Trip Over to London
Regent’s Canal – A Leisurely Walk in London
We had gone racing down to Westminster Pier in the hopes of catching the ferry out to Hampden Court Palace for the day. But once we arrived at the ticket office we found that the ferry wasnβt going that day because the tides up river on the Thames were too lowβ¦β¦β¦β¦..so a quick recalibration of the days plans was required.
The decision was made to go to Camden Town, then walk along Regent’s Canal.
From Westminster Pier it is a short walk along the riverside path to Embankment Underground Station, where we could catch the Northern Line to Camden Town. Emerging from the station we were swept into the colourful hustle and bustle of markets and amazing shopfronts. We had a wander around this area, the Chalk Farm Markets, the Stable Markets and Camden Town Markets. We found the statue of the wonderful Amy Winehouse, then walked up to Camden Lock to see where the walking path for the walk to Little Venice and the Paddington Basin begins.
There are various companies running trips on long boats down the Canal, but as it was a beautiful spring day the walk was more enticing. It takes anything from an hour to two, depending on the speed of your stroll, and how many times you stop to take photos, chat with other walkers or just look at all the things you come across along the way.
It was a lovely stroll, and it was definitely a stroll, possibly an amble, along what was once the tow path, where the big draft horses towed barges along the canal right up until the 1950s. Regents Canal opened in 1820 and was named after the Prince Regent, who later became King George lV.
Beautiful narrow boats are moored all along the canal, some look like they are permanent homes and others would be for leisurely summer jaunts along the English canals. There were people kayaking on the canal, a few stand up paddle boarders, the occasional tour boat and local bird life that lives along the canal.
After walking under Prince Albert Rd, look to your left. There is a bright red floating Chinese restaurant, the Feng Shang Princess, it looks very comfortable nestled in there, even if a little strangely out of place!
Continuing along the path, the London Zoo is on the other side of the canal, should you decide to visit the zoo, or head off into Regentβs Park, there are plenty of bridges to cross. We walked along the canal path working up a hunger, and thirst, so took a side excursion up the Maida Vale Rd for a nice pub lunch before heading back down to the canal for the last stretch to Little Venice.
Little Venice is an unbelievably pretty, watery little area, considering it is so close to Paddington Station. Surrounded by coffee shops, bars and restaurants, some on long boats it would be very nice to visit again one day.
After walking around to the Paddington Basin, rather than jump on the tube to go back to where we were staying in St Jamesβs, we decided to keep on walking. Hyde Park wasnβt too far away, then as luck would have it β we found ourselves at the Dorchester having a couple of cocktails!!
While in London you might like to visit the beautiful Kew Gardens, or be part of London’s amazing history at the Tower of London. Or you if you are in Lndon at the right time of year, the Chelsea Flower Show is very inspirational, even for a non-gardener like me!
While in London you might like to be part of London’s amazing history at the Tower of London, or if you are in London at the right time of year, visiting the Chelsea Flower Show or Kew Gardens is very inspirational, even for a non-gardener like me!
If you feel like a long walk through London’s History or for a leisurely day out, catch a boat up the Thames to Hampton Court
Read the PostCards I wrote on my recent Trip Over to London, shorter stories and pictures of places I visited.
Budapest certainly knows how to slow you downβin the best possible way!
β¨οΈOn my first morning, I set off towards the magnificent Central Market Hall, but as always, I was happily distracted along the way. Passing through VΓΆrΓΆsmarty Square, I discovered the impressive Carrara marble statue of 19th-century romantic poet MihΓ‘ly VΓΆrΓΆsmarty. Perched high on its pedestal, he`s surrounded by 20 beautifully sculpted figures representing the many social classes of the Hungarian peopleβa fascinating piece of history hidden in plain sight.
β¨οΈEverywhere you look, Budapest`s architecture demands your attention. Even the entrances are works of art! It takes forever to get anywhere because there`s always another beautiful building, sculpture or hidden corner waiting to be admired.
β¨οΈOne of my favourites was the stunning Art Deco entrance to the Matild Palace. Then, tucked away in a nearby lane, I found the charming bronze sculpture of writer and journalist Gyula KrΓΊdy, sitting at a table with his notebook, looking as though he`s waiting for someone to stop by and share a story.
