As the train left Florence, whisking us over the soft rolling hills towards Rome, my thoughts converged on this ancient city, home of the Vatican and the once great Roman Empire. I, like millions before me, wanted to undertake a Jubilee pilgrimage. All roads lead to Rome, as the saying goes. At least it was …
Instead of sun, I was seeking a pre-Christmas feast of Renaissance art by the magnificent artists of Florence, and then on to a special spiritual pilgrimage to Rome. There is budding research that viewing beautiful art can be a mood elevator. Feeling powerless to change a world plagued with cruelties of wars, injustices and moral …
Feasting on Michelangelo, Botticelli, Fra Angelico and lots of Pasta Read More »
Paris was cold and grey on an early October morning as my flight took off from Orly, heading towards sunny Crete. I was craving a deluge of Cretan sun to offset my annual slow descent into a seasonal mood slump. This usually occurs around mid-October from dwindling light. Fall is also the best time …
Crete’s Instense Blue Sea and Sun Was Just the Boost I Needed Read More »
An eerie quietness enveloped me as I passed through the gate high on the hill overlooking the blue sea below and descended the pine-lined winding pathway to the entrance, pieced only by a few chirping birds that seemed to welcome me. As I quickly gazed over the site, it was like a still-life, devoid of …
Since holidays are always difficult, especially Christmas, after the death of my son, I chose a pre-get-a-way trip for some distraction, colour, and upbeat energy to soften my grief. Naples was just what I was looking for! A big plus was that I left a sub-freezing Paris, down to -5 C., covered up …
I have been away on my annual February grief getaway. This time I chose to explore some Austrian Alpine spas sandwiched between a few days in Vienna. Getaway is a misnomer in so far as there is no getting away from grief. Yet, travel does offer somewhat an alternative distraction of sorts, not avoidance by …
[instagram-feed]Wherever I travel, food and culinary traditions always capture my interest as one of the most important and enjoyable things to seek out. Croatia may not be a sought after culinary destination, such as France, but there are some wonderful foods and terrific wines to enjoy! You would think that any country with 1,200 islands …
I was really smitten the first time I visited Croatia and the cities of Split and Dubrovnik, while on an Adriatic and Mediterranean cruise a few years ago. I made a pledge to come back to spend time in this fabulously beautiful country! Stepping into Split or Dubrovnik is like entering a time warp to …
I had to hang on in trying to stand in the neck-deep hot bubbles fiercely surging and erupting around my head. The strong force of the thermal waters pummeled my torso rocking me to one side to the other, making it difficult to keep my face above water. Overhead loomed a creamy white full moon …
Reflections On Life And Death Submerged In Bubbles In The Swiss Alps Read More »
Heading north is not in my general nature, as my southern instincts pulls me more on a southerly route, except occasionally it seems in September when cooler temperatures beckon my spirit. I am likewise pulled towards the sea as if I need the views and sea air for my well being and just pure enjoyment. The …
Up The Northern French and Belgium Coast Onto Holland Read More »
I always enjoy going to Budapest, a two hour plus flight from Paris, for the foods and wines and other reasons. Last week, I wanted to go beyond to the pretty Lake Balaton area for an unusual thermal lake. Whereas my last two winter visits were so cold that the Danube had frozen into huge chunks …
Southern Portugal gave me exactly what I was looking for: a few days of warm sun, beautiful sea views and a magnificent colourful coastline. I can not ever get enough of the sea. The feelings evoked are indescribable in words that touch a primordial part of my psyche and soul. The sea draws me like an …