As the second wife of Peter the Great, Catherine I, Empress of Russia, came to the throne by chance. She was orphaned at an early aged and spent her youth as a maid. Nevertheless, they met soon after Peter moved the capital to St.… Read the rest
Tallinn, Estonia
The wind whips through my hair as we walk along the pier to our first glimpses of Estonia. There’s not much by way of sign posts to the Old Town but I know Tallinn is going to be special. … Read the rest
At Sea
“Forgive me for saying so, but you’re too young for cruising” my work colleague quips a few weeks before our departure. On the contrary, I rather wish we had discovered this way of travel long before now.
We’re on our first day at sea travelling from Warnemünde, Germany to Tallinn, Estonia where we will dock tomorrow morning. … Read the rest
Marienkirche
Today we are visiting Marienkirche (St Mary’s Church), located in Rostock, a city in northern Germany. After a walk through the town square we come across this charming church and enter into the dazzling interior, the whitewashed wall reflecting the light of the bright day outside.… Read the rest
Warnemünde & Rostock
I wake up in Warnemünde, our first port of call, and I can’t wait to get out and explore. After dressing, breakfast and other morning tasks, we walk from the port into town and follow the pretty canal lined with boats floating prettily and little pension (B&B) along the banks.… Read the rest
Kastellet
Our holiday begins in earnest and whilst yesterday was filled with waiting, today dawns to coffee and croissants (after Jason takes an early morning walk to find provisions). Suitably fortified we ready ourselves and set off for Kastellet.
As we set off from our Friederickstrasse apartment and out along the cobbled streets I breathe in the chill of the clean, cool air and stretch my arms towards the blue sky.… Read the rest
Cairo By Night
I’m a bit surprised at first when Ahmed arrives to pick Vaishali and I up in a van to explore Cairo. Then I remember his sister, Dina and her three children, Aya, Adam and Hana are joining us too so the van makes sense. … Read the rest
Authentic Amman
Our evening in Amman begins when Banan pulls up to pick me up from the hotel. Chic as always, she’s in jeans and an airy white shirt and beams at me as I jump in the car. … Read the rest
National Museum Of Beirut – Other Artifacts
As I begin writing about the artifacts contained in the National Museum of Beirut, my enthusiasm carries me away and there ends up being too many favorites to fit into just one post. So, I have divided the five original subheadings into separate posts.… Read the rest
National Museum of Beirut – Jewelry
As I begin writing about the artifacts contained in the National Museum of Beirut, my enthusiasm carries me away and there ends up being too many favorites to fit into just one post.… Read the rest