If Iceland had a national garment, it would surely be the ubiquitous Icelandic sweater, or lopapeysa. Any visitor to Iceland will surely have noticed the rough wool sweaters, with their earthy tones and distinctive geometric designs radiating from the collar. They’re earthy, comfy, and are synonymous with Iceland. But what makes the lopapeysa so popular, … More Iceland’s Iconic Sweater – The Lopapeysa
In the Dutch city of Haarlem, De Adriaan windmill is one of the city’s most beautiful sights, turning its sails peacefully as it overlooks a bend in the river Spaarne. While it looks like a well-preserved slice of Dutch history, Haarlem’s windmill (molen) actually has quite a dramatic history. Book your accommodation in beautiful Haarlem … More Haarlem’s Charming Windmill, The Molen de Adriaan
The beautiful canal network that spreads throughout Amsterdam and other Dutch cities is not only used for transport, but for living as well. Dutch houseboats are an iconic feature of The Netherlands, and people love them for their innovative use of urban space, their charming and picturesque quality, and their general sense of fun and … More Inside The Quirky World of Dutch Houseboats
Welcome to the beautiful Grote Kerk, Haarlem’s spectacular centrepiece in the middle of the city’s historic centre. It is one of The Netherlands’ best examples of Gothic architecture, and a symbol for the city. The Grote Kerk, surrounded by marketplaces, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops, is one of the most impressive sights to see in … More Haarlem’s Spectacular Gothic Cathedral
Haarlem Station is an under-appreciated architectural gem in The Netherlands. I was sitting on a lacquered wooden bench, a Hema coffee in one hand, and I couldn’t help admiring one of The Netherlands’ most beautiful stations. It is airy and serene, the only Art Nouveau-style station in the country, and a pleasure to travel through. … More Admiring Haarlem’s Beautiful Art Nouveau Station
I’ve used coloured pencils for years now, and I love using them for their versatility, ease of blending and burnishing, and ability to add fine detail. But I was curious to try out a new medium that looked really fun, the wonderful alcohol-based Copic marker. I wanted to throw myself into an ambitious challenge to … More Copic Marker Challenge – Recreating Rembrandt’s Masterpiece The Night Watch
It just takes one look at the streets of Amsterdam to realise that The Netherlands is a huge cycling country. The Netherlands is the perfect place to ride – The landscapes are flat, cities and towns are close together, and there’s a stunning 35,000km (22,000 miles) of dedicated cycle lanes criss-crossing the country. And that doesn’t even … More Bike Culture in The Netherlands – The Ultimate Dutch Bicycle Guide
Travelling to Iceland is a journey to some of the wildest, most breathtaking scenery in the world.It’s an arctic circle island where glaciers meet volcanoes, creating otherworldly landscapes. Geysers blast boiling water out of portals in the earth, glacier ice washes up on ink-black beaches, and rushing waterfalls fall off geometric columns of basalt. This … More Iceland Ring Road – The Ultimate 2 Week Road Trip
Lier is one of Belgium’s undiscovered gems. It is a historic town on the river Nete where little seems to have changed since the 13th century, and makes for a history and culture lover’s dream. Not one, but two UNESCO sites can be found in this tiny place. From the impressive Belfry to the brilliant … More Lier – Belgium’s Undiscovered Medieval Town
Seville is completely entrancing. This Spanish city feels like it has history written into every sandy-coloured stone and decorative blue tile. There’s a rich cultural heritage here, a melting pot that resulted from centuries of architectural evolution, fusion of cultures and shifts in political power. Seville is also full of life, food and energy, and … More What To Do In Seville – An Illustrated Tour Through Spain’s Historic Gem
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