Bari

One of the most recognized sights in Paris and opera houses in the world, the Opera Garnier celebrates 150 years in 2025. This is also the theatre that was the inspiration for Gaston LeRoux’s Phantom of the Opera. I took a guided tour which was excellent. This was an opera house not built for acoustics…

My last full day in Budapest so it was a chance to see St. Stephen’s Basilica. I also had the chance to take in a production of Swan Lake at the beautiful State Opera House. Just a stone’s throw from my apartment is the famous ruin bars. Initially created in buildings that were slated to…

the Et’Hem Bey Mosque started construction in the 1790s and was finished around 1820. It was closed of significant period of time under the rule of communism, coming back into use in the 1990s. Liqueni is an artificial lake created in the 1950s. With its leafy forest and great views it makes for a wonderful…

Back on the Buda side to visit St Stephen’s Hall one of the opulent rooms restored after being bombed out in WWII, then being converted to more utilitarian spaces during communism. Over the last few decades Hungary has worked to restore the castle and its many past treasures.

While Lille isn’t the biggest of cities, it sits within the larger European Metropolis of Lille with a regional population between 1.5-2 million. While I explored most of the historical centre there is lots more to come back one day and explore across the region. And the usual steep and traditional winding French staircase to…

As my time here comes to a close, a few last places to wander and explore. The charming suburb of Puteaux. Also turns out there is an original thumb – located at La Defense Along the Champs Élysées, the Louis Vuitton hotel, slated to open in 2026 The Cluny Museum Until next time dear Paris…