My first night in Oslo, amidst a sweltering early June heatwave, and I lie in bed coverless, closely cradling a two-litre Pepsi bottled filled with iced water. An ingenious idea from my Norwegian hosts, apologetic for the temperature of their flat: a tastefully decorated space designed to retain heat, rather than stave it. Oslo doesn’t … Continue reading Heat waves in Oslo
citybreak
Dublin for…
Of all the cities I’ve visited, Dublin is the one that has most frequently been graced with my presence. Given that my Mum was born there and my family and I would frequently visit our grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins for weekends or holidays, this top ranking on my destination list is a given. I … Continue reading Dublin for…
Paris for one
Train journeys. There’s something quite special about them don’t you think? If though, the idea of a train journey has you instantly imagining your morning or evening commute, well that’s not quite the one I mean. Imagine instead that other train journey. The one where your final destination is somewhere quite special, quite unique — somewhere new, … Continue reading Paris for one
Vienna for one
The heart of Vienna oozes old-world charm and style, epitomising everything about the city famed not only for its historical love affair with music (Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert all had roots here) but also its elegant coffeehouse culture, grand Imperial palaces, world-class museums, breathtaking architecture and its famous culinary specialty - the wiener schnitzel. And … Continue reading Vienna for one