Petite travels

Adventures of a petite woman in the big, big world!

#TravelPost – Antwerp and the most beautiful train station

EN: A train station is a place with great amount of movement, quite noisy, a transit area from or to another destination. But in certain cities the train station is a destination in itself, like the one in Antwerp, Belgium. RO: O gara este un loc cu multa agitatie, miscare, destul de zgomotos, un punct de tranzit de la sau catre alta destinatie. Totusi, in anumite orase gara este o destinatie in sine, cum este gara din Antwerp, Belgia.

EN: Antwerpen-Centraal (Antwerp Central) is truly one of a king building where past meets present, that’s why it is often included among the top of the most beautiful train stations in the world. RO: Antwerpen-Centraal (gara din  Antwerp) este o constructie in care cu adevarat trecutul se intalneste cu prezentul si din acest motiv este adesea adaugata in topul celor mai frumoase gari din lume.

EN: Antwerpen Central was built at the end of the 19th century between 1895-1905 and until present days it was modernized, expanded and adapted to accommodate modern days technologies. The eclectic structure has a steel platform covering the terminals, with present-day escalators and elevators that connect the four levels and 14 tracks. Than, the platform is connected with the stone station building, the old area. RO: Gara din Antwerp a fost construita la finalul secolului al 19-lea intre anii1895 – 1905, iar pana in prezent a fost modernizata si extinsa pentru a acomoda noile tehnologii din domeniul transportului feroviar. Structura eclectica are in zona moderna, o platforma de fier care acopera terminalele cu scari rulante si lifturi intre cele 4 nivele cu 14 linii. Apoi, platforma se continua cu partea veche, cladirea de piatra a garii.

EN: Of course, Antwerp is more than it’s train station. You just have to step out side and you will feel the vibe of this metropolis. Literately, just few steps outside the station is Antwerp ZOO, the oldest animal park in the country, and one of the oldest in the world, established in 1843. Pink flamingo will invite you to enter for a walk. RO: Bineinteles, in Antwerp nu doar gara este impresionanta. O sa simtiti vibeul acestei metropole chiar de la primul pas. Imediat langa cladirea garii, la cativa pasi este Gradina Zoologica Antwerp, cea mai veche gradina zoo din tara si una dintre primele gradini zoologice din lume, deschisa in 1843. Flamingo roz va invita la plimbare.

EN: Also, next to the station is the Diamond District, the largest diamond center in the world. Through here passes 85% of the world’s rough diamonds, 50% of the polished diamonds and 40% of industrial diamonds, that’s why Antwerp is known as the diamond capital of the world.

Like New York, Milan, Paris, London, Antwerp is considered to be a fashion capital, a hub for unique fashion labels and start-ups. Here creative young designers design clothes and shoes that you can buy in the fashion district with amazing shops and even a high street shopping centre in a former state events/ballroom.

If you are not into shopping for diamonds and fashion, you should know that Antwerp is located on the River Scheldt. You can enjoy walking alongside the river, maybe at Steenplein and just have dinner at sunset maybe at Zuiderterras / RAS restaurant that will give you a great view over the river.

Antwerp is the city that will leave you wanting to go back.

 RO: Tot in apropierea garii este Cartierul Diamantelor, cel mai mare centru de diamante din lume. Pe aici trec 85% dintre diamantele neslefuite ale lumii, 50% dintre diamantele slefuite si 40% dintre cele industriale, din acest motiv Antwerp este cunoscut in lume ca fiind capitala diamantelor.

Precum New York, Milano, Paris sau Londra, Antwerp este o capitala a modei, un hub al unor branduri si start-up-uri de fashion unice. Aici creeaza designeri cunoscuti, tineri, creativi, ale caror creatii le puteti cumpara in zona de fashion a orasului, cu magazine impresionante si chiar un centru comercial de lux intr-o fosta cladire de evenimente/baluri.

