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Arthur’s Pass National Park: The Most Beautiful Route in New Zealand?

Gosia — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:55:09 +0000

Arthur’s Pass National Park – or more precisely, the Great Alpine Highway that runs through it, is often considered the most beautiful road in New Zealand. It’s the oldest national park on the South Island (and the third oldest in the entire country), lying across a key mountain pass that links the eastern and western coast. Yet, driving along the Great Alpine Highway is far from an ordinary experience. The road through Arthur’s Pass is a true feat of engineering. Viaducts, bridges, rock shelters and diverted waterfalls, all designed to make it possible to cross from one side of the island to the other. The pass itself rises more than 900 metres above sea level, making it the highest highway crossing in the Southern Alps. The surrounding mountains range between 1,600 and 2,000 metres, with several peaks surpassing the 2,000‑metre mark. The tallest of them, Mount Murchison, reaches 2,400 metres. The Great Alpine Highway is a real mountain adventure, with scenery that grows more spectacular at every bend. Snow‑capped peaks, glaciers and rock-strewn valleys form the typical landscape here. Along the way, there are countless lookouts, walking and hiking trails to explore. The first stop, coming from Christchurch, is Castle Hill, a fascinating area of limestone formations that featured as a filming location for The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. Nearby lies Cave Stream, a 600‑metre‑long tunnel carved out by the river running alongside it. Sounds adventurous? In theory, yes but this time I decided to skip it due to the risk of flash floods and deep water. The place has, sadly, claimed a few lives, and should only be explored with the right gear: wetsuit, helmet and torches. I only had the torch, was travelling solo, and my swimming style could best be described as “bottom level”. So I gave it a miss. Luckily, the views all around more than made up for it. Driving on, the mountains seemed to grow taller with each kilometre, the air cooler and fresher. One of the most striking viewpoints was Arthur’s Pass Lookout, just beyond the bridge over the Waimakariri River, the view of snowy peaks was simply breathtaking. A bit further on, there are plenty of walking routes and short trails. One of the most popular is the Devil’s Punchbowl, a 131‑metre waterfall. The track is just two kilometres long, making it ideal for those more into sightseeing than breaking a sweat. Along the way, you pass through lush forest and over small bridges before reaching a viewing platform that feels like the perfect reward. Another trail worth mentioning is the climb to Avalanche Peak (1,833 metres), which I had planned to attempt. However, a local at the visitor centre convinced me otherwise. Despite the clear sky, snow and strong winds on the ridge made conditions treacherous. Instead of a panoramic view, I might have caught “the flight of my life.” Much to my disappointment, I chose once again to exercise common sense and stay at a safer altitude. Luckily, the adventures didn’t end there. Before leaving the mountains behind, I had the chance to drive across the Otira Viaduct to the aptly named Death’s Corner. The name may sound like something from a B‑movie horror, but there’s logic behind it. The Alpine Fault runs right through the park, and the old, winding road was often destroyed by landslides. In short, you once drove here at your own risk. Arthur’s Pass perfectly captures what New Zealand really is beyond the scenes – rugged, mountainous, sometimes unforgiving, and utterly indifferent to your plans. You might climb something, skip something, or change your route altogether and that’s all perfectly fine. Because even if you don’t reach the summit or stick to plan A, just being here is an incredible experience. Practical Information Arthur’s Pass National Park lies along the Great Alpine Highway (SH73), connecting Christchurch with the West Coast. The drive from Christchurch takes around 2.5–3 hours, and from Greymouth about 1–1.5 hours. Although the pass itself is only 45 kilometres long, numerous scenic stops easily stretch the journey. It’s the highest mountain pass in the Southern Alps (over 900 metres above sea level), so the weather can change suddenly. In winter, expect snow, ice and occasional chain requirements. An alternative to driving is the TranzAlpine train, considered one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys. It runs between Christchurch and Greymouth, crossing the Southern Alps and passing through Arthur’s Pass, including the impressive 8.5‑kilometre Otira Tunnel. The full journey takes about 4.5 hours each way, offering panoramic carriages and landscapes that are even more unforgettable when enjoyed from the comfort of your seat.

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New Zealand, the road to Milford Sound

