Posts Tagged ‘Europe’
Fairy tale spires and lake views in Lausanne, Switzerland
On a recent trip to Geneva, I had a few hours free on a Sunday afternoon, so I hopped on one of the frequent trains (love, love, love efficient Swiss public transport) to nearby Lausanne. Lausanne is about fifty-three kilometers north-east of Geneva, along the banks of Lake Geneva. During the summer months, there are…
Read MoreReason #5365 to love Rome: The Ludus Magnus – gladiator training grounds
When you are next visiting Rome’s Colosseum, be sure to take the time to cross the street and peer into the area known as the Ludus Magnus. Two thousand years ago, this was the largest and most prestigious of Rome’s gladiatorial training schools. The Ludus Magnus was built during the reign of Emperor Domitian (81-96…
Read MoreStunning frescoes in Bulgaria’s Boyana Church
On a recent trip to Bulgaria’s capital of Sofia, I set aside some time to visit the area of Boyana, on the outskirts of the city, to visit the not-to-be-missed Boyana church. Last week I wrote about the spectacular Orthodox monasteries of Kosovo, but Bulgaria’s Boyana church is another impressive example of Balkan Byzantine art that is…
Read MoreVisiting the monasteries of Pejë/ Peć in Kosovo
My family and I were on holiday in beautiful Montenegro, when we decided to take a daytrip into Kosovo – to the town of Pejë (in Albanian) / Peć (in Serbian). Of special interest to us were two spectacular Serbian Orthodox monasteries: the 14th century Dečani Monastery and the 13th century Patriarchate Monastery. Travelling in…
Read MoreMountains, swans, and fondue in Geneva – Part 2
In Part 1, I’ve already provided a view of Geneva, the international city of French Switzerland. Now I’d like to turn to the highlights of Geneva’s old town – medieval Geneva. Geneva’s Veille ville, rises above the lake’s shores, and, with its car-free streets, it’s a pleasnt place to stroll and enjoy old Geneva. Just…
Read MoreMountains, swans and fondue in Geneva
I’ve traveled a fair amount in Switzerland, but in the German and Italian sections, so when I went to Geneva recently for work, I looked forward to spending time in the international city of French Switzerland. The city is small enough to explore easily – even with limited time after long work days. It’s a pleasant, quiet city on…
Read MoreReason #5364 to love Rome: Centrale Montemartini Museum
Most tourists never make it to this unusual museum. It’s a little off the well-worn tourist track, in the Ostiense neighborhood , a former industrial zone of Rome. Nevertheless, Centrale Montemartini is easily reached by public transport and definitely worth a visit. This unlikely satellite of Rome’s Capitoline Museum began its life in June 1912…
Read MoreAuthors on Italy
Any of you who are familiar with my site know what an Italophile I am. That hardly makes me original. I’m simply following the lead of a long line of authors, poets, painters and composers singing Italy’s praises. If you find yourself in Rome, be sure to take a look at my earlier post on…
Read MoreFrom the ramparts of Les Baux de Provence, France
Provence is most certainly one of my (many) favorite corners of Europe. If you are visiting the region, you should try to set aside some time to visit the suggestive ruins of Les Baux de Provence. A visit to this site makes it clear why this was selected as a defensive position – visitors have…
Read MoreBrainstorming at the spa 2013
I’m typing this with my tears in my eyes because I’d been hoping to go myself, but March is shaping up to be more hectic than I thought and I won’t be able to get away this year. But for you lucky writers in Europe – or those of you who just need a thinly…
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