Back to Belgrade. I was here last year, but I was a bit under the weather, and I decided I wanted to come back to experience more of the Serbian culture. I had a very nice stay at a particular hostel (Hostel Bongo), and I wanted to personally come back and thank the Bongo girls for taking such good care of me. I had given each a fun little name that they just thought was something else. They were Dashing Daniella, Terrific Tamara, Irresistible Irena, and Sassy Sadja. I was not sure which ones would still be here, but they had emailed me a few times within the year just to say hello. Upon arrival I felt they were excited to see me as well, as my name was remembered (they called me Gorgeous Gary (go ... read more

I have heard Mykonos is so beautiful, and it has become one of the most desired destinations in the world. Although one of the smallest islands of the Cyclades complex, Mykonos is definitely the most famous, thanks to its treasure of natural beauty, rich history, cosmopolitan character combined with a wild nightlife, as well as plenty of local color. I had to see for myself. Also, according to mythology, Mykonos was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules. Legend has it that the island took its name from the grandson of Apollo, “Mykonos”. Take all of this with a grain of salt. I travel to Mykonos on a ferry from Santorini. This is the first time I have ever taken a ferry, and there are no complaints. The ride was comfortable, and seemed ... read more

I arrive after taking an overnight train from Budapest. I must say the ride was an experience. I was in a sleeper cabin, and one of my roommates was Serbian. He was a nice guy full of Serbian pride. We had a fun time trying to communicate, as he could not speak much English, and I could speak no Serbian. The train was a bit run down, but this was okay. I could tell when we were getting close to Belgrade, for this area was war torn. You could just see some of the devastation and the lasting effects of war. We arrive in Belgrade and exit the train. I now have to find out where to go. My directions were a little sketchy. One of my other roommates was a Japanese young lady, and she ... read more

I take an early train from Munich to Bratislava via Vienna. I have not ever been to Bratislava, and I was excited about the opportunity to explore somewhere new. When I arrive at the train station, I had to find the bus stop for bus 93 which would take me very near my hostel. After walking a few minutes, I realize I am on the wrong side of the road, so I hurry to the other side, purchase my bus ticket, and await for the bus to come. I was pretty excited when I saw the correct number of the bus coming my way. I enter the bus, validate my ticket, and off we go. As I only had to go to the second stop, the ride was very quick. I am glad, for I certainly ... read more

After the ferry ride from Copenhagen to Amsterdam, I felt a familiarity with this place. I leave the main train station, and feel as if I know exactly where I am going. I had been here just a few short years ago, and nothing had appeared to change. Still lots of people, still the smell of marijuana in the air, nope not much has changed. I find my hostel, check in, clean up a bit, and make my way to the canal area. I decided that I would just walk today and see what I could see. As it was already into the evening, there really was not much more I wanted to do on this day as far as sight seeing, so I just strolled up and down the side streets by the canal. I ... read more