Author

Ines

Already as a little girl, I was bitten by the travel bug and will most likely never get rid of it. I love to travel and to understand other cultures and languages. After living in Cuba for a couple of years showing the beauty of Havana to others, it was time to pack my suitcase and move on. I keep traveling and am currently based in Malta writing about all sorts of travel adventures and other stuff. I love to travel slow and engage with the local culture.

Cafés with Wifi in Valencia , Laptop Coffee, Digital Nomad Valencia

Top 5 Cafés with WIFI in Valencia – Digital Nomads are Welcome

by Ines February 14, 2019

written by Ines

Ever since I started working remotely, I love taking my Laptop on the road and stop at a lovely café to work. Especially when I am traveling in comes in handy to mix work and pleasure and just take my laptop with me. Also, in Malta, I like to switch scenery and head over to a laptop-friendly café once in a while. At this very Moment I am sitting in a lovely restaurant with WIFI in Valencia, and since it is my last day, I created a list of the best cafes with WIFI for digital nomads that also love working in a café.

These spots come with strong WIFI, tasty food and coffee and they don’t mind if you stick around for a long time. Some of them even have separate tables for those remote workers and organize meetups and other coworking events. These places are also perfect if you just look for a great brunch, lunch or coffee place.

Artysana – Workplace & Family Feeling

Let’s start off with one of my favorites Artysana is a cute café with a lovely backyard in the trendy neighborhood Ruzafa. Their Coffee is great the staff is friendly. The German and Pakistani owners lived in Valencia for about 2 years and created a really friendly and welcome place for locals, expats, and nomads. They even have a separate work table. The café is full of artwork and they support local artists.

Fresh and healthy food is waiting for you. Their special is the brunch which includes a starter (yogurt or fruits) toasted bread with toppings you can choose from, something sweet, fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee or tea for 9€. But they also have a lunch menu and fresh salads and other treats for dinner. As part of their active community, they organize meetups and coworking events. They also have a schedule filled with language exchanges, concerts, book clubs, wine tastings and movie nights. Artysana is the perfect place for remote work in Valencia, and I promise you will instantly feel welcome and at home. The itinerary can be found online as well.

Brunch at Artysana

Furthermore, the WIFI-connection is very fast and reliable, even in the patio and during the day the place is quiet so you can really focus on your work.

Address:

Calle Denia 49

Ruzafa – Valencia

(+34) 697.280.999

info@cafeartysana.com

Ubik – Work, Coffee & Books

Bookstore café and great restaurant Ubik is everything you need for a productive workday, and they have the best hot chocolate in town! The big tables make it a great workplace, and the staff is really friendly, and also in Ubik, no one cares if you stay a little longer. Also, it is easy to spend the whole day there as they have everything from Breakfast to dinner. I really recommend having lunch here. They offer a fresh and seasonal lunch menu if starter main and dessert or coffee for 11€ or a half menu (without the starter) for 7€. Everything is fresh and incredibly tasty, and there is a lot of options for vegetarians and vegans. WIFI is fast and stable. I worked on the DIVI Frontend and other online services without any issues.

Also, here they organize get-togethers and other events for locals and nomads. You might also find some book bargains. Mainly in Spanish, but they might have some English books as well once in a while.

Address:

Calle Literato Azorín 13
Valencia 46006
963741255

Bluebell Coffee

Avocado Toast at Bluebell

Cute cozy and very instragrammable food, Bluebell is a great spot to work in a quiet and friendly environment while enjoying the best avocado toast I have ever tasted. Also, the first time I tried a poached egg and loved it. They brew their own coffee and also have a bigger table in the back for those you want to sit down and actually work.

Just be aware that they do not offer WIFI during the weekends. It is still an excellent Brunch spot to start your weekend discovering Valencia.

The connection is reliable and works well in the beautiful back yard as well. They also host activities like brewing workshops and other cool things. Bluebell also offers a great seasonal menu.

Address:

Calle Buenos Aires, 3

Ruzafa – Valencia

Federal – Café with WIFI in the Center of Valencia

Not located in Ruzafa but in the city center, you can find Federal. A big, bright and a hip hipstery café with great coffee, tasty snacks, and a reliable wifi connection. It is not as quiet as Bluebell or Artysana but still a great spot to set up your office for the day and work while discovering Valencia. Federal is never super full and a great go-to place for a couple of hours work.

Address:

C/ Embajador Vich 15

46002 Valencia

Bastard Coffee and Kitchen – Food and WIFI

Bastard is also located in the city center and has a lot of space; therefore, they do not really mind if you sit around for long. Their tasty Burgers, coffee and vegetarian dishes come with reliable and fast WIFI-Connection. The only thing is that Bastard could be quite loud at times. You can stick around here for a while or just use the place for a small work break.

Address:

Avenida Marqués de Sotelo 9,

46002 Valencia

Other than those spots there are many cafés with WIFI in Valencia, but those were my favorites for a real work day.

There are also a couple of coworking places in the city, especially in Ruzafa and some cozy ones you can also find in El Carme.

Brunch at Artysana

Valencia, in general, is an excellent place for Digital Nomads, and you will love the coffee and company in these work-cafes,

See you there!

More Images of the food and the locations can be found on Instagram. Just visit @locally_abroad and @locally_abroad_foodie.

February 14, 2019

Weekend in Berlin view on Alexanderplatz at night

Weekends Locally Abroad

A Locally Abroad Weekend in Berlin

by Ines February 2, 2019

written by Ines

I have not been on a weekend trip in ages, and this time it this has been extra special as it is my first solo-trip in a long time. Some time ago, I headed over to Berlin to meet some friends and breathe some big city vibes. I have been to Berlin many times and every locally abroad weekend in Berlin is special. Let me take you one and enjoy some real Berliner insights. A big thanks to this lovely bunch, who helped me find the extra locally abroad spots for you.

So without further to do let’s take a weekend trip to crazy Berlin.

How to get there?

Berlin is very well connected planes busses and trains are going there from everywhere in Europe and even from outside of Europe. There is a massive airport in the making, well … it was supposed to be ready in 2013, but maybe in the next 50 years it will be done, we are not sure, no rush…
But until the new airport is ready, you can still fly to Berlin to the Airports Schönefeld or Tegel. The Bus Station has cheap buses to many other cities in Germany and Europe, and there are many stations with trains connecting the rest of Germany as well.
Getting to Berlin is pretty easy, and the public transport in the city works well so you will reach your accommodation without much trouble.

