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The UK + Central Europe
  • Thomas Wyatt

The UK + Central Europe

Een 35-daags avontuur van Thomas Meer informatie
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  • Het begin van de reis
    5 november 2025
    Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    London, baby!!!

    5 november, Engeland ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    My first day in London. 🇬🇧 I touched down in London bright and early at 6:50 a.m., full of excitement (and a little jet lag). After dropping may bags at the hotel, I set off to once again explore my favourite city in the world.

    My first stop was a peaceful morning walk through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. The air was cool and fresh, and it felt good just to stretch my legs after the long flights.

    From there, I made my way to Buckingham Palace. I said a quick hello to King Charles, and then crossed over to St James’s Park. I sat by the lake for a while watching the animals and people, and just taking in the amazing view framed by beautiful golden leaves.

    After a short stroll later, I passed through Horse Guards Parade and on towards Big Ben. Seeing it up close is always a bit surreal!

    Next, I hopped on the Tube and headed east to the Tower of London and the iconic Tower Bridge.

    I decided to keep the adventure going and made my way to St Paul’s Cathedral, weaving through the city streets and stopping often just to look around. By the time I got there, I could definitely feel how far I’d walked! 😂😂😂

    Dinner was a burger and mountain of chips from Five Guys on Baker Street, not very British but exactly what I needed. When I checked my phone, it said that I’d done more than 30,000 steps - no wonder my feet hurt.

    A full first day in London, one for the books. 😄    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger
    1

    Another day, another adventure in London

    6 november, Engeland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    This morning I took an inadvertently long walk to get a coffee and toasted sandwich for breakfast near Marble Arch. Once I’d refuelled, I decided to wander through Hyde Park and the Green Park, past Buckingham Palace, before catching the train to Stevenage. But! I was obviously having too much fun and missed it! 🤣 Luckily, I had a flexible off-peak ticket and could jump on the next one - however, I’ll probably have to take “is punctual” off my resume. 😅😅😅

    I met up with Lynda and Mandy for a good old-fashioned chin wag and very tasty lunch at Nando’s. We have it in Australia, but nothing comes close to the real thing. Thanks for having me, Lynda! It was great to see you again (plus, the chocolates survived the journey to London… surprisingly).

    After lunch, I caught the train back to King’s Cross just as the sun broke through and lit up the station and surrounding areas magnificently. Trying to stay off my feet, I took the Tube to Tower Hill - but of course, I ended up walking a few more kilometres once I got there. It’s safe to say my feet are SORE!

    Later in the afternoon, I rode the Tube to Westminster where I was treated to a stunning sunset over Horse Guards Parade. (The picture doesn’t do it justice!) After another fun day exploring London’s tourist hotspots, I headed back to my hotel for a quick rest before grabbing a club sandwich for dinner at the pub just down the road. Yum.

    How good are holidays? 🌍    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    Bratwursts, bridges, and British weather

    7 november, Engeland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    This morning I set off to explore Notting Hill, determined to find those famous colourful houses. It took me a lot longer than expected, but I eventually found them (… I think 😅) - and, they were totally worth the struggle even with the grey skies hanging around (… I think 😅).

    After my little rainbow house hunt, I popped up at Trafalgar Square for a quick look around before grabbing a bratwurst sausage for lunch at the Christmas market in Leicester Square. I would’ve stayed for longer to soak up the atmosphere, but of course the British rain decided to crash the party. ☔

    My next stop was the Tower of London. I’ve been before, but it’s one of those places I always pay to go inside. There’s something about the history (and views) that gets me every time. Afterwards, I wandered across Tower Bridge just as the sun was setting - another repeat visit, but one that never gets old. And for the first time ever, I got to see it raised! 😄😄😄

    Aanndd that’s another fun London adventure complete!

    Tomorrow, I’m off to Edinburgh - I can’t wait for the castles, cobbled streets, and Scottish hills.    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    Back in Edinburgh (minus the flu!)

    8 november, Schotland ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    Today, I flew from London Gatwick up to Edinburgh - the start of my Scottish adventures! 😊 The flight was short and smooth… for the most part, and before long I was checked into my hotel right near Princes Street, smack bang in the middle of all the action. Also, as we were coming in to land, I spotted a Spirit of Tasmania boat docked in the water - how random is that?! Seeing something from home all the way here in Scotland was such a funny surprise.

