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. …
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.
Meaning “Good Day” or “Good” morning in Greek. Good food is aplenty in Greece. From seafood, to feta and saganaki, and a number of delectable wines. In the village of Fira in the island of Santorini, the hotel concierge sent me to Idol. A remarkable recommendation for local food with a view of the caldera. In the village of Oia, Skala serves solid and delicious traditional Greek food. Add to that, is the amazing view. Red Bicycle is located in a 19th century mansion on the cliff edge and also affords an excellent view. The food is modern and…
The village of Oia in the island of Santorini is one that is very much photographed. A picturesque village of blue-domed churches, white houses and tiny alleyways huddled on the hillside overlooking the volcano. Oia is also famous for its photogenic sunsets. What is the caldera? That is one question I had when I started reading about this island and the said term kept coming up. The caldera is the water-filled cauldron that lies off Santorini and was created in 1450 BC when a huge volcanic eruption blasted through the once circular island, creating its current crescent shape.
The Cyclades are among the most stunning Greek islands and no island in this group of islands epitomizes the Greek vacation experience than Santorini. Crescent in shape, Santorini owes its formation to a massive volcano eruption in 1450 BC. The resulting under water crater has been associated with the legend of the lost city of Atlantis. Santorini remains at the centre of the South Aegean Volcanic Arc. Named by the Venetians in the 13th century, this stunning island of dazzling white villages, black sand beaches, thermal springs and luxuriant vineyards is a quintessential Greek island.
The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is the country’s largest archeological museum with a massive collection of Greek artifacts, ranging from the Prehistoric Neolithic era to the late Roman period. The museum also has an overwhelming collection of more than 2,500 Greek vases.
The cradle of Western civilization, Athens is both ancient and modern. Homeland to gods, goddesses and some of history’s greatest philosophers and athletes, Athens boast glorious ancient temples. It is my first time in Greece and this bustling city is a mix of history and edginess. Even in the face of current financial issues, this city is open-air museum and at the same time, conspicuously cosmopolitan. The magnificent Acropolis rises above the sprawling metropolis – merging past and present.
It’s probably been more than twelve years since I last visited The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Regarded as one of the world’s largest and finest art museums with more than two million works of art, somehow I keep procrastinating a re-visit. I made it back last week and was glad to see again their wonderful collection. On the other hand, my last visit to the Museum of Modern Art was last year. I always enjoy dropping by when I am in town.
“City so nice, they named in twice” goes the saying. I was back in New York for a four day long weekend. There was some trepidation, as I remember during my school days here that the city gets extremely hot and humid this time of the month – worsen by the concrete jungle. Alas, it was bearable this time around.
Founded by the Romans, Girona is an important historical site in Spain. Located 97 kms northeast of Barcelona, it is an easy 35 minute high speed train ride to this city. It became a Moorish stronghold for two centuries and reputedly withstood three invasions by Napoleon’s troops. Today, its historic centre is a packed labyrinth of medieval buildings and monuments on narrow cobblestone streets with connecting stairways. For GoT (Game of Thrones) devotees – this is the location for King’s Landing and Braavos. It is also the locale for one of the most memorable scenes in the series wherein the Faith Militant…
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