Daca nu sunteti pasionati de shopping de diamante sau fashion, atunci e bine de stiu ca Antwerp este situat pe raul Scheldt. Va puteti bucura de o plimbare de-a lungul raului, prin zona Steenplein si poate o cina la apus in restaurantul Zuiderterras / RAS, care are un view de exceptie deasupra raului.

Antwerp este un oras care te face sa-ti doresti sa te intorci.

#TravelPost – One day in the medieval city of Bruges

EN: Initially, I wanted to write one post about Belgium, but once I started putting my thoughts into words and looking through pictures I realized I have to dedicate one post to each of the 5 cities I visited in this unique and special country. First Bruges because it was the first place I wanted to visit (and the only other city I knew besides Brussels) once I’ve decided to go to Belgium. RO: Initial mi-am propus sa scriu un post despre Belgia, dar cum am inceput sa asez in cuvinte amintirile si sa ma uit printre poze am realizat ca vreau sa dedic un post diferit pentru fiecare dintre cele 5 orase vizitate in aceasta tara unica si speciala. Incep cu Bruges, fiind primul loc in care mi-am dorit sa ajung din momentul in care am decis sa calatoresc in Belgia.

EN: Bruges has a distinct medieval air because of the captivating architecture, with impressive old buildings, like gingerbread houses, and more than 80 old or new bridges that cross over its canals. Bruges is often called the “Venice of the North“. RO: Bruges are un aer medieval aparte datorita arhitecturii captivante, cu ale sale  cladiri vechi, care zici ca sunt din turta dulce, si cele peste 80 de poduri mai vechi sau mai noi care trec peste canelele orasului. Bruges este numit adesea “Venetia de Nord“.

EN: What to visit in Briges? You can just walk through the narrow paved streets and you will be easily enchanted by colored and brick facade houses in typical style of Flemish architecture. Most of these houses have been turned into shops and impressive top list restaurants. There are 32 Bruges chefs recommended by Michelin, Gault&Millau and Bibgourmand. RO: Ce poti vizita in Bruges? Poti doar sa te plimbi pe stradutele inguste, pavate cu piatra, iar cladirile colorate sau cu fatade de caramida, specifice arhitecturii flamande, te vor cuceri cu usurinta. Majoritatea cladirilor au fost transformate in magazine sau restaurante impresionante de top. In Bruges 32 de maestrii bucatari sunt recomandati de Michelin, Gault&Millau si Bibgourmand

EN: If you get to the city by train as you head to the old city you cannot miss Minnewater Park. The Lake Of Love is the heart of the park, surrounded by trees, green lawns and dozens of white swans. Lovers believe that walking around this lake will bring you eternal love! RO: Daca ajungi in oras cu trenul, cum te indrepti spre centru, nu ai cum sa ratezi Parcul Minnewater. Chiar in centrul parcului este Lacul Iubirii imprejurat de copaci si zone verzi cu zeci de lebede albe. Indragostitii cred ca daca te plimbi aici vei avea parte de dragoste eterna!

EN: One step away from Sint-Jacobskerk – Saint Jacob’s church or Saint James’s Church – an inconic old gothic church, founded in 1240, you will find Bonifacius bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in Bruges. It really has a special vibe and maybe because of it’s location many say it is one of the oldest, but actually dates back to 1910. RO: Chiar langa Sint-Jacobskerk – Biserica Sfantul Iacob – o cladire remarcanta in stil gotic construita in 1240 o sa ajungeti la podul Bonifacius, unul dintre cele mai fotografiate poduri in Bruges. Are cu adevarat un aer aparte si poate ca din cauza pozitionarii sale multi spun ca este printre cele mai vechi poduri, dar de fapt a fost construit in 1910.

EN: Another interesting building, architectural and also story wise is located in Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The church gets its name from a relic said to contain the blood of Jesus Christ. RO: O alta cladire interesanta din punct de vedere arhitectural, cat si a istoriei sale este Biserica Sfantului Sange din piata Burg. Se presupune ca aici se afla o relicva care contine picaturi cu sangele lui Isus Hristos.

