One of my long-lasting and still remaining dreams is to visit as many sacred places as I can so I can feel the earth vibrate. Vibrate not only with all the feet that have passed before me, but also with the energy gathered in those special places. People have prayed there, laid their head on the ground or just simply sat to let the special energy wash over them. You come back different with an enriched soul and a calmed mind in an otherwise fast … [Read more...]
About Cecile Riphagen
Working for an international non-profit organisation with members across the globe I have to travel extensively which I consider a beautiful gift in a job. Amongst other things I write articles and sections of websites and both my work and personal life have brought me to various places in most corners of the world. It has also taught me to use my time wisely: Travelers have a prioritized agenda to work on in the event of an unscheduled disruption. For the real traveller there is no such thing as dead time. That is how the writing of stories began.
I enjoy reading and writing, and am a firm believer you should not only look but also see: If you can believe that any sign or person you meet on the road is a clue and are willing to face some, sometimes uncomfortable, truths about yourself, you will eventually find your own path. In the meantime I just have a magic time seeing the world and writing about it!
A Different Burgundy
After months of working remotely, tending the garden and repairing fences, early May allowed us to travel further than the restricted one kilometre from our house in Burgundy, France. Although the authorities still imposed restrictions to travel, we took an old fashioned map and drew a circle of 100 kilometres, the distance allowed, to find out where we could go exploring. Burgundy is famous for its wine, rolling fields and beautiful villages … [Read more...]
The Magic of the Morvan
We, northern Europeans envy the French. Their country has it all: it ranges from endless vineyards, rolling hills, impressive mountains to charming villages, nostalgic Mediterranean resorts, Provençal colours and of course elegant Paris. But we discovered there was even more, Magic Morvan. We escaped our own flat and rainy country for a brief break and jumped in the car without much of a clue where we were headed. South in any case but not too … [Read more...]
On a Bike Through an Indonesian Kampong
On a bike through an Indonesian Kampong Indonesia is a fascinating country. The collection of islands close to the equator has everything from beaches, volcanoes, rain forest, legends and smiling people trying to make you feel at home. It's a gorgeous, mind boggling country that stole my heart already years ago. It was good to be back after many years. I arrived in Jakarta and was hurried to the car my friend had sent for me. ‘We have to go … [Read more...]
Time to exhale in the South of France
Provence triggers images of lavender, sun flowers and olive trees. Many have read the enjoyable novels written by Peter Mayle, visited anything Van Gogh in Arles and mused over the paintings of Cézanne. Everybody knows all areas of the Provence, or so they believe. There is a part of Provence less famous and therefore much less crowded than the Lubéron and the Midi. It is not a fancy area with famous wines or Michelin star restaurants but … [Read more...]
The Ghosts of Highgate Cemetery
Emerging out of the London Underground at Archway station, Northern Line I was welcomed by a thick, grey fog swirling lazily among the living. It certainly was appropriate weather for visiting a cemetery. On the corner with Swains Lane I bumped into an old lady with long grey hair who started yelling at me to watch were I was going and who I thought I was, treading on her turf like that. I had to shake off the uncomfortable feeling the … [Read more...]
Recycling My Steps on the Riesling Trail
Of all my short trips and long wanderings, Australia has remained my favourite. It has opened my eyes to the essence of travel, the kindness of people but most especially to the wonders of nature. Not being the one to spend days on the beach, I spent my time visiting places, hiking in Ranges, going on safaris and exploring areas by bike. Coming from the European flatlands, you learn to cycle immediately once you know how to walk. Cycling is in … [Read more...]
A Dingle Story
Travel is about moments suspended in time. When travelling I try to consider a place my temporary home. Running around, visiting one sight after the other in order to tick off the list of sights you really have to see and cannot miss, blurs one’s mind into one undistinguished pile of memories of churches, castles, landscapes, cafés, restaurants and other things you have visited but actually can’t remember. You look back at all those pictures you … [Read more...]