Europe Europe - Alpine Adventures Into Italy to visit Novacella Monastery dating back more than 900 years, run by Augustine monks. Then a stop at Lake Misurina before ending the day in Cortina - only 2 hours north of Venice, among the first Alpine destinations to host explorers and scientists, then royals and aristocrats.
Europe Europe - Idyllic Innsbruck Innsbruck, which translates as the Bridge over the River Inn, is the capital of the Tyrol region of Austria, with yet another atmospheric old town centre, set against a majestic backdrop of the Austrian Alps.
Europe Europe - Ludwig’s Fairyland Linderhof is one of 3 castles built for King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845-1886). He ascended the throne at the age of 18. His reign was a lonely one, the kingdom was managed well so he spent his time living a decadent lifestyle and indulging in his passionate building projects.
Europe Europe - Munich Moments Munich, the capital of Bavaria, was a centre for trade, especially salt in medieval times as it was also on the Golden Path. Today it has the strongest economy in Germany and almost no unemployment with large Turkish and Balkan communities.
Europe Europe - Picturesque Passau Passau - which sits at the confluence of 3 rivers - the Inn, Ilz and Danube. Once again, a pretty town of cobblestone streets filled with buildings painted in pastel shades. In medieval times, the city was an important centre for trading white gold - salt transported from the alpine mines.
Europe Europe - Linz - The Home of Linzer Torte Linz was originally known as Lentia when it was a Roman castle settlement. Today it’s the 3rd largest city in Austria with a big harbour located on the Danube.
Europe Europe - Charming Krems Krems, Austria, a quaint university town at the southern end of the *Wachau Valley*, surrounded by terraced vineyards, along the Danube River. During the 12th century, Krems was even more important than Vienna for its iron, salt, grain and wine trade.
Europe Europe - Vibrant Vienna As the capital of Austria, Vienna has a long history as an important cultural centre stretching back to its days as the imperial capital of the Hapsburg empire, lasting for 600 years, when wars and politics changed the world, but not the coffeehouse culture which continues to thrive today.
Europe Europe - Beguiling Bratislava Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, one of the youngest in Europe. The old town is small, with cobblestoned streets lined with picturesque restored baroque buildings, elegant mansions, art nouveau houses, gracious pedestrian streets and leafy squares.
Europe Europe - Beautiful Budapest Straddling the Danube River, Hungary’s capital Budapest, is as beautiful as I remembered when I was there in 2006 - a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty, showcasing a mix of Roman, Ottoman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau architectural styles.
AnneNewman - Cityscape The Humble Bus Shelter Christopher Herwig has published 3 books celebrating the expansive architectural legacy of Soviet-era bus stops and metro stations with dramatic styles ranging from lavish opulence to brutal futurist minimalism.
South Korea South Korea - Jeju Island Jeju island is located off the southern coast of the mainland. It’s 3 times bigger than Singapore and known as the Hawaii of South Korea for its natural beauty and mild climate all year round.
South Korea South Korea - Gyeongju Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Dynasty, reigning for almost 1000 years from 57BCE, the 4th largest city in the world, at the time. Today it’s known as the museum without walls -more tombs, rock carvings, pagodas, Buddhist statuary and palace ruins than any other place in South Korea.
South Korea South Korea - Busan The port city of Busan, is South Korea's second largest, known for its vibrant energy, beaches, mountains and temples, a fusion of tradition and modernity.
South Korea South Korea - Gwangju - Yeosu Gwangju has a thriving art scene, while Yeosu known as the home of Admiral Yi Sun Shin, one of the two most famous figures in Korean history – along with King Sejong, who created Hangul, the Korean alphabet.
South Korea South Korea - From Seoul to Suwon and Jeonju Suwon is known for its World Heritage listed Hwaseong Fortress, while Jeonju has the largest traditional hanok village in Korea. Tapsa Temple, at the foot of Mt Maison, famous for its free-standing stone pagodas, made of natural stone.
South Korea South Korea - Sophisticated Seoul - Part 2 The Myeongdong area is filled with little shops and at night abuzz with street food stalls and a plethora of restaurants. While in the the Joseon era, Bukchon Hanok Village was home to high-ranking officials, nobles, and their families.
South Korea South Korea - Sophisticated Seoul - Part 1 Republic of Korea is located on the southern half of the Korean peninsula, bordered by the Yellow and East seas as well as a land border with North Korea. Seoul is a , sophisticated, vibrant and exciting city, a constant bustle - they may be quiet, but their drive to succeed is enormous.
Middle East The Kingdom of Bahrain The Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands which are mostly desert. Bahrain translates to two seas - a fitting name since Bahrain has a very long coastline spanning close to 200km.
Middle East Saudi Arabia - Riyadh Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia is a modern, cosmopolitan city. The 2nd King Saud looked to American cities for his inspiration to create modern Riyadh, adopting the grid system and building skyscrapers.
Middle East Saudi Arabia - Al Ula - Part 2 Saudi Arabia is a dry country, mostly desert and little rain. Alcohol is banned hence coffee takes centre stage. Exploring more of Al Ula.
Middle East Saudi Arabia - Al Ula - Part 1 The oasis of Al Ula - its water and fertile valley sustaining human occupation for thousands of years. Among this expansive land are outcrops and giant boulders the size of buildings, many beautifully carved, with classical-style pediments and columns - Nabataean tombs!
Middle East Saudi Arabia - Medina Medina is filled with simple white buildings where the mosques are the highlight as elegant minarets rise to the azure blue sky. The significant is The Prophet Mosque - said to be the burial place of Prophet Muhammad.
Middle East Saudi Arabia - Al Balad - Jeddah Al Balad is the historic old town of Jeddah, located along the Red Sea and founded in the 7th century; filled with beautiful coral stone buildings, many over 500 years old, adorned with rashawshin (intricately carved timber) balconies.
Middle East Saudi Arabia -Land of Mystery Sandwiched between the ancient empires of Rome and Asia, is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a mysterious land of endless sand dunes steeped in religious and cultural traditions; in times gone by, an important trade centre, caravans laden with spices and frankincense traversing the Arabian Peninsula.
