The first things that pop into my mind when I think of my home country, Slovakia, are strangely enough, mountains. But when I think about it a little longer, it makes absolutely perfect sense to me. My dad is an avid hiker and a climber, in his fifty years he hiked more than several thousand … Continued
Once upon a time, the gods added a certain je ne sais quoi to the southwestern region of Romania we call ‘Banat’: mysterious and dark forests, fast rivers, deep gorges. It was also the region in which the kingdom of Romanians’ ancestors flourished – Dacians must have appreciated the sanctuary feel provided by primeval forests … Continued
There’s nothing like making new friends. I had been in Latvia a month already. At first, the suggestion to take a twelve mile hike through the black swamps of Kemeri seemed like a good idea. Whilst I am not usually the most physically active of people, I would never want to turn down the chance … Continued
When the traveling bug bites you, you should expect an expensive doctor’s bill. The only cure is more traveling—and revisiting places too. (Paris, London, and Edinburgh: I’m not done with you yet!) I am home when I travel. It doesn’t matter if I am unable to speak the native tongue of the country I visit. … Continued
Discovering Alcudia – where to go for the best scenery and most interesting sites Situated in the northern part of Majorca, the municipality of Alcudia has built a reputation as one of the most family friendly holiday resorts that Spain has to offer. Tourists can gain a lot from a visit – sunny beaches, a … Continued
A flight aboard a giant mechanical heron in France Having climbed into a weird steel and leather seat I take the reins of a giant mechanical heron and as its wings extend to almost touch either side of the enormous warehouse which has become the gallery for the heron tree project it takes flight. A … Continued
In The First Rule of Swimming: A Novel by Courtney Angela Brkic, Luka taught his granddaughter: “The first rule of swimming was to stay afloat.” Madgalena and Jadranka, two sisters who grew up on Rosmarina Island, Croatia, must find a path to balance in this novel. Through the details of decades of family history during the war … Continued
Road trips are very high on my list of fun travel breaks. A map, some friends, the open road – what more could you wish for? If you haven’t tried roaming around the countryside in a car yet, you’re missing out! But all is not lost, just in time for this summer, here is a … Continued
When I arrived in Goreme, for the first time, it was high summer. Nestled in the Anatolian heartland, Goreme was a traditional farming community like any other in Turkey except for its spectacular landscape. The arid countryside, already aged and yellowed over thousands of years, glared harshly under the heat of the day. My head … Continued
Traveling turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. When we return home from our travels, food can transport us back to that special time and place. Souvenirs and pictures do this too, but food affects our bodies in addition to our minds. Just one taste can carry us to another country especially France. My strongest memories … Continued