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The past month has been crazy, 5 countries visited in 4 weeks. I have a lot to catch up with, especially when it comes to writing about my journey and adventures. You may have noticed that a lot is missing and some articles seem like they are not quite in sequence - yes, this is my fault. But here is what my journey has been like for the past weeks. This map will give you a better idea of how much more I have to write to fill you in. I flew from London, England to Berlin, Germany, and spent 5 days there visiting my good friend. I took a bus from Berlin to Poznan, Poland where I spent 2 days couchsurfing. From Poznan I was taken to a hotel near Ploc, Poland to teach English for a week with Angloville. After the program, I headed to Warsaw, Poland, and then down to Prague, Czech Republic where I explored the city and couchsurfed for a night. Then headed off southeast for yet another Anlgloville program, after which I went to Bratislava, Slovakia. I stayed in Bratislava for 2 nights in a hostel, after which I headed east to Sered where I was offered Couchsurfing, swimming, and hiking. I spent 4 days in Sered before taking a train to Budapest, Hungary- where I spent 4 days Couchsurfing and exploring the city before I headed for my third Angloville program. I still haven't decided where I would go after the program, I will either go southwest to Zagreb, Croatia, or southeast towards Serbia. Time will show us. 👇 Explore and read more articles from the suggestions below.

My second Angloville program was coming to an end and I had no definite plans until pretty much the day of departure... I had ideas, but nothing concrete. One of the amazing local participants from the program was heading to Slovakia and he could drop me off somewhere along his way so that I could catch a train to wherever I wanted. Considering I had no definite plans, I decided to just head to Slovakia and see what happens. And after less than two hours by car, I was dropped off in Trnava, Slovakia. I must say this was my first journey by car since in Europe. Not only did I need reminding I am not going in the right direction for the passenger's seat but I also had a very weird experience the whole way, feeling like we are in the wrong lane, and when overtaking feeling we are right until I see the coming traffic and stupid thoughts of ''Oh damn, these people are in the wrong lane!'' cross my mind. Anyhow, I was in Trnava and I checked the trains to Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. Oh, how I love cheap train travel. Less than 40mins train journey and I was in the capital city of Slovakia, still with no plans and no accommodation. Day 1 I sat on a bench outside the train station and decided to book a hostel for two nights. The hostel was 7mins away from the train station and cost me 24 euros. I went to check in and leave my stuff. I was sharing a room with two Russian girls and a Mexican guy (who I actually met the next morning). After a short break at the hostel, I walked across town to the Castle. Mind you I had no clue as to what to see in town. No prep whatsoever. I walked by the presidency but didn't see anyone of great importance. It is one of those buildings in not-so-wealthy countries that reminds you of Orwell's quote '' All animals are equal , but some animals are more equal than others. ''. Nevermind. Then I walked to Trinity church - a Catholic church with Baroque interior. I must say I like the interiors of European churches, they are more colourful and have a warmer, welcoming feeling. When I walked into the church there was a mass that was just finishing and the interesting thing for me was how one of the priests walked to the door, and stood there with a basket in his hands, waiting for donations - it very much looked like begging (yes, the wealthy church begging)...Yet, behind him there was a man that seemed homeless and....fallen from grace, who was holding his dirty hat out just like the priest, hoping people would give him money too. I found it sad because I wish churches in Europe did more for those who have ended up on the streets for one reason or another. If we are to expect altruism and investment in human well-being from normal, everyday people - we should expect to see it even more from the churches. Anyways. I continued wandering around and I saw the castle in the distance on a hill, so I decided to follow the signs so that I can go and see it. It took me about 15 minutes of a leisurely walk to the top of the hill. The castle is positioned at a hill and I really liked it, it was very nice, clean and peaceful. I did not get to go inside, as it was past opening hours, but I still spent about 2 hours walking around and enjoying the views. After this, I headed to the town center and I switched my Couchsurfing Hangouts on to find people to meet and spend time with and so I met a local - Martin and we walked around town and had some really good chats. I was fairly tired by 11 pm so I headed back to my hostel. On the way back I made a mental note of the location of a pancake coffee shop on the way home and decided I must eat there the next day. Day 2 A good lay in bed was overdue, so this morning I got up around 10 am. I decided to do washing and laze around until the early afternoon so that I could stay out later in the evening if I wanted to. I went for brunch at the pancake house and had an amazing pancake and a cafe latte. I cannot fail to mention that the pillow on the chair opposite mine had a deep message on it saying - ''Happiness is not a destination, it is a way of Life'' - I found this to be my inspiration for the day. A good mantra. So I did not have any plans or destinations and places to see for that day, I just wanted to enjoy being outside and walking. I walked across town and there was yet again another festival with plenty of food stalls, a few stages for music and performances, and a dress-up parade of some sort. I ended up meeting a Turkish boy - Ozzy - via Couchsurfing Hangouts, and we went for a nice long stroll along the river and sat down at a coffee shop for a while, before feeling even lazier and going to lay on the grass near the river. We ended up talking about our countries' entwined and interwoven histories and the manipulation of information that is given to new generations....as well as the negative prejudices and hatred that are bread due to those biased lies we get taught at school. Bulgarians are taught to hate Turks, because of the Ottoman's empire rule over Bulgaria for over 5 centuries... But history does not have to define the new generations' relationship. I wish governments stopped playing petty games and started teaching people to actually have respect and love their neighbours - for the sake of the future and despite the past. Since we cannot change the past, we need to concentrate on the here and now, and the future. We should be evolving to be better, to learn from the past, to move on - wiser and kinder. Anyways. My second day in Bratislava was spent enjoying the good weather, the nice walk, and the intellectual chats. I went to my hostel tired, so tired that I struggled to fall asleep until crazy o'clock. Day 3 Check out and leave day. I had to leave my hostel and go somewhere else. I thought about going to Vienna, Austria for 2 days, but since my planning is so bad, I didn't really post early enough on Couchsurfing to find a host for a night. A timely offer came my way from Dado, from Sered, Slovakia, who I have spoken with while I was still in the Czech Republic, as he offered me to stay with him, go for a hike and a swim. I felt like I do need some downtime and also nature so I decided to head his way. But before that, I went for yet another pancake and coffee at the same place as the previous day. I switched Hangouts yet again, not expecting anything, but a guy from Germany messaged me and I we agreed that he would join me for coffee. We spent about 2 hours together, discussing history and its implications and effect on society now. We discussed social research and so many more things, it was intriguing and nice. He kindly walked me to the train station and we exchanged contacts, maybe I will see him again one day. I boarded a train to Sered and met yet another young person on the train who was from Serbia, but visiting family in Slovakia. He said he dreams of a simple life, that he hates money and he wants to make the most out of Life hassle-free. I must say, I love meeting young people who know what they want and they are brave and bold to say it and work towards their dreams. I wish everyone never let "Life smack them so hard that they forget what they live for and what they value in Life". I find that meeting people on the road who are full of energy and motivation is quite inspiring. I love it. Read my blog post about my time in Sered below. 👇 Explore and read more articles from the suggestions below.

