As I am writing this post it is February 2022 and Russia is invading Ukraine.
Lately, I haven’t felt inspired to write about anything. I’m so crushed by what is happening and the potential fate of a country I love so dearly.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have traveled to Ukraine just months before the invasion.
What I didn’t know at the time is this would be the last glimpse of normality for Ukraine, the country would never be the same.
During my weeks in Ukraine, I remember noticing how prideful Ukrainians were. They had a heavy past, and they knew it. But they were proud of their scars and they weren’t going to let anyone take them away.
I have faith that Ukraine will fight and defend their beautiful country with everything they have.
To show that I #standwithUkraine here are 46 photos of Ukraine that will make you fall in love with it.
Lviv, Ukraine. Rynok Market Square.
St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery
Independence Square – Kyiv
Podil Neighborhood – Kyiv Ukraine
Armenian Quarter – Lviv
Lviv Armenian Quarter
Outside St Sophia Cathedral Bell Tower in Kyiv UkrainePripyat Ukraine
Pripyat
Chernobyl
Kyiv post in Kyiv Ukraine
Armenian Quarter Lviv
Kyiv
Lviv
St Andrews Church in Kyiv
Lviv
Swan Lake at the National Opera of Ukraine in Kyiv,
Lviv
Lviv
Andriyivskyy Descent in Kyiv
St. Michael’s Monastery – Kyiv
Lviv Opera House
Outdoor Bookshop in Lviv
Lviv
Lviv
National Opera of Ukraine – Kyiv
Street art in Kyiv
St Sophia Cathedral Kyiv
Lviv
Podil
Armenian Quarter Lviv
Lviv Cofee Manufacturer
Lviv
Podil
Kyiv City Center
Lviv
St Andrews-Church Kyiv
Lviv
Outside St Sophia Cathedral
Podolsky Church of Intercession Kyiv
Lviv Market Square
Lviv Armenian Quarter
Awaiting the Aftermath
After Ukraine kicks Russia’s butt, I hope these photos will inspire you to visit Ukraine (especially because Ukraine’s economy will need to bounce back from this!)
This post is all about things to do in Goreme Cappadocia Turkey.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
Planning a trip to Goreme?
Prepare to experience the most magical place in the world. Imagine waking up every morning to a rooftop breakfast buffet and bright colorful hot air balloons soaring across the sky.
Friendly dogs roam around town as they please, in and out of stores and restaurants for their daily food allowance.
Booth workers holler and sing jingles to sell you a bit of Turkish ice cream.
This is Goreme. A town that would seem only to exist in a fairy tale or Disney movie, thrives in central Turkey.
When I was planning my trip to Goreme, I was quite surprised by how few travel guides existed. I found myself scouring the internet for things to do in Goreme that were beyond the obvious.
Here are 15 Cappadocia things to do in Goreme that you can’t leave without doing.
1. Sit on a Hotel Rooftop
While it might be difficult to wake up early as you’re sleeping deeply in your cave room, watching the hot air balloons take off on your hotel rooftop as you eat a lavish breakfast is the best way to start your mornings in Goreme.
Most of the boutique hotels in Goreme have elaborately decorated rooftops that offer stunning views of Goreme, with or without the balloons!
2. Sleep in a Cave Hotel
Cave hotels in Cappadocia totally live up to the hype. You’ll sleep like a baby! Not to mention they are beautiful and offer a truly unique hotel experience.
Just a short walk or drive from the center of Goreme is the Rose Valley hike. It’s a perfect half-day hike to explore the depths of Cappadocia’s unique landscape and fairy chimneys.
4. Go Inside a Rug Shop
You may have seen the iconic photos on Instagram of the interior of rug shops in Turkey. As you walk inside your eyes are greeted with vibrant colors of rugs all throughout the store.
Just so you know, most shop owners nowadays require you to pay to take photos inside.
5. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
Obviously, this is THE thing to do in Cappadocia!