β¨οΈIf you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel #WomenWhoTravel #CentralEurope
Discovering Segesta`s Doric Temple, built in 420BC β¨οΈ, and the adjacent Greek Theatre on a hillside. On this Palermo daytrip, we covered Segesta, Trapani, and Erice (previous posts have more). Apparently, some believe the temple remained unfinished, evident from the unfluted columns and remaining construction blocks.
#segestatemple #daytripfrompalermo #sicily #solotravelinsicily #sicilianhistory
π° Kings, hunters and a prince on horsebackβ¦ Budapest Castle certainly has some impressive company!
While exploring Buda Castle, I came across two very different but equally spectacular bronze statues.
First, the King Matthias and His Hunting Party fountain, created by Hungarian sculptor Alajos StrΓ³bl and unveiled in 1904. King Matthias Corvinus, one of Hungary`s most celebrated rulers, sits proudly among his hunting party, with the figures, horses and hounds capturing the excitement of a royal hunt. The detail is incredible β even the dogs look as though they`re ready to take off after their next target!
Then there`s the rather dramatic Prince Eugene of Savoy, proudly sitting high on his horse outside the castle. Created by sculptor JΓ³zsef RΓ³na and unveiled in 1900, the monument commemorates Prince Eugene, the military commander who played an important role in the defeat of the Ottoman forces and the liberation of Buda in 1686.
Two statues, two very different stories, and plenty of magnificent bronze to admire.
I do love a city where you can simply wander around and unexpectedly find yourself standing beside centuries of history β although I think I`d have preferred to arrive at Buda Castle on horseback rather than climbing all those stairs! ππ
β¨οΈIf you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #BudaCastle #BudapestSculptures #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
Explored the stunning Belvedere Palace in Vienna, a former imperial residence that`s truly breathtaking. The gardens were gorgeous, especially with the ponds and fountains coming to life now that winter`s loosening its grip, slightly....!!
#belvedere #schlossbelvedere #vienna #solotrip #traveltheworldwithme
Hotel Pension Suzanne in Vienna is in the perfect location, walking distance to everything, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops and museums.
β¨οΈSafe, quiet and comfortable, all requirements of the solo traveller
β¨οΈClick the link to my website in the bio for more information on the hotels I stayed in on my recent solo adventure to Budapest, Vienna and Prague.
#hotelpensionsuzanne #solotravel #solotrip #vienna #traveltheworldwithme
A place of remembrance in the heart of Budapestβ¨οΈ
Behind the magnificent DohΓ‘ny Street Synagogue is a place that feels very different from the grand beauty of the synagogue itself. In the garden stands the Tree of Life, a weeping willow sculpture created by Hungarian artist Imre Varga. Its metal leaves bear the names and tattoo numbers of victims of the Holocaust, turning the tree into a powerful memorial to those who were murdered or disappeared.
The gardens surrounding the synagogue also hold the graves of thousands of Jewish people who died during the terrible conditions of the Budapest Ghetto during the Second World War. It is difficult to stand here and comprehend the scale of the suffering that took place in this very part of Budapest. The peaceful gardens, the sound of the leaves and the beautiful synagogue behind them make the history feel even more poignant.
πIf you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #DohanySynagogue #TreeOfLife #HolocaustRemembrance #JewishHistory
The moon stole the show at Vivid Sydney, rising up over this tree in front of Governnent House near the Sydney Opera House. Always need a full moon when there is a light show in Sydney!!!
#vividsydney #fullmoon #sydneyoperahouse #sydneyharbour #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
Vienna`s Easter markets are in full swing now, with beautifully decorated eggs and plenty of food and drink. Great to amble around in the sun, even though it was a bit chilly!!
#solotravel #vienna #eastermarkets #traveltheworldwithme
Just a short hop from Palermo, the markets in Monreale were getting ready for the day, filled with traditional Sicilian Moor`s Heads, or Testa di Moro.
#moorsheads #testadimoro #monreale #solotravelinsicily
πΆThe magnificent Budapest Central Market Hall has been welcoming shoppers since 1897 and is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest.
