BORDEAUX: Best Street Art on the Left Bank of the Garonne

Due to French centralism, Bordeaux has always been overshadowed by Paris. In my opinion, quite unjustly. France’s most important wine-producing city is a true treasure trove, and not just architecturally. In recent years, many dilapidated neighborhoods and the former quays along the Garonne River have been renovated and spruced up. Subversive art also flourishes on the city’s walls. In this post, I’ll take you on a tour to explore the best street art Bordeaux has to offer alongside the left bank of the river Garonne.

Mural by Jean Rooble introduced as the best street art in Bordeaux on the left bank of the Garonne.
“We must accept each other’s personality and sexuality without judgment, and stop viewing differences as a danger or deviance. I played with the balance and symbolism of colors and with gender codes by using certain caricatured images to challenge stereotypes”, explains street artist Jean Rooble about his work, which is one part of his diptych called Gender Equality.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Perfect Guide For a Day Trip to SAINT-EMILION

Saint-Émilion is a breathtaking blend of sun-drenched vineyards and medieval charm. Every winding alley and every old stone building tells a story. Whether you’re a history buff, a wine lover, or looking for the epitome of the Southern French way of life, here’s a perfect guide for a day trip to the charming village of Saint-Emilion. I promise you an unforgettable experience!

Vineyard in Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion also enchants with its surroundings. This, however, is Château Villemaurine, only one of supposedly almost a thousand wine estates in the region.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

What Not to Miss in BORDEAUX, the Charming Wine Capital of France

It all began with a student exchange ages ago. Since then, I’ve probably visited Bordeaux more often than any other city, not just in France but in the entire world. While on my early visits, I focused more on the café culture, the clubs, and the laid-back charm of southwestern France, only now, in my advanced years, am I discovering the cultural treasures that no visitor should miss when visiting Bordeaux.
Therefore, I’m delighted that you’re joining me on this rediscovery of a city that has been so dear to my heart for such a long time!

Place des Grands Hommes in Bordeaux
The Place des Grands Hommes is one of the city’s many squares that combine history, beauty, and the legendary French savoir-vivre, the art of living your best life.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

NordArt 2025: What to Know Before You Visit

As you look to the sidebar on the right edge of the screen, you’ll see that the keywords in the tag cloud vary in size. Even in comparison with cities like Athens, Buenos Aires, or Tokyo, the tag of the German one-horse town of Büdelsdorf appears quite big.
Interesting, right? But why is that?
Well, in 2025, I’m reporting on the annual North German mega art event NordArt already for the sixth time, and that’s why its venue, Büdelsdorf, appears pretty large as I’m tagging it each time I go, which then pushes it up in the tag cloud.
I’m kinda making Büdelsdorf a clandestine shooting star.
Having this clarified, I’m glad you’re joining me for my sixth NordArt post in which I’ll tell you all there is to know to get the most out of your visit in 2025.

Renata Green sitting in the art installation Childhood Block by LEUNG Hongman.
This year, I even became part of a work of art: Incorporated into LEUNG Hongman’s installation called Childhood Block.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

24 hours in PRAGUE

Did you know that there are five international airports in the Czech Republic? No? Me neither. Obviously, despite the other four, the busiest hub by far is the Václav Havel Airport, located 15 kilometers west of Prague’s city center. And even though this airport isn’t one of Europe’s most important hubs, you may well find yourself having a layover there.
Actually, that’s what happened to me on my way from Dubrovnik to Hamburg, for example.
Or perhaps you want to visit one of the beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, like, for instance, Děčín. If you land in Prague, you might want to spare a few hours or even a night to explore the city.
Whatever the reason for your short stay might be, my post 24 hours in Prague will help you make the most of it!

Musicians on the Charles Bridge in Prague
No matter how short your stay in Prague actually is, a stroll across the legendary Charles Bridge is a must!
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Three Days In Prague – For First-Timers And Repeat Visitors

I might be the perfect person to guide you through Prague, granting three days of awe. Why so? Because I’m an unusual kind of local.

Statue John the Baptist on the Charles Bridge in Prague
John the Baptist showing the way to the Malá Strana quarter.

Locals know the best spots. They can communicate with other locals in the native language and, thusly, they might learn things visitors don’t.

On the other hand, locals tend to be oblivious to the beauty of their surroundings. Ignore iconic places. Bored by beauty.

So not being a real local actually works in my favor. I’m still amazed. And for some reason that I’ll explain below even deeply touched.

See? I’ve told you I might be your perfect guide!

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Best Day Trip in the Bohemian Switzerland: The Magnificent Walls of Tisá

After having spent a fantastic day underneath, on top, and between the magnificent walls of Tisá, I cannot fathom why this breathtaking labyrinth of towering sandstone formations amid the Bohemian Switzerland is such a hidden treasure. After all, it is perfect for hikers, climbers, and, obviously, even tightrope walkers!

Tightrope walker at the entrance to the Tisá rocks.
Even though the tightrope walkers at the entrance to the Tisá Walls do not balance for the audience, they are still one of the highlights for every visitor.

The dramatic shapes of the sandstone steles that time has colored a mysterious black, and the winding paths feel like stepping into a fairytale world. Easily accessible and less crowded than other spots, they offer stunning views and an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

A Weekend in DECIN – the Gateway to the Bohemian Switzerland

Bohemian – this term always sounds so sophisticated and almost decadent. In this case, however, I’m referring to the geographical meaning. And what can I say: The Bohemian Switzerland is as refined and opulent as you could wish for. So let me convey the fascinating past, trendy presence, and most importantly, breathtaking wonders of nature you get to enjoy in just one weekend in Decin, the amazing gateway to the Bohemian Switzerland.

Decin Castle, one of the highlights of Decin, the gateway to the Bohemian Switzerland.
Děčín’s Castle is one of the oldest and largest landmarks in the Bohemian Switzerland.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Beyond Your Imagination: The 15 Best Beaches in Barbados You Can Easily Visit by Public Bus

Barbados is famous for its fabulously beautiful beaches. And among many other outstanding things, Barbados also boasts one of the best bus systems I have ever experienced in all my travels. This makes it easy, convenient, and very inexpensive to explore every day a different one of the best beaches in Barbados by public bus.

Batts Rock Beach on the west coast of Barbados, one of the Best Beaches Barbados offers, even by Public Bus
The western shores of Barbados are called the Platinum Coast for a reason.

Barbados has 80 beaches, and I obviously cannot introduce them all. Therefore, for this post, I picked the 15 dream locations I enjoyed the most.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

What Not to Miss in BRIDGETOWN, Barbados’ Exciting Capital

No, understandably, no one comes to Barbados for a bright-light, big-city experience. And yet, it would be a mistake to ignore Barbados’ capital, Bridgetown, altogether. After all, it is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and tropical charm. Here, you can explore UNESCO-listed landmarks, lively markets, and a scenic waterfront. From historic sites to great shopping and authentic Bajan cuisine, Bridgetown offers a perfect taste of the urban side of the Caribbean, and in this post, I’m taking you to places not to miss when exploring Barbados’ charming capital.

Man on Swan Street in Bridgetown the capital of Barbados.
Like everywhere else on the island, the people in Bridgetown are exceptionally hospitable.
This Way to the Whole Story ->