Eastern USA & Bahamas, February 2013

 

Home of hedge-fund moguls and immigrants from every corner of the globe as well as a major entry-gate to the US for Tourists from the same corners, New York City is constantly reinventing itself.

For exploring American history, there's no better place to ruminate than the National Mall, the epicenter of Washington DC. Weather tracing your hand along the Vietnam War Memorial or ascending the steps of Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr gaves his famous "I have a dream" speech.

 

Steeped in more history an regional pride, the Antebelum South is about grand homes and cotton plantations, moss-draped trees and azalea-choked gardens. Absorb the vibe in Charleston, with strolling, admiring the architecture and lingering over dinners on the verandah. Fall under the spell of Savannah's live oaks, shady boulevards, seafood and humid nights.

Further down south, Miami bubbles with a swank mayhem of Latin-world expectations. And indeed, the city moves to a rhythm different from anywhere else in the USA.

 

The Bahamas

 

Scattered like a handful of Pirate's Gold across 100'000 SQ-Miles of turquoise ocean, the islands of the Bahamas could practically patent the word "Paradise". So what do you do on Eleuthera, a 100-mile-long wisp curving east like an archer's bow? According to Literature, research and dependable local gossips, most people come here to do absolutely nothing. That's right - nothing. And you won't regret it...

 

 

 

Prague, October 2012

 

Prague has been a political, cultural, and economic centre of central Europe with waxing and waning fortunes during its 1,100-year existence. Founded during the Romanesque and flourishing by the Gothic and Renaissance eras, Prague was not only the capital of the Czech state, but also the seat of two Holy Roman Emperors and thus also the capital of the Holy Roman Empire.^[7][8] It was an important city to the Habsburg Monarchy and its Austro-Hungarian Empire and after World War I became the capital of Czechoslovakia. The city played major roles in the Protestant Reformation, the Thirty Years' War, and in 20th-century history, during both World Wars and the post-war Communist era.

 

 

 

Florence, Spring 2012

 

Florence originated as a Roman city, and later, after a period as a flourishing trading and banking medieval commune, it was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance (or the "Florentine Renaissance"). According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, it was politically, economically, and culturally one of the most important cities in Europe and the world from the 14th century to the 16th century.

 

Starting from the late Middle Ages, Florentine money—in the form of the gold florin—financed the development of industry all over Europe, from Britain to Bruges, to Lyon and Hungary. Florentine bankers financed the English kings during the Hundred Years War, as well as the papacy, including the construction of their provisional capital of Avignon and, after their return to Rome, the reconstruction and Renaissance embellishment of the latter.

 

 

 

Jordan, January 2012

 

Deep within the deserts of Jordan lies the ancient city of Petra. Through a narrow gorge it emerges into view, revealing awe-inspiring monuments cut into the surrounding cliffs. What is this astonishing city? Who built it, and why?

Two thousand years ago, Petra stood at a crossroads of the ancient Near East. Camel caravans passed through, loaded with spices, textiles and incense from distant regions--and through such commerce, the city flourished. Its people, the Nabataeans, harnessed precious water, enabling the population to soar to perhaps 20,000.

The Nabataeans also erected monumental tombs, memorializing their kings and leaders. But over time political control changed, and so did trade routes. Eventually the city fell silent, forgotten by the outside world.

 

 

 

Scandinavia, Summer 2011

 

Stockholm, setteled on 14 islands  in between the baltic sea and a vast lakeside - therefore often refered to as "venice of the north".

Explore the various islands from a boat or relax in a little cafe next to the royal palace on gamla stan. History buffs may visit the unique vasa museum - a 17th century battleship that sunk on her maidenvoyage in the very sight of the royal palace.

 

Nestled in a magnificent Fjord lies Oslo. Explore that City best by foot or one of the various boats crossing the Fjord on a regular base.

Enjoy the View from the Olimpic Side in Holmenkollen or get in touch with the rural history at the National Folk Museum. Gaze at well preserved Viking Ships or take a walk on the roof of the National Opera - shaped as an Iceberg.

 

Far up north of the old continent lies a little Kingdom founded by a Mermaid. Though this is not quite true Copenhagen is still worth a visit.

Discover the magnificent Town best by foot. Make your way up to the famous little mermaid inspired by the Story of H,C. Andersen or relax at a Cafe in the lovely area of Nyhavn.
Thrill-Seeking travelers may visit Copenhagens well known Amusement Park - The Tivoli.

 

 

 

South Africa, March 2011

 

Welcome to South Africa and its liquorice-all-sorts people, cultures, personalities and countrysides. You are going to love it.

Set against the magnificent backdrop of Table Mountain which dominates the skyline at all times. The Mother City is Southern Africa's most visited city. A blend of first and third worlds where the elegance of rich suburbs lies next to the sprawl of the townships.

 

Blessed with a Mediterranean climate and fertile valleys, the Winelands offer travellers the perfect opportunity to sample succulent wines in heaven sent surroundings. Route 62. Revel in empty rolling roads with shaded picnic sots, mysterious kloofs, pools hidden in mountain crags and wine farms basking in the sun. En route you will discover a land scattered with farmhouses and small villages drowning in roses, forgotten by time. Ostrich and sheep thin it is nirvana. They roast in the sun and graze happily on the spiky bushes.

 

 

 

 

Kizhi, August 2010

 

This narrow strip of rolling grassland is by far the most-visited of Lake Onega's 1600-plus islands, thanks to its fairytale wooden Transfiguration Church. Bubbling magnificently with 30 miniature domes, this is Russia's most recognisable wooden landmark and the centrepiece of the Kizhi Museum Reserve. The reserve also includes dozens more 18th - 19th-century log buildings, some furnished in period style, which were moved here from other Karelian villages during Soviet times.

 

Head north to Petrozavodsk which is the launching point for visits to this beautiful island.

 

 

 

 

St. Petersburg, August 2010

 

The area around the mouth of the Neva River may have been a swamp but it's been long fought over. Beautiful, complex and imperious, with a hedonistic, creative temperament, St. Petersburg is the ultimate Russian Diva. Constantly in need of repair, Piter still seduces all who gaze upon the grand facades, glittering spires and gilded domes.

St. Petersburg is Russia, but it is not Russian - the words of Tsar Nicholas II still resonate. The long summer days of the White Nights season are particulary special. The fountains flow, parks and gardens burst into colour and Piter's citizens hit the street to party.

 

 

 

 

Moscow, July 2010

 

The ancient city has always been a haven for history buffs. The red-brick towers of the Kremlin occupy the founding site of moscow; churches and monuments remember fallen heroes and victorious battles; and remains of the Soviet state are scattered all around the city. Moscow may occupy the top spot, but these lists hardly capture its reality - or vitality. Free (relatively) from the strictures of censorship and hardship, Russia's capital is experiencing a burst of vreative energy. Former factories and warehouses are now edgy art galleries, while classic venues such as the Pushkin fine Arts Museum are expanding.

 

 

 

 

Russian Caucasus, June 2010

 

Europe draws its last breath and fades into Asia. There aren't too many places where, without freezing your butt off, you can ski and kite-surf on the same day. The Caucasus is one of them. Add rafting, ice climbing and virtually any other extreme sport you can think of to the list. And climb Europe's highest peak, Mt. Elbrus. Of course there's no obligation to climb it; just beeing in its lofty presence is enough to satisfy most.