πΆWith its distinctive Zsolnay tiled roof and impressive Neo-Gothic architecture, it`s just as beautiful on the outside as it is bustling on the inside. The building was severely damaged in WW2, and sat in ruins until 1997 when it re-opened to much fan-fare.
πΆStanding outside the market, you`re also treated to lovely views of the iconic Liberty Bridge, one of Budapest`s most recognisable landmarks spanning the Danube.Step inside and you`ll find two floors packed with stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to Hungarian sausages, local wines, handmade souvenirs and, of course, paprika! Available in sweet, hot and smoked varieties, paprika is Hungary`s most famous spice, the essential ingredient in Hungarian Goulash.
πΆWhether you`re shopping, sampling local flavours or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the Central Market Hall is well worth adding to your Budapest itinerary.
β¨οΈIf you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#budapest #solotravelwoman #budapestcentralmarkethall #soloadventures
The best part of the day trip from Vienna to Bratislava was the boat trip back to Vienna on the Danube!! The hydofoiling catamaran was fast, about 90 minutes, the crew were great. It was freezing cold and windy outside, but I couldn`t help myself, I just had to keep going out to take photos, then running back in to sip my wine π₯!!!
Great for solo travelers, I met so many other travellers onboard.
#cruisingonthedanube #twinliner #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme
Strolling around Sydney`s Royal Botanic Gardens and Government Houseβ¨οΈ looking out across Sydney Harbour on a sunny mid winters dayβοΈ
#rbg #sydneylocal #sydneyharbour #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #sydneyharbourwalks
The gardens at the Governor Generals house in Sydney`s Royal Botanic Gardens are open to walk around most weekends.
β¨οΈ Feels weird to go and sit on the balcony of someone else`s house and look out at the harbour, but it`s a very relaxing way to spend a bit of time!!
#royalbotanicgarden #fountains #beautifulgardensoftheworld #seeeverythingdoeverything
Cesky Krumlov, a quaint medieval town in the south of the Czech Republic, a simple day trip by train from Prague....then lots and lots of walking on cobble stone paths!!
#ceskykrumlov #daytripfromprague #solotrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
Having mastered the very efficient bus system in Malta, after visiting Lower Barraka Gardens and the War Rooms in the tunnels under Valletta, I headed off out to Tarxien to the pre-historic temples, then out to the east coast to the beautiful fishing village of Marsaxlokk to see the traditional fishing boats.
To read about my 10 day solo adventure in Malta, click the link to my website in the bio.
#solotravelinmalta #solotravelwoman #malta #traveltheworldwithme #tripovertomalta
Arriving in Vienna, I found my hotel at set off exploring the neighbourhood, the architecture is all gobsmacking, but hard to get far enough away from to photograph!!
#vienna #traveltheworldwithme #neverstopexploring #solotravel
Leaving Budapest from Keleti station, I found my ticket gave me access to the Business Lounge waiting room!!
Next stop on my solo adventure - Viennaπ₯!!
#solotravel #budapest #keletistation #travelbytrain #traveltheworldwithme
After catching the tram across the river, I strolled through Letna Park, there are stunning views of Prague`s Vltava river, the bridges and the castle, not to mention all the flowers in the park.
#flowerseverywhere #viewsfordays #praguelife #solotrip #walkinthepark
Inside the Monreale Cathedral, I was surrounded by gold everywhere. This stunning building was constructed between 1174 and 1267 and later adorned with millions of gold-covered glass tiles by skilled local and Venetian craftsmen. Unfortunately, my visit coincided with a packed Easter Sunday service, limiting my exploration of the intricate mosaic work, but what I did see close up at the back of the cathedral was amazing, I even loved the enormous doors to the Cathedral.
#monrealecathedral #glassmosaics #goldmosaics #solotravelinsicily #traveltheworldwithme
A quick ferry trip across the Grand Harbour from Valletta to the area known as the Three Cities. Grab a seat up on the top deck forthe best views. Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua are all worth exploring on foot, cobbled streets, little parks, the maritime museum just near where the ferry arrives, and the Knights of St John HQ at the amazing Fort St Angelo, not to mention the harbour full of yachts of all shapes and sizes.
Read more about my solo 10 day trip over to Malta by clicking the link to my website in the bio.
#malta #valletta #threecitiesmalta #solotravelinmalta #solotravelwoman
Czech artist, David Cerney, famous for his politically opinionated art works.
