Europe: Eastern From Russia to Croatia, the Danube, Iron Curtain era vestiges, Pilzner beer, Czech it out! |
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08-11-2006, 08:50 AM
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#1
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Ok boys and girls. This is a question for those of you who have traveled for an extended amount of time... to the point where cities are just cities. At this point i've been traveling for a few months now (currently in Krakow and heading to Budapest Tomorrow) and i need something different.
So basically the question is where are the good places in eastern europe to do some kind of adventure sports, or have a great time without having to deal with musemes and all of the other typical touristy things.
I'm looking of any kinds of story or ideas cause like i said things are all begining to look and feel the same.
here is our tenative itinerary for the next month or so... if you've been to one of these places or somewhere around it and had a great story (other than drinking at the club) please let me know cause i'm dying for something new.
Budapest
Eger (Hungary)
Romania (Transilvania)
Black Sea Coast
Turkey
Greece
Croatia
Austria (Salzburg)
then Munich for Oktoberfest and some north africa so we should be good there.
Thanks in advance.
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"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got. If what you are doing is not working, do something else."
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08-11-2006, 10:44 AM
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#2
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TPunk Emeritus
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Any chance you can stop off in Slovakia en route, maybe check out the Tatras, just go hiking for a bit?
Getting out into the countryside/nature helps deal with those "too many cities" blues for us - we stopped in Grobming, Austria to break our trip between Vienna and Salzburg and loved it so much that we gave up a couple of days in Salzburg to enjoy walking around and lazing by a pool.
Another option we enjoy when we're in cities and getting a bit tired of the museum/gallery/church circuit is to check out a zoo, science centre or amusement park - something that's just fun for the sake of it - to take a break.
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08-22-2006, 08:20 PM
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#3
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french touch
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I know what you're saying ! Touristy attractions aren't my things at all anytime, except for a few basics. So, if you have time and are willing to leave the major cities, I have a couple of ideas for you.
First of, outdoor activities wise, Tumblezweedz' suggestion is right on with the High Tatras just south of Krakow and north of Slovakia; a bit south of Budapest, you'll find Lake Balaton; and Western and Central Romania's carpates are great too.
For something different, go to Romania, in the Northwest area, called the Maramures. Not only is it gorgeous, but it is like time travelling. It is remote and the traditions are well preserved there. I stayed in a huge private room, had great local meals cooked by the owner 3 times a day, for 10 Euros per day. And she sent me to a wedding reception, where the locals kept me dancing (of course traditional dances), eating and drinking (cherry liquor hmmm), until 4 am. One of my best memories !
Still in Romania, in an ugly city where I HAD to spend the night, and was supposed to stay only that night, I met great locals who invited me everywhere (their homes, local school class, local school yearly show, orphenage, etc). I ended up staying 4 full days, and I'm still in contact with the orphenage's psychologist.
It's really easy to find private rooms in Romania. Whatever village you stop by, go to the convenient store or restaurant, and ask. That's how I managed to find places, and met the best people possible !
PM me if you want the address of the lady I stayed at in the Maramures.
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08-22-2006, 08:43 PM
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#4
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Certified Wise
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Great stories atchoum, whenever I watch a lonely planet style travel show the host inevitably gets invited to someones wedding. I didn't think that happened in real life!
Good Work
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08-23-2006, 07:15 AM
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#5
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TPunk Emeritus
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Quote:
church, castle, city, drinking...[/b]
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Lol, touring each EU town in a nutshell...
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08-23-2006, 07:22 AM
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#6
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TPunk. Recognize.
Join Date: Apr 2005
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I've never been to Croatia, but I'm trying to hit it next summer...probably going to Dubrovnik (on the ferry from Bari in Italy)heard you can rent a kayak and paddle around the outside walls of the city in the sea and get whole new perspective on the city
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08-23-2006, 08:17 AM
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#7
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How do you get sick of drinking? or clubbing? or partying? I just wanna know.
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08-23-2006, 09:01 AM
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#8
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If you are heading to Lake Balaton a great place to visit for water sports is Balatonfured or Thiany. I wont exaggerate this but the lake is amazing we had a great summer there plus its only about 2 hours away from Budapest
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09-01-2006, 09:25 AM
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#9
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thanks for the imput guys. Romaina and Lake Balaton were really cool but I'd say that one of the favorite countries that i've vistited is Bosnia. I had no idea how cool and beautiful the cities were. Plus it was pretty cheap too. If your in the area I'd put it down as a must see.
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"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got. If what you are doing is not working, do something else."
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