    It’s my second time in Edinburgh, but the last time I was here I was sick for almost the entire trip. So this time, I’m extra excited to finally explore the city properly!

    Once I dropped my bags, I couldn’t resist going for a wander. My hotel is right at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, so I headed that way just as the sun was setting over the city. So good.

    Later on, I found a lively pub down the road to watch the Arsenal vs Sunderland match (sadly, the Gunners didn’t get the win 😢). The place was absolutely buzzing, and my Australian accent seemed to go down a treat with the locals - even if I could barely understand half of what they were saying! 😂😅 Thankfully, the bartender was from Sydney, so at least one conversation didn’t require subtitles.

    There’s a bit of rain on the forecast for tomorrow, so I might make it a day of indoor exploring - maybe a museum or two, or even the castle itself. Either way, I’m so excited to see more of this awesome city.    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    An Edinburgh day well spent

    9 november, Schotland ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    With the Scottish drizzle setting in early, I decided to set off for a scenic walk up to Edinburgh Castle and make a day of it. It turned out to be a great (and dry) call. There was so much to see and do up there, and the views over the city were brilliant - even on a grey day. I ended up staying for ages without realising how much time had passed.

    Once I finally left in search of a long-overdue lunch, the rain had started to ease, so I wandered down the Royal Mile. I didn’t have a plan and didn’t stop anywhere - just enjoyed walking the length of the street and taking it all in.

    In the afternoon, I found a couple of pubs showing the Premier League games and spent a few hours watching those. Four matches all at once - not too bad! 😄😄😄 I’m definitely getting more into the football now.

    Dinner was a classic: fish and chips at a nice pub/restaurant nearby. Simple, tasty, and exactly what I felt like.

    Ahhhhh… it’s always a good day here in the UK. 🇬🇧    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    Far out, my feet are sore

    10 november, Schotland ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Far out, my feet are sore. Today, I walked over 20 kilometres! The weather was absolutely stunning, so I decided to walk here, there, and everywhere.

    This morning started with a practical mission - a visit to the one and only laundromat near my hotel. It was pretty expensive, but I suppose that’s the price you pay for being particular about your clothes. 🤣 Once everything was clean and folded, I headed up Princes Street and all the way to the top of the Royal Mile to make the most of the city views under those perfect blue skies.

    Since the weather turned out to be far better than the forecast suggested, I couldn’t resist the idea of climbing to the top (well… almost) of Arthur’s Seat. Despite the sunshine, the path was still very muddy in places - and, my brand new Vans definitely paid the price. 😅 But, the views were worth every step. Afterwards, my feet found some refuge on a bench outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where I sat for a while, just soaking it all in - sunshine and all.

    From there, I wandered back up the Royal Mile and onwards toward Dean Village. I spent about 45 minutes exploring the quiet, medieval streets in the late afternoon before my legs finally decided enough was enough.

    Another brilliant day, and I couldn’t have asked for better weather. ☀️ I’m not sure my shoes will recover, but I definitely will.    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger
    1

    From sunshine to soggy socks

    11 november, Schotland ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    After yesterday’s sunshine and sore feet, today brought a complete change of pace (and weather). The rain arrived right on cue this morning, so the umbrella finally earned its place in my bag. ☔️

    I started the day underground with a (dry and warm) tour of The Real Mary King’s Close. It was fascinating to wander through the old streets hidden beneath the city - though, honestly, it was just nice to be sheltered from the drizzle for a while. Afterwards, I stopped for an Americano to warm up - it hit the spot, but nothing quite compares to an iced coffee Big M from back home. 😝

    To stay out of the wet weather for a bit longer, I headed to the National Museum of Scotland. Naturally, I managed to find the deepest puddle in Edinburgh on the way and ended up with one very soggy foot. 🥲🥲🥲 What a beautiful building though! I spent a few hours exploring all of the exhibits - there was so much to see and do inside.

    Eventually, I decided to brave the rain again and made my way back towards Waverley Station, with a pitstop along the way for a massive M&M-stuffed cookie (#NoRegrets). My last stop of the day was at the Museum on the Mound, which turned out to be all about the history of money and the Bank of Scotland.

