Dubrovnik is located on the southeastern point of Croatia on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It was the first city we visited that was on an aquatic coast, so that made it interesting.

The city is over 800 years old and a good chunk of the old city is made up of an old fortress where now you’ll find lots of shops and boutiques. Apparently this city was damaged badly during the Croatia-Serbia-Montenegro war in the early 90s. I didn’t gather specifics on what the war was about, but it just goes to show how big the world really is. There have likely been countless wars in the last 20 years that I haven’t heard of, even more on the last 100 years, and probably several dozen in the present day. It’s interesting when you think about it. In one sense, a war is very significant in that much pain, suffering and turmoil is caused toward the individuals involved. In another sense, the world is a microcosm of an endless universe. Is anything that really happens on this planet significant? As egocentric creatures it’s hard to focus energy outside of our immediate realms of awareness. Nonetheless, it’s fascinating to learn about different countries and their history, and of course I empathize with victims of war and their families. It gives you the sense that the world is a very small yet simultaneously huge place.

Back to Dubrovnik, it’s known for it’s seafood, so I indulged. I had probably the best mussels and
calimari of my life. I also tried a local delicacy known as black risotto - made with squid ink. It was quite good.

I also enjoyed Dubrovnik’s old town centre where there many artists with works on display. I noticed and later learned that Dubrovnik has a unique painting style taught at local schools. It’s an interesting style of painting I hadn’t seen anywhere else and although it’s hard for me to describe as I don’t know the correct terminology in the fine arts department, I bought a small painting and maybe I’ll post a picture.

We enjoyed a bit of the city’s night life. One of the clubs we visited was in the old castle’s great hall. Essentially, it was a big party in a castle. Regrettably the music was god awful (comparable to dj surreal, for my friends in KW), but it was still fun and a unique experience.

A memorable part of this trip was the Dubrovnik boat cruise. It took us to two different islands and we had a nice swim in the sea. The second island is where I had the best mussels. You could see fishermen bringing heaps of fresh mussels into the restaurant. Delicious.

A final memorable event in this city was taking the cable car to the top of the mountain to see a view of the entire island and many others, as well as many mountains. The view was breathtaking and we watched the sunset from there.

En route now to Split for a brief stop, then Zadar and then Slovenia.

Vienna was probably my favorite stop yet (Prague a close second). Part of this was due to the fun vibe and quality of Wombat Hostel where we stayed.

Vienna was a great combination of classic and modern architecture. I fancied the many buildings statues. Virtually every old building had at least a face statue on it.

The city had a nice shopping district, or basically a strip of stores, which I took advantage of. We also visited a Swarovski store (the company is based on Vienna) and bought a few things there as well.

The first night we went to a Mozart, Strauss, and opera concert at a building that was Mozart’s old home and concert hall. It sounded great, despite being overshadowed at times by a loud thunderstorm. I really enjoyed the music, though. I suppose it’s true that as one grows older, their musical taste becomes more sophisticated.

Next, we visited the museums of natural history and then the freud museum. Both were somewhat disappointing. The former because the dinosaur bone exhibit was temporarily gone, and the latter was lacking a lot of rich content. I enjoyed the historical significance of the Freud museum nonetheless, as it was the birthplace of psychodynamic therapy (most of freuds therapy sessions were conducted there).

In the evening there was a fun party on the hostel bar. Aussie friends ordered 230 jäger bombs to counter another contiki crew’s 200 record there.

And then off to Dubrovnik for a 10h bus ride…

Prague can best be described as a beautiful city - both on the inside and out. Not only is it surrounded by great architecture and landscape, but it’s people are amazing as well. Not only beautiful, their people were friendly and kindhearted.

As with the other cities we visited, it was fascinating to learn about the country’s unique history. The country has been invaded/conquered many times within the last century, and as a result, the country has had 8 different names within the last 80 years. As a result, their national anthem speaks to the phrase “where is my home”, as this country has struggled so much to attain and maintain a collective identity. I was very moved by the statue of a student who, sometime this century, set himself on fire in front of the whole city of Prague to speak against the oppression of communism.

Anyway, I’m in Vienna now and I think I’m falling more in love with this city :)

The last two days in Paris were a lot of fun. The city really grew on me and I wish I could have stayed a couple more days.

Previously when visiting or hearing about France’s history, I brushed it off as ‘history is boring’ and failed to pay attention. To my psychology friends, that was a general heuristic. However, now older and a growing interest in culture and the arts, I was fascinate by France’s history of war, empires, and culture. There are a countless stories told by the museums, buildings, statues, and monuments more fascinating than anything you could find in a movie or a modern day book.

This time, I had a new appreciation for the culture and arts of Paris (I last visited when I was 17). I enjoyed the art, the people, and the wine more than ever.

While I thought this trip would satisfy my appetite for travel, I am starting to feel that it is only growing stronger.

Yesterday evening we had a french dinner in the montmarte district, went to a cabaret show at Eve, and then to Sullivans nightclub. The dinner was very good, and traditional Parisienne cuisine. Eve was okay, but it was a lot tackier than I expected. Sullivans was a lot of fun, they played a good selection of American rock music in one of the rooms :)

Off to Amsterdam, now.

A la prochaîne, Paris.

The last two days in Paris were a lot of fun. The city really grew on me and I wish I could have stayed a couple more days.

Previously when visiting or hearing about France’s history, I brushed it off as ‘history is boring’ and failed to pay attention. To my psychology friends, that was a general heuristic. However, now older and a growing interest in culture and the arts, I was fascinate by France’s history of war, empires, and culture. There are a countless stories told by the museums, buildings, statues, and monuments more fascinating than anything you could find in a movie or a modern day book.

This time, I had a new appreciation for the culture and arts of Paris (I last visited when I was 17). I enjoyed the art, the people, and the wine more than ever.

While I thought this trip would satisfy my appetite for travel, I am starting to feel that it is only growing stronger.

Yesterday evening we had a french dinner in the montmarte district, went to a cabaret show at Eve, and then to Sullivans nightclub. The dinner was very good, and traditional Parisienne cuisine. Eve was okay, but it was a lot tackier than I expected. Sullivans was a lot of fun, they played a good selection of American rock music in one of the rooms :)

Off to Amsterdam, now.

A la prochaîne, Paris.

The last two days in Paris were a lot of fun. The city really grew on me and I wish I could have stayed a couple more days.

Previously when visiting or hearing about France’s history, I brushed it off as ‘history is boring’ and failed to pay attention. To my psychology friends, that was a general heuristic. However, now older and a growing interest in culture and the arts, I was fascinate by France’s history of war, empires, and culture. There are a countless stories told by the museums, buildings, statues, and monuments more fascinating than anything you could find in a movie or a modern day book.

This time, I had a new appreciation for the culture and arts of Paris (I last visited when I was 17). I enjoyed the art, the people, and the wine more than ever.

While I thought this trip would satisfy my appetite for travel, I am starting to feel that it is only growing stronger.

Yesterday evening we had a french dinner in the montmarte district, went to a cabaret show at Eve, and then to Sullivans nightclub. The dinner was very good, and traditional Parisienne cuisine. Eve was okay, but it was a lot tackier than I expected. Sullivans was a lot of fun, they played a good selection of American rock music in one of the rooms :)

Off to Amsterdam, now.

A la prochaîne, Paris.

11-12th century architecture in Ghent

The Chocolate Man! At the choco museum

Amazing bakery in Bruges! The fresh artisan breads were to die for :)

Moules au frites.