Where to Stay During Your Weekend in Berlin? – What to Do? And What to Expect Where?

I obviously stayed with friends, but I have been in hostels and Airbnbs in Berlin before so I have some ideas for you. There are many unique neighborhoods in the city, and it depends what you are looking for during your weekend trip. I highlighted a couple of areas I like to hang out in. I promise I will create a guide for every single one. Therefore I need to go back and research more and more. They are coming along though.

Warschauer Straße and Friedrichshain– Hello Party People and Bar Lovers

I know… Many people come to Berlin to party! And it is a great place to do just that. Countless clubs and bars are open all day and all night during the weekends. So if you are up for that just head over to the area around Warschauer Straße and hit the RAW-Gelände or some other clubs not far from there. Skip the Berghain if you do not want to spend your weekend in a long line waiting to be judged to go to a club. Focus on places like Sisyphus or Kater Blau, or get in touch with a local to hear about the best party spots.

But the area is not only for those ravers among you. There are plenty of small bars and restaurants of all cuisines in the area. There is a lovely flea market at the RAW-Gelände on Sundays and a beautiful weekly market with food and crafts just a few blocks away at the Travelplatz. The area has its quiet corners as well.

Oh yeah and Friedrichshain is also where the famous East Side Gallery is located. So get your camera ready to take those shots with the artwork on the Berlin Wall leftovers. The area is also very green, and there are a lot of lovely parks around, where you can hang out on warmer days.

Kreuzberg – Cafés, Art and Everything You Want from Berlin

Kreuzberg is the neighborhood next to Friedrichshain and one of my favorite areas in Berlin.
Especially the Oranienburger Straße and the area around Kottbusser Tor have a lot of small shops, cafés, and some great Bars and restaurants. There are also some nice and small art galleries around, and you might run into a spontaneous market or pop up shop. The area has a great vibe and is still developing so you can find some authentic food there as well and meet some real Berliners. There are some small theaters like the Meringhoftheater as well that have great readings, plays, and other exciting events.

In Kreuzberg, you can get a nice mix of peace and quiet, culture and nightlife. And with the close by Neuköln even more.

Prenzlauer Berg- Hip and Cozy

Prenzlauer Berg is a quieter cool area of Berlin. A lot of hip and young families are living here, also many young hipsters and entrepreneurs. Here you will be spoiled with nomad cafés and instagrammable food in restaurants. But seriously there some great cafés in the area and you will find some stunning AirBnBs in the neighborhood. It also well connected by bus, tram or subway (U-Bahn).

Charlottenburg – Quiet and Green

Charlottenburg is a more residential area of Berlin but with the Schloss Charlottenburg (Charlottenburg Palace) and the park around it the river going right through it and some sweet and quiet cafés and restaurants it is the perfect place for those who look for a bit more quiet time after discovering the busy parts of the city. The area is an old part of Berlin with beautiful townhouses and lots of green. It is well connected to the other parts of the capital so you will have no trouble getting anywhere. And the Kudamm is just a few bus stops away… perfect for some shopping.

What to do on a Weekend in Berlin?

Berlin is a city packed of activities for any kind of taste. You could go to a club on a Friday night and step out on Sunday afternoon, visit museums all day long, do some shopping, visits flea markets or just hang out in different cafés and international restaurants. There is also a lot of history and contradiction to see in this city. But as this is a locally abroad weekend, I will not go too much into the main sights like Brandenburger Tor or the East side gallery (which you should visit though if it is your first time in the city) but more into other highlights and areas you should check out during your weekend in Berlin.

Visit a Berlin Flea Market

One of the most common Sunday activities in Berlin is to visit a flea market. And there are a lot of them. The most famous one is the all year around Mauerpark, which I still love going to. There is food, unique stuff to look at and in summer you can just hang out in the park next to it! But it might not be the best place if you are really after some treasures and bargains. My local friends just took me to the one in Akona Park, only about a hundred meters away from the main action. And there you can haggle and find a great selection of clothes, furniture, and other flea market goods. I really recommend going there if you look for vintage glasses. And there are so many other markets that are worth visiting. The same mentioned RAW Gelände has a huge one with mainly clothes and food from all over the world.

The lovely thing about flea markets in Berlin that they are open the whole year around. They shut down earlier in winter, but you will still be able to visit them on a colder weekend in Berlin. I, however, suggest you have a warm cup of coffee or mulled wine handy.

Pick a Museum

Berlin has many museums that are worth visiting. But I suggest that for a locally abroad weekend in Berlin, you pick one and give it some time. On this trip, I had just been to the Jewish Museum, and I can highly recommend it. It is amazing. There are fixed exhibitions and a lot of rotating ones connected to Jewish culture or created by Jewish artists. The entrance for students is €3.50, and the normal one is €8, which is an excellent price for what you get. We spent around 3 hours in the museum and did not see everything in debt. We had the chance to catch a stunning installation and an interesting exhibition about Jerusalem. But they always have something remarkable and unique going on.

If you are more looking for a museum about the city or something lighter you should check out the Currywurst Museum or Story of Berlin. And if you want to learn more about the GDR, you should book a tour in the former Stasi Prison. They are mostly lead by former prisoners and can be tough but very interesting.

And there are so many other museums you could check out like the Pergamon Museum or countless others. If you happen to catch a rainy weekend, you know what to do.

Party, Sleep, Eat repeat.

As I mentioned, Berlin is full of Bars, restaurants, and Clubs. You can find all types of cuisines and all kinds of bars here. Have a look at the different areas and what they offer. Make sure grab at least one Döner or Falafel and hit some of the local clubs for a great concert or a fun night out. There are also all kinds of bars like the Absinth Bar just focusing on the green ferry. Or other more cozy places that serve you everything from craft beer to fresh lemonade. Some of them like Fräulein Langer have a tremendous nostalgic vibe and are perfect for a cozy beer to round up your weekend in Berlin.

Have a Shopping Spree

There are many small shops in the area of Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain that sell second-hand items or just different clothes often designed by locals. There are fancier and Hipster places in Prenzlauer Berg. And there are big shopping malls close to Postdammer Platz and the Alexanderplatz. I also recommend to take a walk through Kreuzberg and hit some of the small bookstores, they have books in any language and some real Bargains. One of my favorites is Another Country or Berliner Büchertisch Gneisenauerstr. At the second one, kids can take a free book back home.

And my best advice on what to do during your weekend in Berlin is, let the city take you. Just wander around the streets, and you will find some unique spots to visit, and something is always going on in Berlin.

Where to Eat During Your Weekend in Berlin?

Well, that is hard to say as it is hard to choose! But here are some of my highlights. Make sure to have Falafel while in Berlin! It is a must eat.

Kebab Stand in Berlin

Joseph Rot Diehle – For Some Traditional Treats and Reads

This place is named after one of the most important Austrian writers. During his time in Berlin, Joseph Rot came to the bakery and café located at the very same spot to write. Now they turned this place in the perfect homage, you can get hearty German food there, try their local beer and buy a book. All in one spot. I recommend the classic Bread with something combinations or the dumplings with mushroom sauce. They offer seasonal specials as well. The Joseph Rot Diehle is not far away from Postdammer Platz.

Pequeña Habana – A Piece of Cuba in Berlin

As Cuban cuisine is something, not everyone is familiar with but still curious about. For us, it is a piece of home, and we are interested to know how the food tastes like and how well prepared it is. No complaints when it comes to this restaurant. No matter if you are on a weekend getaway in Berlin or live here and just want to try something else. Make sure to try this delicious food at Pequeña Habana. They know their beans and rice! They are located in Schöneberg.

Mom’s Creation – Asian Treats

For some Asian treats and Vegan food, I can recommend Mom’s Creation. The Atmosphere is excellent some delicious eats are waiting for vegans, vegetarians, and other food lovers. I also love their decoration and the vibes. Oh yeah and the food!

And of course, there are so many other places that are just amazing and really special. Berlin is the perfect place for culinary adventures, that go way beyond Döner and Currywurst.

My suggestion is you have a look at this fantastic Food Blog by a Berlin local: TwoFoodiesEating.

As there is so much to do in Berlin I decided to write more about this vibrant city, food guides, party guides and culture tips are in the making. So stay tuned, more suggestions are following. But for now, enjoy your locally abroad weekend in Berlin.

February 2, 2019

Malta Moving to Malta Tips Malta

Winters in The Mediterranean – The True Story

by Ines January 20, 2019

written by Ines

Ok, so I am sitting here in my beautiful super close to the sea apartment working and writing this post and well .. mainly freezing my ass off. It has 10 degrees in Malta, and I swear I have experiences worse temperatures and they did not bother me as much. Since we arrived back here about a week ago, I am literally wearing the same sweater and carry around my hot water bottle all around the apartment. He is a cute bear, so he deserves it (see the picture below). So here is the thing: Winters in the Mediterranean can be tricky!

But before you cancel your tickets, let me say that this can change really quickly and it can be super sunny and 17 degrees in a couple of days and I will put all those lovely pictures on my Instagram and tell you how happy I am that I am here. I have seen many faces of this winter. So let me tell you the truth about winters in the Mediterranean and in particular in Malta. I feel everybody just shows you how great of a winter destination the Mediterranean is, but only a few people give you the whole truth. Yes, they can be lovely, but they can be rainy and freezing too.

Winters in the Mediterranean Can Be Freezing.

After moving to Malta, I discovered that all of a sudden we needed so many clothes. And yes, we also had to bring that winter jacket we keep at my parent’s house. So if you plan on visiting Malta or other spots in the Mediterranean during winter, pack a coat and an umbrella. And I have one golden tip for you: Book an accommodation with heating.

Most places do not have a built-in heating system, but there are portable heaters that will help you to fight the cold.

To be fair, there are winter days with 15-20 degrees. But there are also days with 7-12 degrees that feel like 2 because of humidity, wind and no heating inside. Those are the days I struggle with, but I am also freezing super easily. It is worth to be prepared if you think about booking a getaway in the Mediterranean. The weather can be unpredictable sometimes and really sunny days are followed by rainy and windy days, that make you wish you never have to leave the house again. You might want to look for activities for those rainy days and bring a good book. But you should also bring your hiking gear and take some long walks in the countryside because they are gorgeous during the winter.

They are All Green and Sometimes Sunny

Because of all the rain, the winters in Places like Malta turn the nature and make the countryside all green. Those sunny days that are not yet warm are perfect to get to discover some great walks and stunning views.

Gozo in December

In Malta, they are perfect for a visit to Gozo, a walk on the coast or across the country. All the fields are lush green and calm. You might able to catch some trails on which you are being the only one in the area. Those days make it up after the rain, and you really realize why you came here in the first place and why the storm is so important.

Most Touristic Spots are Quieter and cheaper.

A big plus to spend a couple of days away in the Mediterranean or live here during the winter is the quiet-time you could get. In Malta, there is way less activity and fewer tourists. It is a great time to wander around, discover villages and cities and to enjoy the green countryside. During the sunny days, you will still be able to sit outside and to enjoy some sun. The accommodations are way cheaper during the winter, and you might be able to catch a seat in busses that are packed in summer.

If you plan to travel to Malta during the winter, I highly recommend you to spend at least a day in Gozo and enjoy some of those empty spots. Take a walk around Rambla Bay or just enjoy the view from Victoria and you will love those Mediterranean winters.

Because, even though I am struggling so much with them, they are quite short and those springs are just marvelous.

So stay warm and come back in the spring to see what I mean. What is your favorite place to travel to during winter?

January 20, 2019

Europe Hidden Gems in Germany

My Favorite Christmas Markets in Germany – And Why You Will Love Them!

by Ines December 17, 2018

written by Ines

Ah, it is this time of the year! And even though I am 26 (what already??), I love the Christmas season! I love mulled wine, Christmas music, Christmas stories, lights, some Christmas movies, Christmas Cookies, etc. … You get the idea. But what I really love are Christmas markets. The smell of cinnamon, mulled wine, greasy food, and other Christmas treats combined with the lights, and the music is just magical for me. And maybe that is because I was born and raised in Nuremberg, the mother of all the Christmas markets out there. So, as I wanted to share some holiday cheer, after hanging out under palm trees and in the busy streets in Havana for the last couple of weeks, I think it is about time. So here are some insights to Christmas Markets in Germany and my personal favorites. If you would rather know more about the jolly season in Cuba, head over to this post.

