Tag: Backpacking

Jordan in photos

by Anna Powaska, posted in Asia, Jordan, Photography, Travelling

Such a cool place in the Middle East. Famous for Petra, the Dead Sea, and the desert vibes of Wadi Rum. Amazing mix of history and landscapes!

Bedouins are nomadic Arab tribes who traditionally lived in the deserts of the Middle East, known for their hospitality, resilience, and deep connection to the land.

The Bedouins know the Wadi Rum desert, which covers about 720 km², like the back of their hand. They told me they recognize the paths across the desert, and at night they navigate by the stars.

Their food is simple but full of flavor. One of the most famous dishes is zarb, meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. Too bad I didn’t take a photo, but they showed us how it’s done. Evenings with them by the campfire were amazing, they were so honest when we asked questions.

How to book a hotel in Syria

by Anna Powaska, posted in Syria

❌ Why Booking.com, Hostelworld and other platforms don’t work

Websites like Booking.com, Hostelworld, Agoda, Expedia, and most major booking platforms do not support reservations in Syria due to international sanctions and payment limitations.

It’s not a glitch, they legally and technically cannot offer services there.

This means travellers book accommodation directly, using local Syrian platforms. Using a VPN won’t change anything, I tried. Even with different locations and IPs, global booking platforms still block Syria entirely. The restriction is on their side, not on the user’s side, so no workaround helps.

✅ Best method: booking through local Syrian websites

The most reliable option is to use local booking sites that operate normally inside Syria.

Recommended website: HalaSyria

🌐 https://www.halasyria.com/

I personally used this website. The reservation was confirmed quickly, and everything was respected at the hotel.

At check‑in you usually only need your passport. Hotels don’t ask for anything complicated — they just register your stay in their system. It takes 1–2 minutes.

Price difference

I paid 40 USD, but when I arrived, I noticed the price at reception was 35 USD. Most likely the extra 5 USD is a booking fee, which is completely normal.

Even so, I highly recommend having a reservation, it makes the border process smoother and looks more official.

❔What if you arrive in Damascus without a hotel booked?

Don’t worry — Damascus is full of hotels, especially in the central area. If you don’t have anything reserved, just head to this part of the city and you’ll be completely fine. Google Earth link of the spot.

Here. There are many hotels next to each other — honestly, if you turn around once, you’ll probably spot five or six immediately. You can easily tell from the signs whether a place is more budget‑friendly or more upscale.

Prices can start from around 20 USD per night, so it’s very possible to find something affordable on the spot.

The area also has currency exchange office, ATMs, cafés, shops, taxis, and everything you might need. It’s a very central and convenient location, so even without a booking you won’t be stuck.

There are also many hotels around the Umayyad Mosque (the Great Mosque of Damascus), hidden in those narrow, atmospheric streets. It’s a great area to walk around — you’ll spot plenty of places just by wandering a bit. The hotels are close to each other, easy to compare, and you can quickly see from the signs whether they’re budget or more upscale.

If you arrive late in the evening, just keep in mind that many streets in Damascus are not well‑lit at night. It can feel very dark, but it doesn’t mean the area is unsafe — it’s simply how the city works. Hotels in the central area are still open, and staff are usually available, but it’s better to know in advance that the streets themselves may look very quiet after dark.

Staying near the Umayyad Mosque or in the Old City area is ideal — everything is walkable, safe, and full of cafés, shops, and taxis.

🗺️ Using Maps.me (free app) to find hotels

If you arrive without a reservation, Maps.me (free app) is super helpful. All the hotels in Damascus are marked there with their names, so you can easily check what’s around you.

You can also try googling the hotel names and contacting them via WhatsApp — I tried a few this way, but the replies I got were around 100 USD per night, which was way too expensive for me. That’s why I ended up using the website I mentioned earlier, and it worked perfectly.

My hotel: Shahryar Hotel Damascus

I stayed at Shahryar Hotel Damascus, (right here on mapps me) (approx here on google map) in the heart of the old city. It’s truly beautiful — almost like a small palace, with that magical Damascus atmosphere everywhere around.

The man at the reception was incredibly kind and helpful (I didn’t ask for his name, unfortunately), but he made my stay even better with how warm and welcoming he was.

Sending warm greetings to the whole team there. 🙂

Bus from Amman to Damascus here

Bus from Damascus to Amman here

Bus from Damascus to Amman

by Anna Powaska, posted in Amman, Damascus, Jordan, Syria, Travelling

My Experience end of 2025 – Summary

✔️ Departure: Buses leave from the station here starting around 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM.

✔️ Companies & Prices: There are several operators and prices vary — usually up to $20, depending on the company. I personally paid 15 JOD (21 USD) for a round trip Amman–Damascus–Amman.

✔️ Arrival: In Amman, buses typically arrive at the International Bus Station mostly. My bus stopped at here, and it was very convenient.

✔️ Duration: The journey takes about 8 hours, mainly because of long border procedures — around 6 hours of passport checks, searches, and scans.

I arrived very early, before 7:00 AM, and that turned out to be a great decision. At the station, I was directed to the first office on the right here exacly. I handed over my ticket and passport, and from what I understood, they told me the Jett bus wasn’t running that day. Instead, they pointed me to another bus. They took my ticket and passport, showed me the bus, and surprisingly it left at 7:15 AM. Just before departure, we got our passports back. I didn’t have to pay anything extra — my Jett ticket was accepted, though I still have no idea how that worked. Honestly, I was a bit stressed because I don’t like leaving my passport anywhere, but everyone had to do it for border control data collection. And off we went.

For the info on the bus from Amman to Damascus, click here.