β¨οΈHere showing King Wencelas riding an upside down dead horse into battle. Hanging in the Lucerna Palace, Prague.
β¨οΈThen 2 men (politicians??) pissing on the Czech Republic!! This one is outside the Kafka Museum across the Charles Bridge.
#davidΔerney #politicalart #prague #solotrip
More sculptures in the streets, and I found another one of the minitures that are dotted all over the city. It`s hard to tell what it is, but perched on the wall near the castle, the little guy in the last photo is looking through his telecope at the city below!!
#streetsculptures #budapest #artinthe streets #solotravel
On the south coast of Sicily, near Agrigento, lies Scala dei Turchi, a stunning limestone formation named after Turkish and Arab pirates who took shelter there in the 16th century. We stopped by after exploring the Valley of the Temples on our day trip from Palermo.
#scaladeiturchi #daytripfrompalermo #solotravelinsicily #sicilytravel
Budapest... you certainly know how to make a great first impression!
β¨οΈAfter checking into Hotel President in the heart of this beautiful city, I couldn`t wait to start exploring my local area before darkness fell.
β¨οΈMy afternoon took me past the magnificent St. Stephen`s Basilica, the lively Budapest Eye Ferris Wheel, the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building, past to the iconic Chain Bridge, and to the moving Shoes on the Danube Memorial, a powerful tribute to the thousands of Jews murdered on the riverbank during World War II.
β¨οΈOf course, no walk around Budapest would be complete without rubbing the shiny belly of the jovial bronze "Fat Policeman" statue for a little good luck. Whether it works or not remains to be seen... but I wasn`t taking any chances! π
β¨οΈAs evening fell, and the jet lag started kicking in, there was only one way to finish my first afternoon in Hungary β with a steaming bowl of traditional Hungarian Goulash. Rich, hearty and full of flavour, it was the perfect welcome to this incredible city.π₯
β¨οΈIf Budapest can pack this much into just a few hours, I was looking forward to what this adventure has in store for the rest of the week.
β¨οΈTo read about the hotels I stayed in on my solo adventure to Budapest, Vienna and Prague, click the link to my website in the bio.
#Budapest #SoloTravel #SoloFemaleTraveller #exploringbudapest #Hungary
Panoramic views from the medieval city of Erice, gazing out towards Palermo, far away and over the hills, across the north coast of Sicily. β¨οΈ My thoughts are with those in Sicily, Malta, and southern Italy who have lost so much due to Cyclone Harry.
#ericesicily #solotravelinsicily #viewfromthetop #medievalsicily
Sydney`s Royal Botanic Gardens on the edge of the CBD and Sydney Harbour all sparkling on an unseasonably hot day for June β¨οΈ Who would have thought hats and sunscreen would still be the order of the day, I would expect hats and coats at this time of year!!!
#royalbotanicgardens #urbanoasis #walkinthepark #sydney #sydneyharbourwalks
Hofburg Palace, the Habsburgs` stunning Vienna residence until 1918. Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) indulged in royal luxury here and spent summers at Schonbrunn Palace. What a life!
#hofburgvienna #sisimuseum #soloadventure #vienna
π° Three more little discoveries around Buda Castleβ¦
There is so much to see walking back up through the Castle District that you really do need to keep your eyes open β and preferably have your camera ready! πΈ
First, I came across the impressive Habsburg Gate, built in 1903 as part of the castle`s fortifications. With its ornate stonework and rather grand entrance, it certainly makes a statement.
Then there was the wonderfully playful Fountain of the Fishing Children, created by Hungarian sculptor KΓ‘roly Senyei in 1900. The bronze children wrestling with their fishing net and fish bring a little fun to the otherwise very grand surroundings.
And then, keeping a watchful eye over it all, is the magnificent Turul Bird statue. This mythical bird of Hungarian legend sits proudly with its wings spread, clutching a sword in its talons. The statue was created by sculptor Gyula DonΓ‘th and unveiled in 1905.
Three very different sights, but each with its own story β and another reminder that around Buda Castle, there seems to be something interesting hiding around every corner.
