Oslo - Day 3

Another rainy day in Oslo, but still a good one! Recorded a podcast at the Oslo Opera House. Got to have a look at two of the three stage areas and I also learned a lot more about the kind of performances they host. As well as hosting a plethora of cultural events, the building itself is pretty interesting. You can even go walking around on the roof!

Later on, I had a wander around an area of Oslo called Grünerløkka to the east of the city centre. I love areas like this, filled with alternative stores, cool bars and a great selection of cafes abd restaurants. Plenty of places to duck into to wait out the rain and soak up the atmosphere.

Tomorrow, I'm heading out to Bygdoy. It should apparently take around 20 minutes by bus from the National Theatre, which is cool. There are lots of museums in this neighbourhood, including the Viking Ship Museum where I'll be recording my last Oslo podcast!

Now though, time for some food!

Rebecca
Hostelworld.com

Oslo - Day 2

A rainy day in Oslo today, although it seems to be clearing up nicely now so hopefully I'll see some sunshine tomorrow.



Spend the morning in the Nobel Peace Center, one of the most interesting attractions I've visited so far here in Oslo. After getting a really awesome tour, I recorded a podcast with the Center's Director. I'd definitely recommend the Center to anyone visiting Oslo. Very informative, plus lots of really cool interactive stuff too.

Went to a few of Oslo's top-notch galleries today too, including the National Gallery which is free. I checked out the Munch Museum as well. Security on the way in is very tight but the museum is well-worth a look.

Had dinner in the Rice Bowl Thai Cafe on Youngsgate. It was really delicious and great value too. The place was packed full of locals with a very lively atmosphere. Would go back!

Tomorrow, I'm going to head to the Oslo Opera House first for another podcast. Then hopefully the sun will we out and I can go check out the Vigeland Sculpture Park!

Rebecca
Hostelworld.com

Bratislava day 3!

Started today by wandering up towards Grassalkovich Garden, which is located behind the Presidential Palace, a short walk from Bratislava's popular Obchodna Street. On the way, I got a pretty good view of the city's Castle. The Castle itself is closed at the moment because of ongoing renovations, but it's still a pretty sight, perched on a high hill overlooking the city.



On the way back, I walked along the afore-mentioned Obchodna. It was pretty busy, with people wandering along checking out the shops, cafes, bars and restaurants located all along the street.



Not just along the street itself, the passages ways leading off the street also hold numerous delights. Take for example this street market, which was very busy when I walked through. Selling everything from sunglasses to shoes, it seems like a well-liked shopping spot.

No night shots last night after all due to the onset of a lightning story. Watched from my room window as it went on for quite a while. Am going to try again tonight after I find some food!

Rebecca.
Hostelworld.com

Day 2 in Bratislava!

Still warm and sunny over here in Bratislava today. Have had quite a bit of a wander around so far today and I’ve seen some really cool places. Take for example, the Natural Science Museum. Only 2 of its 4 floors are currently in use, but there are plenty of great exhibits to be seen there. Like this not so little guy!



While walking to the museum, I got a different view of the New Bridge, which I crossed yesterday. It looks just as impressive from a distance as it does when you’re crossing over it, cars and trucks rumbling by overhead as well as beneath you.



One the way back through the Old Town area I passed the beautiful building of the Slovak National Theatre. Performances are still held here, and outside the building you’ll also get to see Ganymede’s fountain, another one of the city’s impressive waterworks.



Hopping on one of the trams after procuring a ticket from one of the handy machines at the stop (which have English directions on the types of tickets and how to get them), I took a short trip out of the Old Town area to visit Polus City Center. This is a pretty giant shopping centre, filled with lots of well-known brands. Lovely and cool inside, it was a nice spot to take a bit of a breather from the heat.

Tonight I’m going to try and take some night shots, as well as visiting a few bars. But first I think it might be time for some dinner!

Rebecca
Hostelworld.com

Hello from sunny Bratislava!

Got into Bratislava earlier on today, and I'll be here until Sunday. While I'm here I'm going to be collection info for one of our pdf guides (You can check out our other guides here). I'm staying at the Patio Hostel in a private twin room with shared bathrooms. Staff have been extremely helpful so far and it's in a great location just a short walk from the Old Town area.



Had a bit of wander around the Old Town today. Here's one of the many fountains I saw. Also had a look around St. Martin's Cathedral and walked across the New Bridge to go check out the AuPark shopping centre and the beautiful Sad Janka Kráľa park.

Very hot over here at the moment but I'm staying hydrated so it's all good! I'm looking forward to seeing more of the city tomorrow.

Rebecca
Hostelworld.com

Zurich - Day three

Spent another day wandering around the city today, and I've seen some really cool things. From the view of Zurich from the top of the Polybahn funicular service to the Platz Promenade, a park area behind the fascinating Landesmuseum. Check out the park as seen in the picture here.



I also took the time to check out some of Zurich's shopping opportunities, including the unusual Freitag shop which is housed in 17 stacked and converted freight containers. Sihlcity, the large shopping complex pictured here, was another stop for me today.

Tomorrow I'm going to take a trip towards the Uetilberg. It's the highest point so close to the city centre and the views should prove stunning!

Rebecca
Hostelworld.com