Author archive
Under the scaffolding of the Palace of Justice, Brussels, Belgium
If you’ve spent any time in Brussels, you’ve probably noticed the Palace of Justice’s hulking form, covered in scaffolding, towering over Place Poelaert. But few visitors peek inside this enormous building, even though it is free to enter, and definitely worth a look around.
The iconic arches and columns of the Mezquita, Cordoba, Spain
I had admired the photo in dozens of travel books – row upon row of columns topped with chequered arches. Shadow and light playing with each other as people stand, dwarfed under the soaring ceilings. Before I even knew where it was, I knew I had to visit the Cathedral-Mosque of Córdoba, Spain.
With its Renaissance style architecture, formal terraced gardens and fascinating history, the Castle of Freÿr, on the Meuse River, would be at home among the chateaux of France’s Loire Valley. However, you’ll find it right here, in the province of Namur, in Wallonia, Belgium.
Secluded woodlands, gushing waterfalls and hundreds of kilometres of forest trails – this can’t be Belgium, can it? It can if you’re hiking in the Hautes Fagnes Nature Reserve, at the edge of Liège, in Belgium’s beautiful Eastern Cantons.
Tostadas de Pollo al Mole Verde
Ask any international food-lover what cuisine is missing from the endless offerings in Brussels and you’ll get the same answer – Mexican food. Andrew and I have been on a mission to find good Mexican food in Brussels, and now, our mission is finally complete, thanks to MexiGo.
Final Performance of Laus Polyphoniea, Daedalus, at AMUZ, Antwerp
Where better to enjoy a classical music festival than a beautiful former monastery? And, being Belgium, of course the evening begins with a theme dinner to compliment the concert. It’s all part of Laus Polyphoniea in the stunning AMUZ concert hall, in the heart of Antwerp.
Gellert Spa’s beautiful effervescent pool
It’s no secret; I love relaxing at a great spa. So, when I visited Budapest, Hungary, home to dozens of modern and traditional spas and Turkish baths, I knew I had to visit one. My pick – Gellért Spa and Baths.
Flower Carpet 2012, Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium
Every other year, for five short days, the Grand Place of Brussels, Belgium is a riot of colour. The bi-annual Flower Carpet appears on postcards, calendars and images of Brussels for years to come, but only those who visit the city during those special days in August are lucky enough to see it in person. This year, early one morning, we were among them.
View of the Alhambra Palaces from the Generalife Gardens, in Granada, Spain
When I first started planning our trip to Portugal and Andalusia, there was one place I absolutely had to visit – The Alhambra and Generalife; a stunning palace complex, complete with spectacular gardens, perched in the hills of Granada, Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot.