Lake Bled and Bohinj - I decided to travel to Slovenia, one of the more underrated European countries and it is an amazing place to visit. I arrived early in the morning after an overnight journey from Lindau, Germany to Ljubljana.
Bled and Bohinj were the places in my mind and decided to do a day trip there. I took a local bus from Ljubljana Main Bus Station to Lake Bled. This beautiful lake is located 475 m above sea level in the Julian Alps in the north-western part of Slovenia. Getting to Lake Bled by bus was quite easy, from about 6am to 10pm you more or less have hourly departures from the main bus station in Ljubljana. I took the bus at 7am. The journey itself to Lake Bled is a treat as you pass through the most scenic views. The first thing I did was to visit the tourist information center. They are quite helpful and they give you a good insight about the place and places to visit nearby. I would recommend to visit it before you go off exploring Bled.

The best way to see the lake is to walk along the shore or hire a boat so you can paddle around the lake itself. I decided to walk around it. The first view of Lake Bled is like it came out of a fairy tale and it is pure magic- from the emerald green lake, the church on an islet to the castle up on top of the hill. I found it to be a very romantic and special place to visit. The light drizzle of rain made it even more beautiful. There is a church, a castle and a museum in this tiny islet. I skipped seeing the Bled Castle on top of the hill (viewpoint) as I also wanted to visit Bohinj and was short of time. Lake Bled was a perfect place and a sight to behold all year long and make sure you stop by here on your visit to Slovenia, it is well worth the journey.

Hiking in Bohinj:
My next stop was Bohinj, which is further 45 min journey from Lake Bled. To all the people who love hiking, this is the place for you. I was mind blown seeing the gorgeous Julian Alps that shimmer and form the backdrop of Lake Bohinj. The weather was also perfect as it was not very hot making, it ideal to hike. I was conquered by this amazing beauty that will surely captivate anyone who visits Lake Bohinj. I just wished I had my swim gear and I could jump right in the water. From Lake Bohinj I hired a cycle to visit my next destination in my mind, Savica. It’s just 10kms away from Lake Bohinj and it is gorgeous. I was on cloud nine after I came across the spectacular waterfall, hidden amidst the steep walls of the Komarča. Cycling to Savica was totally worth it.
You get to see and feel the Julian Alps on one side and the greenery on the other side. I had to trek for about 30 min to reach Savica waterfalls. The path is well maintained and the steps regular for the most part, so it is not too difficult. They have built steps almost the entire way to the waterfall. There is enough space to cross path with people going in the other direction making it easier for cyclists and hikers alike.

The Savica Waterfall is the source of the Sava Bohinjka, known under the name of Savica to the spot where it flows into Lake Bohinj. It is one of the must-see sights for Bohinj first-timers, and it is possible that you will join those who visit Savica each and every time they come to Bohinj. Savica is very unique among world waterfalls – its watercourse is divided into two parts in the hidden undergrounds. The famous A-shaped waterfall normally comes into sight at an altitude of 836 m and is 78 m high. It is fed by the waters from the Valley of the Triglav Lakes and Pršivec that flow to it through a horizontal cave tunnel. The Karst cave with the source is full of syphons and lakes and is only accessible with a guide and proper equipment.

It was evening by the time I was done exploring these gorgeous places and it was time to head back to Ljubljana. Travelling back to Ljubljana was easy. I reached late night at 10 pm and checked in to a Hostel (Kva Hostel) back in Ljubljana to end my day trip to Bled and Bohinj in Slovenia. This was my first solo trip and it was entirely worth it. Yay! :)

Do check out my photos from my trip.

I can’t help but smile now as I pen down my adventures in Iceland as I’m listening to Ludovico’s Elegy for the Arctic, it’s quite fitting.
It was my 30th birthday last December and I wanted to celebrate this milestone by taking it up a notch with my partner this year instead of having an intimate dinner at home with Christmas leftovers.
 
I wanted something a little awe-inspiring, a little extraordinary from what we do every year. Iceland was a remarkable trip and yes, we had a very snowy, white Christmas right next to an active volcano named Katla where our hotel was located.
 
I have always loved Iceland, not just for its natural beauty from the photos I’d seen, but also with Geography being my favourite subject, I knew that this country was the one place closest to my heart where I could witness geysers, hot springs, volcanoes, glaciers, ice caves and most of all, the place where two tectonic plates of the earth meet.
Continental drift as a subject is very close to my heart as it takes me back to the days where I sat up all night for a science project when I was 14 years old in high school.
 
Reykjavik: As were there during Christmas, the city, like many across the world was brightly lit up and was very festive. It was dark and stormy when we arrived on Christmas eve. We used the Flybus Shuttle service that took us to Reykjavik’s city centre. Our apartment was very close to Harpa Music Hall.
Reykjavik has a lot of character, every street boasts a series of independent shops, mainly clothes- knits, outdoor hiking wear and gear etc. I bought the iconic handknitted Iceland sweater.
This sweater is so iconic to Iceland, I imagined the traditional patterns being handed down from generation to generation, like a family heirloom. The yarn from Icelandic sheep is unique because the breed has been isolated from other breeds for centuries. All those years of exposure to the sub-Arctic climate has produced wool with two distinctive fibers. There’s warm, soft, insulating fibers close to the body and long, water repellent fibers on the surface which explains why you can wear these sweaters without jackets.
 
On our way to see the Sun Voyager / Sólfar  a sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, which is at the seafront, we stumbled across a bakery Brauð & Co.which is really famous and after trying the snúður - a soft cinnamon bun (much like the Danish Kanelsnegl or the Swedish Kanelbulle) I can see why people would queue here in the freezing conditions. Every bite of the this bun is warming, both to the body and the soul.
 
Standing tall and proud in Reykjavik’s skyline is Hallgrimskirkja, the modern Lutheran cathedral where there are some striking views of the city and the seafront atop the main tower. This impressive church is visible throughout the city and is one of the prominent landmarks.
 
Reykjavik is one of those cities in Northern Europe where you can easily just wander and enjoy the million independent shops by the locals without seeing the chains of Starbucks, H & M’s and other brands, much like Helsinki, Gothenburg and Copenhagen. Reykjavik is more special because at every turn, you find something scenic and picture perfect.
There are abundant vegan restaurants here, more of a trend and was a boon to my husband and I who are both vegetarians.  

I have always wanted to visit the South of Spain. I imagined what it would be like to befriend the locals and eat traditional food. I was lucky to befriend Lola, a former colleague and now a good friend who is from Gualchos -  a delightful town at the South Eastern tip of Spain.
When I told her how much I would love to visit the region, she was kind enough to let me accompany her on one of her trips back home as we both currently live in London. I will also shamelessly admit that certain movies featuring road-trips across Spain also made me want to experience all that floss portrayed for myself.
 
Granada:
 
We were hosted by Lola’s sister, Alicia in Granada. This city is the capital of the province of Granada, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain. Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains which are clearly visible as you land in Granada. It’s also only an hour by road from the Mediterranean coast, Costa Tropical.
 
The city's symbol: Everywhere we walked in Granada, we saw pomegranate imagery: in drawings and paintings; on signs, pottery; as statues, fountains and embedded into pavements and the road. While I thought this was some intricate design in this delightful, buzzing city, Lola told me that the pomegranate (in Spanish it's known as Granada) is the heraldic device of Granada and hence a proud symbol.
 
The Alhambra palace: As much as the word' must-see is debatable in my travel dictionary, the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace, sits  on a hill proudly in the heart of the city. It is the most renowned building of the Andalusian Islamic historical legacy with its many cultural attractions that make Granada a popular destination among the touristic cities of Spain, therefore, a must-see indeed.
 
The Alhambra is Granada’s love letter to Moorish culture, a place where fountains trickle, leaves rustle, and ancient spirits seem to mysteriously linger. Part palace, part fort, part World Heritage site, part lesson in medieval architecture, the Alhambra has long enchanted a never-ending line of visitors. For me, spending the day here was like walking through a pleasant dream.
 
The Alhambra takes its name from the Arabic al-qala’a al-hamra (the Red Castle). The first palace on the site was built by Samuel Ha-Nagid, the Jewish grand vizier of one of Granada’s 11th-century Zirid sultans.
This palace is a soothing arrangement of pathways, patios, pools, fountains, tall trees and, roses of every imaginable hue. Climb the steps outside the courtyard to the Escalera del Agua, a delightful bit of garden engineering, where you will find roses of every colour, Spanish orange trees and water flowing along a shaded staircase. Ensure you book your tickets ahead of your trip to avoid disappointment.
 
People: The people are very friendly and those in the market will try their best to win you over with their grand and unique designs of lanterns, tea and various moorish influenced souvenirs. The city is also well-known within Spain for the University of Granada which is why it has many students and possibly the reason for growing vibrant bars and restaurants.
 
Food: I let Lola and Alicia order for me as there’s nothing better than eating what the locals recommend. On our first night in Granada, we were offered free croquettes (chicken, béchamel and parsley) from the staff while we waited for the mains. The concept of a large main is very rare in Spain.
The numerous small dishes (tapas) are usually shared and go well with a pint of the local beer. Boiled or fried quail’s eggs and potatoes are very popular on the tapas menu.
From the street, I had Pionono- a custard based dessert that’s fresh and has a pleasant aftertaste.
The simple breakfast is what won me over – strong coffee, fresh tomato puree spread over crusty bread with a splash of olive oil and black pepper. Lola’s mother was wonderful and made a delightful tortilla (Spanish omelette) with aubergines. There was homemade avocado puree with a hint of garlic too. 

