Jovana Kvrzic (@jovana_kvrzic) β’ Hey
Join me on a journey to discover the stunning beauties and different cultures across planet Earth. When the quest on Earth ends, I will set out in search o
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- π**Muscat, Oman** π΄π²
This is the most beautiful place to watch the sunset in Muscat! The Crowne Plaza Muscat hotel π
We're spending our last evening in Muscat right here, at The Edge restaurant, whose name alone suggests that it's perched on the cliff, in the best possible position overlooking the sea and the moment when the sun dips into it.
It's necessary to make a reservation for a table at least a day in advance, but I believe there's always room at the bar.
The hotel also has a phenomenal pool, and you don't have to be a hotel guest to use it. It's possible to buy a daily pass for 10 OMR (25 β¬, double-check this information because we didn't use the pool during the day, so I'm not 100% sure it's accurate). For those who, like me, prefer swimming in the sea, there's a cute little beach below, so this hotel can be a good choice for spending a few hours during the hot summer days in Muscat.
Prices for food and drinks in such restaurants are a bit higher, with cocktails around 10+ euros and a meal around 20+ euros.
All in all, Muscat left a very good impression on me because of places like this. I really enjoy discovering slightly different hotels, especially where I least expected them. How do you like it? π
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- π**Muscat, Oman** π΄π²
I'm sure you didn't imagine Oman as a honeymoon destination or a similar romantic opportunity. Well, I hope to convince you otherwise in the coming days and show that Oman can be an unusual destination for that as well, without costing you too much.
Most luxury hotels in Oman can be visited by purchasing a daily pass, which, compared to the cost of overnight stays, is quite affordable. For example, the The Ritz-Carlton, Al Bustan Palace hotel in Muscat costs 400+ euros for two per night, while the daily pass is around 60 euros (25 OMR), and part of the money (25 euros) can be used for food and drinks. Food and drink prices are expectedly high, with coffee costing around 10 euros, and a meal 20 euros or more, but in my opinion, it's worth it for such an ambiance. The daily pass is valid from 10 am to 7 pm.
This hotel was built by Sultan Qaboos as his residence, so the interior resembles Arabian palaces. I really liked that there weren't too many people, it's peaceful, and the beach is different from what we're used to due to the surrounding mountains. And of course, it's allowed to swim in a bikini, as all guests are foreigners in the hotel.
The main star of the hotel is definitely the pool surrounded by palm trees, a real feast for the eyes. The hotel is a bit outside the city, so it would be good to arrange with the taxi driver who brings you to pick you up for the same price afterward because if you call a taxi from here, it will cost you twice as much (a reasonable price from Muscat is up to 15 euros one way).
How do you like the hotel and do you think the daily pass is worth it? π΄βοΈπ
- π**Muscat, Oman** π΄π²
From this moment, the morning of the second day in Muscat, we stepped into a fairy tale that lasted until the end of our journey through Oman.
We couldn't help but wonder, do these people live in the same time as us?
Our first enchanting location was the mosque named after Sultan Qaboos, the largest in Oman. As you can see, there are no strict dress codes here; you can come in your regular clothes, but your arms, legs to the ankles, and hair if you're a woman should be covered (if you don't come dressed appropriately, you can rent clothing on-site). Tourists can visit the mosque only from Monday to Thursday, from 8 am to 11 am. To avoid crowds, my advice is to arrive around 10:30 am because no one rushes you out afterward, and you practically have the mosque all to yourself.
Oman is one of the rare countries in the world that is a sultanate. The mosque, like many places in Oman, is named after Sultan Qaboos, the most significant figure in Omani history and the person responsible for the country's current appearance. He ruled for 50 years, until the last day of his life. He had no heirs and was even divorced, which is very unusual for rulers in this region. However, the people loved him very much, and today they speak of him with great respect. He built over 500 schools, over 100 hospitals, and thousands of kilometers of roads.
The mosque opened on the thirtieth anniversary of Sultan Qaboos's reign after six years of construction, and at that time, it held the Guinness World Record for the largest chandelier in the world, weighing 8.5 tons! Another incredible fact about this mosque is that it houses one of the largest prayer rugs in the world, so be sure to peek inside its main prayer hall.
Entry to the mosque is free for everyone. ππΈπ³
- π**Muscat, Oman** π΄π²
GM from paradise! π΄
Who's up for coffee at a place like this?
- π**Muscat, Oman** π΄π²
The capital of Oman is Muscat. Muscat is completely different from the capitals of neighboring countries. It's a city that expands outward rather than upward. You won't find skyscrapers, bright city lights, and the like in Muscat. It maintains its oriental charm, even in its newest parts.
About one and a half million people live here, including a percentage of people from our region. Oman offers good employment opportunities for foreigners, although it's uncertain how long that will last due to the "Omanization" policy, aiming to have more locals working in all positions, from the lowest to the highest. Therefore, you'll see many locals working in various jobs alongside Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Filipinos, and others.
Parts of Oman experience extreme heat, starting from May and lasting until the end of September. However, Oman also has mountains where the climate is different. Thanks to these mountains, the heat is more bearable. It doesn't feel like stepping into a sauna compared to neighboring countries.
For our first day in Muscat, we chose to explore the Muttrah Souq, then visit the Royal Opera House, and ended the day with a European/Oriental vibe in Al Mouj, a part of the city that reminded me of Porto Montenegro. In Al Mouj, we met with Anja and Igor, a couple from Serbia, who helped us plan our upcoming days, and their plan seems fantastic for visiting all the worthwhile locations.
When we told Anja that we extended our stay in Kuwait because we liked it, and that's why we were late coming to Oman, she just smiled and said she's waiting to see how much longer we'll extend our stay in Oman, or if we'll even return home... I quickly began to understand her remark...
Did you imagine the capital of Oman like this? π΄π²π΄β¨
- π**Oman** π΄π²
Traveling to Oman: basic informationππ½
CURRENCY: The currency is the Omani rial, one of the strongest currencies in the world, with 1 OMR equaling approximately 2.5 β¬. Most places accept card payments, so you don't need much cash.
RENTING A CAR: It's the best way to get around Oman. Fuel is very cheap, around 0.6 β¬ per liter, and the roads are excellent. The daily rental price for a car is around 30+ β¬ (we rented a 4x4 for about 60β¬ per day). They took a deposit of around 100 β¬, and the insurance works in a way that if you cause damage, you pay a maximum of 400 β¬ (the rest is covered by the insurance company). Depending on the agency, there may be a daily mileage limit; for us, it was 200 km (anything over is charged extra), but we stayed within that limit. There are many rental car agencies; we went with the first one we found in Muscat (called Mouj Muscat rent a car).
TAXIS: We only used them in Muscat. Long distances can be covered in a short time because the city is spacious. We paid around 12-13 β¬ for a 20-25 km ride. The taxi app is OTaxi, but we couldn't install it, so we looked for vehicles with that sign.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: We didn't use it, but I saw that there are plenty of buses, and Google Maps show the routes well.
HOTELS: There are many hotels, and they are quite cheap. You can find decent hotels for 2 people for around 50 β¬ per night in all locations. I'll share our hotels in separate posts because we stayed in several cities.
Oman is a very safe country, one of the safest in the world, both for locals and tourists. Although it's a Muslim country, they are very open-minded, so there aren't any specific dress rules, except in religious institutions.
If you've been to Oman, share your experience and add any useful information. I'm here for any additional questions β€οΈ
- π**Kuwait** π°πΌ
There's something captivating about the lights of the big city.
