Tag: culture

Sketch of shakespeare and co book shop in paris urban sketching pencils

The Tumbleweeds Living in Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

November 17, 2020

One of the most well-known and beloved bookstores in Paris is the Shakespeare and Company, tucked away in the shadow of the Notre Dame in the 5th arrondissement. In operation since 1951, Shakespeare and Company is an independent store specialising in English language books. But inbetween the shelves, you might find something unexpected – beds, … More The Tumbleweeds Living in Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

Drawing of Haarlem christmas markets with the st bavokerk cathedral

Christmas In Haarlem – What To Do, Eat And See In The Spaarnestad

October 20, 2020

The Dutch city of Haarlem comes alive during Christmas, with the arrival of markets, parades, and of course, the arrival of Sinterklaas. It’s a time to explore the lights and decorations in the old town, eating gourmetten with family, going crazy with sweets such marzipan and pepernoten, For visitors and locals alike, spending Christmas in … More Christmas In Haarlem – What To Do, Eat And See In The Spaarnestad

African small five animals leopard tortoise buffalo weaver elephant shrew antlion rhinoceros beetle

The Small Five Of Africa

August 22, 2020

You may have heard of the Big Five – the leopard, rhino, elephant, lion, and Cape buffalo, originally named for being the hardest animals to hunt on foot. Today, with hunting largely prohibited, they’re five of most coveted safari sightings by wildlife spotters. But did you know there’s a complimentary Small Five? They are the … More The Small Five Of Africa

carousel of extinct and endangered animals paris dodo thylacine dinosaur merry go round

Dodo Manege – Carousel of Extinct and Endangered Animals in Paris

July 28, 2020

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

Landscape art Amsterdam nine streets amsterdam buildings at sunset

Why Don’t Dutch People Close Their Curtains?

June 23, 2020

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?

Drawing of Takamatsu manhole cover beautiful art design archer samurai

The Amazing Art of Japanese Manhole Covers

May 19, 2020

Japan has taken manhole cover art to a whole new level. In towns and cities all over the country, these discs of street metal have been transformed into beautiful masterpieces. What’s more, the designs of the manhole covers each tell the story of the location, often paying tribute to industries, foods, animals, icons and history. … More The Amazing Art of Japanese Manhole Covers

Illustration of Icelandic lopapeysa travel sketching blue lagoon Reykjavik

Iceland’s Iconic Sweater – The Lopapeysa

April 28, 2020

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

Tour Eiffel Merci illumination coronavirus Paris France Drawing

How Coronavirus Has Affected Tourism Hotspots

April 4, 2020

The tourism industry has been especially hard-hit by the Coronavirus pandemic. Tourists have effectively disappeared all around the world, as entire fleets of airlines are grounded, restaurants and bars shut doors, and mandatory self-isolation laws discourage anyone from leaving home. But what has happened to all those tourism hotspots, normally crowded with sightseers? While many … More How Coronavirus Has Affected Tourism Hotspots