Summer in Poland
Summer is a season of celebration in Poland. Students festivals occur at the beginning of summer, and the middle of the season is marked by the excitement of Wianki, the annual solstice party. All across Poland, destination cities welcome visitors with their own calendars of events that include food fests, musical concerts, theater performances, and open-air entertainment. In addition, summer activities include carriage rides through historic city centers, picnics in parks and gardens, castle adventures, and countryside excursions.
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Flowers in Krakow photo credit: CC BY-NC-SA Walker*
Russian Culture Monday: Kitai Gorod
Kitai Gorod, or Kitay Gorod, is at the heart of Moscow, near the Kremlin, and shouldn't be missed on tours of the city. Though much of old Kitai Gorod has been lost, especially during the Soviet years when ancient landmarks were treated with irreverence, those structures that do survive stand proudly among their more modern companions.
Epiphany Monastery, Kitai Gorod photo credit: CC BY-NC-ND haikus
Stunning Churches in Eastern Europe
Eastern and East Central Europe is home to hundreds of beautiful churches and cathedrals. Many are symbols of cities or of national importance. A complete list of can't-miss churches would require many pages. The following are only a few examples:
St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest photo credit: CC BY-NC-ND Chrisopher Chan
Why Should You Travel to Poland?
For travelers, Poland is a destination full of delights. Though many people of Polish heritage visit Poland to link with their roots, you don't have to have an ancestral connection to the country to enjoy what it has to offer. Whether you're a history buff seeking out medieval fortifications, a culture hound on the prowl of the music or art scene, a foodie interested in traditional cuisine, or simply a curious traveler in search of something new, give Poland a try. From Gdansk to Krakow and every city in between, you will discover sights, festivals, and traditions to impress and inspire.
Summer Travel to East and East Central Europe
Russian Culture Monday: St. Petersburg in Summertime
Most travelers agree that summer is the best time to travel to St. Petersburg. The pros of traveling during this time are the warm weather, the fact that attractions are open for business, and festivals such as the White Nights festival. The downside of traveling during this season are the sometimes ridiculous wait times to get into the royal palaces and museums. Despite this inconvenience, any summertime trip to St. Petersburg will be one to remember, especially if you plan ahead!
Summertime Travel to Krakow
Travel to Krakow in Summer for a variety of food, music, and culture festivals that add to this Polish city's attractiveness during the months of June, July and August. Even if you aren't in Krakow for a specific event, you can still enjoy sightseeing, eating ice cream cones melting in the summer heat, or day trips into the countryside.
Summer in Krakow photo credit: CC BY-NC-ND magro_kr
Russian Culture Monday: Crazy Russians
If you're a Russophile, there's a good chance you can easily admit that one reason you like Russians is because some of them are simply crazy! And, thanks to YouTube and other internet media platforms, they can share their daredevil stunts with an amazed audience like this guy, who climbed to the top of the star of the Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building--he even gave the hammer and sickle a little pat for good measure while offering viewers an unforgettable panorama of Moscow from above. (Thanks to The Chicagoist for the link.) The death-defying climb is reminiscent of the video by the self-named Black Devil, who bypassed slower Moscow traffic on his motorcycle by straddling dividing lines at breakneck speeds, popping wheelies for effect.
Prague's Seasons
Prague in spring is undoubtedly a great time to travel. The average temperature begins to inch towards t-shirt weather, flowers and trees in bloom add to the city's medieval beauty, and crowds have not yet descended upon the center with the force typical in summer. But do consider travel to Prague during the other seasons of the year. Winter holds holiday charm with Christmas-related festivities; autumn is a peaceful, pleasant time for travelers; and summer . . . well, who can argue with summer? All seasons in Prague offer a different range of activities as well as pros and cons. Consider carefully before you plan.
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Prague Easter Market photo with Trdelnik Pastries photo credit: CC BY nko_s
Lesser Poland
Malopolska, or Lesser Poland, is a region that encompasses a portion of Poland to the south to where the Carpathian Mountains meet the country's border. This region is abundant in attractions, culture, wildlife, and history. Castle ruins are strewn throughout the countryside or hidden deep in forests while major tourist centers such as Krakow act as a base for further exploration of the region. Enter medieval wooden churches, descend into Poland's famous salt mines, or hike up a mountainside especially for the view.
Tatras Mountains photo credit: CC BY mateusz.kulawik