Basel, Switzerland celebrates Three Kings Day
Three Kings Day in Switzerland marks the official close of the Christmas season, a moment when church ritual, folk custom, and something sweet to eat come together.
The Noguchi Museum—a New York City oasis
The abstract sculpture of Isamu Noguchi graces public spaces around the world, but the museum he designed to showcase his best works occupies a...
Fabulous, frazzling Florence, Italy in summer
Many summers ago, I took a train from my then-home in Switzerland to Tuscany, where I’d booked a week’s stay for a culinary retreat....
Spain’s memorable Guggenheim Bilbao
This time last year, Tom and I traveled in Spain’s Basque Country. We especially enjoyed our week in Bilbao, and an opportunity to soak...
The Rheingau Wine Festival in Wiesbaden
"Wine--enjoyed in moderation--heals and comforts with its strength and warmth."
These words from the 11th-century Benedictine nun Hildegard von Bingen ring true year-round in Germany's...
The World of Wine in Porto, Portugal
Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro River from Porto, Portugal, houses dozens of historic port wine lodges and warehouses. Since moving to Portugal...
Sampling Herbstmesse in Basel, Switzerland
In October, autumn leaves paint the streets of Basel, Switzerland, in hues of bright yellow and burnt orange. The colorful show is a sure...
Christmas memories for a pandemic year
Most Decembers, the impressive tree at Aliados attracts triperos (as the residents of Porto call themselves) and visitors alike to celebrate the season with...
Alpabzug or Désalpe? Swiss cows come home
Every autumn, Swiss cows in their droves leave the high pastures of summer to return to the valleys, collared with bells and with bouquets...
Celebrating Pongal in Tamil Nadu, India
“Please join us!” the woman in a gold-trimmed green sari exclaimed, waving a wooden spoon in our direction. Sweet smoke wafted from hundreds of...