Here are a few facts you might not have known about Kuwait:
- Despite being small in size, Kuwait ranks 6th in the world in terms of oil reserves.
- The country is led by a prince.
- It's one of the hottest countries in the world, with summer temperatures often exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.
- Kuwait lacks sources of fresh water, such as lakes or rivers, so they rely on desalination processes for all their water needs.
- The significant American influence has made it possible to find almost all American brands here (although they are now unofficially boycotted due to the situation in the Middle East). When the first McDonald's opened in Kuwait, the drive-thru queue stretched over 10 km.
- Kuwait only gained independence from Great Britain in 1961.
- Social media is huge in Kuwait, and besides Instagram, Snapchat is the most popular! When you meet someone, they'll often ask if you have Snapchat.
If you've been to Kuwait and know something else interesting about this country, share it below ππ»
- π**Kuwait City** π°πΌ
I knew I'd love it at first sight. I adore all the neighboring countries I've visited so far. I feel incredibly safe here. The climate suits me. I love the food. The people are welcoming.
I reached Kuwait with Pegasus Airlines, from Belgrade via Istanbul. For now, I only have a one-way ticket, which cost me around β¬150 with a suitcase, but you can find round-trip tickets for the same price if you're a bit flexible. From Abu Dhabi, for example, you can get tickets to Kuwait for as low as β¬10!
The capital of Kuwait shares the same name as the country, and it has a population of around 4 million, with only a quarter being locals. Kuwait is a country of diversity, with a large number of nationalities, a blend of East and West.
Although it's such a wealthy country, it's not among the most expensive ones I've visited. Hotels can be found at quite reasonable prices (more on that later), taxis are cheap, there aren't many tourist attractions, but you can practically visit them for free...
The air temperature is great now, around 30 degrees. Starting from next month, the real desert temperatures begin, so I caught the "last train" π°πΌπβοΈ
- π**Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan** π°πΏ
We landed on Mars π
That was the first thought when we first laid eyes on the Charyn Canyon. It's part of the eponymous national park. It's incredible to have such colors and shapes in one place, such diverse landscapes, mountains covered in snow like they're inserted into postcards.
Kazakhstan has been a big positive surprise from start to finish. They're increasingly adapting to tourists and following trends. Even in such seemingly inaccessible places, they have souvenir shops (I bought a cap there as a keepsake), cafes, food... There's no litter or anything that could spoil the impression.
Charyn is easiest to explore if you're based in Almaty, and as soon as the weather gets better, they open up glamping resorts where you can wake up to such a view π
- Encountering an eagle up close is a powerfully intimidating experience, but holding one in your hand and gently petting it offers an entirely unique sensation π¦
- π**Kyrgyzstan** π°π¬
One great thing about Bishkek is that just half an hour from the center, you can see scenes like these and forget you were ever in the city.
A tip for Kyrgyzstan is to definitely go in the summer months to see what the weather is like now. Sometimes the fog is so thick you can't see a hand in front of your face, and that's exactly what prevented us from visiting the Ala Archa National Park (the closest to Bishkek). Still, even just glimpsing the landscapes along the road showed us what this country offers in terms of nature.
If you're planning to explore Kyrgyzstan's lakes and mountains, plan to spend at least a week.
Horses have played a vital role in Kyrgyz history and culture, serving as food, means of transport, weapons, and even a medium of exchange. You'll see them everywhere, both in person and in pictures, in the form of statues... It's like that in all the countries of Central Asia, and I truly haven't seen so many horses anywhere else like on this trip.
I hope to return to Kyrgyzstan soon, but for now, it's time to head back to Kazakhstan and reunite with the nature that made me wonder if I'm still on the same planet... ππ»βοΈ
- π**Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan π°π¬
**
I wish there was at least a little sun in Bishkek, to see if it's truly the grayest city I've ever been to or if it's just the weather.
The capital of Kyrgyzstan is one of the strangest capitals, with almost no tourist offerings. Still, I'm glad I saw it because that might give it a special charm and definitely sets it apart from others.
Bishkek is home to just over a million people and feels like it's stuck in another time. A few newer buildings hardly stand out against the prevalent Soviet architecture, so I can freely say it reminds me of parts of Belgrade, even my hometown of Subotica. The building in the last photo is identical to the one I lived in during my first few years in Serbia.
The main square is called Ala-Too, which translates from Kyrgyz as "huge mountains," symbolically fitting as the city is surrounded by mountains towering several thousand meters high, clearly visible on clear days (check out the previous video).
Another important square is Victory Square, where the eternal flame burns, erected in honor of those who fell during World War II. Over 150,000 Kyrgyzstanis died during that time, which was every third man, and our guide (a journalist friend we met during our trip through Kazakhstan) told us that without that loss, there would be at least a few million more Kyrgyzstanis today. The central figure of the square, next to the flame, is a mother. A mother waiting for her sons, also a wife waiting for her husband, a sister waiting for her brother, but she never greets him...
That's all about Bishkek for now. If by any chance you find yourself in this city, a few hours is quite enough for a visit. And if anyone has been, share your impressions. π°π¬π₯π€
- π **Kyrgyzstan** π°π¬
After 2 sleepless nights and 2 of the most grueling days in my traveling life, covering 1300 km by land transport I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy, we arrived in Kyrgyzstan, specifically the Kyrgyz Republic.
First, we took a taxi from Bukhara to Tashkent (700 km, β¬50), and then from Tashkent to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, via Kazakhstan, by bus (for less than β¬20).
If you were to ask me now, without hesitation, I would have opted for a plane because it's not just the journey, but the discomfort, border crossings on foot with all our belongings, waiting in the cold, the worst toilets I've ever seen, without doors...
We somehow survived, and here we are in Bishkek.
For Kyrgyzstan, citizens of Serbia don't need a visa. The currency is the Kyrgyzstani som, and β¬1 equals 95 KGS. Everyone speaks Russian, and this is the "most Soviet" city I've ever been to.
Kyrgyzstan is dubbed the Switzerland of Central Asia because of its surreal nature, which is even evident in Bishkek on clear days.
Tell me if you know anything about Kyrgyzstan and what associations you have with this country. π°π¬π»βοΈ
- π**Bukhara, Uzbekistan** πΊπΏ
Returning from Bukhara, I carry some of the dearest memories ever. You've seen the Soviet Union watch in the previous post, but something else I'll cherish for a lifetime is the book of "1001 Nights" stories in Russian, which I bought from a street vendor on the main square.
Embarking on this journey without a passport case (I don't know what I was thinking) made me regret not picking up the one with the USSR emblem, but at β¬25, it seemed steep compared to other prices. In the end, it cost me much more, but I'll save the passport and homecoming story for the end of the trip.
Below, I'm listing the second part of the must-visit locations in Bukhara:
πΊπΏ Mir-I-Arab Madrasa (9th photo)
πΊπΏ Ulugbek Madrasa (8th photo)
πΊπΏ Bolo Hauz Mosque (6th photo)
πΊπΏ Chor Minor Mosque (1st photo)
With the previous and this post, I've covered what you can see in Bukhara in 1 day. The plan was to stay here for 2 days, but realizing we have a journey of over 1000 km ahead of us, we decided it's better to move on as soon as possible. If we had known how arduous the journey ahead would be, we would have organized differently. But when I reveal the next destination, I'll write more about how to try to avoid the issues we encountered.
