Tag: Travel

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.

Delhi–Agra Express & Delhi–Varanasi Sleeper: Complete Train Guide 2025

by Anna Powaska, posted in Asia, Delhi, India, train

My Train Booking Experience in India

You can technically buy tickets through IRCTC, the official Indian Railways website. But full KYC (KYC stands for Know Your Customer, it is a verification process used by banks, financial institutions, and online platforms like IRCTC or PayTM to confirm a customer’s identity and address) is now required for certain IRCTC features, especially bookings.

Instead, I switched to 12go.asia, which I can honestly recommend. The tickets are about 20% more expensive, but the process takes just two minutes: instant confirmation, and the actual ticket arrives a few days later.

Once you receive your ticket, it’s important to double‑check the departure time the day before. Go to the IRCTC website or ConfirmTkt , enter your PNR number (found on the ticket) and travel date, and you’ll get the updated schedule. That part works flawlessly – no glitches at all.

Railway stations – you can also buy tickets directly at the station. Expect queues, a bit of chaos, and sometimes limited English, but it works. For foreign travelers, there’s often a Foreign Tourist Quota counter at major stations like Delhi, Agra, or Varanasi.

⚠️ Be Aware of Scams at Indian Railway Stations

When you arrive at the station, you might encounter people approaching you with “helpful” advice. They’ll say things like:

  • “You need to come with me to a special counter for foreigners.”
  • “There’s a different queue for non‑Indians.”
  • “You can’t enter without my assistance.”

All of that is a lie.

Once you have your ticket, you don’t need anything else. You simply go to the platform and board the train exactly the same way as Indian passengers. There is no special cashier, no separate queue, no mandatory guide.

Taj Express → My Delhi to Agra Train Experience

On September 1st, 2025, I took the Taj Express (Train No. 12280) from New Delhi Main Station (NDLS) to Agra Cantt (AGC). The train departed at 06:55 and arrived at 09:25, covering 195 km in just under 2.5 hours. I booked a Second Sitting (2S) seat – confirmed, window side, and perfectly comfortable for a short morning ride. Return train was delay around 1h.

Booking Details

  • The train departed on time at 06:55 from Platform 13
  • Ticket fare: ₹110 + fees (total ₹128.66)
  • Coach/Seat: D1/54 – window side, confirmed (CNF status)
  • Once you receive your ticket, double-check the departure time the day before using your PNR number. I recommend ConfirmTkt – it works smoothly and updates are reliable.

Travel Notes

  • The train coach stopped exactly where the platform screen indicated – no chaos, no guessing. Just follow the signs and you’ll be right where you need to be (see the photos below).
  • My coach was packed – it was crowded, noisy, and absolutely wonderful.
  • I shared a tiny seat with a lady.
  • I ended up talking to almost everyone around me – it felt like a rolling living room full of stories and smiles.
  • No AC, but the windows were open and the breeze was enough.

Delhi → Varanasi Sleeper 3A class– My Overnight Train Experience

On September 2nd, 2023, I boarded the Swatantrata Senani Express (Train No. 12562) from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Varanasi Junction (BSB). The train departed on time (21.15 in my case) at night from Platform 13, just like my Taj Express to Agra. The coach stopped exactly where the screen said it would – no chaos, no guessing.

My Experience

  • I had a confirmed sleeper berth 3A class in coach B2, and it was surprisingly comfortable. Bedding and pillow are provided.
  • I paid 1 469 INR ₹ (15 $) at 12go.asia.
  • I slept 8 full hours – no interruptions, no noise, just the gentle rhythm of the train.
  • The coach had AC, and charging sockets everywhere – both regular and USB.
  • There was an option to order meals, tea, coffee, which made the journey even smoother.
  • At night, everyone respected each other’s space – no loud talking, no chaos. Just quiet, shared rest.
  • On the return trip, it was exactly the same – peaceful, punctual, and respectful.

