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.
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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.
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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.
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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!

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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.

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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.
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Comprehensive Guide to ROME – For First-Timers, Repeat Visitors, And Eternal Admirers

Few cities can match Rome’s cultural wealth and fascinating variety. Hence, it is known as the Eternal City for a reason. There’s ancient history at every corner. Yet, this goes just fine with the modern, energetic, and sophisticated millennial metropolis. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you why mesmerizing Rome turns first-timers as well as repeat visitors into eternal admirers.

View of The Colosseum and Romolus and Remus drinking from the Capitoline Wolf - some of the Icons of Rome to be visited by first-timers.
View of the Ancient Roman Icons.
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Best Things to Do on a Long Weekend in Milan

Of all Italian cities, Milan probably deems the least what we consider Italian. No jolly groups sipping Aperol Spritz while playing boccia. Instead, executives rush from their stately apartment houses to offices in glittering business centers. Hardly a narrow cobblestone alley. Rather big cars on broad avenues. Money makes the world Milan go round.

Piazza del Duomo - with the iconic cathedral.
Piazza del Duomo – with the iconic cathedral.

And yet, if you visit with an open mind, Milan will by no means disappoint: Get the big picture from the roof of the Duomo, and enjoy contemporary art at various industrial sites that were transformed into humongous art galleries. Window shop at the posh Brera district or the fabulous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Admire Leonardo da Vinci’s Cenacolo, hence, the Last Supper. Oh, talking ’bout food: Finish a long day of sightseeing with a relaxed Milanese Aperitivo in one of the countless bars alongside the Navigli, the city’s old waterways.
Sounds like a plan? Mind you, these are only a few of the best things you should do in Milan on a long weekend!

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Comprehensive Guide to FLORENCE – Home of the Medici, Cradle of the Renaissance

In this comprehensive guide to Florence, I’m taking you to the home of the Medici Family and all the paramount spots of the Italian Renaissance.

Looking up Giotto's Campanile, the free-standing tower right next to the Cathedral in FLORENCE - Home of the Medici, Cradle of the Renaissance
Looking up Giotto’s Campanile, the free-standing tower right next to the Cathedral.

To this date, there are so many art treasures that Florence deems rather an open-air museum than a North Italian city with ordinary people and everyday life.

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The Best Places to Visit in SICILY in One Week

Ma certo, one week is quite tight when it comes to a trip to Sicily, even if you limit your visit to the very best places. The island at the southern tip of mainland Italy has more to offer than you would find in many entire countries! Did you know that Sicily has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites? These excellent locations are so different that there is something for everyone. Whether it is the ancient archaeological sites in Syracuse, the artistic mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale near Armerina, the baroque center of Noto, or the Aeolian Islands – you will be amazed!

Palermo's Kalsa district
Palermo’s Kalsa district.

But in addition to these fantastic sites, you should, of course, also make time to laze on the beach in Taormina and enjoy a delicious aperitivo in the evening during the sunset. After all, the Dolce Vita is as much a part of Italy as pizza and pasta.
So that you don’t lose track of all these fantastic options, I have put together an itinerary for you with the best places that you should definitely visit in one week in Sicily.
If you have more time, even better – you won’t be bored for a second, believe me!

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