Can you guess which country we headed to after Uzbekistan? π₯°ππ°π¬
- **πBukhara, Uzbekistan πΊπΏ
**
From Samarkand, we took the high-speed train and arrived in Bukhara in precisely an hour and 43 minutes. The station is 13 km away from the old part of the city, and the taxi fare is 2 β¬! We arrived late at night, chose a hotel in the heart of the old city, right next to Po-i-Kalajan main square, which unfortunately I can't recommend because upon arrival, they told us they were fully booked and would take us to another hotel. So far, all the hotels in Uzbekistan have been good, so I believe whichever you choose, you won't go wrong.
With only one full day left in Uzbekistan, we debated whether to go to Bukhara or Khiva, but Bukhara won out because it's closer, and with the hope of seeing Khiva next time. I'm glad we chose Bukhara for this trip; I think it's a bigger city with more to see.
The main square, with its unusual name Po-i-Kalajan, is again surrounded by mosques and madrasas, but this one stands out with the Kalan Minaret, which is almost all that remains of old Bukhara. Genghis Khan found it so beautiful that he ordered it not to be burned, while he leveled much of the rest of the city during his conquests.
The old part of Bukhara is peaceful, oriental, full of bazaars, and street vendors. I have to brag that I bought a new watch, a model over 40 years old, made in the USSR (8th photo) for 10 β¬! For antique lovers, Bukhara is paradise! And for lovers of fur hats. Here you can buy a genuine fur hat for 20-25 β¬ (10th photo), and the vendors love to haggle, so never accept the first price.
Within walking distance from the square is the Ark Fortress, surrounded by thick walls, the main refuge for the people during Genghis Khan's conquests, now a very recognizable tourist attraction.
Even though we only spent one day in Bukhara, we visited so much that I had to split the photos into 2 posts.
Based on this introduction, how do you like Bukhara? πβοΈπ
- π**Samarkand, Uzbekistan** πΊπΏ
I've had the chance to taste many delicious breads during my travels, but this one is unmatched!
Uzbek, or more precisely Samarkand bread, holds the unofficial title of the tastiest bread in the world, and what sets it apart from others is the way it's prepared. Just imagine the skill needed for someone to enter an oven where the temperature reaches up to 500 degrees Celsius and come out unharmed.
And aside from all that, I believe the main secret ingredient of Samarkand bread is love because the whole family participates in its preparation. The price of one loaf is around 0.8 euros, and even though we spent an hour there and only ate one loaf, we offered them much more money, but they refused to accept it. Usually, everyone accepts money when agreeing to be photographed, but I think this speaks volumes about the hospitality of the people in Uzbekistan.
Tell me, where have you had the most delicious bread?
Besides Uzbekistan, I've had phenomenal bread in Afghanistan ππ½
- π**Registan Square, Uzbekistan** πΊπΏ
If you found the Registan Square beautiful during the day, just wait until you see it at night π
Everything lights up, and starting from 8 p.m., there's a performance where the buildings take on new colors, accompanied by music. There's a platform in front of the square where you can watch without entering the square itself, as there's an entrance fee.
Now, we've already passed the first half of our journey through Uzbekistan, and the people have left the strongest impression. Uzbek people are wonderful, excellent hosts, friendly, and open to strangers. These three adorable girls, their mom literally pushed them to take pictures with us, and it's often like that; many people approach us for a photo.
I love it when it's like this because I believe the best picture of a country is painted through its people πππ‘
- π**Samarkand, Uzbekistan** πΊπΏ
For exploring Samarkand, I recommend setting aside at least 2 days. On the first day, we didn't move from the Registan Square, and on the second, we used it to visit two more locations, the Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum (first 7 photos) and the Bibi Khanum Mosque (last 3 photos).
On this day, the weather wasn't on our side, and we almost stayed in the hotel due to heavy rainfall. But as soon as the sky showed signs of clearing up, we set out. The good thing about Samarkand is that almost all the main tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other, and for me, the best way to get to know the city is always on foot.
The Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum is a true architectural marvel, an endless array of buildings of various shapes, patterns, all shades of blue. Unusual, this beauty was created to be a necropolis, a tomb for rulers and prominent figures.
Construction of the Bibi Khanum Mosque was initiated by the founder of the Timurid Empire in the late 14th century. At that time, it was one of the most beautiful and largest mosques in the world, and even today, it's a strong contender in that competition.
The best view of the Bibi Khanum Mosque is from the Zargaron restaurant, but for a photo from their terrace, you have to pay 10,000 som (just under β¬1) because apparently, many people come here just to take pictures π¬ππ
- π**Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan** πΊπΏ
You know how much I love wearing traditional costumes when I travel, and I couldn't wait to feel like an Uzbek princess.
You can rent beautiful dresses and costumes at the Registan Square, at the @lens/oldfashion_registan(ig) stand in Ulugh Beg's Madrasah, for about β¬7-8 per person. Additionally, professional photographers will take such photos and videos for you, for about β¬1 per picture, or you can negotiate like I did and get everything for β¬25. The photographer who took my photos and videos is @lens/fotokadr95(ig); you can arrange everything in advance with him, and I think this is a fantastic memory.
In such clothing and environment, you truly forget which century you're living in for about half an hour.
How do you like the photos, and which one is your favorite? I had a hard time deciding which one to put first π
- I have redistributed about 10% of my $BONSAI earnings with those who have reposted my travel stories. ππ
A warm thank you to everyone who has participated in promoting and appreciating the content I share on Lens! π₯°π€
- π**Registan Square Samarkand, Uzbekistan** πΊπΏ
Can you believe that human hands created something like this?
I can't either. And not just 100 or 200 years ago, but 600 years ago! Registan, the main square in the old part of Samarkand, is considered by many to be the most beautiful square in the world, and based on my experience so far, I agree. What sets it apart from most others is that there's an entrance fee (around β¬4), which I support; I'm glad if the ticket money goes towards its preservation.
At first glance, you might think the square is surrounded by three mosques, but they were actually madrasahs, or Islamic schools. Their names are Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori. At that time, they were very advanced. They taught mathematics, philosophy, astronomy, discussed geography, and timekeeping...
People used to gather on the square to hear announcements from the rulers of the time, but also to witness public executions.
The architecture of Registan reminds me of the buildings I visited last year during my trip to Iran, which is not surprising, as it's all part of the Persian heritage. Even the name Registan comes from the Persian language, and its literal translation would be sandy or desert place because before its construction, all of this was covered in sand.
Today, Registan is the most visited tourist attraction in Uzbekistan, but we were lucky, and it wasn't too crowded. If you want to completely avoid people, it's recommended to come just before opening, around 8 in the morning. That's when the light is best for photography (by 2 pm, there were already too many shadows + the sun was too strong), and I believe such a place is experienced in a special way when you're alone.
A recommendation for a cafe with a view of the entire square (6th photo), Emirhan Restaurant; prices are higher than in other restaurants, but here you're paying for the view (when I say higher, it's still 30% cheaper than the average restaurant in capital Europe city). You can have coffee within the square itself when you enter the madrasahs; souvenir shops are on the ground floor, and cafes are on the upper floor (the video).
Expect more stories about Registan because we didn't move from here all day πβοΈππ½
- π**Tashkent, Uzbekistan** πΊπΏ
A day that was supposed to look completely different...
Everyone told us, one day is enough for Tashkent. And we listened to them, diligently setting our alarm for 7 in the morning the next day, aiming to catch the fast train to the next city on our Uzbekistan adventure, Samarkand, by 8. But, it was easy to set the alarm, and hard to get up when the previous days were so intense that anything over 5 hours of sleep seemed like an impossible mission.
