Copenhagen

Categories: Copenhagen · Denmark · Europe · TravelTags: · ·

It was March 2008 when I last visited Copenhagen.  It was a city I felt very comfortable and relaxed in. Now that I am in much need of a brief escape to “chill” (it is considered the coolest kid in the Nordic block after all!) and at the same time, where the heat is not as oppressive this time of the year — I find myself back in this Danish capital. Consistently rated as one of the happiest countries in the world, it also comes with a price — Copenhagen is ranked as one of the most expensive cities in Europe….

Retour à Paris

Categories: Europe · France · Paris · TravelTags: · ·

Now, it’s “Back in Paris“! It’s been twelve months since I was last in this inspiring city. I continue to be in trance every time I am here. No matter how often I visit – this elegant and enthralling city still has something new to show. I am planning to see new sights, visit new restaurants and try out new patisseries.  

Zurück nach Berlin

Categories: Art · Berlin · Europe · Germany · TravelTags: · · ·

After four years, “Back to Berlin“! This trend-setting German capital knows how to show visitors a good time and that is the reason I have returned. Whether one comes here for the art, the Wall (or what’s left of it), the food or the nightlife, Berlin will excite and entertain!           The Alte Nationalgalerie is one of the galleries I was not able to visit the last time I was in this city. With a collection of 18th to early 20th century masters in a backdrop as magnificent as the works on display.            …

Potsdam

Categories: Architecture · Europe · Germany · Potsdam · TravelTags: · · 2 Comments

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Potsdam is the capital of the Berlin-Brandenburg region and is located only 24 kms southwest of Berlin. It’s like time-traveling for a day to architecture inspired by Ancient Greece, Dutch gables, English gardens and the main attraction — the baroque architecture of Park Sanssousi. Schloss Sanssouci is King Frederich II of Prussia’s summer palace. The rococo palace was built in 1747 as an escape for the King from his country’s functions. Neues Palace is a baroque palace embellished with a monumental cupola. Frederick the Great had the New Palace built from 1763 to 1769.

Dublin Eats (& Sleep)

Categories: Accommodations · Architecture · Dublin · Europe · Food · Ireland · TravelTags: · · · · · ·

Dublin is one serious food lover’s destination. Chalk it up to pure ignorance, but I was delightfully surprised at the number of excellent restaurants and eateries in town. My very first stop after I landed and checked into my hotel was to have the hotel concierge book me a late lunch at The Greenhouse located off St. Stephens Green. Chef Mickael Viljanen, who was crowned the Best Chef in Ireland 2015, prepares innovative Irish cuisine that is both sublime and “art” in itself.   Etto on Merrion Row was added to the Michelin Bib Gourmand list that recognize restaurants that offer…

Temple Bar

Categories: Dublin · Europe · Ireland · TravelTags: · · · · 1 Comment

Everyone hears about the Temple Bar area of Dublin. The city’s erstwhile down-at-the-heels neighbourhood that is now crammed with cafes, bars, pubs, clubs and trendy hotels – a mix of the old with the new. During daytime, Temple Bar is an artsy and cultured district full of hip shops and modern art galleries. At night, such refinement gives way to a non-stop party atmosphere with its 30+ pubs and bars.     The River Liffey separates the north and south sides of the city. Dublin takes its name from the southwest of the city when, in prehistoric times, there was a dark…

Art and Soul

Categories: Architecture · Art · Dublin · Europe · Ireland · TravelTags: · · · · · ·

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is housed in what was formerly the Kilmainham Hospital. Built in the 1680s as one of Ireland’s Classical-style buildings modelled after Les Invalides in Paris, it is considered the finest 17th century building in the country. The hospital was handed to the Free State in 1922 and served as headquarters for Garda from 1930 to 1950. It was beautifully renovated in 1991 and reopened as IMMA. Christ Church Cathedral as it stands, is a 19th century restoration of what was originally a wooden church. Dublin’s first church was founded here in 1028 by…

Go to Jail

Categories: Architecture · Dublin · Europe · Ireland · TravelTags: · · · · · 2 Comments

Built in 1796, the Kilmainham Gaol (Jail) in Dublin became notorious for the role it played in virtually every painful act of Ireland’s quest for independence. The material used to build the jail was sandstone which wept in bad weather, resulting in damp and grim conditions for its inhabitants. One of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe, Kilmainham Gaol was closed in 1924 and was restored as a museum in the 1960s and provides an informative guide to the country’s history. After a sobering tour of the prison, lighten the mood with what majority of the people associate Ireland with — Guiness. The…

Dublin

Categories: Dublin · Europe · Ireland · TravelTags: · · · 2 Comments

I have always wanted to visit Dublin, Ireland. So when I was itching to do some traveling and only had an extended long weekend to do so, I finally took the opportunity. One of Europe’s more popular cities, Dublin is steeped in history. This laid back Irish capital is a blend of Georgian townhouses, Victorian pubs and modern buildings. With a population of 1.7 million, this explains the number of great restaurants, cafes and bars. Wandering around Dublin is one of the great pleasures of visiting this urban destination. The city is so compact that the chances of getting lost walking around is quite slim….

Mangiare e Dormire

Categories: Accommodations · Europe · Florence · Food · Italy · RomeTags: · · · · · · · ·

“Eat and Sleep” Good food and good wine are plentiful in Italy. Even a simple pasta dish with just olive oil tastes extraordinary. Here are a few restaurants I tried — mostly recommended by friends and locals.   Osteria Del Cinghiale Bianco (the White Boar) in Florence serves good reliable typical Tuscan cuisine.   Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina is a quaint wine bar located across Palazzo Pitti that also serves traditional and modern Italian cuisine. They specialize in small production, high end wines.   I was at Cibreo Trattoria when I last visited Florence 13 years ago and the experience was…