Gosia — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 17:01:09 +0000

The road to Milford Sound is not some boring “getting-there” exercise – it is the attraction. I’ll admit it was the only place I decided to visit in full lazy mode, on an organised tour. At first, I toyed with the idea of driving myself – after all, I had a rental car. In the end, common sense won. I knew it was one of the last days of my fairly intensive trip, and the route from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back is nearly 300 kilometres each way, which in New Zealand terms means roughly eight hours behind the wheel. And honestly? Best decision ever. I love driving, but to my surprise, by the end of the trip I couldn’t stand the sight of a steering wheel. Instead, I could sink comfortably into my seat, take out my camera and take photos non-stop – because there was plenty to photograph. The most interesting part of the journey starts in the town of Te Anau. From here, the drive to Milford Sound is supposed to take just over an hour and a half… in theory. In reality? Not a chance. There are so many viewpoints and places worth stopping at that driving straight through is basically impossible. First stop: Lake Te Anau. A vast lake with crystal-clear water, surrounded by mountains – a perfect teaser of what awaits in Fiordland National Park. Just a few minutes further on, you suddenly feel like you’ve wandered onto the set of The Lord of the Rings. The legendary Misty Mountains from The Fellowship of the Ring are, in fact, the Eglinton Valley. An endless glacial valley framed by snow-capped peaks – properly epic. Right next door are the Mirror Lakes – small pools that, in good weather, let you see the mountains upside down 😀 It’s also worth stopping at Lake Gunn – a slightly larger lake, hidden away in the forest. A bit further along is Falls Creek, an unassuming stop right by the road that’s easy to miss. The waterfall here practically pours onto the tarmac, and a short bridge offers a fantastic viewpoint over the cascades and the intensely blue water. Next up is Monkey Creek, a mountain stream with crystal-clear water flowing straight from the glaciers. As you get closer to Milford Sound, the landscape becomes increasingly harsh and alpine – wide valleys give way to sheer granite cliffs, and the air turns noticeably crisper. And then comes Homer Tunnel, a 1.2-kilometre passage carved by hand through solid rock at an altitude of 945 metres above sea level. Construction took 19 years. No lights. No ventilation. Just pickaxes and stubborn determination. With a bit of luck, or bad luck you might encounter a kea before the tunnel: an alpine parrot that clearly does not recognise the concept of “private property”. These intelligent, slightly unhinged birds treat car parks like their personal playgrounds: rummaging through backpacks, trying to get into cars, and enthusiastically chewing on rubber car parts like windscreen wipers. If a kea takes an interest in your vehicle, the best strategy is to lock the doors quickly and pretend you don’t exist. After all these attractions, driving through the dark, narrow tunnel feels like a quiet epilogue to the whole adventure. After a road packed with views, waterfalls and parrot-based sabotage, entering the tunnel works like a brief reset – before the landscape hits you again with double force on the other side. Beyond the tunnel lies Cleddau Valley. A steep valley where hairpin bends snake between granite walls and waterfalls spill almost directly onto the road. In winter, the area can be completely impassable due to avalanches; in summer, it’s wet, raw and absolutely spectacular. From here, only a dozen or so kilometres remain to Milford Sound – but every single metre builds the tension. When you finally arrive, it feels like you’ve completed your own personal odyssey. Milford Sound is not a road you simply “drive”. It’s a road you experience. Find out more about Milford Sound here.

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Road trip – United Arab Emirates and Oman

