A lifestyle expat travel blog about culture, history, Brexit, the Royal Family, travels around the world, Europe, and being British in Berlin!
It’s August!
Is it that time of year already?
OMG!
Last week, I told you that I had plans for the Autumn.
Big plans!
And here they are!
Yep!
The British Berliner is going to Poland, Georgia & Ukraine!
Hurrah!
But
To the answer of the question that you’re not asking, but probably thinking,
What in the hell?
Prepare to read on!
Why?
Why not?
No seriously. Why not?
All the above countries are in Eastern Europe, have long magnificent histories, fascinating cultures, and a gastronomy that people say you have just got to try!
And the prices?
They’re cheap!
Cheap!
And cheap!
And Poland aside, I’ve not yet been to Georgia and Ukraine.
In fact, I’ve never been to the Caucasus!
Isn’t it about time?
Poland needs absolutely no introduction as I’ve written extensively about it many times before!
In fact, as far as Poland is concerned, I’m a bit of a notorious star!
And why pray?
Because of an article that I wrote all of five (5) years ago!
And the title of said piece: Going to Poland: 10 reasons not to go!
Haw! Haw!
Poland is one of my favourites places, but this time I’ll be travelling to Krakow or Cracow.
And I’ll be visiting Łódź for the very first time!
I’ve been to Krakow many times before, but The Tall Young Gentleman hasn’t.
Having said that, I’ve never been to Auschwitz!
We’ve only got a night in Krakow ‘cos I added it on as a means to get from A to B rather than as a destination, so it’s likely that we’ll do things as it comes!
You won’t believe this but when I travel solo or alone with our son, I never actual plan things until I get there!
The secret is out!
Oh, I definitely read all about where I want to go, how to get there, what it looks like via YouTube and read other people’s blogs, etc.
And I plan my transport and where I’m going to sleep.
Oh absolutely!
I merely don’t plan any activity stuff BEFORE I actually get there!
How so?
Because I like to talk to the locals and ask them, what’s best to do.
I also like walking tours and generally strolling around and getting a feel of the area and poking my nose in and out of people’s businesses. Hence, fishing with locals, eating with the locals, going out for drinks with locals, making cheese, and horse meat, just to mention a few!
Łódź is still a little up in the air but I’ll be staying at the Good Time Aparthotel in a deluxe studio that cost as little as €32.00 per night, and is located in a renovated 19th century tenement house that features historic elements, such as an original 19th century stairway!
I’ll also be in a unique neighbourhood of Łódź that is rich in history, architecture, food, bars and restaurants, which is livened up by the local people and local industrial art!
We’ll be travelling from Berlin throughout Poland, via FlixBus.
And.
Flying from Krakow in Poland to Lviv in Ukraine, via Ryanair!
Eek!
Georgia, otherwise known as the Republic of Georgia, is a country located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe!
Georgia is surrounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north by Russia, to the south by Turkey and Armenia, and to the south-east by Azerbaijan.
It covers a territory of 69,700 square kilometres or 26,911 sq. miles, and has a population of about roughly 3.7 million people.
The largest city, which also happens to be the capital city, is Tbilisi.
Most people have never heard of it!
In fact, when I first heard mention of Georgia, I thought it was Georgia – the American state – in the USA.
But it isn’t.
It’s Georgia.
A country in the Caucasus.
A country from the former USSR.
In Europe!
I’m going to Tbilisi!
I’ll be there as a guest of the city of Tbilisi.
In fact, I do believe that even though Tbilisi will never ever beat Berlin in terms of trend and fashion.
Ha! Ha! Ha!
No!!
Tbilisi is going to be the place to be in 2019/2020 ‘cos everyone I know is rushing there so you’d better get out there before the hordes come!
This trip will be a media visit and will showcase the best that Tbilisi has to offer.
I’ll be there for five (5) days in September and getting to grips with the fact that I’ll be in the historical city with links to the history of the Silk Road, trade, and a diverse mix of fascinating architecture coupled, with beautiful weather (I hope) and fabulous food!
It’s going to be awesome!
Ukraine, otherwise known as the Ukraine, Україна or Ukrayina, although not a member of the European Union, is a country in Eastern Europe.
Excluding Crimea, Ukraine has a population of about 42.5 million, making it the one of the most populous country in the world!
Its capital and largest city is Kiev.
You probably don’t much about Ukraine outside of the territorial dispute over the Crimean Peninsula which was seized by Russia!
