As the romantic poet Lord Byron once poetically waxed; “At the moment of the creation of our planet, the most beautiful merging of land and sea occurred at the Montenegrin seaside… When the pearls of nature were sworn, an abundance…
Favorite Places in Europe
Challenging as it is to limit any such listing — consider this an updated compilation of some of my favorite places in Europe. “Places” being represented by differing geographic scales — from specific sites, towns & cities to entire regions…
Škofja Loka, Slovenia
Pictorial Perspective of ~ Škofja Loka – an oft-overlooked gem Located in the alluring Gorenjska (Upper Carniola) Region of NW Slovenia ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ Škofja Loka has maintained one of the…
The “Republic” of Užupis – Vilnius, Lithuania
The self-proclaimed “Republic” of Užupis is Vilnius’ Bohemian and artistic district. It has its own anthem, constitution, flag, president & bishop. Užupis is quite small and isolated, encompassing about 148 acres — it has around 7,000 inhabitants, with nearly 1,000…
Vilnius – the Baroque Capital
Vilnius, Lithuania – the unpretentious Baltic Capital — with an Old Town core having the intimate feel of a large village. Beautiful parks and green spaces comprise nearly half of the city’s land area, further enhancing the pleasant walkability…
VagaBob’s EPIC 2016 Journey – Updates
VagaBob’s Epic Euro-Journey is underway — combining solo pioneering adventures, along with intermittent guided trips. Commencing in Scandinavia & the Baltic States — the further explorations will be extensive. As always, cultural immersion will be the emphasis. You’re invited to…
Olomouc: Grand Scale-Intimate Atmosphere
Olomouc, Czech Republic A CITY OF MONUMENTS, PARKS and Czech Hospitality The strategic location where Olomouc is situated has been regularly settled since the Neolithic period. Established as a Roman military camp sometime in the Late 2nd century, its 300 year…
Packing List
VagaBob Tested & Recommended Euro Travel Packing Basics Primary Gear: Travel Backpack or Rolling Suitcase/Backpack (carry on size ideal – approx. 2,500 to 2,750 cu in. / 45 liters max. capacity) Packing Check List (obviously–some items are seasonably adjustable): Clothes …
Exploring the Seven (-1) Hills of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
An urban adventure — interspersed with nature Sept. 16, 2015 Plovdiv’s deep and rich history spans over 6,000 years, with earliest traces dating to a late Neolithic settlement, ranking it among the world’s oldest cities. During its long history, it…
Destination Highlight – Trieste, Italy
VagaBob Travel Trieste, Italy: The underestimated capital city of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia autonomous border region of Northeast Italy. Its culturally diverse history has contributed an eclectic structure and atmosphere, which, while offering less in the way of landmark attractions,…