Waegook Tom

A Blog About A Globetrotting English Teacher

Europe

30 Reasons to Holiday in Croatia

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Are you looking for a getaway break with a difference? Are you tired of the same old beach resort holidays but don’t want to travel to the other side of the world? Croatia is a perfect solution. The food is fabulous, there’s plenty to explore and you still have the option of spending time at the beach.

Stunning scenery and mountains to climb, as well as national parks and trails to explore means you can indulge your adventurous side. If history is more your thing, then Croatia won’t disappoint.

Discover unusual traditions, quirky places, islands and so much more with a holiday in Croatia. Game of Thrones fans will be delighted by the tours on offer, giving you the chance to visit some famous sites from the hit show.

The beaches might be rocky, but you can still enjoy an ocean retreat or book into one of the hotels with salt water pools. Whatever you’re looking for, Croatia makes an ideal break from the stress of daily life. The infographic below reveals some interesting facts about Croatia that can make your holiday even more special.

From Atlanta to Catalonia: Exploring Barcelona’s Hidden Gems this Xmas

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When you think of Barcelona, what images does it conjure up?

The fairytale wonders of Park Güell? Gaudi’s stunning architecture at Sagrada Família? The funfair at Tibidabo? Picking up a bargain at Las Ramblas? Lionel Messi?

Admittedly, Spain’s second largest city is as famous for its architectural triumphs and sporting heroes as it is for its position as one of the major cultural and economic centers in Europe.

It’s a wonderful city jam-packed with things to see and do, which is why we recommend swapping Atlanta for Catalonia this Christmas and jetting off to Barca for a holiday with a twist.

But first …

Flying from the world’s busiest passenger airport can throw up its own challenges, so to make sure your journey from Hartsfield-Jackson gets off to the best possible start, we recommend pre-booking a parking spot using the Atlanta airport parking comparison service Looking4.com.

Not only will this save your blood pressure, it’ll save you time circling the airport trying to find a parking spot—and you can even opt for a meet and greet service, which means you can drop your car off at the terminal. Magnífico! (as they say in España).

Now … on to the other important stuff …

Poblenou Cemetery

Fair enough, it’s not the cheeriest start to your trip, but the stunning architecture of Poblenou Cemetery is enough to raise your spirits (no pun intended). Located in calle de Taulat, the first cemetery here was opened in 1775.

Check out the two sections of the cemetery, with egalitarian burial niches at the front and monuments and mausolea at the rear, reserved for Barcelona’s wealthier residents to erect expensive reminders of where they lie.

Dine in the Dark

Unless you’ve been kidnapped, held hostage and blindfolded, it’s doubtful you’ve spent much time eating your meals in darkness.  However, at Barcelona’s Dans le Noir, you can break with tradition and engage your other senses as you sit down to some expertly prepared food.

Embark on a sensory journey as your perception of taste and smell are flipped on their head, with a unique atmosphere radiating through the restaurant. If it sounds odd, that’s because it is, but it’s an intriguing way to dine out for the evening.

Enjoy a Sub Zero Drink

Ever dreamed of sipping tasty cocktails while temperatures dip between -2°C and -10°C? When you get to Barcelona, you can make that dream a reality thanks to Icebarcelona. Located in the Condal City, it offers the world’s first ice bar situated on a beach.

Designed by internationally renowned artists, this extremely cool hangout is frequented by locals and tourists alike. The experience lasts for around 45 minutes, which is plenty of time to take a few snaps before checking out the shores of the Mediterranean.

Now it’s over to you …

Do you have any unusual attractions you’d like to visit when you head to Barcelona? Please let us know by leaving a comment below.

A Guide to Visiting Spain this Winter

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Spain is often seen as one of the best destinations for holiday-makers to rest their heads. With an extensive coastline and a history that has roots deep in the past, there is no wonder people turn to Spain when they are looking for their dose of sun and culture. Arguably the most loved part of Spain is its ability to attract year-round great weather. This means that dreams of beach holidays or sipping on sangria in the sunset can be achieved during the winter months. This makes for the perfect break from bleak British weather, but you should always make sure to follow some foolproof tips when it comes to planning your trip.

Make the most of the beaches

Visiting Spain without indulging in one of its many beaches is a mistake that should be avoided. With stretches of golden sand and the chance to enjoy fresh seafood, there is no wonder that Spain is known as a hub for beach holidays across the world. Though there are many beaches on the mainland, some of the best for winter getaways can be found on island archipelagos like the Canary Islands. To ensure you escape the crowds of winter sun-chasers, a trip to the smaller island of Fuerteventura is recommended. You can put the jewel in the crown of your trip by browsing villas in Fuerteventura, which can add luxury and a sense of privacy to your trip. Unwind in a villa, rather than an impersonal hotel room.

Visit iconic cities

Although beach retreats are an unmissable part of Spain, you should still take the time to explore some of its most famous cities. From the sightseeing capital of Madrid to the architectural haven of Barcelona, there is something here that everyone can enjoy. If you are hoping to see the true Spain, you should take a trip down to the south to Seville. Here, you can see ancient buildings and cobbled streets, where the weather is notably sunny for most months of the year.

Indulge in Spanish cuisine

In terms of culinary delights, Spain has an array of options for you to try on every day of your holiday. For example, if you order a drink in a traditional Spanish bar, you are likely to have a plate of tapas brought out for you to snack on. If you are hoping to fill your stomach at lunchtime, you should try the Valencian marvel of paella, which often includes tender chicken thighs and fresh seafood. At any time of the day, a glass of cool sangria is perfect when you are hoping to cool down, but there are also many vineyards dotted around the country that offer you the chance to try local wine.

