The Loire Valley – and France in general – is full of historical and picturesque castles. Some of these monumental structures date as far back as the 12th century and are well-known and easily accessible. Others will require thorough research and a detour. After doing exhaustive mapping, and visiting many of them with a half … Continue reading
The architect who gave the capital of Slovenia its modern identity was idealistic, successful and highly empathic ▴ Žale Cemetery by Jože Plečnik (1940) Jože Plečnik (1872–1957) had the career that the 20th century inflicted on Communist Europe. A visionary of the same generation in Slavic-speaking lands, Ivan Vurnik, would invite Plečnik to found the Ljubljana … Continue reading
Between the joys of summer, and the excitement of Christmas, there’s a little thing called autumn. There are few things more refreshing than a weekend in Europe. Check this list for inspiration! Continue reading
Travelling – remember that? An archaic PC (Pre-Covid) ritual where individuals went from one place to another, typically over a distance bigger than someone’s living room. I know, I know, dear globetrotter, you’re itching for the day you can travel again. With the days getting colder and the nights getting longer, leaving the house looks a lot … Continue reading
London – always vibrant, beautiful and irresistible – has attracted the crowds since its beginning as a Roman city in AD 43. Almost 2,000 years later, its popularity is still on the rise. ▴ London’s busy riverfront Four years ago I made London my home. Like many immigrants, I came with a dream in a suitcase, … Continue reading
Anyone excited about Spring? Trees are slowly getting ready to bloom, Europe’s cultural agenda is aligning art and film festivals and we are happy to start planning some weekend adventures. In March, April, and especially May, some cities in Europe offer the best options: pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable rates. With softer temperatures, blooming … Continue reading
I hope 2020 has started well for you and that amongst the many things that this decade will bring you, travel is between them. If you happen to be planning a trip around America – North America more specifically – this information below might be of interest. In 1609 Henry Hudson became the first European … Continue reading
As Autumn slowly makes its way in, the cultural calendar picks up steam at the same time cities turn vivid ochre and old gold. Europe is always a good idea for a trip during this season as besides the undeniable charm, there is an interesting and educational program going on. Cities are at their most … Continue reading
Those who have read Agatha Christie’s novel Murder on the Orient Express (1934), will have a vivid mental image of the train I am about to describe: Art deco cabins with shiny polished wood, brass luggage racks, staff members in elegant hats, champagne bar, high-end cutlery and crockery for sophisticated dining. These original Pullman coaches, … Continue reading
Reading is one of life’s best pleasures. And an expression of self-love. Finding time to devour a book can be quite challenging. But finding a good book can be even trickier. Occasionally, I’ve come across really good books. Books about architecture, travel and history – which are my personal favourites. After a while, however, I’ve … Continue reading
Again, I find myself longing for travel. My adventurous moments, the ones I lived mixed with the ones I am living right now, come in a strange way of nostalgia that I experience in the present. The lovely paradox of travel is that we can often feel more the experience of what happened when we … Continue reading
One of the most beautiful things about traveling is matching an experience with a personal moment of our lives. A connection between our current state and a place that we are likely to remember forever. I recommend this trip if you are looking for perspective, adrenaline and mental stimulation. Turkey, with its varied landscape, architecture … Continue reading
Virginia Duran 