Posts Tagged ‘architecture’
Summer holidays in France’s Basque country – and beyond
Although I (admittedly) suffer from acute Wanderlust and love travelling anywhere, my main travel weakness is my status as a complete Italophile. However, as a close second, I’m also a hopeless Francophile. These two countries actually have a lot in common, with their strong regional characters that make exploring the various regions a real treat,…
Read MoreImperial charm in Salzburg, Austria
I adore the postcard-perfect city of Salzburg, in Austria, where I have been numerous times. But as we were driving back from a summer vacation in Austria and the Czech Republic two summers ago, my husband and I decided to play tour guide to our sons, who had never been to Salzburg before. We only…
Read MoreMy first opera visit in running gear and sneakers – in Oslo
On a visit to Oslo, Norway, I was a daily visitor to the opera. In theory, this shouldn’t be odd as I love opera and try to go when and wherever I can. But a busy work schedule meant I didn’t actually have time to ever get to a performance, not even one. Nevertheless, my…
Read MoreOslo’s City Hall
I’ve already written about my trip to Norway’s capital. I’ve written about my early jogs around Oslo and my visit to the Nobel Peace Prize Museum. But during my visit for work, I was lucky enough to attend a gala dinner at Oslo’s City Hall – the same venue where the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate…
Read MoreThe long trip down San Patrizio’s well, Orvieto
I love the Umbrian town of Orvieto, perched up so dramatically on a hilltop. I’ve already written about the views over the town from the Moro Tower and the town’s Etruscan Museum, with its stunning views over the cathedral, but there’s plenty more to see when you’re in town. If you’re coming in by train and…
Read MoreBeautiful sunsets in Ariccia, Italy
I was out in the Castelli Romani region, the hillside towns located to the south of Rome, on a recent Sunday. My younger son was – once again – out there for a track and field meet in the town of Velletri on a beautiful spring day. On the drive back to Rome, both my…
Read MoreStrolling through the splendors of the Reggia di Caserta gardens
It’s been years that I’ve been ‘meaning to get to’ this royal palace an hour and a half’s drive south of Rome, but I only managed during this past Christmas holiday. Coincidentally, our visit was the day after a big special on this UNESCO World Heritage Site aired on Italian television. Incidentally, for those of you…
Read MoreSprinting around the aqueducts of Rome’s Tor Fiscale Park
It’s great raising your kids in another culture and enjoying the differences in their upbringing. I reflect on this a lot as I take my younger son, a track and field and cross-country athlete, to his competitions. For his weekly workouts, he trains, arguably (for others, clearly not for me), at the most beautiful stadium…
Read MoreCoffee and people-watching in Prague’s Obecní dům cafe
I moved to Prague right after graduating from university – ions ago. I used to work as a journalist and between interviews and my shifts at the radio and television stations where I worked, I used to come to this fabulous cafe and write up my stories, slowly nursing a coffee and admiring the faded splendor…
Read MoreArt deco (Jugendstil) architecture in Bad Gastein, Austria
I used to live in Vienna and neighboring Prague, and this is an architectural style I adore. Jugenstil, art deco, art nouveau, Secessionsstil — it goes by many names. The Alpine spa town and watering hole of Bad Gastein, in Austria’s Salzburg province has some fine examples. I’ve already written about the historic Hotel de…
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