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Post by Jaga on Apr 9, 2018 22:31:25 GMT -7
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Post by kaima on Apr 10, 2018 10:36:36 GMT -7
interesting list, contains some known historical objects and some I had not clue they exist. I have never been in beautiful Dubrovnnik I was lucky enough to spend 12 days in Minsk in 1993, working on the US embassy. During WW 2 the Germans and Russian waltzed back and forth several times as evidenced by the wall of a cable trench we dug - about 30 cm down there was a layer of ash about 3 cm thick along with other evidence of the battles. "Common opinion" was that much of the modern city was architecturally boring, necessarily being rebuilt after the war. I stood on a hill with a panoramic view one day and looked out at the city, noting the many 4 or 5 story buildings, showing a variety of architecture of the period. I was thinking that in 500 years this city would be a grand example of Soviet post-war architecture. When talking with another engineer later he pointed out that the poor quality of Soviet construction made it unlikely that most of these building would be standing in 500 years. Well, there is no telling how often today's ancient monuments have been rebuilt. Some old cities owe their old appearance to renovations that allow the building to be demolished - except for the old front facade, which is then attached to the modern, strong building built behind it. Kai * * * * www.slavorum.org/top-5-eastern-european-destinations-you-should-visit-this-spring/Jaga, I heard of the extraordinary beauty of Dubrovnik while I lived in Europe, and never did get down to check it out. Then came the split up of Yugoslavia and an artillery barrage of the city, damaging some of the centuries old monuments. Yet it remains, has been repaired, and is still a star of Europe. And I still haven't been there!
Top 5 Eastern European Destinations You Should Visit This SpringSaving money, avoiding crowds and extreme temperatures are only some of many advantages that make spring travels far more comfortable than the traditional summer voyages by Tatjana P.Tatjana P.  Often overlooked period for traveling, spring has undeservedly been cast aside in the favor of summer and fall. However, it is a perfect time to visit a destination you had always dreamed of. Saving money, avoiding crowds and extreme temperatures are only some of many advantages that make spring travels far more comfortable than the traditional summer voyages. Highly competitive with its astonishing natural and architectural wealth, but far more affordable and less conventional that its West European counterparts, these Eastern European destinations should definitely be taken into consideration when planning your next getaway.Often overlooked period for traveling, spring has undeservedly been cast aside in the favor of summer and fall. However, it is a perfect time to visit a destination you had always dreamed of. Saving money, avoiding crowds and extreme temperatures are only some of many advantages that make spring travels far more comfortable than the traditional summer voyages. Highly competitive with its astonishing natural and architectural wealth, but far more affordable and less conventional that its West European counterparts, these Eastern European destinations should definitely be taken into consideration when planning your next getaway. Dubrovnik, Croatia Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik’s already major popularity soared in 2012, after HBO hit TV series Game of Thrones used it as a filming location. Traditionally a seaport which supported itself historically through maritime trade, Dubrovnik is today a tourist attraction without competition in this part of Europe. However, Dubrovnik isn’t just a modern day tourist one hit wonder. It is a home to the world’s oldest Arboretum, Arboretum Trsteno, as well as the Europe’s oldest working pharmacy. White marble streets out of which the most prominent one is Stradun, as well as Renaissance and Baroque architecture will surely leave no visitor indifferent. Surrounded by majestic stone walls which are topped with two ancient fortresses, Lovrijenac and Revelin, even a simple walk around Dubrovnik is guaranteed to make an impression. Since summer is the peak season of tourism for a seaside gem such as Dubrovnik, spring is a perfect time to make a visit. Spring weather is perfect for sightseeing, as it excludes the inconvenience large crowds or sky high temperatures inside the heated walls may be during the hottest months of the year. Minsk, Belarus Positioned on two rivers, Svislach and Nyamiha, Belarusian capital is far more than a post Soviet city. Noticeably growing and expanding during the last decade, it has become a must visit for all those who wish to see and experience rapidly evolving cities. Among many new and modern attractions Minsk has to offer, it still remains a distinctive historical hub. Once a home to the assassin of JFK, Lee Harvey Oswald, city of Minsk has made his apartment open to all visitors who wish to see it. Surprisingly green and clean, Minsk is a great city to get around, whether by foot or some form of transport, which makes sightseeing extremely comfortable. Numerous churches, museums and galleries can be seen in the inner parts of the city, while the Old Town represents a special treat and a sort of time travel experience. Third largest botanical garden in the world, as well as hundreds of fountains are only some among many reasons Minsk should definitely be on your spring travel list. Ohrid, Macedonia One of only 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are considered to be both Cultural and Natural Sites, Ohrid city that