The Eiffel Tower or Tour Eiffel symbolizes Paris now, but when it was built for the Universal Exposition (World’s Fair) in 1889, it was expected to be torn down within 20 years. The main thing that saved it was technology. Wireless transmissions, sent from an antenna on the tower, could travel far, so the French government […]
Planning to be in Paris over the next few months? Need an excuse to go? The only reason I ever need to visit Paris in the spring is the possibility that I might find myself strolling on the banks of the Seine in the mist— straight out of a Doisneau photo. However, if you’re looking […]
Kecskemet, Hungary, is a city of about 100,000 inhabitants in the dead center of the country. This quiet city has a large, flat downtown area consisting of many broad squares and avenues. Perambulating these in an unhurried fashion, you can admire architectural highlights including old churches of several different denominations and great specimens of the […]
Turku, Finland’s “First City”, dates back to 1280 when Swedish, Danish and Finnish merchants met 0n Finland’s southwest coast at the mouth of the Aura River to trade goods. Over time Turku needed a cathedral (consecrated in 1300) and a bishop to govern the unruly heathens attracted by the marketplace. This region, Finland Proper, was the heart of the country in terms […]
Introduction to England England is the largest nation comprising the United Kingdom and it is home to the country’s primary parliament, in Westminster. It is also home to the largest city in the UK, London, one of the most visited capitals in all of Europe. England also has other top tourist cities, including Manchester and Birmingham. […]
Located just north of the Italian border (7km) in southern Switzerland, Lugano (the largest Italian-speaking city in Switzerland) is home to lakeside retreats, gourmet eateries, galleries, museums, universities and world-class shopping.
Introduction to Ireland The Republic of Ireland is an island nation situated in the North Sea off the northwest coast of Europe. It shares the island with the small nation of Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. As an active participant in the European community, Ireland is one of Europe’s richest countries […]
Hotels-Finder is a very handy Google tool for locating hotels throughout Europe. It uses Google maps, which lets you drill down to almost any city you want. Once you zoom in close enough on a particular town or city, you can view the precise locations of most popular hotels.
The Kelso Abbey was built in the 12th century but suffered much damage in the 1500s. The tiny village of Kelso itself was dubbed “the most romantic if not the most beautiful place in Scotland” by novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott. Read more about the Scottish-English Border
When visiting Dresden, Germany, I recommend that you choose a hotel or hostel away from the Altstadt (old town), and stay instead in the Neustadt (new town). Perhaps, on the hip and trendy Louisenstraße where you will have easy access to the city’s most important sights. Hostel Louise 20 is a great option, providing a mix of […]