Berlin
Mitte Bitte, Berlin
The river dissects Mitte’s Jekyll and Hyde character. To the south lies the grand, ostentatious face of the district, while north of the Spree the scene is more grungy, raw, and arty. […]
Europe
Austria
Fifteen different views of Vienna
Instead of sharing Vienna’s big hitters, even AI can outline what those are, I’m going to, mostly, turn the focus on fifteen different views of Vienna that intrigued and delighted or, at least, put smiles on our faces. […]
Europe
Prague, the city with a holiday resort vibe
During our first night in Prague, we weren’t sure we were going to enjoy our stay. The problem was that although it looked like a historic European city, it didn’t feel like one. […]
Spain
A different look at the problems with tourism on Tenerife
Having lived there for fourteen years, I’ve been following reports about problems with tourism on Tenerife. The Spanish news items I read tend to accurately reflect what recent protests are about, trying to bring about […]
Emilia Romagna
How to identify authentic balsamic vinegar from Modena
But how can you identify it? It’s quite simple. Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena must be sold in 100ml bottles designed to represent the shape of a drop of the liquid inside […]
El Hierro
The AI view of the Canary Islands
It took me five minutes to write the destination descriptions below. That’s because I didn’t write them, ChatGPT did. This is the AI view of the Canary Islands. […]
Italy
Exploring Trani in Puglia
A lack of beaches means Trani is generally bypassed by many foreign tourists, yet this elegant little town was once an important trading port, second only to Venice in the Adriatic. […]
El Hierro
By the Time Dawn Breaks, the magic of the Canary Islands
By the Time Dawn Breaks is a story within a story. A young man seeking an off-the-beaten track spot on Tenerife in which to lick his emotional wounds stumbles across a mysterious journal. Within its pages, he discovers a fantastical account revealing an extraordinary side to the Canary Islands. […]
Italy
Tourist trap or travel treat, the trulli in Alberobello
A procession of trulli fill the urban valley below, climbing up the hillside opposite, so tightly clustered together all that’s visible of most are their wizard-hat roofs. […]
Basilicata
Behind the scenes of James Bond and Matera
Matera was no stranger to Hollywood when the Bond circus rolled into town to film No Time to Die, the final instalment of Daniel Craig’s tenure as Britain’s super spy. […]
Emilia Romagna
Ten favourite food experiences in Emilia Romagna
Our most recent exploration was a dream job in that it involved putting together a gastronomy odyssey through Italy’s Food Valley in the culinary heart of the country. […]
Emilia Romagna
From Rochdale to Reggio Emilia
Sitting at the crossroads of Italy’s main communications arteries, Reggio Emilia remains stubbornly below the tourist radar, despite its proximity to, and easy access from Modena and Parma. […]
Emilia Romagna
Six of the best in Parma
To get a feel for the place, head to Strada Farini early evening and do what the locals do, order an aperitif, sit back, and soak up the atmosphere of a great Italian city. […]
Portugal
The Setúbal Peninsula and the Costa da Caparica
Although most people who fly into Lisbon will gaze longingly down at the golden stretch of sand that lines almost the entire coastline south of the city, few will know its name. […]
Emilia Romagna
An introduction to Bologna, the food capital of Italy
Some cities can be standoffish at first, even slightly moody until you get into their groove. Others are like meeting an old friend you haven’t seen for a long time. Bologna falls into the latter. […]