Artsy London

Categories: Art · England · Europe · London · Photography · TravelTags: · · · · 2 Comments

I made it back to Jolly Old London before Brexit takes place (or not). It has been close to three years since I was last here. One of the main attractions for this trip is to visit the Dale Chihuly exhibit at Kew Gardens, featuring his luminous glass pieces in a spectacular landscape. The other main reason for this long weekend visit is Photo London. Now on its fifth year, this international photography fair features 114 world leading galleries showcasing the work of over 400 artists, both established and emerging.

Hvala Vam

Categories: Accommodations · Croatia · Dubrovnik · Europe · Food · TravelTags: · · · 1 Comment

“Thank you” in Croatian. Goodbye to the magnificent city of Dubrovnik, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lunch at LAJK Restaurant was very pleasant serving good family style local food. Not to mention the nice view of a church down the street. Located right at the foot of the Jesuit stairs is Konoba Kolosseum, serving both local and international food. The first Michelin Plate restaurant I tried was Restoran Dubrovnik. Located on a rooftop with a very polished service, the dishes were delightful. They serve both tasting and ala carte menus. The best meal I had was at another Michelin…

Dubrovnik

Categories: Croatia · Dubrovnik · Europe · TravelTags: · · ·

The loveliest old city in Croatia, many say, is Dubrovnik. Located in south of the country fronting the Adriatic Sea and in the middle of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is a place that is medieval, mythical and occasionally, magical. The walled-off Old City has parts which date from the 11th century. If it weren’t for the hundreds of other tourists like me, wandering the Old City’s steep cobblestoned streets would feel like time travel. Although this country has existed as Croatia for only 28  years, more than two million tourists descended on Dubrovnik last year. That is undoubtedly helped along by…

Venice

Categories: Europe · Italy · Travel · VeniceTags: · · ·

Ciao Venice! I can’t believe that my last time to this enchanting city was in 2003 – fifteen years ago! I must admit that part of my hesitation to return to Venice is the several news accounts of daunting crowds of tourists outnumbering locals by two to one. I keep reminding myself that one is never more than a bridge or alley away to a more quiet campi (square) or neighbourhood. Venice continues to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

La Biennale Di Venezia

Categories: Architecture · Art · Europe · Italy · VeniceTags: · · · · 1 Comment

So this is the main event for this trip to Italy – to visit the Biennale Archittettura 2018. One of the preeminent cultural events in the world, since its inception in 1895, the Venice Biennale has been of the most important and influential events in international contemporary art. Alternating each year between Art and Architecture, the 16th Venice Biennale of Architecture provides an opportunity for architects and designers to showcase new projects.There are 63 national pavilions this year curated by Grafton Architects with the theme of Free Space.

Torna a Roma

Categories: Europe · Italy · Rome · TravelTags: · · · 1 Comment

“Back to Rome” after three years – I have returned to the former seat of power of the Roman Empire. This city is overflowing with iconic sights and architectural treasures that earn its name of the Eternal City. I am stopping by for a few days on my way to my main destination in Italy. It is never a chore to be in this living theatre.

AMS Eats

Categories: Accommodations · Amsterdam · Europe · Food · Netherlands · The JordaanTags: · ·

On my third trip to this beautiful city, I went back to a few of the memorable eats I had five years ago and at the same time, tried out a couple of new ones. My first stop was the The Cafe at the Rijksmuseum. A few notable items on the menu are by Chef Joris Bijdendijk of the RIJKS restaurant. I recall a few of my favourites during my one-month stay in this city five years ago. Pancakes Amsterdam has several locations (I go to the one on Negen Straatjes) and is my favourite go-to spot for traditional Dutch…

Welkom terug in Amsterdam

Categories: Amsterdam · Europe · Netherlands · TravelTags: · · 1 Comment

It’s been five years when I last stayed in Amsterdam for a month. I fell for this city the first time I visited fifteen years ago and felt it was time that I return once again to one of my favourites for an extended long weekend. Amsterdam somehow manages to have it all – the buzz of a metropolis, great museums, beautiful architecture, yet small enough to walk (or cycle) almost anywhere you want. And, no unbearable summer heat this time of the year! Many news outlets are now reporting that this city is becoming the new Venice, a city stolen…

Ikel u lukandi f’Malta

Categories: Accommodations · Europe · Food · MaltaTags: · ·

Maltese for “Food and Hotel in Malta” Malta became independent in 1964 from British rule and thankfully shaken off the British culinary legacy as it has varied restaurants. Maltese cuisine is a sizzling array of flavours, with an exotic mix of Italian, French, British and Arabic influences and fresh seafood plucked from the sea. Maltese food typical includes rabbit: rabbit liver, rabbit ragu, confit of rabbit, rabbit stew, braised rabbit….   Save the best for last: the best meal I had was at Guze, located in one of Valetta’s oldest houses, serving delicious mediterranean food. La Falconeria Hotel in Valetta…