New Posts
A writing course on Lesbos
I’m leading a writing course on the beautiful Greek island of Lesbos from 5-12 September 2026. A few places still available!
Russian threats to the UK – and Andrei Klepach
My latest post on Russia-Ukraine concludes that Russian protests about UK arms supplies coincide with President Putin looking weaker than at any time since 2014. The case of Andrei Klepach is fascinating.
The Vienna Central Cemetery: When hush, crowds descend
The Vienna Central Cemetery: where is it, who is buried there and when should you visit? Prepare yourself for a Viennese gem.
La Sagrada Familia Barcelona
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is perhaps the most impressive contemporary building on earth – a total must-see for any traveller.
The Cologne Carnival: A flaming end to Carnival and winter’s woes
The Cologne Carnival is an extraordinary mix of ancient ritual and modern debauchery. In a globalised world, you can rediscover tradition.
Tourism in New Zealand: the goose that laid the golden egg?
Tourism in New Zealand: are the Kiwis killing the goose that laid the golden egg with over-enthusiastic development of infrastructure?
Im Dienst Ihrer Majestät: eine Sekretärin wird Vizekonsulin
Im Dienst Ihrer Majestät: Die Diplomatin Trudy Curry ist Vizekonsulin an der Britischen Botschaft in Berlin. Jetzt geht sie nach Beirut. Begonnen hat sie ihre
Berlin’s 1936 Olympic Village: Nice buildings, shame about the events
Berlin’s 1936 Berlin Olympic Village is worth a visit. Jesse Owens lived here in Nazi Germany when he tore apart Hitler’s Olympic games.
Barcelona breaks: When tourist reinvention spins out of control
Barcelona breaks: the Catalan capital is a stunning city in many ways. But how many tourists is too many and what to do?
Cheap hotels are best: charmed by the no-frills alternative
Cheap hotels are best! Sometimes, somewhere “cheap and cheerful” can give you a better holiday experience than a costlier alternative.
Night trains: environmental with hidden dangers
Night trains in Europe can be a great adventure for your kids, and help protect the environment – but may also have hidden dangers.
Heated chair lifts: warming you where it matters
Heated chair lifts warm you where it matters. Why some early adopters were delighted at the prospect of “a quick threesome”.
Children’s ski schools: From tears to triumph
Children’s ski schools: how to choose? Getting it right can make a massive difference to family holidays. A version of this article first appeared in
BERLIN AMPELMÄNNCHEN: HOW THEY TOOK THE WEST BY STORM
The Berlin Ampelmännchen (little traffic light man) originated in East Berlin. From 2004, they spread to West Berlin, replacing the “Euro-man”. By Leigh Turner A version
Walking in England – the best holiday on earth
Walking in England is beautiful; healthy; and environmentally friendly. Best of all, you can discover a country you did not know existed.
Wildlife in New Zealand
Wildlife in New Zealand is some of the best on the planet – and some of the easiest and most enjoyable to visit.
Strolz ski boots
Why Strolz ski boots from Lech in Austria, with their foam-fitting technology, are worth the money – and the wait. A version of this article
Guided skiing: Where even experts fear to tread
Guided skiing: some experienced skiers think it’s for wimps. They’re idiots: skiing with a guide is a sublime pleasure.
Why Berlin beach bars – and open air cinemas – are a treat
Berlin beach bars are awesome – and their open-air cinema scene has an anarchic, crazy edge. It can all add up to an excellent summer experience.
Rubber chicken and upgrades
Economy long-haul flights: how the airlines are plotting to make us beg to fly business and increase their profits.
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