    By the time I made it back to my hotel, I was a little bit damp around the edges but very happy. It wasn’t as sunny as yesterday, but still a wonderful day in Scotland.    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    A day in the Scottish Highlands

    12 november, Schotland ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Today was a big one - a full-day tour of the Scottish Highlands! It was an early start, but totally worth it for the scenery alone. On the drive out of Edinburgh, I caught a glimpse of The Kelpies - those massive silver horse heads - which was a pretty cool way to kick things off.

    The first stop was in Kilmahog, where I got to say g’day to Hamish and Honey, the hairy coos (or… Highland cows, for the uninitiated). They were every bit as cute and shaggy as I’d hoped.

    The tour continued north to Spean Bridge for lunch, but nothing on offer really grabbed me, so I made do with a few snacks instead. Mmm… probably not a bad idea to skip a meal after all the pastries and pretzels I’ve inhaled on this trip. 😅😅😅

    From there, the road wound through the breathtaking landscape of Glencoe - layers of green and gold, moody skies, and rolling mist between the mountains. The rain never really let up, so there weren’t as many photo opportunities as I’d have liked, and the lighting didn’t quite capture the full spectrum of colours in the trees. Still, there was something special about seeing it all through the drizzle - it felt properly Scottish.

    Then, it was onwards to Loch Ness. No monster sightings for me today, but I did enjoy a proper Scottish coffee at the Clansman Hotel while looking out over the loch. YUM!

    After about an hour there, the long journey back to Edinburgh began, passing through Inverness and Perth. Somewhere along the way, I even treated myself to a scoop of whisky ice cream - because when in Scotland, right? 🍦

    By the time I made it back to the city, I was a little bit tired and more than ready to put my feet up (despite the modest step count). It was a long day on the road, but completely worth it - even through the rain, the Highlands were every bit as magical as I’d imagined they would be. 😄    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    Sbohem Edinburghu, ahoj Praha

    13 november, Schotland ⋅ 🌧 6 °C

    My last day in Edinburgh! This morning, I checked out of my hotel and decided to soak up the city’s highlights one last time before jetting off. I took a short stroll up to Castle Terrace for one more incredible view of Edinburgh Castle - such a classic sight, but it never gets old.

    From there, I wandered down the Royal Mile towards Waverley Station, just enjoying the atmosphere and sound of bagpipes. I’d planned to carry on to Calton Hill for one final panoramic view of the city, but just as I started walking that way, the rain came bucketing down. Typical Scotland! 😜 After a quick reassessment (and a few soggy minutes), I decided to head back to my hotel early to pick up my bags and dry off before my flight.

    Eventually, I found myself at Edinburgh Airport - next stop: Prague! ✈️

    First impressions? I really like the vibe here already. The city feels alive but relaxed, with beautiful old architecture everywhere you look. There were a few funny moments trying to figure out the public transport system, but I made it to my apartment/hotel in one piece. Now I’m unwinding, watching some YouTube on the TV, and feeling pretty pleased with how the day turned out. Another successful travel day in the books! 😄😄😄    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    My first day exploring Prague

    14 november, Tsjechië ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    The weather was an absolute 10/10 today, so I decided it was the perfect chance to head out and explore the city on foot. I set off with no strict plan, just following my nose and seeing where the streets would take me! My walk first took me past the National Museum - which looks even more impressive up close - and then down Wenceslas Square, where I soaked in all the lively energy.

    The streets then led me to the Old Town Square, and I managed to catch a great view of the Astronomical Clock glowing in the morning sun. From there, I wandered over to the Powder Tower, which looked even cooler in person than any photo. I kept walking towards the river and spotted Prague Castle perched above the city - such a stunning sight from across the water.

    Eventually, I made my way to the iconic Charles Bridge, taking in the river views, the statues, and the whole vibe of the place. I also swung by the quirky and very cool Dancing House, which was fun to see.

    All in all, it was a beautiful walking day - the perfect way to kick off my time here in Prague. I can’t wait to explore even more tomorrow!    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    Czech-ing out more of Prague

    15 november, Tsjechië ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    Today was another great day in Prague, and I just couldn’t help but head back out on foot to see more of this amazing city. I found myself retracing many of my steps from yesterday, revisiting some of the city’s familiar sights.

