A couple of days in Bonn and Cologne

When I landed at the airport of Cologne/Bonn for the first time, I started to look at both cities as they were one, just because of the airport name without knowing much about them. Later, people were telling me that Cologne is much more beautiful than Bonn and that in Bonn there is nothing to see. That is totally not true – they’re both so different and interesting or at least the parts I saw. A month ago, I had the chance be taken around and I’m very satisfied of my experience.

View from Cologne Cathedral

The love bridge and the Cathedral

The first day of my weekend, my friend took me to Cologne for some shopping and of course to see the Cathedral Sts. Peter and Maria. I had already seen it before but only from outside as it had been closed. Now it was open and we entered – The Cathedral is huge and spacious and there were 2 big organs inside. Hundreds of tourists went in and out for the time we were there. The best emotion of that visit was climbing up one of the towers – 533 steps to the top in the narrow tower! People from the top were coming down in the same time we were climbing up and it was turn after turn…as my friend said: “The best part of every visit here is the adrenaline from that feeling”. On the top there was a great view to the whole city, Rheine and the bridges.

On our way to the Cathedral we passed through the Bridge of love – I haven’t seen so many love padlocks at one place! There we thousands of them in different colours and sizes. The lovers had written their names and the date of their anniversary or the date of “locking their love”. Even there was a couple on their wedding day taking photos there.

The colourful padlocks

Schildergasee - the shopping street

After that experience we went through the Shopping Street of Cologne. It was crowded in and outside the shops. We stopped for some classic pommes frites with mustard. Then, in a wonderful French pastry shop, we had amazing cakes, I wanted to try from everything but there was no space in my stomach anymore. Meanwhile we met two parties of girls that were out for a maiden party. The German girls has very interesting tradition when it is about the maiden party – the bride’s friends buy some candies, snacks, chewing gums, condoms, lollipops, little jewelries and the aim of the future bride is to sell them at the street. I was trying to take a photo of them while one of the girls saw me and started shouting in German running towards me. First I was shocked, thinking that she has something against but then I realized she wants to sell me something. After bargain a little bit I had a condom for 1 EUR. Everybody was happy at the end.

The Mayden Party Group

Poppelsdorfer Castle

The next day we spent in Bonn, the capital “Federal Republic of German”. Nothing much left there after the capital moved back in Berlin except the central of The United Nations and the main building of Douche post but the city is still beautiful and one of the reasons is Rheine, something that cannot be changed. First we had a walk around the center and the old buildings, the City Hall, The church Munster and the homonymous square, where is situated a statue of Beethoven. People in Bonn are very proud, as although he has spent his life in Vienna, Beethoven has been born in Bonn. We also walked through the University to the Castle of Poppelsdorfer and the Botanical Garden. What surprised me a lot was a small glass cabin in the alley, close to the University, that was full with books. It was not locked and people have the chance to take a book, read it and then turn it back. And it was standing there, untouched of the vandals, something that it is impossible in my country.

The book cabin

Monument of Beethoven

Rhein park

The whole day we were riding bikes, it hadn’t happened to me for few years. And although my ass was hurting me because of 7 hours on the bike’s seat, it was a perfect sunny day with free thoughts, pleasant company and relax. Inna, my friend, took me through the big Rheine Park where we enjoyed The Japanese garden, ice cream and sun. Then we went to Drachenburg Castle that is in the nearest town – Koningswinter. To reach the other side of the river we had to use a ferry, two minutes and we crossed the river. The Castle was built at the end of 19 – the century by a rich baron but he has never lived there. The area is beautiful and there is a great view to Rheine and Bonn. On our way back to the little town we decided to take the funicular as we saw it coming. But when asking for the price, the guy said 7 EUR! Hmm, we decided that it is not worth to pay this amount and we turned back. The guy shouted something after us and then he said: “It would be free for you” and he winged. Hehe, how to miss such an opportunity!

