Svetlana

Rome has long been on my list of cities that I really wanted to see, but before the trip I was a little worried.: how do you even manage to see Rome in three days and not turn the trip into a marathon with a pedometer? There are so many attractions here that you can create a route for several weeks and still find something new every day. Therefore, I decided not to try to embrace the immensity, but to choose the most interesting places and build a route so that there was time between them to just walk along the streets, drink coffee and sometimes sit shamelessly in the square, watching people. I must say right away that three days is not much for Rome, but it is quite enough for a first acquaintance if you plan the route in advance. I tried to combine places that are close to each other, so as not to spend half the trip on public transport and not look for legs all over the city in the evening. As a result, I had three rather eventful days, after which I realized that Rome could either be viewed, photographed, or eaten – I couldn't physically do all this at the same time. Day One: Colosseum, Roman Forum and the atmosphere of Ancient Rome I decided to start the first day with the most obvious place, the Colosseum . It seems to me that coming to Rome and not seeing it would be about as strange as coming to Paris and pretending that you are not interested in the Eiffel Tower at all. When I first saw the Colosseum live, it turned out to be much more impressive than in photographs, especially when you realize how many events have happened here over the centuries. Nearby is The Roman Forum , so I immediately included it in the itinerary. You can't just quickly check the list of attractions here: you want to look at the ruins, columns, old roads and try to imagine what this area looked like two thousand years ago. However, after a while I realized that my brain had stopped distinguishing one ancient column from another, and my legs began to hint quite transparently that it was time to sit down. After the forum, I went to the Palatine , which offers beautiful views of the ancient part of Rome. It was here that I first felt that the city cannot be perceived only as a set of individual attractions, because history is literally underfoot, around houses and even in the middle of ordinary streets. However, I took so many photos that in the evening I had to free up my phone's memory, deleting some old screenshots that for some reason I had carefully stored for the last two years. After such a walk, it was time to slow down a little and go to lunch. I didn't specifically look for a restaurant with a lot of reviews on the Internet, but just turned onto a small street and chose a place where locals and several tourists were sitting. I ordered pasta, coffee, and dessert, and then I sat for another twenty minutes and watched people pass by, because in Rome, even an ordinary lunch somehow turns into part of a trip. In the evening, I went for a walk in Piazza Venezia and looked at the monument to Victor Emmanuel II. After that, you can just walk wherever your eyes look, because in the center of Rome it is almost impossible to walk several blocks without bumping into a beautiful building, fountain, small church or square that you want to photograph. It was these aimless walks that eventually turned out to be one of my favorite moments of the trip. Day Two: The Vatican, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain I decided to dedicate the second day to the Vatican, so in the morning I went to St. Peter's Cathedral . Even if you're not particularly interested in architecture or art, it's worth coming here at least for the sheer scale of this place, because the photos don't convey the feeling of standing inside and trying to look at everything around you. After the cathedral, I went to The Vatican Museums , where, of course, I quickly realized that it was impossible to see absolutely everything in one visit. There are so many halls, paintings, sculptures, and details that after a while I was just following the stream of people and hoping that I hadn't missed anything particularly important. But The Sistine Chapel really became one of those places that I remembered for a long time, although I couldn't take pictures there, so I had to remember it with my eyes. After the Vatican, I decided to walk a little towards the center. On the way, I stopped for coffee and suddenly discovered that in Rome, even an ordinary cup of espresso can become a separate event, especially if you drink it at a small bar where people come in for a few minutes, greet the barista and disappear back into the city. As a real tourist, I sat the longest and tried to understand why locals drink coffee in two minutes, but it took me almost half an hour. The next stop was The Pantheon . It looks very impressive from the outside, but it is especially interesting to go inside and look at the huge dome with a round hole in the center through which daylight enters. At that moment, I finally realized that in Rome, you can just raise your head and get a little historical shock again. After the Pantheon, I went to Piazza Navona . Here you can relax a little, sit by the fountain and just watch the life of the square, which remains quite lively even in the evening. I especially liked that after a busy first half of the day there is no need to rush anywhere, you can just walk along the neighboring