Overall, it was a simply beautiful and peaceful experience for me- right from strolling about the markets in Granada, to picking oranges and almonds from trees with Lola's mother one summery, breezy morning while watching the Mediterranean Sea at a distance, accompanied with the snow capped Sierra Nevada range on the other side of Gualchos. I am also glad I visited these non-touristy parts of Southern Spain as compared to cities like Malaga, which are flooded by tourists every summer with a few chippies near the beaches.

Getting there: Flights operate from London City aiport to Granada 3-4 times a week. Renting a car to get around is recommended, although we got the bus from Granada to Motril to get to Gualchos which was only a 1.5 hour journey.

The city is very picturesque offering beautiful views of the Parliament and other landmarks and I particularly love cities with hills and viewpoints. I still have the happy image of me holding a nice warm cup of mulled wine watching the river and the bridges on a cold February night - simply delightful. 
 
History:
Hungary is steeped in more than a thousand years of history, right from the Roman era, full of battles, kings, invasions by allies, the World Wars, communism and finally, its share of peaceful years. The Austro-Hungarian monarchy of the Danube came into being and the history of Budapest the year 1872 stands out as a milestone, for it was then that the three separate settlements of Pest, Buda and Óbuda (literally "Old" Buda) were united into one city.
 
Food: There's a lot more to Hungarian food than goulash. There’s so much to  savour- from the local version of the Weiner Schnitzel to the Langos which serves as a quick  cheesy snack.  I was in Budapest when it was extremely cold, but, popping into one of the local cafes and having a hearty soup did the trick.  There’s also stuffed cabbage (usually stuffed with pork) chicken paprikash and the incredible array of desserts. I don’t understand why many have not talked about the nutty cakes and dessert wines in Hungary, because they are one of the best I have tasted. I could go back to Budapest just for the dessert and the wines!  I would highly recommend Café Gerbaud for the  Som Loi Galuska – raisins soaked in the delightful Tokaj Aszu mixed with walnuts and served with whipped cream.
 
Drink: Budapest boasts a list of excellent wines – from Villány’s full-bodied reds and Somló’s fruity whites to honey sweet Tokaj. There’s also the killer apricot brandy – pálinka that dates back to the Middle Ages and goes down very well after any dish. What I found fascinating was the number of ‘ruin pubs’ in Pest. These are derelict and abandoned buildings occupied about ten years ago and kept the old charm of these buildings without much renovation.
My friend, the lovely Vitor Hugo, recommended the oldest and possibly most popular ruin pub- Szimpla Kert, which is possible the quirkiest of them all. There’s hairdryers and old rocking chairs hanging from the ceiling along with art and graffiti adorned all over.
 
Architecture:
The beauty and grandeur of the city has evolved significantly over the decades. Architecturally, the city is a treasure trove, with enough baroque, neoclassical, Eclectic and Art Nouveau buildings to satisfy everyone. Most of what you see today was built during the capital’s ‘golden age' in the late 19th century. The three main sites in the Buda hills are The Citadella with the proud Liberty Monument (the lady with a palm frond proclaiming freedom) perched on Gellert Hill, The Royal Palace and the Fisherman’s Bastion that is in front of St Mathhias Church.
 
Renaissance period:
During the 14th century, the Angevin kings from France established Buda as the royal seat of power. They built a succession of palaces on the Várhegy (Castle Hill), reaching its peak during the Renaissance under the reign of king Mátyás with a golden age of prosperity and a flourishing of the arts. Hungary's colossal defeat in the Battle of Mohács in 1526 against the invading Turks paved the way for the Ottoman occupation of Hungary. After their victory at Mohács, under Sultan Süleyman I (the Magnificent) many churches were converted into mosques, fine bathhouses constructed and defensive works modernized. Buda became the seat of a Grand Vizier.
 
Soaking the troubles away:
Budapest is known to have an abundance of thermal baths. As a result, ‘taking the waters’ has been a Budapest experience since the time of the Romans. Here, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to bathhouses– Turkish-era, Art Nouveau and modern establishments. Some people come seeking a cure for whatever ails them, but the majority are there for fun and relaxation. The best and oldest of them all are the Szechenyi Baths, where I felt strange, yet, wonderful using the outdoor pool. The temperature of the pool water was 38 degrees and the air outside then was probably -2 degrees.

People: 
Apart from being very friendly, the locals love telling the tourists their bit of the city's history and landmarks. The taxi drivers in particular, will recommend some fine restaurants and must-see places with a warm smile and a sense of pride. 
 