    But today, I spent a good chunk of time on the other side of the Vltava River, wandering through the areas near Prague Castle. The views across the city were unbelievable - the bridges, the river, and the rooftops all looked like something out of a painting.

    After hours upon hours of walking, my legs finally told me it was time to go back to my hotel for a quick rest. But the day wasn’t over yet! Dinner was some delicious Thai food just off the Old Town Square, and afterwards, I set off once more to stroll the streets at night. The city has a completely different feel after dark, but it’s just as cool.

    Two days in, and I’m definitely falling hard for Prague. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. 😄😄😄    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    A day of discovery in Prague

    16 november, Tsjechië ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    Today’s adventure took me on a deep dive into Prague’s past. I joined a free walking tour that focused on World War II and the Communist era, and it was easily the most eye-opening experience of the trip so far. Our guide led us through the streets and hidden corners of the city, unravelling the complex story of how Czechoslovakia was formed and why Hitler believed it belonged to Germany.

    We revisited some familiar landmarks, but also discovered lesser-known spots where crucial moments of Czech resistance took place. One of the most powerful stops was the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius, where the brave assassins of Reinhard Heydrich made their final stand. Hearing the full story and then walking into the very church where they hid and died was haunting and unforgettable.

    Another impactful story was that of Jan Palach, who set himself on fire in protest of the Soviet occupation. Standing in the places where these events unfolded really brought home the resilience and spirit of the Czech people.

    By the end of the tour, my legs had carried me over 10 kilometres, so I ducked into the Levels Shopping Centre for a much-needed break. I’d planned to head back to my hotel afterwards, but I’m so glad I didn’t! The city during golden hour was something truly special - every rooftop and spire was glowing as the sun dipped below the horizon. It felt like Prague was showing off just for me. 😜

    Tomorrow promises something entirely different: snow is on the forecast, and it’s a national holiday. See you in the morning, Prague! 🥳    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    A sweet send-off

    17 november, Tsjechië ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    Well… the forecast called for snow, but Prague had other plans - today was a day of rain, queues, and celebrations. I set off early towards the National Museum, eager to take advantage of free entry for the public holiday. Unfortunately, it seemed the rest of Prague had the same idea. 🤣 The line stretched well over 500 metres - longer than most of the streets I’ve walked since arriving here!

    Not to be deterred, I switched gears and headed towards the Astronomical Clock, thinking I’d climb it for a panoramic view of the city. Once again, fate intervened - it was fully booked for the day. 😂🥲 Adventuring without a plan became the theme, so I just followed where my feet led me.

    That’s how I ended up on Narodni Street, completely by chance. The whole area was alive with activity for Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day - a national holiday marking two pivotal protests in Czech history. Art installations, crowds, and music - it was absolutely buzzing. The streets were awash with Czech flags and a sea of red, white, and blue. 🇨🇿 I stayed for a while, soaking in the energy before heading back to my hotel for a quick rest (and bathroom break - because paying to use a toilet? Nope… never happening).

    After regrouping, I returned to the National Museum. This time, the line was manageable. Inside, I found some fascinating exhibits, including one showing how Wenceslas Square has changed over the centuries. It’s incredible to see the layers of history beneath the surface of a place you’ve been strolling through.

    With the rain easing, I wandered back through the celebrations. Three or four stages were set up, each blasting a different kind of music. I didn’t understand a word that was sung, but the vibe was infectious.

    And to top it all off, I treated myself to a Trdelnik - imagine a warm donut cone filled with ice cream. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds. A sweet send-off to a city I’ve grown very fond of! 🥳

    Tomorrow, I board a train to Bratislava, and the adventure continues. Thanks for the memories, Prague. You’ve been unforgettable. 🥰    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    Touchdown in country #25

    18 november, Tsjechië ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C

    Today marked a fresh chapter in my travels - I set foot in my 25th country! 🇸🇰 I caught the train bound for Bratislava, and the journey was a smooth and scenic one. Rolling past beautiful landscapes and the quaint town of Brno, there’s something special about watching the world go by from a train window.

    After arriving and checking into my hotel, hunger was the first thing on my mind. Once dinner was sorted, I headed straight for the Old Town. I spent about half an hour wandering its cobblestone streets, taking it all in. The city feels quieter than Prague, but in a really peaceful way - lantern-lit lanes, charming architecture, and a calm atmosphere that made the evening stroll especially enjoyable.