Gosia — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 15:14:47 +0000

Road trip in the United Arab Emirates and Oman is an interesting experience. Imagine a multi-lane highway stretching to the horizon—perfectly marked, as flat as a tabletop, and practically devoid of other vehicles. It’s tempting to push the car to its limits. However, this illusion is shattered when you notice speed cameras placed every three kilometres. And don’t be fooled; these cameras are fully functional. Both countries boast some of the most advanced radar systems in the world. Fortunately, during my 3,500 km journey, I managed to avoid testing the fines for speeding. Observing the law-abiding behaviour of other drivers, it’s clear the penalties must be severe. Speed Limits Unfortunately, the speed limits were another letdown. Highways typically have limits ranging from 100 to 120 km/h (60-70 mph). Surprisingly, city limits range from 60 to 80 km/h (40-50 mph), though the latter is more common. Residential streets are limited to 40 km/h (25 mph), though I didn’t experience these firsthand as I didn’t need to go to these zones. Speed cameras aren’t marked, but in the desert landscape, the black or grey boxes are easy to spot from a distance. Regardless, you can expect them every three kilometres. This kind of driving can be monotonous and tiring, requiring constant attention to speed limits and restraint on the gas pedal. The roads are largely uneventful, and the surroundings monotonous. Abu Dhabi offered some respite, with highway limits of up to 140 km/h. On one occasion, I drove on a road with a 160 km/h limit—an international highway from Abu Dhabi toward Saudi Arabia. However, I’ve heard there’s no buffer for exceeding these limits in Abu Dhabi. On secondary roads, speed cameras are much less common, or even absent. These roads are in excellent condition, allowing for higher speeds, which local drivers often exploit. 😀 Safety Considerations While the roads are generally very safe, there are a few things to watch out for: U-Turn Lanes on Highways. Collision-prone U-turn lanes are equipped with widened shoulders to allow vehicles to merge dynamically without obstructing fast-moving traffic. Speed Bumps. Poorly designed speed bumps, especially in Oman, are a nightmare. If driving a regular car, approach them at an angle for safety. Desert Winds. In Abu Dhabi’s desert areas, lightweight vehicles can be unexpectedly pushed to another lane by strong gusts of wind. The absence of trees or other visual cues makes it hard to anticipate such conditions. Driving Culture This was perhaps the most surprising aspect of the trip. I had braced myself for typical chaos on Arab roads, remembering driving madness in Lebanon. 😀 However, drivers in the UAE and Oman are disciplined and courteous. Driving was trouble-free and predictable, making these countries excellent for those new to renting cars abroad. In Dubai, even pedestrians are given the right of way! Road Signage The well-developed road system, particularly around Dubai, includes numerous exits, flyovers, and traffic lanes. I often found myself on roads with up to eight lanes in one direction. Clear road signs were crucial, with exits labeled by name and number, as well as lane-specific guidance. Combined with Google Maps’ voice navigation, I could navigate without constantly referring to the map. Tolls Toll roads exist primarily in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Maps of the toll gates are available online (Dubai and Abu Dhabi). To use Dubai’s toll roads, you need to register in the Salik system (Salik registration) or Darb in Abu Dhabi (Darb registration), and place a tag on your windshield (mandatory only in Dubai). Salik tags are available online or at gas stations. The good news is that most rental cars are pre-registered for both systems, and toll charges are billed upon car return. However, confirm this when picking up your car. Personally, I switched on the “avoid tolls” option on Google Maps, as toll-free roads are of excellent quality. Car Rentals Airports in the UAE and Oman offer a wide selection of rental companies. I rented a car from Hertz in the UAE for 720 PLN for eight days and added full insurance for 430 PLN on-site. In Oman, I rented a car from Europcar for three days at 660 PLN, also with full insurance. To minimize costs, I chose mini-class cars. Interestingly, in Oman, I was given a Hyundai Elantra, while in the UAE, I received a brand-new Toyota Yaris. Both cars were in excellent condition. However, Hertz did not allow cross-border trips to Oman. While most attractions are accessible with regular cars, a 4WD may be necessary in some parts of Oman. Required Documents In addition to your driver’s license, you’ll need an international driving permit (IDP) compliant with the Vienna Convention. I didn’t encounter a single roadside check during my trip. Police presence was minimal, and when I did see them, their vehicles were inconspicuous rather than flashy. Navigation I relied on Google Maps without issues. Minor complications arose in central Dubai due to construction and new infrastructure. In Oman, I bought a SIM card at the airport, taking advantage of a Vodafone promotion: 5 OMR for 15 GB. In the UAE, I used my roaming package. Public Transport in Dubai I strongly advise against driving in central Dubai due to heavy traffic and limited parking. The metro is the most convenient option. Tickets or Nol cards can be purchased at metro stations (Nol card info). There are two types of cards: Silver and Gold. Gold cards provide access to premium carriages with more seating and fewer passengers, located at either end of the train. Each platform is separated from the tracks by glass panels, with clear markings for each carriage class. Additionally, there are pink carriages exclusively for women and children. The public transport system in Dubai is zone-based, with fares ranging from 3 to 7.5 AED for Silver cardholders and 4 to 8.5 AED for Gold cardholders. The card costs 25 AED, with 19 AED available for travel. For more information, including metro maps and schedules, visit Dubai Metro. Road transport in the UAE and Oman is highly developed. While speed cameras and speed limits can be inconvenient, driving is safe and predictable thanks to disciplined drivers. In Dubai, using public transport is recommended to avoid traffic congestion. Renting a car is easy, and most attractions are accessible with a regular vehicle. An international driving permit is required, although roadside checks are rare. Both the UAE and Oman are ideal destinations for a smooth and comfortable road trip. Finally, the signs warning of deep excavations… They were incredibly amusing, especially considering the scale of them. 😉

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Ras Al-Khaimah – United Arab Emirates alternatively

Gosia — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 17:19:50 +0000

Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE. While often overlooked by tourists, in my opinion, it’s one of the most fascinating regions in the UAE. Above all, it’s incredibly diverse. Within a relatively small area, you can find mountains, valleys (wadi), desert landscapes, and the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf. One of the most spectacular spots is the road leading to the summit of Jebel Jais, located in the Al Hajar Mountains, which rises to 1,925 meters above sea level. Although the peak itself belongs to Oman, the road on the UAE side reaches an altitude of 1,910 meters, just 15 meters lower than the summit. So close, yet so far… but it’s still worth the trip. This place once again proved to me that sometimes, the journey is more interesting than the destination. Imagine a route that first follows the sandy beaches of the Persian Gulf, then traverses barren desert landscapes, and finally winds through rocky valleys—wadi—into the heart of the Hajar Mountains. The rugged mountain scenery is breathtaking, and the road seems tailor-made for a more dynamic driving experience. Forget tight hairpin turns; here, they are perfectly contoured and wide. Generous shoulders add extra space for dynamic manoeuvres. Driving towards the summit is a pleasure in itself, especially since there are no speed cameras here, which are otherwise ubiquitous in Ras Al-Khaimah and the rest of the UAE. During my drive, there weren’t many cars, but I it was clearly visible that all other drivers also appreciated the uniqueness of this road. 😉 The only “limitation” were the numerous viewpoints, where I stopped to admire the Al-Hajar Mountains on one side and the Ras Al-Khaimah coastline on the other. It’s worth stopping at Jais Viewing Deck Park (entry fee in 2024 – 5 AED), located at an altitude of 1,250 meters. Several platforms here offer incredible panoramic views. The road ends at an elevation of over 1,500 meters. Beyond that point, access is reserved for guests of the 1484 by Puro restaurant or those participating in local attractions. If you’re craving more speed and adrenaline, you can try the Jais Flight, the longest zipline in the world, officially recognized by the Guinness World Records. This 2.83 km-long line allows for speeds ranging from 120 to 160 km/h, offering stunning views of the surrounding canyons and peaks. Trekking enthusiasts can choose from six hiking trails totaling 16 kilometers. At the foot of the mountains, you can visit the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, where experienced guides organize survival training. The road to Jebel Jais is also a favorite summer destination. While temperatures in the lowlands of the UAE can reach 45°C, the Al-Hajar Mountains, though not exactly cool, offer a much more bearable climate. On the way back, it’s worth visiting Dhayah Fort, located on a hill surrounded by a lush oasis. From the top, you can enjoy views of the Hajar Mountains, the Persian Gulf, and the green gardens of palm and date trees in Ras Al-Khaimah. The current fortress was built in the 19th century on the foundations of an older structure. The hilltop fort isn’t the only fortification in the area. At the foot of the hill lies a larger mud-brick structure called “Sur,” which served as a refuge for the local population. Watchtowers scattered among the palm groves ensured effective communication between fortifications. Together, they formed a defensive system that protected the Dhayah oasis from invaders for centuries. Dhayah’s strategic location made it a key defensive point for centuries. It was the last stronghold of local tribes against the British invasion in 1819. Not far from the fort is the Al Rams Corniche, a perfect place for a stroll, offering stunning views of the Persian Gulf, the Hajar Mountains, and the town of Al Rams. A visit to the fish market is also an interesting experience. It’s a great opportunity to talk to local vendors and observe the daily life of residents. End your sightseeing at the public Flamingo Beach, marked by two artificial flamingo sculptures, making it a memorable spot to relax.