That was a perfect spontaneous 2-days German trip that I really enjoyed, thanks to my friend Inna. For the first time I was not following the main attractions and sightseeing but I felt as a real traveler with a close guide! 

Some more photos of the trip: 

The Japanese Garden

Drachenburg Castle

Rhein from the Castle

The  funicular

Around Koningswinter

Thessaloniki - a mixture of ancient and modern history

Thessaloniki is a big city situated in a narrow strip along the Aegean coast. It is really crowded with huge traffic. But this doesn’t make it unpleasant, on contrary – I loved to see all those people, locals and tourists, running through the streets. Arriving at the bus station we only had to inform ourselves about the bus schedule and we were ready to explore it.

Easlily my favourite place in Thessaloniki became Aristotel Square

The Arch and the Rotunda

I was impatient to go for a historical walk around the city. Our walk started form the St. Demetrius Church. St. Demetrius is the patron Saint of Thessaloniki and his relics are kept in the church. The church’s Crypt is the place where St. Demetrius was imprisoned and tortured and now it’s turned into museum. There are candles left and everybody who wants could drop a coin and light a candle for health. We went on walking and our next aim was to see the Rotunda and the Arch.  Both were built by Emperor Galerius. He constructed the Arch in honor of the victory over the Persians in 305 and a year later he built the Rotunda with the wish to be entombed there. The Rotunda has later been turned into a mosque and now is church St. George. Our way continued through the Roman remains of Galerius Palace on boulevard Dimitrios Gounari until we reached the symbol of Thessaloniki – The White Tower. It is situated at the coast of the bay. It has been used by Ottomans as a prison and fortress. Now it is a Byzantium museum. Its colour is not white but in 1890 it was whitewashed and still carries that name. There is a park around the tower with lovely flowers and trees and also the monument of Alexander the Great is situated nearby. Maybe here is the place to tell you that the city was established in 315 year B.C by the Macedonian King Cassander who named it after his wife Thessaloniki that was Alexander’s sister.

Panagia Chalkeon Church

Leoforos Nikis Boulevard and the White Tower

I guess it is enough with the history. It was already afternoon so we just sat at the quay watching the blue sea. After a little break we moved on along the coastal boulevard Leoforos Nikis. There were cafes and bars on every corner. I was impressed that on the tables outside they put a bottle of whiskey. Maybe if you sit you have to order a bottle of liqueur? It was strange because it was only 4-5pm and there wasn’t anybody at those places, it was too hot.

You want some Johny?

The clock at the main street

One of the main squares and the heart of Thessaloniki is Aristotel square. Why it’s called Aristotel? Because he has been a teacher of Alexander the Great. It is interesting that now Greek are so fond of Alexander the Macedonian having on mind that ancient Greeks even didn’t recognize him as Greek and didn’t like him! But anyway, the square is amazing – wide, specious, full with people, bars and restaurants. It’s impossible not to sit here and have a glass of ouzo. Doesn’t matter if you come here day time or night you’d love it. We passed few times for walk along the square and the titled Aristotel Boulevard. Shops and little stores are everywhere. You can buy books, clothes, shoes, jewelry. It’s not very cheap but in August they do great sales. Along the whole pedestrian zone there are benches to sit, flowers to admire and architecture that raises admiration. A great decision to get some energy in the middle of the walk is to have a gyro, roasted meat served like a sandwich, that could be found on every corner around the center. There is actually so many things you have to try in Greece but I'll talk more about their food in my next post.

buying souvenirs

my delicios gyro

Mihaniona beach

Thessaloniki is located by the coast but there is no city beach. I couldn’t believe it in the beginning but it definitely turned out to be true. The closest beach is about 20km far from the city- Mihaniona. It is a small town and perfect place for taking a sunbath and rest out of the noisy and crowded Thessaloniki. It could be reached by the city transport bus. I’m not so sure if it was 71 or 72, but when you go on the main station (it's on the railway station), just ask somebody for the beach and they will let you know (here there is some nformation about buses in Thessaloniki)

The suburbs of Thessaloniki are less busy and even could be more beautiful than the center with the houses of maximum 3-4 floor. We stayed at my uncle’s place in Diavata village– a nice small living area northwest of the city. We discovered that area and found out that it has everything – parks and markets, cafes, restaurants and shops. Some people even haven’t been in the center for months. There is a regular bus connection to Thessaloniki so transport is not a problem.

