Ah, the French. They all seem to have that je ne sais quoi. Perhaps it’s the romantic background of the Eiffel Tower, the sexy accent, or the passionate artists. And speaking of artists … everyone knows the Louvre, but here’s a diamond in the rough. After ten years of renovation, … Read more
Copenhagen is very much having its moment. Its culinary scene, led by Chef Rene Redzepi of top-ranked Noma restaurant, is world-renowned, and its design scene is always at the forefront of setting trends. But there’s plenty more going on in the Danish capital to entice visitors, especially in up-and-coming … Read more
Caution: the out of the box creativity infused in Finland’s design aesthetic may lead to an inferiority complex. Side effects could include gasping in awe followed by sudden, uncontrollable curiosity. Lucky for you, Finland’s renowned design superstar, Alvar Aalto, was used to designing with medical criteria in mind. After his … Read more
When it was announced in 2009 that Helsinki was a finalist in the third Design Capital of the World competition, the only surprise was that it hadn’t been selected to receive this distinction sooner. The honor, bestowed on a city committed to design as a tool for social, cultural and … Read more
Finnish Lapland If someone had told me that a diehard sun worshipper like me would participate in a winter adventure trip to Finnish Lapland not once but twice, I would have told him he was out of his mind. But there’s a reason I returned a second time: I was … 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