In the past 7 years I have moved multiple times and in the process have made and lost many friends. I have learned the hard way that people come and go and there are only a few who manage to remain in your life despite distance and time. The one constant that I've had for more than 7 years now has been my beloved cat - Pate. I rescued him myself from the streets in Bulgaria. He was only 2 months old and abandoned in the harsh, cold weather. I took him home and needed only a day to decide he is not going to be rehoused because his home is with me. Pate is the smartest cat I've ever had, and trust me, many cats have lived in and have been through my house. Bonding was instantaneous and effortless. When I moved to the UK he was less than a year old and I missed him so much, as he had to stay with Julien in Bulgaria. It was hard to be separated from two of my favourite boys. About a year after I moved Julien moved to England too, and months later Pate followed and became a travelling cat. Since I had him he has moved house pretty much as much as Julien and I have. It's been difficult to find budget accommodation for a couple with a pet but we made it. He is our child and leaving him was never an option. I hated when people dared suggest I leave him behind just because it was hard to find accommodation for us. When you travel though, especially when you're backpacking on a budget - staying in random places camping or Couchsurfing, you can't bring a pet with you as easily. Well, definitely not a cat. So, for this journey ahead of me, Pate will be staying with my father in Kent and I hope he'll be alright - he loves my dad's place and the tons of outdoor private space we get there. 👇 Explore and read more articles from the suggestions below.

So this was my last set of keys from my accommodation in Cambridge, just before I left. And here it is important to say, that I’ve always thought about having keys as having if not a home, then at least a house I reside in. Keys are symbolic to me, they are associated with roots, security, and comfort. But as I embark on a new journey, I will not really have keys that belong to me; that I carry with me everywhere. A friend of mine recommended that I get myself a locker with a code, as he said ‘’So you don’t have to carry keys’’. Yet when I was choosing a locker I felt that I wanted to get one with keys, for the sake of having keys. Despite this I bought a code locker, choosing practical convenience over weird emotional comfort. Sometimes I will end up with keys when I am CouchSurfing or staying in Hostels, but other than that I will have a tent, strapped to my rucksack, ready to accommodate me whenever and wherever I wished to place it. And this little one-person tent from Wild Country is costing me less than a week’s rent in Cambridge and will shelter me in the mountains and woods where I want to wake up, peak out of it, and see the most beautiful scenic views. So in short, this is my home, I don’t need keys for it, I don’t pay rent for it, I don’t pay tax continuously for having it, I carry it on my back and I can place it pretty much anywhere I want. I like this simplicity and the freedom that comes with it. Let the adventure begin. 👇 Explore and read more articles from the suggested below.

