My Visa-free Russia Trip

My Visa-free Russia Trip

Now that I have returned from Russia, I cannot wait to give you the full report on my visa-free Russia trip! I booked this a few months ago when I figured out I can visit Russia without a visa, if only for a relatively short 

To Russia with Love or: How to visit Russia Visa-free

To Russia with Love or: How to visit Russia Visa-free

Update 26. February 2022 +++ Do not travel On 24 February, Russian troops invaded Ukraine and started an unprovoked war. I therefore advise you not to visit Russia while this war is going on. With further sanctions against Russia looming, you may be unable to 

What to buy in St Petersburg, Russia

What to buy in St Petersburg, Russia

Update 26. February 2022 +++ Do not travel On 24 February, Russian troops invaded Ukraine and started an unprovoked war. I therefore advise you not to visit Russia while this war is going on. With further sanctions against Russia looming, you may be unable to 

Which Airline  in Turkey is better – Pegasus or Turkish Airlines?

Which Airline in Turkey is better – Pegasus or Turkish Airlines?

We recently flew on airlines which both get consistently poor reviews on Skytrax.  At the time of writing, Pegasus gets 3 stars (low cost) and Turkish Airlines gets 3 stars also (full service). But does the experience fit the reputation?  Whether Pegasus or Turkish Airlines 

Travelling to Germany / Berlin this year? Here is what you need to know

Travelling to Germany / Berlin this year? Here is what you need to know

This post was updated on 5. December 2021  Will you travel to Germany or to Berlin this year? Here is a short service post for those wishing to visit our capital, or Germany in general. With many restrictions for travel, entertainment and education eased, Germany 

How to travel through Berlin Brandenburg Airport stress-free

How to travel through Berlin Brandenburg Airport stress-free

In light of recent events, my little guide on how negotiating the Berlin Brandenburg Airport stress-free. With your nerves and purse intact. The autumn holidays have started in Berlin, and for the first time since its opening, the Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) sees anything near 

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) – the worst new airport?

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) – the worst new airport?

A few weeks ago, I was excited to travel again.  Also, I would fly from the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) for the very first time. Berlin Brandenburg Airport is the airport that we have waited for nearly ten years. Which, when it was finally 

Great Cruelty-free French Pharmacy Brands: Aromatherapy issue

Great Cruelty-free French Pharmacy Brands: Aromatherapy issue

Another trip to France happened last summer and of course, I had to stock up on cruelty-free French Pharmacy brands. After two false starts and cancellations, we  managed to visit my parents-in-law in September. Apart from a very brief pharmacy visit for ten minutes before 

Bringing Big Aria home or: My Spanish cat adoption No. 3

Bringing Big Aria home or: My Spanish cat adoption No. 3

Happy International Cat Day! Last not least, after adopting our sweet Siamese Leia from Barcelona and our Moody Maite from Andalucia, here is the story of  my Spanish cat adoption No. 3,  a huge Siamese-tortie mix called Aria. First, a disclaimer: I know Barcelona is 

Charming Milazzo – the underrated Gateway to the Aeolian Islands

Charming Milazzo – the underrated Gateway to the Aeolian Islands

My Milazzo – the underrated Gateway to the Aeolian Islands post came about for practical reasons.  Not trusting our budget flight plus a 200km road/rail trip to take us to the Aeolian ferry port on time, we decided to have a short stopover in Milazzo. 

On the wine train in Cricova – with some fine cut-price wine on board

On the wine train in Cricova – with some fine cut-price wine on board

Cricova is one of Moldova’s most famous wineries. Moldova –  a country that usually “only” features in travel blogs once in a blue moon, usually on people’s quest to visit every country of Europe. After an activity-packed week in Chisinau and Odessa I sat next 

Visiting graceful Venice after a long Lockdown

Visiting graceful Venice after a long Lockdown

After nine travel-free months this reluctant traveller stepped onto an airplane and visited a place outside home and work for the first time. I went to Venice after a long Lockdown!  I think the last time I had such a long gap of travel was 

My 8 easy no nonsense Christmastide Traditions for the busy and not overly spiritual

My 8 easy no nonsense Christmastide Traditions for the busy and not overly spiritual

This year, celebrating the “Rauhnaechte” spiritual practice appears to be massive all over the net and social media. Call me a bit cynical, but who actually has time for all this?  So, here are some  no nonsense Christmastide traditions you can follow even if you 

Organic French Wine of Gaillac: The Plateau Cordais

Organic French Wine of Gaillac: The Plateau Cordais

More Wine Touring! More organic French wine that you won’t find in your bio shop!  Last year, I visited some organic vineyards in the Gaillac wine region of South-Western France. When we finally managed to see my parents in law this year, we did not 

Souvenirs from Sicily: Easy Pasta alla Norma

Souvenirs from Sicily: Easy Pasta alla Norma

Here is my version of an easy pasta alla Norma that you can cook in under 30 minutes.  My way to make my Sicily holiday last longer.  Or put it on repeat a couple days a week! A real  Sicilian classic Pasta alla Norma is