Booking & Practical Tips

  • This train is in high demand, so book well in advance – especially if you want a confirmed sleeper berth.
  • Use 12go.asia. It is much easier for foreign cards and no Indian numer needed.
  • Always check your PNR status the day before – ConfirmTkt is your best friend or IRCTC site.
  • Platform 13 again – same as Agra, and again the coach stopped exactly where the screen showed.

Most Popular Trains on the Delhi–Varanasi Route

  • Shiv Ganga Express (12560): Fast (~11 hours) and always in high demand.
  • Kashi Vishwanath Express (14034): Slower, but considered a classic choice.
  • Swatantrata Senani Express (12562): My pick – a traditional overnight sleeper.

Ticket Price Range

  • Sleeper Class (SL): from ₹743 ≈ $9
  • 3AC (Air‑Conditioned, 3‑tier): ₹1,200–1,500 ≈ $15–18
  • 2AC (Air‑Conditioned, 2‑tier): ₹1,800–2,200 ≈ $22–25
  • 1AC (Air‑Conditioned, 1‑tier): ₹3,000+ ≈ $35+

Convincing photos to choose an organized trip from San Pedro to Uyuni

by Anna Powaska, posted in Bolivia, Chile, South America

  If you are still thinking whether you should cross the border between Chile and Bolivia yourself, please stop right now! Magnificent Salar de Uyuni is a must see place while in Bolivia or in northern part of the Chile. Tourists usually do visit this absolutely stunning and unique place from Uyuni, the town in Bolivia, or from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. It is not so difficult to get to salt flats without any guide, but tour agencies, that can be found in many towns all around, came up with a wonderful 3 or 4 days tours that include Salar de Uyuni, as number one attraction, along with many more wonderful places that you can see only with a guide and by 4×4. Dry salty area, as a highlight, will become just like an addition next. Salar de Uyuni will get overshadowed by beautiful lagoons, geysers, deserts, volcanoes, truly remote villages, you will spend a night in (including a hotel made of salt), and interesting rock formations. It is one of the most bizarre and beautiful places in the world you just can not miss, especially while so close to it. Paying only 180$ (inc everything as accommodation, all meals, guide, 4×4 transport) for a 3 days tour is just a bargain we have to grab. Unluckily, I have lost loads of my photos from the trip, but I hope the remaining ones will be convincing enough for you to book this trip.

How to Get from Chișinău to Tiraspol – The Border-Bending Mini Adventure

by Anna Powaska, posted in Europe, moldova, Tiraspol, transnistria, Travelling

Quick Facts

  • Destination: Tiraspol — capital of Transnistria, an unrecognized autonomous region within Moldova
  • Best transport: Marshrutka (minibus)
  • 🛂 Border control: Yes, prepare for migration card, but takes around 5-10 minutes
  • Ticket price: 57 MDL (~€2.90)
  • Travel Duration: ~1.5 hours
  • Departure point: Chișinău Central Bus Station, right next to the market

Finding the Right Marshrutka

Head to Chișinău’s Central Bus Station, next to the buzzing market stalls. Exact spot on map here. Look for signs (or people shouting “Tiraspol!”). And here’s the golden tip:

The ticket booth is literally 2 meters from the marshrutka — you can’t miss it unless you’re distracted by roadside plums.

They run very often (every 20 minutes or so) from 6.00 am till late.

Cash preferred, but card payments were accepted on my trip. Cost: 57 Moldovan lei, confirmed by photo — no guessing!

Say “Tiraspol?” with confident curiosity — locals respect head-tilts.

🍚 The Most Important Tip (More Important Than Your Migration Card)

Inside the market next to Chișinău’s Central Bus Station, hidden among stands and shouting sellers, there’s a food stand: A man who serves Uzbek plov that’s straight-up 10/10.

No fancy sign.

Location: Inside the market hall — follow the scent. Price: Budget-friendly — but you’ll pay in loyalty, because you’ll come back daily. Quantity: Measured in kilograms (not exaggerating — I did exactly that)

Border Crossing into Transnistria

Yes, Transnistria has its own de facto border — but no visa needed.