β¨οΈIf you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #BudaCastle #BudapestSculptures #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
The Hungarian Parliament Building from across the Danube at night βοΈ It was a freezing cold evening, but a quick trip under the Danube on the Metro to get a few photos is just what needs to he done!
#hungarianparliamentbuilding #budapest #soloteavel #traveltheworldwithme
The gardens at Sydney`s Government House and into the Royal Botanic Gardens on the edge of Sydney Harbour.
#royalbotanicgarden #sydneylocal #sydneyharbour #sydneylife #walkinthepark
Wandering through Palermo in search of the bus to Monreale in the hills, I stumbled upon Porta Nuova, the ancient gate to Palermo. Which was a good find as it was the land mark I needed to make sure I was heading in the right direction.
#palermo #portanuovapalermo #solotravelinsicily #sicilytravel
Views, views and more viewsβ¦ and yes, I took even more photos of the Parliament! πΈ
Standing high up at Buda Castle, I was treated to some of the best views across Budapest.
There was the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building sitting proudly on the banks of the Danube β and honestly, you can never have too many photos of it! π
Looking along the river, I could also see the elegant Chain Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge and the beautiful sweep of the Danube, with Budapest stretching out on either side. It`s one of those views where you keep moving a few steps, thinking this must be the best angle⦠only to find another one a few metres later!
The weather may not have been perfect during my visit, but Budapest certainly didn`t let a few gloomy skies spoil the view.
Sometimes you just have to stop, take it all inβ¦ and take one more photo of the Parliament. β€οΈπΈ
β¨οΈIf you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #BudapestViews #HungarianParliament #Danube #SoloTravel
β¨ Inside the Royal Palace of Buda Castleβ¦
After wandering through the cobblestone courtyards and passing the watchful lion statues, it was time to step inside the magnificent Royal Palace.
The palace has had quite a history. The original medieval royal residence dates back to the 13th century, although what we see today is the result of centuries of rebuilding, destruction and restoration.
Inside, the grand halls, sweeping staircases, ornate details and beautiful architecture give you a glimpse of the palace`s royal past. Itβs hard not to imagine kings, queens and courtiers moving through these very spaces.
Sadly, much of the palace was destroyed during the Siege of Budapest in 1944β45, and the building was later reconstructed. Today, the palace is home to the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
I love places like this where the architecture tells as much of the story as the exhibits do. And after all the walking around Buda Castle, I was more than happy to wander indoors for a while! π
Another piece of Budapest history explored. β€οΈ
Have you visited the Royal Palace at Buda Castle?
β¨οΈIf you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #BudaCastle #RoyalPalace #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
Beautiful day to have another amble around the gardens at Schonbrunn Palace after exploring the Imperial Apartments, in another month these gardens will be in full bloomβοΈβοΈβοΈ
#schΓΆnbrunnpalace #schΓΆnbrunnschloss #palacegardens #solotrip
π° Arriving at Buda Castle...
After making my way up Castle Hill, I arrived in the cobblestone courtyard of Buda Castle, surrounded by grand buildings and centuries of Hungarian history.
But the real entrance was still ahead.
Passing through the impressive archway, I was greeted by the magnificent lion statues standing guard. Created by sculptor JΓ‘nos Fadrusz in the early 20th century, these imposing stone lions have been keeping watch over the entrance for generations.
Walking through the arch, with the cobblestones underfoot and the lions looking rather serious about their job!
Of course, these days there are cameras rather than knights, and comfortable walking shoes rather than armour! π
β¨οΈIf you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio
#Budapest #BudaCastle #BudapestHistory #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
A beautiful building with a heartbreaking history. ποΈ
While exploring Budapest, I came across the magnificent DohΓ‘ny Street Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue. I decided to go inside and joined a tour so I could learn more about the history of this remarkable place.
The interior is truly beautiful β with its soaring arches, ornate decoration, colourful stained glass and intricate details. But behind all that beauty is a history that is incredibly difficult to comprehend. Built between 1854 and 1859, the Great Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe.
During the Second World War, it became part of the Budapest Ghetto, where Jewish people were imprisoned in horrific conditions. Thousands died from starvation, disease and the brutal treatment they endured. The synagogue grounds also became a cemetery, where thousands of victims were buried. Standing inside such a beautiful building while learning about the horrors that took place here was a sobering experience.
