Brutalist Chișinău: Abandoned Hotels, Spooky Circus & More!
To an average tourist, Chișinău may seem lacking in typical sights. But if you’re a brutalist architecture buff, it’s a whole different story! Being part of the former USSR, this city has some real gems of Soviet modernism. And you don’t need to venture too far from the centre to find them! Here are some of […]
The Least Visited Capital in Europe? Two Days in Chișinău
In Europe, lesser-known places are always a better pick for me than tourist hotspots. Somehow I’m more attracted to countries you don’t hear much about, and Moldova fits right into that description. Its capital, Chișinău, doesn’t have the best opinion – but that’s exactly why it appealed to me! The least visited European capital? Sounds exciting! […]
Day Trip to Tiraspol, Transnistria – a Phantom Country
Some of the appeal of going to Moldova is visiting its eastern part called Transnistria, often described as a “country that doesn’t exist” and “the last bastion of the Soviet Union”. Yes, hardly sounds like a tourist hotspot. If anything, it will put some off. But not me! I was curious to see if it really […]
Hello from Banja Luka, an Underrated Bosnian City
It made me chuckle to see “Banja Luka” when browsing flights some time ago. The name sounds almost identical to the Polish word “banialuki” which means something absurd or nonsensical; tall tales and fanciful stories. I was intrigued and decided to visit it when I’m in the Balkans again. After 3 days in Banja Luka, […]
Judith Symons on Her Garden Drawings and Abstract Prints
Throwback time! This time in 2023, I hosted a solo exhibition by artist Judith Symons at the Tavistock Centre. Judith presented two different sets of works “united by a passion for pattern and colour”: pastel drawings of domestic London gardens and abstract screen prints on fabric. The big artworks brought so much life into the art space, […]
Shura Live at Bush Hall, London, 2025
Five years! That’s how long ago Shura last played in London, which is hard to believe. I blame it on the pandemic. It may now be a distant memory, but it has surely distorted our sense of time. Or at least mine. Anyway, the iconic “millesbian” is finally back with a new album and two […]
Boring or Underrated? My First Impression of Birmingham
It’s the second biggest British city, but hardly a tourist hotspot. Often described as uninteresting or even dull, Birmingham has a mixed reputation at best. But after years of living in the UK, and visiting over 10 cities, it was time to give this underdog a try. I went there with a friend who has also […]
New exhibition Tavi Open 2025 has launched!
The annual Tavi Open art exhibition has returned at the Tavistock Centre! This year, 37 artists have come together to share art and express their voices. Tavi Open celebrates the creativity and talent of our service users, students and staff, as well as local artists. The theme is completely open, and both professional and amateur […]
Exploring Münster in One (Rainy) Day
You can hardly call Münster a popular tourist destination. Some of us know the name, but how many have actually thought of visiting? Or know someone who has? I decided to give this modest city a go, pairing it with Düsseldorf for an extended weekend trip. Main information Münster is located in the western part of Germany, […]
How Much I Spent in 2 Days in Oslo (as a Frugal Traveller)
Nordic countries are known for being some of the happiest, but also the most expensive, regardless of where you’re visiting from. Our walking tour guide in Oslo even joked that Munch’s Scream is the horrified expression tourists make when paying for coffee! 😄 I also found Oslo’s prices expensive, even more than I expected. So, I […]
First Time in Oslo, Norway – Better than I Expected!
Norway was never on my travel bucket list. But I kind of missed Scandinavia, and when I found a cheap flight to Oslo, I didn’t think too long before booking. I was more than happy to add the final Nordic country to my list! I spent less than 2 days in Oslo, but managed to see […]
La Roux Live at The Lower Third in London, 2025
La Roux is gearing for the release of her fourth album (or fifth, if we count that unreleased should-have-been album number 3). After a string of dates in the US and Paris, she played two intimate concerts at The Lower Third in London’s Soho on 2 and 3 May. Of course, I was there on […]