A book like a vacation. The author Peter Mayle moved with his wife to the South of France, and wrote with humor about their first year in Provence. In his memoir, he enjoyed the French lifestyle and explored local events, all in a delicious mix of culture and cuisine.
It had me at bon appétit.
Continue reading “Book review – A year in Provence”
Similar to Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, the spirit of Christmas pasts in Brussels visited me – from a time when I used to be in the holiday frame of mind, unlike this year. Although is never too late.
The markets in Brussels were festive and even magical, but most important, also gourmet. After all, Belgium is the country of chocolate, waffles, bier and fries.
Continue reading “Christmas Past – Bruxelles”
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.
Continue reading “Rediscoved Lisboa”
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.
Continue reading “Tapas for lunch, flamenco for dinner”
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.
Continue reading “‘De Madrid al cielo’ mix”
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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.
Continue reading “Journey to Firenze, Toscana”
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.
Continue reading “Taste of Bologna”
City of Mozart, Marzipan combined with pistachio, covered in dark chocolate, or Sound of Music and Christmas markets? Besides Vienna, Austria has more beautiful cities, and Salzburg is one hidden treasure. Dream now, visit later.
Continue reading “A day in Salzburg”
Slowing down is the mode currently around the globe. Interestingly enough, in Berlin I was not rushing here and there. Compared with other European capitals, what is the difference that makes the difference? I believe the city has a rare energy. Prenzlauer Berg’s architecture in particular is esthetically beautiful with many historical Wilhelmine buildings.
Continue reading “A guide to Berlin Prenzlauer Berg”
In just a few intense days, we hiked through a protected national park, swam among salty rocks and dived inside a cave, we had liquor and truffles tasting experiences. We ate and had Istrian wine again and again.
Continue reading “Wonderful Istria”
Chocolate museums, chocolate fair, caffeine fix in Brussels and final thoughts. Conclusion – balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands.
Time for more chocolate. If you travel to Brussels or live there and you like chocolate, you can call yourself lucky!
In this second part we will cover Royal chocolate, the rebel Pierre Marcolini and 3 Brussels based places, just for chocolate ‘connoisseurs’.
This story was written after my chocolate trail during my last month in a place I called home for almost 4 years.
Thus, it was my way of honoring Brussels, my adoptive city. Continue reading “From Brussels with chocolate. Part I”
Germany, a place that now both feels like home and somewhere foreign. I wrote a weekend ritual so I can remember.
When the girls and I decided to visit Puglia, we knew the trip would revolve around food – pretty much the best part of any Italian journey! Stay tuned for “Pugliese cuisine” tips, what to see and where to eat.
From Harry Potter to sweet pastel de nata and the salty Atlantic Ocean – my top 4 recommendations for what to do, see or eat in Porto, the favorite parts that made my journey special. Oporto, the second largest city of Portugal is a true gem. Continue reading “Porto, sweet & salty”
When you go to a new city, you travel also in time. In Lisbon, you feel you travel back in the Age of Discoveries.
This is what I felt in my trip to the neighbourhood Belém of Lisbon, packed with monuments and places to see. There you can visit Jeronimos Monastry, one of the most visited landmark in Lisbon.
Wandering and exploring a small part of Portugal on my birthday. There are so many reasons to love the country, but to name a few: Lisbon, fado, pastéis de nata, azulejos, miradouros, Sintra, trams, the Atlantic Ocean, and castles.
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