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Kuwait – space towers and Operation Desert Tire

Gosia — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 15:40:21 +0000

I visited Kuwait quite accidentally and spontaneously. Accidentally, I found cheap tickets there, and I spontaneously visited it regardless that from a logistical point of view, this trip was completely pointless. However, let me start from the beginning. One day in August, I started browsing flight offers and noticed that a well-known budget airline had opened new connections from Rome and Vienna to Kuwait. Return tickets were for €40, including weekend flights. I didn’t have to think long, I quickly looked at the map and estimated that 2-3 days would be enough to see the entire country. I didn’t consider a longer trip, as visiting Kuwait’s neighbours was out of the question. For obvious reasons, I didn’t consider Iraq, the second option was Saudi Arabia but visa there is quite expensive. I was also afraid of high prices Kuwait, which is known as one of the richest countries in the world. Finally, I decided to fly from Rome and return to Vienna, and paid an additional PLN 300 for flights between these cities and Warsaw. The idea was completely crazy, the whole-day flight from Warsaw via Rome to Kuwait, a 2-day stay in Kuwait and then a return to Vienna, with an overnight stay at the airport and a morning flight to Warsaw. However, I needed some change, something new, and above all, I wanted to feel that I was on the way. What did I find there? Well, complete surprise, which I like the most ? Hot and even hotter… Of course, another example of my stupidity was the decision to go there in the middle of summer. I realized that it would be hot, even very hot… like 47℃. I also knew that I would have to wear long pants and blouses that cover my shoulders. However, I didn’t perceive it as an obstacle, because I was sure that the high temperature in a dry climate wouldn’t be so bothersome. However, the reality exceeded my wildest expectations, I finally learned the limit of my tolerance for heat. In the end, I decided to follow the example of the Kuwaitis and travel everywhere by car, and limit my time in the “fresh” air to a minimum. I must admit that this way of sightseeing was an interesting experience. Kuwait is perfectly suited to this type of tourism. It has a very well-developed road infrastructure and plenty of parking spaces. As a result, I travelled 600 km in less than 2 days and I still wonder how it was possible, while Kuwait is only 200 km from north to south. Training of Patience The real highlight is a ride on The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway. The entire causeway construction cost only $3 billion. After all, who can forbid a rich person? The construction of the road was one of the largest construction projects in the Middle East. It consists of two bridges with a total length of almost 50 km. The main goal of this project was to shorten the road between Kuwait City and Silk City. In the effect the route between these cities has been reduced from 104 km to 36 km. The ride takes 30 minutes, but personally I must admit that it was the longest 30 minutes of my life. Firstly, because nothing, absolutely nothing, happens on this road. The most surprising thing is that there are practically no cars here. Secondly, driving there is more like a training of patience. It might seem that three empty lanes in each direction are the perfect place to check what the factory has given the car, but the speed limit there is 100 km/h and the speed cameras are located in such a way that you can’t even speed up. Ultimately, I decided that it would be safer not to learn the Kuwaiti fines tariff. A similar situation occurs on most roads in Kuwait, three lanes highways, no signs of any life and the speed limit of maximum 120 km/h. Finally, after an hour of singing and talking to myself, I decided to do something useful. The landscape around me was so beautiful that I decided to take photos 😀 There is no water in the desert… Kuwait has no natural sources of drinking water. It’s obtained from seawater desalination. Although I don’t know much about this process, I suspect that it requires a lot of energy. I must admit that the biggest surprise for me was the large amount of greenery. It’s hard for me to imagine how much it costs to maintain green lawns and parks in Kuwait at temperatures reaching almost 50℃. While driving around the city you can see numerous squares and parks. The most popular park is Al Shaheed Park, which also serves as an entertainment space. Various exhibitions, concerts and other shows are organized there. Space towers The city center of Kuwait is incredibly impressive, especially considering that until the 1960s it was a small fishing village. Modernly planned urban space, numerous skyscrapers, clean streets and carefully manicured lawns and parks show that Kuwait doesn’t have cash shortages. The tallest skyscraper in Kuwait is Al Hamra Tower, reaching almost 413 m. Another landmark is Liberation Tower reaching almost 400 m high. As the name suggests, the tower is a symbol of Kuwait’s liberation from Iraqi occupation. It can be recognized by its characteristic ring resembling a UFO plate. An interesting sight in Kuwait are the water towers, which look more like an artistic installation straight from a science fiction movie. There are 6 characteristic clusters of water towers around the city of Kuwait. The five clusters look like huge mushrooms painted with white and blue stripes. The towers were built to distribute water from desalination. According to Sheikh of Kuwait- Jaber Al-Ahmed’s idea, they were to be a work of art and at the same time a symbol of Kuwait’s modernity and technological advancement. The towers look amazing, but the real icing on the cake is the last cluster of three Kuwaiti Towers, which look like huge balls covered with blue sequins. Past times However, it’s not like that Kuwait completely cuts itself off from tradition. In the city center there’s the Souq Al-Mubarakiya, which is a reminder of the times when Kuwait was a trade center. It’s one of the oldest bazaars in Kuwait. You can buy numerous local products, carpets, perfumes, spices and sweets here. The second interesting place is the Kuwaiti Fish Bazaar, located near the Grand Mosque. This bazaar is not like the bazaars I know from the other Arab countries, above all it was immaculately clean, the goods were carefully arranged, and what is most surprising, there was so silent that I didn’t even think about haggling? Operation “Desert Tire” This may seem a bit strange, but before my departure when reading about Kuwait, I became interested in an unusual place, more precisely, a waste tire dump near the town of Sulaibiya. To dispel any doubts, I have no idea about this type of attractions, but the Kuwaiti landfill interested me because of its scale. Apparently over 50 million tires in storage would make it the largest in the world. I wanted to see with my own eyes the desert covered to the horizon with tires. There were numerous fires in the area, which resulted in the emission of harmful substances into the air. The Kuwaiti government has been trying for years to eliminate its harmful effects on the environment, and apparently they had succeeded by the time I arrived. Unfortunately, when I got there I didn’t see many tires, but wild camels grazing in the desert made my day 😀 Burning oil fields Kuwait ranks sixth in the world in terms of oil resources. What’s more interesting, the costs of oil extraction here are the cheapest in the world, because the oil is located almost below the surface of the earth. No wonder that this country is almost completely dependent on it. Therefore, it’s worth visiting the KOC Oil Display Center, where you can learn about the technology of oil extraction. Part of the exhibition is devoted to the disaster of 1991, when Iraqi soldiers retreating from Kuwait set fire to oil wells. This posed a huge threat to the environment and population. It was estimated that 4 million barrels per day would be burnt. Moreover, according to initial estimates, the operation of extinguishing the shafts was supposed to take from 5 to 7 years, but thanks to the huge support of other countries, the situation was brought under control in only 9 months. Another place of remembrance of the war with Iraq is the Al-Qurain Martyrs Museum. The museum looks more like an urbex. The collapsed parts of the building and the walls with bullet holes were left on purpose by the Kuwaiti government. This place is intended to remind us of the bloody 10-hour raid by Iraqi forces on the hideout of Kuwaiti guerrillas. Opposite the museum you can see one of the Iraqi tanks used in the battle.

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Lebanon – anarchy on the road, there is a method in this madness!