Thessaloniki became one of my favorite places for holiday, tourism and vacation all together. It is a historical city, it has its ancient and modern sightseeing. On the other hand you can stay in a hotel in the crowded center or choose a villa in the suburbs. And not on the last place – the great calm beaches that are far from the noisy city but also so close that you won’t miss the nightlife.

Walking around Dusseldorf

I didn’t know much for Dusseldorf until I went there. It was a business trip but I had 6 evenings to spend around the city and I took full advantage of that time. Roving around the streets and beautiful parks I was happy to learn more about the city.

The river alley

Visiting the Altstadt (the old city) is one of the first things to do that could be done. It is easily accessible by metro, at Heinrich Heine Alee station, unless your hotel is nearby. Walking around its streets you’ll notice the typical German architecture style. You can’t miss “the longest bar in the World”. This is how are called the little crossed streets with their great number of restaurants and cafes. There are not only German restaurants, you can find also Mexican, Italian, Spanish, Indian cuisine and so on and so on and everything is full. It doesn’t matter if it is winter or summer – it is always crowded with people chatting and enjoying the beer and food.

part of "the longest bar"

One of the few calm streets in the old city

Media Harbour is relatively new and trendy neighbourhood in Dusseldorf. While in the old city you can see mainly foreigners here are the local young people, expensive clubs and restaurants and of course the harbour with the lovely boats and yachts.

Interesting symbols of the city are the 3 modern style buildings, projected by a Canadian architect Frank Gehry. They have really distinctive architecture even one of them is made by stainless steel.

The yacht port

The first interesting building

The stainless steel one

And the white one

Dusseldorf is the German fashion capital. As well as in Paris and Milan, every year there is a fashion week and designers from all over the world present their new collections. Maybe this is why Königsallee is one of the most visited streets. This is the street of the shops, boutiques and malls, very close to the Old city.

Konigsalee with the channel

Now Dusseldorf is also popular with the fact that it will be the host for Eurovision (10-14 May 2011). The city will be crowded with artists, singers and people enjoying arts. But anyway it is used to be always crowded because of the International Exhibitions in the local Messe (Fair) that take place all the time. Near the Fair you can visit Nordpark, a lovely park in the north part of the city where is the Aqua zoo. Also there is a wonderful Japanese garden with unique trees and plants. By the way the biggest Japanese Community out of Japan is in Dusseldorf (around 30 000 people). Japanese have carried their culture and traditions and every year they celebrate Japanese day of culture.  

In Nordpark

The Japanese garden

In the Aqua zoo

No matter if you’re in Cologne, Bonn or Dusseldorf you should definitely take a walk along Rheine, a magnificent river. In the late afternoon hours, you can enjoy the sunset. But don’t forget to take your hat, especially if it is not summer time as the wind does not forgive. Unfortunately I could not get on the television tower although I was strongly advised to do so. People say the view is amazing.

The TV tower

Along the river

Sunset behind the bridge

Spirit of London

In my previous post I shared with you some of the places I visited in London,mostly museums and must see landmarks.This one would be more about London life.

An artist near Covent Garden

Let me start with the famous Piccadilly Circus. My imagine of it was WOW until I stepped there.It is a regular square with the famous Sanyo advertisement!(Here I have to say that everybody sees things in different way and probably for you Picadilly Circus would be charming as for example Trafalgar square was for me,but for this place later).You're surrounded by shops,bigger and smaller,selling everything - from souvenirs to expensive clothes.We went on north, along Regent street,beautiful street again with shops,pubs and cafes. It was in the early afternoon and we stopped in a cafe to have something sweet.We sat next to the window just watching people outside.I like doing it - some are happy,others are sad,some are in a hurry while othres are just looking around.Going on along Oxford street we entered some shops.London is a reasonable city for shopping but not in every moment. Unfortunately it wasn't siutable time when we were there so we bought just few things.I'm going back to souvenirs for a while - there are so many little gifts you can buy - a small red telephone cabin,little police helmet,the popular underground sign,etc.Their price starts from 3 pounds but we found a pound store where all the souvenirs were 1 pound each.There was not a huge choice but for me it was enough - beer glasses,openers,flags and some similar ones.