    It’s only day one, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what Bratislava holds in the days to come. 😄    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    Walking Bratislava

    19 november, Slowakije ⋅ ☀️ 2 °C

    I spent today diving deeper into Bratislava, kicking things off with a free walking tour that took me through some of its most iconic streets and landmarks. 🤩

    After gathering at the Old Town Hall, one of the first stops was the quirky Man at Work statue. From there, we headed towards the National Theatre of Slovakia, where I learned something slightly odd - not a single statue on the building depicts a Slovak, because it was built during the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It’s funny how architecture quietly carries history in plain sight.

    We then continued on to St. Martin’s Cathedral, which looked absolutely stunning in the morning sun. After crossing the road, we ascended the hill to Bratislava Castle. The walk up was surprisingly interesting, and the views from the top made the climb worthwhile. 😃

    After the tour, I had a yarn with a bloke from Mexico, and then wandered back to the Old Town. A chilly breeze settled in during the early afternoon, so I ducked into a Starbucks to warm up before heading back to my hotel, passing the Grassalkovich Palace along the way.

    A bit of a rest later, I returned to the Old Town for dinner and another nighttime walk. The lantern-lit streets and quiet charm were magical.

    All in all, another great day on the road - and tomorrow promises to be an exciting one. Let’s just say it involves a train… and an Austrian flag. 🇦🇹    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger
    1

    Vienna in a day

    20 november, Oostenrijk ⋅ ☁️ 2 °C

    Today’s adventure began with a morning train ride that carried me across the Morava River and over the border from Slovakia to Austria. Not long after, I rolled into Vienna and set out for a full day of exploring the Austrian capital on foot. 🇦🇹

    My first stop was the striking St. Charles’s Church; its grand dome and elegant exterior made for a spectacular introduction to the city. 🤩 From there, I followed the flow of people heading towards the Innere Stadt - Vienna’s historic 1st District. Soon I was standing at the foot of the city’s crown jewel, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which looked absolutely magnificent despite the grey skies.

    After that, I drifted through the streets with no real plan, just soaking up whatever Vienna decided to show me. For a few hours I happily wandered without knowing what I was looking at or where I was going. Eventually, during lunch, I hopped onto some WiFi, figured out my bearings, and charted a more intentional path.

    I headed for the Hofburg Palace and continued on to the Archduke Albrecht Monument. Not long after, an especially grand building caught my eye - Vienna’s City Hall. Out the front, a lively Christmas market was buzzing with festive energy. 🎄 I couldn’t resist indulging in an enormous donut pretzel, which was as excessive and wonderful as it sounds.

    Still keeping an eye on the time, I made my way back towards the station. On the way I passed the Austrian Parliament Building, and then crossed through Maria-Theresien-Platz, where I got fantastic views of the twin giants: the Museum of Natural History and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. And, because apparently I hadn’t walked quite enough, I slipped in a final detour to Belvedere Palace for one last hit of Viennese grandeur.

    It was a great introduction to Austria - one that absolutely convinced me I’ll need to return someday.

    I caught the train back to Bratislava in the late afternoon and gave my feet a well-earned break at my hotel. Dinner was some delicious Korean Fried Chicken from a trendy restaurant nearby, and after the combination of that and my oversized pretzel, I’m completely stuffed. (Yes… I’m still building the confidence to try some traditional Slovak food. 😅)

    As for a nighttime stroll through the Old Town… my legs voted strongly against it. After walking what felt like every square metre of Vienna, I’m calling it a night. Another great day on the road. 🍻    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    Taking it slow (except for the stairs)

    21 november, Slowakije ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    After yesterday’s full-on Vienna adventure, I promised myself a slower day. And, I stuck to it. Well… mostly.

    I didn’t rush out the door this morning. Instead I let the hours stretch a little, enjoying the luxury of not having to be anywhere in particular (and watching the first Ashes Test Match). By mid-to-late morning I finally stepped out of the hotel and let my feet steer me towards the Old Town - passing under Michael’s Gate and into the tangle of historic streets.

    My main stop was the Old Town Hall. I paid the entry fee, half expecting a quick look around, but instead I found myself climbing to the top of the tower for a surprisingly impressive view over the Old Town Square.