Gosia — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 18:20:58 +0000

Lebanon is a country where you can experience virtually everything on the road. I admit, I broke every possible rule here. During my several-day stay, I travelled over 1,300 km. Probably many people going to this country are thinking about renting a car. There is no denying that you can guess what the temperament of Lebanese drivers is. How does it look from my perspective? In short, Lebanon is a great place to drive! Roads The condition of the roads is generally very good, moreover, they are all free. Asphalt roads lead to most of the tourist attractions, while dirt roads are also not a big challenge for a standard car, the Nissan Micra I rented managed without any problems. When renting a car, you need to remember that it should have an adequate reserve of power, as Lebanese roads are often very winding and steep. However, mountain roads is the thing which makes driving around this country an incredible pleasure. The main roads are wide, often several lanes each way. As a rule, the lanes are not marked, so it all depends on the driving skills of the drivers. In my opinion, this is an advantage, because during peak hours more cars can drive on the road. It often happens that drivers going in the direction of increased traffic force drivers from the opposite direction to provide an additional lane. However, one thing that is particularly irritating is the unmarked thresholds. Fortunately, they are not as high as, for example, in Jordan, but I have been surprised more than once by Micra’s ability to fly freely in the air. Fuel Fuel at the stations was available without restrictions during my stay. A liter cost around 1$. You can pay in dollars or local currency. Traffic regulations I will not write here a lot, the rules are practically non-existent. U-turns on the highway, using the wrong turn idicators, driving the wrong way, overtaking on a solid line (if there is one), jumping at the red light are just some of the wide range of Lebanese drivers’ maneuvers. In general, the most interesting situations occur in the right lane, so to avoid surprises, it is safer to drive on the left. In fact, I forgot that there is one law that is respected throughout the whole Lebanon. Contrary to the rules in most countries, those entering the roundabout have the right of way. Of course, it cannot be assumed that everyone will respect this principle, but in most cases it worked. At first I laughed it off, but when I saw the roundabouts on the motorway, the rule suddenly made sense to me. Checkpoints Driving around Lebanon, you can meet numerous checkpoints, but you shouldn’t be afraid of them. Soldiers seeing tourists usually just wave their hand, signalling to go on. I was only checked once at the checkpoint just outside Baalbek. I was asked for my rental documents and passport, and I had to answer to some standard questions. Driving style This is probably the most interesting part. From my perspective, I will say briefly, I have never driven anywhere as freely as in Lebanon. True, I broke every possible law, just like the rest of the drivers, but who said that respecting the rules ensures safe driving? In my opinion, drivers in Lebanon drive very well, have reflex, are able to anticipate the situation on the road and are determined. All this means that everyone automatically adapts to the situation on the road. Personally, I prefer this option, because in this way the traffic regulates itself. Driving around Beirut, Tripoli or Sidon, there were practically no traffic jams during rush hour, and I never saw any accident or even a bump. The maneuvers performed by local drivers are not violent, you can predict their movement in advance. Driving in larger cities also requires determination, you often have to make your way. However, many times the drivers politely let me in. I will not hide that it could have been due to the element of surprise. Women are rarely seen behind the wheel. Many people told me that they had never seen a woman traveling alone in Lebanon let alone driving a car. After all, it had to be the first time ? Driving in the city is different from driving in the countryside. Here, drivers are less predictable and you need to pay more attention to the traffic situation, especially when driving faster. Outside the city, I have often seen children behind the wheel. While traveling in Lebanon, I saw the police only once. What’s more, they even told me not to park on the highway ? In general, the driver control system does not seem to work well in this country. In short, we are most afraid of what we don’t know. However, if someone knows the traffic in a larger city and is not a fresh driver, will easily manage in Lebanon. However, for mental comfort, it is worth buying full car insurance and taking into account the possibility of scratching the car.

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Western Armenia, must – see places, part II

Gosia — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 11:03:48 +0000

The next destination in Armenia, just after the Armenian Stonhenge (which I wrote about in the first part) was Monastyr Tatev. As we’re getting closer and closer, the road became more and more winding and mountainous. On the other hand, visibility decreased with every meter covered, actually directly proportional to the disappearing asphalt on the road. Aside from the fact that we were heading to the most popular monastery in Armenia, it looked like it was one of those places in the middle of nowhere. Tatev Monastery is mainly famous for its spectacular location in the Vorotan Canyon. The initial plan included a ride to the site by one of the longest ropeway (Wings of Tatev), reaching almost 6 kilometers, unfortunately without any visibility, it didn’t make any sense. Personally, I hoped to see even Gavazan’s Column on the spot. The column had been created almost a thousand years before the modern seismograph was developed. It’s made of a pillar placed on a rotary basis. In case of earthquake, it tilts. Unfortunately, the fog in place distorted my perception so that I wouldn’t even notice the earthquake. ? Undaunted, we decided to continue our route to Monastyr Noravank. As the height decreased, so did the fog. Even though we were away from any civilization, more cars could be seen on the road. Amazing landscapes accompanied us to Noravank Monastery. I have to admit, the monastery itself is quite impressive. Not to mention its sacred value, I must say that its camouflage impressed me the most ?. Monastery is located on a hill, and its bright color merges with the colors of the surrounding rocks. Meanwhile, the viewing terrace adjacent to the monastery offers a beautiful view of the Egheknadzor Plain. The next point of the trip was the most important sacral point in Armenia, at the same time the main destination of the pilgrimage – Khor Virap Monastery. The very name of the monastery in Armenian means ′′ deep dungeon′′ and it’s not a coincidence. Khor Virap was the place of the incarceration of Saint Gregory the Illuminator who converted Armenia to Christianity. The interior of the monastery makes an incredible impression, mainly because of its raw decor, dark color of walls, a small amount of light and numerous motive candles lit by faithfuls. Khor Virap, is a symbol of Armenia and can be seen on many tourism advertising materials. However, its fame does’s regard just a place of worship. Khor Virap guarantees the best view of the Armenians’ holy mountain – Ararat. It’s widely believed that Noah’s Ark after the Flood settled at the Ararat summit, that’s why this mountain is an extremely important element of Armenian national identity. It’s shown on the emblem of Armenia and is ubiquitous in the everyday life of the country. It’s presented not only in art or literature, but also in Armenian stores you can find many everyday products with this name. Although Ararat is situated in historical Armenian areas, it is currently within the territory of Armenia’s biggest enemy – Turkey. This fact is the reason for a sense of historical injustice, which is omnipresent in Armenian consciousness. After a visit to Khor Virap, I must say, I didn’t expect Armenia to surprise me with anything else. We had only a 50 km way to Garni Temple, which turned out to be one of the most beautiful in Armenia. I won’t hide that the driving was a bit longer, as we were initially stuck in the middle of the field hanging on a concrete water drain, and then due to some pretty specific terrain conditions we were forced to reduce the speed. On the other hand, I didn’t complain, it was even an advantage, as I could slowly contemplate the interestingly shaped terrain both of the road and its surroundings 😀 Meanwhile, a bit further, after the steppe landscape, the Garni Temple area surprised us with the amount of greenery. The Garni temple dates back to the first century and is the only sacral building unrelated to Christian religion that survived during Armenia’s adoption of Christianity. Right next to the temple is Geghard Monastery. The monastery attracts attention with its interesting location. Supposedly, in the 13th century, the remains of St. Andrew and St. John as well as the relics of the so-called The Spear of Destiny that hurt Christ on the cross, were stored there. The monastery makes an incredible impression not only because of its amazing location, but also its atmospheric interior. It’s also of great sacred value, because it was founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator. In the monastery you can see numerous khachkars, which are stone slabs, commemorating important people or events. In addition to the rich decorations, they also present a characteristic Armenian cross. Most often they can be found in the area of sacred facilities and cemeteries. The last stop was the monument to the Armenian alphabet, founded in 2005 on the occasion of the 1600th anniversary of its existence. The Armenian alphabet was created between 405-406 by a scholar and monk – Mesrop Mashtots and reportedly ranks among the most advanced in the world. Check out the first part here.