I snoozed the alarm once, then again, and told myself, now I really don't have to rush anywhere, let's go to Samarkand in the evening. My companion friend agreed, and by noon, we had (almost) made up for all the missed sleep from the previous nights.
We opened the windows, and the day looked even more beautiful than the previous. We started the relaxed exploration of the second day in the Magic City, where I felt so good that I would return to Tashkent just for it. Such a pleasant atmosphere, a lake, a park, a castle, restaurants... In the previous video, you can see more about this place, and in my opinion, it's a #mustvisit in Tashkent.
Then we entered the first metro station we came across because you have to ride the cheapest metro in the world (a single ride ticket costs less than 15 dinars). Tashkent's metro reminded me a lot of Moscow's, with that classic Soviet look, where some stations look like museums. Since we didn't choose much, we didn't see some of the most beautiful ones, but here's a list for your visit: Beruniy, Tinchlik, Gafur Gulom, Alisher Navoi, Kosmonavtlar are considered the most beautiful.
We took the metro to the White Mosque, Minor Mosque, one of the newest in the city, and waited there for the sunset, then walked back to the hotel nearby (Eldi Hotel, top location).
So, if you ask me, give Tashkent a second day.
The fact that everything happens for a reason and how it should be is evidenced by the fact that we took a chance and went to the train station (normally, tickets for the Afrosiyab fast trains are bought weeks in advance) and bought a ticket for the train departing just 20 minutes later. 300 km and 2 hours later (the Afrosiyab train travels at a speed of 150-200 km/h), here we are in Samarkand. If you liked Tashkent, just wait until you see the magic of Samarkand... π°π€οΈπ
- π**Tashkent, Uzbekistan** πΊπΏ
I've wanted to visit Uzbekistan for so long that I still can't believe I'm here!We arrive in the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, from Shymkent. Tashkent is just a 20-minute drive from the Kazakhstan border, so if you're traveling through this part of the world by land, keep in mind that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are easily connected.
The Uzbek currency is the SOM, and you currently get around 13,000 som for 1β¬, which tells you enough about how affordable this country is. Some say it's the cheapest in the world; when you come with foreign currency, you instantly become a millionaire.
We navigate around Tashkent by taxi (using the Yandex app) and metro. We don't pay more than β¬2 for a taxi ride, and the metro fare is less than β¬0.15 per ride!
The hotel we chose is called Eldi, with accommodation for 2 people costing less than β¬30 per night, and it's conveniently located near all the tourist attractions.
Many of you have messaged me about planning a trip to Uzbekistan, so let's start with what to visit in Tashkent for a day (though my advice is to spend 2 days here; you'll see why in the next posts):
πΊπΏ Iconic Uzbekistan Hotel
πΊπΏ Adjacent to it, Amir Temur Square (Amir Temur, as the founder of the Timurid Empire in the 14th century, is one of the most important historical figures not only in Uzbekistan but also in all of Central Asia)
πΊπΏ Broadway Street, a pedestrian zone where you must buy some artwork; I saw some of the most beautiful pieces by street artists here
πΊπΏ Chorsu Bazaar (the oldest market in Uzbekistan, said to be over 1200 years old). There's everything you can imagine here; come if you want to buy teas, spices, try cheeses...
πΊπΏ TV Tower, the tallest in Central Asia
πΊπΏ Right across from the tower is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful locations, the Museum dedicated to those who lost their lives due to the politics of the Soviet Union (Museum of Victims of Political Repression), where the cover photo was taken
πΊπΏ To end the day, dinner at the Besh Qozon restaurant. When I say dinner, I mean pilaf, where a large portion is around β¬3; everything is cooked in huge cauldrons in front of you and is very tasty. As pilaf is the national dish of Uzbekistan, it must be tried.
#tobecontinued
- Welcome to **Uzbekistan** πΊπΏ
- π**TΓΌrkistan, Kazakhstan** π°πΏ
If you thought the food in your country was good, you haven't been to Kazakhstan π Oh my goodness, what is this?
I'm spending the last day at another Novruz celebration in Turkistan, where a ceremony is organized in the square, and all over the city, people walk dressed in traditional costumes.
Yurts, tents, nomadic homes are set up around the city. We had a meeting with the mayor of Turkistan in one of the yurts, and in another, we had lunch, a glimpse of which you can see in these photos. You might not believe it at first, but I ended up a little hungry because all this is horse meat, which I couldn't muster the courage to try by the end of the trip.
The juxtaposition of tradition and modernity in Turkistan is evident in the appearance of its museum (10th video). I love seeing something new because it gives me hope that it can be implemented back home, and interactive museums like this would surely attract a lot more people.
We're nearing the end of the first part of the story from a country I liked even more during the second visit. I hope you enjoyed traveling with us, and I wish you all the enthusiasm of the little boy in the 7th video ππ½π°πΏβ€οΈ
- π**TΓΌrkistan, Kazakhstan** π°πΏ
The last stop in Kazakhstan, a city I heard of for the first time and instantly fell in love with.
They told us it would be the warmest place, but when the wind blows, it's even hotter than Astana. Yet, even that couldn't spoil the impression; you know Turkistan, as they say, is the cream of the crop.
Turkistan is about a 2 and a half-hour drive from Shymkent, the city we visited before it. Along the way, we made a stop at the open-air museum, Otrar, located amidst the Kazakh steppes, and if I were a few kilograms lighter, I'd probably have flown off its walls (2nd and 4th photo). That's why in this post, the "selfie" is the first picture; my outfit just wouldn't listen to me because of the wind π
All these cities were important stations on the Silk Road. What fascinates me most about Turkistan is that the new, completely futuristic part of the city and the old, really old part stand side by side. You stand in front of the "Golden Egg," as Boris and I jokingly called the cinema in the center of the main square, and gaze at the mosques and mausoleums from the 14th century, so well-preserved that they seem like they haven't seen a day, let alone seven centuries.
Even the new Turkistan, as futuristic as it is, preserves tradition. It's all surrounded by walls, dominated by sandy colors, and the oriental atmosphere is further enhanced by music drifting through its streets... Every evening, there's a show where actors come to the magical fountains in boats, dressed in traditional attire (9th photo). For the city in its nocturnal charm, don't miss the collage in the 10th photo.
I love living in Belgrade, but it's always fascinating when I discover a city where I could imagine myself for a longer time, and Turkistan is definitely one of those β¨βοΈπ«
- π**Shymkent, Kazakhstan** π°πΏ
From Astana, we're moving 1600 km further, and by plane, in less than 2 hours, we arrive in Shymkent. I believe you've never heard of this city, yet it's the third largest and oldest in Kazakhstan.Shymkent is near the border with Uzbekistan, so it's much warmer than Astana; the snow has long gone, and winter jackets are packed away.
An interesting fact: the current mayor of Shymkent was the first ambassador of Kazakhstan to Serbia and was genuinely thrilled when we met. Even before my arrival, everyone at the Kazakh embassy told me how much he loves Serbia, and it's true; he couldn't wait to hear Serbian again and hear about what's new in Belgrade.
Before meeting the mayor, we went to the racecourse. Horses are one of the symbols of Kazakhstan; the country has long been known for the number, strength, and power of these noble animals. I expected us to ride horses at the racecourse, but not a chance. Live nomadic games! And the atmosphere in the stands... more than electric. The racecourse was packed to the last seat, and both young and old cheered on those engaging in these completely unusual sports for us. They were most excited about the start of the Kazakhstani football match, where players on horseback compete for a dead sheep.
