Is ancient Byblos the world’s oldest continually inhabited city? Others make the same claim: Damascus and Aleppo in neighbouring Syria, Jericho in Palestine, also in the general vicinity. Byblos was founded 7 000 years ago. Some say 9 000, some say 10 800. Either way, people have lived and loved here for a long time. […]
Day out Beirut: Tyre
I’m in Southern Lebanon today; joined by 6 Brits and an American couple (the woman went to university in Beirut in 1964!) and our cheerful guide Pierre, all wanting to have a look at the Roman ruins in Tyre. Or Ksour, the city’s present-day Arabic name. We’ve driven 82 km south from Beirut, a picturesque coastal drive. […]
Day out Tbilisi: Ananuri Castle and Kazbegi Mountains
Along the Georgian Military Highway If you’re following this blog – and reading this, chances are you’re interested in the world’s slightly more obscure places. You might for example have visited Georgia, or perhaps you’re considering it for your next Euro/Asian jaunt. (Is the Caucasus in Europe or in Asia? The answer isn’t clear cut). […]
Gori: birthplace of the world’s most infamous dictator
Looks innocent enough, doesn’t he, young Iosif Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili? What could this rather dashing 20-something possibly have on his conscience? At the time of this portrait, probably not much else than the odd bank robbery. Give him a few years, however… Earlier, I mentioned visiting the home country of the world’s most infamous dictator. It took […]
Day out Alicante: El Palmeral de Elche
So – you’re in the busy Costa Blanca, lounging on its lovely beaches. But for a bit of variety, you might be looking for something a little different to do. Perhaps away from the hustle and bustle? If so, may I recommend tranquility among palm trees? That’s what you find at El Palmeral de Elche, […]
Day out Bordeaux: Vauban’s military trilogy
Once an orphan living in poverty, later an engineering genius with a prestigious career. A familiar story, perhaps. Yet that doesn’t diminish its power to inspire. That is also the story of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban: military engineer, advisor to Roi Soleil Louis XIV, France’s most famous king, and most importantly for this little piece, […]
Day out Gdansk: The Malbork Murder
If you happen to be floating down the tranquil river Wisla, head off at the little branch called the Nogat, and you’ll come to a Gothic fairytale fortress and some intriguing Malbork Castle history, murder included! Disembark on the opposite bank, and this imposing 13th century fortified monastery is all you’ll see. The view is […]
Welcome! I'm Sophie - writer, dreamer, negotiator, wanderer, mum - in search of the world's curious places. Mostly with my daughters, sometimes solo. The girls share their take on it, too.
- Chasing shadows in Czechia
- A Tale of Two Villas
- The Waterhead: A Boutique Hotel in the English Lake District
- The Four Seasons Hotel in Baku: Graceful and luxurious
- Gori: birthplace of the world’s most infamous dictator
- World at a Glance: Petroglyphs in Tamgaly Gorge
- Hiking Qadisha Valley and the Cedars of God
- Yet another day out Beirut: Byblos, the world’s oldest city?
- Day out Beirut: Tyre
- Park Musakowski: biking across borders
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Katrin: What a bizzare experience to have! Maybe the citiz...
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Anne-Sophie Redisch: Love unusual finds like this plantation. Thanks fo...
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Jeanette Brunet: I was in Edinburgh in August of 2015 for 9 days. W...
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