In May of 2009, my mother and I traversed France over 10 days. On our final day, at a Paris hotel, I perused cheap flights on the Internet, chancing upon a low-cost Belgian airline, JetAirFly, with one-way flights from Liege, Belgium, to Tel Aviv, for 99 euros. In Jerusalem, my nephew, Guy, and his mother, Miri, agreed to shelter me from the incoming cultural storm. My nerves tingled as I considered the implications: Judea, Israel, Jerusalem, … [Read more...]
A Belgian Food Primer
Belgium may be a nation of diminutive size, but it is doing big things in the culinary arena. On a recent trip to this food-obsessed nation, I was able to explore the edible delights that provide visitors a feast fit for the most demanding foodie. Budget-minded gastronomes should note some of Belgium's best dishes are street food, served at easy on the wallet prices. Fries Though called French fries, Belgium is the birthplace and the … [Read more...]
Bruges, Belgium – November 2012
Bruges is charming old world European city that has a lot to offer for the visitor. First and foremost is the medieval architecture; the center of town was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2000. Beautiful old buildings are at the heart of this city and if you visit in the summer you are sure to see colorful flowers dripping from the window sills of many of the buildings. In addition to being a visually appealing city Bruges offers a … [Read more...]
Top 10 Best Street Food Cities
When asked what your favorite street food, is your first thought of crepes or pretzels? No! Any world traveler worth half their passport stamps can tell you that street food is not just a simple snack - in many countries, it is a storied tradition and a celebration of a collective national heritage. From Bangkok to Brussels, we've collected the best cities for street food, with both the "target rich" spots for hawkers and the local delicacies … [Read more...]
Michael Wigge: Reporter & Filmmaker
Michael Wigge is a well-known media personality in Germany - a journalist, comedian, documentarian and world traveler. In 2010, Wigge traveled 25,000 miles from Europe to Antarctica - without any money - which he documented and turned into the upcoming travel series "How to Travel the World For Free" which will be airing on PBS and on local channels in over 70 markets across the US starting this month and running through May and … [Read more...]
European Getaways – Paris and London and everything in between
Vacation time is any time in the climate of today's world travel. Just hop on a plane and in no time at all, or maybe a little bit more than that, you can be anywhere your heart desires. How does London with its fascinating history sound? Or Paris, the city of Light? Both cities boast super shops for inveterate shoppers; restaurants featuring every type of cuisine; museums, nightclubs, theatre the list goes on and on. Just footing around … [Read more...]
Colombia’s Coffee Boom
For inhabitants of Colombia, coffee production is an effective means for economic growth and prosperity. And the National Coffee Research Center (Cenicafe), located in Chinchiná and sponsored by the Colombian Coffee Grower's Federation, is working hard to highlight the influence of coffee on the economic development of the Cafe Triangle region in Colombia and countries like Guatemala and Honduras, says Fernando Gast, PhD, director of scientific … [Read more...]
65 Countries Enter Race for 2010 Foreign Language Film Oscar
Beverly Hills, CA - Sixty-five countries, including first-time entrants Ethiopia and Greenland, have submitted films for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category for the 83rd Academy Awards'. The 2010 submissions are: Albania, 'East, West, East,' Gjergj Xhuvani, director; Algeria, 'Hors la Loi' ('Outside the Law'), Rachid Bouchareb, director; Argentina, 'Carancho,' Pablo Trapero, director; Austria, 'La … [Read more...]
Blown Away by Bruges
I was originally planning to be in S. Korea this trip but when a friend canceled due to a family emergency I flew over here instead to explore my family's roots in Luxembourg and the countryside. This has been an inspirational trip so far, from the people I've met to the amazing towns and countryside. Usually when I think of travel I want to visit Asia but now I'm craving more of Western Europe! I came to Bruges, Belgium for one reason and one … [Read more...]
Luxembourg
What an amazing day, from racing through the rural Luxembourg hillsides up hills at 240 km/hour in a new Porsche 911 Carrera 4S to gorging on local Sauerkraut and Wienershnitzel at the Schueberfouer fun fair held every year since 1340, (670 years and counting - I've scheduled a return in 30 years for the 700th one). We visited Moselle, Luxembourg's largest wine region. The focus here is on white varietals with some Pinot Noir thrown in for … [Read more...]