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Friday, April 29, 2022

Croatia Travel一Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia. In 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, due to its outstanding and picturesque series of tufa lakes, caves, connected by waterfalls.[1]
The waters flowing over the limestone and chalk have, over thousands of years, deposited travertine barriers, creating natural dams which in turn have created a series of beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls. These geological processes continue today. The forests in the park are home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species.

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The below photos were taken on 04/29/2022一a sunny day (64H 37L).














The route that we have taken on that day: Entrance1 → Big Waterfall →
P3 一by boat→ P2 一by boat→ P1 → St2 一by tram→ St1 → Entrance1

References

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Wanderlust in Zagreb: Day Trips and Hidden Gems You Don't Want to Miss

Renowned as Croatia's political and cultural epicenter, Zagreb⭐⭐, the country's capital, pulsates with an alluring dynamism. Long favored by tourists, it showcases some of Croatia's most esteemed (and quirky) museums, all complemented by a flourishing scene of shopping, dining, and captivating cafés.

Zagreb is a walker's paradise, with most key attractions concentrated in the city center. This center comprises two distinct sections: Gornji Grad, the Upper Town, perched on a plateau and housing the cathedral and parliament, and Donji Grad, the Lower Town, a more modern district renowned for its world-class museums, including the Croatian National Theatre.

Trg Bana Jelacica, the city's central square where the Upper and Lower Towns converge, serves as a perfect starting point for your Zagreb explorations. Here, you'll discover the vibrant Tkalciceva Street, lined with inviting sidewalk cafes, delectable restaurants, and charming boutique shops. Zagreb's museum scene is truly remarkable, offering a treasure trove of unique experiences for any aficionado.

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On April 28, 2022, under a clear sky (66°F high, 47°F low), these photographs were taken.



Uspinjača (Funicular) - Donji grad (Upper Town)
Ban Josip Jelačić Statue in Trg bana Josipa Jelačića

Dolac Market一the largest farmers market of Croatia

View of the Zagreb Cathedral from Bistro Dolac
 
Bosnian Finger Sausages named Cevapi which is considered a national dish of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia

 
 
St. Mark's Church in St. Mark's Square

Zagreb Cathedral which had been damaged during the 03/23/2020 earthquake (one of the 108m-tall spires tumbled and can be seen on the left side of the photo)

Nikola Tesla who came up with the alternative current and is one of Elon Musk's role models

References

  1. 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Zagreb
  2. Croatia—Game of Thrones, gourmet food and divine beaches
  3. Croatia islands: the 15 best
    • Krk,Hvar, Dugi Otok, Brač, Vis, Rab, Korčula, Šipan, Mljet, Obonjan, Kornati islands, Lošinj, Sveti Klement, Pag, Veliki Brijun

Monday, April 25, 2022

Golden Danube Dreams: Exploring the Hungarian Parliament after Dusk

The Hungarian Parliament Building glows along the Danube River at night

The Danube ⭐⭐unfurls like a shimmering ribbon woven with the city's lights, its gentle waves lapping against the ancient stones of Fishman's Bastion. This whimsical castle, perched on the Buda side, stands guard with neo-Romanesque spires reaching for the stars. Budapest's iconic landmarks parade before you, from the majestic Parliament bathed in golden light to the charming Chain Bridge draped in twinkling garlands. The city's glow dances on the water, creating a mesmerizing rhythm, while history whispers in the breeze - imagine the footsteps of kings and queens who once graced these shores, adding a layer of magic to the modern panorama. 


Photo Gallery


These photos were captured on the evening of April 25, 2022. If you'd like to discover the daytime experience, please refer to the companion article.  

Hungarian Parliament

Golden Danube

These views from the Danube is a captivating blend of past and present, a feast for the eyes and a whisper to the soul.

Views of Fishman's Bastion from the Pest side


Views of Buda Castle from the Pest side


Attila József Statue

Buda Castle: Budapest's Royal Crown


View from Buda Castle

Attention: Click 
here to view a mobile-friendly version.

Buda Castle is called "Budapest's Royal Crown" because it is one of the most iconic and important landmarks in Budapest, and it has played a significant role in the city's history.
The castle was originally built in the 13th century, and it has served as the royal residence of Hungarian kings and queens for centuries. It is also the home of the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.

Buda Castle is located on Castle Hill, which is the highest point in Budapest. This gives the castle stunning views of the city, including the Danube River and the Hungarian Parliament Building.

Photo Gallery


On April 5, 2022, I enjoyed a sunny day and captured these photos.


Hungarian Parliament Building in the background

Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy

Turul Statue





Széchenyi Chain Bridge (under repair)



Turul statue


Habsburg Gate

Fountain of the Fishing Children

Evening view of Buda Castle