✅ Where it departs from

The bus from Damascus to Amman departs from the bus station here. When I arrived, I was directed to the first office on the right after entering. I handed over my ticket and passport

✅ Timing

I had a Jett ticket for 8:00 AM, but arriving early (before 7:00 AM) was the best decision. Online sources say that buses from different companies usually leave between 7:00–7:30 AM. So I strongly recommend being there before 7:00, even if your ticket says 8:00. In my case, the alternative bus left at 7:15 AM.

✅ Price

I didn’t have to pay anything extra — my original Jett ticket was accepted, even though I ended up on a different bus. I purchased my return ticket at the Jett office in Abdali, Amman for 15 JOD (21 USD) for a round trip Amman–Damascus–Amman. More about this in my post here.

Prices can go up to 20 USD, depending on the company.

✅ Stops on the way

The bus made a few stops between Damascus and the border to pick up additional passengers.

✅ Border experience

At the border, our passports were checked around 8 times, the bus was searched twice, and all bags were scanned like at an airport. The whole process takes time. We had two stops of around 30 minutes each: one to stamp out, and another to get a visa in the office. Just follow the crowd or ask the border officers — they will guide you.

On the Jordanian side, go first to the cashier to pay for your visa or to activate your Jordan Pass. They will give you a receipt, and with that you can join the queue for your entry stamp.

Important: There is no exit tax when leaving Syria.

For Jordan VISA:

I had a Jordan Pass, so my visa was included. If you plan to visit Petra, it’s much cheaper to get the Jordan Pass, as it includes both the visa and major attractions.

Otherwise:

1) Single Entry – Visa 40 JOD Valid for 1 month. Available on arrival at most borders and airports

2) Double Entry – Visa 60 JOD Valid for up to 3 months. Not available on arrival — must be obtained at a Jordanian embassy

3) Multiple Entry – Visa 120 JOD Valid for up to 6 months. Also only available at an embassy

Jordan Pass options (all include visa if you stay min. 3 nights):
  1. Jordan Pass Wanderer – 70 JOD (1‑day Petra) + entry to 40+ attractions (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, etc.)
  2. Jordan Pass Explorer – 75 JOD (2‑day Petra) + entry to 40+ attractions (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, etc.)
  3. Jordan Pass Expert – 80 JOD (3‑day Petra) + entry to 40+ attractions (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, etc.)

How to book hotel in Syria here

Bus from Amman to Damascus

by Anna Powaska, posted in Asia, Jordan, Syria

My Experience end of 2025

With 2025 coming to an end, I decided to take a journey: traveling by bus from Amman (Jordan) to Damascus (Syria). For Damasus – Amman bus click here. Here’s how it went:

✅ Booking the bus ticket
I booked my ticket on the official JETT website: https://www.jett.com.jo. There’s technically a round-trip option online, but I could only snag a one-way ticket (Amman International → Damascus) for 10 JOD (about 14 USD). The return? That’s where the plot twist happens: the full round trip costs 15 JOD (around 21 USD). Instead, you stroll into the JETT office on the day you’re heading to Damascus, flash your original ticket – they hand you the return for just 5 JOD extra.

The Abdali office opens bright and early at 6 a.m., so even if you skipped buying the ticket online, don’t panic. You can grab one on the day of departure—my bus had a few empty seats,

✅ Getting to the Abdali bus station
I stayed in the city center, and from there, I took an Uber to the JETT Abdali Office for just 1.25 JOD.

✅ Important departure time details
The bus departs every day from the JETT Abdali stop (right here) at 8:00 a.m. and possibly at 1:00 p.m. The website says 7:00 and 12:00 (see below), but in reality, from Abdali, it’s 8:00. I asked at the office, and they confirmed that 7:00 is from a different station (not sure which one). So, the only time I can personally confirm from Abdali is 8:00 a.m. The afternoon departure is likely 13.00, but officially the site still lists 12:00.

Important: the stop is around the corner from the Abdali office here, not where domestic buses to Petra, for example, leave.

The website lists several other stops, but in my experience the bus only made one stop after Abdali, around 8:15 a.m.

The bus was already waiting from 7:30 a.m., and it departed exactly at 8:00 a.m.

✅ Border crossing
This was the most interesting part!

  • Passports were checked six times (three times on the Jordanian side, three times on the Syrian side). Two full 30-minute stops to stamp out of Jordan and stamp into Syria.
  • I read that leaving Jordan (exit tax) by land costs 10 JOD, but I paid nothing.
  • On the Syrian side, my visa was supposed to cost 75 USD (official info from the Syrian embassy in Poland), but I paid only 50 USD, the option I happily accepted. Cash or card is OK. Getting it in advance for a land border crossing is no longer possible, but make sure to check before you travel—rules can change.
  • I was the only tourist, so the process was quick: pay for the visa, get the receipt, then the stamp. Everyone was extremely polite and helpful. Very curious about my visit to Damascus.
  • Though it is no longer required, I had a printed reservation for the hotel. I have been asked about the purpose of my visit and whether I know anyone in Syria. I said that I didn’t know anyone, and that was not a problem for border control.

Time at the border
We spent about 3 hours there because of passport checks and a full bus inspection. The return Damascus-Amman was 6 hours at the border!

✅ Arrival in Damascus
The bus arrives at the Damascus bus station here (where return buses also depart). From there, I took a taxi to the city center for 15 USD — four times more than what it was supposed to be, but I didn’t mind since I saved 25 USD on the visa and 10 JOD (approx. 14 USD) on the exit tax.

