Firenze You don’t need to explore the Uffizi museum to see art. If you pay attention it is also possible to spot some on the streets. Like art of the street artist Blub. He surprises you with small blue coloured paintings of faces equipped with swimming goggles. He aims to make art more accessible to everyone.You can see more on his instagram account.
Bologna was actually not listed on our travel plans.Due to the bad weather conditions down south we decided to start hunting for some sun rays. As a result we ended up in a surprisingly lovely city. Even with rainy weather Bologna is recommended. Thanks to the covered sidewalks. I didn’t count them but believe me they’re myriad.
On the main land you will see plenty of Vespa’s or scooters, here you take a water taxi or Vaporetto. A perfect moment to meditate before & after you find yourself surrounded by other travellers. It’s one of the advantages when you don’t sleep on the main island. When twilight sets in the light turns to a silky blanket that covers the bay area with a velvet atmosphere.
Both islands in the bay of Venice, so surrounded by lots of water but not flooted by thousands of tourists. An excellent place to stay a couple nights and visit Venice, Murano, … True, not so close to the main attractions, but in return you will benefit of the beautiful views when you take the vaporetto!Promise me, you keep it a secret too ;-)
The moment you find yourself in the outskirts of Rome, that’s when you get a drizzle of the real Roman life. Tourist are a rare breed here, locals rule. Like in every major city this is an area with vivid murals. Cat lovers united will surely enjoy Romeow cat bistro.Build for the flurry, owned by the flurry. Or to say in their own words: “Questa è la nostra casa, noi viviamo qui progettando di conquistare il mondo.”
Once a large car factory, now a shopping mall, the rooftop keeps a secret. Fiat’s test track. Part of Lingotto’s industrial archaeology.The futuristic looking glass dome is a multifunctional meeting room, built by the Agnelli family. Next to a heliport. Curious how to get there?Head for the first floor, look for the book shop, take the elevator to 4th floor and enter the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli museum. They actually have 2 interesting artist on display. Pablo Picasso & Matisse.
Looking for a place to set free your mind? Book yourself a ticket and fly to the moon. You won’t see earth from there but you will be spoiled by plenty of other stunning views.And that is thanks to César Manrique. He loved his island and fought to preserve it for the future.I’m glad he did. Although the island is not that big it presents you with endless views.Beaches, lava fields, hills and old volcanos… but stay away from Timanfaya park. It’s a tourist trap.For those who like to cycle, it’s a cycling paradise. Given the numerous cycling companies. We …
Although not in Antwerp, Amsterdam or Paris food is not bad at all.Portions however, are not European but goliath. I mean huge portions!Lot’s of burgers, oversized pizza’s and buckets of pop drinks.Katz’s is one of those places you should visit for the atmosphere, they have a wall of fame and BIG sandwiches. Believe me, one is enough for 2 stomachs. Don’t forget to go to Sylvia’s as well. But no panic, you can find healthy food as well.Same for a good cup of coffee & biscuit.In central Park there’s even a ‘Pain Quotidien’ Yezzz, Belgian food.
End of October, in the heat of the election comic strip, Karen & I travel to NYC.Timing is just perfect, right in the middle of an exceptional Indian Summer! Central Park is a lovely start for a walk & a bike tour.Many others will follow. Chelsea, Harlem, High Line, Brooklyn, Korean area….Some of them were inspired by the ‘yellow book’ of Patrick van Rosendaal.A Belgian guide based in NYC and founder of BENY.His credo: “come as a Belgian, leave as a New Yorker” We also met one of the best airbnb hosts ever, Guy & Velvet. Next to the WTC …
Not the only one in NYC, but probably the best known. This park is a true blessing, lungs of green in the middle of steel and concrete. At Strawberry fields, the Lennon memorial, we got spoiled by a choir of youngsters singing their best. (video see below)At Bethesda terrasse was a young lady performing with a voice that made you shiver. Open air opera. Remember this was late October and thanks to the Indian Summer we had an extraordinary time.