Colombia bills itself el país de la belleza – the country of beauty. The South American nation features astounding biodiversity and cultural heritage, and topography ranging from the majestic Andes and the Amazon rainforest to the Caribbean coast. My second and more extensive visit to this country has only confirmed the impression left by my first: that Colombia rewards those willing to look past is reputation, revealing a place of extraordinary warmth, resilience, and richness at every turn. Some of the cafes that serves good Colombian coffee: And now for the food and accommodations during my visit: Two memorable meals in Medellin were…
Tag: Travel
Volver a Bogotá
Return to Bogotá: thirteen years after my first visit, I have returned to this bustling city, long regarded as Colombia‘s beating heart. But Bogotá is evolving – towering skyscrapers sit next to sprawling barrios, hipster shops and restaurants are slowly moving into the city’s grittier neighborhoods and the once-soaring crime rate is dwindling. With its vast collection of burgeoning shops, high-end hotels, impressive eateries and unique plazas and museums, Bogotá is naturally one of the first places to flock to when arriving in the country. I was hoping to visit the Museo Botero, but it was closed on the day…
Supergoed
I noticed the Dutch tend to use “super” more frequently in casual daily conversations, as an adjective or adverb to mean “very”, “extremely” or “amazing”. Now talking about food: first dinner was at Serre located at the Hotel Okura. A Michelin Bib Gourmand designated restaurant serving fusion cuisine. Next dinner was at another Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Wils Bakery Cafe with the kitchen serving French classics with global influence. Now this is Super! I had to go back on this trip to Rijks – the gem of a restaurant at the Rijksmuseum that has a one star Michelin. It was…
Amstelstad
My fourth visit – and still has its charm! I am back in Amsterdam, another winter visit to this friendly city. I was mainly going to the “Metamorphoses” exhibit at the Rijksmuseum. Based on the world famous Methamorphoses by the poet Ovid, one long poem filled with stories from classical mythology – tales of love and desire, jealousy and ambition, arrogance and cunning and deceit. In all of them, transformation is the central theme. Bringing together more than 80 masterpieces by Bernini, Titian, Correggio, Caravaggio, Rodin, Brancusi, and many more.
Visita Maravilhosa
Church of São Roque (Igreja de São Roque) is a 16th-century Jesuit church known for its plain facade and stunning Baroque interior. My third visit to Lisbon – and its dining scene continues to evolve. Mix of iconic seafood institutions, modern interpretations of Portuguese classics, and an increasing number of Michelin-recognized contemporary concepts. From the historic “tascas” in Alfama to upscale rooftops with river views, the city offers high-quality gastronomy that remains relatively affordable compared to other Western European capitals. First dinner was at Mercearia do Século – a charming mom and pop serving very good traditional dishes. Make a…
Zürich
Zürich is one of those cities that tourists tend to skip right through. Since it’s a transportation hub, people fly in or change trains here, but don’t give stopping a serious thought. Zürich is rewarding and worth getting to know. Fraumünster Marc Chagall designed five large stained glass windows
Utrecht
Netherlands’ under-the-radar fourth city has quietly built a reputation as the relaxed alternative to Amsterdam. The medieval centre is the heart of this compact city renowned for modern architecture, abstract art and furniture design – thanks to its close association with the “De Stijl” art movement. Centraal Museum, the oldest in the country, is eclectic- mixing golden age paintings with contemporary art.
Return to AMS
Fourth trip back to this loved City – friendly people, walkable, and so much to appreciate. I haven’t been here in the wintertime, but it does make it less crowded. I headed back to the Rijksmuseum, one of my favourites. Rembrandt’s The Nightwatch is under study and conservation since 2019 – and is behind a glass chamber.
MIA
A brief 3-day / 2-night trip to Miami to attend my first Art Basel. It was overwhelming at times – sensory overload – yet a wonderful and awe-inspiring visit. There were several other art and design fairs taking place in the city at the same time – Art Miami, Untitled, Design Miami, among others – that caused a deluge of visitors (and party-goers) to Miami and Miami Beach. The causeway to Miami Beach had heavy traffic every day and local police was out in full force. For food: first dinner was at Lucali, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant serving 20-inch…
Golden Circle & South Coast
Most travelers come to Iceland to seek out the stunning natural beauty and are ready for adventure. The most popular tourist route in Iceland, the Golden Circle is an easy path between three stunning, famous natural spots: the UNESCO World Heritage Site Thingvellir National Park (the geological meeting point of two continents), the world-famous Geysir (from which all other geysers get their name) and the Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”. Driving further south closer to the Altantic Ocean, the South Coast boasts of Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skógafoss waterfall, the Sólheimajökull glacier, and what I was really excited to see – the Reynisfjara black…