Tips for Travelers

  • Book a bus ticket online for convenience, but ask for the return tickets at the JETT office (if you’re going back). No need to print, they will email you the ticket straight away.
  • Just in case, bring cash (USD and JOD) for visas.
  • Be patient at the border — checks are thorough but friendly.
  • If you’re the only tourist, like I was, expect extra attention (in a good way!).
  • You can exchange your money at the border and also buy a SIM card there.
  • There is also a duty‑free zone that many Syrians make use of. They may ask you to carry something across the border for them — I agreed.

How to book hotel in Syria here

Getting from the Airport to the city center in Wrocław (updated June 2018)

by Anna Powaska, posted in Europe, Poland

 Welcome to Wrocław, the coolest city on Earth. The best place on the planet. Most beautiful, amazing, interesting, with the tastiest food ever and the best nightlife, you will experience. Yes, you guessed it right, I am from there. Been born there, raised, studied and worked. Welcome to my home. However, since I wont pick you up from the airport, at least I can guide you on getting from there to your hotel.

Bus

  • Update April 2018. New bus available from the airport to the city center called WRO AIRPORT EXPRESS, a nice and easy option for tourists.

A shuttle bus operates on the route Airport –  City Centre (Plac Dominikański) – Dworzec Wrocław (Central Bus and Railway Station). A ticket will cost PLN 10 or 2.5 Euro (to be paid directly to the driver by cash or by card). The journey will take about 30 minutes. Bus is waiting just outside the airport, blue colored, can`t be missed.

Departures from the airport:

04:10 05:00 05:50 06:40 07:30 08:20 09:10
10:00 10:50 11:40 12:30 13:20 14:10 15:00
15:50 16:40 17:30 18:20 19:10 20:00 21:05
22:55* 23:40* 01:00*        

* departure time depending on the aircraft’s’ arrivals

Price: 3$ or 2.5 Euro or 10 PLN (but paid only in Polish currency PLN) 

Length: 30 minutes

  •   Nice, easy and cheap option. The bus stand is located just outside the main entrance on the right hand side and runs very frequently (mostly every 20 minutes). The number is 106, but no need to remember that, as it is the only one there anyway. Night bus 206 is also available available. See the timetables below.Here are the current MPK Wrocław ticket prices (as of January 2025) in both Polish złoty (PLN) and approximate US dollars (USD). The prices below represent the full-fare (normal) ticket; discounted fares (for students, seniors, etc.) are generally about half the price.
    • Single-use ticket: 4.60 PLN ≈ $1.15
    • 15-minute ticket: 3.20 PLN ≈ $0.80
    • 30-minute ticket: 4.00 PLN ≈ $1.00
    • 60-minute ticket: 5.20 PLN ≈ $1.30
    • 90-minute ticket: 7.00 PLN ≈ $1.75
    • 24-hour ticket: 15.00 PLN ≈ $3.75
    • 48-hour ticket: 26.00 PLN ≈ $6.50
    • 72-hour ticket: 32.00 PLN ≈ $8.00

    Note: These USD values are approximate using an exchange rate of about 1 USD ≈ 4 PLN.

    . You can buy a ticket at the kiosk inside the airport, from the dispenser close the stand, or just from the machine inside the bus that is, actually, inside every public transport in Wroclaw, but accepts only cards. The bus will terminate at the main railway and bus station (called Dworcowa), from where you can continue your journey, if Wrocław is not your final destination. The railway station will be just in front of you, and the main bus station, called Wroclavia (with shopping mall), is hidden behind it.

  For the city center (where your hotel/hostel probably will be) you have to get off just one stop before the last one. The stand is called Renoma, and from there you will, I assume, just walk to your accommodation. It takes around 30-40 minutes to get to the city center, unless traffic is very bad.

106: PORT LOTNICZY (Airport bus stop) Day Bus

PORT LOTNICZY – DWORCOWA

Airport-Main railway/bus station
Time Slot Weekdays (Mon–Fri) Weekends (Sat & Sun)
05:00 :14, :29, :44, :51 :21, :36, :51
06:00 :00, :06, :12, :27, :42 :05, :20, :35, :50
07:00 :01, :20, :32, :47 :05, :20, :35, :50
08:00 :02, :20, :35, :50 :05, :20, :35, :56
09:00 :03, :18, :33, :48 :14, :29, :44, :59
10:00–12:00 Every hour at :03, :18, :33, :48 Every hour at :14, :29, :44, :59
13:00 :03, :18, :33, :53 :14, :29, :44, :59
14:00 :01, :10, :24, :39, :53 :14, :29, :44, :59
15:00–16:00 Every hour at :10, :25, :40, :55 Every hour at :14, :29, :44, :59
17:00 :15, :30, :39, :55 :14, :29, :44, :59
18:00 :09, :22, :37, :57 :14, :29, :44, :59
19:00 :12, :27, :42, :57 :14, :29, :44, :59
20:00 :07, :19, :34, :49 :19, :34, :49
21:00 :02, :19, :34, :49 :02, :19, :34, :49
22:00 :00, :07, :19, :34, :40 :00, :07, :19, :34, :40
23:00 :09, :19, :39, :43 :09, :19, :39, :43

206: PORT LOTNICZY (Airport bus stop) Night Bus

PORT LOTNICZY – DWORZEC AUTOBUSOWY

Airport-Main railway/bus station
Time Slot Weekdays (Mon–Fri) Weekends (Sat & Sun)
00:00–01:00 00:07, 00:37 00:07, 00:37
02:00–03:00 02:07 02:07
03:00–04:00 03:37 Z (no direct city center) 03:37 Z (no direct city center)
04:00–05:00 04:37 Z (no direct city center) 04:37 Z (no direct city center)
05:00–06:00 05:03 Z (last departure; transfer required) 05:03 Z (last departure; transfer required)

PLEASE NOTE that the night bus 206 with Z letter does not go straight to the city center, you have to change, so during the night I really would suggest taxi or Wro Airport Express buss!!

