Topic
Museums & art
15 stories tagged museums & art.
2 Days in London from Fitzrovia: Soho, Westminster & the West End
Two days in London based in Fitzrovia: where we stayed, the meals and stops within walking distance, the British Museum, what we paid, and what we would do differently.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Where Sun-Drenched Stones Whisper History
We rolled into Avignon, fresh off a TGV from Paris, trading the metropolitan rush for something altogether more languid. The plan? Dive headfirst into the sun-baked villages and rolling vineyards of Provence. Forget the rosé — though, yes, we had some — the real quest was for those hidden reds and crisp whites, the ones that taste like the very soil they sprung from. Our base: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a village that felt less like a destination and more like a gentle embrace. Narrow streets, shuttered windows, and the scent of lavender on the breeze. It was a good call. A very good call.
Hidden Gems of Paris: Beyond the Crowds
Discover a quieter, more intimate side of Paris through hidden parks, local neighborhoods, and under-the-radar museums. From peaceful Eiffel Tower views to artistic corners of Montmartre, these spots offer a more authentic Parisian experience.
What It’s Really Like Working Paris Fashion Week
A behind-the-scenes look at working Paris Fashion Week, from fittings to show day inside the Paris Opera House.
Museo Xul Solar - Buenos Aires Don't Miss Gem
When people think of Argentina, they picture the Obelisk, Plaza de Mayo, and La Boca. We love those iconic spots, but we are always looking for the hidden gems that show a city’s real personality. In Palermo, Museo Xul Solar is one of those places. It is lesser known, absolutely worth the visit, and a great reminder that some of the best parts of Buenos Aires are found beyond the usual landmarks.
Madrid: Lesser Known Below the Surface Tour
Madrid hits different. It’s not just the late-night dinners or the sun that feels like a warm embrace even in December. It’s the way the city hums, a low thrum of ancient history and relentless modernity. You walk these streets, and every turn offers a new flavor, a new sound, a new reason to question everything you thought you knew about a capital city. We’d hit the usual destinations; Bar La Campana, Museum Sophia, and The Palacio. Now it was time to look for lesser known gems. This trip was about digging deeper, literally. About finding the Madrid that doesn’t always make it onto the glossy postcards. Because sometimes, the real magic happens when you step off the well-trodden path and let curiosity be your guide. And sometimes, that guide leads you straight into the belly of the city, a place where time stands still and stories echo in the quiet. We luckily found something special, a history lesson and an answer to why moving people in Madrid from one place to another is easier than most big cities.
Madrid: A 10 day Whirlwind of Castles, Churros, and Caverns
The smell hit first. Not the expected exhaust fumes of a major city, but something deeper, richer. A warm, yeasty scent mingling with roasted spices, a hint of something sweet, deeply fried. Madrid doesn’t just greet you; it embraces you with its aroma, then shoves a plate of churros and chocolate into your hands. This wasn't just a trip; it was a ten-day dive into the heart of Spain, a family Christmas spent not just unwrapping presents, but unwrapping layers of history, flavor, and unexpected friendships. We came for the classics, sure. The Royal Palace of Madrid, the art that demands quiet contemplation. But we stayed for the surprises. The underground metro stations turned museums, the secret tunnels whispered with tales of escape, and the sheer joy of sharing a plate of patatas bravas with new friends from across the globe. It was fast, it was furious, and occasionally fueled by questionable amounts of espresso. A masterclass in maximizing every moment, even if it meant a slight re-evaluation of personal sleep requirements.
Quito: Thin Air and Big Views
Quito, Mindo and Cotapaxi were a great and diverse way to explore Quito. We were lucky to have the family of our daughter's friend to be our companions and guides for our time in Quito.
Renaissance Heart of Italy
Florence overwhelms your senses with artistic treasures at every turn. Standing before Michelangelo's David was a profound moment that photos simply cannot capture. The climb up Brunelleschi's Dome rewarded us with breathtaking panoramic views over terracotta rooftops. The Uffizi Gallery houses Renaissance masterpieces that transport you through centuries of human creativity.
Venice & Verona Magic
Venice never fails to enchant us with its floating beauty and timeless charm. We've experienced it in every season - from summer's bustling energy to winter's mystical fog. One unforgettable evening, we attended a Mozart concert in an ancient church where the acoustics made every note feel divine. In Verona, we discovered Romeo and Juliet's legacy while sampling world-class Amarone wines in cozy enotecas.
Spiritual Heart of Italy
Umbria's hilltop towns offer a spiritual journey through history. Orvieto's cathedral, perched dramatically on volcanic cliffs, houses some of Italy's most beautiful frescoes. The underground tunnels reveal fascinating layers of Etruscan and medieval history. Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, radiates peaceful energy with Giotto's masterful frescoes telling the saint's story.
Sicily - Island of food and culture
Sicily offers an incredible blend of cultures and landscapes. We stayed at the magnificent Il San Corrado di Noto, a converted monastery that epitomizes Sicilian baroque architecture. The town of Noto itself is a UNESCO masterpiece of golden stone buildings. In Syracuse, the ancient Greek theater and charming Ortigia island create an unforgettable combination of history and beauty.
Dramatic Coast & Ancient Wonders
The Amalfi Coast's dramatic beauty takes your breath away at every curve. Positano's pastel houses cascade down cliffs like a watercolor painting. Ravello's Villa Rufolo gardens offer spectacular views that inspired Wagner's music. Our journey to Pompeii was deeply moving - walking through perfectly preserved streets frozen in time by Vesuvius.
Magnificent Madrid
We chose a December visit to escape the city's unbearable heat, a strategy we happily share with the locals. It's a perfect big-city destination, boasting everything we love: inspiring museums, incredible food, walkable streets, convenient public transit, and a culture that's both fast-paced and fun.
There is more to Windmills in the Netherlands
French Fries, Stroopwafels, Anne Frank's Museum and so much more were included in this trip to the Netherlands