Hamburg’s Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe
The most commonly applied translation of "Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe" renders the name of this centrally located Hamburg institution as the “Museum of Art and Industry”.
Places to visit
Bangkok spas for luxury wellness
The modern world may well be characterised by global connectivity and 24/7 availability but, increasingly, people are realising that unwinding and de-stressing are important elements of staying physically healthy and mentally sharp.
A weekend break in Durham City
I’m convinced that Durham, in north-east England, has much to offer for a weekend break. As a local, though, you might think I’m biased?
Decoding the symbolism of Orthodox icons
In the Greek town of Ouranopolis I’m drawn to the window of an attractive, smartly designed shop selling soaps, natural products and religious icons. Even to my unschooled eye these icons look to be of far better quality than those that I saw minutes ago, on sale near the jetty.
Portugal’s Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon
The Monument to the Discoveries is today as just as much a part of the Belem landscape as the nearby Hieronymites Monastery (the ‘Mosteiro dos Jerónimos’ as it is known in Portuguese), the ornate Manueline structure which is today classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Museu da Cerveja beer museum in Lisbon
Portugal’s history, like that of all nations, is peppered with significant dates. The 1st November 1755, for example, is infamous as the day the Great Earthquake struck, resulting in fires and tidal waves that destroyed much of Lisbon and wreaked significant damage on a several other towns and cities.
Lindian Village luxury resort near Lindos, Rhodes
Over recent years Greece has taken a lot of stick about the way it has managed its economy. For all the shortcomings regarding macroeconomic management, Greeks certainly know how to be outstanding hosts and make their guests feel welcome.
Zip World Fforest in Snowdonia National Park, Wales
My legs feel weak and heart is thumping. Vikki looks into my eyes and offers calm words of encouragement; she’s come to rescue me from the practice loop of the ropes course at Tree Top Adventure, near Betws-y-Coed in North Wales.
Ammouliani island in Halkidiki, Greece
Think of Greek holiday islands and it’s normally the likes of Kos, Crete and Rhodes that spring to mind. Ammouliani, in Greece’s Halkidiki region, is, by comparison, far smaller and much quieter.
A weekend break in Hamburg, Germany
Standing on deck, on one of the pleasure boats that criss-cross the shipping lanes of the river Elbe during harbour tours, the cool maritime breeze and sunlit waterfront skyline make me conscious of the understated allure of Hamburg.