Photos from Sarajevo

Today I spent the day getting lost in Sarajevo (albeit not on purpose, but I did stumble upon some very beautiful areas).

Belgrade Free Walking Tour

Today was cold, wet and windy - but as I am only in this beautiful City for a few days I decided to go on the walking tour regardless. I'm so glad that I did, here are a few photos:

 

Sofia to Belgrade by Rail

... I made it to Belgrade!

I thought the journey would take 8.5 hours, but with the time difference between Bulgaria and Serbia it's actually 9.5 hours - and thanks to train delays it took me almost 12 hours!

Hotel Anel, Sofia - Review

The 5* Hotel Anel in Sofia is located in the Centre of the CIty - just a short walk from the Natsionalna Khudozhestvena Galeriya art museum and 2km from Central Railway Station Sofia. 




All of the rooms and suites come with free Wifi, TVs, coffee making facilities and mini bars - and room service is available 24/7. The mini bar is actually really good value, you can have a small bottle of wine for around £4-5, or a soft drink for around £1/£1.50.

Moma Bulgarian Food & Wine, Sofia - Review

Moma Bulgarian Food & Wine is currently rated the #2 Restaurant in Sofia - and with it being just a 15 minute walk from my hotel I decided to go there for dinner.

Moma Restaurant's concept is to combine a delightful culinary experience with authentic recipes as a nod to times past. The modern interior blends the beauty and purity of the Bulgarian maidens of yore, as seen through the various photos, indulgent embroidery and overall décor.

"The colours of the interior are traditional for the lifestyle of Bulgarian women of the olden days: white – symbolising the purity of maidens, red – symbolising the blood of the mother and the power of the fertile soil, green – symbolising the eternal rebirth and revival, golden – symbolising the Sun, the light and prosperity."

Sofia Free Walking Tour - Bulgaria

Every time I visit a new City, the first thing I do is check out if there is a free walking tour. Walking tours are a great way to get to know an area, in a comfortable and informative environment. The local guides/experts can point out to you not only the history of the City you're in, but also any cultural nuances to be aware of.

The Free Sofia Tour did not disappoint, our guide Stefan was witty and knowledgeable with a true passion for the City. The tour runs twice a day, everyday of the year including Christmas and New Years at 11am and 6pm. No reservation is required, just turn up at the Palace of Justice (you can't miss it, 2 huge Lions either side of the steps).

 

Tips for Solo Travel to China

It’s normal to be anxious when you're planning a Solo trip, but there are many steps that you can take to make things a little easier! I'm usually OK with travelling alone, however next year I'm looking at travelling to Asia - and I think I will probably do this via a travel company as its a bigger step than my usual European adventures.

Image Source: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/707 

Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre - Review

Her name was Lola... she was a show girl...

Kinky Boots tells the story of a failing Shoe Factory in the North of England (Price & Son). When the owner passes away, he leaves the factory in the hands of his son Charlie who has to find a way to turn its fortunes around or face firing all his staff, many of which are his childhood friends. 

Hand to God at the Vaudeville Theatre - Review

Matthew 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not.

The plot centres around widow Margery running a puppet making course at her local Church as she struggles to cope with the recent death of her husband. Jason, Margery's son is an outcast amongst his peers and uses his puppet as a way to voice his growing anxieties. The issues begin when Jason's puppet Tyrone appears to have a life of its own, he becomes jealous, aggressive and possessed by the devil. Things get pretty gory, I had a few moments where I was hiding behind my hands!