streets and gradually move to the next point. And the next point was, of course, the Trevi Fountain . I got there in the evening, and even though there were a lot of people, the atmosphere was still incredible: the lighting, the sound of water, the old buildings around, and a huge number of people trying to take the same photo at the same time. I was no exception either, and for a while I tried to capture the moment when there would be at least five seconds without someone's head in the frame. Before returning to the hotel, I made sure to throw a coin into the fountain. I don't know if it really works, but I didn't take any chances – in case Rome decides that I haven't formulated my wish well enough, and there won't be a second trip. Day three: Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese and Trastevere I decided to make the third day a little calmer, because after the first two days my legs had officially stopped supporting the idea of a cultural marathon. In the morning, I went to the Spanish Steps , which turned out to be exactly as I imagined it from the photos, only there were significantly more people around. Of course, it wasn't possible to sit on the steps, but there are many beautiful streets, shops and cafes nearby, so the walk turned out to be very pleasant. Then I headed towards Villa Borghese . After the dense urban development, the huge green park has become a real salvation, because here you can finally exhale a little, hide from the noise and just walk among the trees. If you still have the strength and desire to see art, you can visit the Borghese Gallery, but it is better to plan tickets there in advance. After the park, I headed towards the center again and decided not to build too strict a route. At some point, I just turned onto a small street, saw a nice cafe, had coffee with dessert, and realized that it was for the sake of such moments that I generally like to travel on my own. When you don't have a tour group that leaves for the next attraction in three minutes, you can sit quietly and look at the city for as long as you want. I left it for dessert last night. Trastevere . This area with its narrow streets, ancient houses, small squares and cozy restaurants seemed to me to be one of the most atmospheric places in Rome, especially when it starts to get dark and the lanterns come on. Here I completely stopped looking at the clock and just walked around, went into small shops, looked at the windows and chose a place for the last Roman dinner. Of course, I couldn't leave without pasta and tiramisu. I told myself that this would be the last dinner, and therefore I could relax a little with a budget, but then I discovered that in Rome the word "a little" has its own meaning, completely separate from mathematics. However, I didn't regret it, because after dinner I walked through the evening streets for a long time and thought that three days had passed much faster than I would have liked. How much time does it take to visit the main attractions? If you're only going to Rome for three days, I wouldn't try to schedule every hour by the minute, because the city is completely unsuitable for this approach. It is better to choose several main places for each day in advance, and leave free time between them so that you can safely eat, drink coffee, go to the store or just turn off the route. Otherwise, there is a risk of returning home with a huge number of photos and the feeling that you have hardly seen Rome itself. At the same time, it is better to plan some popular places in advance, especially if the trip falls during the high season. I would check the time of visiting the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery separately, and leave the rest of the walks more free. This is especially convenient in Rome, because there are always small squares, churches, fountains and streets between the main attractions, which did not exist at all in your original plan. What did you manage to see in three days? During these three days, I managed to see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Palatine, the Vatican, St. Peter's Cathedral, the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese and Trastevere. At the same time, I managed to leave enough time for the usual walks, coffee, pasta, ice cream and those very random turns, thanks to which the journey ceases to be just a list of attractions. Of course, it's impossible to get to know Rome completely in three days, and I didn't even try. This city generally seems like one that needs to be viewed gradually: today there are ancient ruins, tomorrow there is a small street, the day after tomorrow there is a random coffee shop that you did not plan to visit at all. And that's probably why, after three days, I didn't feel like I'd ticked off Rome, but on the contrary, I left with the feeling that now I just needed to come back someday. The most difficult thing in Rome was not even to make a route and not to figure out the transport, but to force yourself to stop in the evening and go to the hotel. Because every time it seemed: well, one more street, one more fountain, one more turn – and there will definitely be something beautiful. As a result, I walked so many kilometers in three days that my phone thought I was preparing for the Olympics, and I was finally convinced.: Rome is best viewed in comfortable shoes, with a good appetite and with plenty of free time.

