Brussels briefing

Briefing from the European capital – a promenade bruxelloise and Belgian days, years later, on memory lane, thinking in French. I could walk for hours in Bruxelles, among paths imprinted in my heart, in a city that felt like home from day one. Beautiful corners in places I’ve been with details I’ve never noticed, and moments I remember.

And a thought – no matter the choice, if we leave or return, we’ll always miss something.

A I D AApril 25, 2022March 19, 2023Leave a comment

City Guide, Germany

Something new in Frankfurt

Something new, an old town and blue sky. Plus Apfelwein, handkäse, and why not, schnitzel with Frankfurt green sauce. Few of my notes during a spring day on Frankfurt am Main are below. Some call it Mainhatten for a reason, since is an international hub in Europe and the only city in Germany with skyscrapers, but for me will always be the city of books.

A I D AApril 14, 2022March 19, 2023Leave a comment

ART, Berlin, Events, Germany

KulturForum – Deutsch mit Kunst

KulturForum in Berlin. We need to talk! – German with Art. Wir müssen reden! – Deutsch mit Kunst. Learning in Berlin Art museums, or what I do in my free time in order to improve my German.

A I D AMarch 15, 2022March 19, 2023Leave a comment

Food, Lisbon, Portugal

Rediscoved Lisboa

The different areas of Lisbon are as a puzzle, but I remember pieces from my journey here years ago, as I celebrate the present. Across hills, stairs and elevators, I am rewarded with viewpoints, sunshine, water reflections, spring weather, many pastéis de nata, coffee breaks, as I explore the narrow streets and enjoy the city in my rhythm.

And just like that, I overdid it and I would do it again.

A I D AFebruary 28, 2022March 19, 2023Leave a comment

Lisbon, Portugal, Postcard

Before the Sunset in Estoril

‘Nostalgia for what never was, eternal sunset of what we are’, and the beauty of this world. Memorable sunset at the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal, powered by the Sun and the words of Lisbon’s poet Fernando Pessoa.

A I D AFebruary 25, 2022March 19, 2023Leave a comment

ART, Berlin, Events, Germany

Berliner Philharmonie

There is joy in discovering the musical diversity in Berlin, a city with no shortage of events, from clasical to techno. This January I finally attended a concert at Philharmonie in KulturForum. During Schubert Week at Pierre Boulez Saal, the conductor Thomas Hampson wished us to enjoy the music, because after all, we are in Berlin, one of the most incredible cities in the world.

A I D AJanuary 30, 2022March 27, 20231 Comment

Bucharest, Christmas, Events, Romania

Fragments of 2021 & of Bucharest

This year had everything, good memories, challenges, lessons, new variants, depending on your frame of mind. I’m grateful that after a long time, I was able to travel to Vienna, go on a journey in Tuscany, attend a concert in Berlin, to enjoy a meal at a restaurant in Bologna, meet friends in Madrid or visit a museum in Bucharest.

A I D ADecember 31, 2021March 20, 2023Leave a comment

Christmas, Journal, Luxembourg, Postcard

Winter in Luxembourg

Thoughts from the road, in a December, after exploring the Christmas markers of small Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, zigzagging alleys, and a familiar mix of French and German culture. The more I explore, the more familiar a place and the world feels.

A I D ADecember 1, 2021December 24, 2022Leave a comment

Food, Spain

Tapas for lunch, flamenco for dinner

Madrid days started with traditional churros with hot chocolate and strong coffee (cortado) at Chocolaterías San Ginés, like a Madrileño, had sunshine & tapas for lunch, and ended with ‘tinto de verano’ drink, reminding me of the summer I thought was over, with flamenco guitar in the background.

A I D ANovember 9, 2021March 13, 20233 Comments

City Guide, Food, Spain

‘De Madrid al cielo’ mix

Madrid is a city I wanted to visit before the pandemic. Was a journey that took me by surprise – with a mix of Brussels friendship, Flamenco, Passeo de Prado Art Walk, coffee and tapas in Mercados, sunsets, Spanish history and busy streets, as a preview of the days to come.

A I D ANovember 8, 2021December 30, 20221 Comment

Belgium, Brussels, Events, Journal

Bruxelles ~ Art Nouveau & Art Deco Marathon

October flashbacks, as one fall in Brussels was unforgettable because was all about Art Nouveau. Inoubliable. And very Bruxelloise! Made many notes and photos so I don’t forget. Art Nouveau and Art Deco Biennale was a celebration of Architecture and design variety of buildings in Brussels.

Where to begin?

A I D AOctober 31, 2021January 14, 2023Leave a comment

ART, Austria, City Guide, Vienna

Moments in Vienna – 2021

Revisited a dear place. August 2021. The Old meets the New in Vienna. Always a pleasure to return to this wonderful city, with something new to discover.

Vienna Museum Quarter (MQ) has a new rooftop and platform, Libelle MQ, at the top of the Leopold Museum.

A I D ASeptember 1, 2021December 25, 20221 Comment

ART, City Guide, Food, Italy

Journey to Firenze, Toscana

Tuscany is so beautiful, it has to be seen to be believed. The city of Florence is known for its overwhelming art galleries and Michelangelo Renaissance sculptures in marble, but still, I was struck by the colors of vineyards, sounds of the cypresses or the scented air with notes of leather and amber.

A I D AAugust 8, 2021March 2, 20232 Comments

City Guide, Food, Italy

Taste of Bologna

Best things to do in Italy all involve food. Bologna is at the center of Emilia-Romagna region, famous for Parmigiano-Reggiano and Prosciutto di Palma, but also aceto balsamico di Modena and much more. And to think I associated in the past the city only with pasta sauce and the Bologna university system, home of Europe oldest university.

A I D AJuly 31, 2021March 3, 20231 Comment

Berlin, City Guide, Events, Germany

Enjoy Berlin

Berlin is not short of ways to enjoy the warmer months, in both Spring and Summer. Oldest beer garden and open air cinema. Museum and galleries, lakes and rooftops, bookshops and icecream.

A I D AJune 15, 2021February 13, 2023Leave a comment

France, Journal, Postcard

Bonsoir Printemps, Strasbourg

Voilà. I went last time to Strasbourg in a warm weekend in February that made me think Spring is on its way. I remember walking on a street called Rue de Printemps (Spring) near the European Parliament. There is something romantic walking in any French city street, but especially one with the name of a season.

A I D AMay 1, 2021February 20, 20231 Comment

Berlin, City Guide, Germany

Potsdam – Palaces & Parks

Potsdam is a one day trip from Berlin, and is a city that invited exploration as it has 17 palaces spread across 3 parks from a Prussian royal heritage. The National Parks and palaces complex are today an UNESCO World site and a mix of styles with gardens inspired from many parts of the world – Greece, Italy, France or ancient Asia.

A I D AApril 19, 2021December 24, 2022Leave a comment