Most travel “bucket lists” lead with an African Safari. Or at least rank as a top three destination experience. The movie, “Out of Africa” and the works of Isak Dinesen were all I needed. Meryl Streep’s rhapsodic soliloquy in the film’s opening scenes, “I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong […]
A Balloon Ride in Kenya: See Maasai Mara’s Majesty Read More »
There are more famous residents of Malaga, Spain. Picasso for example. For art lovers, put the Picasso Museum Málaga on your must-see list. Several of his works are on display and there are art history and ceramic workshops. The great man is dutifully honored in the city park and you can take the requisite pics
Antonio Banderas’ El Pimpi and the Amazing Anchovies of Malaga Read More »
Clos de Chillon The Castle has its own vineyard spread along the shores of Lake Geneva, just 10 minutes walk from the castle. Each year, its grapes produce a Grand Cru known as the Clos de Chillon. The white wine is made using the chasselas variety, and the red from a blend of the gamaret,
Stunning Views and Palace Intrigue: Princesses of Chateau de Chillon Read More »
With travel to Russia prohibited for the foreseeable future, I’ve been reflecting on my own experiences in this most culturally diverse, complex, fascinating and unique collection of countries. Russia is just that: a collection of regions, towns and cities. Each with its own language, foods, traditions and sadly united under another despot. With singular devotion
Remembering Russia’s Most Beautiful and Majestic Monastery Read More »
The Eagle’s Nest, or as it is known in German, the Kehlsteinhaus, was commissioned in 1937 by one of Adolf Hitler’s closest lieutenants, Martin Bormann. It was built as a fiftieth birthday present for Hitler. The spectacular mountain eyrie, perched at the summit of the Kehlstein mountain in the Berchtesgaden Alps, has become one of the most
The Eagle’s Nest: Visit Bavaria’s Most Beautiful Eyrie Read More »
As a university student, I lived in nearby Fribourg and often visited this city and returned a few months ago. The Bernese are proud, enlightened and open-minded. Bern is the de facto capital city, political seat and gateway to the Alps. The city is built around a bend in the Aare River and traces its
Really Unique Sights Not to Miss in Bern Switzerland Read More »
You’ll never open another bottle of wine or champagne again without thinking of this. Cork is one of Portugal’s biggest and most important exports. In fact, Portugal is the biggest cork producer in the world and produces more than 50% of the world’s cork supply. The vast majority of this is made into those forgettable
It’s Fun to Pop A Cork in Azaruja Portugal! Read More »
This city is PACKED with drama: visual, architectural, historical, literary, culinary. It’s easy to visit, (less than a 2 hour drive from both Seville and Malaga ), to navigate on foot and has great restaurants and tapas bars. In one day you can see many of its major attractions, take pics, wander the streets and
Birthplace of Bullfighting and Hemingway Haunt: You’ll Love Ronda, Spain Read More »
Sachertorte has a sweet secret. In 1832, the Austrian State Chancellor challenged his kitchen staff to prepare a “dessert to impress” special guests. With the Head Chef taken to his bed, his 16-year old apprentice, Franz Sacher performed the original culinary magic creating a chocolate cake which soon gained a cult following. From the imperial
Sachertorte, Schloss Mirabell and St. Nicholas Market: Sweet Secrets of Salzburg Read More »
Here are a few pics of Grasse on that summer morning… A little about Fragonard. It’s not just a luxury French perfume. It’s a French treasure. Eugene Fuchs, a former Parisien notary with a fondness for fragrance founded the company in 1926 in one of the oldest factories in Grasse. Perfume as Art Monsieur Fuchs
For Beautiful Scents of France, Visit Fragonard… Read More »