Length: 30-40 minutes

Taxi

  Nice, quick and comfortable way. Please always agree on the price before getting in! You shouldn’t pay more than 50-60 złoty to the city center area. That`s around 15$. Taxis are just outside the main entrance, and driver should speak good/enough English.

Price: 15$

length: 15-20 minutes

Other

I am sorry, but there are no more options, unless you want me to come and pick you on my bike. The tram does not go there, and we do not have an underground. Walking is not an option too, since the airport is on the edge of the city.

Please contact me if you need any tips. I will be more than happy to help and thank you for visiting my city 🙂

Getting to Kościeliska Valle in Tatra Mountains by public bus from Zakopane with timetable (May 2025)

by Anna Powaska, posted in Europe, Poland

  Kościeliska Valle is one of the most beautiful valleys in Poland. Located around Tatra Mountains, on a Polish side of the range, creates an absolutely amazing and breath-taking trial. It is one of the most popular family walks while visiting close by Zakopane, as the whole path up to Ornak Hall (Hala Ornak-Schronisko) is flat and easy done even by a small children. Walk from the entrance right up to hall, even with breaks, wont take longer than 2 hours each way. There are also 4 caves on the way to add, but you have to allow extra time for it, as some of them are located 1h of walk away from the main road of the valley, some just 25 mins. This place is definitely a must see and can be extended to a proper hike trial, if you will carry on after Ornak Hall. More or less, even that the entrance to the park is located 20 mins ride from the center of Zakopane, you do not need to take a taxi. Bus is the best and cheapest option. Some can even get to Kiry, for Kasprowy Wierch cable card, with one of the numerous mini buses operating in the area along with a public PKS bus. The ticket cost just 3zl (less than 1$) each way, and is paid to the bus driver only by cash. There are two main bus stops in Zakopane. One is at the main Bus Station and the other one at the beginning of Krupowki Street, main street in Zakopane. Both places got a signs pointing the bus stop, in polish called Dolina Kościeliska or Kościelisko. Please see the map attached for bus stop near Krupowki street.

Zakopane – Kościeliska Valle

And here is a timetable, but please be at the stop 10-15 mins before, as the bus is always early and never waits!! Welcome to Poland 🙂

Bus Line 52 Schedule Route: Zakopane – Kościeliska Valley (via Skibówki, Krzeptówki)

Departures from Zakopane:

  • Zakopane PKP Station (St. 2): 08:05, 09:05, 09:35, 10:05, 11:45, 13:30, 13:50, 14:40, 15:40, 16:50.
  • Zakopane, Aleja 3-Maja (Lower): 08:07, 09:07, 09:37, 10:07, 11:47, 13:32, 13:52, 14:42, 15:42, 16:52.
  • Zakopane, Targowica: 08:09, 09:09, 09:39, 10:09, 11:49, 13:34, 13:54, 14:44, 15:44, 16:54.
  • Zakopane, Strug: 08:10, 09:10, 09:40, 10:10, 11:50, 13:35, 13:55, 14:45, 15:45, 16:55.
  • Skibówki I: 08:11, 09:11, 09:41, 10:11, 11:51, 13:36, 13:56, 14:46, 15:46, 16:56.
  • Skibówki II: 08:13, 09:13, 09:43, 10:13, 11:53, 13:38, 13:58, 14:48, 15:48, 16:58.
  • Krzeptówki: 08:15, 09:15, 09:45, 10:15, 11:55, 13:40, 14:00, 14:50, 15:50, 17:00.
  • Gronik: 08:17, 09:17, 09:47, 10:17, 11:57, 13:42, 14:02, 14:52, 15:52, 17:02.
  • Nędzówka: 08:19, 09:19, 09:49, 10:19, 11:59, 13:44, 14:04, 14:54, 15:54, 17:04.
  • Kościelisko UG: 08:20, 09:20, 09:50, 10:20, 12:00, 13:45, 14:05, 14:55, 15:55, 17:05.
  • Kościeliska Valley: 08:21, 09:21, 09:51, 10:21, 12:01, 13:46, 14:06, 14:56, 15:56, 17:06.

Departures from Kościeliska Valley:

  • Kościeliska Valley: 08:30, 09:30, 09:55, 10:30, 12:15, 13:50, 14:15, 15:15, 16:15, 17:15.
  • Kościelisko UG: 08:31, 09:31, 09:56, 10:31, 12:16, 13:21, 14:16, 15:16, 16:16, 17:16.
  • Nędzówka: 08:32, 09:32, 09:57, 10:32, 12:17, 13:52, 14:17, 15:17, 16:17, 17:17.
  • Gronik: 08:34, 09:34, 09:59, 10:34, 12:19, 13:54, 14:19, 15:19, 16:19, 17:19.
  • Krzeptówki: 08:36, 09:36, 10:01, 10:36, 12:21, 13:56, 14:21, 15:21, 16:21, 17:21.
  • Skibówki II: 08:38, 09:38, 10:03, 10:38, 12:23, 13:58, 14:23, 15:23, 16:23, 17:23.
  • Skibówki I: 08:40, 09:40, 10:05, 10:40, 12:25, 14:00, 14:25, 15:25, 16:25, 17:25.
  • Zakopane, Strug: 08:41, 09:41, 10:06, 10:41, 12:26, 14:01, 14:26, 15:26, 16:26, 17:26.
  • Zakopane, Targowica: 08:42, 09:42, 10:07, 10:42, 12:27, 14:02, 14:27, 15:27, 16:27, 17:27.
  • Zakopane, Równia Krupowa: 08:44, 09:44, 10:09, 10:44, 12:29, 14:04, 14:29, 15:29, 16:29, 17:29.
  • Zakopane PKP Station (St. 8): 08:46, 09:46, 10:11, 10:46, 12:31, 14:06, 14:31, 15:31, 16:31, 17:31.

