When I was thinking about Japan, long time before my first visit, I had cherry blossoms in front of my eyes. I read a lot about hanami 花 見 (custom of admiring flowers). I knew Japanese celebrate it by spending time with friends and families under the trees. I spontaneously decided to go to Japan after my graduation, in November 2013 (Japanese winter). When I was leaving Japan after three months, I was thinking that I have to come back soon. When once again I held one way ticket in my hand, I did not know how long I was going to stay in Japan. Despite my love for Japan, I wanted to come back as soon as possible, because it was really hard for me to be away from Jakub. But it was him who persuaded me to stay longer and wait for cherry blossoms (sakura 櫻 in Japanese). ‘You always wanted to see them’.
The main reason why I decided to come to Japan was ‘100 stories’ project I was taking part in, organized by Hoshino Resort. In addition to the accommodation Hoshino provided participants with a five days JR East Pass (pass that is used for riding JR trains). I planned to use it to travel in Nikko area mainly, but I decided that one day I can go a little further. I decided to go to Yudanaka.
Just a small reminder from the previous post: we realized our goal of visiting all 17 autonomous communities (administrative regions) of Spain and because of that we wrote very shortly what there is to see in each of Spain’s regions.
Trade winds find Galleons lost in the sea I know where treasure is waiting for me Silver and gold in the mountains of Spain I have to see you again and again Take me, Spanish Caravan Yes, I know you can
We decided to spend New Year’s Eve in Bilbao, and it was a very good decision. Basque Country has so much to offer, with Vitoria-Gasteiz* as its capital. The population of nearly 250,000 inhabitants makes the capital city peaceful and that’s one of the reasons I liked it so much.
Felices Reyes! This is what we wish to each other on the 6th of January. One of the most important moments of Spanish celebration of the Christmas period is el dia de Reyes Magos (Three Kings’ Day). This day is long-awaited by children, who write letters to Reyes Magos asking them to bring gifts. And they do bring gifts for good kids and coal for bad kids (but because Spaniards love their children very much they give them dyed black sugar instead).
It took me a very long time to do this. For very long time I couldn’t even look at pictures or movies which I took in Japan. That caused me too much emotions. I think the approaching end of the year has inspired me to finally do this. I made a film that has a lot of flaws, but even more memories. I invite you to watch a short video summarizing my three-months stay in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Welcome to the second post about Gran Canaria (here first).Because the Canaries are islands of the tricky etymology I’ll add that they form part of the Macaronesia. Macaronesia should be a place built of macaroni, right? Or at least full of Italian grannies cooking it constantly in great pots just next to even bigger pots with tomato sauce? Nope, it’s language trap again. Makárōn nêsoi means “islands of the fortunate” in Greek (all the best to our favourite Greek girl – Evi!). I would like to eat macaroni that would make my happy every day : ) meanwhile we were really feeling fortunate people on Gran Canaria.
I was dreaming about the summer and it was going away! In my free time I was checking flights and one day I found a good deal. Gran Canaria. 50 euro, return ticket. “Let’s go there” I told to Jakub, and he agreed indifferently. Did he not believe me? I often tell him about flight deals, all over the world. This time I really meant it and after I bought the tickets I was already on the island (but first only in my imagination).
Polacos de Polonia 