At the checkpoint:

  • You’ll receive a migration card (white paper with Soviet-style fonts) — guard it like treasure.
  • The border officers are neutral, almost theatrical in their seriousness — no drama if you keep calm.
  • Your driver usually collects all passports on the way back and returns them after inspection — strange but normal. But on arrival, you go trough the office for the card and passport check.

Want to stay overnight? Tell the officer! Otherwise, you might get a same-day transit permit.

Returning from Tiraspol – The Escape Plan (but make it casual)

If you’re ready to head back to Chișinău after exploring Lenin, nostalgia, and beach vibes by the Dniester — don’t panic, the marshrutka is always waiting here (exact spot of the stand), by the train station.

Return ticket? Buy it at the railway station in Tiraspol — look for the kiosk next to the waiting area. I paid in Molvodan leu with no problem. It’s got that time-stood-still aura and the staff are surprisingly efficient.

Departures: Marshrutkas leave every ~20 minutes, give or take a philosophical pause. No need to book in advance — just show up, say “Chișinău?”, and hop in. Ticket price should match your arrival fare: ~57 MDL

Tip: If you liked the plov in Chișinău, you’ve got just enough time to crave it again by the time you’re back.

Language, Currency & Vibe

  • Everyone speaks Russian
  • Local money = Transnistrian rubles — they’re plastic coins, like arcade tokens from a Soviet theme park
  • Leu isn’t widely accepted — change money in Tiraspol

“It’s Moldova, but not Moldova. It’s legal, but not official. It’s chill, but politically confusing.”

Why Tiraspol (Without Saying “Why Tiraspol”)

This is a country that never made it to the UN. Tiraspol is strange, safe, quiet and mildly cinematic — perfect for those who enjoy layered maps and unexpected detours. No bucket list hype — just curiosity, Cyrillic and clouds of cold-war nostalgia.

How to Get from Chișinău to Comrat in Gagauzia

by Anna Powaska, posted in comrat, Europe, Gagauzia, moldova

Comrat – capital of Gagauzia. It sounds mysterious, and it is. But it’s also reachable. Here’s the breakdown for fellow wanderers.

Why Comrat?

Comrat isn’t just a stop — it’s the capital of an autonomous region where ethnic Turks speak Russian, wave Moldovan flags, and drink ayran. It’s where geopolitics gets cozy with kebab, and where you’re never quite sure if you’re closer to Istanbul or Moscow…

🛂 Border Crossing & Travel Requirements

Gagauzia is part of Moldova, so traveling to Comrat does not involve any border control, passport checks, or special permits. It’s just like going from Katowice to Wrocław, but with more grapevines and unexpected kebab stands.

This is the opposite of Transnistria, where entry does require a quick stop at a de facto border, and you’ll usually fill out a migration card upon arrival. While Transnistria isn’t internationally recognized, it functions with its own rules — including border formalities, checkpoints, and a charm straight out of a Cold War novella.

So if you’re heading to Comrat, relax: your passport can stay buried in your backpack.

Option 1 (and best?): Marshrutka from Gara de Sud (Stand 16)