Why you should visit a Christmas Market in Germany

The markets go way back. In fact, the first ones were held back in the middle ages, and they originate in Germany and in the German-speaking parts of Europe. They usually start Friday before the first Advent, meaning 4 weeks before Christmas Eve and they consist of many different stalls selling food, drinks, and arts and crafts. They usually also have a nativity scene in their center and a stage where local talents and kids from local schools perform Christmas Carols. The stalls are carefully designed, and every year the markets take great care of looking similar and that everything fits together. Every German city has at least a small market, but some have a long tradition and more famous than others. But also the small markets have their special something so why not include them when you are around for Christmas anyway. The markets close around December 24th so make sure to stop by before. Start with my favorites, you will love them.

The Christkindlsmarkt in Nuremberg

This city one of the best European Christmas destinations. With its medieval city center and one of the oldest Christmas markets with a long tradition. Although it is not 100% clear when it exactly started it turned into one of the biggest and most important Christmas markets in Germany.

There are many highlights you can combine with a visit like the Gingerbread café and manufacturer, right by the market. There are even Christmas tree decorating courses and other fun activities for visitors. You can, for example, take a carriage ride or ride the antique carousel at the children’s market.
Make sure to have some of the

trademarked mulled wine, and try the local sausages at the Bratwursthäusle. It is one of the most traditional places to have the regional treat “Drei im Weckla.” and the sausages in the bun are rather cheap at this place. You can find it just by the main square and very close to the Christmas market.

Nuremberg turns into a Christmas wonderland every year around the holidays. If you look for some extra Christmas feeling, be there for the opening ceremony and enjoy the kick off by the real-life Christkind (a local golden angel). The market combines three markets: the main one, the children’s market and the sister city market, where you can find treats from all over the world.

The Strietzelmarkt in Dresden

The Christmas Market in Dresden has a really long tradition as well and is one of the prettiest in my opinion. It dates back into the 15th century, and the name comes from the famous Christstollen. A typical cake filled with raisins and powdered with sugar. You can still try a piece of this traditional cake while wandering around the market stalls. As the market is held in the old town of Dresden, you will be surrounded by architecture gems covered in lights. The market is also home to the biggest wooden Christmas Pyramid.

The Christmas Market in Erfurt

Also located in the eastern part of the country is Erfurt, a cute town, with one of my favorite Christmas Markets in Germany. It lies just under the cathedral and is surrounded by beautiful buildings. The stalls are little huts painted in the same color, and there is a lot for kids to discover. Every year they lift up a 25m high Christmas tree and decorate it with lights. While you are there, you should try one of the typical sausages and take a ride on the Ferris wheel. Those you just find on Christmas markets in the eastern part of Germany, by the way. The whole city is an excellent destination for Christmas holidays.

A Christmas Wonderland in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

But if you are really serious about spending some Christmas days on a Christmas market in Germany, you should definitely visit the Bavarian town Rothenburg. Not only is Rothenburg home to the famous brand Käthe Wohlfahrt, but that is also famous for their Christmas decorations, and the Christmas museum. It is also home to many small and pretty Christmas markets. And even though it hurts me a little as a fellow Nuremberg native, I would give the town the title: “Christmas city.” The entire town turns into a Christmas village and makes you feel the spirit in the charming streets and their decorations. Make sure to try the typical Schneeball. It is a cookie ball covered in chocolate or sugar.

Of course, there are other markets worth a visit. Some people like the one in Munich or Stuttgart a lot. The best way is to explore and find your personal favorite. Whichever it will be I wish you a very happy last week until Christmas and a happy new year! Where will you spend it?

December 17, 2018

Cuba Nomad Tips Tips Cuba

The Digital Nomad Guide to Cuba

by Ines December 5, 2018

written by Ines

You might have heard horror stories about the internet situation in Cuba. You might have heard that it is impossible to work there as a digital nomad. Even-though some of the things you might have heard of are true, it is not impossible to work online in Cuba or get an internet connection. It might be more challenging to visit Cuba as a Digital Nomad but if you know how you will be able to keep working while traveling through the country. For this reason I created this Digital Nomad Guide for Cuba.

Currently I am sitting on a plane as my first trip to Cuba as a real digital nomad, I am thinking back to the days, while I was working as freelancer additionally to giving tours in Havana using the Cuban internet connection. I am thinking about fellow nomads or travelers who think about visiting the island and end up not doing it because of said internet connection. So without further to do here is the locally abroad digital nomad guide to Cuba.

What is the Internet Like in Cuba?

To understand why it could be tricky to use the internet and visit Cuba as a Digital Nomad. So let me say, it is very limited. There is no private Internet in Cuba. There are some trials and plans to incorporate an internet connection at home or a mobile connection. The cost of the connection is 1CUC per hour and you get access by buying Internet cards or charging a permanent account with money. You can buy the cards at an ETECSA office or from a reseller in a park. The card comes with a unique number for the username (usuario) and one for the password (contraseña). Because of recent restrictions one person is allowed to buy only 3 Internet Cards at once. That means in the ETECSA office. You can also use the connections and accounts of locals, like your hosts.

Source: ETECSA

Plan Ahead and Book Wisely

Of course, it is not always possible to plan everything ahead and it can be even annoying. But if you are looking for a great work environment in Havana and the rest of Cuba it is great to plan ahead and get a spot close to a Wi-Fi-hotspot.

They might even be able to catch the connection and you could benefit from something really rare in Cuba- using the internet at home! So if you make your booking check on the wifi-hotspots and look for a Casa close by. The best neighborhood for that is the Vedado, where the government has opened many parks and other hotspots. But also areas like Habana Vieja, Miramar or even Centro Habana are quite well connected. Later in this Digital Nomad Guide to Cuba, you will find a list of hotspot you can use as a reference for your accommodation.

WIFI-Spots in Havana and BnBs Around

It is easy to spot a Wi-Fi-Park in Havana or anywhere in Cuba. You can tell by the people with phones and laptops sitting on park benches or on the street. Apart from that, people started repeating the signal and get the official internet at home as well. You still need to use the cards, but you are more comfortable and you can enjoy a cup of Cuban Coffee while working. Check with your host before if they get the signal at their place.