I was afraid the balloon rides would be too touristy for my taste, but I was so wrong. It was one of the coolest moments to experience and it was absolutely worth every penny.
I booked with Butterfly Balloons and had a spectacular experience. The exact balloon tour I booked is here.
Below you can find a list of the top 3 Hot Air Balloon Tours in Goreme. Butterfly, Royal, and Turquaz consistently provide the best balloon experiences.
6. Have a Drink At Organic Wine House
If you’re looking for a bit of “nightlife” check out Organic Wine House. It’s a sit-down chic bar with wood fires and wine tastings.
I was traveling during the off-season so there weren’t a lot of options for nightlife (it might be different in the summer). Organic Wine House was a nice chill spot for a late-night glass of wine.
7. Watch the Balloons Take Off
I know what you’re thinking.. “You want me to watch the balloons on a rooftop, ride in the balloons, and then watch them at their launch sight?” And the answer is YES!
The great thing about the balloons in Cappadocia is they simply don’t get old.
Unfortunately on your day of take-off, it can be tricky navigating how to watch the balloons launch. People will pay extra to be on first flights, and they are missing out because they miss the launch off (since they are already in the balloons).
The second flight is the way to go because you get to watch the balloons light up as they launch. Also, you will get spectacular photos.
8. Take a Turkish Bath
Formal bathing is a big part of Turkish culture. Schedule a traditional Hammam at Kelebek Hamam in Goreme or book a mud cave experience tour here.
9. Have Dinner At Pumpkin Restaurant
After eating at dozens of restaurants in my 1-week stay in Goreme, I can confirm that Pumpkin is the best restaurant in Cappadocia.
Even during the off-season, you won’t get in without a reservation.
The open-air museum in Goreme offers a look up close at the beautiful fairy chimneys and historic churches cut into the volcanic rocks.
The entrance fee is 100 Turkish Lira which is about $7 USD.
11. Have Coffee At Kings
I’m embarrassed to say that I went to Kings Coffee Shop every day during my time in Goreme.
The cozy atmosphere, specialty coffees, and delicious desserts made it impossible to stay away.
12. Play With ALL the Dogs!
Stray dogs are one of the worst parts of traveling. You see them, and you can’t really help, at least not long term.
Cappadocia is filled with dogs. They are literally everywhere! The nice thing is though, the stray dogs of Goreme are clearly taken care of.
They are all well-fed, the tourists play with them, and we even saw some that had recent signs of vet treatment. You might even see them sleeping inside a restaurant or cafe.
These puppies were not strays and belonged to the owners of my hotel, aren’t they adorable!?
13. Drink Tea
It’s impossible to leave Turkey without drinking tea. Typically after dinner, you’ll receive a complimentary cup of tea.
14. Walk Around Goreme
Goreme is small so you will likely walk around town a few times. It’s fun to go into the different shops or eat Turkish ice cream in the town center.
15. Eat Turkish Baklava
The Turks take baklava to a whole new level! Featuring grounded pistachios, Turkish Baklava is a must-try in Cappadocia.
After reading this list I hope you have some ideas of what you’d like to do during your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cappadocia.
For more Cappadocia travel tips, check out my TikTok or Instagram.
This post is all about the MOCAK Museum in Krakow.
MOCAK
MOCAK is the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow.
Opened in 2011, MOCAK prides itself on displaying pieces that have an emphasis on post-war avant-garde and conceptual art.
I know what you’re thinking.. Krakow is one of the most important and historical cities in Europe. Do you really want to spend your time in a contemporary art museum?
Honestly, YES! This was one of my favorite experiences in Krakow and I think it is well worth the visit.
The museum is right next to the Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory.
So, it makes the perfect day for exploring both the contemporary art museum and the Oskar Schindler factory.
Set aside about 2-3 hours to explore each museum.
Hours
Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 7 pm
Friday 11 am – 8 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm
Monday – closed
Address
Lipowa 4, 30-702 Kraków, Poland
Tickets
You can book your tickets in person or online here.
