Check out Japan!
Have a look at us in Japan… and don’t forget to leave a comment and tell us what you think 
Volcanos won’t stop us…
As a massive cloud of dust, sand and glass makes its way across Europe after a volcanic eruption in Iceland, we are making our way to the Munich airport. Our flight to Malta is still scheduled but there is no guarantee that our return flight will happen as planned… DARN Oh well, subscribe to our blog so you can be updated about when we return from our trip to the sunny island of Malta!
Split, Croatia
Ancient Roman and medieval walls of aged white marble form the rectangular boundaries of the old town of Croatia’s second largest city. Within these walls a maze of alleys navigate the traveller through charming, tall and historic buildings. Walking along the time rubbed white stone, polished by footsteps from past centuries, the traveller notices that something quaint and intriguing is on display in this city. The white shining even brighter in the sun, contrasting with the surrounding red of the roof tiles and the fresh turquoise of the clear Adriatic waters, lets you know you have arrived in Split.
When passing through the tight gorges of proud buildings, laundry waves over pedestrian heads. Throughout the alleys, tunnels and little passageways a flourishing mix of old carpenter shops, bakeries, pharmacies, stylish boutiques, cafés and bars sing the flare of the city. Life has been going on in these streets for almost 2000 years since the Roman emperor Diocletian came to this side of the Adriatic sea to settle for the better climate and founded Split’s Diocletian’s Palace. Whithin the walls of this ancient palace, situated directly on the sea shore, the today city of Split has developed throughout the centuries. Unlike other roman sites, this is not an inhabited excavation place but rather an urban landscape where Roman columns line the main square, the Peristil. Peristil is shadowed by the tower of the cathedral which is the former octagonal mausoleum of emperor Diocletian.
The mediterranean ease is visible in relaxed crowds hanging out all day in the street cafés, outdoor patios and bars. In terms of gay culture, Croatia remained rather closeted to us. Yet, some queer, urban, cool bars and little boutiques can be found just inside the old city walls in Majstora Jurja. The beautiful town Hvar on the island Hvar is the gathering spot for Dalmatia’s queer community. When we come back, we will definitely check out this town.
Be sure to check out our RECOMMENDATION and PHOTO pages to see more about this trip!
SRETAN USKRS
SRETAN USKRS… we cannot exactly recall how these came to be the first Croatian words we learned to say as we have never been to Croatia and certainly never had any formal Croatian linguistic training. to our ears, the holiday greeting carries no notion of mild spring air, Easter eggs, blooming flowers or bunnies. however, one evening while enjoying a Bavarian dinner at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich around Easter a few years ago, we found ourselves surrounded by 20 middle aged women who did not speak any English or German. logically, we started a conversation of laughter and hugs when we saluted with our beers and sung the words, sretan uskrs! after this experience we thought that it is inevitable that we make our way to the Dalmatian coast.
finally the time has come for us to put our Croatian speaking to the test and travel for Easter 2010 to Split, Croatia. we will be meeting up with our friends Suse (German) and Robert (a real Croatian that can put our two word knowledge to shame).
stay tuned to learn how we faired with our communication abilities as well as tips and pictures from our adventure. until then, we wish everyone a SRETAN USKRS!
Chiemsee, Bavaria, Germany
Sitting on Bavaria’s largest lake and watching the sun go down behind the majestic Alps. An unbelievable restaurant recommendation: www.chiemgauhof.com
Tel Aviv, Israel
it’s official we are blogging. to get the ball rolling we are starting with one of our most memorable, relaxing and diverse trips… Tel Aviv. it is nearly impossible to sum up the many experiences that we had in “the white city” full of bauhaus architecture, carrot juice, hummus, dark-skinned Israeli men and endless beaches.
however, if you like the vibrant feel of Berlin or the Lower East Side, but feel like something is still missing, then you will feel at home sitting in one of the many chic sand bars of Tel Aviv. here you watch the waves roll in while soothing house music sends your mind into a deep sense of relaxation.
when wandering the streets of Tel Aviv, you will notice that the name “white city” is justified: the unique modernist Bauhaus style buildings are painted in all shades of white. many of them today show some signs of decay, yet in a positive, charming way, as if the sea had delicately washed its vibrant mystery onto every corner of the city. graffiti and urban street art are naturally omnipresent, representing the cool and stylistic vibe of the energetic population reminding one that the streets of Tel Aviv are their cultural playground. the main streets like Dizengoff or Allenby Streets are flooded with eclectic shops and for those who prefer a unique style, you have found your runway. the best address for a friday (not saturday, since everything is closed on shabat) shopping spree: Sheinkin Street with cool independent designer shops and nice hang outs to enjoy a drink. preferably a freshly squeezed carrot orange juice to go or, if tired from exploring, iced coffee drinks from giant frozen coffee machines that are sure to cool you down and restore your energy levels.
the warm climate and mellow scene of the city takes you away. away from reality and into the vast alleys of color, creativity and eccentric scenes of Tel Aviv.
to learn more about our personal recommendations, pictures and info about Tel Aviv you can click on our destination page.
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