An average of flight of 8 hours will definitely put you off traveling after a jet-setting month long trip to the USA and UK, but when my mother suggested an escapade during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays, I knew my mother had something in store for us. A family friend (who coincidentally is the Ambassador of Malaysia in Hungary) invited us to experience a traditional holiday in a very unorthodox location. Being the adventurous one (but only when it comes to traveling), my mother immediately accepted.

So again, I find myself in a familiar aircraft, awaiting the long hours and sweaty clothes I will definitely have to endure. What I didn’t know was what my “Aunty” and “Uncle” planned for us. Being the typical Malaysians that we are, we take our ‘jalan-jalan’ seriously. Our family friends had decided to bring us to 4 different countries within the span of 14 days. Sounds unbelievable? Continue reading.

Our first stop was Budapest, Hungary. Being famous as the place where Katy Perry filmed her iconic “Firework” music video, Hungary holds a position in having some of the most unique architecture in the world. Housing the largest synagogue, the largest medicinal bath and and one of the biggest basilicas in all of Europe, Hungary has renowned architecture. Lining Danube river, many citizens live in buildings that are said to be more than a hundred years old. With their thick walls, motifs and carvings into the stone, foreigners are always taken away by their astounding beauty.

Sadly, I can’t say much about the accommodation in Hungary because I was hosted, but your safest bet is along the Danube river. International hotels and reasonable restaurants is what everybody looks for, so head there when staying in Hungary.

Note: Stay in the city center.

Hungary is also a place for foodies (especially me)! Hungarian cuisine could very well be their form of hospitality since the people are still very harsh and cold due to the teachings of the previous communism era.

Notable dishes one should try when they visit Hungary should be Goulash, a stew, primarily made of beef, onions and vegetables which are heavily spiced with paprika powder, Langosh, fried dough with a choice of 4 cheeses, sour cream or both and the world-famous dessert, Dobos torte which is a five-layer sponge cake, with chocolate buttercream, topped with thin caramel slices and probably any strudel in Hungary because, I’ve tasted the BEST strudels there, be it cherry, apple or even cheese!

Note: Bring clothes that are two sizes bigger.

Looking for some things to do in Hungary? Welcome to the fount of thermal baths! Having a passion for spa culture, countries like Hungary, Greece and Turkey share similar elements. Therefore, being in the best geographical location for geothermal water, there are approximately 1,500 thermal springs. Find yourself at ease at Lake Heviz, the largest thermal lake in Hungary and Europe.

Note: Book a room in Heviz and don’t forget to visit Lake Balaton.

After a week in Hungary, it was time to head southwest for Slovenia. Slovenia offers their visitors a vast range of landscapes, alpine views in the northwest, Mediterranean views in the southwest, Pannonian view in the northeast and Dinaric views in the northwest.

Having said that, we headed down to Bled, and opted to skip the urbanization of the capital, Ljubljana. We arrived at about sunset, lucky enough to see the last flock of swans to leave the pebble-filled shore. Bled is (in my opinion) one of the most underrated cities we’ve visited.

Though hotels, motels and even rooms are fully booked even off-season, many have yet to see the splendid beauties of this small, quaint city. Nothing to scream about, but if you are one of the many that enjoy just sitting down and watching the world go by, Bled would be the place for you.

A famous landmark in Bled would have to be the local church that was built on a small island in the middle of Lake Bled. The scenery is beautiful and thoroughly enjoyable. Although famous for the picturesque alpine scenery, the local life in this small city is very dull. A day visit is suggested. However, don’t forget to stop by at the town’s famous tea place, and have a plate of kremna rezina, a vanilla and cream custard cake, Bled’s confectionary pride and joy. Dive in and you’ll be in heaven!

Note: Stop by in Bled for the pictures and the cake.

Replenishing our drivers’ energy (my father and our family friend), we set off for Krakow, Poland. Based on the country’s reputation, I expected to see more sour, unfriendly faces similiar to the ones in Budapest but to my pleasant surprise, the Polish are very friendly, contrary to previous reports. We arrived in Krakow at about daybreak and checked into an apartment and rested for a bit.

We stayed on St. Florian’s Gate road, which probably has one of the most beautiful stone roads I’ve ever seen. The road is aplenty with accommodation and food, which are relatively cheap and affordable.

Krakow is the land of the legendary fairytale, where a mythical ruler, Krakus, slew a dragon and established a district, which later became a city on top of the dragon’s dungeon. Although not the official cultural city of Poland, Krakow is home to to an internationally known historic center, which the Polish are proud to call a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Major landmarks are Cloth Hall, Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, Wawel’s Cathedral and last but not least, the medieval St. Florian’s Square.

Note: Get a dragon miniature from Wawel’s Cathedral.

For the ladies who enjoy their jewelry, all of you should definitely head down to Cloth Hall. Contrary to the actual name of the building, Cloth Hall has been famous for one of Poland’s prized findings: amber. Amber rings, earrings, chains, pendants, toe rings, you name it. You’ll go gaga and you’ll get your worth of jewelry for a great cost. Other than that, some indie Polish labels have some very interesting items. Just walk around the Square and you’ll see tons of shops. For the men, there are things for you too.

Note: Go on a spree and spend until you go silly.

For those history buffs like me, if you’re interested in the Jewish struggle during the Nazi Occupation in Poland, head down to Schindler’s Factory. Yes, the factory still exists and you’ll be astonished with all the pieces of historical items they have hoarded over the years. Unfortunately due to Malaysian conservativeness, the movie was never screened here, but for those who are interested, it’s will be an eye-opener.

Note: Drag mum and dad to Schindler’s Factory, and do not leave them behind.

Alas, our days in the medieval are over and it was our last city to visit. A gruelling 8 hours later and we arrived in Venice. The city of gondolas and Smart Cars, where everyone just eats and eats and eats and there always seems to be an independent movie production company around the corner. Considering Venice is very small, people mainly get around by foot or water taxis so we stashed our car at the garage and headed to the next station. Once we arrived at the station, we were greeted by friendly Italians that will rip you off on the fare. Always, always, always negotiate. ALWAYS. Never go to Venice without a booking.

We ended up staying at a swanky boutique hotel which burned a minor hole in my dad’s pocket, but managed to be a good experience. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I tend to marvel at the architecture so I must say that the way Venice was designed is just amazing. The way of life, the city line, the Grand Canal, also known as Francesco Guardi is unique and definitely worth marvelling at.

Note: Stay at a hotel near the water.

Accommodation in Venice is relatively affordable, excluding the boutique hotels because they are exorbitant. One thing I should point out is the service of the Italian water taxi drivers. Unlike the locals, foreigners tend to have excessive vertigo (everybody somehow becomes overdramatic like the Italians when they’re in Italy) so be careful when getting out of the taxi because otherwise you’d end up like my dear friend, who fell into the Canal and drank a gulp of sea water. Nice.

Note: Don’t fall into the Canal.

You’re in Italy. Let loose and just walk around. People will lure you in with food, confectionaries, coffee and entertainment. The vibe is excellent and you won’t feel the blisters by the end of the day. Do take the effort to watch Baroque operas! Even if you are not interested in Opera, you’ll definitely be entertained by the amount of beautiful historical facts and be blown away by the performances.

Note: Book the Hard Rock Cafe tickets for the Baroque Opera. Force your brother to go.

All in all, the main thing is to relax and let loose in Europe, go with the flow and you’ll definitely enjoy yourselves. Shop, eat, dance and see the wonders Europe has to offer you, because they are plentiful. If only I didn’t have to sit another 12 hours of flight.