European Cities That I Have Visited, So Far (as of August 4, 2022)

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Florence and Firenze (Italy) are One and the Same

Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region in Italy. During medieval times, it was the center of trade and finance in the entire Europe. It is very evident with the many business establishments that you can find in the city.

The Florence countryside is teeming with vegetation most especially grapes where you can find lots of plantations along the route to the city proper. Since grape plantations are bountiful in the area, it is logical to note that wines in the country are produced there.

This is also the city where you can find villas of the rich. Exclusive enclaves are located near the lush greenery of the area. Florence is an ideal place to build houses either for residential or vacation purposes.

Of course, the commercial and tourist district is where you can find the best of Italian architecture. Shops utilizing old buildings as well as hotels abound in the city. It is just awesome to see the old world having the new style in business.

As a devout catholic, I was amazed at seeing different churches with different architecture that can be seen in every corner of Florence. Just like any other Italian city, it is where you can find the old churches and the new ones filled with devotees inside. But it should be noted that not all the time, these churches are open to the public. There is a certain time of the day that visitors are allowed inside.

Walking through the streets of Florence, I cannot help but be mesmerized at how the people were able to preserve certain structures to the delight of its visitors. Despite being in an earthquake-prone area, buildings in Florence where able to stand strong from the devastations that ravaged the city in the past.

Whatever name you might want to call it, Florence or Firenze, it is one city worth going to when in Italy. The atmosphere is light and breezy. You just have to be ready for long walks as the way to the shopping area are narrow streets with outstanding sights along the way.

Credit to the owners of two photos. Also, special thank you to Miss Laarni Silva for bringing us there.

Simply Milan

Milan, Italy is the capital of the Lombardy region which is located in the northern part of the country bordering Switzerland. It is one of the most famous cities of Italy where fashion is the name of the game.

Milan is one of the fashion capitals of Europe and is regarded as host to one of the most awaited fashion weeks in the world. Italian as well as non-Italian brand names participate in this biennial fashion event. What with the many contributions of Italy in the world of fashion.

It is of no wonder why branded stores as well as those of upcoming names are scattered in the city. Prices can range from the most expensive located in malls and fashion streets to the cheap which are sold in the sidewalks of the city.

As in any other city in Italy, Milan has its share of churches to cater to the majority of Catholics in the country. Italy is predominantly Catholic. Their churches are also museums where tourists visit whether they are Catholics or not.

Despite the modern times, Milan has been successful in maintaining architecture in one side of the city. I marvel at how the buildings have been preserved to almost their original states. I guess it's political will.

Milan also has its share of modernity. With the ultra modern buildings being built at one side of the city, it tries to be updated with the latest design trends but, at the same time, be sustainable and environmental-friendly.

Milan can be reached from Manila by flights via Middle East cities, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Shanghai, Istanbul or Amsterdam. When in the city, you can go around the country or some European Union members states via train.

As of this writing, Milan is at the center of the Covid-19 pandemic in Italy. I am sure that the city has not lost its luster despite the trying times. Italians are known to be strong people. Definitely, it will be back on its feet very soon.

Milan might seem to be a highly-strung city but I see it as a very simple city just like any other city in the world. It's just that it was able to build a niche of its own.

(Credit to the owners of some of the photos used.)

The Hills are Alive in Salzburg

Salzburg is a city in Austria that is also frequented by tourists. At the onset, you may find it very serene and peaceful. But once you go inside, tourists abound just like any other important city in Europe.

One of the city's famous sons is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart who is renowned as one of the world's greatest musicians. In Salzburg, Mozart taught his students as well as music afficionados his kind of musical genius.

It is also in Salzburg where they say that the "hills are alive with the sound of music." Yes, it is the setting of the movie famous for its music and won an Oscar for Best Picture during its day.

Though modernity is at its doorsteps, Salzburg still has an atmosphere of the old since buildings and other establishments have been preserved. Typical European architecture is evident everywhere you go in the city.

The Salzach River is one tourist spot that one must pass through when in Salzburg. The main bridge has thousands of locks which makes it a place for lovers who made promises of locking their hearts forever.

Europe being predominantly catholic, churches can be seen and accessed in every important corner in Salzburg. Aside from churches, museums are also important must-visits.

Of course, a visit to Salzburg will not be complete without going to the shopping and tourist areas. Admittedly, prices are even cheaper than that of Vienna.

When in Austria, a visit to Salzburg is something worth the trip. The hills might be alive with the sound of music but Salzburg is alive teeming with tourists both local and international.

A Visit to Budapest is One for the Books

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. The country was part of the eastern European bloc which were once under communist rule. Budapest is the pride of Hungary. It is one of the must-see cities in Europe.

Budapest is divided into two by the Danube River. Buda is the hilly side of the city where the Trinity Square is located. The hill is where you can best view Pest which is the flat side of the city.

Despite the modern times, the city has maintained its charm which is very European. Old structures are still up and there are laws to protect them. Business signages can only be installed outside the buildings with no alterations to the actual structures allowed.

But, of course, Budapest has its own share of modernity. High rises as well as installation-like structures have sprung up in the city. Mostly, they are residential and business buildings located in the outskirts.

The parliament is a major site and sight in Budapest. Museums, churches, monuments and other historical places are also worth visiting. These are the places most admired by tourists. Mind you, tourists are regular sights in the city.

Budapest is one city where culture meets modernity. It is where you can see historical sites and, afterwards, enjoy shopping in stores nearby. Hillside or plainview, the city looks like another living museum as in other city in Europe.

Budapest is within a landlocked country and can accessed via plane or by land or by train. Never have I ever imagined that I will be able to go this part of the world.

Thank you to our sponsor, the Santos family of Vienna, for this unexpected trip. For me, it's one for the books.