Note: The “G” mark indicates buses running only from July 1 to September 30, as well as during May holidays. The line is not operational on All Saints’ Day.

Here is the schedule for Bus Line 53 from Zakopane to Kościeliska Valley via Wojdyłówka:
Departures from Zakopane:
  • Zakopane PKP Station (St. 2): 08:35, 09:15, 09:45, 10:45, 11:15, 11:55, 12:25, 13:05, 13:45, 14:55, 15:50, 16:30.
  • Zakopane, Aleja 3-Maja (Lower): 08:37, 09:17, 09:47, 10:47, 11:17, 11:57, 12:27, 13:07, 13:47, 14:57, 15:52, 16:32.
  • Zakopane, Górka: 08:40, 09:20, 09:50, 10:50, 11:20, 12:00, 12:30, 13:10, 13:50, 15:00, 15:55, 16:35.
  • Zakopane, Szymaszkowa: 08:41, 09:21, 09:51, 10:51, 11:21, 12:01, 12:31, 13:11, 13:51, 15:01, 15:56, 16:36.
  • Zakopane, Czajki: 08:42, 09:22, 09:52, 10:52, 11:22, 12:02, 12:32, 13:12, 13:52, 15:02, 15:57, 16:37.
  • Kościelisko, Sobiczkowa: 08:43, 09:23, 09:53, 10:53, 11:23, 12:03, 12:33, 13:13, 13:53, 15:03, 15:58, 16:38.
  • Kościelisko, Karpielówka: 08:44, 09:24, 09:54, 10:54, 11:24, 12:04, 12:34, 13:14, 13:54, 15:04, 15:59, 16:39.
  • Kościelisko, WDW Kościelisko: 08:45, 09:25, 09:55, 10:55, 11:25, 12:05, 12:35, 13:15, 13:55, 15:05, 16:00, 16:40.
  • Kościelisko, Wojdyłówka: 08:46, 09:26, 09:56, 10:56, 11:26, 12:06, 12:36, 13:16, 13:56, 15:06, 16:01, 16:41.
  • Kościelisko, Ośrodek Zdrowia: 08:47, 09:27, 09:57, 10:57, 11:27, 12:07, 12:37, 13:17, 13:57, 15:07, 16:02, 16:42.
  • Kościelisko, Szeligówka: 08:48, 09:28, 09:58, 10:58, 11:28, 12:08, 12:38, 13:18, 13:58, 15:08, 16:03, 16:43.
  • Kościelisko, Chotarz Polany: 08:49, 09:29, 09:59, 10:59, 11:29, 12:09, 12:39, 13:19, 13:59, 15:09, 16:04, 16:44.
  • Kościelisko, Chotarz Hajduk: 08:50, 09:30, 10:00, 11:00, 11:30, 12:10, 12:40, 13:20, 14:00, 15:10, 16:05, 16:45.
  • Kościelisko, Nędzówka: 08:51, 09:31, 10:01, 11:01, 11:31, 12:11, 12:41, 13:21, 14:01, 15:11, 16:06, 16:46.
  • Kościelisko, Urząd Gminy: 08:52, 09:32, 10:02, 11:02, 11:32, 12:12, 12:42, 13:22, 14:02, 15:12, 16:07, 16:47.
  • Kościeliska Valley: 08:53, 09:33, 10:03, 11:03, 11:33, 12:13, 12:43, 13:23, 14:03, 15:13, 16:08, 16:48.
Here is the return schedule for Bus Line 53 from Kościeliska Valley to Zakopane:
Departures from Kościeliska Valley:
  • Kościeliska Valley: 08:55, 09:35, 10:05, 11:05, 11:40, 12:25, 13:10, 14:00, 14:25, 15:25, 16:25, 17:25.
  • Kościelisko, Urząd Gminy: 08:56, 09:36, 10:06, 11:06, 11:41, 12:26, 13:11, 14:01, 14:26, 15:26, 16:26, 17:26.
  • Kościelisko, Nędzówka: 08:57, 09:37, 10:07, 11:07, 11:42, 12:27, 13:12, 14:02, 14:27, 15:27, 16:27, 17:27.
  • Kościelisko, Chotarz Hajduk: 08:58, 09:38, 10:08, 11:08, 11:43, 12:28, 13:13, 14:03, 14:28, 15:28, 16:28, 17:28.
  • Kościelisko, Chotarz Polany: 08:59, 09:39, 10:09, 11:09, 11:44, 12:29, 13:14, 14:04, 14:29, 15:29, 16:29, 17:29.
  • Kościelisko, Szeligówka: 09:00, 09:40, 10:10, 11:10, 11:45, 12:30, 13:15, 14:05, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30.
  • Kościelisko, Ośrodek Zdrowia: 09:01, 09:41, 10:11, 11:11, 11:46, 12:31, 13:16, 14:06, 14:31, 15:31, 16:31, 17:31.
  • Kościelisko, Wojdyłówka: 09:02, 09:42, 10:12, 11:12, 11:47, 12:32, 13:17, 14:07, 14:32, 15:32, 16:32, 17:32.
  • Kościelisko, WDW Kościelisko: 09:03, 09:43, 10:13, 11:13, 11:48, 12:33, 13:18, 14:08, 14:33, 15:33, 16:33, 17:33.
  • Kościelisko, Karpielówka: 09:04, 09:44, 10:14, 11:14, 11:49, 12:34, 13:19, 14:09, 14:34, 15:34, 16:34, 17:34.
  • Kościelisko, Sobiczkowa: 09:05, 09:45, 10:15, 11:15, 11:50, 12:35, 13:20, 14:10, 14:35, 15:35, 16:35, 17:35.
  • Zakopane, Czajki: 09:06, 09:46, 10:16, 11:16, 11:51, 12:36, 13:21, 14:11, 14:36, 15:36, 16:36, 17:36.
  • Zakopane, Szymaszkowa: 09:07, 09:47, 10:17, 11:17, 11:52, 12:37, 13:22, 14:12, 14:37, 15:37, 16:37, 17:37.