  • Link to map of bus station here.
  • Departures are roughly every hour – mine left Monday at 9:00 or 9.10 AM (cant remember)
  • Marshrutkas leave from Stand 16 at Chișinău’s Southern Bus Station (Gara de Sud)
  • Tickets: buy them at the booth right next to the number 16 stand – card payment accepted. The marshrutka ticket from Chișinău to Comrat costs 67 Moldovan lei, which is around $3.80 USD. I don’t think you can buy a ticket in advance. When I arrived in Comrat, I tried to purchase a return ticket, but the woman selling them didn’t want to sell it to me — I couldn’t understand her. Then the bus driver who had brought me arrived, talked to her, and she ended up selling it to me
  • Just say: “Comrat?” – smiles and head nods
  • Duration: 1h 30min to 2h 30min, depending on traffic, road karma, and whether the driver feels
  • The main bus stop in Comrat is located at Strada Victoriei 2, right in the heart of town. Locally, it’s known as the Comrat Bus Station, and it’s just a short walk from the central park and Lenin Street — so if you see a statue or a cathedral nearby, you’re probably close!
  • From Komrat to Chișinău’s Southern Bus Station at: 6.00, 6.30, 6.50, 7.00, 7.15, 7.30, 7.36, 7.55, 8.15, 8.20, 8.45, 9.00, 9.15, 9.55, 10.00, 10.25, 11.20, 12.20, 13.05, 13.35, 14.15, 14.26, 15.00, 15.30, 16.00, 16.30, 17.50, 18.20, 19.00.
  • 💡 Pro tip from the road: if you have time before departure, there’s a tiny spot around the corner serving delicious borscht – comfort soup

Option 2: Taxi

  • Duration: around 1h 20min
  • Cost: $26–31 USD
  • Not sure YandexGo will take you all the way, but it’s worth checking
  • Great for chats about local politics or sharing sunflower seeds with the driver

Getting to Gara de Sud from Chișinău City Center

If you’re staying near the city center (like around the Cathedral Park or Boulevard Ștefan cel Mare), here’s how to reach Gara de Sud:

Public Transport Options:

  • Bus 120, 124 or 186 – all stop near Gara de Sud
  • Trolleybus 9, 17 or 36 – also good options if you’re near a trolley line

🕒 Travel time: 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic. Cost: ~6 MDL (~$0.30 USD) and you can buy it inside the bus from conductor ;)– pay onboard or via e-ticket app (I paid in cash, not sure about card). Stop to look for: Gara de Sud / Autogara de Sud

How to Travel from Almaty to Bishkek by Bus

by Anna Powaska, posted in Uncategorized

If you’re planning a journey from Almaty to Bishkek by bus, here’s all you need to know:

  1. Departure Point – Sayran Bus Station (mine was from stand 1) In Almaty, the buses to Bishkek depart from the Sayran International Bus Station. Known locally as “Avtovokzal Sayran,” this terminal is the main hub for long-distance travel. You can reach the station conveniently by local buses, a taxi, or ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go (very very cheap “central Asian uber”).
  2. Ticket Price and Schedule
    • Cost: A one-way ticket typically costs around 3,280 KZT Webside(Kazakhstani Tenge), which is approximately 7.50 USD.
    • Web: https://ma-sairan.kz/
    • Frequency: There are usually several departures a day—with typical departure times at roughly 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 18:00. (Keep in mind that schedules may vary, so it’s wise to check ahead or purchase tickets online.)
  3. Journey Duration and Border Crossing The bus covers approximately 320 km and the journey generally takes about 5 to 6 hours. This time frame includes the drive and the process of crossing the Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan border at Korday. Make sure to have all your travel documents handy, as border formalities might add a little extra time. Go troug two border checks and fallow the people to wait for the bus (3 mins walk to the parking – you will know). I waited 20 mins only.
  4. You will arrive at New Bishkek Bus Terminal here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bishkek+Avtovokzal./@42.9421615,74.6437023,18z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x389eb90012ab8659:0xf94abeb39d7fbcfb!8m2!3d42.942506!4d74.6444121!16s%2Fg%2F11vrrq0rs_?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQxNi4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D You can take a bus or taxi to the center (no cash machine at bus terminal, but the driver can stop at cash point on the way).
  5. Additional Tips
    • Ticket Purchase: You can buy your tickets online directly through the Sayran Bus Station website or in person at the station. Purchasing in advance is advisable if you plan to travel during peak times and you can pick a nice sit :).
    • Plan Ahead: Allow extra time around departures, and be prepared for slight schedule variations or delays, especially at the border.

This comprehensive guide should help you confidently plan your bus trip from Almaty to Bishkek. If you need more details about the route, tips on navigating the border, or any other travel insights, feel free to ask!

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 🙂

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.

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?