Warsaw is a city best appreciated through its history. At first glance, Warsaw is neither impressively metropolitan nor charmingly historic (unlike the more popular Krakow). It seems neither here nor there, as if a city not yet come into its own. The result is a very forgettable city, some may even say utterly lacking in character. But to even begin to appreciate the city, you need to understand the history. Warsaw’s story is one of heroism, destruction, and rebirth. Stick with me as…
Top 5 destinations to revisit
You guys, we have a problem. Almost every time we leave a place, practically as soon as we’re out of the city limits, we sigh and exclaim that we must return someday and find a way to live as locals for a while. At this point, we’re starting to rack up quite a long list of potential future homes. Sometimes, it’s because we didn’t get to see everything there is to see. Sometimes, it’s because we didn’t get to eat all the…
A visit to Auschwitz, Part 2: Behind the barbed wire fence
While in Poland, I did a bit of unusual reading. Meeting D’s Polish side of the family inspired me to learn more about his family history, and we dug up an memoir written by his grandfather (only a few years ago). In it, he documented the war years while fighting in Warsaw Rising (against the German occupation) and then his experience as a prisoner of war in the German camp (though it wasn’t a death camp). What struck me the…
A visit to Auschwitz, Part 1: An introduction
Things are about to get a little somber here on Slightly Astray. Originally, I wasn’t sure how I was going to write about Auschwitz or if I was going to at all. But I believe Auschwitz needs proper coverage here so that the world forever knows and remembers this crime against humanity. On the way to Auschwitz, we drive past tranquil green pastures spotted with cute red farmhouses, and acres of lush forest. The scenery outside is peaceful. However, the mood…
[Wroclaw] Pierogarnia: a love story
The minute we arrived in Wroclaw, we checked in with our host, dropped our luggage on the floor, turned to each other and said “It’s time for some pierogis!” We excitedly jaunted across Market Square, to the restaurant that we had seen earlier as we walked into town: Pierogarnia. We (correctly) guessed that it’s a restaurant entirely devoted to pierogis! “Isn’t it weird that we can fly across the world and still eat similar food as back home?” D observed. And that’s precisely why…
Of pastel buildings and pierogies: 4 Days in Wroclaw
I believe there will always come a time during the course of long-term travel when new sights start to lose their sparkle, when you want to stop playing tourist, when you don’t give a crap about seeing another cathedral. When that time (inevitably) comes, it is perfectly acceptable to just watch the world go by from your apartment, read books (or blogs), and eat at the same restaurant everyday, twice a day. And yet you will still have the most lovely…
Vienna Zoo: The exhibits – Part 2
Last week in Part 1, I posted pictures of the regular animals. But this week, I’ll be talking about the special exhibits that make Vienna Zoo the coolest zoo I have ever visited! Let’s get straight to it! If you just want to know if it’s a responsible zoo or not, feel free to jump to the bottom! The Rainforest I thought this was the most interesting part of the zoo! As soon as you step into this huge multi-level glass building,…
[Budapest] Traditional Hungarian Cuisine
Budapest marked our first non-euro city, and you know what that means? It meant that for the first time since setting foot on this continent, we didn’t have to worry so much over how much were spending over food. For the first time, both of us could get a drink at dinner, without having to share or go without. And dessert is on the table once again! I realize I haven’t done a Foodie Friday post in quiet some time,…
Vienna Zoo: Meet the animals – Part 1
I admit that one of the things I was most excited for this Europe trip is the Vienna Zoo (or Tiergarten). But for a good reason! The Vienna Zoo is the oldest zoo in history… that’s crazy! It was established in 1752 as the private royal menagerie, as this zoo is actually located inside the Schönbrunn Palace grounds! The zoo has had a colorful history since its establishment. Before World War I, it was a lively zoo with 712 species and over 3500…
Little moments in Budapest
I would really like to start blogging in real-time more… mainly because my memory gets fuzzy when too many days have passed. And well, then it’s impossible to capture your true feelings about something you barely remember. So even though I have a lot of catching up to do on this blog (more of Paris, Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Berlin), I’m here today with a real-time update on Budapest. I had hoped I’d like Budapest, but also didn’t want to force expectations. (Seriously,…