  • Zakopane, Górka: 09:08, 09:48, 10:18, 11:18, 11:53, 12:38, 13:23, 14:13, 14:38, 15:38, 16:38, 17:38.
  • Zakopane, Równia Krupowa: 09:11, 09:51, 10:21, 11:21, 11:56, 12:41, 13:25, 14:16, 14:41, 15:41, 16:41, 17:41.
  • Zakopane PKP Station (St. 8): 09:13, 09:53, 10:23, 11:23, 11:58, 12:43, 13:28, 14:18, 14:43, 15:43, 16:43, 17:43.
Here is the schedule for Bus Line 54 from Zakopane to Kościeliska Valley via Wojdyłówka and Chotarz:
Departures from Zakopane:
  • Zakopane PKP Station (St. 2): 07:35, 08:55, 10:15, 11:35, 13:25, 14:20, 15:35, 16:45, 18:10, 19:25, 20:30, 21:30.
  • Zakopane, Aleja 3-Maja (Lower): 07:37, 08:57, 10:17, 11:37, 13:27, 14:22, 15:37, 16:47, 18:12, 19:27, 20:32, 21:32.
  • Zakopane, Górka (Wiadukt): 07:40, 09:00, 10:20, 11:40, 13:30, 14:25, 15:40, 16:50, 18:15, 19:30, 20:35, 21:35.
  • Zakopane, Szymaszkowa: 07:41, 09:01, 10:21, 11:41, 13:31, 14:26, 15:41, 16:51, 18:16, 19:31, 20:36, 21:36.
  • Zakopane, Czajki: 07:42, 09:02, 10:22, 11:42, 13:32, 14:27, 15:42, 16:52, 18:17, 19:32, 20:37, 21:37.
  • Kościelisko, Sobiczkowa: 07:43, 09:03, 10:23, 11:43, 13:33, 14:28, 15:43, 16:53, 18:18, 19:33, 20:38, 21:38.
  • Kościelisko, Karpielówka: 07:44, 09:04, 10:24, 11:44, 13:34, 14:29, 15:44, 16:54, 18:19, 19:34, 20:39, 21:39.
  • Kościelisko, WDW: 07:45, 09:05, 10:25, 11:45, 13:35, 14:30, 15:45, 16:55, 18:20, 19:35, 20:40, 21:40.
  • Kościelisko, Wojdyłówka: 07:46, 09:06, 10:26, 11:46, 13:36, 14:31, 15:46, 16:56, 18:21, 19:36, 20:41, 21:41.
  • Kościelisko, Ośrodek Zdrowia: 07:47, 09:07, 10:27, 11:47, 13:37, 14:32, 15:47, 16:57, 18:22, 19:37, 20:42, 21:42.
  • Kościelisko, Szeligówka: 07:48, 09:08, 10:28, 11:48, 13:38, 14:33, 15:48, 16:58, 18:23, 19:38, 20:43, 21:43.
  • Kościelisko, Chotarz Polany: 07:49, 09:09, 10:29, 11:49, 13:39, 14:34, 15:49, 16:59, 18:24, 19:39, 20:44, 21:44.
  • Kościelisko, Chotarz Hajduk: 07:50, 09:10, 10:30, 11:50, 13:40, 14:35, 15:50, 17:00, 18:25, 19:40, 20:45, 21:45.
  • Kościelisko, Nędzówka: 07:51, 09:11, 10:31, 11:51, 13:41, 14:36, 15:51, 17:01, 18:26, 19:41, 20:46, 21:46.
  • Kościelisko, Urząd Gminy: 07:52, 09:12, 10:32, 11:52, 13:42, 14:37, 15:52, 17:02, 18:27, 19:42, 20:47, 21:47.
  • Kościeliska Valley: 07:53, 09:13, 10:33, 11:53, 13:43, 14:38, 15:53, 17:03, 18:28, 19:43, 20:48, 21:48.
Return Departures from Kościeliska Valley:
    • Kościeliska Valley: 07:08, 08:05, 09:25, 10:55, 12:05, 13:50, 14:50, 16:00, 17:15, 18:50, 19:55, 20:55.
    • Kościelisko, Urząd Gminy: 07:09, 08:06, 09:26, 10:56, 12:06, 13:51, 14:51, 16:01, 17:16, 18:51, 19:56, 20:56.
    • Kościelisko, Nędzówka: 07:10, 08:07, 09:27, 10:57, 12:07, 13:52, 14:52, 16:02, 17:17, 18:52, 19:57, 20:57.
    • Kościelisko, Chotarz Hajduk: 07:11, 08:08, 09:28, 10:58, 12:08, 13:53, 14:53, 16:03, 17:18, 18:53, 19:58, 20:58.
    • Kościelisko, Chotarz Polany: 07:12, 08:09, 09:29, 10:59, 12:09, 13:54, 14:54, 16:04, 17:19, 18:54, 19:59, 20:59.
    • Kościelisko, Szeligówka: 07:13, 08:10, 09:30, 11:00, 12:10, 13:55, 14:55, 16:05, 17:20, 18:55, 20:00, 21:00.
    • Kościelisko, Ośrodek Zdrowia: 07:14, 08:11, 09:31, 11:01, 12:11, 13:56, 14:56, 16:06, 17:21, 18:56, 20:01, 21:01.
    • Kościelisko, Wojdyłówka: 07:15, 08:12, 09:32, 11:02, 12:12, 13:57, 14:57, 16:07, 17:22, 18:57, 20:02, 21:02.
    • Kościelisko, WDW: 07:16, 08:13, 09:33, 11:03, 12:13, 13:58, 14:58, 16:08, 17:23, 18:58, 20:03, 21:03.
    • Kościelisko, Karpielówka: 07:17, 08:14, 09:34, 11:04, 12:14, 13:59, 14:59, 16:09, 17:24, 18:59, 20:04, 21:04.
    • Kościelisko, Sobiczkowa: 07:18, 08:15, 09:35, 11:05, 12:15, 14:00, 15:00, 16:10, 17:25, 19:00, 20:05, 21:05.
    • Zakopane, Czajki: 07:

