Rotterdam – building with new energy, treasuring old charm – travel review
I had visited Holland once before. That was Amsterdam and many years ago. I travelled by air and the flight was quick – Holland is...
The Markthal, Rotterdam – travel review
We are thinking about a pre-Christmas break, a rejuvenating Spring get-away, a Summer city break, and there are the familiar cries of ‘Let’s go to...
Groningen – Contemporary and Historic – travel review
Groningen isn’t the first destination in The Netherlands of which one might think. It’s invariably Amsterdam that gets that accolade, and a very fine city...
The Netherlands – A Liberating Interlude – travel review
I am, as regular readers will have noticed, an unapologetic supporter of The Netherlands. It’s a small country that not only welcomes the British tourist...
The Tomb of the Unknown Uncle – Flowering of Liberation – travel review
2014 is a special year and after my recent visit to the Netherlands I am reminded that every year should be special. This year we...
The War of Jan Loos – interview
The last year of World War II offered the hope of an end to hostilities, but they were, in fact, a long way from being...
Norcia – Umbria, Italy – travel review
Anyone with a molecule of romance in their hearts will have considered a vacation in Italy. Any lover of good food and wine would have...
Valencia, Spain – travel review
Valencia is the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. The Port of Valencia is the 5th busiest container port in Europe and...
Oriana Christmas Cruise 2013 – travel review
There is a whole section of the British population that lives to float. They are dedicated cruisers and remain faithful to their chosen line. P&O...
Oriana – cruising for adults – travel review
I am not, by Oriana standards, a seasoned cruiser. I have only had three floating holidays to date and this was the first with P&O....
Tapas Bars and Michelin Stars with Travels and Tapas – review
Jose and Isabel Macicior have fast become the faces of bespoke food and culture trips to Spain and southern France. They have hit the ground...
The Hague – Staying and Eating – Contemporary and Historic – travel review
The Hague is indeed a ‘Royal’ city. You might even come across one of the ‘Oranges’, as they are considered perhaps the most accessible royal...
The Delicious Simplicity of Alentejo – the food and drink of forgotten Portugal – travel review
We live life at a frantic pace and when we take a moment to reflect we muse on the quiet life, the good life, of...
Sweet Valentines – Etruscan Chocohotel – Perugia, Italy – hotel review
Isn’t it a perennial problem? What to do for Valentine’s Day! When one has had the same partner for several decades one starts to run...
200 Years of The Netherlands and Prince William – travel review
Our links with The Netherlands have been long-standing. We shared a monarch in the guise of William III of England, known as William II in...
Alentejo – Open Fires and Warm Hospitality – Where to stay – travel review
Pousadas de Portugal in Alentejo is a network of quality and characterful hotels that give the guest a chance to experience unique charm. The group was...
The Nuns and Tarts of Alentejo, Portugal – travel review
Portugal is on the very edge of Europe and often overlooked in favour of its more vocal neighbour, Spain. But this country has so much...
Rotterdam – Culinary Comfort and Creativity – travel review
Holland might not be the first country springing to mind when one contemplates a gastronomic break, a food adventure. No, we muse on France, as...
Stena Line to the Hook of Holland – travel review
Well, here it was. My travel nemesis had arrived …or more accurately I was travelling to meet it. I have never been a good sailor...
Vila Vita Parc – Wining and Dining in The Algarve – travel review
We, cold souls, languish in northern Europe, longing for holidays offering bright sun and vibrant food. Look at any Mediterranean travel brochure and along with...