Art With an Edge on Humanity
What I really loved about the art at MOCAK is it seamlessly blended visual arts, the digital age, and feelings of humanity.
Along with the “digital art age” very much being a present theme, there was also a lot of focus on feminine art as well – specifically beauty of women aging.
MOCAK is Worth Your Time in Krakow
Overall I was engaged and inspired throughout my time in the MOCAK museum.
I appreciated the specific themes it strived to represent and the relevancy of connecting art with modern topics and the digital age.
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This post is all about things to do in Krakow Poland.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
Krakow is a step back in time.
With its rich history, preserved medieval architecture, and cobblestone streets, Krakow is undoubtedly one of the most majestic cities in Eastern Europe.
So much history in one city can make a first-time visit overwhelming. You want to indulge in everything Krakow has to offer, which is a lot!
Print your FREE Krakow Checklist so you don’t miss a thing.
Rynek Główny is the main square of Krakow and it’s hard to miss!
The beautiful architecture forming the square is mesmerizing. It’s also the perfect chance to see if any events are taking place, like the Krakow Christmas market.
2. St Mary’s Basilica
Located in the main square, St Mary’s Basilica is a stunning church with polish-gothic architecture.
3. Take a Free Walking Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter
Learn about the old Jewish Quarter by taking a free walking tour with Walkative.
This tour will take you all around the old Jewish quarter where you will learn about many historic synagogues, the former Jewish ghetto, and heroes square.
4. The Ghetto Heroes Square
Ghetto Heroes Square is a haunting and important site.
This is where you will find the Empty Chairs of Krakow memorial to remember those who left the Krakow ghetto and were never to return.
Also located in Heroes Square is the famous Eagle Pharmacy. The pharmacist is historically honored for hiding jews in the pharmacy who were marching from the ghetto to their death.
5. Tworzywo Coffee Shop
Tworzywo Coffee Shop is conveniently located in heroes square. Sit down and have a cup of coffee and cake in one of the cutest coffee shops in the former jewish quarter.
6. MOCAK Art Museum
MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow is truly one of the coolest modern art museums! I loved getting lost in all the creative exhibitions. Definitely prepare to spend a few hours here.
Colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Need I say more? Old town Krakow feels like a fairytale.
9. Take an Auschwitz Tour
A chilling experience back in time. While this tour is hard to stomach, I personally think it’s essential to educate ourselves on such a dark period of history.
I had a great experience with the Auschwitz guided tour I took, which you can find linked below.
10. Wawel Castle
The spectacular Wawel Castle was once the royal residence. It is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world.
11. Harris Piano Jazz Bar
If you’re looking for a night out with quality cocktails and live music, check out Harris Piano Jazz Bar. It’s located right in the middle of old town near the square.
12. Oskar Schindler Factory
If you’ve seen the movie (or even if you haven’t!) be sure to take a tour through the Oskar Schindler museum. Go at your own pace or book a guided tour (and skip the LONG line).
The museum is technically called the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków and focuses more on the city during the Nazi occupation. However since it was the real Oskar Schindler factory, it has included bits of him as well.
13. St. Florian’s Gate & Barbakan
What was once a fortified outpost connected to the walls of the city and surrounded by a moat is now a historic gateway into Old Town Krakow.
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Greg and Tom Beer House Hostel is in a prime location for exploring Krakow. Located right in the center of old town Krakow, it’s walking distance to everything you’ll want to do in the city.
The hostel can be found on Google Maps under the name of ‘Beer House’.
The exact address is Florianska 43, 31-09 Krakow, Poland.
Where to Book
Book your stay by clicking the button below or here on hostelworld.
Prices may vary according to season, but I paid about $18 USD a night for a 6-bed mixed dorm.
Additionally, they offer 4-bed, 10-bed, and 12-bed mixed dorms. Unfortunately, they don’t offer female-only dorms.
The price includes complimentary breakfast AND dinner. I definitely took advantage of the free meals, mostly because they were so delicious!
