In most of the world, the phrase “Swiss cuisine” often means just two things: cheese and chocolate. However, while these are two integral parts of the countr...
Blog posts in Global
The Hague: International City by the SeaThe Hague is one of my favorite Dutch cities despite often being overlooked. It's home to the United Nations' Internatio...
Discovering Utrecht's Hidden Gem Status When I first visited Utrecht three years ago, I expected a smaller, quieter version of Amsterdam. What I found instead w...
Rotterdam: A City Rising AgainAfter sustaining catastrophic damage during World War II, Rotterdam literally rose from the ashes and rebuilt itself as one of the...
The Spanish tend to live life to the fullest. Whether they are marking big moments or small, there is always a reason to celebrate in the land of fiestas. Of co...
Whether you live here or are just visiting, it is a good idea to take note of Italy’s holidays. Many of the country’s official 12 public holidays are tied to th...
For a relatively small country, Italy sure packs an array of climates, topographies, and cultures into its 20 regions. New arrivals to the country will disco...
Finding Your Amsterdam: Neighborhood GuideWhen I first considered living in Amsterdam, I thought neighborhoods were just neighborhoods. After six years here, I'...
British cuisine has a reputation for being (dare we say it) bland. But once in a while, you’ll find a gem that will make you feel like you’re being wrapped in a...
Often referred to as the garden of France, the Loire Valley was once the stomping ground of French royalty and nobility. Today, however, it is one of the most p...
Netherlands has Europe finest museums despite 17 million population. Rijksmuseum features Dutch Golden Age art (22.50 euros). Van Gogh Museum has 200 paintings (20 euros). Museumkaart costs 65 euros annually for unlimited access to 400+ museums. Visit weekdays 10 AM-12 PM to avoid crowds.
Jungfraujoch is Europe's highest railway station at 3,500m in Swiss Alps. Features Sphinx Observatory, ice palace, and spectacular views. Costs 200-240 CHF round-trip (discounts available). Bring warm clothes. Plan 6-8 hours total.
Balearic Islands famous for fresh seafood, lobster, ensaïmada pastry, sobrassada sausage, and tumbet vegetables. Mediterranean cuisine with Catalan, Spanish, and Moorish influences. Vegetarian-friendly with excellent local produce.
Galette des rois is a French January tradition where flaky pastry cake contains a hidden fève (king cake baby). Finding it makes you king for the day. Eaten during Epiphany celebrations with almond cream filling.
Top Portuguese foods include bacalhau (salted cod with 365 recipes), pastéis de nata (custard tarts from 1837), caldo verde soup, cataplana seafood stew, cozido à Portuguesa meat stew, and chargrilled sardinhas. Rich culinary heritage.
