In the quiet backstreets near Musée Georges Pompidou is one of Paris’ most unusual clocks – the Defender of Time (Défenseur du Temps). The clock is a mechanical scene of a brass warrior swinging a sword at a crab, a bird, and a dragon. Every hour from 9am to 10pn, the clock would initiate a … More Le Défenseur Du Temps – The One-Ton Automated Clock In Paris
Paris has some famous and beloved parks. The Jardin des Plantes, The Tuileries, and the Jardin du Luxembourg are all famous green spaces that Parisians and visitors love. However, there’s a little-known park that is just as wonderful as any of these – the Promenade Plantée. It’s elevated up to 10 metres above the city, … More The Promenade Plantée – A Secret Elevated Park Walkway In Paris
French bakers have perfected the art of baking the humble tart, creating delicious and refined treats for the taste buds. From sweet old classics like the tarte au chocolat and tarte tatin, to regional favourites like the tarte Tropézienne, and even the seasonal tarte aux mirabelles, here are some of the most mouth-watering French tarts … More French Tarts and Sweet Desserts – The Illustrated Guide
Hidden away in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris is the Carousel of Extinct and Endangered Animals, also called Le Dodo Manège. It’s a kid’s ride with an interesting theme that features a collection of extinct or endangered animals. Fancy jumping into the back of a glyptodon, dodo or thylacine for a ride? This is … More Dodo Manege – Carousel of Extinct and Endangered Animals in Paris
Lier is a small town in northern Belgium, known for its medieval city centre and two UNESCO sites. It is also home to a wonderful timekeeping curiosity: the Zimmer Tower and its Astronomical Clock. Located at the top of the Zimmerplein, the tower is unmissable with its huge dial with thirteen different time metrics. The … More Lier Astronomical Clock And The Zimmer Tower
The grave of Victor Noir is one of the most unusual resting places in Paris’ Père Lachaise Cemetery. The effigy of Noir is lying on his back, and while normally a greenish-bronze, he has a brightly polished crotch and lips from frequent rubbing. In modern times, Noir’s unusual tomb has become a symbol of fertility and … More The Grave Of Victor Noir – Is This Paris’ Sexiest Tomb?
Haarlem, just 20 minutes train from Amsterdam, is the perfect day trip city in The Netherlands. And to fully enjoy a day trip, you’ll need a great ice cream in your hand as you wander the pretty brick alleyways of Haarlem, admire the gothic architecture, and watch local boats ply the lazy waters of the … More The Best Ice Cream In Haarlem
When I was living in The Netherlands, something caught my eye as I went about my day-to-day routine. People’s curtains were always left open. Why don’t Dutch people close their curtains? I am not alone in wondering what’s going on here. After some Google searching, it looks like others have tried to explain this habit. … More Why Don’t Dutch People Close Their Curtains?
The Little Mermaid is an iconic figure on the waterfront of Copenhagen, a bronze statue sculpted by Edvard Erikson. Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale, it was installed on next to the anchored ships at Langelinie Pier in 1913. But this innocent nude sculpture has had a very turbulent history, full of beheadings, colour changes … More Vandalism of the Little Mermaid – One Statue’s Turbulent History
Poffertjes are the ultimate Dutch street food snack. Sweet, fluffy, bite-sized pancakes, Poffertjes are commonly found at market stalls and food trucks all around the country. The best ones are made fresh to order, cooked individually on a specialised cast iron pan. Dutch Street Food Poffertjes are made from buckwheat flour, milk, eggs, yeast, butter, … More Dutch Poffertjes: The Ultimate Market Street Food
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