A friend of mine and I, along with the journalists, got honorary seats together.
Full of impressions from the games and meeting the mayor, we went on to further exploration and saw a mosque under construction, which seemed like something out of "One Thousand and One Nights"... In fact, everything we saw felt like part of some imaginary tale... πππ¦
- π**Kazakhstan** π°πΏ
When I first saw a batyr, I was scared. I wasn't used to people being so much bigger than me.
In Kazakh language, the word "batir" means brave warrior, hero. For a batyr, it was an honor to die in battle. He always carried his weapons with him, a mace, a sword, a mallet...
Today, Kazakhstan is not at war with anyone, so the batyrs magnify national events and contribute to the preservation of tradition.
I saw the most batyrs at the racecourse in Shymkent, a city we're heading to after Astana, so here's a short story about some truly unusual people... #tobecontinued π‘οΈ
- π**Astana, Kazakhstan** π°πΏ
My Second NOVRUZ π·
For those who followed me last year when I was in Iran, surely you remember the story of Novruz, the holiday celebrated in this part of the world. Persian, spring New Year, call it Novruz as you wish, but in any case, it's a symbol of new birth and hope.
Novruz falls around March 21st, when spring officially begins on our calendar, always on the vernal equinox, when day and night are of equal length. The roots of Novruz celebrations come from the religion of Zoroastrianism, considered the precursor to many world religions. Over the centuries, Novruz has often been banned in these countries, either due to strict conservative Islamic rulers or the Soviets, but the tradition has managed to survive to this day. It's a very joyful holiday, but also the longest celebrated, lasting from 10 to 14 days!
Last year, I celebrated Novruz in an Iranian home, with my friend Farshad who used to live in Serbia, in an intimate atmosphere, and this year at a gala celebration at the Astana Opera. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan organized a grand celebration for diplomats, and it was a great honor for me to be among them. Many ambassadors came dressed in their traditional attire, making the celebration even more emotional. I didn't expect such an event, so maybe my wardrobe wasn't the most adequate. I don't think anyone minded; everyone thought I was some kind of athlete π
There was dancing, singing, getting acquainted with Kazakh culture, customs, and food.
The most interesting encounter for me was with the "berkutchi" and "batyr." Berkutchi were once hunters of golden eagles, and today they are guardians since hunting wild eagles is prohibited; only those from strictly controlled breeding grounds are allowed. Berkutchi symbolize the love between man and bird. The eagle is the berkutchi's best friend, whom he must care for and regard as a family member. When the berkutchi tames the eagle, it becomes his hunter, mostly for foxes. Among most Turkic peoples, the golden eagle and falcon are sacred animals.
About the batyrs, Kazakh warriors and the only people taller than me in Kazakhstan π I'll write about them a little later, as we're yet to meet them.
Let me know if you knew about the Novruz holiday and how you like such a celebration! π«Άπ½
- **πAstana, Kazakhstan** π°πΏ
In Astana, everything is new. Architectural marvels have been erected practically in the middle of nowhere. Unimaginable amounts of money have been invested, creating a city that lacks only one thing: PEOPLE! The streets still seem empty, as the population density in Astana, as well as in all of Kazakhstan, is quite low. Yet, somehow, that's part of the charm of this destinationβit's completely different from all the others.
Astana is still largely unknown to much of the world, with its biggest boom experienced in 2017 when the city hosted the "EXPO" exhibition. I've had the opportunity to attend only the "EXPO" in Dubai during its time, and now we've toured the national pavilion in Astana, which is still open to tourists. It looks futuristic now; I can only imagine how it was when it first opened.
After visiting the "EXPO," we continued to the Nur Sultan Mosque. You might ask, didn't Astana change its name to Nur-Sultan? Yes, the city was called Nur-Sultan from 2019-2022 in honor of Kazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, but it was renamed back to Astana.
Now, back to the mosqueβit's truly spectacular, both inside and out. The characteristic blue color of the Kazakhstani flag dominates the mosque's colors. This is one of the largest mosques in the world and the largest in Central Asia, accommodating around 230,000 worshipers simultaneously, and it's open to tourists.
At the last location, you can see another gigantic structure: the largest tent in the world, called "Khan Shatyr" (pay attention to the language similarities), housing a shopping center and an amusement park.
On this day, the snow seriously started to fall, and as much as I missed it this winter, after spending a few minutes outside, I was glad that most activities were scheduled indoors... #tobecontinued
- π Kazakhstan π°πΏ
Learning about a nation's history through its traditional attire is always a delightful experience for me.
Kazakhstani traditional clothing is crafted primarily to shield individuals from extreme temperatures, a feature prominently reflected in men's attire. They often incorporate materials of animal origin, such as fur and leather (from raccoons, beavers, foxes, wolves, etc.), and are characterized by vibrant colors, intricate details, patterns, and designs. Parts of animals are even used for musical instruments.
Kazakhs belong to the Turkic ethnic group, known for their nomadic heritage, which is why in this post, you can catch a glimpse of the Yurt, a traditional dwelling, or tent. Yurts are made from wool! Specially prepared wool is draped over a wooden frame, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly. The tents are white, symbolizing a pure heart, open to all. They are adorned with colorful details during holidays and celebrations.
Religion is one of the unifying factors among Turkic peoples, and Kazakhs are fairly liberal Muslims, as evident in their women's traditional attire. Over the centuries, it has evolved, with traditional clothing no longer necessitating complete head coverings. Women often adorn themselves with plenty of jewelry, mainly crafted from silver and gold. A fascinating fact I recently learned is that men are prohibited from wearing gold; golden jewelry is forbidden in Islam due to its purported negative energy for men.
This is just a teaser of what lies ahead in the upcoming narrativesβrich in customs, traditions, colors, and melodies.
Feel free to share your thoughts on Kazakhstani traditional attire! It's truly one of the most beautiful ensembles I've had the pleasure of wearing π
- π**Kazakhstan** π°πΏ
When I embarked on my journey around the world back in 2015, it was purely out of love for travel. The job I do today didn't even exist back then. I couldn't even imagine it. What I knew was that I didn't want to ask anyone for annual leave. And I succeeded. I'm always on vacation, but it's not like I'm always resting. This way of life entails many sacrifices and is far from easy, but the rewards outweigh all the hardships.
This is one of them, and I'm incredibly proud of it. The moment when an embassy of a country recognizes you, and invites you as their representative, there's no greater honor. It's all worth it. No matter how many times I go on such trips, I always look forward to it anew, and it always makes me incredibly happy and grateful.
Traveling in such arrangements is the most demanding, but also the most beautiful, as you get to know a new culture in the best possible way.
After being welcomed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan (another WOW moment), we went to a presentation of nomadic games at the Rixos Presidentastana hotel. Central Asia is known for preserving the traditions of its national games, and most "STAN" countries and neighboring countries have similar ones. Mr. Sergei, a famous horseshoe bending champion, joined the presentation. He offered a Lamborghini to anyone who could bend the horseshoe by at least 1 cm. Four men tried to "move" the horseshoe, but they failed. Sergei knew why he made such a valuable bet. He is one of only three people in the world who can bend a horseshoe of that strength by more than 1 cm. In fact, he completely deformed it in just 1 minute! And I'm proud to say that he chose me to give it to π so you have to admit that I'm carrying a unique (but heavy) souvenir from Kazakhstan for my future souvenir room.
After the presentation, we enjoyed the music of traditional instruments, the main one being the Dombra (a man plays the Dombra), and it's interesting that the strings are made from sheep's testicles.
