Joshua Berida

After exploring the Baltic countries, I found myself back in Poland for the next leg of my trip. I started in Warsaw, but now I was eager to reach my next destination, Krakow, the country’s official capital until 1596. I made a rough mental list of the places I’ll visit. Like in other circumstances in new cities I planned to visit, I kept an open mind. I checked both my paper and e-ticket for the time and train I needed to board. As the train stopped and opened its doors, I boarded and was on my way.

I arrived a few hours later than I should have from Bucharest. However, I didn’t want to let this mishap ruin the remaining day. I went to my accommodation and left my things first before heading out to explore what Prague has to offer.

I took the overnight train from Salzburg to Padova en route to Venice. I thought about visiting another city that I only read about in books. I’ve read about the droves-of-tourists-everything’s-so-expensive-even-using-the-toilet-and-scams, but despite these negative perceptions, the idea of stepping into Venice excited me.

The shuttle I booked drove through the snow-covered Turkish countryside. I included Cappadocia on my itinerary but was unable to go during my first trip to Turkiye. This time, I made sure it was on my list so I can go and see its famous and stunning landscapes.

The train slowed and then stopped at Strasbourg station. I left the platform and followed the signs that directed me toward the city center. The moment I saw the historic center, I knew that I would like this city more than Paris.

I took the bus that traveled directly to Sinaia from Bucharest’s main airport. The drive passed through the country’s scenic countryside dotted with farmlands and towns. The things I’d do and see while in the country’s Transylvania region crossed my mind. The only thing I knew about it was Dracula (who else?). I’ve read good things about the places I’d visit and now I would finally get the chance to see them.

I was in transit in Austria before taking another train to Venice, Italy. I decided to go to a city I have yet to visit. Thankfully, Salzburg was along the way of my planned route. I’ve heard good things about the city and its connection to the musical “Sound of Music” (of course!). It felt like a good idea to drop by and explore a new destination that calls out to me.

I wasn’t the only passenger trying to figure out how to buy a multi-day ticket. Luckily, the staff at the station was helpful to first-time visitors like me. I got my ticket and waited for the train to arrive. I got on the next available train. There was only a trickle of passengers that boarded with me.

I heard the news about a possible invasion of Ukraine while I was in the country. I brushed it off as tough talk and as a bargaining position, some of the travelers I’ve met shared the same sentiments. Little did I know that around a month after I left the country in late January 2022, things were never going to be the same.

Selcuk, at first, didn’t feel like the the historic place I’ve read about. It seemed like any other tourist city with its streets lined with guesthouses, hotels, shops, and restaurants. However, I didn’t come here to stay in the city but to visit its ancient sites. After I checked in, I was eager and ready to explore Selcuk.

It was a cold winter day when I arrived in Vienna. Fortunately, exploring Vienna is easy because of its pedestrian-friendly streets and extensive public transportation, so I went for it despite the weather.

It was a long trip and border crossing from Zagreb, Croatia to Hungary, however, Budapest was one of the cities on my European bucket list and I was eager to explore it.

I spent a few days in Zagreb before I took the overnight bus to Dubrovnik. I read that the latter was a touristy and crowded destination due to the popularity of Game of Thrones. However, I assured myself that, that won’t be the case because I scheduled my trip during the winter (and during the Covid pandemic at that). The overnight bus ride was uneventful with a few stops before arriving at the station early in the morning. I didn’t get much sleep, but I was eager to explore Dubrovnik.

It’s been almost a decade since my last visit to Sorsogon. When I had the chance to return, I immediately took it. The number of years between my visits made me think about the changes a place could’ve undertaken during that time. However, it wasn’t only the place that may have changed, a different me could’ve been looking at the world differently at that time.

I didn’t want to travel directly to Seoul from Busan because of the long bus trip by bus, or by bullet train since it’s an expensive ride. I added Daegu to my itinerary only because I saw it was conveniently en route to the capital. I was only planning to spend the night, but when I arrived at the hostel and walked around the city, I decided to stay a little longer.

Our plane arrived in Tehran from Kuala Lumpur late at night. The shift in time zone took its toll on my body, but I was eager to explore Iran.

Saint Petersburg is an ancient city with many remnants of its glorious past on display in its historic center. While I soaked in all of its beauty, I imagined the members of the imperial court, artists, and ordinary citizens that walk around the own city for inspiration, for respite from their worries, and to remind themselves the world is still beautiful despite its crumbling state.