Leah Larkin 
Some get thrills visiting amusement parks. I get mine visiting markets. I marvel at all the edible treasures, the seasonal changes of the produce, the dedication of the vendors who are passionate about their products. Mingling among this glorious bounty is a treat, a delightful, sensual experience. Luckily, I live … Read more
Germany’s foreign minister Heiko Maas summed it up in April when he said that this year’s summer would be very different compared to previous years due to Covid-19. “This summer will not be a normal holiday season with full beach bars and mountain huts. That would be irresponsible.” The tourism … Read more
Rajasthan is all about color: vibrant saris wrapped around women, towering turbans crowning men’s heads, markets bursting with colorful vegetables, fabric and jewelry. Even towns are associated with color – Jaipur, “the pink city” and Jodhpur, “the blue town.” Palaces, temples, forts, crafts, folk art, bustling cities, big cats, and … Read more
Egypt should be on everyone’s bucket list. It was, after all, a tourist destination for the ancient Greeks and Romans who visited this wondrous land to marvel at the Pyramids and the Colossi of Thebes. Along the Nile are more must-see, astonishing sights. For an enjoyable and relaxing way to … Read more
Climbing to the top of Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is a must-do in Sri Lanka. The massive stone monolith with steep vertiginous metal stairs attached to its vertical walls draws crowds despite its demands. I had told our guide that we were reasonably fit and up for moderate hiking. Then I spied … Read more
It’s futuristic, fantastic, glamorous — a fascinating place for a stopover if you’re flying to Asia. On a recent visit to Sri Lanka, we decided to break up the long journey and check out the capital of the U Arab Emirates, the largest and wealthiest of the seven emirates that … Read more
I’m passionate about food and cooking. Cookbooks – I have hundreds. I love trying new recipes and experimenting with exotic ingredients. Over the years I’ve attended many a cooking class, often during my travels to learn about ethnic cuisines yet I had never attended one in France. Shame! Now is … Read more
Fish, and the waters where they swim, both come to mind when I think of Hamburg, Germany’s second largest city and largest port. Although the waters of the North Sea are 65 miles from this maritime city, it is water that imbues the city with a distinctive, enticing flair. It … Read more
In April I joined a small group of German tourists (12) on a 15-day tour of northern India and Kashmir. An ad campaign for the destination touts the country as “Incredible India.” It is – as well as intriguing. Following are some aspects I found incredibly intriguing during my travels. … Read more
St. Moritz is serious sports including skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, ice skating, polo, mountain hiking in the winter and more activities in the summer.
Weimar is a city made for walking and, if you take an impromptu stroll, at almost every turn you’ll encounter statues, museums and famous buildings linked to the Age of Enlightenment. Located centrally in the German federal state of Thuringia, this UNESCO World Heritage destination was the focal point of … Read more
My nose led me to the oven, heavenly aromas wafting from behind its doors. Something delicious was baking and I had to have a taste. I was in Dresden at the Striezelmarkt, the city’s Christmas market, and it was Stollen, a rich buttery cake with dried fruit, nuts and spices, … Read more
Germans sure know how to throw a party. Fun festivals with oom-pah bands, beer, wine, sausages plus all sorts of tasty edibles — and plenty of gemütlichkeit. There really is no accurate translation for this word which describes the jolly ambience and lively spirit that is the essence of these … Read more
Replica of historic ship commemorates epic voyage Thank you, French President Francois Hollande. You and your entourage stole my place on the magnificent French frigate, the Hermione, which is now en route to the U.S. from France. I, along with several other journalists, had been scheduled to board and tour … Read more
A stay at Tanah Merah was a highlight of a visit to Ubud, Bali, several years ago. This secluded boutique hotel in a luxuriant tropical setting is the perfect place to chill out. Like much of Bali, there is something mystical about it so I knew I’d return. I did … Read more