![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/01-20211008_105752-1038x576.jpg "Admont Abbey")
Slowly, it is time to think about returning home. So, I drove East today. My first stop was at Admont Abbey to visit the impressive Admont Abbey Library. In the afternoon, I went hiking in Waterhole Gorge. Continue reading Books always make a room better
Tag Archives: Churches and Monasteries
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190501_184122-1038x576.jpg "Gulf of Naples")
See Naples and (don’t) die
I am taken advantage of today’s national holiday, and am spending an extended weekend in Southern Italy – more precisely, in and around Naples. Continue reading See Naples and (don’t) die
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/OI001001-1038x576.jpg "View from Castel San Pietro")
In the crowded streets of Verona
At the third (and last) stop of my short stay in Italy, I discovered why my previous stops were not too crowded: Apparently, all tourists are in Verona. Without doubt, this city was the most popular of the ones visited by me. Continue reading In the crowded streets of Verona
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/OI000885-1038x576.jpg "Bologna")
The Towers of Bologna
I took advantage of today’s public holiday in Austria, and went to Italy for the extended weekend. Today, I explored Bologna. Continue reading The Towers of Bologna
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/04b-20160324_115918-1038x576.jpg "Maundy Thursday procession of San Francisco el Grande")
Semana Santa in Antigua
Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua ius more of a Semana Loca (crazy week): Hundreds of thousands of (mainly Guatemaltecan) visitors come to this small town of 35,000 inhabitants. The reason for this are the numerous Easter processions which are said to be the most beautiful and impressive ones in all of Central America. Continue reading Semana Santa in Antigua
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/OI000672-1038x576.jpg "Santiago Atitlán")
Mayan God and Market Goods
Around Lake Atitlán, there are enough little villages to go town hopping for a week or so. However, I had only one day to explore the area. So, I decided to visit a town that is supposed to be still rather untouched by tourism: Santiago Atitlán. Continue reading Mayan God and Market Goods
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/OI000571-1038x576.jpg "Cathedral in Xela")
Colonial churches
Quetzaltenango (or Xela for short) is another colonial town. I visited the city mainly because it is the starting point of my next multi-day hike. Continue reading Colonial churches
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/OI000034-1038x576.jpg "Cathedral")
The three histories of San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal de las Casas, the first stop on my visit to Mexico, is known for three aspects of its past:
- It is a colonial town.
- In its surroundings, there still live a lot of indigenous people.
- It was a centre for the Zapatistas in the 1990s.
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/20150925_131009-1038x576.jpg "Vardzia")
Old caves, new castle
I have finally arrived at the last destination of this year’s stay in Georgia: Borjomi. From there, I went on an excursion to the impressive cave city of Vardzia. I also stopped at some other sights on the route, like the newly rebuilt (and insanely kitschy) Akhaltsikhe Castle. Continue reading Old caves, new castle
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/20150923_110854-1038x576.jpg "Sighnaghi")
Renovation successful, town dead
The centre of Sighnaghi with its brick buildings from the 18th and 19th century is very charming indeed – and very beautifully renovated. At the same time, however, it appears rather dead to me. Continue reading Renovation successful, town dead