    My ticket also included the museum inside, so I figured, “why not?” What I didn’t expect was just how much there was to see. Every time I thought I’d reached the end, another room appeared. And then another. Before I knew it, a casual visit had turned into a multi-hour deep dive through Bratislava’s history. When I finally stepped back outside, it was already well past 2 p.m.! 😅

    From there, I drifted through the city towards the Blue Church - Church of St. Elizabeth, one of the most whimsical buildings I’ve seen here. It’s almost cartoon-like in colour.

    On the walk back to the Old Town, I made an impulsive decision: why not climb Michael’s Gate too? So up I went again. The views were fantastic - but in classic timing, the castle lights only flicked on once I’d already come back down. Ahhh… oh well. 🤣

    Dinner was somewhere cozy in the Old Town, and on my way back to the hotel, the day gave me one last surprise: a light sprinkle of snow. A calmer day, yes - but still a really good one. Bratislava continues to charm me in all the right ways.    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    A chilly day at Devin Castle

    22 november, Slowakije ⋅ ☁️ 2 °C

    Following a slower start than planned (thanks to Travis Head’s 100 being entirely too entertaining in Perth), my morning was happily hijacked by cricket. 🏏 Go the Aussies! 💚💛 Once the Test was wrapped up and victory secured, I finally pried myself away from the screen and headed out for the day.

    My plan was simple: get myself to the Danube River and catch the no. 29 bus to Devin. And that’s exactly what I did. Soon enough I was wandering around the grounds of Devin Castle, perched right where the Morava River meets the Danube. Standing there, with Austria just across the water, felt a little surreal. As an Aussie, being able to see another country simply by looking over a river still feels like magic - back home, the nearest border requires hours in the air.

    The castle ruins were fantastic to explore, full of atmosphere and history, and the exhibitions were surprisingly engaging. But the wind? Arctic. Truly the kind that slices right through you. 🥶 I lasted as long as I could before seeking refuge at the Devin Hotel, where I warmed up with a hearty traditional Slovak meal - something like gnocchi meets risotto.

    Back in Bratislava, I drifted into a couple of local pubs to catch the afternoon Premier League matches. I even had my first Guinness of the trip, which felt like an important milestone. And just as the day was winding down, the city offered one last moment of wonder: a light dusting of snow on my way back to the hotel. 🤩🤩🤩

    Bratislava has been great fun - but tomorrow, it’s onwards to Budapest for a whole new adventure.    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    Budapest begins

    23 november, Slowakije ⋅ ☁️ -2 °C

    Today was a travel day. I boarded a bus out of Bratislava in the morning, settling in for the ride to Budapest. 🇭🇺 As we cruised through the Slovak and Hungarian countryside, the landscape put on a pretty spectacular show - rolling fields and small villages covered in snow.

    After arriving in Budapest, I dropped my bags at the hotel, took a moment to thaw out, and found the nearest Irish pub showing the Premier League. And what a reward. The North London Derby delivered in style - a big 4-1 win for the Gunners. 💪💪💪

    Following the final whistle, I stepped back out into the crisp nighttime air and wandered over to some nearby Christmas markets. I didn’t stay too long, just long enough for a little stroll and dose of festive atmosphere, but it was the perfect soft landing into the city.

    Now I’m tucked back in at the hotel, ready for a proper start tomorrow. Budapest is officially underway. 🥳    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    Day one in Budapest done right

    24 november, Hongarije ⋅ ☁️ 1 °C

    With a few hours left on my full-day public transport ticket, I decided to squeeze the most out of it this morning and caught the metro straight to the Hungarian Parliament Building. Even knowing it’s one of Europe’s great landmarks doesn’t quite prepare you for seeing it in person. I spent a solid hour circling the place, taking in the sheer scale and the intricate architectural details that make it feel almost unreal. 🤩

    From there, I rode the metro one more stop and headed up towards Buda Castle. I took the funicular - because when a city offers you a funicular, you take it - and then spent a few hours exploring the castle grounds and exhibitions. Saint Stephen’s Hall ended up being the highlight; in fact, it was so nice that I actually broke my own rule and took an inside photo. I'm usually firmly in the "inside photos never look good" camp, but this one demanded it.

