The Greek Islands are full of Athenians during the period 8 – 28 August, and consequently the price of a room increases by anything from 40 to 100% over the normal rate. On some islands it took up to five hours (this applies to both the popular islands and the smaller, quieter ones) to hunt for a room. The weekend of the 15 August should be avoided at all costs as it is the festival of the Madonna and all of Greece is in party mode so the chances of finding a room are very slim. It is a good idea to take a sleeping bag if you are staying on the islands at this time as you may be forced to sleep on a roof top or on the beach.
July 28, 2008
July 21, 2008
Visiting Krakow
Krakow is a fascinating city. Because of its large student population and the influx of language students in summer, it fairly buzzes with life. One guide said the student population now numbered over 90,000.
Lodz is definitely worth a visit, even if only to get a break from the Gothic and medieval of the other historic cities. It is interesting to note how the city has grown around the factories which brought it prosperity – and pollution; likewise in Katowice there is a coal mine seemingly in the centre of town. The pollution is being cleaned from the buildings and ul Piortrkowska is quite an elegant boulevard now with traffic restrictions from al. Marsz. Jozefa Pilsudskiego to the intersection with Traugutta-Sierpnia, allowing its transformation into a smart shopping mall with open-air cafes dotting the street. What surprises the visitor is the number of parks in and surrounding the city, giving welcome relief from the uniformity of the concrete housing estates.
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July 17, 2008
Try the Baltic Sea cruise
If you are in Finland, absolutely don’t miss a Baltic Sea cruise. Ships to Stockholm, Tallinn or St Petersburg leave from Helsinki and Turku. You can choose either Viking or Silja Line, which seem fairly comparable. Cruises are fairly inexpensive. Cabins are a little cramped, but between the various restaurants, dance clubs, gift shops and casinos, you won’t want to spend your time sleeping anyway.
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