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Belarus – 10 reasons why you should visit this country!

Gosia — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 20:06:32 +0000

I’d been planning to visit Belarus for a very long time. Even though this country is located very close to Warsaw, it always seemed to me very distant. Before visiting it I heard many warnings about corruption, negative attitude to Poles or problems with crossing the border. How did it really look like? Check out 10 reasons why it’s worth visiting Belarus! 1. The Stalin Line Just 35 km from Minsk, there’s s a place where time has stopped. Bunkers, underground tunnels, trenches, weapons warehouses, command stations and large exhibition of military equipment, literally takes one back to the WWII times. This is the largest military museum in Belarus. It’s the part of fortifications, built in the 20’s in the 20th century. The line was built to defend against the attack from the west, however, during the WWII, it played exclusively an auxiliary role. As a consequence of the signing of the Ribbentrop – Molotov Pact, a new Molotov line was built along the “new” Western border of the USSR. Most of the equipment form the Stalin Line was moved there. It turned out to be a grave mistake because when the Germans attacked the USSR, the Molotov line was not yet completed, and Stalin’s line was not able to perform defense. In the vast area of the museum, you can go along the long trenches or exploring bunkers and underground tunnels and see helicopters, combat planes, tanks and radar systems. An interesting place is also a graveyard of old cars and a replica of the house destroyed during the war. However, the true attraction in the winter is the visit Father Frost. His cottage is located right next to… a range 😉 2. Inverted house – the world has stood on its head! About 40 km from Minsk in Dukora town, you can visit an interesting place where you can challenge your sense of balance. In the area of the open-air museum you can find the Inverted House. The architect recreated in detail every element of overturned building, well except curtains… 😉 There’s a real test waiting for you inside. Like the outside, also and inside everything is reversed, and in addition, the building is a little tilted which makes it difficult to walk. 3. Belarusian Village – let’s make the world colorful! Belarusian villages are one of a kind and when travelling by car, it’s worth to turn a little from the main route to see at least one. Villages in Belarus are poor, it seems that the further from big cities, this financial situation of people is worse. In a typical village, usually there’s no store and you can’t see cars, the water is taken from the wells, and the houses are mainly wooden. However, what surprised me the most was the amount of colours. Every house had a different shade, every gate had another painted pattern. The gardens were very well groomed and in the windows you could see various decorations. 4. Castles, smaller castles… There’re a lot of interesting castles in Belarus. According to the legend in the tunnels of the famous castle Mir, were hidden the treasures of the Radziwill family. In the Lida Castle you can see how life looked like in the times of the raids of Teutonic Order. There’s also a beautifully located castle in Kosava. 5. Where is the bison? While travelling in Belarus I felt like the national symbol of this country were bisons and storks. Despite winter, storks in Belarus were present everywhere, on my way or on the market stalls 😉 However, you don’t need to go Bialowieski National Park to see bisons, as you can see one close to the highway from Minsk to Brest! 6. Like home! I couldn’t believe that I found a lot examples of Polish relationships with Belarus. Before leaving, I didn’t actually know what to expect. I was wondering how the Poles were perceived by Belarusians. I had a number of stereotypes in my head. I must admit that I treated this trip as a verification of the universal impressions of this country. Once again I checked that reality differs a lot from the way as its presented or we think about it. I am surprised by the culture and openness of Belarusians, the state of roads and safety. During the stay I wasn’t felt bad because of my nationality, on the contrary a lot of people were very helpful I didn’t see any militia, on the roads (I covered around 1200 km in Belarus), I didn’t encounter bribery and was impressed by the way the Belarusians drive. 7. Urban exploration – urbex There are also some interesting abandoned buildings in Belarus. One of the most interesting places is certainly the Belarusian exclusion zone – Belarusian part of the contaminated zone, after the Chernobyl power plant explosion. Unfortunately, due to a small amount of time, I wasn’t able to visit this place. As a consolation, I chose to visit an abandoned palace in Ruzhana. What is true this complex has years of greatness behind it, while its skeleton and location on the high hill is still impressive. 8. Brest Fortress The Fortress in Brest was the last place in my journey to Belarus, and at the same time the icing on the cake. But first, a little bit of history, the fortress was built in the first half of the 19th century and to the outbreak of World War II was within Poland borders. Then, it was included into the USSR. The Fortress In Brest is also called the fortress of heroes and it’s a symbol of the heroic fight of its defenders. 9. Potatoes and cream! The staple in Belarus are potatoes and cream. The choice is wide, for example from many potato dishes you can taste: Draniki (potato pies), potato casserole and mashed potato in a shape of sausage. Belarusian cuisine also consists of aromatic soups like: borscht, soljanka or mushroom soup. Very popular are also dishes like: dumplings, pies, pancakes, pelmeni or kolduny. Belarusians don’t use a lot of spices while thick cream is mandatory to every dish. More about Belarusian cuisine soon 😉 10. Journey to the past… Surprising that after just a few hours of driving you can land in a completely different reality. A reality remembered perfectly by our parents or grandparents. The monuments of Lenin or Stalin, and the symbols of hammer and sickle are the most visible element of political system. However, the real fun starts when you need to do some formalities. Bureaucracy, countless quantity of documents and signatures, constant backlogs in procedures make the journey to the past, even more authentic! 😉 More details soon 😉

