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Hortensia: A name that carries a rich history and culture
The beautiful hortensia faded out in Luxembourg that indicates that autumn is approaching soon. This photo is to remember it in its full glory. Hortensia is also the name of a large diamond that was part of the French Crown Jewels. It weighs 21.25 carats and has a pale orange color. It was named after… Read more
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Lello Bookshop: A Magical Place That Inspired Harry Potter
The beautiful staircase of the Lello Bookshop in Porto one of the most beautiful one in the world This bookshop was founded in 1906 and is one of the oldest in Portugal. It is interesting to know that the staircase is inspired by the Gothic style and has a red carpet that contrasts with the… Read more
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The Rose Capital of Luxembourg: Walferdange
This elegant flower composition has been decorating in July one of the bridges in Walferdange, Luxembourg. 💐 The small town is known as the “City of Roses” because of its long tradition of rose cultivation and production. 🌹 Walferdange has been growing roses since the 19th century, when the first rose nursery was established by… Read more
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The Fig: A Fruit or a Flower?
Until recently, figs haven’t been so typical plants in Hungary. With the climate change, it is more and more frequent to see huge fig trees. This one in a private garden near Budapest caters for a substantial amount of fresh fruit twice in the summer period. Did you know that figs are not actually fruits,… Read more
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Cal Newport: A World Without Email
The title of this book is catchy, but it does not really reflect the main topic, which is how to improve the way we work in the digital age. The author presents a compelling argument that email and other forms of constant communication are detrimental to our productivity and well-being, but he does not offer… Read more
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The Leaning Tower of Pisa: A Triumph Over Adversity
It is rare that an architectural fail becomes a stunning masterpiece of history. 😀 But that is definitely the case of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which has become one of the most fascinating landmarks of Italy 🇮🇹 and Europe 🇪🇺 The 56-meter-high tower has been standing there since the 12th century. The lean is… Read more
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Lónyay-Hatvany Villa in Budapest: A Masterpiece of Architecture and Art
This elegant fountain and interior belong to the Lónyay-Hatvany villa, one of the most majestic villas of the Castle district of Budapest. The villa was built in 1872 by a famous architect for a former prime minister. It was later owned by a renowned art collector, who filled it with his treasures. The villa was… Read more
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Anthonie Beek: The Artist Baker of Edam
This oil painting depicts the Edam cheese market in the 19th century, a scene that has been part of the town’s history since the Middle Ages. The artist, Anthonie Beek, was a talented baker and painter who lived and worked in Edam. He was known as the kunstbakker (artist baker) because he combined his passions… Read more
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The Citadel of Dinant: A Fortress with a Rich History and Breathtaking Views
This amazing collection of canon balls and other instruments are to be seen in the Citadel of Dinant. This fortress has a long and fascinating history, dating back to 1051 when it was first built by the Prince-Bishopric of Liège. It was later rebuilt in 1815 after being destroyed by the French. The citadel played… Read more
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A Famous Piano
Some pianos are more than just instruments, they are pieces of history. This is the case of Puccini’s piano, the one that belonged to the famous composer of operas such as La bohème, Tosca, and Madama Butterfly. This piano is a Steinway grand piano that Puccini bought in 1901 and used to compose most of… Read more