    After that, I made my way to the Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion. When I’d seen my fill, I took the funicular back down, crossed the famous Chain Bridge, and wandered on to a trendy Mexican restaurant for dinner. The burrito absolutely delivered.

    Tomorrow’s forecast is calling for over 12.5 mm of rain, so it may turn into a museum-and-indoor-exploring kind of day.    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    A grey-skied adventure

    25 november, Hongarije ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    This morning I hopped on the metro and headed towards the Thermal Baths, figuring it was finally time to see what all the fuss was about. Unfortunately, every entrance I found seemed to require a ticket, so my visit ended up being more of an exterior appreciation tour. 😅🤣 Still, the buildings were impressive even from the outside. At one point my phone ran out of storage, so I found myself standing in the drizzle frantically deleting old photos just to free up enough space for a few more shots.

    From there, I wandered through City Park until I reached the Gatehouse Tower, which looked like something straight out of a Harry Potter movie. After a quick look around, I crossed the road to Heroes’ Square - at least until the rain made its grand entrance. As the first drops hit, I ducked straight back down into the metro. I got a decent feel for the square, but it’s definitely a spot I want to revisit on a dry day.

    To escape the rain, I rode the M3 line to the Hungarian National Museum. My ticket covered a handful of different exhibitions, ranging from prehistoric artefacts to the story of Hungary as a nation. It turned out to be a great place to stay warm and dry for the afternoon. 😂

    By the evening, the rain had escalated into a full-on downpour. After grabbing a few supplies from the local SPAR supermarket, I called it a day. Now I’m drying off, listening to the storm outside, and getting excited for whatever tomorrow brings.    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    Big views and bigger history

    26 november, Hongarije ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    In exactly two weeks I’ll be on a plane heading back home to Australia, so it’s time to start properly savouring every last moment of my time in Europe. 🫣🥲 With that in mind, I set off this morning with no real plan - just a willingness to walk and wander.

    My first stop was the Hungarian State Opera, a beautiful place to stumble upon. From there, I made my way over to St. Stephen’s Basilica, where I unexpectedly found myself in the middle of a Christmas market. After soaking up the festive atmosphere for a little while, I ducked into the nearest Starbucks to hop on the WiFi and figure out what to do next.

    I had originally planned to catch the metro over to Buda to check out some outdoor attractions, such as Gul Baba’s Tomb and Lukacs Baths, but a particularly sharp breeze rolled in - and somehow, after wandering a bit, I ended up right back at St. Stephen’s Basilica. So I figured, “why not? When’s the next time I’ll be in Budapest?” I paid the entry fee and climbed up to the panoramic terrace. The grand hall inside was spectacular, and after what genuinely felt like a million steps, the view from the top was absolutely worth it.

    To warm up again, I took the metro to the House of Terror Museum. The museum was fantastic but incredibly moving - very interactive and deeply focused on the impact of both the Nazi and Soviet regimes in Hungary. It’s all housed in the former headquarters of the Arrow Cross, which makes the whole experience even more powerful.

    Afterwards, I headed back to my hotel for a bit of a rest before what I knew would be a late night. I grabbed a souvlaki for dinner, strolled through the Christmas markets at St. Stephen’s Basilica once more, and then made my way to Jack Doyle’s Irish Pub to watch Arsenal take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League. 💪💪💪 The Gunners won 3-1, so I’m starting to think that pairing this pub with me watching Arsenal might just be lucky. Yew! 🤘🤙    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    A sunny farewell to Budapest

    27 november, Hongarije ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C

    My final day in Budapest began with something I always love doing in a new city: a free walking tour. Even though I’d already wandered through most of Pest on my own, it felt like a great way to wrap things up under the bright sunshine. ☀️

    The tour wound its way through some familiar spots - Elizabeth Square, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Vorosmarty Square, the Little Princess Statue, the Chain Bridge, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Liberty Square, and of course, the majestic Hungarian Parliament Building. I’d seen them all before, but hearing the history and quirks behind each place was genuinely fascinating. Also, our guide pointed out a very Hungarian custom - instead of saying “cheers” when you drink, people often say “6-3” as a reference to Hungary’s famous 6-3 win over England in the 1950s. ⚽️🤣

    After the tour, my feet staged a formal protest - so I listened. 😂 I headed back to my hotel for a much-needed rest, recharging for one last evening in this beautiful city.