Here is a list of Hotspots so you can look for a place close by:

Vedado:

Rampa (Malecón hasta el cine Yara),
Parque Línea y L, Plaza
Parque Wilfredo Lam. Plaza
Sucursal Cimex Sol y Mar, Malecón
Malecón y Paseo
La Piragua
El Castillito
Centro Tecnológico. Hola Ola
Malecón. Exterior Centro HispanoAmericano.
Parque Tulipán y Loma
Malecón. Zona Abadía
In G & Malecón
Parque Coopelia
Parque Linea y H. Municipio plaza
Parque Abel Santa María. Municipo Plaza
Pabellón Cuba
Parque Clandestinidad
Cacsa-La-Rampa
Parque de 3ra y B
Casa de Las-Américas
Parque Wifredo Lam Vedado
Cupet-23-y-Malecón
ICRT-La Rampa
PV CM Sala Navegación Internet 17 y A
Parque La Piragua
Parque Fuente de La Juventud
Centro Cultural EGREM

Miramar/ Playa:

Centro Multiservicios Miramar
Parque Coyula. 19 y 30, Playa
Parque 13 y 76, Playa
Balneario Universitario 1ra y 42. Playa.
Recinto Ferial Pabexpo
Palacio_Convenciones
Teatro Karl Marx
Laboratorio KCHO
Parque Flores Playa
Parque-Genetica-Playa
Parque Juan Manuel Marquez Playa
Parque Nautico Playa
Parque Rincón Martiano
Parque Lázaro Cárdenas Kolhy
Parque Jaimanitas Playa
Parque Japones Playa
ParqueTropicana
El Sauce
Museo-Memorial-La-Denuncia

Centro Habana:

The Parque de los Mártires Universitarios (Infanta)
El Parque Trillo
Parque fe del Valle (Galiano y San Rafael)
Parque de la Santa Varela (San Carlos y Carlos Tercera)
Parque Fe del Valle (Galeano y San Rafael)
In the Parque Trillo
Malecón. Exterior zona Hotel Deauville
Malecón. Exterior Restaurant Castro Poll
Parque Infanta y Salud. Municipio Centro Habana
Parque Karl Marx. Centro Habana
Boulevar-San-Rafael
Parque Angeles-Estrella
in the Parque La Pera
Parque de los Martires Centro Habana

Habana Vieja:

Plaza Cristo
Parque-Cuatro-Caminos

I also created some posts about unique Bnbs and accommodation in Cuba, and some of them get the signal! Additionally to the mentioned hotspots the whole coastline, the famous “Malecon” has Wi-Fi now. So if you think about live-streaming Havana, that is the place you should do it from.

Hotels Instead of Coworking – Where to Work in Havana

There are a couple of Hotels that are great for a work day in Havana and run on the same ETECSA connection as the parks and hotspots. So if you do not catch the connection in your Casa Particular you can take it to a hotel. In that way, you will have the option to charge your phone and you avoid kids throwing balls at your laptop and you keep yourself dry if it rains. You just have to order a drink and then usually the staff lets you sit there for a while. Well, until your Wi-Fi-Cards expire. Here is a list of Hotels in Havana I can recommend for a working session. They mostly have reliable Wi-Fi and a quiet spot to work from.

Here is a little advice: The more expensive a hotel and the drinks are the better the internet connection.

Hotel Manzana Kempinsky Havana
Hotel Parque Central
Hotel Colina
Hotel Paseo
Hotel Presidente
Capri
Hotel El Bosque
Hotel Nacional (runs a different connection)
Melia Cohiba (runs a non-ETECSA connection)
Hotel Ambos Mundos

Are just some examples!

Prepare your Equipment

Download a VPN. Due to the embargo a lot of services are blocked in Cuba and you might run against some walls if you work with services like Adwords or Facebook ads. That’s why a private connection might help and makes your work flawless. I had to learn that the hard way and I recommend using a VPN in case you cannot resist using certain services. Have in mind that the following services are falling under the embargo and you might risk getting your account shut. (BTW that is not due to the connection in Cuba but due to the economic regulations between the US and Cuba.)

Upwork
PayPal
AdWords
FacebookAds
Etsy (it works but you should not mention Cuba in the sales description or messages)
Skype
Downloading Microsoft Software
Downloading Apps in the Apple Appstore

Make sure your Laptop is not charging too much in the background and use a fast browser. Make sure you charge your equipment while you have power in the casa. And do not leave them charging while you go out as the power might be unstable. There are also some Apps to help you get things done offline or at least prepare a blog post or similar work. Also, the connection works best with mobile apps so try to do as much as possible from your phone.make sure to connect and disconnect when you are not using the internet at the moment in order to save your hours. Download emails, disconnect, answer them and send them then.

Enjoy your stay in Cuba and don’t let the internet drive you crazy!

UPDATE:

I created a second part with everything you need to know about the mobile internet connection in Cuba and how you can get it! Find it here!

December 5, 2018

Cuba Tips Cuba

How to Master Scams in Cuba Like a Local

by Ines December 2, 2018

written by Ines

Cuba is a lovely country with wonderful people, most of them are helpful and happy to chat. But due to the situation in the country, most people are used to having a way of getting by that is somewhat unusual from a European or North American perspective. Let me give you an example: A person that works in a factory, for instance, makes around 500 MN (CUP) a month, that is roughly 20 USD. Almost nobody in Cuba can get by with that salary. So that is why people invent something else. Mostly they make a living on reselling something or using some kind craft, rent to foreigners, etc.. And among all those ways to earn money, this is called Busqueda here, some choose to take easy money from foreigners.
Of course, that is not the most elegant or honest way to get some extra money, but well it exists. So let me state one thing here: I support local in Cuba 100%, meaning working with people directly and supporting many forms of “Busqueda”. And although I understand why people like to scam I am not a big fan of it, there are other ways.

So having that said, let’s clear the fog and give you some insights on what popular scams in Cuba look like and how you can avoid them. Also, keep in mind: not everybody wants to scam you! Those scams usually just pop up in busy tourist areas like Trinidad or Habana Vieja. I do encourage you to interact with locals and swap stories with them. You will make great friends and get real insides on Cuba and life here.