I've wanted to go to Barcelona for a long time, but before the trip, I was most interested in one question: how much money do I really need for a week?I found completely different figures on the Internet – someone promised to meet almost a penny, and someone talked about such expenses, as if he was going not to Barcelona, but to buy an apartment with a sea view there. I wanted to find a middle ground: travel normally, eat delicious food, visit interesting places and at the same time not check the card balance after each glass of sangria. That's why I decided to plan my budget at home. I must say right away: I did not set myself the task of traveling as cheaply as possible, because then I would have to look at the Sagrada Familia through the bus window and eat only sandwiches from the supermarket. I wanted to save money for the small pleasures that make the trip real: coffee in the morning, a nice dinner, ice cream during a walk, and some completely unnecessary souvenir that would remind me at home that I again don't know how to pass by tourist shops. Flight is the first item of expenditure I started looking for tickets in advance and first opened several websites at the same time. Ten minutes later, I already had so many tabs that I no longer understood where exactly I found a good option, and where I just looked at the ticket for a completely obscene amount. As a result, I chose a flight that was suitable for the price and immediately wrote it into the budget, so that later there would be no feeling that Barcelona began with a financial crime. I have invested a small amount for the flight. Of course, the price strongly depends on dates, baggage, and how much to buy tickets in advance, so it's better to count this part of the budget separately and not focus on one specific amount. Housing – I had to think a little bit here It was more interesting with an apartment or a hotel. I didn't want to live somewhere on the edge of the city, so that I could spend half my time and energy on the road every evening, but I didn't want to overpay just for a beautiful photo of a balcony. That's why I looked not only at the price, but also at the location, transportation, reviews, and distance to the main places I was going to visit. As a result, I got about 3,000 euros for seven nights. And here I finally realized one simple thing: sometimes a slightly more expensive apartment turns out to be more profitable if, thanks to its location, you can walk most of the week and not spend money on transportation. Food is the very point where my budget started to get nervous. At first, I wanted to put a very modest amount on the food, but then I remembered that I wasn't actually going to Barcelona to eat oatmeal in the room. In the morning there was coffee and something small, in the afternoon I could have a snack in a cafe or grab something at the market, and in the evening I already wanted to have a good dinner and try the local cuisine. On average, I spent about 500 euros a day, although some days turned out to be cheaper, and some suddenly turned into a gastronomic holiday. The most dangerous phrase was "let's just have coffee," because after coffee there was usually a croissant, dessert, ice cream, and sometimes even dinner, which was not included in the original plan at all. Transport I decided not to complicate my life with transportation and looked in advance at which option would be more convenient for the week. In Barcelona, it is quite realistic to walk some of the routes, especially if you want not just to get from point A to point B, but to explore the city on the way. I spent about 40 euros per week on the metro and other public transport. Sometimes I walked on purpose, even if the navigator showed a rather impressive distance, because it is during such walks that you can accidentally find a small square, a beautiful house or a cafe that was not on my route at all. Museums, attractions, and small desires This is where I decided not to skimp on everything. If I came to Barcelona, I wanted to see its famous places not only in photographs, so I allocated a separate amount in advance for entrance tickets and excursions. I spent about 300 euros on the sights. Moreover, I planned part of the expenses in advance, and part appeared already on the spot according to the principle "when will I be here again?", which is a real enemy of any tourist budget. And, of course, shopping I honestly wasn't going to buy anything special. I had a very beautiful plan: to come, see the city, take photos and return home with the same amount of money that I left with. The plan lasted until about the first pretty shop. As a result, I left about 150 euros for souvenirs and small purchases. Nothing grandiose, but it's these little things that lie at home and suddenly bring you back on a journey, even after a few months. How much did my week in Barcelona cost in the end If you add up the flight, accommodation, food, transportation, attractions and small purchases, my budget for the week turned out to be about 3,000 euros per person. At the same time, I didn't try to live as economically as possible, but I also didn't allow myself to have dinner every night in a restaurant overlooking the sea just for the sake of a beautiful photo. The most important thing is that I have determined in advance the amount that I am ready to spend, and I have left a small reserve for unforeseen expenses. And this decision turned out to be very useful, because there is always something completely unexpected when traveling: a lost ticket, a sudden taxi, rain, which makes you have to buy an umbrella, or the dessert that you "just wanted to try." As a result, I realized that a week in Barcelona is quite possible to organize for a different budget. You can significantly save on housing, eat easier, walk more and choose free entertainment, or you can add restaurants, excursions and beautiful places – and the amount will grow quite quickly. For me, the ideal option turned out to be when I knew my financial limit, but at the same time I did not feel like a person who came to Spain solely to count euros. And do you know what the best part is? At the end of the week, I looked at my expenses and realized that Barcelona hadn't ruined me. But she left behind photos, the smell of coffee in the morning, evening walks, several completely unnecessary purchases, and a very persistent desire to come back one day and tell herself again.: "This time I'm definitely going to save money."

