A Day in the South Morning Start your morning walk through Berlin’s southern districts by taking the S-Bahn (line S1) to Mexikoplatz. Here you can admire the beautiful villas and the lovely green square before dropping in to Café Krone in Argentinische Allee for a late breakfast. After refreshments, continue on foot or by bus … Read more
While motocrycling between Cape Town and London, Jeremy Bullard was lured serious off poste by the words of Milary Bradt – he found himself in Madagascar I never meant to go to Madagascar at all. After all it was not on the Cape Town to London overland route that I was following. However, my inability … Read more
Berlin’s green south, which includes the districts of Grunewald and Dahlem, is dotted with numerous lakes, rivers, small castles, private estates and residential villas, leafy roads and cafés for daytrippers. Grunewald and Dahlem have managed to preserve their rural character, although affluent and famous Berliners have always built their houses here. There are many attractions … Read more
A worthy cause After enjoying the luxury of a proper shower at our hotel in Delhi, we set off across the Yamuna River to visit a mule-powered brick kiln. It’s amazing what The Brooke has done here in two years. The families proudly show us the horse clippers, first-aid kits and water pumps that The … Read more
This is a part of Switzerland that has long attracted writers, artists and mystics. On the hillside above Ascona, Monte Verita (“Hill of Truth”) was a commune before such things were fashionable. Founded in 1900 as a “co-operative vegetarian colony” by the son of a Belgian businessman, it quickly became a mecca for well-heeled anarchists … Read more
Welcome to an enchanting land of golden pagodas, velvet shoes and lotus flowers. After decades of darkness and fear, the horizon is full of hope as visitors are being encouraged to explore the treasures this unique Asian country once more, says Harriet O’ Brien. Land of the Golden Pagodas Early one morning I watched a … Read more
Harriet Stigner – Braves saddle sores on a six-day horse ride in India Day 1 Touching down in Delhi Airport, I then embark on an eight-hour coach journey to the Dundlod Fort Hotel. On the way, I get to know the 28 women I’ll be travelling with: there’s a real mix of ages and abilities, … Read more
The latter is famous for its dam, featured in the opening, 220-metre bungee-jumping stunt of the 1995 Lames Bond film GoldenEye, which anyone can now repeat (apart from the hit at the end where Pierce Brosnan shoots a piton into the rock to stop himself springing back up) thanks to the commercial bungee-jumping operation set … Read more
Neighborhood Bars Schubas Tavern & Harmony Grill Twenty-somethings dress down for beer, live music, and a great restaurant that packs in crowds, especially on the patio during warm-weather weekends. 3159 N. Southport Ave Decorative Brickwork at Schubas Tavern & Harmony Grill Four Farthings Tavern This casual, family-owned bar is a perfect spot to kick back … Read more
A Cabbagetown Stroll Morning Begin your day with an espresso at Jet Fuel, 519 Parliament St. After your caffeine jolt, turn right and walk north to Wellesley St, then turn right again and walking east to take in the charming Victorian architecture. Note the strange animal and face carvings on No. 314. Explore the lanes … Read more
Switzerland’s Italian-speaking canton is a sensuous land of lakeside beaches, unspoilt valleys, literary greats and mountain peaks. Lee Marshall salutes the Swiss Riviera The Restaurant Seven in Ascona One day, while exploring one of the many valleys of Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, I stopped to give a lift to a hiker. He turned … Read more
Exploring Northside Morning Fuel up for the day at one of Lincoln Park’s favorite breakfast joints, Frances’ (2552 N. Clark St.), where they serve a wonderfully fluffy French toast. Afterwards, stroll east down Wrightwood Avenue, and you’ll pass the ornate Francis Dewes Mansion. Keep walking until you come to the Lincoln Park Zoo , where … Read more
The eastern part of Toronto is a region of contrasts. Some of the city’s grandest old mansions remain along the stately streets of Jarvis and Sherbourne, though many of these homes were abandoned for years and have only in the past few decades undergone renovation and gentrification. The same is true of Cabbagetown, originally a … Read more
Sicily may have produced the real Shakespeare. Michelangelo Florio Crollalanza was born in Messina in 1564, and is known as a writer of plays. During a religious crackdown by the enforcers of papal authority, the young Calvinist fled to England, aged 24, and settled with his mother’s cousin in Stratford-upon-Avon. Crolla derives from the verb … Read more
Encompassing parts of Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Wrigleyville, Chicago’s Northside boasts upscale restaurants and chi-chi boutiques galore, as well as some of the city’s best bars and one of its most progressive theater companies, the Steppenwolf. Older buildings have been transformed into beautiful condominiums, while stylish new apartments are springing up on empty … Read more
Nightclubs & Bars Top of the Hub Lounge Talk about a view: 52 stories above Back Bay, this bar dazzles with sweeping views, live jazz, and a wicked gin martini. Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston St Closes 1am Sun–Wed Top of the Hub Lounge Daisy Buchanan’s Professional athletes, models, and local professionals are drawn to Daisy’s … Read more
With the World Shakespeare Festival in full swing, why not step back in time to visit the sources of the writer’s inspiration from Venice to Sicily? With a little help from some of Britain’s finest Shakespearean actors, Italian historian and broadcaster Francesco da Mosto is your guide Venice is my city, and the first Shakespeare … Read more
Cafés, Bistros & Bars Café Münchner Freiheit Multi-level café with large terrace on the north side of Münchner Freiheit. A larger-than-life statue of actor Helmut Fischer overlooks the outdoor tables. Perfect for lunch. Münchner Freiheit Café Reitschule Located at the edge of the Englischer Garten, this traditional café boasts three patios, a beer garden, and … Read more
Shops to Drain your Bank Account Louis, Boston Louis offers the city’s most rarified shopping experience. The main attractions here are classically handsome Brioni suits, sharp Jil Sander leather pumps, and Apothecary cosmetics. 234 Berkeley St Closed Sun Shreve, Crump & Low The country’s oldest retail jeweller has seen its diamonds grace the fingers of … Read more
Places to Eat The Dining Room The setting, the service, and the food all live up to the Ritz name . Ritz-Carlton Hotel 600 Stockton Street 415 773 6198 Dis. access Tommy Toy’s Haute Cuisine Chinoise This elegant institution serves marvelous fare in a sumptuous setting. The cuisine is a melding of Chinese and French. … Read more