EN: And here we are in the main square Bruges’ Markt, filled with amazing & one-of-a-kind buildings. On one side you can find guild houses with rich and opulent architecture that in present days have been turned into restaurants. The way they were built meant to be an expression of wealth and power. RO: Iata ca am ajuns in piata centrala Bruges’ Markt cu multe cladiri captivante si unice. Pe o parte a pietei sunt casele de breasla, cu o arhitectura bogata, opulenta, care in prezent au fost transformate in restaurante. Modul in care au fost construite s-a dorit a fi o expresie a bogatiei si puterii.

EN: Also in the main square is the Belfry of Bruges. It is one of 33 Belgian belfries that are protected as World Heritage sites. If you go up the 366 steps you will have an unforgettable panoramic view of Bruges and her surroundings. RO: Tot in piata centrala este turnul Belfry din Bruges, unul dintre cele 33 de turnuri Belfry din Belgia protejate ca situri de patrimoniu mondial. Daca urci cele 366 de trepte vei avea parte de o priveliste panoramia de neuitat al orasului si ale imprejurimilor sale.

EN: How to get to Bruges from Bucharest? More exactly, how I got there 😉 From Bucharest Otopeni Airport you first take a plane to Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Search the low-cost airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air) and you will find tickets at resonable prices (starting from 50 EUR). From airport take one bus (TEC, ticket 3 EUR one way) directly to Charleroi-South train station and from there you have train directly to Bruges (ticket about 23 EUR one way). RO: Cum ajungi din Bucuresti in Bruges? Mai exact cum am ajuns eu 😉 Mai intai din aeroportul Otopeni Bucurest te urci in avionul pana la aeroportul Brussels South Charleroi. Cauta la companiile low-cost (Ryanair, Wizz Air) si vei gasi bilete la preturi rezonabila (de la 50 EUR). O data ce ai aterizat in aeroport poti lua autobuzul TEC (bilet 3 EUR) in directia gara Charleroi-South, iar de acolo ai tren direct catre Bruges (biletul aproximativ 23 EUR one way).

Hope you get to see Bruges as soon as the world opens again. Kisses :* my darlings!

#TravelPost – Polignano a Mare, on the cliffs over the Adriatic Sea

EN: Especially on a warm summer’s day Polignano a Mare is an amazing place to visit, if you adore the seaside and cannot live without the captivating power of the water.

From Bucharest you have direct flight to Bari (see here) and then you are only one train away to Polignano a Mare (2.5 euro ticket, one way).

 RO: In special intr-o zi calduta de vara Polignano a Mare este un oras minunat de vizitat, daca adori malul marii si nu poti rezista puterii captivante a apei.

Din Bucuresti ai zbor direct catre Bari (detalii aici), iar de acolo esti la distanta de 30 de minute cu trenul de Polignano a Mare (2,5 euro biletul, dus).

EN: Main attractions in Polignano a Mare – For sure the pictures speak for themselves, but here are some highlights of what you can visit in Polignano a Mare:

1. Cala Porto (also known as Lama Monachile). It is one of the most photographed beaches on the coast. A little small white pebbles beach and crystal clear waters. Surrounded by cliffs with houses build right up to the edge, form a bay.

RO: Principalele atractii din Polignano a Mare – Cu siguranta imaginile vorbesc de la sine, dar iata cateva locuri pe care le poti vizita in Polignano a Mare:

1. Cala Porto (cunoscut si sub numele de Lama Monachile). Este una dintre cele mai fotografiate plaje de pe costa. Are o micuta plaja acorperita cu pietricele albe si apa curata ca lacrima. Stancile de jur imprejur, cu cladiri construite chiar pana in margini, formeaza un mic golfulet.

EN: You have an amazing view of this small  bay from the old Roman bridge near by.

RO: In apropierea micutului golf este un vechi pod roman, de pe care ai o priveliste incredibila.