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Girl on a (dangerous) Trail – roads safety…

Gosia — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 10:55:50 +0000

Before I went to Georgia, I’d thought that I’d seen everything on the roads. There were roads in Mexico, especially those in Mexico City, provided me adrenaline comparable to bungee jumping. There were no rules, except for one – parking ban, which, as a matter of fact, didn’t improve my situation. It was hard, even today I still remember these dilemmas before going through pedestrian crossing, cutting 7-lane, busy road. To make matters worse, I felt constant uncertainty there, whether a driver, driving a 7th right lane, would begin to make a sudden turning left without warning. The entertainment comparable to watching a good psychological thriller was watching roundabouts during rush hours. I was impressed by drivers’ courage who were driving against the current and those driving with the current, that was really good performance. And how about with the police, the guarantor of the road safety… Everybody knows that Mexico City is overcrowded and not always safe. Hence, the logic of the police is to use the sound signals normally during patrols and turn them off to intervene, so that they do not scare the criminals. As long as it’s logical for the crime prevention, for the pedestrian it’s not. I have to admit, driving a car in Mexico is an art. First of all, it requires major psychological skills, behavioral reflex, the ability to read body movements and gestures, possess relevant interpersonal skills and finally the so called “road assertiveness” must be mastered there. The roads in Vietnam are a separate subject for the book, but I’ve described these issues in a modest post (you can find it here). It would seem that the situation here is better than in Mexico, because there’re mainly scooters on the roads. But believe me, even sitting on the edge of a plane before skydiving doesn’t give such adrenaline like a change of light for the red in the middle of a pedestrian crossing on the busy artery in Saigon. After all these adventures, I thought that the “driving culture” in Georgia won’t differ significantly from the European standard, but I was very wrong. While crossing the road in this country, on the basis of previous experience, it was no longer an impression for me, but traffic observation from the back seat of so called “marshrutka” was a truly spiritual experience. But maybe I’ll start from the beginning. Marshrutkas are popular means of communication in Georgia. Cars, transporting people often belong to private individuals, which unfortunately affects their technical condition. The basic principle in Georgia for the choice of the means of transport is to assess the quality of the windscreen window. If it’s broken, you should look for another means of transport. But the problem is when we get into the car, where it turns out that a cautious driver covered the windscreen. In this situation, all we have to do is pray with the driver. Let me put it this way, praying before driving is a ceremony in Georgia. Cars are equipped with all kinds of rosaries and pictures. WIthout a prayer, you can’t move. Of course this activity is repeated on the road mainly before and after overtaking… In addition, there’s another element in Georgia that I havn’t met in any of the previous countries. The popular means of transport are Japanese cars that are much cheaper. Of course, I must admit that Japanese production cars are valued for quality but they have one basic flaw – for the God’s sake, the steering wheel is on the right! At the first overtaking we lead our strenuous intentions towards the altar made by the driver, and belive me after the drive you can recite the entire apocalypse from your memory. However, it’s not the end, the situation is further complicated by the herds of cows, horses and goats, which, without any discomfort, just walk the road. To make matters worse, the areas in Georgia are imposing additional precautionary measures, as the gas pipes are right to buildings. And how does it look like in practice? Take a look 😉

Artykuł Girl on a (dangerous) Trail – roads safety… pochodzi z serwisu .