The word is a very exciting place

Chernivtsi is a very wonderful place. Its a vibrant and busy city, with some awesome things to see and do. But it can be a bit of a challenge to get to. Especially when coming from Uzhhorod. To be honest, it would probably have been easier to go back to Lviv, and then to catch a train or bus to Chernivtsi from there, but at the time, it seemed like a bit pointless going back and spending one more night there and then moving forward. The bus from Uzhhorod to Chernivtsi took twelve and a half hours. Yes you read that right, TWELVE (12) HOURS! I was in need of counselling by the time I arrived in Chernivtsi. Whats worse, was that the bus didn't even stop at the main bus station, it just dumped us all on a random roundabout outside the city by the river, and we were expected to make our own way from there, which I was not pleased with. That completely threw me, as I had worked out which trolleybus from the main bus station to catch to get me to the hostel. As it was, it was a good ha...

Okay, so Uzhhorod was sold to me as Ukraine's greatest tourist destination. No matter who I spoke to, everyone showered praise on this little Ukrainian town. So I was slightly disappointed to arrive and find that actually, it was a rather sleepy and un-exciting town, with not much more charm than a stubbed toe.  The main bridge is adorned with little sculptures. The best one, of course is the statue of liberty in a caricature form. She stands proudly on the railing at the top of the stairs, and people rub her nose, seemingly for good luck. It's always worth a try! The other side of the river is the Linden Avenue. Its a glorious path, flanked with a row of Linden trees either side. In the summer, it provides welcome shade and a cool spot from the hot sun, and if you follow it all the way, it brings you into a untamed park, perfect for an afternoon stroll. Just mind the bouncing bridge as you cross!  No Ukrainian city is complete without a big sign! <3 Uzhh...

Zhovkva is an easy day trip from Lviv. Just hop on the tram the suburban bus station named "Pidzimache", and take marshrutka/bus number 151. Now apparently the 151 does stop in the centre of Lviv near the opera house, but depending on where you are staying in Lviv, will depend on which is easier. I actually went to the bus station as there were a few things I wanted to see en-route. Now Zhovkva is no Gdansk, but it does have charm, especially concentrated in the main square. Thats where most of the main sights are situated. The castle is in the middle of a very thorough restoration, but don't be put off. What has been finished is very good quality, and what is most interesting is that several of the curators there (as in the town hall) can speak fluent English, and will happily give you a tour of the castle, and provide you with a lot of information about the history of the castle and Zhovkva itself.  You can see here where the restoration has gotten up to. In...