Coronavirus train travel in Germany  –  a critical journey

Coronavirus train travel in Germany – a critical journey

As of 15th June, we are free to travel to most countries in Europe again. I haven’t been anywhere but work since 25th of January since I returned from Jordan. Three cancelled trips later, I made my peace with the inability to travel for leisure 

A Visit to Studio Aalto, Helsinki

A Visit to Studio Aalto, Helsinki

When in Helsinki…. you can take a trip out to the islands, sweat in the sauna or… visit Studio Aalto! The entrance fee is fairly steep, so you may ask yourself: Is it worth visiting Studio Aalto? I think it is, and here is a 

Amsterdam in summer 2020:  Time to travel again

Amsterdam in summer 2020: Time to travel again

Slowly, slowly, I am dipping my toes back in the travel pool. I am going to travel to Amsterdam in summer 2020! But will it be safe and enjoyable? Hotels opened to tourists at the end of May here in Germany, the EU and Schengen 

Why I didn’t love Pamukkale  but why you should visit  anyway

Why I didn’t love Pamukkale but why you should visit anyway

Pamukkale! One of Turkeys top tourist sites is highly advertised and you can visit it from nearly any resort.  Its pictures of people bathing in gleaming white travertine terraces have mesmerized me since I was a teenager.  We finally had the opportunity to see them 

Shopping in Izmir Kemeralti Bazaar: “Just gorgeous things, you know”

Shopping in Izmir Kemeralti Bazaar: “Just gorgeous things, you know”

Fresh off the taxi, we pause on the large Konak Meydani by the seaside, where pidgeons and a huge banner of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk dominate the scene. We’re here to do a bit of shopping in Izmir Kemeralti Bazaar. But I know exactly where I 

Hotel Review: Cumbali Konak Alacati

Hotel Review: Cumbali Konak Alacati

Where can you spend a few relaxed days on the Turkish Coast? The Cumbali Konak Alacati has the answer. Why I’m publishing this now – a bit of current affairs I’ve been to Turkey three times now, and while I am no expert,  I  loved 

Hotel Review:  Hotel Niles Istanbul

Hotel Review: Hotel Niles Istanbul

When Turkey opens its borders again to tourists, I will go on a city trip to Istanbul again. And I’ll probably revisit the lovely Hotel Niles Istanbul. What can I say? I love Istanbul, and I love the Turkish people. While I don’t agree with 

Travel in Germany and Coronavirus – is it safe?

Travel in Germany and Coronavirus – is it safe?

Last week, I left my home town for the first time since the end of January. Do Travel in Germany and Coronavirus go together? I ventured to Southern Germany on a long-planned business trip to find out. After a wonderful short holiday in Jordan in 

How much is a trip to Jordan?

How much is a trip to Jordan?

Jordan is a wonderful country to travel. It offers rich Middle Eastern Culture, a friendly welcoming environment and last not least one of the “New Seven wonders of the World”, the ancient city of Petra. But how much is a trip to Jordan really? To 

It was nice knowing you  – why I stop using Amazon

It was nice knowing you – why I stop using Amazon

Half the world and more is in lockdown, people on furlough, ill, lost their jobs or significant business income. Some are unable or too afraid to leave home and heavily rely on delivery for essential items.  And I write to stop using Amazon!  Regardless of 

In the Florentine Pharmacy or: How to find a great citrus cruelty-free scent

In the Florentine Pharmacy or: How to find a great citrus cruelty-free scent

Hallo cruelty-free scent lovers and Salve, let’s do something completely different today! Let’s go shopping for cruelty-free scent! This blog is mainly about travel although the cats sometimes sneak in, but I do like to buy quality stuff every now and then, and we’re in 

Bavaria and Occitanie with a chance of Far East Dreaming:  my travel outlook for 2020

Bavaria and Occitanie with a chance of Far East Dreaming: my travel outlook for 2020

As my “MySharona” Diary is nicely emptying out, with an occasional wave of contacts flooding into my clinic, I am picking up hope that travel may be possible again this year and that travel outlook for 2020 might not be so bleak now. As crowds 

Learn to sail  – which courses are best?

Learn to sail – which courses are best?

In my late 30’s,  I did finally learn to sail. It is certainly possible to start something new  later in life.  Combined with the great outdoor exercise and seeing new places, sailing is a fabulous sport if you love water. I have always loved water 

Sailing in Scotland for Advanced Beginners: RYA Day Skipper Course

Sailing in Scotland for Advanced Beginners: RYA Day Skipper Course

It took me nearly ten years of living on a large island, and over five years of living close to the sea to be bitten by the sailing bug. Which eventually led me to Sailing in Scotland. Why? I honestly think it was a combination 

Learn to Sail on a RYA Competent Crew Course in Gibraltar

Learn to Sail on a RYA Competent Crew Course in Gibraltar

Throw back to late summer 2012, and a boat trip through the Vieux Port: As we glided past moored sailing yachts against the backdrop of a sunny Marseille, I decided that I must learn to sail. I have always liked water, and anything on or