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 

How I colour hair naturally

How I colour hair naturally

Hallo! Just in case your hair needs a colour and cut while we’re all under SARS-CoV-related restrictions… today I show you how you I colour hair naturally! The past two weeks I have been torn between producing travel posts in times when most of us 

Healthy vegetarian meals with few ingredients

Healthy vegetarian meals with few ingredients

While all travel has pretty much ground to a halt and we’re asked to stay at home, I’ve been trying to stay healthy and cook healthy vegetarian meals with few ingredients to minimise my shopping. Here in Germany, every one waited with baited breath for 19th 

To mask or not to mask? Can a simple face mask protect you from coronavirus?

To mask or not to mask? Can a simple face mask protect you from coronavirus?

So, Sunday is Corona Rant Day. However today it’s not so much as a rant.  I’ll give you my two Euro cents on whether to wear a face mask. After a relatively ordered, well-oiled week here in Berlin, I feel almost calm and ordered myself. 

Social Distancing is the New Going Out: a snapshot, 16. March 2020

Social Distancing is the New Going Out: a snapshot, 16. March 2020

This blog is “normally” a travel blog, my playground to relax from my job.  Which has nothing, but absolutely nothing to do with travel. But social distancing is creeping up everywhere.  Except, we cannot really travel anywhere at present but to work and the nearest 

Travel ban, pah! Try living in existing socialism

Travel ban, pah! Try living in existing socialism

At present, our travels are grounded or on hold. There is a travel ban for many countries. Its the virus that now appears to travel faster. It shuts down travel more efficiently than we have dared to think even a month ago  in Europe. It 

Hand Sanitizer alternatives or: Lifesavers in your cupboard?

Hand Sanitizer alternatives or: Lifesavers in your cupboard?

As the general anxiety around coronavirus is spreading and face masks of all kinds and hand disinfection is nowhere to be had, it is hard not to fall into a panic. Maybe breathe. And consider how you can be well prepared. So, let’s look at 

What’s in my Travel Medical Kit?

What’s in my Travel Medical Kit?

After lots of general and cultural travel posts, you may have noticed some more healthy travel posts creeping up –  and there may be more in the future. This one is on composing your travel medical kit! There are a lot of posts on the 

My 2019 Travel Review

My 2019 Travel Review

The end of the year is near. Time for my 2019 travel review, a year full of work and a moderate amount of travelling within the limits of three jobs. However… we Germans are lucky to get a generous annual leave allowance, so I have 

What to buy in Turkey

What to buy in Turkey

Shopping in Turkey is a dream – if you know where to look. Here are my tips on what to buy in Turkey.  Four years ago, I spent two days in Istanbul and came home laden with spices and home wares, so with the festive 

Visiting the amazing State Hermitage Museum St. Petersburg – Do’s and Don’ts

Visiting the amazing State Hermitage Museum St. Petersburg – Do’s and Don’ts

When in St. Petersburg…  the State Hermitage Museum is probably on most visitors itineraries unless their time in the city is extremely limited. One of the largest publicly accessible palace complexes in the world, the Winter Palace and its annexes house an amazing collection of 

Classical Music in St Petersburg: How to find  hidden treasures

Classical Music in St Petersburg: How to find hidden treasures

Russia and the former Soviet Union have an excellent reputation for classical music and dance performances. And when visiting St Petersburg, the Mariinsky (formerly Kirov) Theatre will spring to mind. It is the most famous theatre in St Petersburg – and also the most expensive. 

My Morrissey Years and a Saal Digital Photobook review

My Morrissey Years and a Saal Digital Photobook review

Do you print your photos? Make postcards? Books?  I used to, but my efforts in recent years have been pathetic. I am never sure which printing companies print a good quality photo or gift.  Most of my pictures have been languishing on hard drives and 

Small, Obscure and Super Tasty: A Gaillac Organic Winery Tour

Small, Obscure and Super Tasty: A Gaillac Organic Winery Tour

Gaillac is one of the oldest wine regions in France, yet it is little known outside France. But if you like your wine organic, and your organic winery small and fuss-free, an organic winery in Gaillac might be one of the best places to visit.