Piccadilly Circus

Regent street

Oxford street

Talking about London we should never miss the Underground. Through the emblematic tube pass probably millions people daily.And they are so used with it - some carry books,others read newspapers,most of them listen to music.This is the place where you have the biggest opportunity to explore the people,they are from different nations,colour,race,religion.I haven't seen so many nacionalities ever,later I read that London is the city with the most number of people from different nationalities.Nobody cares how the other is dressed,nobody pays attantion of how others look like,nobody would look strange at you if you look different just because all of them look different.
What surprised me most was that women were carring sandals or shallow shoes with no socks in early May while it was raining and for me it was cold.But I suppose that they're so used with the weather that they feel comfortable.

One of the nights we spent in London we decided to go out and be part of the nightlife.We went to Leicester square anf first took a walk around.There were pubs, bars and restaurants on every cornes.No,they were just next to each other.This was definitely the heart of London nightlife,people were all around.In front of a dance club we saw a long tale of people waiting to go in,I have seen such thing only in New York and movies till that moment.Then we found our place,a typical British bar with people who were there to have fun,the bartenders were also taking care for people's good mood.Beer,cocktails,shots,dynamic and funny music,friends and cool people all around - I couldn't have asked for more.And if somebody tells you that British people can't have fun,just never believe it!When we already decided to go we took a walk again to the nearst bus station and the atmosphere out there was more enjoyable than before -  more people,little drunk,laughing.We had to take a nightbus,cause it was too late for the subway.In the beginnig I was enjoying the night view through the windiw but then I have fallen asleep.When we finally had to drop off the bus after an hour,a guy shouted after me(I was already at the door) : "Hey,excuse me,is that your phone?" I quickly noticed that my phone was not in my pocket and yes that was it. I thanked the guy several times and got off the bus.One example does not mean that everybody would have given me my phone back but this was my impression.This made me ask myself if somebody here in my country would do the same and how many people would do it?

Leicester square

In the bar

People waiting to be allowed in a club

I was told I should not miss Covent Garden market.This is actually a big square with again a big building in the middle where is the market.Now they sell some ancient stuff and also people offer their collections - from cards,badges,marks to beer pads,jewlaries and so on.There are also many cafes,restaurants and some shops. I liked the place pretty much especially when we saw a comedian who was giving a performance.We stopped for half an hour.Everytime we tried to go it was getting more and more intersting.Who said that British humour is not funny?

People having fun at the street

Covent Garden

And we came on the place that I really loved - Trafalgar square.As I said in the beginning everybody feels different about every place.Maybe some of you would say it is nothing special but I found the square really amazing. Was it because of the sunny weather or maybe beacuse of the fountain in the midddle,I don't know.
Tourists and locals were all around having fun.There were kids playing with the water,teenagers taking photos and other young people reading books. And I,I sat at the edge of the fountain and just looked around accepting all the beauty with my eyes thinking of nothing.
As we were there we entered the National Gallery and took a half an hour walk inside. It's not enough at all but for us - people who are not much intereted in that kind of art was fine.

The Art Gallery

Trafalgar square

I'm happy I could almost fulfill my to do list in London. I regret about not visiting the Royal Greenwich Observatory and also that the weather was not good enough to spend more time in the parks.But what I really wanted and didn't go to was a musical or a theatre performance.Here you can see the whole program of the theatres and buy thickets on very reasonable prices.Well,I definitely have reasons to go back.

A theatre near Piccadilly Circus