Cover Image by Tarquin Gemstone at Flickr I didn’t realize it when I made my plans and still didn’t realize it a month later when I landed at Stockholm’s Arlanda airport. Rushing through customs and boarding the express train into central Stockholm, there were clues. “Hmm … the skies are really … Read more
A Royal and Bucolic London Getaway ‘‘Richmond’s great for walking,’’ says a patron named Bruce, raising a glass of ale to his mouth. ‘‘It’s best for seeing real history, without running into crowds,’’ counters Alan, who shares a wooden bench with him near the crackling fireplace in the cozy Victoria … Read more
A Sweet, Swiss Surprise Tell your friends that you’re going to Switzerland, and they immediately think snow-covered Alps, cheese fondue, and yummy Swiss chocolates. Tell them you’re going to St. Gallen, and most likely they’ll look at you strangely and ask, “Where?” Everyone has heard of Geneva, Zürich, and Zermatt, … Read more
The sounds of stamping feet and lustily strummed guitars burst from every corner of this radiant city during the Bienal de Flamenco, which takes place this year from September 15-October 9. Day and night, in 16th-century plazas and Art Deco theaters, top-flight dancers and musicians celebrate the art over a … Read more
Savoring the Heart of Soho “Soho is a bit like the Times Square of London. Everyone passes through here at some point,” remarked our cabbie Frank, his jolly, ruddy face a welcoming beacon after a long day of travel. “But there’s much more to it than most tourists ever see. … Read more
A Bagel’s Humble Beginnings Krakow is the ideal getaway for tourists seeking a European vacation off the beaten path. Dating back to the 7th Century, Krakow’s streets are teeming with history: from fairytales incarnate, complete with castle, royalty and dragon lair, to darker tales of mass extermination. Though people … Read more
Anything but Italian On the surface, Venetians fit the Italian profile. They speak the language, eat pasta, dress impeccably and love opera. And yet, they are different. They are less religious, have built no walls around their old city, have sacrificed cars for gondolas, and generally look outward rather than … Read more
Much More than the Alhambra Situated on the rugged foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Granada has long been famed as the site of the Alhambra, the glorious 14th-century palace built under Moorish rule. But in recent years, ambitious efforts by the Andalusian Legacy Foundation to revive Granada’s rich Hispanic-Moorish past … Read more
Dutch Treat With a slogan of “I Amsterdam,” the Netherlands’ most popular city is for me, for you, for everyone. Whether you have an appetite for architecture, an addiction to art, or a craving for quirkiness, the canals, museums and sights of Amsterdam will satisfy your proclivity for any … Read more
How many articles have been written about Paris? Hundreds of course, thousands probably, hundreds of thousands most likely… it’s the City of Light, a city of laughter, a city of love and romance. But for many people, it’s also a city of enlightenment. The home of the Lost Generation, many … Read more
An Island Fairytale. It’s sunset. You’re drinking a glass of wine on the rooftop of a 17th century mansion. While music plays in the background the spectrum of colors before you takes your breath away. Below, you hear the children playing beneath the green leaves of the park. Above you … Read more
Taking A Meeting with Hera and Zeus Climbing Mount Olympus I didn’t climb Mount Olympus just because it’s there. I mean, with that attitude, why not swim across the Atlantic? My motive was utterly practical. I had some important questions and Mount Olympus has the gods. If this resonates with … Read more
Nature Boy Everyone knows the Squire is crazy for an adventure but I wasn’t sure what to expect when we decided to trek to the mystical island of Samothrace, close to Turkey in the north Aegean, after the season had ended. My love of all things natural struck a chord … Read more
[wide][/wide] If Athens is Greece’s yin, then Thessaloniki is its yang. Often overshadowed by the beauty and popularity of the capital, Thessaloniki, the second city, is smaller than its big sister but its laid back vibe is a blank canvas for the equal parts of history and culture that make … Read more
Galway and the Aran Islands Several years ago I had one of the best vacations of my life when I traveled around the West of Ireland, particularly in counties Galway and Mayo, taking in its dramatic scenery and catching up with family—my father was born in Mayo and I still … Read more