La Defense

The rain cleared away and under sunny skies the city sparkles. I spent some time on the Buda side of the river exploring the banks of the Danube and some of the historical sites,

On my last few days in Athens I had a chance to go to two great museums. The first was the Museum of Byzantine and Christian Art. Then on to the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture The stopping by the Greek Parliament to see the guards and the tomb of the unknown soldier. And as…

A quick train ride from Bari (and a seven minute train ride between each other) are the seaside towns of Monopoli (no relation to the game) and Polignano ad Mare. Monopoli has that port / fishing village feel. Great buildings and narrow streets to wander. Less expected was Monopoli’s cathedral. It was a masterpiece of…

The Acropolis (high city) is very much the centre of Athens figuratively and literally. Standing for 2500 years on a rocky outcrop it has endured through the centuries. In more recent years they have opened its own museum which is useful in better understanding the site, its history and the decorative elements that were part…

Starting my day in the 13th Arrondissement for its great street art. Then starting at Republique, making my way along the Canal St Martin. What was once an important shipping canal complete with locks. It makes for a long and pleasant stroll. Arriving finally at the City of Science and Industry – an interactive museum….

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…