I always learn a lot when traveling. I love to read about the city´s or country´s history and development. This gives me a lot of information about the place I am in. It is like an addiction to me learning something new about the places and I save most of the information in my head forever being able to tell about when talking to someone or showing photos to someone. Last year I visited several cities and countries. I list my three favorite places trying to inspire you to go there as well or for just learning something new 😉
1.) Malta
Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world. The island in the Mediterranean Sea inhabits only approx. 400,000 people. Malta joined the EU in 2004 and once was a British colony but became independent in 1964. The small island is beautiful and definitely worth a visit. There is so much history to learn about and beautiful cities and buildings to explore. The vacation with my boyfriend in March 2016 was my most favorite one last year. The hotel in Mellieha was beautiful and we a view across the ocean. We already had around 15 to 20 degree at this time and the sun was shining the whole week we spent there. I am still impressed by the beauty of this island. The capital Valletta, the former capital Mdina, Mellieha or the neighboring island Gozo are only a few places I felt in love with. Especially in Valetta I felt I learned so much about the cities development and history. My knowledge grew when visiting the top sights, churches or museums. The city was European Capital of Culture in 2012 and will be European Capital of Culture in 2018. That is why there was so much rebuilding and renewal was going on. I would love to go back to Malta in 2018 to see how the country has developed further due to being the European Capital of Culture in 2018. Check out the photos underneath to see what I liked the most.
Valletta Upper Baracca Gardens
2.) Italy
At the end of September 2016 I have been to Cesenatico in Italy down the Adriatic Sea. The small city is famous for its Porto Canale (port) and the Marina Museum. Even Leonardo da Vinci drawed this place due its beauty. The city is not far away from Rimini or Cervia. My boyfriend and I had a beautiful week full of sun and warm days. We had our bikes and the car with us to be independent from public transport. We travelled to several places: Ancona, Bologna, Rimini and San Marino. I loved San Marino (Republic of San Marino) the most. Although it is in the middle of Italy it is independent and has the smallest population of all the members of the EU. It is the oldest republic in the world. San Marino has survived, attacks by other city-states, the Napoleonic Wars, the unification of Italy, and two world wars. Especially when I think about how many cities have been destroyed extremely during the second World War I was impressed how San Marino survived all of this terrible time. The three different towers from which you have a beautiful view all over the city are an essential part that should be visited. But also the town hall and several war memorials are worth to see. I also attached some photos for you to see how lovely these places are:
3.) Hamburg
I am a huge football fan of my favourite German team Hamburg (HSV). I am a fan since 10 years now and have been to the stadium both for home and away games quite often. The match on Valentine´s Day 2016 was one of my favourites: it was the first one I visited with my boyfriend and Hamburg won (3:2) after a long time being defeated by teams who have been better. Hamburg is my favourite German city and I always like to go there. Before we went to the stadium we spent a very nice day in the city centre walking around the most famous sights of the city. On Valentine´s Day there was a special in the stadium: Dino Hermann, the mascot of the HSV, distributed roses to some of the fans. The match between Hamburg and Mönchengladbach was very intense and exciting and one of the best matches I have ever seen. My boyfriend who was not interested in football before has been affected by the whole situation in the stadium that he became a fan of the HSV as well. Now we also share the same passion for football.
sept_3 026-1vmnxf3 (Here you can see how Lotto King Karl – a singer from Hamburg – sings the official HSV anthem)