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Washington, D.C – Around Town : Georgetown (part 1)

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When Abigail Adams arrived in Washington in 1800, she described Georgetown as “the very dirtiest hole I ever saw.” Then a major port with a huge slave and tobacco trade, cheap housing, and commercial wharves, the town may have been unattractive. But the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and its competitor, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, … Read more

Rome – Around Town : Campo de’ Fiori to the Capitoline (part 1)

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This wedge-shaped area holds the dubious distinction of being the place where Caesar was assassinated – but it is also home to the Capitoline Hill, Rome’s finest glory right up to the present day. In ancient times, the zone was full of important public monuments, but in the 14th century, when the papacy moved to … Read more

Hong Kong – Around Kowloon : Kowloon – New Kowloon (part 1)

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The site of the old airport, Kai Tak has not been allowed to lie fallow, with the former terminal converted into the world’s largest golf driving range. In the neighbouring streets are excellent budget dining and seconds outlets, for this is where locals go bargain-hunting. Culture is found to the north, in the Tang Dynasty-style … Read more

Trocadero Arena

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African beats on the mediterranean There are many beach destinations in the world but very few with the gastronomic buzz you will find in Marbella. Perhaps it is the Costa de Sol’s generations-old ‘chiringuito’ culture; the Malaguenos know all about creating a very particular atmosphere by the sea, seducing diners with their casual vibe, fresh … Read more

Madrid – Around Town : Old Madrid (part 2) – Best of the Rest

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A Morning Walk Around Old Madrid Begin the morning at Plaza de la Villa with its handsome 16th- and 17th-century palaces. Take the busy Calle Mayor as far as Calle de Felipe III, then turn into Plaza Mayor . Cross this magnificent square diagonally, leaving by the ancient Calle Toledo, once the main exit south … Read more

Madrid – Around Town : Old Madrid (part 1)

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In the 17th century the focus of the rapidly growing city shifted from the medieval centre, around Plaza de la Paja, to Plaza Mayor. Part market, part meeting place, this magnificent square was, above all, a place of spectacle and popular entertainment. No one knew what the populace wanted better than the playwrights of Spain’s … Read more

Where To Eat & Drink In The Hamptons

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Tutto II Giorrno, Southampton The new Southampton outpost of Gabby Karan’s Sag Harbor restaurant is bigger and more comfortable than its predecessor, with a cos yet indusstrail harmhouse look (lots of iron and rough wood). The simple Itelian suisine is excellent: homemade spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and basil; sea bream in white wine. Gabby Karan’s … Read more

Rome’s Top Tables (Part 3)

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Monti is a small global village between the main train station and the colosseum, and from its labyrinth of small streets and stairways you catch glimpses of the surrounding city like pictures in a frame. The dome of Santa Maria Maggiore looms at the top of the via Panisperna, where a curtain of ivy, trained … Read more

Rome’s Top Tables (Part 2)

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My dinner with Purgatorio was a perfect example of this process. He greeted the Settimio waiters and many of the patrons by name. After a brief conversation about the day’s catch, he settled on a whole fish, backed in salt to indescridable succulence, with stuffed squas blossoms just coming into season. For wine, he requested … Read more

Rome’s Top Tables (Part 1)

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In Rome: nearly every restaurant has a story, and the one I like best involves Trattoria al Moro, in the centro storico. I first heard about this popular spot from an Italian diplomat when I asked him to name his favourite restaurant. (He then, diplomatically, asked to remain anonymous) I did some homework and learned … Read more

Munich – Day Trips & Excursions – Garmisch-Partenkirchen & Zugspitze

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Deep green meadows, snow-capped mountains, steep gorges carved out by streams, ancient monasteries, and old houses with colourful painted façades – in this region, Bavaria looks like a picture postcard come to life. Germany’s highest peak, the towering Zugspitze (2,950 m/9,700 ft), soars into the sky here. Locals also refer to the region encompassing Garmisch-Partenkirchen, … Read more

Munich – Day Trips & Excursions – Around Munich

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In 1957, Stanley Kubrick shot scenes for his film Paths of Glory in Schloss Schleißheim. Oberschleißheim, Freising, Dachau, Fürstenfeldbruck, Wolfratshausen, and Ammersee (Herrsching) are on the S-Bahn lines. Schloss Schleißheim Maximilian II Emanuel, the Elector, wanted to rival Versailles with the Neues Schloss (New Palace). Begun in 1701 based on plans by Enrico Zuccalli and … Read more

Seattle – Streetsmart : Traditional Hotels, Boutique Hotels

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Traditional Hotels Unless otherwise stated, all traditional hotels accept credit cards, and have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. Westin Located in two round towers, the Westin has an indoor pool, 24-hour room service, in-room movies, valet/laundry, two restaurants, a business center, and non-smoking rooms. 1900 5th Ave 206 728 1000 www.westin.com/seattle Dis. access Fairmont Olympic … Read more

Seattle – Streetsmart : Shopping Tips, Eating & Accommodation Tips

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Shopping Tips For any unresolved complaints on a product you have purchased, call the Better Business Bureau at 206 431 2222. Department Stores Although suburban shopping malls have the bulk of nationally recognized chain department stores, downtown shopping opportunities serve the needs of Seattle’s residents in a variety of ways. Find most of the larger … Read more