On July 9th, we boarded a train that would take us deep into the heart of the Balkans. Over
the course of two weeks, we explored a wide range of amazing sights. From vibrant cities
brimming with history to serene lakes and towering mountains, the Balkans offered us a
perfect blend of culture and nature. We saw bustling markets, breathtaking landscapes, and
even experienced the quiet charm of remote villages. Each stop brought something new.
In Vienna, we kicked off our trip with a visit to the Kunst Haus, followed by an exciting soccer
match featuring the Netherlands in the European Championship displayed on a big screen at
the Rathaus. Although we did not win and were a bit tired from the long train ride, the good
spirits set the tone for our adventure!
Later, we explored the beautiful buildings of Budapest, toured the architecture faculty, and
relaxed in the thermal baths. In Belgrade, we admired the unique brutalist architecture and
rich history, with St. Sava being one of the highlights. We then enjoyed time by the coast and
in the mountains, immersing ourselves in the stunning nature of Bar and Theth. As a lovely
conclusion to our journey, we visited Tirana, where we explored the Et'hem Bey Mosque and
the artwork “The Cloud”.
It’s a unique experience to start a journey with people you’ve only spent a few hours with,
but that’s exactly what made this trip so special. At the start, many of us were simply fellow
students from the Faculty of Architecture, but by the end we had formed an incredible group
of friends.
With this article I would like to inspire you to go out there and explore what is yet unexplored.
You might think of joining the big trip next year or even joining the committee or maybe you
think of your own journeys in life. Whatever it is, go out there, enjoy the sun and have fun!
