Splendid Castles to visit in France
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  Imagine roadtripping through France, driving from fairytale castles to romantic Renaissance châteaux. Climbing up ruined fortresses and wandering through enchanting royal gardens. If you are a history buff or love exploring châteaux, France is actually filled with splendid castles to … Read More

The Royal Monastery of Brou
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  From afar, we spotted the glitter of the Royal Monastery of Brou’s glazed patterned roof tiles. Its burgundy, terracotta and emerald mosaic gleaming in the July sunshine.   I pulled over at the next intersection and found an empty … Read More

Things to Do in Los Angeles
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  Why are you going to Los Angeles again? I let my friend’s question linger a bit in my mind. Then, I cleared my throat. I’m going to L.A. to run away from wintery Europe. To watch the sunset while … Read More

Exploring London’s East End
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  It was raining cats and dogs outside when I told Kerstin that we should spend our Twixmas in London. She was standing behind me, so I couldn’t see her eyes. But I was almost sure that she was rolling … Read More

Free Things to do in Phoenix, Arizona
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  Arizona, especially Phoenix, Page and Sedona, has been on our bucket list for many years. So when my nephew asked me to attend his graduation ceremony in Phoenix last May, I immediately booked a last minute flight even if I … Read More

Trekking the Ancient Silk Road in China
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A trip always starts with a dream. A perfume, a promise and a thirst to discover different cultures and customs. The ancient Silk Road has always intrigued us. A trade route that connected Europe and China via Central Asia, and … Read More

The Convento do Carmo in Lisbon, Portugal
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Lisbon. 9 am. The air is crisp and clear. We walk down the Rua da Oliveira ao Carmo, and there it is: the ruins of the Convento do Carmo.   With naked arches and piers pointing loose to the sky, … Read More

Chris Duke: A Blues Musician and Window Glass Painter in San Francisco
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If there was ever such thing as an artist’s bible, it should be Van Gogh’s Letters written to his brother Theo. – Chris Duke Life is full of surprises, and you just never know what happens. Not so long ago, we … Read More

A Hidden Gem in Southern Luxembourg
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Mother Marie-Joseph Max, a ninety-something Benedictine abbess was resplendent with joy. She shared her knowledge with us with extreme generosity, and made history come alive. The following material was gathered orally. Fleeing the Kulturkampf: from Germany to Luxembourg The Benedictine … Read More