Exploring the world, one place at a time
Chic, laid-back, friendly, welcoming and playful are just some of the words I'd use to describe the historic French city of Nantes. The former capital of Brittany (it's called Naoned in Breton) has been dubbed the 'city of the dukes of Brittany'. Even though it hasn't been part of Brittany since the Second World War... Continue Reading →
I couldn't very well go to Porto without visiting one of the many port houses that dot the hillside of neighbouring Vila Nova de Gaia, which is how we found ourselves late one afternoon touring the cellars at Taylor's, one of the oldest port merchants in the region. Taylor's dates back to 1692 when an... Continue Reading →
When I think of the food in Porto, I think of sardines, pastries, the francesinha sandwich, and lots and lots of port. Portugal's second city is a culinary delight, with a host of superb restaurants and cafés. Pretty much everything I had to eat or drink was excellent and Porto has since become one of... Continue Reading →
Portugal's second city is the perfect place for a weekend break. Boasting interesting architecture, a maze of alleyways that are ripe for exploring, museums, parks, churches, and fantastic food, it's a great city in which to spend a long weekend. Not to mention there's an abundance of its most famous export – port – on... Continue Reading →
Malaysia is a country, quite literally, of two halves – Peninsula Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo – and last year I was lucky enough to spend two weeks touring these two, very different, parts of the south-east Asian country. Featuring orangutans, sun bears and some of the best food I've ever eaten, this is my mini-travel... Continue Reading →
Before my trip to Paris, I'd asked a friend who lives there for a list of non-touristy things to do in the French capital. One of the many suggestions on her list was a visit to Angelina to try it's renowned hot chocolate. The grand tea house is a Parisian institution established in 1903 and... Continue Reading →
With spectacular scenery, countless archaeological gems and one of the seven wonders of the world, Jordan is an extraordinary country. Almost entirely landlocked, bar a slither of coastline along the Red Sea, the country is flanked by Syria to the north, Iraq to the north-east, Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, and Israel and... Continue Reading →
In the shadow of the Pyrenees, lies the ancient region of Béarn. A wild, untamed land dominated by its stunning scenery, it's an area of myths and legends, and has an otherworldly, spiritual feel. It's a collection of rugged, impossibly tall mountains, and lush green forests and fields, and is home to an abundance of wildlife,... Continue Reading →
When I think of Bilbao, the first place that springs to mind is the Guggenheim Museum, the Frank Gehry-designed curved titanium and glass behemoth that put the Basque capital firmly on the international art map in the late 1990s. But there's much, much more to the city than its most iconic building. I recently spent... Continue Reading →
Settled around two extinct volcanoes and steeped in history, Edinburgh is a cultural, culinary powerhouse boasting dramatic scenery, excellent food and fabulous shopping. With lots to see and do, it's a great destination for a weekend city break. If you're planning a trip to Auld Reekie, here's my mini travel guide to the Scottish capital...... Continue Reading →
Little Old World 