The thought that Thailand is always warm bothered me. I knew that sooner or later I would go to this country. My dream came true, but the expectations were not met the first time. Before the trip, I knew that the sea was warming up to +27 °C and above, and it seemed to me that the rest was not important. I am sharing tips after 3 trips to Tai that I would like to read before the trip. The first thing that greets you is the heat I like walking in the clouds while flying on an airplane. I felt comfortable, but there was no trace of comfort on the streets of Bangkok. Literally 5 minutes later, I was sweating profusely and felt like a wet dumpling. The hair has become unrealistically porous. Moreover, according to the forecast it was only about +32, but in fact +39. "So what," I thought at first. "We have such temperatures in summer too, even more." No. It doesn't happen, because here you come out of an air-conditioned room and immediately get the feeling that someone has covered you with an incredibly warm blanket. Comfortable clothes are not a recommendation, but practically a matter of survival. And you don't have to take half of your wardrobe with you "just in case." In Thailand, you'll still wear about the same thing: a light T-shirt or a white shirt, shorts, comfortable shoes, and something that you can quickly throw on at the temple. Because temples are a separate story. You can't come to a temple like you can to a beach I knew that, of course. I found out almost immediately that my shorts and T-shirt are great for breakfast, walking, and even boat trips, but they are completely unsuitable for some temples. And here I am standing at the entrance, looking at the sign, looking at myself, the sign is looking at me. We both understand that it's better to have a light shirt or cape in your backpack before traveling. And clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, especially if you're going to visit temples. You also often need to take off your shoes before entering. By the way, this is very convenient until you discover that you have arrived in Thailand in shoes that cannot be removed quickly. You stand like this in front of the temple, unlace it, while a small queue of people forms behind you, who have already managed to take off their shoes in order to gain enlightenment and, it seems, start a new life. Don't try to eat all Thai on the first day. This is where I showed real courage. I saw a small outdoor cafe, it smelled like something incredible. I'm asking: "Is it spicy?" They answered me: – No (No spicy). I believed it, and that was my first mistake, because "not spicy" in Thailand is a very philosophical concept. After 5 minutes, I was sitting with a red face, trying to smile and pretend that everything was fine with me. I washed everything down with water, which, of course, did not help at all. But then I realized the main thing: if you don't eat spicy food, talk about it several times and as convincingly as possible. And it's better to learn the phrase mai phet – "not sharp." Although you know, sometimes even after that you can still have a pepper. Water is always with you. Not "if you get thirsty," but always. You can leave the hotel for 10 minutes and come back looking like you just ran a marathon. A bottle of water in a backpack quickly becomes the main travel accessory. Also, I wouldn't experiment with tap water. It's easier to buy bottled water for drinking. But the shops here are a separate joy. Especially the 7-Eleven. If this is your first time in Thailand and you still don't know what to do in the evening, just go to the nearest 7-Eleven. I'm serious. Sometimes it seems that any life problem can be solved there. Except, perhaps, the problem of "where did the money go after two days in Bangkok". It's better not to argue with a taxi In Bangkok, I first tried to deal with taxis as if they were negotiations at an international summit. –How much?" - 500 baht. – No, it's expensive. – 400. — no. – 300. - OK. And then, after driving for a couple of minutes, I realized that it was possible to call a car through the app and not participate in this performance at all. So install the taxi app in advance and use it whenever it's more convenient. And if you take a regular taxi, make sure that the driver turns on the meter, if this is provided for the trip. And don't be surprised by traffic jams, believe me, Bangkok knows how to stand. Very beautiful and very long. Sometimes you sit in the car, look at the skyscrapers, listen to the air conditioner and think, "Well, at least I'm not late." But no, then you remember that you have a tour in 20 minutes. At such moments, I begin to involuntarily philosophize about life. And then the sea appears And this is where Thailand finally captivates. After Bangkok, you arrive on an island or by the sea, go outside in the morning and realize why you came all this way in the first place. The sea, palm trees, boats, the smell of fruits, warm air. It seems like you were going to get up early and go out, and then you sit on the terrace with coffee. You look at the sea and decide: "I'm not going anywhere today. I've been traveling enough." After an hour, you go anyway, because Thailand is too beautiful to stay in a hotel. But don't try to see the whole of Thailand in one trip. This is probably my main conclusion after the first trip. Bangkok is one mood, Phuket is another, Koh Samui is a third, the north of the country is generally a separate story. And if you try to cram all this into one week, you won't get a trip, but a suitcase packing competition. Today is the temple. Tomorrow is the island. Flight the day after tomorrow. Then the suitcase again. Then the transfer. Then you sit on the beach and don't remember where you are at all. It's better to choose a few places and leave some time just to live. Because the most interesting thing in Thailand often happens not when you go to point number 7 of your route, but when you take a wrong turn. And one last thing Don't expect Thailand to look like a postcard every minute. It will be hot, there will be traffic jams, strange smells. Be prepared to encounter insects that look like they have undergone military training. There will be food that you will not be able to identify even after explaining, there will be rain that starts suddenly and ends just as suddenly. And there will definitely come a moment when you just stop in the middle of the street, look around and think.: "Wow. I'm really in Thailand." It's worth going on a trip for this moment. The first trip to Thailand is not so much about the ideal route, but about how you first try to control everything, and then gradually realize that it is much more pleasant to just live here according to circumstances.