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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Dublin and Belfast: two capitals, two countries. Although that might not be the case in the future, if some of the predictions in the aftermath of last week's dramatic Brexit will come to pass. The EU will feature a bit further along in this story, [...]
