Our Favourite Countries in Europe
From mountain hiking to art gallery hopping
Before we were jubilados (Spanish for retirees) we holidayed in France, Greece, Italy and Great Britain so now we’re visiting other countries.
“Did you see any Mafia in Sicily?”
“Did you see any mafia?” people asked when we returned from…
Beware of Bøyg: the Norwegian Troll who Hinders Travellers
Once upon a time long ago when the land was owned by the king,…
The Leopard
It was almost a decade ago our book club started so I don't recall…
Fjaerland
“How do you hear about these places?” a friend often asks.
Like…
Like…
Aaaaaargh!
COVID-19, fractious democracies, a disinformation crisis, no…
Capela dos Ossos
“Where are you going in such a hurry traveler?”
Good question.
But…
Good question.
But…
Stavanger Street Art
Vancouver, alas, subscribes to what I call “Hello Kitty”…
Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrored Room—Hymn of Life
I was kicking myself.
Three years ago in Seattle there was…
Three years ago in Seattle there was…
The Atlantic Road: Angles of Beauty
The Atlantic Road. Or as they say in Norway, Atlanterhavsveien.…
Turning 70, the Day
Circa Diem.
Let's start with the translation of the Norwegian…
Let's start with the translation of the Norwegian…
Highway to “Paris of the North”
The world’s northernmost city. Latitude 69.6492° N. 400 kilometres…
The Road to Farm Culture Park in Favara, Sicily
Sicily and modern art: seems like an oxymoron doesn’t it? Magellan…
“Nature first, architecture second”
“Nature first, architecture second.” The words of a Canadian,…
Road Culture
Where else but Norway have roads become cultural destinations?
What…
What…
Åmotan, Norway: “Our Yosemite”
How we got lucky and chose Åmotan (“where the waters meet”)…
A Trinity of Easter Celebrations in Sicily
“I don't want to be there for Easter that’s for sure,”…
Taormina
Is there a place you've been that's inextricably entwined with…
Bibliotherapy
You can get a dose of bibliotherapy just by visiting certain…
Noto: Been (and Loved it)
Noto, emphasis on the "o" I remind myself. That's because my…
Altamira—The First Art Masterpieces in the World
To be astonished by art is surely one of the most satisfying…
The Snøhetta Pavilion
“Why did you love Norway so much?” friends ask. I’ve been…
A Norwegian National Treasure
When people ask, “How was the food in Norway?” they often…
Besseggen Ridge
It was all my fault.
“Besseggen Ridge” reads my diary…
“Besseggen Ridge” reads my diary…
The Nor Way
I've dreamed about Norway every night since we returned, almost…
Aurora Borealis: Searching for the Green Grail in Norway
Only once have I seen the Aurora Borealis—nature’s fireworks.…
Oh Those Romans
What fascinated us about the Roman city of ConÍmbriga in Portugal…
The Michelangelo of Sweets
Have you been watching the Netflix series Chef’s Table?
Did…
Did…
Less, and More, at Tasca
Sicilians have a special word for silence, Antisa. “Like the…
Fideuà: Spain in a Bowl
Are you a pasta fanatic or rice aficionado?
Either way, here’s…
Either way, here’s…
The Chicken’s Wedding
Were I four decades younger and had the means to live in any…