Taking the Ferry Boat from Sweden to Finland
Are you planning a trip around Scandinavia? Have you considered going by ferry? Along with rail and road options, there are plenty of boat routes available in the region. Going by sea is a comfortable, affordable and more sustainable way to travel, compared to flying. When you combine all that with the beautiful sea views of the Nordic archipelagos and the Baltic, you’re onto a winner! Booking the ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki Having decided to cruise overnight from Stockholm to Helsinki, I went to the Tallink website (route operator) to book. The website is available in 16 languages and very easy to use, with clear descriptions of the cabins…
What to eat in Denmark
Denmark is the foodie’s dream destination in Scandinavia. From hearty traditional dishes to fresh, seasonal cuisine, the country wholeheartedly celebrates and elevates local produce, and with Copenhagen restaurant Noma having topped the list of the World’s best restaurants more than five times, this small but mighty country has established itself as the centre of the Nordic food scene. Whether you’re looking for fine dining experiences or eating on a budget during your trip, you will eat well in Denmark. Danish pastries Denmark’s delicious pastry offerings go beyond the kanelsnegle (cinnamon rolls) associated with Scandinavia. There is a huge variety featuring beautiful buttery pastry and chocolate, cardamom, marzipan, custard, cream… and…
10 Best Things to do in Tallinn
Hidden away in the far top corner of Europe, Tallin is one of the least well-known cities of Europe, making it a joy to discover! With a fascinating history and a myriad of cultural influences, Tallin certainly has something for everyone. 1. Walk Tallinn’s old town UNESCO World Heritage listed Tallinn old town is packed with sights and activities but compact, so easily explored on foot. The Viru gate and city walls encircle cobbled streets lively squares, Kiek in de Kok medieval Fortifications, and churches such as St Olav’s Church. It’s easy to enjoy an afternoon strolling, taking in the sights, pausing in the cafes for refreshment and browsing souvenirs…
Montmartre Street Art
Street art thrives in Paris’ Montmartre district, where the famous staircases and smaller streets are given an edgy feel by the colour, feeling, celebration and wit expressed by street artists from far and wide. The art comes in all forms: paintings, stencils, pasted prints, mosaics and 3D casts. The following works were all photographed in 2020. I have decided not to give precise locations of the works, as I think seeking them out adds to the magic. Also, street art is constantly evolving and not around forever and, while it is sad to see a favourite work go, it definitely keeps things fresh. Indeed, no two walks around Montmartre are…
Visit the Amélie Film Locations in Paris
Amélie, or Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain, to give it the complete title, is one of the funniest and most charming films of recent years to be set in Paris. It makes a wonderful preview of Paris for many visitors and the best bit? This area of Paris really has the ‘village feel’ depicted in the film, and it is possible to visit it. Here’s where to find the Amélie filming locations in Paris. Paris is a large city but the area Amélie calls home is relatively compact. Montmartre is spread out across the Butte de Montmartre (a hill in the north of Paris), on top of which stands Sacre…
An evening wine tasting in the Loire Valley? Yes, please!
What do you think of when you imagine visiting France? If, along with the glorious food and scenery, it’s the splendid wines of the Loire Valley that come to mind, you’re in for a treat. Since 2016, Chateau Chenonceau has hosted an evening’s wine tasting each summer in the Chateau and its manicured gardens, and the best news? There are lots of wines to try, and it’s open to all. What better way to decide which Loire Valley vintage is your favourite than by trying them all? The producers of the Touraine Chenonceaux wines come together each year at the ‘Degustation sous les etoiles’ (Wine tasting beneath the stars), held…
Take a closer look at Dubrovnik – walk Dubrovnik’s city walls
The ancient walls surrounding Dubrovnik enclose a labyrinth of magical streets, fascinating architecture and all sorts of gastronomic discoveries, all of which combine to make Dubrovnik a truly unique destination. But the magnificent city walls and the public access to them, is what really makes Dubrovnik different. Here’s what I suggest you keep an eye out for while walking Dubrovnik’s city walls. Magnificent Old Town views Starting from near Ploce Gate in the north east corner of the old town, the first challenge is a steep stone staircase. (Beware – There are lots of steep and uneven steps). However, as soon as you get to the top the steps were…
How to have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights
Are you dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights one day? Have you been on a trip where you failed to see them? How disappointing! Well, don’t let it happen again. Here are my tips on how to have the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Of all nature’s mysteries, the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) is probably the most magical. Silently appearing and scattering swirls of colour across the night sky, before mysteriously vanishing again, the Northern Lights really put on a show. But, don’t be fooled by all the magic. There are a few factors that contribute to the show and if you keep them in mind your…
Notting Hill Carnival – Europe’s biggest street party!
Do you ever feel like dressing up and dancing in the street? Every August bank holiday weekend the streets of west London come alive with one of the biggest and most colourful celebrations of life imaginable. The much-celebrated Notting Hill Carnival has been partying through west London since 1966 and if you think that sounds fun, just wait until you experience it! Carnival! The Notting Hill Carnival is one of my favourite events in London. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of people from the British West Indian community take part in Europe’s largest street party each year. People from Trinidad, Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, British people with family in these nations…
How climbing the leaning Tower of Pisa could affect your studies
Everybody poses for a photo ‘holding up’ the leaning Tower of Pisa, but would you climb it? The ‘lean’ factor looks quite concerning when you stand in front of the tower. ‘It probably won’t feel like much of an angle inside,’ I thought. I was wrong! Construction of the Tower of Pisa started in the 1100s and was soon made difficult on reaching the second level, when the foundations began to sink. However, construction continued and the tower became a seven-storey tower leaning at an angle of 5.5 degrees. Reinforcement work in the early 1990s reduced the angle to 4 to 5 degrees, but the top level is still almost…
