and there it was. A small room, with all these equipments for massage with one small sofa and small shower. This place was a bit .. I don’t want to say dirty, but lets use the word used. She was working here, so I expected it will be like this. I still remember the smell from all these creams etc. It was so strong! And that cat behind the window every single time when I looked that way haha. I loved this place. And guess what. Right next to me, actually I had the same wall, with the Riga castle where the president of Riga lives. This was super amazing! Castle right next to me, city center 10 seconds far away, this was the goal. Living like a king in Riga, yes, I know what it means. This couchsurfing experience gave me more that living in a very city center in a 5 star hotel! Cmon, this I got for free – sounds unreal!

Location of my accommodation in Riga, Latvia

The building where I lived in Riga, Latvia

Castle was right in front of my door Riga, Latvia

City center Riga, Latvia

Street from my accommodation to the city center Riga, Latvia

City center Riga, Latvia

That cat!!!

UNESCO heritage

From Riga, as you probably read, I traveled to Tallinn. Here I contacted one girl called Aninna. She was Finnish but she was working in Tallinn right now. She offered me to stay in her small room in Tallin. Her references were perfect, so I decided to visit this person. And I was right, Anina was lovely girl and the place where she lived, amazing. She lived in and old heritage building right next to the city walls of Tallin. To the city center it was just few minutes. The building was used as community center for Ukrainian people if I remember it right. The house was smaller and had 2 floors. I lived on the second one, first night alone and second and third night in the same room with my host. Small kitchen, small bathroom but everything so lovely. Here I also met 2 other surfers from Germany, Lisa and Max. They arrived a bit later as me. I remember the first night when we were still alone in this house, we said almost in the same time like, we feel like we are living in a museum and just in few minutes somebody will entry here – like group of tourists. Entire place was made from wood, wooden stairs, wooden kitchen …

Location of my accommodation in Tallinn, Estonia

City center Tallinn, Estonia

View from my accommodation (from the gate) Tallinn, Estonia

Central garden in my accommodation Tallinn, Estonia

Wooden stairs

Wooden kitchen

When I wanted to entry this place (where was also a big garden in the middle) I had to open old wooden gate. Every single time when I came from the city, I felt so special opening it. Some people were walking there, mostly tourists, and they were photographing this place and I just came, took out key and opened and entered it. I just felt the special feeling in my belly like yay, I live here now, how special it is! Loved it!

Gate which I had to open when I wanted to entry my new home Tallinn, Estonia

Street in front of my Couchsurfing accommodation

So these are the 2 most incredible accommodation experiences on Couchsurfing which happened to me. I loved them and I hope to get more soon!

And one big thanks for to Alinda and Aninna 🙂 Both of you were amazing and I want to say big thanks to you both! Without you this Baltic experience wont be so great! Also big thank to go to Max, who I met in Aninnas place. I visited him this year with mom and he gave us a chance to stay in his place in Amsterdam! Loved it man! Sometimes I do not have luck to find a Couchsurfer who to meet .. but sometimes, I meet really nice people! I wish you all to find a nice Couchsurfer at least once! But if you are not lucky to find anybody, here is something I can share : https://www.booking.com/s/35_6/9a484ff9 my discount for Booking 🙂 have a nice ans save traveling!

See you!

Your Supertramp 🙂

Living like a king, in UNESCO heritage This title is little bit tricky. Actually think one is gonna be about Couchsurfing and my best experience which I had in 2017.

Short story about the front photo

If you visited my blog just few days ago, or if you are the person who read just my last post, maybe you are curious where was the front photo taken. This short story will tell you more about it.

That morning is unforgettable

I use this photo as a cover photo, or front photo, because it is really special for me. Two special things happened that time in my life. First – my photos were first time…

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