SANTIAGO – Capital of Afro-Cuban Culture
Santiago in the island’s eastern part is the capital of Afro-Cuban culture. This alluring home to the country’s largest Afro-Cuban population was actually the birthplace of the Revolution.

Since Santiago is cheaper and more relaxed than Havana and full of tropical vibes, I really don’t understand why so many visitors simply skip this underrated treasure.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Guide to BARACOA – Cuba’s Hidden Gem
Let me guide you all the way east where Cuba keeps a hidden gem called Baracoa.

I was very glad that Baracoa was my last stop in Cuba – since it was definitely the highlight. Wrapping me in its relaxed, homey atmosphere, Baracoa would have spoiled me for the rest of Cuba.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Back to School: Italian Classes at the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci
Taking Italian Classes at the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci is a quite distinctive experience. Whereby, I find that taking a language class in another country is a very special experience at any time and a grand opportunity for everyone.

Not only can you practice what you have learned right on the spot – which will hopefully be an encouraging encounter. It also grants you the opportunity to experience life from a whole different perspective.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Booking Ahead Versus Walking In
Booking ahead or just walking in – what’s more advisable?
As I mentioned on various occasions, doing research on the internet, reading guidebooks, sketching routes, making reservations sometimes months before my trip to me is a big and important part of the fun. This way, your brain does already all the travelling before you – just like a scout.

Those who need inspiration and guidance on how to plan a trip from scratch will find it in this post.
But planning and booking ahead is not only an extra portion of fun. It can also save you lots of time and money.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Travelling by Bus Around the World or Ride with the Devil
I always thought if I had the chance to choose on judgment day, I might rather go to hell than to heaven. I’m suffering from acrophobia so a place as high as heaven might scare me to…well, at least it cannot scare me to death anymore. Then, I’m afraid that way up high over the clouds it will be always a little nippy. And I like it hot.

But after recent events, I’m not so sure anymore. After I was riding with the devil, I’m afraid I’m not fit for the highway to hell.
This Way to the Whole Story ->24 hours in LOS ANGELES
24 hours in Los Angeles is the fifth issue of the popular category on my blog, which is overall designed to transform a – possibly forced – stay like a layover into a short extra vacation.
Of course, these itineraries – one for a sunny and an alternative for a rainy day – are great not only for layovers but for any kind of brief stay – for instance, on a road trip through California.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Pickled: Easy Recipes to Store the Mediterranean Sun in Your Pantry
Pickled fruits and herbs from the Mediterranean cuisine are fantastic: Tasty, pretty, and with my recipes so easy to make! It’s also a great gift to your family’n’friends and a creative way to store the Mediterranean Sun in your pantry.

Especially during travel-restricted times, it’s a great way of bringing the flavors of summer into your kitchen cabinets.
This Way to the Whole Story ->The Ski Instructor of Sri Lanka
I’m often asked how it is to travel by myself. If I’m not scared. If I don’t get lonely. If I’m not afraid that the sky may fall on my head tomorrow.

(Photo: Sondrekv, Påske, detail, cropped to 2:3, CC0 1.0)
The answer has always been no, and meeting Sri Lanka’s only ski instructor was clearly another proof that travelling solo is a great chance to come across people who open up to you in the blink of an eye.
This Way to the Whole Story ->most instagrammable – till death do us part: a rant
Yes, this is a rant on how Instagram deteriorates the art of photography to death. But it also makes the world a dangerous – and endangered – place.

I love good photography. That’s why I hate Instagram.
This Way to the Whole Story ->