At the end of the day, we had a gastronomic journey through Kazakhstan at the Selfie Astana restaurant on top of Ritz-Carlton building.
Kazakh cuisine is heavily based on horse meat, which I tried only because in 202 I didn't know its origin. It has a specific taste, too strong for me, and I'm glad I wasn't thrilled with the taste, because that's when I realized what I had bitten into, and mentally I couldn't continue. I don't judge those who eat it; I enjoy the meat of other animals first, but I'll skip horse meat for now. As a substitute, I got fish for the rest of the dinner.
The atmosphere in the restaurant was incredible; you eat exquisite food, drink the finest wines, and Astana shines brightly during the day. And once again, I remembered that I used to sleep in hostels on simple journeys, and now I sleep in Hilton and eat in Ritz Carlton and Rixos.
And you know what's the best part of it all? That I was very happy then and now. Because if it weren't for one, I wouldn't know how to appreciate the other.
- π**Astana, Kazakhstan** π°πΏ
Welcome back to Kazakhstan after exactly 8 years! Back then, it was -30Β°C, now it's -15Β°C. I remember having to wear layers of clothing I had never worn before; I had never experienced such cold anywhere else. This time, I packed similarly, but -15Β°C is more bearable than -30Β°C, and I don't need five layers under my coat. Climate change is seriously affecting them; here, temperatures have been rising twice as fast as the rest of the world, serving as a stark reminder for all of us.
The capital of Kazakhstan is Astana, it was then, and it still is now. In the meantime, it changed its name to Nur-Sultan, but as far as I'm concerned, it greeted me with what I "left behind." When I first rode the streets of Astana, I thought, this is like a winter Dubai. And now I had a similar feeling, just not as grandiose as the first time; I guess I've seen it all in these past 8 years.
I reached Astana via Istanbul with turkishairlines (the flight from Istanbul to Astana takes about 5 hours). No visa is required.
Astana is a relatively new city, becoming the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997, hence its main symbol, the Bayterek Tower, standing at exactly 97 m, which I climbed this time to see the broader perspective of the city. Kazakhstan has since begun to develop its tourism industry, and I already know many people who have been here. However, I still believe that not enough is known about this country worldwide, despite having so much to offer.
My knowledge of the Russian language helps me get by, although, unlike the first time, I hear many more people speaking English.
I'm sharing my impressions of Astana from before and now because I find it fascinating to see how much the city has changed, or perhaps it's me? I certainly have changed. If someone had told me the reason why I returned to Kazakhstan, I wouldn't have believed them. I'll share everything with you soon; this journey, which will end who knows where (because once again, flexibility and a plan without a plan are my mantra), has only just begun, and so much has already happened.
I hope you're ready to journey through Central Asia together! ππ°πΏπ
- π**Belgrade, Serbia** π·πΈ
March in Belgrade πΈπΊ
- π**Paris, France** π«π·
Paris in black and red β€οΈπ€
I took my return ticket from Paris for the next day because who wouldn't want to take advantage of strolling through its streets a bit more. I'm leaving you with some new locations to visit in Paris, good food, and photogenic buildings ππ½
π«π· Rue Chambriges (1st photo)
π«π· Restaurant Chez Francis, with a view of the Eiffel Tower from its garden, where it's hard to decide whether the exterior or interior is more beautiful. The prices are quite high, so expect to spend 40+ euros for a meal + drink, but in my opinion, it's worth it ππ½
π«π· Pont de l'Alma, the bridge leading from the restaurant to the Eiffel Tower
π«π· CathΓ©drale de la Sainte-TrinitΓ©, a Russian Orthodox church located towards the end of the bridge, entrance is free, and the domes in combination with the Eiffel Tower (10th photo) π
- β¨β¨**1000+ followers x 50+ supporters** β¨β¨
Wow! πβ¨ I am absolutely thrilled to announce that our little travel community has reached over 1000 followers and more than 50 supporters in just a few short months! ππ I'm overflowing with gratitude for each and every one of you who has played a part in making this a stepping stone to something potentially huge in the near future π«
Firstly, a huge thank you goes out to the brilliant minds behind Lens, as well as the creators of all the amazing applications that have enriched our travel experiences. πΈ Your innovation has truly opened up a world of possibilities for us all.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible support of my fellow content creators. π I am so grateful to be a part of such a talented community.
Last but certainly not least, a heartfelt thank you to each and every person who has engaged with me, shared their opinions, and helped me discover even more fantastic individuals along the way. π Your support means the world to me, and I am endlessly grateful for the connections we've made and the adventures we've shared.
Here's to many more milestones, unforgettable adventures, and cherished memories together! π₯Let's continue to explore, connect, and inspire one another as we journey through this beautiful world. Adventure awaits! ππ
All collects from this post goes back to the community πππ
- π**Guadeloupe** π¬π΅
French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, and finally Guadeloupe. What a journey! Four new countries and a taste of a slightly different France. Destinations I knew almost nothing about and probably won't highly recommend. Because honestly, there are more beautiful places on our planet, closer and more accessible. Three weeks of traveling cost me around 5500 euros (including airfare, which was the biggest expense since I bought them almost last minute, totaling around 2500 euros). If anyone still wishes to see this part of the world with their own eyes, here's what to expect.
The day before heading back to colder regions, I spend my time in Pointe-Γ -Pitre, a city that I initially didn't fancy much. However, learning not to judge at first sight, I decide to take a stroll through it during my final hours in Guadeloupe, and my impression partially changes. When I see so much street art... the city can't be ugly to me. The beauty of the city is concentrated in its old part, and if you find yourself in Pointe-Γ -Pitre, make sure to spend time there. Arrive early if you want to see fishermen selling freshly caught fish from their boats to people who compete to get the best, and pelicans waiting for their share, in case someone drops some. At the nearby market, you can also buy huge shells, the ones I've been longing for, but my suitcase was already full.
Thank you for the wonderful reactions; I hope you've enjoyed following these stories as much as I enjoyed creating them. π
- π**Guadeloupe** π«π·
Flights from Guadeloupe to Paris can often be very affordable, with round-trip tickets available for as low as 400-500 euros. In less than 8 hours, you can find yourself in this Caribbean paradise. Since I booked my ticket last minute, a one-way fare ended up costing me double, but it was still the simplest and most cost-effective option compared to connections from other Caribbean islands. The same applies to Martinique, another French territory, but I'll save that for another visit.
Guadeloupe boasts many beautiful beaches, but one that is frequently mentioned and closest to where I stayed in Pointe-Γ -Pitre is Sainte-Anne Beach (Plage Sainte-Anne). With almost no waves, plenty of natural shade, and sand as fine as flour, it truly captured my heart and met all my criteria after having seen beaches around the world. π₯₯π΄βοΈ
- π**Guadeloupe** π¬π΅π«π·
I'm back in Europe, and here I am again in France. How did I get here?
From Dominica, I hopped on a boat for 2 and a half hours, costing me 115 euros (the boat fare was 80 euros, plus a 35-euro exit tax from Dominica), arriving at the final island in this Caribbean adventure, Guadeloupe, which belongs to France.
Guadeloupe's official flag is French π«π·, but I find the unofficial one π¬π΅ much more beautiful, featuring the sun and a sugarcane plant in the center. Guadeloupe is an overseas French territory, where French is the official language, although English is rarely spoken. The unofficial, Creole, traditional language of the Caribbean islands also exists here. The currency is the euro.
