Nestled in a mountain valley next to the sea, Bergen, Norway is an ideal jumping off point for those wishing to venture into the spectacular Norwegian fjords. But Bergen deserves a visit all its own! I spent four and a half days exploring the city’s charms and could easily have stayed a week. Museums, architecture, cafes, shopping, and […]
Museums
Discovering the Magic of Dublin
Dublin is a magical brew, with the key ingredient its warm and outgoing people. From the immigration officer whose melodious voice first gave me a friendly welcome to the chatty locals offering sightseeing tips at breakfast, each person I encountered left a positive imprint on my recent trip – my first to the Emerald Isle. It seems silly […]
Versailles: In the Footsteps of Kings and Tourists
In the 1670s, Louis XIV built the Palace of Versailles on the site of his father’s hunting lodge. Louis was fed up with the scheming nobility and relocated the entire French court from Paris to a remote location where he could monitor them more closely. Versailles was designed to show off Louis’s absolute power as […]
Top 15 Things to Do in Riga in Winter
A winter visit to the Baltics might seem crazy to some. Daylight hours are limited and the temperatures drop so low that the Daugava River has been known to freeze over. But there are so many fun things to do in Riga in winter that I think you’d be crazy NOT TO visit! The Christmas […]
Top Activities to Enjoy in Riga, Latvia this Summer
Latvia may not be as popular a summer destination as, say, Spain or Italy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great place to visit. The season here is short and oh so sweet – especially if you know how to take full advantage of the region’s fleeting summer sunshine! Don your sunglasses and SPF and get […]