Like pilgrims flocking to the Holy Land, Smiths fans travel for days to be here. No distance is too great for true devotees, who cross oceans and time zones to reach this temple of popular culture. I’m at the Salford Lads Club in Greater Manchester, a Victorian youth centre immortalized … Read more
Since the 10th century, the Jewish community of Prague has not only survived, but also thrived. Enduring early prejudice and pogroms, Prague’s Jewish Town was at the center of a dazzling 16th century renaissance. The community attracted some of Europe’s most famous rabbis, scholars and mystics as well as mathematicians, … Read more
When the topic of Prague comes up, (and even by travel writer standards, it comes up relatively often for me, having spent four months studying abroad there) someone will inevitably make the comment that being in Prague is like walking through a quaint medieval town that’s right out of a … Read more
Before there were hot stone massages and oxygen facials, Vichy showers and seaweed wraps, there were hot springs. For centuries, cultures around the globe turned to bubbling, mineral-rich natural springs to help heal a wide array of ailments, from joint pains to skin conditions. The ancient Romans in particular cultivated … Read more
In many ways, Italy is a boot that fits all feet. From top to bottom it’s possible to ski the Dolomites, take in Florence’s finest art, roam the ruins of Pompeii, and island hop the Amalfi Coast. Despite its troubled economy, Italy remains a top destination and is teeming with … Read more
Forget Tribeca and Aspen. When it comes to film, Karlovy Vary, the largest and most visited of the Czech Republic’s famous spa towns, is the place to be. Besides being one of the oldest film festivals in the world (it was inaugurated in 1946) it’s one of the most important … Read more
J.J. Johnson once said “Jazz is restless. It won’t stay put and it never will.” That’s a quality jazz has in common with travelers, so why not combine the two and travel for jazz? Though the U.S. is the place for great jazz, there is nothing like the Bohemia Jazz … Read more
Starting August 17th and lasting until September 2nd, the city of Prague will be home to the International Festival of Contemporary Circus. Ladies and gents, this is not just any circus so don’t expect fearless lion tamers or beautiful women doing handstands on the backs of elephants. The world-renowned multinational … Read more
“Where would you go to hear great classical music and opera that is different from the usual, preferably in a city where the music was written?” That is the question I’m asked more times than I can count, by people who know I spend much of my time in the … Read more
The Czech Republic is noted for its amazing historic charm and has become a popular destination for travelers seeking to experience one or more of Europe’s summer festivals. Every year since 1987 The Chamber Music Festival has been hosted in Cesky Krumlov, a small city in the south Bohemian region … Read more
A trip to the Czech Republic is amazing in any time of year—whether it’s for May Day festivities in the springtime, the not-too-hot weather during summer or the magical holiday season. But if you’re looking to experience Bohemia like a local, plan your trip during one of these events, happening … Read more
It’s worth going to the Czech Republic just for the eggs. Not poached, fried, scrambled, or whisked into omelets. I’m referring to the beautiful colored eggs, decorated specially for Easter and sold year round at souvenir shops as lovely examples of Czech folk art. The decorating of eggs is a … Read more
As little girls many of us dreamed we’d one day meet a prince and live in a castle like Cinderella. There was a sense of mystery and melodrama connected with all that. And even though meeting a royal isn’t completely out of the question today and some royal families do … Read more
Once upon a time, Dresden, Germany was a cultural mecca … then along came World War II. Dresden seemed to have a bull’s eye on its back and suffered greatly toward the end of the war with horrific bombings. Next the Iron Curtain fell and the once highly touted cultural … Read more
Cheese and chocolate – as much a part of Switzerland as banks and watches. But, those are not edible and tasting local favorites is one of the highlights of traveling. A great destination in Switzerland for savoring the best of both cheese and chocolate is the Fribourg region in the … Read more