Guadeloupe is not just one island but an archipelago consisting of 6 main islands, the largest of which, where I'm staying, has the shape of a butterfly. The city where I found accommodation is Pointe-Γ -Pitre, also the main port, so it only took me about ten minutes on foot from there to my apartment. At first glance, Pointe-Γ -Pitre is a modern city, which didn't quite resonate with me; I prefer the low-rise buildings and Caribbean charm, unlike the high-rises and blocks reminiscent of New Belgrade. But let's see how my impression changes from day one in the upcoming posts.
Guadeloupe is renowned for its rum production, often mixed with various flavors; my favorite combination was with coconut.
Everything on Guadeloupe is vibrant β the clothing, the houses, the souvenirs.
As soon as I left the city, I was greeted by the characteristic Caribbean landscapes. I've missed them! Long sandy beaches, palm trees reaching for the sky, and the turquoise waters...
Finally, an island with well-organized public transportation, where you can traverse from one end to the other with just a few euros.
Cruise ships often depart from Guadeloupe, so I'm curious if anyone has visited Guadeloupe on a cruise and what their impressions were? ποΈπβ±οΈ
- π**Dominica** π©π²
Weather disasters, most commonly hurricanes, in the Caribbean islands are one of the main reasons why people here are generally poor, even though everything is so expensive. One day you have everything, the next day a hurricane hits you, and you have nothing.
Dominica was seriously affected during Hurricane Maria in 2017, but they have now successfully recovered. Maria is just one of the hurricanes that have terribly disrupted the lives of the island's inhabitants, and among the worst was Hurricane David in 1979, which remains one of the most destructive hurricanes ever to this day. The "remnants" of David have been turned into tourist attractions, so in the 7th photo, you can see the main symbol of the Botanical Gardens in the capital of Dominica, Roseau. The baobab tree fell on a bus (fortunately, it was empty at the time), and no one has ever moved it. Symbolically, this "statue" is called David the Goliath because in this case, David became Goliath; it leveled the city to the ground in 5 hours, and no one expected the hurricane to be so strong.
After visiting the Botanical Gardens, we drove to the southernmost tip of the island and climbed to the viewpoint "Scott's Head." The ascent is easy; you're at the top in 10-15 minutes, and the view is spectacular. Even more beautiful than the combination of greenery and the blue sea is when the colorful houses of Dominica are added. Each one is painted in a different vibrant color.
We visited the Kalinago village and this viewpoint on the same day (I wrote more about the Kalinago village in one of the previous posts), and the taxi driver charged us $ 200 for that trip, so if you're coming by cruise, now you know what you can do in one day.
With this post, I conclude the stories from Dominica, and I continue by boat to the last island on this adventure. π
- π**Dominica** π©π²
On Dominica, you won't find those paradise beaches typical of the Caribbean, which I was really longing for, so the first sight of them here was a bit disappointing for me. However, Dominica has so much more to offer besides beaches that, in the end, it didn't bother me at all.
And there are those in the Caribbean and Maldivian style everywhere, but those with black sand not so much. The sand is black because Dominica is an island of volcanic origin. The most interesting beach is "Champagne Beach," where when you dive, you see bubbles in the water, which is the result of volcanic origin and activity. They say the underwater world is fantastic, and Dominica is one of the best world destinations for diving.
These photos were taken on the beach in front of my hostel, the "Roseau Hostel," where I found my new buddy who loves to pose almost as much as I do π. My favorite photos are the ones taken at night; the moon was shining so brightly that the scenes looked like they were painted π
ππ
- π**Dominica** π©π²
Dominica is a Caribbean island where one indigenous tribe, the Kalinago, has survived to this day.
Members of the Kalinago tribe live on the northern side of Dominica, and it's possible to visit their traditional village and see how they once lived. They have managed to preserve some of their customs and traditions, but they haven't been able to resist the advancements of the modern world entirely, so they now live in "normal" houses and engage in "normal" jobs, while the remnants of their original village are now just a tourist attraction.
They have their own language, which was fading away over the years, but efforts are now being made to revive it intensively. On the Kalinago radio station, one word from their language is said every day in prime time, so everyone gradually learns to form sentences in the hope that one day the language will come back to life. They don't have traditional names, but they have a day in the year when they get baptized again. They chose it to be "World Indigenous Peoples Day" when they go to the shaman and during the ceremony, they take new, but actually old, traditional names. The shaman has a list of names, and then they can choose which one they like the most.
They have their land (which actually belongs to no one, but is communal) and laws, independent of the Dominican government. A chief takes care of their matters.
Earlier, a Kalinago woman wasn't allowed to bring a man from a different tribe into the community, while a man could bring in a woman of different origin. Similar to Islam and many other ethnic communities and religions, so we come to the conclusion that the world is so different yet so similar. Today, the story is different, and there are many mixed marriages, so it's even hard to guess at first glance who has Kalinago ancestry.
We came to this part of the island, which is over an hour's drive from the capital of Dominica, hoping to actually see Kalinago people in their traditional attire. However, they only dress like that for larger groups of tourists, usually from cruises. The tour with a local guide, from whom I learned all these pieces of information, lasts for an hour and costs $ 10. The nature is surreal, and although the journey to the village is long, the landscapes you pass through are worth the visit, especially the part where you see the sea in front of you all the time.
How do you like this mix of greenery and blue? π΄πβοΈ
- π**Dominica Island** π©π²
After Southeast Asia, the Caribbean is the region I've explored the most. I've been on three cruises, and I've traveled purposefully through many Caribbean islands for several days. And one of my favorites is DOMINICA.
In the introductory video, we clarified that Dominica is not the Dominican Republic. Although they have similar names and are relatively close to each other, these countries are quite different. In Dominica, you won't find those heavenly beaches characteristic of the Dominican Republic, with white sand and turquoise sea, but NATURE! Mother Nature has been incredibly generous here...
In Dominica, I spent the first half of my trip alone, so I booked a hostel for just β¬20 per night (Roseau Hostel, in the city of Roseau, with beach access, but otherwise quite modest). It's been a while since I've stayed in a hostel, just as long as I've traveled alone, but other options in the city were too expensive. As soon as I arrived, I met a few guys, and I got into a deep conversation with one, Arthur from France. His story goes like this: he works in the IT sector, in the video game industry, and in the meantime, he started dealing with cryptocurrencies and is currently making a six-month trip around the world. In hostels, you always meet people with the most interesting life stories, especially in such destinations.
Arthur had met a couple from Martinique, a French territory in the Caribbean, the day before. Since they speak little English, he helped them get around, and they stayed in touch and offered him a ride around the island because they rented a car. This was perfect for him because on the day I arrived, he was moving to another hotel deeper into the island, near one of the popular locations, the Ti Kwen Glo Cho thermal springs. He asked me about my plan for the first day, and I said I planned to rest since I arrived early in the morning. He said, "Come with me." Anyone who knows me will confirm that with me, it's like: "Don't ask, you know I want to." So, I changed into my swimsuit, the transport arrived, he checked into the new hotel, and off we went to a place I liked so much that I'm still looking for words to describe it.
Most of the photos in this post were taken at the aforementioned springs. The entrance fee was only $ 10, and at the springs, which have been turned into an outdoor spa, you can stay as long as you want; they even operate until 11 p.m.
- π **Dominica** π©π²
When I told my mom I'm traveling next, she replied, "Haven't you been there already?"
And she wasn't far off; after all, Dominica and the Dominican Republic (where I was seven years ago) are more similar than Guyana and Guinea. Plus, they're closer to each other.
