Take a trip through time with this entertaining story I wrote for Bonjour Paris about the history and various incarnations of a famous Paris site that only certain insider Parisians know about. https://bonjourparis.com/history/the-remarkable-story-of-la-pagode-in-the-7th/
Continue reading Paris Pagodas: The Remarkable Story of La Pagode
Two iconic monuments in Paris are loved and admired by people all over the world. One is the Eiffel Tower, the other is the Cathedral of Notre Dame. The Eiffel Tower was built in the early 19th century. It was supposed to be a temporary structure for the 1900 World Expo. Notre Dame was built … Continue reading Notre Dame of Paris – An Icon for a Civilisation
In Provençe, Spring is ushered in with bright explosions of fluffy, yellow Mimosa tree blossoms. They bloom from January through March. Alone or blended with other florals, the Mimosa blossoms make cheery decorative additions for the home. The blossoming trees can be seen throughout Provençe but a drive along a 130 km stretch of the Cote … Continue reading Spring, Provence and Oeufs Mimosa (Eggs Mimosa)
Halloween in Warsaw could be either a prelude or a finale to something more impressive, depending on which way you look at it. That ‘impressive something’ would be the most important holiday for the Polish people. It takes place on November 1, the day after Halloween, and it is the real reason you want to be … Continue reading Halloween in Warsaw? Why not!
Who can resist the beguiling way roses poke their blooms over fences or peek through openings to have a look at you. And YOU can’t resist walking over to have a closer look, to touch and to smell. Why are roses so captivating? I often ask this question to people. Is it the fragrance, I … Continue reading “What A Lovely Thing a Rose Is”
It was supposed to be a routine cookbook research expedition; but the jet-lagged team of culinary professionals from the U.S. West Coast arriving in Armenia in mid-April would quickly learn that “sometimes cookbook writing can take you in many directions.” Their arrival coincided with Armenia erupting into country-wide democracy protests. There they were – smack … Continue reading Could The Making Of A Cookbook Be Dangerous?
If you were so inspired by my last post to plan a trip to Armenia as soon as possible, you may now think – after some news reports – it might be a good idea to hit the pause button while Armenians sort out a newly-developed (but long over-due) critical matter in the country, like … Continue reading About That Trip to Armenia…..
After returning to Germany from Armenia last summer I was invited to a dinner party. The hosts and guests were a mix of British, German and American. Of course I took advantage of enthralling them about my wonderful trip to Armenia. I described the warm hospitality of the people, the incredibly tasty food, delicious mountain … Continue reading Destination Armenia!
For Armenians, Easter is the most significant holiday of the year and usually involves large family gatherings where a strange ritual takes place: The Easter Egg Duel. I would like to share with you an old and fun Easter tradition shared by Armenians around the world. Maybe you would like to try it too! Here’s how … Continue reading The Easter Egg Duel – A charming Armenian tradition
You’re wondering: Where or what is Plan-de-Cuques? Well, it’s a town, or rather a suburb – actually a commune north of Marseille – and it has a few secrets. Plan-de-Cuques is not very old in comparison to other French villages, although abundant archeological evidence indicates there has been human habitation in the area since prehistoric … Continue reading Marseille Stories: Janine – The last Paysanne of Plan-de-Cuques
DETOURS & DIVERSIONS 