You’ve arrived in Freiburg im Breisgau, south-west Germany. It’s been a long day (early flight … wrong bus … right bus … very busy train), and you and your other half want a drink. You stumble upon the Markthalle (market hall) in the old town. It’s packed. People shoulder their way through the crowds, choose … More The Bar
The least Italian-like Italian city I have ever been to. A run along the sea to the Lanterna Bagno Marino ‘La Lanterna‘ lido, also known as ‘El Pedocìn’ (meaning little louse or mussels), but not for a swim. Spring has only just arrived, and this segregated swimming place can wait for the summer. Still, I … More Notes from Trieste
First stop is lunch at The Skinny Kitchen – decent food and cracking crockery, but both its atmosphere and smiling staff are lacking (I guess the clue was in the name). There is no such mediocrity in the Cathedral – a beauty disguised by scaffolding. The whole complex is undergoing more than a mere facelift, … More Canterbury, Thomas and Gormley
Our meal is a disappointment. Beautifully presented pasta and delicious melanzane parmigiana, yes, but the atmosphere is lacking and the prices are steep. Our waitress rushes around the sleek surroundings in a joyless and harried fashion, which is something of a surprise in foodcentric Bologna. It’s almost a relief to be out on the street, … More The Butcher of Bologna
Rachel Kolsky is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on this drizzle-damp morning. She carries an über-loved fabric flower like a wand, and darts around our group at twice the rate that I can presently think. Her ears prick up when I say the words ‘fairy cake‘, but I confess that I have none with me; I was … More East End Shadows
A tube journey – no eye contact and no conversation, everyone trying to ignore everyone else. The emptiness filled by the noisy clunking of the train, and the swaying of people as it stops and starts. Until three exuberant women break the rules by talking to complete strangers. They unpack their bags, take out colouring … More #craftmoves connects London
My eyes take notes as I travel from London Bridge to St Pancras, up and down escalators, through passageways, around curving walls, and along platforms crammed with people like me, all wanting to get somewhere else. I want to test how much I can remember once I’ve reached my destination: First up is Skinny Checked … More Impatience in Bright Boots
Have Paprika, Will Travel 