It is a place that reminds us that history isn`t always comfortable β but remembering it is important. I left feeling incredibly moved, and grateful that I had taken the time to stop, go inside and listen to its story.
Some places you visit for their beauty. Others stay with you because of their history. This was both. ποΈ
If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #GreatSynagogue #JewishHistory #BudapestHistory #HungaryTravel
Step insde this fairly average looking cathedral and be amazed by the intensity of the interior, minimalism was not the briefβ¨οΈ Everywhere you look in St John`s Co-Cathedral in Valletta there is gold, art works, and more gold!
Built in the 1500s, the the interior revamp happened 100 years later, then the cathedral sat there happily until it took a hit in WWll. It was then restored from the 1980s until 2017.
π₯ For more ideas on things to see in Malta, click the link to my website in the bio to read about my 10 day solo trip over to Malta.
#stjohnscocathedralmalta #soloadventures #solotravellerβ€οΈ #malta #traveltheworld
It`s a museum kind of day in Vienna, 2 to 5 degrees, we`ve had a bit of snow, a bit of sleet, a bit of rain and a lot of cold βοΈβοΈβοΈ
The Furniture Museum is a collection of furnture and other items from the Imperial Palaces, including a display of the toilets from the day.
The museum holds huge stores of furniture that they lend out for movies, plays and other events needing furnishings from that era.
#viennafurnituremuseum #colddayβοΈ #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme
Dinner at the Parisi Passage, a historic gem from the 1800s inspired by Parisian arcades, it withstood bombing raids but faced neglect post-war, now revived as a stunning hotel with an incredible restaurant and bar.
#solotravel #parisipassage #parisipassagebudapest #pΓ‘risipassagecafΓ©andbrasserie
Caught the train from Vienna to Bratislava for a day trip. Walking up the hill to visit the castle is not for the faint hearted!! And the walk back down π₯΄ brutal on the dodgy knee!!! But I made it π!!!
#bratislava #daytripfromvienna #daytripfromviennatobratislava #traveltheworldwithme #solotravel
Another short bus trip from Palermo in Sicily, up the coast to Mondello Beachβ¨οΈ lovely to walk along the promenade, but I have never had so many Indian market stall holders trying to sell me a sarong, and this was a quiet day in early spring, peak summer must be horrendous!!! I was hoping to have lunch at Alle Terrazze, a beautiful castle like restaurant just off the beach, but sadly they were closed for a private event, but further along I found a lovely seafood restaurantπ₯
#solotravelinsicily #journeywoman #traveltheworldwithme #mondellobeach #sicily
π° The climb was worth it!
After tackling the steep stairs and pathways up to Fisherman`s Bastion, I finally reached the top β and was greeted by the magnificent bronze statue of King Stephen I of Hungary on horseback.
Created by sculptor Alajos StrΓ³bl and unveiled in 1906, the statue is packed with incredible detail. From the flowing robes (hard to believe they are all made of bronze!) and armour to the powerful horse and ornate stone pedestal, there`s plenty to admire. King Stephen I holds a very special place in Hungarian history. Crowned around the year 1000, he became Hungary`s first king and played a major role in establishing Hungary as a Christian kingdom.
After all those stairs, I was more than happy to stop and admire himβ¦ and, of course, take a few photos while pretending I wasn`t secretly catching my breath! π
Sometimes the journey to a landmark is half the adventure β and in Budapest, it often comes with a pretty spectacular reward at the top. β€οΈ
Have you climbed the steps up to Fisherman`s Bastion? Or were you smarter and caught the bus????π
If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #FishermansBastion #KingStephen #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
The beautiful streets of Valletta, some of the hills and steps are not for the faint hearted!! But it is such an interesting place you just press on regardless.
β¨οΈTo read more about my solo adventure to Malta, click the link to my website in the bio - happy travels!
#solotravelinmalta #valletta #malta #soloadventures #sreetsofvalletta
Sometimes the best Budapest discoveries happen when you`re on your way somewhere else!β¨
I was walking past the magnificent St. Stephen`s Basilica when I noticed a service was about to begin. I spotted an opportunity for a quick look insideβ¦ and, well, who was I to just walk past? πI quietly slipped inside, took a few photos of the incredible interior and had a quick look around before leaving them to prepare for the service.