Take a dip in nature

There are some people who hope to escape to Spain during winter to experience the landscape without the blazing summer heat. With unique spectacles like the pink lake at Torrevieja, to the towering volcano at Teide National Park, there is something here for every nature lover to enjoy. Ideally, you should still aim to bring sunscreen with you on your trip, as spending so much time outdoors means you may be at risk of sunburn, even in winter.

Top UK Destinations You Can’t Miss This Summer

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The UK is filled with many gems in terms of places to go and things to do. However, if you’re not open to going out and exploring, you wouldn’t know that these many places exist. Whether you’re looking for adventure, peace, and quiet, breathtaking picturesque views, or high-end luxury, you’re likely to find it somewhere. Seeing as summer is around once again, this is the perfect opportunity to experience some of the mentioned. If you’re looking to do something out of the box this year, then keep reading as this article will look at a few top UK destinations you shouldn’t miss this summer.

Chester

For all of the animal lovers, if you haven’t yet been to Chester Zoo, in Chester, you’re definitely missing out. It boasts of being one of the best places to visit in the UK as a result of its beautiful views and vast wildlife. Chester zoo has over 21,000 endangered and exotic animals. It is easily the most visited zoo in the UK and has breathtaking views which are perfect for pictures. Aside from visiting the zoo, there are other things to do in Chester which consist of visiting the Chester cathedral, sailing on the River Dee, and going to the open-air theatre. It is great if you want to find yourself lost in nature and would like to capture unforgettable views.

Cleethorpes Beach

If your idea of a perfect destination is sand and seas, then you should find yourself at Cleethorpes Beach this summer. This dreamy beach is likely one that you haven’t heard of, but that doesn’t take away from its magic. This British seaside resort has a lot to offer in terms of beautiful sunsets, clean waters, and attractive views. Some things you could experience at Cleethorpes beach include the Promenade and Pier Gardens, the Fiddler Pub for love music and the Burlington Hotel if you need somewhere to lodge. In case you’re eager to visit another beach, you should put ‘Nearest beach to me’ in your search engine and see if there are any ones nearby that you can visit.

Edinburgh

In case you want to experience culture and heritage, Edinburgh is a great UK destination to consider. As the capital city of Scotland, there is a lot to explore in terms of both old and new towns. You can experience museums and galleries, food made from fresh produce, the famous summer festivals of culture and winter festivals of music, light, and Ceilidhs if you decide to go during that period. Other things to do in Edinburgh include exploring the Queen’s Scottish home, taking a whiskey masterclass, going ghost hunting, and cycling around the city.

Sometimes you look far and wide for unforgettable destinations, but many of them are in places that you wouldn’t expect. In light of this, you should try exploring the places around you as you never know what you might find. Hopefully, after reading through these suggestions, you’re more excited about seeing all the UK has to offer this summer.

3 Must See Historic WWII Sites in Europe

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If you are planning a vacation to Europe this summer, why not plan your itinerary so that you can see some of the most popular historic WWII sites. Whether you are a history buff, a history student, or simply wanting a closer look at what you’ve learned about in World History class over the years, there is something extremely humbling about visiting sites where famous battles were waged and won, led by great generals from both sides.

You can learn more about these generals on 10Awesome.com, and then plan to visit some of the sites of those famous battles. Perhaps you’d like to tour the cities most devastated by war or pray for the souls lost in concentration camps. There is nothing like mixing a bit of history with sightseeing trips as you work your way across the continent.

1. A Look at Life in Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp (Berlin, Germany)

Located just outside the city of Berlin, there is an amazingly detailed museum, which is only three km from the first ever work camp set up by the Nazis. Although the Oranienburg concentration camp has long been destroyed, you can still learn much of the history of these camps in the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Not only will you see exhibits that document the lives of the prisoners, but there are exhibits which show you what life was like for the soldiers who were ordered to man the camps. If anyone doubts just how horrible these camps truly were, this is worth a visit to get an accurate depiction of the hell in which these prisoners were kept.

2. D-Day Landing Beaches (Normandy, France)

When reading about those famous generals mentioned above, one that will surely strike an interest is British General Bernard Montgomery who served in the British Army for half a century, from 1908 to 1958. Known as the intelligence, the planner behind the D-Day Normandy invasion, Monty (as he was lovingly referred to) defeated Germany’s Rommel, another great general of WWII here, as well as in Africa. However, there are a great number of war sites, including the D-Day landing beaches and museums in Normandy that will keep you busy for days touring and learning about real history from a first-hand view.

3. Enamel Factory of Oskar Schindler (Krakow, Poland)

Few people haven’t seen Spielberg’s award-winning movie, Schindler’s List which was largely based on Oskar Schindler, a member of the Nazi Party in Krakow, Poland who literally saved the lives of hundreds of Jews seeking to avoid capture by the Gestapo. While the enamel and munitions factory still stands today and is home to the Krakow Museum of Modern Art, you can tour the museum and learn why history has come to regard this Nazi as a wartime hero. It is documented that through political bribery and putting Jews to work in his factory, he was able to save them from the camps.

Those of us in the United States have a limited understanding of the devastation that was widespread throughout much of Europe during WWII. We know about Pearl Harbor, the one place struck by the war in North America, but most of us can’t imagine what Europe endured through those tragic years. When planning to travel through Europe, take the time to see at least these three historic sites, memories of the war that saw the greatest loss of lives of any war in history.