After scanning 40 rolls of negatives —a grand total of 1,166 photos— I rediscovered quite a few things I’d forgotten but also saw how much tourism in Spain has changed over the last 25 years. Let’s unpack…
Read More »25 years ago: summing up 2000
Allied forces inflicted Germany with such heavy damage/retribution at the end of World War II that entire cities needed to be rebuilt. Religion also made a comeback & reached about the same number of Christian worshipers as in the 1920s. Reconstruction of Protestant & Catholic churches accompanied the housing boom… with decoration inspired by current trends rather than faithfully reproducing pre-war designs. As a result, modern stained glass panels became a common sight in churches throughout West Germany.
Read More »germany: modern stained glass
I should have written this AGES ago. Although intended for the groups I guide in Spain for Rick Steves, this basic advice should provide anyone with a good start. With over 25 years of experience navigating the ever-changing tapas scene, I hope there are enough beginner tips & tricks here to make the most of meals on your own. Remember: practice makes perfect. No one gets everything right the first time!
Read More »spain: tapas tips
While planning Operación Verano Fresco, I stumbled on a region that looked intriguing: marshy bogs, purple-flowered heath, charming hotels & lots of hiking trails. Lüneberger Heide promised to be a relaxing getaway after so many city days, but little did I know it would turn into one of the most memorable stays of our Germany vacation…
Read More »germany: lüneberger heide
Jamón is so important to Spanish cuisine that it can be found lurking in almost everything. But with so much of this tasty product available, what makes ibérico so special? Is it truly worth the price? You bet. Let’s start with that gorgeous animal first…
Read More »spain: jamón ibérico