But let’s get you prepared:

The Milk Scam

This is one of the most famous scams, that has survived over many years. It works the following way: someone stops a tourist on the street and starts talking about this and that. At one point in the conversation, they will start talking about their kid and how they cannot afford milk. They will tell a sad story on the milk is too expensive and convince the tourist to buy some for them. Then they will take him or her to a closed shop (bodega). A shop where locals usually buy with the food rations by the government. There they will call someone to open and asks the tourist to buy 2 packets of milk for the child. The price will be extremely high (around 10-20 CUC). Then tourist buys the milk and walks away. After that, the scammer will return the milk and share the money with the shop tenant.

I am not saying people are getting enough milk for the kids and it might get tight sometimes. But those are usually not the ones asking you for it and taking you to a hidden store. So if you want to test them take them to a store you choose and pay not more than 2 CUC, even that is a lot in case you buy in a Bodega. In a regular supermarket, the price could be around 2,50 for one pack.

You can also choose to walk away and let the scammers try their luck with someone else.

The CUC for CUP

You will have read about the two currencies in Cuba. That is one thing that comes in handy for a scam sometimes. So you will see a lot of people who try to charge you something in CUC even though the price is stated in CUP. You can pay with both currencies, you just have to calculate the change (ca. 1CUC = 25CUP) if someone wants to charge you 30 CUC for a dish in a small cafeteria you can be sure that the person tries to get some money there. Here as well the best advice is to turn on common sense.

The Cigar Scam

Cuba is famous for its cigars, and there is a lot of demand for them. You can buy them in an official store or on the somewhat grey market to get a better price. But when it comes to purchasing cigars from a local, you should take someone with you that knows the seller and about the quality of cigars. Unless you are an expert yourself. Make sure to smoke one and test them before you buy as sometimes they can be false.

The “ We Know a Really Nice Restaurant” Scam

This is not really a scam, but a way of earning a lot of commission from a restaurant people would usually not eat in. In Havana, you can see them a lot in the tourist Habana Vieja. Especially close to the Museo de la Revolución This scam works the following way: Usually, a couple walks up to the tourist (mostly also a couple) and asks for a lighter. No matter if the tourist has one or not they start chatting. They usually begin asking about the country one is from, and then after a little talk, it happens to be lunch time, time for a drink or whatever.

They will suggest taking the tourist to a restaurant to keep talking. Then they will take them to a place that serves lousy food highly overpriced to get some commission. Now you decide if you want to join them or not.

I am not saying go out with a person you meet randomly. Au counterair! It can be great fun and really enlightening. Just keep your eyes open and turn on common sense and you will be fine. You can always ask your hosts for advice or connect with people via couch surfing or other platforms. It also depends a bit on where and how you meet people and choose to go out with them. You should, however, take care of the bill, as it is not too easy to have many nights out on a local salary. Also, keep in mind that everybody is just trying to get by somehow. But also, in this case, the people who need it the most are usually not the one who ask or they do it more delicately.

This post is just meant as some insight to popular scams. They are getting less and less, and you should never ever assume that every Cuban wants to scam you. That is not remotely true. The Locals are open and friendly and usually they really just want to be nice. So just turn on common sense and have a great time in Cuba.

December 2, 2018

Cuba Tips Cuba

Why I love Havana in December and you will too! – The Film Festival

by Ines December 1, 2018

written by Ines

Havana is marvelous. It is a unique place and a vibrant city full of contradictions. The Cuban capital is beautiful almost any time of the year, every season has a unique appeal. There is something about Havana in December that makes the experience special: it is the time of the Film Festival. During 10 days Havana or better the Vedado neighborhood is dominated by one thing: MOVIES!

The Latin American Film Festival takes place every year in December. This year it starts at the 6th and ends at the 16th during these days every movie theater is packed and shows films from 10 am in the morning until 10 pm at night. Also this year the streets will be packed with people strolling from one cinema to another. This time of the year Havana welcomes many visitors from Latin America and all around the world, presenting their movies, short films, and documentaries in the festival.

The Recipe Against a Rainy Havana in December

If you happen to visit Havana during this time of the year, you might be fortunate and catch great weather, sunshine, heat, the whole thing. However, you might also be a bit unlucky and find yourself walking around in short and flip flops in the middle of a cold front. In case that happens to you, I have 2 pieces of advice: 1. Pack a sweater and an umbrella, and 2. Buy a ticket to the festival and watch some movies. It is cheap and keeps you dry, whereas wandering the streets of Havana might be less pleasant during a cold front. Also, no worries, those usually do not last very long, and you will soon be able to enjoy the sunny weather you came for again.

What to see when and how?

You will be able to watch movies from all over the world but mainly from Latin American countries. I had a peek at the program, and there are many movies from Cuba, Brazil, and Mexico this year, but also from a lot of other places. They show fiction films, documentaries and short films in the many cinemas all over the Vedado neighborhood and announce the playing times every two days. You can get the program in every cinema in Havana for 2 CUP (that’s about 10cents). The main theaters for the festival are:

Cine Yara
Cine la Rampa
The Cine Chaplin
23 y 12
Riviera
Cine Infanta

All of them except the Cine Infanta (located on Infanta e/ Neptuno y San Miguel) is located on the famous 23rd street. Especially the Cine Yara is a highlight for every visitor as it keeps its 50ies charm. It used to be the Cine Warner by the way and was part of the Warner Brothers cooperation.

You can buy your “pasaporte” (passport) for the festival at any cinema, but mainly at the Cine Chaplin at 23 and 10. The ticket costs 10 CUP (ca. 50cents) and gives you access to 7 movies. You can also use it for two persons and watch 3 movies.

When to go?

Many of the films are presented by the director or even the lead role, and you will be able to catch some first screenings. And particular highlights like the screening of “Yuli,” the movie about the dancer Carlos Acosta on the 7th in the theatre Karl Marx at 8 pm. Be early because many people are waiting for the screening here! That’s mainly why it was moved to the biggest theatre in town. For other movies, you can also download the App for the festival or download the program as a PDF here.

Special Vibes in the Theatres

I love going to movies in Cuba, especially if it’s a Cuban movie and somewhat critic, funny or even boring and bad, people really engage with the film and even if you don’t understand everything it is fun to join the experience. All movies are shown in the native language with Spanish subtitles. And some of the Cuban movies come with English subtitles!

The Film Festival makes Havana in December unique and will bring great insides in the Cuban culture.

