Search Results for: vilnius

All Saints’ Night in Vilnius

For All Saints’ Day (1 November), which is something like the Christian version of Halloween, it is customary to visit the cemetery and leave flowers and candles behind for the deceased relatives and friends. The custom seems to be respected … Continue reading

Posted in Lithuania, Photography, Religion, Travel | Tagged | 21 Comments

Vilnius Cathedral at Night

Yesterday evening, I went for a walk around Vilnius and I was threefold lucky: I came past Vilnius Cathedral exactly at dusk, there were beautiful clouds, and I had my camera with me. Here is the result: I am not a … Continue reading

Posted in Lithuania, Photography, Travel | Tagged | 9 Comments

Finding a new home in Chemnitz

After years on the move, I decided to settle down for a few years.
For my abode, I chose Chemnitz, a totally underrated city which will be the European Capital of Culture in 2025. Here is a first look. Continue reading

Posted in Germany, Life, Photography, Travel | Tagged | 25 Comments

A Postcard from Trakai

Zur deutschen Fassung. I don’t remember exactly what year I moved to Lithuania. It must have been about ten years ago. But I do remember that it was on July 1st. Because in the same week, on July 6th, was … Continue reading

Posted in Lithuania, Photography | Tagged , | 8 Comments

Remembrance with Kebab: Babi Yar

I don’t know what exactly I expected when I went to the site of the largest mass shooting in the Holocaust, but this I didn’t expect. Continue reading

Posted in Germany, History, Holocaust, Photography, Travel, Ukraine, World War II | Tagged , | 17 Comments

Finding myself in Maugham

One and a half winters ago, on a cold day in Calgary, I found a treasure trove of books by the side of the road. I walked home, through ice and snow and wind, with three little gems by William … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Life, Travel | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Two Night Trains to the East

Zur deutschen Fassung dieses Artikels. I am calling them night trains on purpose, not sleeper trains, because when I booked the tickets, I couldn’t discern if there would be a bed, maybe even a shower, or with how many people … Continue reading

Posted in Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Travel, Ukraine | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

10 FAQ on Couchsurfing

You have heard me mention Couchsurfing in some of my articles, or even seen me looking for Couchsurfing hosts, ever more desperately as the trip comes nearer. “Why is he so crazy about couches? Why can’t he sleep in a … Continue reading

Posted in Travel | Tagged | 20 Comments

Most Travel Advice is Useless

The internet is full of questions about travel and, having visited or lived in 62 countries or so, I regularly receive many such questions myself: What is the best place to visit in Germany? When is a good time to … Continue reading

Posted in Life, Photography, Travel | 13 Comments

Stupid Maps (1) Bavarian Independence

On the occasion of the attempts by some people in Catalonia to become independent, The Guardian published this map under the headline Beyond Catalonia: pro-independence movements in Europe. This map makes it look as if all of Europe is about … Continue reading

Posted in Europe, Germany, Politics | Tagged , , | 6 Comments