It was by far the best food I’ve ever had at a hostel.
Tour Add Ons
The hostel does offer a variety of tours you can book for your stay.
Some of the tours book up weeks in advance, especially the tour to Auschwitz. Be sure to communicate with the hostel when you want to book your tour.
The Auschwitz tours are around 160 PLN and include transportation, a professional guide, and entrance to the museum.
Zakopane toursinclude return bus ticket to Zakopane, thermal pools, and Morskie Oko.
The Hostel Pub Crawl costs 60 PLN and includes games, 1hour of unlimited drinks, welcome shots, and free entrance to various clubs.
You will also meet many good friends on the pub crawl, it’s a must-do!
The Vibes
Greg and Tom promote themselves as a party hostel and they even send you an email after booking to make sure you know what you’re signing up for.
I was thankful for their forwardness because I don’t typically book party hostels.
However, I was so surprised at how clean and tame they kept things around the hostel. A lot of the party happens outside of the hostel and I appreciated those boundaries. I had a great balance of party and good sleep!
Also, there is 24-hour reception in case you ever have any issues.
The vibes overall were amazing and I made so many good friends out at the pub crawl or even staying in to eat the hostel dinner. There are so many opportunities for socialization!
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Looking for stunning outfits for Mexico that’ll make you look like a beach goddess? Here are some super stylish and affordable ideas for perfect vacation outfits for Mexico.
`Planning your trip to Mexico?
If you’re heading to Tulum, check out my honest review of Coco Limited boutique hotel here.
Here are 17 beautiful outfits for Mexico that I’ve compiled from Pinterest and Amazon so you don’t have to!
1. Two Piece Jungle Wanderer
A two-piece printed maxi dress is a gorgeous look for Mexico. Dress it up for a fancy dinner or dress it down for a walk along the beach.
2. When Life Gives You Lemons.. You Go to Mexico!
Yellow is one of my favorite colors to wear to Mexico. I could totally see this yellow lemon printed dress in a colorful city like Oaxaca or Puerto Vallarta.
3. Off the Shoulder Beach Girl
This white off-the-shoulder maxi dress is perfect for your summer vacation. Pair it with a fun but practical set of sandals to match.
4. Boho Babe
Total Mamma Mia vibes! A bohemian look is always in style.
5. Elegant Beach Party Dress
How cute is this green teal and brown combo?
6. Pretty in Patterns
Again with this blue and brown combination, I can’t get enough of it! This strapless maxi dress will keep you cool in Mexico’s hot summer heat.
7. Sophisticated Vacationer
Have the influencer look without breaking the bank. This chic white set is everything!
8. Sunny Sweetheart
Look sweet in the sun with this cherry red ruffle set.
9. Light and Airy Ruffles
This ruffled romper is effortlessly stylish. Pair it with a dainty necklace or a beige pair of wedges.
10. The Comfy Explorer
Explore but keep it casual and comfy with these light and loose pants from Amazon. Style it with your favorite colored tank and a hat.
Why is it that hats instantly make an outfit look better!?
11. Classic White Summer Beach Dress
A white dress is a summer essential!
12. Yellow Mellow
Stand out amongst other vacationers in this bold and beautiful look. Don’t forget the bright yellow tassel earrings to really bring this Mexico-inspired look together.
13. Summer Angel
Cover up (but not too much!) with this pearly-white beach set. The sheer skirt makes a simple white bikini look high fashion.
14. The Adventurer
Whether you’re walking on the beach or exploring the Mayan ruins, this two-piece set will fit any occasion.
15. Livin’ la Vida Loca
A fun and sassy Mexico outfit with a classic spin. Perfect for nights at a beach bar!
16. Fine and Fancy
Look fine and fancy with this affordable beige set. I would totally wear this out to a nice dinner on the beach.
17. Daisy Blue
A sundress that can do it all. I love all the different colors and styles amazon has to offer with this dress.
