Évora’s Cathedral Square: an Alentejo “starter kit”
There is plenty to see in Portugal’s largest province, and my husband and I have spent the past week exploring its nooks and crannies....
The characters of Basel Fasnacht
Costumes worn by Fasnacht participants come in many forms. Clique members will dress to suit the subject chosen for by the group for lampooning...
Istanbul lights
One of the first things I noticed about Istanbul in winter was the light: changing through the day, as clouds come and go,...
Dreikönigstag (Three Kings Day)
In German-speaking countries, Epiphany is called Dreikönigstag, or Three Kings Day, and marks the end of the Christmas celebrations. On this day, a cake...
Basel fireworks launch 2013—Happy New Year!
I love the kaleidoscope of colors in fireworks, and last evening thrilled to an exceptional display in Basel, from a friend’s terrace overlooking the...
The festive Christmas lights of Strasbourg
For five glorious weeks at the end of each year, Strasbourg, France puts on a light show that is nothing short of spectacular. All...
Strasbourg’s “Grand Sapin” celebrates its 20th anniversary
Each December, a gigantic fir tree covered in lights holds court in place Kléber, in the Alsatian city of Strasbourg. It is the centerpiece...
Through the lens: Modena, Italy
Modena occupies a sweet spot in the heartland of Emilia Romagna, Italy’s breadbasket and economic engine. With many kilometers of cycling paths, a compact...
City break London: afternoon along the Thames
London is a spectacular city, one of my favorites in the world—and I’m in good company. It seems that just about everyone puts the...
Swiss Grättimaa – early to rise
One of the signs of Christmas in Basel is the appearance of doughy chaps with raisins for eyes and a scattering of sugar on...