A butterbrot is a lecker and versatile sandwich in Germany. The Germans have devised dozens of ways of preparing this staple. Rye bread, perhaps served with cheese, sweet toppings or a slice of sausage. Sometimes, for breakfast it tends to be sweet and can be marmalade, jam, honey, chocolate spread, hazelnut spread, or the less common peanut butter. In any instance,…
LGBTQ
Europe is filled with history - sometimes you literally trip over it - but the best art is in the museums. And if you've been in any of the European museums. you'll know that much of the world's best art is contained in them. And, of course, that's because some of the world's best art…
We are who we are, like it or not. And we have every right to be that way, like it or not. And if some people have a problem with that, get used to it. Gay people are still having problems simply being themselves, even though being themselves has been part of the…
Here's an unusual, but at the end of the day explainable question. Why, if they're part of the EU (European Union) the Czechs don't use the Euro? It's the official currency of 19 of the 27 member states of the European Union and and over 340 million Europeans. The rest of the EU…
Much of the west coast of the USA likes to fashion itself as different, edgy, hip, wild, unpredictable and not the norm. And, living in Vancouver as we do, we can certainly attest to that ethos. As ever, why be normal? Normal is boring and life should be full of surprises -…
The Sixties were a wild time. Free love. The Beatles. International travel and intrigue. Modern art. Groovy personalities. Two of which we feature here: Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Arguably among the top ten stars during that spectacular decade, they made the world their oyster. One of their best…
If you're the shy type, then you might want to look away now. This article is about naturism. Naturism is a lifestyle of practising non-sexual social nudity in private and in public; the word also refers to the cultural movement which advocates and defends that lifestyle. Both may alternatively be called nudism. Though the two terms are broadly interchangeable, nudism emphasizes…
Nothing like walking along a beach and then - hey presto! - finding out that it's for nudists. That happened to us here in Vancouver, of all places. Luckily, our sunglasses were in place and covered our eyes even if they didn't hide our embarassment. We're not prudes, by any stretch -…
Sweden, like most of the Nordic countries of Europe, is a marvelous place. Clean, progressive, egaliatarian, world-aware and full of smart people whom we could learn a lot from. But one thing that the Swedes don't do is small talk. No chit-chat. Short and sweet. Unlike most other cultures in the…
If you know Florida, USA, you'll likely know Miami Beach, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg etc. Chances are you've been to one or more of these sunny cities.
But what about the destinations that are bubbling under? There are just as many worthy spots that aren't in the top ten.
One of which is Sanibel…
Whenever you visit Paris, you want to stuff as much activity as you can into each moment. And, of course, there are probably just too many things to do in Paris that you might find yourself getting distracted - I know I do. But, here's a place that will make your life a little easier: …
Let's go to Toronto now!
We think that almost everyone has a warm and fuzzy feeling about Canada. The country is almost like the North American Sweden: healthcare for all, low violence, a population from every corner of the world and, honestly, nice people. You can land here and relax.
Probably the best place to start…
How often do you have a dream come true? This one almost defies belief, and certainly exceeds expectations. Once a monastery, Argos in Cappadocia is an exclusive hotel featuring elegant rooms with elaborate stone carvings and antique furnishings. Some of the suites even have a private indoor pool, perfect for guests dreaming about a romantic…
One thing that can be said about the USA is that it has Hawaii. The islands are a place where almost everyone wil agree that it is a "destination" for them. Spectacular ocean waters, beaches, mountains and on average, 240 sunny days per year, you're almost guaranteed a good time. But, of all the islands,…
Sorry, we meant Roughlee. Near Nelson, Lancashire, UK a refuge built in 1912 for mill workers to meet in nature is still open to cyclists for tea and leftwing sympathy. You can clearly see Clarion House from high up on the ridge between Barrowford and Roughlee. Not only because it stands alone on a green…
Why u? This is not your father's cruise ship. Designed as the first river cruise catering to a more trendy audience, U River Cruises features more experiential itineraries that allow passengers to connect with the cities the boats visit and the people who live there. The ships themselves look nothing like what you might expect: …
Who can resist the allure of Brasil? So diverse, and rich in adventure. A legacy of history that goes back hundreds of years. And a people who love life and aren't afraid to show it.
When most people think of Brasil, they think of Rio, and rightly so. But, if you're not most people, you might…
It always seems like "what goes around, comes around." The new new. The latest and greatest are not really the latest. They've been around the block before. Been there, done that.
But, sometimes that's not a bad thing, especially if the old new is new old, if you know what we mean.
In this case, our subject…
It's safe to say that we all want good lives. Food, shelter, family and the ability to be who we are. But it's clear that it doesn't always happen that way. Take the LGBTQIA community - they're like everybody else in that respect. And respect is a big word in this community. So big that…
Like all of us, eventually we need to retire. And so do ships (and planes.)
We have all likely been on at least one cruise, and you'll comprehend the scope and size of those behemoths of the seas. But, have you given any thought when it's time for the ship to be put to pasture?
It's a…