EN: 2. Statue of Domenico Modugno

Maybe the name of the artist is not very familiar, but the song “Nel blu dipinto di blu – Volare” for sure is. Domenico Modugno was a famous Italian singer, songwriter, actor, guitarist, and even a member of the Italian Parliament, born in Polignano. The statue has a special something that makes you sing instantly Vooolare 😉

RO: 2. Statuia lui Domenico Modugno

Poate numele artistului nu va spune nimic, dar cantecul “Nel blu dipinto di blu – Volare” sigur va suna cunoscut. Domenico Modugno a fost un faimos artist italian, cantaret, compozitor, actor, chitarist si chiar membru al Parlamentului italian, nascut in Polignano. Statuia are ceva special, care te face instantaneu sa canti Vooolare 😉

EN: 3. Grotta Palazzese, the famous cave restaurant

For the gourmets among you looking for an amazing dining experience you could try Grotta Palazzese. Hidden within the cliffs, the restaurant is openend since the 1700s and has a spectacular terrace overlooking the Adriatic Sea. But is not for those on budget, so I had an octopus burger at a seafood restaurant Pescaria.

RO: 3. Grotta Palazzese, faimosul restaurant in grota 

Pentru cei gurnamzi, in cautarea unei experiente unice puteti incerca Grotta Palazzese. Ascuns intre stanci, restaurantul este deschis din anii 1700 si are o terasa senzationala cu vedere unica spre marea Adriatica. Dar nu este pentru cei care calatoresc low cost, asa ca eu am ales un burger cu caracatita la un restaurant cu fructe de mare, Pescaria.

EN: 4. Centro Storico Polignano a Mare

Stunningly beautiful, just stroll and explore the streets, walls, doors and windows of Polignano’s centro storico, they are pure poetry.

RO: 4. Centrul istoric Polignano a Mare

Uluitor si cuceritor. Trebuie doar sa te plimbi, sa descoperi stradutele, peretii, fiecare usa si fereastra din centrul vechi, sunt pura poezie.

Go discover the world! Kisses, Migdelia.

#Travel post – Bari, Italy, thank you for you!

EN: My Facebook reminded me that in 2014 I was in Bari, Italy. Since then I’ve been one more time in 2018, and I’m sure that I will travel there again in the near future…. maybe this year. That’s how much I loved it!

So, if you are planning a little escape in Italy, do consider Bari, you won’t regret it. Besides that amazing food, landscapes, and history, you will meet amazing and friendly people.

RO: Facebook mi-a amintit ca in 2014 eram in Bari, Italia. De atunci, am mai fost in 2018 si sunt convinsa ca voi ajunge din nou in viitorul apropiat… poate chiar anul acesta. M-a cucerit!

Asa ca, daca iti planuiesti o mica escapada, ia in considerare Bari si nu vei regreta. Pe langa mancarea delicioasa, peisaje frumoase si multa istorie, vei cunoaste oameni minunati.

EN: How to get to Bari from Bucharest?

Bari is a port city on the Adriatic Sea, the second largest city of Southern Italy and the capital of Apulia (or Puglia) region.  From Bucharest you have direct flights, low cost (ie. Wizzair) or business/first class.

Once you landed at Bari Karol Wojtyla International Airport you have direct bus to the central station in Bari, Stazione Bari Centrale (ticket 4 euro). From the central station you are at a 15 – 20 min walking distance from many accommodation options, look on Booking.com. I recommend this area because you will be very close to the main areas you can visit, like the gorgeous Old Town, some of the best beaches or the port.

RO: Cum ajungi din Bucuresti in Bari?

Bari este un oras-port la Marea Adriatica, al doilea cel mai mare oras din Sudul Italiei si capitala regiunii Apulia (sau Puglia). Din Bucuresti ai zboruri directe, low cost (ex. Wizzair) sau business/first class.

O data ce ai aterizat pe aeroportul international Bari Karol Wojtyla ai la dispozitie autobuz pana la gara centrala din Bari, Stazione Bari Centrale (bilet 4 euro). De la gara, la distanta de 15 – 20 de minute de mers pe jos ai multe optiuni pentru cazare, cauta pe Booking.com. Iti recomand sa alegi aceasta zona, pentru ca esti foarte aproape de principalele obiective turistice, precum minunatul oras vechi, plaje si portul.