Review for Book 2 of the Mortdecai Trilogy It is hard to review a book that is part of a collection..without giving away anything, so beware of the spoilers especially if you haven't read the first book. Now that I've read all three of the Mordecai trilogy books, I must say that the second book is the one I rate highest, and now that I checked, the second book does have the highest average rating on GoodReads too. So I did enjoy and laugh out loud at poor Charlie's mishaps and think that the plot and twists in the second book have been absolutely ingenious. I wish Mortdecai was a real person and I knew him... I am not sure I'd enjoy his type of adventures, but I can certainly appreciate his sense of humour and cynicism too. When reading Mortdecai, you cannot be sure when the books have been written, and the fact that they haven't aged is quite a great characteristic of the series. What I love about the series is that there's nothing in excess in them... At least I didn't feel the need to skip long paragraphs of unnecessary boring details. The action moves at a good pace, keeping you alert and on edge pretty much all the time... The question of ''What's next?'' is certainly in your mind, but ''What's now!?'' is just as good and entertaining, so you don't feel the need to rush to the ''good parts'' because it's all good. I would have to make a note that Mortdecai 1 and 2 are worth the reread! The storyline with spoilers! After a nightmarish run away from the USA to Britain, Mortdecai is still chased down and ends up in a cave following that dreadful scene with Jock in the moving sands... Charlie's life is endangered and he is prepared to die, yet is saved and wakes up in the care of colonel Blucher - at a price of course. Mortdecai must marry the beautiful and young Johanna... and if he thought his crazy plotting and work with all the wrong people will become something from the past, he couldn't have been more wrong... Especially when a plot for the killing of the Queen is on the table, and yet that's only the beginning. There will be more drama, more questions, and more adventures... The weird women's army college, the Chinese Mafia, the big CIA, Johanna herself...and god knows who else holds Mortdecai's fate... and balls... in their hands. He has to be obedient and do as he is told, but how could he play his part when there are so many puppeteers pulling the strings? Who is he going to have to fool and how is he to survive the madness? Check out the book here > After You with the Pistol 👇 Explore and read more articles from the suggested below.

What would happen if we stopped ageing? Drew Magary's dystopian novel will show you a world without ageing. No spoilers, read on. ;) Do you want to stay young forever? Do you want to live for as long as you want? Read this book and think twice. The Postmortal is a brilliant novel, grim and ugly at times but so real... Or maybe life itself is grim and ugly but we refuse to see it this way because it's depressing... Magary portrays the near future where a cure for ageing is discovered and everyone wants it. But what happens when you find yourself able to live forever...How would our values change...how are we going to look for the purpose of our lives...how do we know we had enough of Life? What would happen to the world if we are granted the freedom to live forever, yet not change our habits and continue being wasteful of our planet's resources? The Postmortal is thought-provoking and sometimes it made me feel like I don't want to keep reading...because I was disgusted...with this "new world". But Magary has really thought of a lot of things that would probably never cross your mind if you only think of "how cool it'd be to stay young forever", so that made the book fascinating enough to keep reading. In terms of style of writing and storytelling, Magary is doing a good job. I did not find needless repetitions or endless descriptions that bore no value for the plot. I did not find myself wondering when is the next chapter coming, bored by the current one, nor did I find myself losing interest. So in my opinion, Magary has good writing skills. I would recommend this book to people who are tired of reading predictable, non-realistic books...to people who want to live forever or stay young forever, to those who want to have a look at the possible future that awaits us, to those who want to see what can happen if we overpopulate our planet... A bit of a ramble on the philosophical questions that come to me as I think about the book... People often say "Life is hard", but in all honesty "Is it really hard?" or is it only some people's somewhat temporary point of view...What are you comparing Life to at all? Death? Is being dead any easier? And how would you know if being dead is easier? Although I know the answer I still wonder sometimes why people cling to Life so desperately... I don't know if I would like to take the cure if I could. I probably would, not because I fear death, but because I fear my body wrecking into a painful bag of bones...Old age and moreover the pain it accompanies it, seems more of a burden to me than death. I dislike pain, and I have enough of it in my life now at age 22, that I cannot and don't even want to imagine my body at 60+ years of age... I don't share some of the core beliefs and values many people have, so in a way I don't really see what eternal youth can give me that I cannot have from having a 'normal' life... After all, we hold the power to decide what we want to do in life...and no matter how much time we have, we are unlikely to do it any differently anyway. If we have eternal youth and possibly life, we can continue putting off things, believing we've got all the time in the world. On the other hand, when we have our 'normal' life we are too busy doing the things other people expect us to do, that we often forget what we want to do, fearing judgment and often facing discouragement. But hey, tell me what is in your way of doing what you want, living the life you want NOW? It's you. And I'm not saying it as an overoptimistic psychologist, I'm saying it as someone who knows what is the greatest force that influences and determines each and everyone's life. We ourselves sabotage our dreams and prevent ourselves from living the life we want for ourselves... So although we may continue dreaming of eternal youth or life, I doubt that we are going to make the best out of it, unless we change from the inside... And trust me if people change from the inside, humanity is going to find out that as Seneca says “Life, if well lived, is long enough.” (Seneca, Roman philosopher, mid-1st century AD). But anyways, that's my philosophy on the matter... So do you still think we need eternal youth and/or life? Check out the book here > The Postmortal 👇 Explore and read more articles from the suggestions below.