How to buy a beautiful authentic Laguiole knife

How to buy a beautiful authentic Laguiole knife

This post details how to recognise authentic Laguiole knives, explains where and how Laguiole knives are produced, and where to shop for them. It concentrates on buying directly from one of France’s Laguiole knife producers in laguiole or Espalion, beautiful places in Southern France well worth a visit

A fun trip to Laguiole, the French knife paradise

A fun trip to Laguiole, the French knife paradise

You may have heard of the famous French Laguiole knives with their distinctive bee decoration. If you like cooking and fine cutlery, visit Laguiole and watch artisanal knife production in this beautiful village in Southern France, well off the beaten track and easy to visit by car!

The best routes to Scotland’s Highlands and Islands

The best routes to Scotland’s Highlands and Islands

In March 2024, we traveled to Scotland’s Outer Hebrides .Opting for car hire in Edinburgh for flexibility, we compared three travel routes to the Western Isles, enjoyed dramatic Scottish landscapes, and navigated unpredictable weather. We emphasize the importance of early booking, particularly in peak season, and share practical tips on accommodations, car hiring, ferry services, and potential public transport use – all based on our first-hand experience, without any sponsorship.

Two Wheels and a dram: Our Islay whisky trip – with a bit of cycling

Two Wheels and a dram: Our Islay whisky trip – with a bit of cycling

While  unable to travel, there’s an opportunity to recap something older that may otherwise never see the light of day.   It may delight,  in this case, lovers of whisky. I never wrote about my Islay whisky trip. It’s been a while, but as I occasionally 

How to transfer in comfort at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport

How to transfer in comfort at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Have you ever transferred through Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (IATA Code: SAW) ? If so, how did you find it?  If you are heading from Europe to destinations in the Middle East and Asia on a budget,  you may inevitably pass through it at some 

The honest Diary of a new Scuba Diver

The honest Diary of a new Scuba Diver

You may wonder, what does a new scuba diver have to say, other than… “just do it!” Well, if it’s no more than that, and if this post just encourages one other person to take up diving, I will be happy. The sea has always 

“A Red Letter Day”: My 2023 travel year review

“A Red Letter Day”: My 2023 travel year review

So, the end of the year is near… let’s write a wrap-up of  the years travels. The  traditional “between the years” 2023 travel year review. As the title suggests, it was a pretty good one! And, in the words of my teenage favourites, the Pet 

Artificial Intelligence and Blogging or: The bot  went to Ravenna and came back with the ultimate scrumptious word salad

Artificial Intelligence and Blogging or: The bot went to Ravenna and came back with the ultimate scrumptious word salad

The first time I heard of Artificial Intelligence (AI)  and Machine Learning was a while ago. I think when I watched Stanley Kubrick’s “2001” for the first time, I got a better grip on its implications – not in a nice way as those who 

How I spent my holiday in Ravenna – and loved it!

How I spent my holiday in Ravenna – and loved it!

This summer, while still having some budget to travel, we were more careful with our funds. We spent our main holiday in Ravenna – and I really loved it. The reasons for a more budget-conscious holiday were that I had just completed a course at 

The Stunning Ravenna Mosaics

The Stunning Ravenna Mosaics

Ravenna in Northern Italy flies pretty much under the radar unless you are massively into history or Byzantine art.  I might be leaning out of the window by saying that the Ravenna Mosaics are one of the most stunning, most beautiful ensembles of religious art 

The best Eastern German Christmas Goodies

The best Eastern German Christmas Goodies

Some amazing things come from Eastern Germany but are below many people’s radar.  Eastern German Christmas goodies are one such thing, and it is a real shame they are not celebrated worldwide. And as a proud Eastern German, I see it as my job to 

Eastern German Christmas Markets – the best and most underrated Christmas Markets of Germany

Eastern German Christmas Markets – the best and most underrated Christmas Markets of Germany

Hallo! Proud Eastern German here, and now the festive season is approaching, let’s take a look at Eastern German Christmas Markets.  Time to do a post about the most common travel reason to Germany in the cold and dark season: Christmas Markets! Indeed, hardly anyone 

Seven Ways to enjoy Venice stress-free and within budget

Seven Ways to enjoy Venice stress-free and within budget

Venice, Italy is one of the worlds top destinations – and for some, one of the most disappointing. Crowds except in winter, sky high prices, scams, generally poor restaurants… some might as, is it worth even going there? Here’s my list of tips to enjoy 

Hotel Review: The Lodge Hotel, London  – Stylish in  Suburbia

Hotel Review: The Lodge Hotel, London – Stylish in Suburbia

Another London post!  I like to visit London a few times a year, and finding lovely, stylish accommodation that isn’t crazily priced is becoming harder.  My answer to that: The Lodge Hotel.  It involves going out to the suburbs. Doesn’t bother me –  I love 

10 Great Places to Eat in Venice

10 Great Places to Eat in Venice

My 2021 Venice trip was my first respite not just after nearly ten months of lockdown, but also after an intense period where I worked a lot, mixed in with fear of picking up the virus. I had a little bit of money spare and