lies on the lake with the same name is frequently called “Jerusalem of Balkans”. Distinctive in appearance with over 300 churches, Ohrid is a small, cozy town that can and should be explored entirely on foot. A well developed town in the age of Phillip II of Macedon, Ohrid is today considered to be the eight largest city in Macedonia. Except for an astonishing number of churches and religious temples, Ancient Theatre of Ohrid can also be seen. Built around 200 B.C., it was allegedly used for gladiator fights, with a capacity to take in more than 2000 spectators. Yet, if you’re looking for one thing you can’t find anywhere else in the world, Ohrid pearl making shops should be a must see. Noticeable for their outstanding whiteness and shine, Ohrid pearls are both famous and highly prized all over the world. The production process is a secret guarded by two local pearl making families, who’ve kept the tradition going for many centuries. However, it is known a special liquid made out of scales of local fish is used to produce the result, along with many other methods that are kept hidden. in TRAVEL AND TOURISM Top 5 Eastern European Destinations You Should Visit This Spring Saving money, avoiding crowds and extreme temperatures are only some of many advantages that make spring travels far more comfortable than the traditional summer voyages by Tatjana P.Tatjana P. 3.8k Views 4 Comments Share Photo: Pixabay.com Often overlooked period for traveling, spring has undeservedly been cast aside in the favor of summer and fall. However, it is a perfect time to visit a destination you had always dreamed of. Saving money, avoiding crowds and extreme temperatures are only some of many advantages that make spring travels far more comfortable than the traditional summer voyages. Highly competitive with its astonishing natural and architectural wealth, but far more affordable and less conventional that its West European counterparts, these Eastern European destinations should definitely be taken into consideration when planning your next getaway. Dubrovnik, Croatia Photo: Pixabay.com Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik’s already major popularity soared in 2012, after HBO hit TV series Game of Thrones used it as a filming location. Traditionally a seaport which supported itself historically through maritime trade, Dubrovnik is today a tourist attraction without competition in this part of Europe. However, Dubrovnik isn’t just a modern day tourist one hit wonder. It is a home to the world’s oldest Arboretum, Arboretum Trsteno, as well as the Europe’s oldest working pharmacy. White marble streets out of which the most prominent one is Stradun, as well as Renaissance and Baroque architecture will surely leave no visitor indifferent. Surrounded by majestic stone walls which are topped with two ancient fortresses, Lovrijenac and Revelin, even a simple walk around Dubrovnik is guaranteed to make an impression. Since summer is the peak season of tourism for a seaside gem such as Dubrovnik, spring is a perfect time to make a visit. Spring weather is perfect for sightseeing, as it excludes the inconvenience large crowds or sky high temperatures inside the heated walls may be during the hottest months of the year. Minsk, Belarus Photo: Pixabay.com Positioned on two rivers, Svislach and Nyamiha, Belarusian capital is far more than a post Soviet city. Noticeably growing and expanding during the last decade, it has become a must visit for all those who wish to see and experience rapidly evolving cities. Among many new and modern attractions Minsk has to offer, it still remains a distinctive historical hub. Once a home to the assassin of JFK, Lee Harvey Oswald, city of Minsk has made his apartment open to all visitors who wish to see it. Surprisingly green and clean, Minsk is a great city to get around, whether by foot or some form of transport, which makes sightseeing extremely comfortable. Numerous churches, museums and galleries can be seen in the inner parts of the city, while the Old Town represents a special treat and a sort of time travel experience. Third largest botanical garden in the world, as well as hundreds of fountains are only some among many reasons Minsk should definitely be on your spring travel list. Ohrid, Macedonia Photo: Pixabay.com One of only 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are considered to be both Cultural and Natural Sites, Ohrid city that lies on the lake with the same name is frequently called “Jerusalem of Balkans”. Distinctive in appearance with over 300 churches, Ohrid is a small, cozy town that can and should be explored entirely on foot. A well developed town in the age of Phillip II of Macedon, Ohrid is today considered to be the eight largest city in Macedonia. Except for an astonishing number of churches and religious temples, Ancient Theatre of Ohrid can also be seen. Built around 200 B.C., it was allegedly used for gladiator fights, with a capacity to take in more than 2000 spectators. Yet, if you’re looking for one thing you can’t find anywhere else in the world, Ohrid pearl making shops should be a must see. Noticeable for their outstanding whiteness and shine, Ohrid pearls are both famous and highly prized all over the world. The production process is a secret guarded by two local pearl making families, who’ve kept the tradition going for many centuries. However, it is known a special liquid made out of scales of local fish is used to produce the result, along with many other methods that are kept hidden. Gdansk, Poland Poland’s primary seaport and historically the wealthiest city in the country, both the stunning architecture and undeniable historical significance make Gdansk the perfect visit for any time of the