Berlin is a crazy mix of old and modern, east and west, and grungy and sophisticated. The city holds so many recognizable landmarks and has such a fascinating history. It also has a gazillion concert halls, is the home of the Berlin Philharmonic, and has a vibrant creative atmosphere. It is very multicultural and busy, but also has a more relaxed side to it … Continue reading Berlin Berlin
Chris and Jordan spent two weeks with us during probably the hottest two weeks Germany has had in a hundred years. I must say they were real troopers and survived living in the tiny student apartment I have rented on the third floor of a building with no lift, in very close quarters with only fans to help us keep cool (completely impractical to open … Continue reading Haa-Low Deutschland!
Last week, G and I took a little trip to the Czech Republic. We had some time to kill in between apartments and I wanted to go somewhere that wasn’t too far away and wouldn’t cost me an arm and a leg. I figured it wouldn’t be a bad thing for G and me to be in the countryside for a bit and have a … Continue reading Ranc Pod Skalou
I have delayed writing this post for a few reasons, but it is now high time (considering we have been in Europe for a month already). Coming back to Leipzig was almost like coming home. I spent most of my twenties in this city and did a lot of growing up here – sowing my wild oats and all. In certain areas, every street corner … Continue reading Ich bin Leipziger
Last weekend, Genevieve and I decided to go on a mission to find some castles (and possibly princesses). Having wracked my brain about local castles (Colditz did not seem like a suitable option for this adventure), I could think of no better place to go than the Altstadt of Dresden where one can see multiple castles and more than any city’s share of phenomenally beautiful … Continue reading Florence on the Elbe
As usual, it is taking me a while to catch up writing – we have been in Leipzig for almost a week and have not really been still for long. Between looking for bikes and playgrounds, visiting friends, and getting used to having to walk everywhere we have been rather tired. However, the memory of our time in Port Elizabeth is still fresh. G and … Continue reading I love Port Elizabeth
There is a really big tree in the Tsitsikamma forest about two hours from Port Elizabeth. I remember stopping there on the way back from one of our caravanning holidays with my family. All six of us held hands and we could only just make it around the tree. For years I have wanted to go back and see if this tree is really as … Continue reading The Big Tree and a Suspension Bridge
South Africa is such a beautiful country full of so many contrasts. One can live a really good life here – there in natural beauty in abundance and the culture is rich and vibrant. Yet, amidst all of this, there is a lot of poverty and heartbreak. I saw a part of Port Elizabeth that not many people get to see, the Walmer Township. A … Continue reading Creche 28
G and I have been enjoying the beach in Port Elizabeth (even though it is winter) and meeting up with friends and family over the last two days, but more of that later. I can’t finish talking about Joburg without mentioning our Red Bus Tour. These hop on – hop off tours are available in most big cities globally, but I have never thought of … Continue reading The Red Bus
Leigh has been my bestie since we were four years old and, although we have lived with an ocean between us for longer than we haven’t, our bond is still as strong. A number of years ago, Leigh became a Buddhist and over the years I have heard her talk with great love about her temple. This trip we were able to visit the temple … Continue reading From a Buddhist Temple to the Wilds
The Giggling Gypsies 