“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 

Fabric Shopping in Bursa: From gorgeous silk to beautiful cheap cotton

Fabric Shopping in Bursa: From gorgeous silk to beautiful cheap cotton

As far as I can see, there is no blog post on fabric shopping in Bursa yet – but if you are a sewist and find yourself in Istanbul or the Marmara region, I highly recommend a trip out to Bursa. Bursa is well worth 

Green Bursa: God’s Gift and Sultans Legacy

Green Bursa: God’s Gift and Sultans Legacy

After a recent and very budget-friendly trip to Türkiye in November 2021, I returned soon after, in January 2022. This time, I would explore green Bursa, an hours ride from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen Airport – my to-go airport with sometimes very cheap flights. The plan 

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 

A splendid two week Uzbekistan Itinerary

A splendid two week Uzbekistan Itinerary

Another  Uzbekistan itinerary! Sorry, couldn’t help it. I know I know, there are plenty on the internet already. In fact, this Uzbekistan Itinerary, like most, includes the classic Silk Road destinations of Samarkand, Buxoro and Xiva and starts in Tashkent, but it adds the Fergana 

Travels with my Godmother: Bangkok Shopping and Eating

Travels with my Godmother: Bangkok Shopping and Eating

So, what happened after we had finally passed the Thai border after our minivan trip from Kampot?  Bangkok Shopping and Eating seemed a long way away –  400km to be exact. We  were stranded on the Thai side of the border, 90km separating us from 

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 

Rishton Ceramics: Beauty and Tradition in the Fergana Valley

Rishton Ceramics: Beauty and Tradition in the Fergana Valley

What’s in Rishton? Firstly, it is the centre of ceramics in Uzbekistan. Rishton Ceramics are famous all over Uzbekistan. Moreover, of the ceramics you can buy in many of the tourist places all over Uzbekistan, many are produced in Rishton. The reason for this is 

Hotel Review: Swan Bed and Breakfast, London – Stylish Affordable Suburban Wonder

Hotel Review: Swan Bed and Breakfast, London – Stylish Affordable Suburban Wonder

Where in London will you find a well appointed, private, stylish room for to two just shy of 100 Euro? Impossible? It’s not impossible. Let me tell you. There is the Swan Bed and Breakfast.  Since very few people are reading here and this blog