year. However, spring is a perfect time to avoid the summer rush, have a walk down the famed Ulica Długa or perhaps visit one of many churches and museums. A cross between German and Polish tradition, the city of Gdansk is an architectural mix of styles, unlike any other city you may come across. Just like the Ohrid pearl, Gdansk has its own world class gems that can be found in small local shops. Baltic Amber has been historically known as the most beautiful and expensive kind, and a large percentage of it came right from the Bay of Gdansk. Once a huge maritime trading center of the Baltic, Gdansk has preserved some of its old glory, such as the biggest reconstruction in the world, Zuraw Crane. Opened to the public, it belongs to the Polish Maritime Museum. Almost completely destroyed during the Battle of Gdansk, it was first built in 14th century and used for the next five centuries. Kotor, Montenegro Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor has frequently been called the most southern European fjord, due to the extreme indentation of the landscape, along with overhanging mountains and hills that surround the Bay. Fortified in the Middle Ages, the city was first mentioned in 170 B.C., and was historically lauded for its natural and architectural beauty. Today, it is considered to be one of the most preserved medieval cities in Europe, with a large part of Old Town and Ancient Roman ruins still in their original place and condition. Influenced by its Venetian period, Kotor has maintained a lot of its Venetian architecture, which provides an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere along with its incredible nature. Visiting the main square, some of the churches and cruising on the Bay of Kotor should definitely be on your to do list, preferably before the tourist craze and insane heat starts. www.slavorum.org/top-5-eastern-european-destinations-you-should-visit-this-spring/ |
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Post by Jaga on Apr 11, 2018 20:38:21 GMT -7
Kai,
yes. I remember when you wrote about being in Minsk. You are right that lots of its Soviet architecture would be probably lost. Still, Belarus is much more than just Soviet epoch. I remember watching one of the youtube videos about Belarus done by a Polish guy who stated that Belarus is very clean and not that chaotic like Ukraine, in spite of being known for dirty politics....
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Post by pieter on Apr 12, 2018 16:57:17 GMT -7
Jaga, I exist, because my mom and dad met eachother in Dubrovnnik in back then Yugoslavia.   Cheers, Pieter |
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Post by Jaga on Apr 13, 2018 3:27:19 GMT -7
Pieter, this had to be quite romantic |
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Post by pieter on Apr 13, 2018 7:29:26 GMT -7
Yes, it was. My mom could only go on holiday to communist, socialist peoples republics. She went to Yugoslavia with a Warsaw female colleague from her Urbanistic (architecture) bureau from Warsaw. My mom was a technical drawer. She always bought Yugoslavian leather jackets and other stuf which were cheaper to buy in Yugoslavia than in Poland. The Yugoslavian dinar was probably cheaper than the Polish złoty. Back in Poland she sold the Yugoslavian leather jackets and saved the money for another journey together with her saved money of her job. My mom travelled several times to Yugoslavia before she met my father. My father was in Yugoslavia with old university friends of his from the Leiden university where he studied in the late forties. My mother also had been to Belgrade, Serbia in the sixties. She loved Belgrade and the Serb people. In Croatia some of the old war sentiments were still present and one time my father and his friends were in danger when Croatian men threatened them, because they (Old partisans) thought they were Germans. When they found out that my father and his friends were Dutch fellows, they apologised and backed off. My father kept writing to my mom in Warsaw and in the winter of 1967 he drove to Warsaw with his Triumph Herald to see her again. He kept making contact and they got married in a Poznań Roman-Catholic church, a Dutch protestant church and a civilian marriage in Apeldoorn, Gelderland where I was born.  With such a car Triumph Herald, my father drove through the DDR and Poland to Warsaw to see my mother in Poland for the first time after Yugoslavia My parents marriage in the Poznań Roman-Catholic church My parents in the home of my Polish grandparents with Dutch and Polish family. The woman left from my mother, the forth from the left is my Dutch grandmother A very special photo of my Duch grandmother with my Polish grandfather. I cherish these images My mother as a young Polish woman in the Netherlands after her marriage with my father My parents in their apartment in Apeldoorn, Gelderland, the Netherlands, somewhere in 1968 or 1969Cheers, Pieter |
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Post by karl on Apr 13, 2018 11:41:47 GMT -7
Pieter
I do trust you will not find offence with my peeking with your conversation with Jaga..I simply found your family photos so precious as to make it worth while for the risk. Your father certainly had a snazzy car with the Triumph Herald as the photo so accurately shown. The Brits did make some very smart cars then.
The photos of your parents, their wedding and later photos are so precious in as well as the large family gathering in Poland. you certainly do resemble your fathers appearance in so many ways, you are so fortunant to have such attractive parents and such a lovely family.
Thank you for your patience with my intrusion.
Karl
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