December 1, 2018

Malta Tips Malta

Lovely Gardens in Malta for Some Time Off

by Ines October 21, 2018

written by Ines

Living in Malta, especially in the area around Sliema and St Julians makes you wish for some quiet time sometimes. The country is booming, and there is construction work everywhere and that from early in the morning. So sometimes you just have to leave your house for a little quiet time during the day as construction starts early here. Also sometimes you just want to take a glimpse at some flowers and chance the sea view for some landscape architecture. Luckily Malta is full of lovely Gardens. And some of those Gardens in Malta are hidden, but that makes them just more attractive for a visit. So even if you are only here for a holiday or passing through you should have a look at those beautiful oases.

Buskett Gardens – Picnic under Orange Trees

The Buskett Gardens are located between the tourist Hotspots Dingli Cliffs and the silent city Mdina, next to Rabat. They are not very popular among tourist but a welcome change for locals. They are in a valley and located on many hiking routes. There are a big picnic area and a lot of trees, you usually rarely see in Malta. It is a great place to take a break and feel like in a forest somewhere in Italy.

Take a bus to Rabat and buy some tasty Ftira there and then a little walk down to the gardens and stop for a picnic. If you feel like you can continue to the limestone heritage and take a hike until Siggiewi. You can also keep walking and head to the Dingly Cliffs for some stunning views.

San Anton Gardens – The Hidden Gem Among the Gardens in Malta

Now, this is my favorite Garden in Malta, so farm and that’s not just because there is a fountain full of tortoises. St Anton Gardens are beautifully planned and great for a walk on the weekends or only some time away from anything else. They are part of the President’s residence in Attard and open every day from 7 am until 7 pm. The Gardens are divided into several, and there are many details, that are just waiting to be discovered. There is even a Labyrinth for kids and a playground in the Kitchen gardens just right behind the central Gardens.

The Kitchen Garden also comes with an excellent restaurant that offers well priced Maltese food, Pizza and seasonal treats. They also have a big selection of sweets and baked goods. And it is merely bliss to sit outside and enjoy a coffee there.

Also, make sure to stop by the Villa Bologna, that is located just a few steps away from the Gardens. Not only is it a stunning building with a lovely garden and some interesting stories. It is also an atelier for unique handmade pottery unique to Malta and the world. The staff in the shop is really friendly, and they are happy to show you around and explain their crafts and the story of the building.

Ta‘ Qali – Gardens and some Souvenir Shopping

Right in the Middle of the island also not too far away from Mdina and Rabat. There is Ta’Quali a huge park (huge for Malta sizes) with a play area for kids, a barbeque area and the main garden that is bigger than any of the parks I have visited on the island so far. You can actually take longer walks her and enjoy the company of some olive trees and other beautiful plants. There are some interesting architecture pieces there and even some greenhouses.

And on one end of the park, there is the Ta’Qali crafts village for some souvenir shopping or a coffee after a long walk in the park. Close by there are some hot clubs like Uno or the Gianpula village, but I guess that is not really part of the Gardens in Malta.

Hasting Gardens – Enjoy the View.

Of course, I have to list one of the Gardens in Valletta as well. Although I really love the Upper Barakka Gardens and their view on the 3 cities as well, I want to highlight Hasting Gardens here. They have a great view of almost all of the Western part of the island and are not really crowded. It is a great place to take a break, read a book or just to enjoy the view from.

I love the gardens in Malta, and even though they do not make up for the lack of a forest or lake, they are like little human-made oases. But go see for yourself, and you will fall in love with their unique charm and vibes. Grab some Ftira and other things for a picnic and enjoy a day in the Gardens in Malta.

Enjoy!

October 21, 2018

Cafes for remote work in Malta coffee and Laptop

Malta Tips Malta

5 Cafés for Remote Work in Malta

by Ines October 13, 2018

written by Ines

I have just recently started my life as a digital nomad and am getting to know the work in cafés, coworking spaces and from basically anywhere life. I have always loved the flexibility and a great coffee and some café noise with my work. Even when I here in Malta I sometimes choose a nice café over my workstation at home. Since it can be tricky to find the best spot with great internet, taste coffee, and good food. I created a list of my favorite cafés for remote working in Malta

Als,o I am happy about any tips so just feel free to place the suggestions in the comments.

But for now here are 5 amazing café for working on your laptop in Malta.

Costa Coffee Spinola Bay Remote Work Hotspot

I know, I am usually not the biggest of coffee chains either, but hear me out. Costa Coffee has a great location right in Spinola Bay in St. Julians and from your seat in the upper level of the café you can overlook the bay while working. The place is made for remote work and studying and they do not mind if you sit there for a couple of hours. I once made it my office for almost 8 hours. Usually, the internet connection is working great as well. There are other Costas in Marsaxlokk and Valetta but the one in St. Julians is the most comfortable one in my opinion.

Coffees start at around 2€ and the best for quiet working time is around 9 until the afternoon.

You can find Costa here:

Spinola Bay, San Ġiljan

mint cafeé for remote working in Malta outside

Mint – Homemade treats with your remote work

Mint is one of my favorite places in the area. The owners treat it with love and you have fresh and new dishes every day. There are spaces to sit down with your laptop, have a cup of coffee, juice or whatever you crave from the daily options. The only thing here is that the wifi sometimes disconnects and it is not very stable in the outside area of the café. Food-wise it is, however, one of my top choices and they have plenty of vegetarian options as well. They open from 8 am until 4 pm from Monday to Friday. Just be aware that it can get very busy during lunch hours so you might want to come before or after.

A cappuccino is around 2€ here and food stars at around 3€.

You can find Mint here:

30/39 Luzio Junction, Stella Maris Street, Sliema SLM 1741 – Malta

Fellini- Best for Happy Hour work sessions or a break in Valletta

There are plenty of cafés and restaurants in Valletta but not all of them are suitable for laptop work. Fellini is a nice spot dedicated to the Italian movie director, that comes with a comfortable space to work from. The staff is friendly and it is a great place to sit down in between exploring and get some work done while sipping an Aperol Spritz or some coffee. They also offer sandwiches and other tasty snacks. The Wifi works well, so you will not have to worry about interruptions. They are open from 9 am until 11 pm and never get super crowded as the place is quite big.

A sandwich is around 5€ and the Aperol Spritz is around 6€.

