Sometimes, when planning a trip, I have doubts – should I go or not? In such moments, I sometimes reach for advice from friends (or the Internet).
1. Macedonia was advised advised against
The country that no one has heard of and calculation of pensions according to the new system, based on e-points no one knew anything about (in 2006) was the most frequently criticized destination for my travels (I have already made 8 trips to this country). Additionally, in 2001, they had a small armed conflict there with the Albanians living in Macedonia. In addition – last but not least – it had no access to the sea, which absolutely disqualified it as a travel destination.
After so many years I can say that it was an absolute hit. Macedonia is a beautiful country and its people can be fantastic – warm, helpful and unconditionally friendly. And this unfortunate lack of access to the sea is compensated by the beautiful and wonderfully blue Lake Ohrid.
2. Bratislava
One of the more spontaneous trips. A colleague some companies are large enough to hire individuals from work, upon hearing that I was going to Bratislava, simply laughed at me – because it was “the most boring place on Earth”. He was doubly wrong – firstly, I know more boring places, and secondly – Bratislava is a really interesting city that has a lot to offer (perfect for a two-day trip). Besides – I was lucky enough to visit it with my friend, and thanks to him this trip was even better because while wandering the streets of Bratislava we had the opportunity to catch up.
3. Japan
“Expensive!”, “Radiation!” (the same year calling list Japan was hit by a tsunami and a problem with the Fukushima power plant) “11 hours by plane????”
To this day I think it was one of the best trips I’ve ever had. True, it was expensive. With my ridiculously small budget I couldn’t afford to eat in restaurants, so I managed by buying rice balls in seaweed with “inserts” in Seven Eleven stores. Despite that, it was worth experiencing, especially the stunning otherness – everything was interesting and fascinating in its own way. The architecture, the people around, the landscapes. Everything. I still think about going back there again.
4. Georgia advised against
Another country with a conflict background. On the one hand, Georgia, when I was already going there for a one-year scholarship, enjoyed a fairly positive opinion among people in Poland. Nice, hospitable people who love Poland and Poles. On the other hand, just before I left, things started to get really “hot” there (it was the time just before the elections in 2012). Additionally, at the same time, there was a lot of talk about a girl who died in strange circumstances somewhere in the mountains. In short, the atmosphere was very unfavorable.
