City
Vienna
Austria
Vienna is a city that sets the standard for elegance, prosperity and wealth. Given its aristocratic heritage, a hint of rigor can also be felt once you are breathing the Viennese atmosphere. For almost four centuries (1558 - 1918), Vienna was an imperial city, being the capital of the opulent Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Salzburg
Austria
A few hours after my arrival in Salzburg I knew this city would be completely mind-blowing. Right before saying goodbye I felt a mixture of joy and sadness. I would define this city as a laid-back version of Vienna. Its opulence and glory doesn't hit you in the face, but it does, however, have a sophisticated and low-profile atmosphere hand in hand with a swanky vibe.
Amsterdam
Netherlands
The convenience of being in a small country is the facility of moving around within a couple of hours. Cities are close enough and allow us to explore the surrounds whilst we bring joy to ourselves facing new landscapes and fresh environments. In the Netherlands this proves to be right. Plus, we can get it all: beaches, hills, forests, urban life, medieval villages, and much more.
Napoli
Italy
There's some certainties no one can deny about Napoli: they make the most authentic pizza in the world; they proudly showcase one of the richest street markets of Italy; they are blessed by being surrounded by a hypnotic turquoise sea coast and preserve their centuries old archeological sites and ancient ruins to make us dream about the past.
Food
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly guide to Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the most inviting cities to people who choose meat-free meals. Even if the restaurant is not dedicated to vegetarians or vegans, there is a good chance the place can easily cater to these customers' preferences. It is one of the best moments to come to Amsterdam for the ones who crave meals in which vegetables are the star of the show.
Where to eat in Bangkok
Bangkok
Thai food is by nature well-spiced. Same true to the balanced mixture of flavours that makes us feel the perfect combination between sweet, salty, sour and spicy - all brilliantly in one bite. For those who loves spicy food as I do, Thai cuisine becomes, from the day we discover it, one of the main certainties of flavours and dishes that make us very happy.
Culture
The most tolerant nation in the world
Amsterdam
A Dutch language teacher once told me I was too idealist and romantic towards the Dutch. This intrigued me that even today I still think about this. He may be right. To cherish this love for the Dutch culture and education makes me have a different perspective on things. But I still believe they are the people who most tolerate and respect others and their differences.
The Duke's Diwan: Amman’s most ancient building
Amman
Besides being a rather eye-catching building, The Duke's Diwan is Amman's most ancient building and is open for visitation. It is in the heart of the city center and opposite a good, famous restaurant called Hashem. Its history goes back to 1924, the year of its construction, where the first Post Office of the city once functioned.
Lifestyle
The Dutch and their bicycles
Amsterdam
Even if you don't live in the Netherlands, it won't take long until you notice, when you visit the country, that the main vehicle used by its citizens is something much more than just a means of transport to go from A to B: it's a lifestyle, something so personal that ends up becoming a companion for life. It's part of what being Dutch means.
The community spirit of Berliners
Berlin
Besides Berlin not being an expensive city, especially when compared to other capitals as visited as Berlin in the world, you can eat and drink very well, paying very little. It is not a consumerist place. Several bars, let the customer pay what they think is right for what they drank and ate.
Summer time in Germany’s countryside
Assmanshausen & Rüdesheim am Rein
My first night in Assmanshausen am Rhein was unbearably hot. But when you wake up, with that muggy night behind you, you feel a delicious Taunus mountain breeze that suddenly comforts you. Practicing sport or just walking around the Rhine River early in the morning is priceless. A few places thrill me more when I close my eyes and remember this landscape.
Persons of Note
Coffee, anyone?
Amsterdam
She is a cheerful and light soul and the driving force behind the longest-lasting coffee shop in Europe. For the last 22 years, Marie Louise Velder has been opening the doors of 't Zonnetje koffie thee en kruiden and welcoming clients who trust her curatorship to pour them a selection of the most refined assortment of coffee in Amsterdam.
The eccentric and fascinating nature of a Tibetologist art dealer
Amsterdam
How much does a person have to be fascinated by a certain place to dedicate his entire life to study it? Not to mention this certain place remained untouchable and unvisited for years until this person could finally get in? This is the story of Sjoerd de Vries, an eccentric, nice and cheerful Dutchman who I met by coincidence during my daily strolls in Amsterdam.
Essentials
"Souks": the must-see street markets
Amman
I have always found it important, and part of the process of getting to know the local culture, to explore local markets in certain cities we visited, at least the first time you go there. But when you are in the East, this assumption is fundamental, and in Amman, as in the rest of the Arab countries, local markets are rich with products and well-known Souks.
The Store: the coolest multibrand shop in Berlin
Berlin
This store’s curatorship is so amazing that I find it hard to remember the last time I walked into a retail store and felt so comfortable that I didn’t want to leave. No piece seems to be unnecessary to be there, and everything is designed to make us think that all products - or almost all - are indispensable to our lifestyle.
The Tauber Valley Trail
Rothenburg op der Tauber
Regardless of your personal taste regarding the wine culture, it is undisputed how much Germany’s countryside reveals vineyards of extreme organization and beauty. In Rothenburg op der Tauber, one of the most attractive places to go for a walk - or do sports such as hiking, jogging, cycling - is the Tauber Valley.