EN: What to visit in Bari?

Bari Vecchio, the amazing Old Town will give you the feeling of stepping back in time and wander through the old amazing streets. It is a labyrinth of twisting alleys, cobbled streets with small stores and piazzas. Within the thick stone walls you’ll find churches, a cathedral and the Basilica di San Nicola, a centerpiece of Bari Vecchio.

RO: Ce poti vizita in Bari?

Bari Vecchio, centrul vechi al orasului iti da senzatia ca ai calatorit in trecut si te plimbi pe vechile strazi, asa cum erau de demult. Intri intr-un labirint cu alei stramte, pietruite, cu mici magazine si pizzerii. Printre stradutele inguste vei descoperi bisericute, o catedrala si Basilica di San Nicola, una dintre piesele centrale ale Bari Vecchio.

EN: Have a cappuccino in Piazza del Ferrarese, one of the access points to the Old Town with a view to the port, or maybe have a delicouse ice cream in Piazza Mercantile, whose abundant cafes and restaurants are popular local meeting places.

RO: Stai la un cappuccino in Piazza del Ferrarese, una dintre zonele de acces in orasul vechi cu vedere la port sau rasfata-te cu o inghetata in Piazza Mercantile, care abunda de cafenele si restaurante, locul in care localnicii si nu numai isi dau intalnire.

EN: Go look for a prince or princess in Svevo Castle, an important landmark of the historic center, you can find there a small museum and changing special exhibits.

RO: Poti cauta un print sau o printesa in Svevo Castle, un punct important din centrul istoric, in incinta caruia vei descoperi un micut muzeu si expozitii speciale.

EN: Walk along the Lungomare, the seaside promenade between the walls of the Old Town and the sea. It’s a good place to stroll in the evening and see the sunset.

RO: Iesi la plimbare de-a lungul Lungomare, zona de promenada intre peretii orasului vechi si mare. Un loc deosebit in care te poti plimba seara pentru a prinde apusul.

EN: The Old Town is still very much lived in, so you can have a sneak pick inside the windows to have a glance of people lifes. In front of the windows you can often see orecchiette – Pugliese pasta shaped like small ears. But, if we talk about food, you have to try buratta, a fresh cow milk cheese made from mozzarella and cream. You can find the best at La Uascezze 😉

For those of you looking for shopping you can find all the major brands in the modern area of the city, called “quarters”. It is right before entering the old city, you can not miss it.

RO: Orasul vechi este inca plin de viata si locuit, ai posibilitatea de a trage cu ochiul in casele localnicilor. In fata ferestrelor vei vedea adesea tavi cu orecchiette – paste puglieze in forma de ureche. Dar, daca am adus vorba despre mancare, trebuie sa incerci buratta, o branza proaspata din lapte de vaca facuta din mozzarella si smantana. Cea mai buna o gasesti la La Uascezze 😉

Pentru cei pasionati de shopping, aveti toate brandurile mari in partea moderna a orasului, numita “quarters”. Treci prin aceasta zona chiar inainte de a intra in orasul veche.

EN: HINT – Get a tour with bikes: it will take you through the streets of the Old Town and into local neighborhoods that tourists rarely see. Along with visiting the major sights, you will have different stops to taste local goodies as you learn more about Bari’s history and culture. I recommend Velo Service you will find them near Piazza Mercantile

RO: PONT – Ia-ti un tur cu bicicleta: te vei plimba pe stradutele din centru vechi si in cartiere in care turistii nu ajung in mod obisnuit. Pe langa vizitatul celor mai importante atractii, vei avea diverse opriri in care vei putea degusta bunatati locale, pe masura ce vei invata mai multe despre istoria si cultura din Bari. Recomand Velo Service , aproape de Piazza Mercantile.

Kisses and please go discover the world!