Other Sites:
I was up against time, but managed to get a taxi that drove past Margaret Island, Obuda, Erzsebetvaros and the Jewish Quarter, which are all certainly worth a visit. There’s also the Holocaust Memorial, Hungarian State Opera House, Heroes Square, house of Terror and Budapest’s stunning great synagogue.
 
Getting there:
Flights operate on a daily basis to Ferec Liszt International Airport.
 
Currency: Hungary’s currency is the Forint (Ft) and prices in most shops and restaurants are in Forint, but some state and accept the Euro as well. Though card payments are accepted everywhere, it’s best to carry some cash for the taxis, markets and pubs.

Stay: There are numerous choices for hotels and hostels, but I decided to stay at the Hilton in Buda overlooking the Danube and Pest for a more peaceful trip. Pest is certainly a more vibrant part of the city and better connected, yet, I found it slightly overcrowded with various groups celebrating their stag-dos.

Nearly every hidden street in Prague boasts cobbled lanes, ancient chapels, century old pubs and more. What is the most rewarding moment is watching the sunset over its church domes with a pint of Europe’s best beer.

First impression: Prague is simply beautiful. There are possibly more words to describe this city, but what struck me instantly, was the view of the castle from the stunning Charles Bridge- a memory that will live with me forever.
 
The City:  I couldn’t get enough of the spectacle of a 14th-century stone bridge, a hilltop castle, the astronomical clock which is an architectural wonder and a lovely river that seems to change its colour every hour – the Vltava. It is the same river that inspired Smetana’s Moldau - one of the most beautiful pieces in classical music.

Highlights: Undoubtedly, Charles Bridge which is adorned with baroque statues, numerous artists and buskers. Try to walk from the old town square all the way up to the castle for breathtaking views of the city. A visit to the Jewish museum and synagogues are haunting with a deep insight into the history of the great wars.
 
Food: I eagerly wanted to taste Bramboraky- potato pancakes shallow fried and seasoned with garlic and onions.  I also savoured the Smažený sýr – batter fried cheese which all went down incredibly well with a large pint of Pilsner Urquell. To try some of the street food in the Old Town Centre, I had the Trdelnik- a sweet cinnamon flavoured Slovak-Czech hollow pastry bread roll that smells and tastes heavenly.
What made my visit even more fantastic was trying the pan fried barley with shallots and gherkins at a pub which opened in  the year 1466! There is also a large variety of hearty cream-based soups and smoked meats that many will love.
 
People: Ethnic Czechs were referred to as Bohemians in English until the early 20th century. I saw friendly faces everywhere, right from the taxi driver, to the staff at my hotel and the artists I managed to speak to. Getting around is easy, but I still didn’t hesitate to ask a local for directions. Some even went out of their way to guide me to the Rudolfinum and let me know what’s on, when I expressed my love for classical music. 
 
Truly Unique: The beer pubs made me laugh with their weird caricatures on the walls and menus. You can simply place a beer mat on the table and a pint is followed almost immediately after. There’s also street art across the city and cubist lamp posts that makes this century old city quirky, yet classic.
 
Getting there: Flights operate on a daily basis to Vaclav Havel Airport.

There is an air of charm and quirkiness in the city that's often considered Stockholm's shadow.

The City:
The harbour, the 17th-century canals of the city, botanical gardens and the Volvo Museum were all certainly worth wandering through.

Highlights:
The main adventure was visiting the Archipelago of Gothenburg /Göteborgs Skärgård. 
​As I was short of time in this magnificent city, I managed to explore only the islands of the Southern Archipelago.
 
Food:
Sweden undoubtedly has a great variety of seafood - I ventured on smoked salmon with potatoes at a local cafe along with my camera by the sea. What's even nicer was sitting by the canal with a Kanelbullar (Swedish Cinnamon Roll) and watching the trams rattle past on the cobbled pathways.
 
People:
There are many friendly faces everywhere, so I did not hesitate to ask them if I could experience a small part of the culture and even have a Fika (Swedish Coffee break) with one of the locals.
 
Truly Unique:
It is amazing how the archipelago is completely car-free and the usual mode of transport is by foot, cycles or mopeds. A fisherman even said he gets his local supplies every Sunday from a 'portable supermarket' that arrives on a ferry every Sunday. 
 
Getting there:
Flights operate on a daily basis to Goteburg Landvetter Airport.
Getting to the Archipelago:
The southern islands are car free and you get there by ferry from the boat terminal Saltholmen. To get to the northern islands you take the ferry from Lilla Varholmen on Hisingen. It is easy to get to both Saltholmen and Lilla Varholmen from Gothenburg, either by car or public transport.

Good to know:
Cash and all major credit and debit cards are accepted in most shops and transport hubs. While the Euro is widely accepted, exchanging a few Euros to Swedish Krona.

Check out the slideshow below with the photos that will hopefully justify my thoughts on this beautiful city.