Spend five minutes in any of Eastern Europe’s capital cities and you’re likely to run across a ruin bar. Gloomy but gorgeous, ruin bars are usually found in eclectic, historical buildings that have been recycled into some seriously spectacular spaces.
These slightly spooky-chic establishments are adored by locals and travelers alike. Characterized by funky, non-matching furnishings, these derelict buildings and neglected outdoor spaces have been transformed into cozy, chaotic bars that, oftentimes, are almost exclusively candlelit.
Krakow’s nightlife, in my opinion, is unlike nightlife anywhere else in Europe. While its gorgeous architecture and the glow from Wawel Castle give this city a true fairy-tale feel, the bars in Krakow are anything but textbook. Yes, you can easily find a few …
Tucked beneath the raw peaks of the Rif Mountains in Northern Morocco, you’ll find the pretty sapphire city of Chefchaouen.
Founded in 1471 by a Moorish warlord who was exiled from Spain, Chefchaouen was built as a stronghold in the fight against the Portuguese. Famous for its achingly beautiful blue-washed buildings, Chefchaouen is an essential stop on any visit to the Rif region. Seemingly every keyhole, stone wall and doorway is painted in striking shades of azure, cerulean, cobalt, turquoise, periwinkle or powder blue. Largely shut off from the world for over 400 years, Chefchaouen is a photographer’s dream! Painting the walls blue likely happened during the 15th century, shortly after the city was founded.
But why so blue? Well, …
Standing proudly on the banks of the Nile River since 1899, you’ll find one of the world’s most luxurious and legendary hotels, The Old Cataract in Aswan, Egypt.
Built by Thomas Cook in 1899, this historic, British colonial-era resort has hosted celebrities and dignitaries since it opened its doors. People like Tsar Nicholas II, Sir Winston Churchill, Howard Carter, Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana, Queen Noor and, most famously, Dame Agatha Christie.
As my felucca approached the storied hotel, a wave of excitement washed over me. I was about to retrace the footsteps of Agatha Christie! Eagerly reading her books since childhood, I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember. We even share a birthdate: September 15.
Of …
Raw, organic and unfiltered, drinking vinegar is everywhere! And, unlike the current celery juice craze, this is one trend I really want to embrace. Sour and spicy, this pantry staple is one of the most useful ingredients in my kitchen. But, after sampling several versions of the wellness drink, I never really found the right drinking vinegar for me. Until Doktorenhof.
Unassumingly positioned on a beautiful tree-lined street in Venningen, Germany, Doktorenhof is a bewitching estate complete with candles, cloaks and choir music. Owner Georg Wiedemann is dedicated to the “sour arts” and produces only the finest vinegar with passion and panache. Here, vinegar is produced by hand.
After a warm greeting in the charming, cherub-filled courtyard, I was invited …
Newer Posts