Kościeliska Valle-Zakopane

Return bus stop from Kościeliska Valley offers loads of options towards Zakopane, almost every 15-20 minutes in high season time. Just please don’t be later than 18.00 – 19.00 to be sure to catch one. Thought, they run till 21.00, I suggest to take earlier one anyway. See up for timetable for 52, 53 and 54. They all stop in few places in Zakopane (near main street Krupowki, finishing usually near main bus station). The bus stop is located just outside of the entrance to the park (to the left, when leaving the valley)

Discovering Shkoder by bike

by Anna Powaska, posted in Albania, Balkans, Europe

  Thank universe for bicycles! Whats an amazing invention. Not only that they are an eco-friendly, enjoyable, affordable and timeless. It is also a very useful vehicle to conquer surrounded area around newly visited places. And all done in a nice, easy and quick way.

  I have visited Shkoder, a cute town in the northern part of Albania located by the Skadar Lake, in March. It was one of my many stops during my backpacking trip around Balkans. Landscape packed with magnificent hills, medieval structures, lakes and rivers creates many brilliant cycling paths to enjoy. So try to always hire a bike, if possible, while traveling, especially around Albania. There is usually an agency or hostel that can provide the service, pretty much in most places. You could really explore tree times more things than by foot, and Shkoder is probably the best place to do so.

It really is a great way to see the marvelous landscape around the castle hill, and the beautiful lake with water as clear that could be easily mistaken for Adriatic coast of Albania. Luckily, I was able to get a bike from my hostel (just 2 Euro for the whole day!), so decision has been made quickly, and I went off to enjoy the area first thing in the morning.

There are 2 routs from Shkoder you can do. Well, you can do an many as you like, but these are most popular. I would suggest one day for each, but  fit and quick bionic human can do both in one day.

First path

  This path allows you to get to the castle hill, that is actually located just 3 kilometers from the city center, and to cycle around absolutely stunning Skadar Lake. Actually, for me, it is the second (after Titicaca Lake in Bolivia/Peru) most amazing lake I have seen so far. It should be around 25 kilometers in total, and the whole path is pretty flat (except castle hill, but you will walk up), so I would rate difficulty as easy!

Before starting, please just have a 200 Lek with you, as that is the entrance fee to the castle. I beg you…don’t skip it! 200 Lek is around 1.5 Euro, and the remain ruins are absolutely in a great condition, not even mentioning the view from the top. You can spot the Albanian, and at some point Montenegrin, landscape that surround the place from every single angle there. Geologically diverse area, build of lakes, rivers and high range of North Albanian Alps, will become as a great bonus to the Castle itself.

So you will start in a place where your bike will be coming from. From the city center you will have to fallow one of the main roads in town, called Bulevardi Zogu I. You will have to head south till the point where you will see the sigh pointing the directions towards Castle Rozafa. Once you see it, cross the street (wherever you want really, as Albanian traffic is a bit anarchistic), so you will be on the left side of the road. Now you can leave your bike somewhere there, as the road up to the hill is way to rocky to cycle. If you haven’t got any lock with you, you can take your bike right to the entrance where the guard, that’s there all the time, will look after it for you. I have to say it here…Albanians are very friendly and nice.

After probably an hour on the top you can carry on with your trip. You will pick your bike, and you will go to the same place from where you turned left towards castle. Now its time to go right to wonder around the lake. The bridge is just 200 meters away on the right hand side. You have to cross it (heh a challenge as well, as the wooden bridge is full of holes), and once you are on the other side, you will take the road to the right. Now, I really don’t have to add anything, as the path from there is pretty straight forward. The whole road by the breath-taking lake is a great experience. The area around will stunt you with the beauty and peacefulness, you will face around. The clear blue waters of the lake, with the green hills full of sheep and cows, will help your mind to relax a bit. You will be also able to stop anywhere you like. There are loads of places for that.

Cycling route will finish at the camping side where road terminates. From there you can start heading back to the Shkoder. For me it was one of the best days trough my backpacking, but I know I was also lucky with great weather and an off-season time once there (not many tourists around is always as a plus for me).