I mean, it’s not as if we can see for ourselves.
p.s. WARNING! Please don’t travel to the Crimea as it’s extremely dangerous to do so! Here are some photographs instead!
However, including the territory of Crimea, Ukraine has an area of 603,628 km2 or 233,062 sq. miles, making it the largest country in Europe and the 46th largest country in the world!
The alphabet used in Ukraine is Cyrillic and the country’s official language is Ukrainian.
Doh!
Obviously!
Um.
Not really!
Depending on the region, quite a significant percentage of Ukrainians (almost 30%) speak Russian as their first / native language instead!
Gasp!
Funny you should ask because I hadn’t actually planned to travel to Ukraine initially!
I had only planned to travel to Poland!
But as I was going to be in Poland anyway and was looking for a new destination, I remembered that Ukraine was just around the corner so to speak, and added it in!
I’ve never been to Ukraine before so I decided to focus on just two cities:
Lviv. Or Lwów, Lvov or Lemberg!
And Kiev. Or Kyiv!
I’ll be visiting Lviv’s many historical, art and cultural institutions and exploring it’s Jewish past as well as the historical landmarks of Kiev.
I’m going there in October. Climate change is real so it might be snowing!
I’ll also be taking the Ukrainian train from Lviv to Kiev then flying home via LOT Polish Airlines!
I love trains.
I just don’t know if I can wait!
Wow!
p.s If you’re booking hotels, houses and apartments, use this link to save 15% or more, before 31st March, 2022!
Booking.comThis article is not sponsored, and the excitement of visiting Poland, Georgia & Ukraine, are my very own!
For travelling across Europe, or from Germany, please take a look at my country destination page and book your hotel here!
It’s August!
If you’re not in Berlin, you’re mad!
Watch this space!
DISCLOSURE!
Please note that The British Berliner is a participant in affiliate programmes designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to World Nomads Travel Insurance & Booking.com
In short, there are two affiliate link companies connected to this post!
Every time one of these services is used, booked, and paid for via my link, I get a little percentage, but at no extra cost to yourself!
A win-win for all!
Note! I never travel without insurance as you never know what might happen.
I learnt my lesson in Spain. And obviously, in countries like Qatar, where technically the risk is higher, I can’t imagine going that far beyond WITHOUT INSURANCE. No siree! You can get yours here, at World Nomads!
So what are you waiting for?
See you in Berlin.
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Since you’ve been visiting Poland for many years I suspect you may have already been to Lower Silesia region, but if not, I recommend e.g.:
– the region’s capital Wrocław/Breslau (which used to belong for several centuries to Germany). It is about 4h drive from Berlin (bus tickets are around €15 one way).
– Ksiaz Castle
– Sztolnie Walimskie (an underground system of tunnels built by Hitler)
– Table Mountains in Sudetes, right on the Polish-Czech border. You may also look up Skalne Miasto (Stone City) in Czechia. Those are relatively easy walk, no particular skill required – I was there on school trips in primary school.
And just since I’m on the mountain topic – have you heard of Bohemian Switzerland? Beautiful area bordering Saxon Switzerland in Germany.
Thanks very much Hanna!
Indeed, I haven’t yet been to Lower Silisia as I always venture further afield, but I’ll get there soon. 😀
p.s I’ve never heard of Bohemian Switzerland or Czech Switzerland and THAT, I’ll be very interested in as I adore mountains.
Thanks again!
It looks like a lot of fun, how did you spend it? I have a question… the hotel rooms that are expensive? and do you recommend a hostel for travel solo?
Thanks very much Jane!
I’ve just got back from Georgia and will be going to both Poland and Ukraine in October!
Nope! Hotels are very cheap. In fact, you don’t need a hostel in Eastern Europe unless you choose to be with other travellers. I was on a media trip for Georgia so was one of their top boutique hotels, so I’m not counting that!
For Poland and Ukraine, I’m travelling privately with my teenage son, and I’ve booked apartments with booking.com Yes, booking.com as I don’t like Airbnb!
The apartments that I booked have two bedrooms, are in the city centre and cost no more than €32.00 – €35.00 per day!
p.s. My link will get you 20% off from now until 31st October, 2019!
I always wanted to go to Ukraine! The weather and the history of this country it’s just amazing! I would love to go in winter, to enjoy the cold weather! Does it was expensive? What was your favorite part!
Thanks very much Alex!
I’m sure winter in Ukraine would be lovely! I’m in Ukraine right now and the temperatures are already quite low!
Is it expensive? Absolutely not. It’s cheap as chips!
What’s my favourite part? I’ll let you know! 🙂
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