Just a few from a short visit in Montreux, where the stars come to play… Continue reading “Montreux in Pictures”
Montreux in Pictures
The Chosen People
The grand churches and cathedrals of Europe are something to see. These beautiful structures usually dominate the landscape, mirroring the importance of religion throughout the continent’s history. Usually they are free to enter and most allow for taking photos. The thing is, the first few are magnificent and awe-inspiring. But after a few, they start to all look alike and you find yourself walking through them much faster and, if it’s raining, as a good excuse to get inside for a bit. Continue reading “The Chosen People”
Slovakia Goes On The List
Geography quick quiz. Where is Bratislava? Continue reading “Slovakia Goes On The List”
Paris Envy
“It’s the Paris of the…” How many of the world’s cities describe themselves in comparison to Paris. You hear it all the time. The love for Paris, the city itself as opposed to some Parisians, seems to be a universal feeling. After all, it’s not like you’re going to hear that so-and-so city is “the Athens of…” (Yeah, there I go, dissing on Athens again). Continue reading “Paris Envy”
Auschwitz – The Heart Skips a Beat
One of the main reasons for coming to Krakow was to visit Auschwitz. I knew it would be a somber, depressing excursion but one that I had always wanted to see. I am constantly fascinated by the evil some perpetrate on others throughout history, which certainly includes our history with slavery. But nothing, no movie or documentary, can have the impact of walking in the footsteps of this history. Continue reading “Auschwitz – The Heart Skips a Beat”
Krakow – Historic and Lively
When you take the free walking tour and the souvenir map includes in it’s key Polish phrases to know, “I don’t like Warsaw,” you can tell there is somewhat of a rivalry between the two cities. There needn’t be because the two cities are so vastly different. Warsaw is the financial center while Krakow, with much of its history surviving the war, is the more artful, more lively, and yes more touristy. But in a good way. As you visit key parts of the town and, of course, venture out to Auschwitz, history stares you in the face wherever you go. Continue reading “Krakow – Historic and Lively”
Warsaw and Its Multiple Personalities
When I first arrived in Warsaw and got out of the train station, I saw a sea of modernity. Sparkling new high-rises and a huge shopping mall were the first things that greeted me. All I knew about Warsaw was its history, a history of struggling, invasion, and resilience. Certainly not a modern metropolis. Continue reading “Warsaw and Its Multiple Personalities”
Berlin in Photos
Sights of a city still in transition… Continue reading “Berlin in Photos”
Berlin Then and Now
As I mentioned, I last visited Berlin in January 1990. I still have pieces of the wall that I chiseled off during that visit. To say Berlin has changed would be an understatement. Many places are unrecognizable, and for the better. Continue reading “Berlin Then and Now”
The Nomadic Writer 