And what an interior! The soaring dome, magnificent marble, gilded details, paintings and mosaics make this one of Budapest`s most impressive churches. Named after St. Stephen, Hungary`s first king, the basilica was completed in 1905, after more than half a century of construction and several rather unfortunate setbacks along the way.
I didn`t stay long on this occasion, but sometimes a quick glimpse is enough! When there is no service happening you can pay to visit and stay longer!
Another little Budapest bonus β and this one didn`t cost me a cent! π
β¨οΈIf you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #StStephensBasilica #HungaryTravel #BudapestArchitecture #SoloTravel
β¨ A little medieval magic in Budapestβ¦
While exploring the grounds of Vajdahunyad Castle, I came across this beautiful little gem β JΓ‘k Chapel.
With its Romanesque arches, stonework and wonderfully atmospheric entrance, it looks as though it has been lifted straight from a medieval village in Hungary. And there`s a reason for that!
JΓ‘k Chapel was inspired by the 13th-century Benedictine church at JΓ‘k, one of Hungary`s finest examples of Romanesque architecture. The chapel we see here was designed by IgnΓ‘c AlpΓ‘r as part of the Vajdahunyad Castle complex, created for Hungary`s Millennium celebrations in 1896.
And with the rather gloomy Budapest weather, the medieval atmosphere was even more convincing! βοΈπ°
Another beautiful discovery in City Park. β€οΈ
#Budapest #VajdahunyadCastle #JakChapel #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
I spent 10 fantastic days exploring Malta π A great place for solo travellers who love history and endless exploring.
β¨οΈ Read about the places I visited by clicking the link to my website in the bio.
1. St Ursula St, Valletta
2. Victoria Gate, Valletta.
3. Upper Barraka Gardens, Valletta
4. The view from my hotel over The Grand Harbour
5. Victoria Gate, Valletta
6. Valletta street scene
#malta #solotravelinmalta #solotravelwoman #valletta #historylovers neverstopexploring
A crowd gathers every hour to watch the Astronomical Clock in Prague put on a show π Then some people clap and cheer, and some people laugh in an `is that it` kind of way.
#prague #astronomicalclockpragueπ° #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
The largest synagogue in Europe, built in the 1850s, has been witness to unmentionable horrors during WWII including being bombed. It borders the ghetto where the Jews were left to die. In the garden cemetery there are tens of thousands of nameless bodies and a few that could be identified.
There us a very powerful museum housed here too.
#dohanystreetsynagogue #budapestarchitecture #budapest #soloadventure
The streets of Valletta, Malta. Endless hours of exploring this amazing place. A wonderful place for solo travellers, easy to get around and very safe. Something for everyone, especially for history buffs!!
#solotrip #traveltheworldwithme #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #solotravelinmalta
Budapest... you certainly know how to make a first impression!
After checking into Hotel President in the heart of this beautiful city, I couldn`t wait to start exploring my local area before darkness fell.
My afternoon took me past the magnificent St. Stephen`s Basilica, the lively Budapest Eye Ferris Wheel, the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building, past to the iconic Chain Bridge, and to the moving Shoes on the Danube Memorial, a powerful tribute to the thousands of Jews murdered on the riverbank during World War II.
Of course, no walk around Budapest would be complete without rubbing the shiny belly of the jovial bronze "Fat Policeman" statue for a little good luck. Whether it works or not remains to be seen... but I wasn`t taking any chances! π
As evening fell, and the jet lag started kicking in, there was only one way to finish my first afternoon in Hungary β with a steaming bowl of traditional Hungarian Goulash. Rich, hearty and full of flavour, it was the perfect welcome to this incredible city.
If Budapest can pack this much into just a few hours, I was looking forward to what this adventure has in store for the rest of the week.
If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #SoloTravel #SoloFemaleTraveller #exploringbudapest #Hungary
Itinerary for my Trip Over to London
Flew from Sydney to London Heathrow via Singapore, with Qantas on QF1, then QF2 to come home.
Stayed at the Royal Overseas League in St Jamesβs.
Picked up at Heathrow by Naz from Black Lane Limos.
Travelled around London using a Visitor Oyster Card.