    As the sun started to dip, I found myself passing St. Stephen’s Basilica once more, the whole facade glowing golden in the sunset. From there, I jumped on the metro and headed across the river to Buda, to Fisherman’s Bastion, hoping to catch the final colours of the day. And somehow, perfectly, I made it just in time. The view was honestly spectacular - a real “pinch me” moment. 🤩🤩🤩 It felt like Budapest was giving me a proper send-off.

    Not quite ready to call it a night, I took the metro further along the river to the Great Market Hall. The building itself was stunning (all ironwork and arches) but by the time I arrived, the sun had already slipped away, and most stalls were winding down. If I’m lucky with time tomorrow morning, I might dash back for a daylight look before I leave.

    And that’s it - my last full day in Budapest. This city has been fantastic: grand, interesting, and surprising. Tomorrow, it’s on to country number seven of the trip and the third-last stop overall - Zagreb, Croatia. 🇭🇷    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger

    From Budapest to Zagreb

    28 november, Hongarije ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C

    Today was a travel day, but I still managed to squeeze in a few last Budapest moments before moving on.

    With a bright, golden morning to work with, I hopped on the metro and headed straight for the Great Market Hall. Yesterday I’d only seen it as the sun was disappearing, but today the whole place was glowing in the early light - its iconic roof tiles and all! 🤩

    Since the weather was so perfect, I decided to fit in one more mini-adventure. I caught the metro out to Heroes’ Square, a place I’d only seen briefly in the rain. Under a clear sky, it was a completely different experience. I also swung by the Gatehouse Tower and the Szechenyi Thermal Baths - both looking their best in the sunshine. ☀️

    After that, it was time. I headed back to the hotel, grabbed my bags, and said my final goodbyes to Budapest.

    Early this afternoon, I boarded the bus to Zagreb, rolling into the city just before 5 p.m. Despite my Google Maps stubbornly refusing to load, I eventually found my way to the hotel. After dinner, I wandered through some nearby Christmas markets to get my first little taste of the city - twinkling lights, mulled wine scents, the works. 🎄

    And now… let’s see what Zagreb has in store for me. 🇭🇷    Meer informatie

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  • Thomas WyattThe UK + Central EuropeReiziger
    1

    Zagreb in full swing

    29 november, Kroatië ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    Today kicked off with a free walking tour of Zagreb, and honestly, what a great introduction to the city - our guide, Robert, was equal parts knowledgeable and funny.

    We started in Zrinjevac Square, gathered around the old meteorological post while Robert explained its history and quirks. From there, the tour made its way through some of Zagreb’s major landmarks: the Main Square, the Zagreb Cathedral, the Dolac Open Market, the Bloody Bridge, the Lotrscak Tower, St. Mark’s Church (with its colourful tiled roof), and finally the Stone Gates.

    By some perfect bit of timing - or excellent planning on Robert’s part - we reached the Lotrscak Tower right at noon, just in time for the daily cannon blast. I even had my phone out to film it. Even though I knew the big boom was coming, it still jolted me so much that I smacked the stop button and ended the video early. 🤣🤣🤣 Classic.

    After the tour wrapped up, I headed back to the hotel for a much-needed hour of rest and recovery. Then it was back out again, this time to a couple of local pubs to catch the afternoon Premier League matches. ⚽️

    Dinner was a lovely wood-fired Margherita pizza before I made my way back to Zrinjevac Square for the ceremonial lighting of the square as part of Zagreb’s Advent opening. 🎄 The whole place glowed with lights strung through the trees.

    Still feeling festive, I wandered over to another part of the Christmas markets. And then, out of absolutely nowhere, the band onstage started playing Down Under by Men At Work. In Zagreb. In Croatia. Truly not on my bingo card. 😂😝 I went to film it, but my phone died literally the moment I pulled it out. So I suppose I’ll just have to hold onto the mental memory instead of a digital one. 😅😅😅

    Oh - and somewhere along the way today, I also hit a new milestone: 1,500 photos taken on this trip. Clearly I’m making the most of it. 😳

    Aaannnddd that’s another day done. I love holidays. 🤩    Meer informatie

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