Hôtel Dieu

Hôtel Dieu

This gorgeous medieval building, the Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices du Beaune), had a very useful and serious purpose. Founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor of Burgundy, and his wife Guigone de Salins, the Hôtel-Dieu was originally established to provide medical care and accommodation for the poor and sick.… Read the rest

Annecy

Annecy

Arriving in Annecy by train from Chamonix, we set out to explore the past and present of France’s Venice of the Alps. This extraordinarily picturesque city is nestled in the Haute-Savoie region of southeastern France. With its charming canals, stunning lakeside views, and well-preserved historical architecture, Annecy offers a rich tapestry of history, culture and gastronomy.… Read the rest

Rovinj

Rovinj Marina

Rovinj is a really pretty little coastal town with a stunning old town and its own personality. The town centre, complete with a picture perfect marina, makes it very popular with tourists.  Even at this time of year, just past the peak of summer, when the weather (or at least the water!)… Read the rest

Karlstejn Castle

Karlstejn Castle

Karlstejn (Karlštejn) Castle is King Charles IV (1316-1378) original Gothic home. Founded in 1348, the castle served the King of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire. It was a place for safekeeping the Imperial Regalia and the Bohemian Crown Jewels as well as holy relics and other royal treasures.… Read the rest

Prague

Prague

Glorious Prague: Day 1 – 26 August

Prague is glorious.  We have arrived late August in Prague and while the night has a certain chill to it, the days are long and still relatively summery.  Jan greets us at the airport and we have been whisked away on a Czech adventure.… Read the rest

The Apse of San Martin at Fuentidueña

The Apse from San Martin at Fuentidueña

”Surrounded by mighty stone walls and guarded by a castle, the fortified town of Fuentidueña was established around the eleventh century in the Duero River valley, a contested frontier region between the Christian and Muslim ruled territories of the Iberian Peninsula.

Read the rest

The Cloisters

The Cloisters

Of the numerous museums and galleries that I have visited, the Cloisters is one of my all time favorites. Both the art and the building itself are magnificent. I have been fascinated by medieval art and history for a long time but there’s something really special about standing in the middle of something so tangible from this period in history.… Read the rest

Bryant Park

Bryant Park

Bryant Park is located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City, between 40th and 42nd Streets, and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It’s adjacent to the iconic New York Public Library and surrounded by skyscrapers. And, with the number of people here this evening to see a movie, it’s not hard to believe that it is one of the busiest public spaces in the city.… Read the rest