From Trinidad, I flew to the island of Dominica, an independent state. A one-way ticket was around β¬200. The capital of Dominica is Roseau, and the only airport on the island is about an hour's drive away, although the distance is just over 20 km. The roads are poor, steep, so narrow that you feel like you're driving through the jungle, with branches almost entering the car. If I didn't know that Suriname is the greenest country in the world, I would definitely think Dominica is, as I've never seen such lush nature.
The official language is English, and the currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. You get about 2.5 XCD for 1β¬.
Dominica is one of the smallest and youngest Caribbean islands, formed later than all the others, and it was colonized last. Although Christopher Columbus discovered it in the late 15th century, the locals, the Kalinago people (who still partially inhabit Dominica), fiercely fought and managed to resist the colonists for another 70-80 years.
Dominica has one of the most beautiful flags in the world π©π², and it's the only one besides Nicaragua to feature the color purple. In the middle of the flag is a drawing of one of the local parrot species.
The island is a paradise for adventurers and hikers, with 9 volcanoes, numerous waterfalls, over 300 rivers, beaches of volcanic origin, and even a boiling lake!
Let me know if you knew there was both the Dominican Republic and Dominica, or if you thought they were the same?
More stories are coming soon β€οΈπΈπ·
- π**Maracas Bay, Trinidad and Tobago** πΉπΉ
Stories from Trinidad and Tobago might have been different from what you're used to because I experienced this destination differently as well. T&T was marked by the people I met and the fact that I finally truly rested, slept well, ate delicious food, and left the proper tourist sightseeing for a future visit.
I spent the last day at the most popular beach, Maracas Bay, and although it's considered the most beautiful, I wasn't overly impressed. So, if you're looking for authentic Caribbean beaches, it's definitely recommended to head to Tobago.
I also tried shark meat, which is a must here. The main local specialty is "Bake & Shark" (a sandwich with breaded shark meat and various toppings), and they say the best one is right at Maracas Beach. I wasn't overly thrilled; the meat is soft and lacks a strong flavor, and everyone says the real charm is in the toppings.
Next time I come, I'd love it to be during carnival time, and I'll definitely have to visit Tobago.
This isn't the end of my Caribbean adventure; two new islands are waiting for me, and I'm really looking forward to continuing my journey. Life is simply better in the Caribbean ποΈβοΈπ
- This is my second $BONSAI collectable post π³π₯°
- π **Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago** πΉπΉ
Although people from my region are everywhere in the world, and I almost always meet someone from the Balkans wherever I go, I didn't expect to meet two of our guys on T&T, who decided to call this distant land their new home because of love. After meeting Milan, whom I wrote about in the previous post, I also met Nemanja. Nemanja is from Belgrade, he worked on a cruise ship, met Karina there, and now they live on Trinidad with their children, Vladimir, Vasilisa, and VukaΕ‘in π Vladimir is their oldest child and loves Serbia, as you'll hear in the 4th video. Vasilisa, his little sister, is more shy, and baby VukaΕ‘in was born just a few months ago. Milan and I stopped by for coffee, and I'm so glad that I didn't rush anywhere on Trinidad (as I usually do), but I really enjoyed and relaxed, and this kind of hospitable atmosphere contributed to that.
In this post, I'm also sharing photos from the accommodation on Trinidad; it was one of the sweetest accommodations ever, a house and garden straight out of a fairy tale, a small pool, a room full of light and greenery. I paid around β¬70 per night, and if you ever need accommodation, search for "Gingerbread house Port of Spain" on Booking.
And you can also see the new doll for my mom; I always bring her a doll in traditional costume from my travels, and this carnival one is one of my favorites so far π₯Ήπ‘π«Άπ½
- I think the existence of Bonsai coin was one of the huge factors that has revitalized the Lens community. Iβm seeing much more engagement compared to a few months ago. π₯°β€οΈπ³
- π **Macqueripe bay, Chaguaramas, T&T** πΉπΉ
When I posted an ig story before arriving in T&T asking if anyone knew someone from Serbian people who lived here, out of about 50000 views, I got only one response, and I was expecting none. A girl messaged me saying she knew that her college friend used to live there, gave me his contact, and it turned out he still lives there. I contacted Milan from Leskovac as soon as I arrived, and we agreed to meet the next day.
He came here on vacation, fell in love, and stayed. Although he is a lawyer by profession, he never pursued it because our diploma is not recognized here. He turned to his passions, basketball, and fishing. He founded the basketball academy, even coached the national team for a while, and in his free time, he fishes and sells fish. The story of the concept of his academy is phenomenal; many kids here turn to crime due to the not-so-great economic situation (even though T&T is one of the most developed countries in the Caribbean, the standard of living is pretty low), and he steers them away from it through sports. Many kids can't afford to pay the membership fee, but Coach Milan doesn't mind. Those who can pay, pay; those who can't, don't have to. He buys them balls and equipment from his own money, and the jerseys are what excite me the most. You can guess who Milan supports in Serbia; the red and white jerseys give it away, and our coat of arms is on them. He even found an old jersey for me, and I had to honor it by wearing it to watch the game. But Milan's kindness doesn't stop there; at the place where he keeps his boat, people often leave puppies, and he feeds them, so now he has exactly 9 pets. What a joy it is when the little pups see him... π₯Ή
Milan took me to one of the beaches, "Marecquipe Bay," which is nothing special in Trinidad; there are large crowds, and the standard turquoise Caribbean water is missing, but well, we had a nice swim and chat.
When I asked Milan what he misses from Serbia, he said only his immediate family and food. Everything else he has here.
- π **Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago** πΉπΉ
I'm landing in Trinidad and Tobago at 6 in the morning. Sleep-deprived, nervous, feeling out of sorts. By 7, I've cleared all the controls and set out to find a bus. Being alone, I'm reluctant to pay for a taxi if I don't have to. The airport is about a 45-minute drive from the capital, Port of Spain, where my accommodation is. I know the public transportation system is poorly organized, and I regret not bringing my driver's license to rent a car β there are dozens of car rental agencies. That's the only affordable option. But then again, driving on the left side in T&T, I reconsider; it's better to pay for a taxi than risk an accident due to my weak sense of direction.
I reach the ticket counter, and the clerk says the next bus is at 8:15. No way I'm waiting that long β I'll take a taxi, no matter the cost. I return to the last car rental counter and ask a guy if he could inquire about the taxi fare from a driver β as a local, he might get a better deal. Unexpectedly, he says if I can wait half an hour, he'll finish his night shift and take me himself. For a few seconds, I ponder. It's early in the morning, he works at the airport, cameras everywhere β why not? I would do the same for someone else. And my intuition has never failed me; the guy exudes positive energy.
So, that's how my first day on the island of Trinidad started. The guy's name is KeΕ‘ine, of Indian descent, loves photography and traveling, as seen from the photos he took, especially his idea for the first one. I only went to my accommodation on the first day to drop off my stuff; we toured much of Port of Spain and took a drive to Maracas Bay.
The main impression of the capital is the Magnificent Seven, seven villas resembling castles that are remnants of the colonial British period. My goodness, how beautiful those houses are. Some are still privately owned, and the government is investing money in renovating all of them.
Most people visit Port of Spain from cruise ships, so here's a list of places you can see in a few hours in the city:
1. Queen's Park Savannah
2. The Magnificent Seven
3. The Red House (Parliament Building)
4. Royal Botanical Gardens
5. Hyatt Hotel, where the walls depict the history of T&T in a fascinating way (this was done on the 50th anniversary of independence)