Second rout

The second trip will contain cycling around different lake, river and another castle. This journey is longer than the first one, as the castle, I mentioned, is already 17 kilometers away from the city, and from there you can carry on on cycling along the river and lake. This time you will breath with the fresh air of green lowlands of Drin River Basin that will accompany you trough the whole journey. It really is up to you how far you want to go. I would recommend to do 10 km more from the castle, if you have the whole day for it. You will pass trough few little villages, so you will be ale to stack up on water and food.  This area is way less busy than the first route, I mention, so you will spend one day away from busy city life with the nature.

I, myself, loves tips like that, especially when you are visiting many cities on your way. It really can create a great balance that will aloud your eyes to have a rest from busy life, and your mind to get completely lost in simple thoughts admiring the background around you. I have to add that Albania is a very interesting country in general. You can relax there on one of many beautiful Adriatic sea beaches, you can do some hiking on North Albanian Albs, Koral Mountains or just enjoy beautiful lakes. I definitely loved my time there, and I would highly recommend to visit this country. Plus, it`s extremely cheap too, so really, there is no excuse for you not to come here! Just pack your backpack.

Visual trip around Tatra Mountains

by Anna Powaska, posted in Europe, Poland, Tatra Mountains, Travelling

Year has pass, and yet, no new trips, no new photos. Luckily, still got many memories from the past. Here, just some of the captures from a very cool trip I did with just my niece and nephew to the south of Poland. Zakopane offers many easy and beautiful trials around lakes, to and from the tops of mountains, around valleys and more. This makes this place as a great option to visit with young ones.

Baños de Aqua Santa

by Anna Powaska, posted in Ecuador, South America

   Ever experience the duality of activeness that collaborates between land and humans? Sounds crazy? Ten you have to visit Baños. But first let me explain my phrase, starting with the land.

   Baños (from Spanish bath) is a town in central part of Ecuador, the country I have visited during my six months backpacking trip around South America. It is located in the land of Tungurahua province and serve also as a gateway to the nearby Amazon Basin. The area close by the town itself is absolutely unique. Volcano, high mountain range, rich in minerals hot springs, surrounded rivers and powerful, almost violent, waterfalls, that shapes the rocks around, are responsible for this fact. The volcano I mentioned is called same as the province, Tungurahua. It lies on the plateau just south of the town, and as of 2016 is still active. The pick of this stratovolcano, on 5,023 meters high, belongs to the Cordillera Oriental of the Andes of central Ecuador, and it`s located 140 kilometers south of the capital Quito. The interesting fact is that Tungurahua’s top was previously snow-covered and did feature a small summit glacier. As of increased activity from 1999, melted away. Nearby impressively high summits are: Chimborazo (6,310 meters) and El Altar (5,319 meters). These statistics can already give you the clue that this landscape must be magnificent. The fact that the volcano spectacular eruptions are visible from the town participates in it too. When the sky is clear at night, you can spot a red lava on the top, and trust me, that looks absolutely unreal. Combined with small earth shakes, that always accompany the eruption, can make you a bit thrill, but that feeling can be easily overtaken by the thoughts that you are witnessing and feeling something you have never experienced before. Its worth adding that when volcano is exploding is able to shoot an ash cloud 5,000 meters into the air. During the eruption dogs are barking all the time. How surreal is that? Volcano is so close to the town, yet you are in a safe environment to watch and enjoy this very rare moment, the moment when our earth shows you its real potential.

  It is not a secret that magnificent volcanoes are usually surrounded by little, probably everyone favourite, hot springs. Baños is well known for its hot baths with the temperature that range from 64 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit, and are reputed to have healing properties. These waters are very rich in minerals and many contain sulfur as well as calcium, sulfate, magnesium, iron, chloride, potassium, zinc and many more. Baños is full of them, and they are open everyday all day long. You can soak your body and relax, and if you still not convinced, remember that you will be surrounded by a very pretty panorama. All hot baths are very cheap (2$ for the whole day till 16.00, 3$ for the evenings), so really once there, there is no excuse for you not to try it.

 So you can clearly feel the power of this place. It display itself by recently active volcano, powerful high waterfalls and hot springs. I don’t think there’s more I need to add, to convince you that this area is fulfilled with force. The force that strikes through all the earth layers to finish right at the top, at the very soil you stand on! Its like almost this place is screaming for attention, exhibiting its magnificent strength. To show us that this land is overpowering the humans around, and we can not win!

   I started this blog by mentioning the duality. Are travelers really visiting Baños just to sit down to sip a cup of tea? No, of course not. This area is perfect for adventures people. The whole town is full of agencies where you can buy a kayaking trips, hiking tours etc. Some walking paths, up to the high hills, are so easy and straight forward that can be done without any guide. Baños is known as a good starting point for exploring the remote Llanganates National Park, surrounded mountains and hills. The city itself has a beautiful main central park with few waterfall close by. Area is also perfect for a day biking trial that goes by loads of beautiful waterfalls nearby including: Virgen de Agua Santa, Inés María, Agoyán, El Manto de la Novia, Pailón del Diablo and Machay. It is worth adding that this town never sleeps. The cute narrow streets are packed with bars and restaurants that stay open till early hours of morning. Baños is small which also helps to navigate your way back to your hotel after night out, to be ready for the next adventures day! Ok, ok….if you really enjoyed your night out, then perhaps soaking in wonderful hot springs the next day to recover would be a better idea. Either way, you will love that place like me! And for sure, your time there will be far away from lazy, sleepy holiday. But that’s what we love, don’t we?