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Abandoned psychiatric hospital
The former psychiatric hospital was opened at the beginning of the 20th century. It was established on the initiative of the Warsaw Society for Medical Assistance and Care for the Mentally and Nervously Ill, who purchased and renovated abandoned barracks for this purpose. At that time, it also included a farm that produced vegetables and fruits for the hospital’s needs. Initially, the hospital could accommodate only 24 patients, but over time it expanded to the point where further development was necessary. During World War II, when the siege of Warsaw took place, it was located just on the front line. As a result, it served as a hospital for wounded…
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Southern Albania – a ship in a field and a thousand windows
I start my exploration of southern Albania in quite an unusual way – with a ship docked far from the sea, right in the middle of fields. This extraordinary sight resembles the Titanic in the Atlantic and is an evidence of the boundless Albanian imagination. Berat – “The City of Thousand Windows” In Berat, I stop for a moment to explore the castle ruins. Although little remains of the castle itself, its walls and the surrounding landscape create an incredible atmosphere. However, this is not the end of the attractions in this town. Berat is called “The City of a Thousand Windows,” and the name seems to fit it perfectly.…
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Comino – small is beautiful
Comino is one of the unique places worth visiting when in Malta. It’s a small island located between Malta and Gozo, covering an area of just 3.5 km². This makes it an ideal spot for a day trip. The island is small enough to be explored on foot within a day. A path along the high cliffs guarantees incredible views. The island’s name comes from cumin, which once grew abundantly here. Comino has a rich history dating back to Roman times when it was mainly used for agricultural purposes. The Knights of Malta organized wild boar and rabbit hunts here. Comino was never really inhabited, mainly due to the lack…
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The palace with a hidden treasure
The palace was built in the early 20th century. During World War II, it served as a field hospital, and after the war, a school was located there. Unfortunately, only a blackboard and an abacus remained here. Overall, there are no “artifacts” left in the entire building. Despite the fact that the wind is now practically the only thing moving through the corridors, the palace makes an incredible impression. Decorated staircase is particularly spectacular. The columns, arched windows, and ornate stair railings allow you to imagine what this building was like during its heyday. However, in my opinion, it’s the peeling oil paint that creates the unique atmosphere of this…
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The Isle of Man and seven kingdoms
Contrary to popular belief, the Isle of Man has never been the part of the United Kingdom. It is one of the three Crown Dependencies alongside Jersey and Guernsey. While the UK is responsible for the foreign affairs and defense of these territories, each has its own parliament. The history of the island dates back to the 6th century BCE when it was colonized by the Celts. Due to its strategic location between Ireland and Great Britain, the island has often been a battleground. Over the centuries, it has been inhabited by Celts, Vikings, Normans, and Scots. The parliament of the Isle of Man, Tynwald, is over 1,000 years old…
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Northern Ireland: The Magical places from Game of Thrones
I remember it like it was yesterday, waiting with bated breath for the next episode of “Game of Thrones.” It was one of those series that I watched with full attention. Therefore, visiting Northern Ireland, I was determined to see the epic locations that served as the backdrop for this show. The Emerald Isle became one of the primary locations for this production. Personally, I can’t imagine “Game of Thrones” without the specific dark aura and rugged landscape of Ireland. So, what secrets of Westeros does this island hold? The first stop are the ruins of the 16th-century Dunluce Castle, which served as the inspiration for Pyke, the seat of…
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Mysterious Objects in Brzeznica Kolonia – a Nuclear Inferno in Poland?
The forest in Brzeznica-Kolonia at first glance seems to be a peaceful place, ideal for trips and relaxation in nature. However, few people realise that it hides a dark secret from the Cold War era. At that time, the existence of this place was a closely guarded secret, as there was a Soviet military base located here. Under the agreement signed in 1967 between the USSR and the Polish People’s Republic, three nuclear weapon storage facilities were built in Poland. These facilities were constructed as part of a program code-named “the Vistula” which aimed to use tactical nuclear weapons in the event of an attack by NATO countries. The bunkers…
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Isle of Man TT – the world’s most dangerous race
It’s hard to believe that on the tranquil Isle of Man, at the end of May each year, Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) – the world’s most dangerous motorcycle race takes place. The air is filled with the scent of gasoline, and the roar of engines fills your ears. Racers certainly don’t come here for the prizes. The winner takes home only $30,000, which is not a large sum compared to other famous races. It’s the adrenaline, the search for extreme experiences, the challenge of testing their limits, and above all, the desire to make history in racing that draws competitors to the Isle of Man in droves. The…
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Bagger 1473 Excavator – The Blue Wonder of Engineering
The Beginnings of Bagger 1473 Excavator Bagger 1473, a monumental excavator produced by the German company VEB Schwermaschinenbau Lauchhammerwerk, began its work in a lignite surface mine in 1965. For decades, it served in extraction operations, becoming an integral part of the industrial landscape. When it finished its service in 2002, the natural consequence was to send it to the scrapyard. However, thanks to the initiative of local authorities, this giant of engineering was saved. The Second Life of the Excavator Instead of being scrapped, Bagger 1473 was transported 9 kilometres from the mine and placed in an open field. Unfortunately, ongoing decay and numerous acts of vandalism led to…