You can find Fellini here: 120 Archbishop St, Valletta

Inside Fellini

Seaview Café remote work meets stunning views

One of the perks of working remotely is that you can choose your working environment. So why not pick the café with the best view for your remote working in Malta. The Seaview café in Mellieha is perfect for that. You can set up your laptop overlooking the countryside and Mellieha Bay. On a sunny day, you can get a glimpse at Malta’s sister island Gozo as well. The place comfortable and they have a big selection of drinks and food. Also, the wifi is working well most of the time but there might be some interruptions. The place is great at any time of the day no matter if you are looking for drinks, lunch or a cup of coffee. The café opens from 9 am until 11 pm.

You can find the Seaview Café here: Triq Salvinu Vella, Mellieha

Books and Cups – have a read in your breaks (closed)

This small café is a real hidden gem in Gzira. The cozy café also has a nice selection of books and it is not just a quiet spot for remote workers, but a nice place to read a new book. The wifi is quite reliable and the coffee is good. The sign can be missed easily which makes it a great quiet spot for work and reads. They also offer lunch options and some sweet treats.

The cappuccino is about 1,50. The café opens from 9 am until 7 pm during the week and on afternoons on Saturday.

You can find Books and Cups here: Gzira Road in Gzira (just past Manoel Island)

There are still some places I have to try and I will expand this list very soon. Places like Emma’s Kitchen are great spots as well. Enjoy your cup of coffee and wish you a productive workday until then. Enjoy those cafés for remote working in Malta. More are coming soon!

October 13, 2018

Europe Hidden Gems in Germany

A Day Trip to Bamberg – Beer, History and a Lot to Discover

by Ines October 7, 2018

written by Ines

Whenever I visit my family in Nuremberg, I try to do a little exploring in the town I grew up in or its surroundings. There is a lot to say about Franconia and the small towns all-round the area. But this time I will take you, Bamberg. A city, that was first mentioned in 902 and was declared UNESCO world heritage in 1993. It is packed with sights, cute shops, and beer. Only in the city itself, there are around 7 breweries and the area around it has the biggest density of breweries in the world. That said, you have to know that every beer is unique and they do have their own secrets of brewing perfect beer.

But apart from a long brewing tradition, Bamberg has a lot of historic sights to show. It used to be and is still an Archdiocese of the Catholic Roman church. Being a diocese the city has a lot of stunning churches and monasteries that are still functioning sometimes and you can visit most of them.

Sights in Bamberg – History in every corner

There is a lot to discover in Bamberg, especially for history lovers. The main attractions are the Cathedral, the Residenz and the old Town Hall. Oh and of course the Schlenkerla, but more about that in a bit.

After turning into a diocese Bamberg was enriched by gifts from the pope and gained more and more importance. The emperor Henry and his wife Kunigunde (yes that was her name) also gave wealth and some of their most important possessions to the town and it turned into an important center of the Holy Roman Empire. Now you can still visit the Cathedral and the place where the emperor used to stay during his visits to the city.

I highly recommend taking a walking tour in the city or one of the tours covering the 7 hills around Bamberg to get a better view of the city and historic insights.

The city kept getting richer and more important after the middle ages and a lot of new buildings joined. In 1647 the University of Bamberg was founded and it is still an important University town, which gives the city a young vibe as well. The city was always an important place for the Catholic church and that lead to it being connected to the German railway system very early on.

The Cathedral and the Landmarks around like the Residency and the monasteries are open every day. It is worth taking a guided tour if you would like to learn more details about them. Make sure to also stop by at the Rosengarten (rose garden) close to the residence for a perfect view on the city.

There is a lot to see for architecture lovers as the city changed a lot over the years and has medieval buildings, modern ones and a lot of Baroque ones as well.

Beer Tradition – Bamberg’s most important spots

One of the biggest sights in Bamberg are the breweries and the long beer brewing tradition. On one of the hills in the city the Michelsberg you can find the Franconian Brewery Museum, where you can learn everything about the local Beer traditions. And let me say that, Franconia has the best beer in the world.

The Brauereimuseum opens from April to October from 11 am until 5 pm on the weekends and from 1 pm to 5 pm on weekdays. You can also book separate tours when you come with a larger group.

Bamberg Brauerei Schlenkala

The beers in the area can be quite heavy as the monks used to brew them during the fasting period. That is also how the famous Rauchbier (smoked beer) started. It still kept them alimented and even tastes like smoked ham or sausages. The pub and brewery Schlenkala is the most important institution for that beer and you can still have one there today. I really recommend trying it. But for your lunch break in Bamberg go somewhere else. I have a special locally abroad tip for you.

Anyway, make sure to stop by the Schlenkala, it was founded in 1405 and still brews with the same tradition. It is a tourist hotspot so it is best if you before noon or after lunch hours to have a beer outside or in the traditional pub.

Where to eat and drink?

So, speaking about lunch. As mentioned there are many different breweries that also offer typical beer gardens and traditional food. A real highlight for me is the Gasthaus Greifenklau. It is a bit outside of the city center and not overflooded with tourist. They brew their own beer. The most traditional one is the Kellerbier (a strong and tasty brew served in a jug that keeps it cold and fresh). Or try the dark beer, which they just offer in some months. The food is traditional but they do not mind if you want to make some adjustments.

The best dish is the typical Schäuferle with a potato dumpling and some Wirsing or Kraut.

The beer garden has a great view. Also, the staff is really friendly and they even speak English and are happy to explain the dishes and different beers.

After that, head back to the center for coffee and a piece of cake. I can really recommend the cozy café and shop Spitz Rein. They even offer vegan options. The shop sells lace and the cakes are homemade and it makes you feel like being in a grandmother’s house. You can find it in this address: Obere Sandstraße 6.

After that is just worth wandering around the streets. Make sure to get into some of the arts and crafts stores to get a unique souvenir or some handmade jewelry.

How to get there?

The city is quite well connected by train and bus. You can also rent a car in the close by Nuremberg and drive up there. The easiest way to get to Bamberg from the bigger Nuremberg is the S1 a regional train that takes you there in about 1 hour. There are many trains heading there, there is one about every 20 minutes. Have a look at the D B Schedule to be sure. You can also reach Bamberg from Berlin and other major German cities.

Bamberg is perfect for a day trip! The best advice is just to get lost in the tiny streets and wander around little Venice just by the river Regnitz. The best time is to go now on a sunny autumn day! You will love it!

October 7, 2018

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