Category: Europe

Welcome to the Europe travel blog section, where I share my experiences and insights from my travels through some of the most beautiful and historic countries in the world. As someone who was born and raised in Europe, this continent holds a special place in my heart, and I love nothing more than exploring its many treasures.

In this section, you’ll find a variety of posts on topics such as art, history, food, and adventure, all through the lens of my travels in Europe. From the charming canals of Venice to the ancient ruins of Rome, I’ll take you on a journey through the sights, sounds, and tastes of this incredible region.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just someone interested in learning more about the world, you’ll find plenty of valuable insights and inspiration in these posts. My goal is to share the beauty and wonder of Europe with others and to help inspire new adventures and experiences in this amazing part of the world.

So, join me on this journey as we explore the fascinating and diverse world of Europe together, and discover new places, people, and cultures that will stay with you forever. With so much to see and do in this amazing continent, there’s always something new and exciting to discover, and I can’t wait to share it all with you.

Discovering the Canary Islands: Travel Highlights of Fuerteventura, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma and Lanzarote

Panoramic view of San Sebastian de La Gomera, with colorful houses and buildings nestled between lush green mountains and the sparkling blue sea.
Panoramic view of San Sebastian de La Gomera, with colorful houses and buildings nestled between lush green mountains and the sparkling blue sea.

Welcome to the Canary Islands, a paradise on earth! The archipelago, located off the coast of West Africa, is made up of seven volcanic islands, each with its own unique character and charm. From the stunning beaches to the rugged landscapes, the Canary Islands have something to offer for everyone. Our recent trip took us to six of the seven islands, and we cannot wait to share our experience with you.

Fuerteventura: Our trip began on the island of Fuerteventura, known for its long stretches of golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. We spent our days sunbathing and swimming in the turquoise sea. The island is also home to the Corralejo Natural Park, which boasts impressive sand dunes that reach up to 50 meters high. We highly recommend taking a stroll through the dunes and enjoying the beautiful views.

Tenerife: Next, we headed to the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife. The island is home to the Loro Parque, a stunning animal park that is a must-visit for animal lovers. The park is home to an array of animals, including dolphins, penguins, and even orcas. We highly recommend the Orca Ocean show, which is a highlight of the park.

Gran Canaria: Our next stop was Gran Canaria, where we visited the Poema del Mar Aquarium, a stunning aquarium that showcases the beauty and diversity of marine life. The aquarium is divided into three main areas: surface, deep ocean, and freshwater habitats. We highly recommend visiting the deep ocean exhibit, where you can see sharks, stingrays, and other fascinating creatures.

La Gomera: La Gomera is a small island that is known for its lush green forests and rugged terrain. We highly recommend taking a hiking trip through the Garajonay National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to a subtropical forest that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

La Palma: La Palma is known as the ‘Pretty Island,’ and it is easy to see why. The island is covered in lush green forests and boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the Canary Islands. We highly recommend taking a stroll through the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, which is a vast crater that is home to unique plant species.

Lanzarote: Our final stop was Lanzarote, a volcanic island that is known for its stunning natural beauty. We visited the Jameos del Agua, a unique cave system that is home to an underground lake and a stunning concert hall. The concert hall is used for concerts and other events, and it is an unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, our trip to the Canary Islands was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will never forget. The islands offer something for everyone, from stunning beaches to unique natural beauty and fascinating animal parks. We highly recommend visiting the Loro Parque on Tenerife, Poema del Mar Aquarium on Gran Canaria, and Jameos del Agua on Lanzarote. We hope this blog post has inspired you to plan your own trip to the Canary Islands and experience the magic of this stunning archipelago.

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Madeira: Gorgeous Gardens and Coastal Cliffs

Panorama of Madeira, featuring the city of Funchal, the coastline, and the island's rugged peaks in the distance
This stunning panorama captures the beauty of Madeira, with its lush green hills, rugged coastline, and crystal-clear waters.

Madeira, the Portuguese island off the coast of Africa, is a true gem of the Atlantic Ocean. With its breathtaking landscapes, stunning coastal cliffs and year-round warm weather, Madeira is the perfect destination for nature lovers, foodies and adventure seekers alike. One of the most beautiful places on the island is Funchal, the charming capital, where you will find the stunning Monte Palace Tropical Garden and a wealth of other attractions.

First on your itinerary should be the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a botanical paradise that covers over 70,000 square meters. Here you’ll find a diverse array of flora from around the world, including exotic plants from places like Japan, South Africa and Brazil. As you stroll through the garden, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, tranquil waterfalls, and colorful flowers. Take some time to relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this stunning garden.

Once you’ve had your fill of the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, head to the historic center of Funchal. Wander through the narrow streets and alleys and you’ll discover charming shops, cafes and restaurants. If you’re looking for a unique experience, take a ride on the traditional Monte Toboggan, a wooden sledge that races down the steep streets of Funchal at breakneck speed.

Next on your list should be a visit to the Mercado dos Lavradores, the colorful and bustling farmers’ market in the heart of Funchal. Here you can sample a wide variety of local delicacies, including fresh seafood, fruit and vegetables. Be sure to try the famous Madeiran honey cake, a delicious and sweet pastry that’s a staple of the island’s cuisine.

The cliffs of Cabo Girao are some of the highest in Europe and offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The recently built Skywalk allows visitors to walk on a glass platform that juts out from the cliff face, giving the sensation of walking on air. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but definitely worth it for the thrill-seekers and nature lovers.

Another amazing viewpoint in Madeira is Miradouro Girão. It’s a clifftop viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, coastline and sea. It’s a great place to watch the sunset or sunrise and take some stunning photos.

Finally, for a relaxing end to your trip, head to Praia Formosa Beach, a beautiful sandy beach with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can soak up the sun, swim in the clear blue waters or simply take a leisurely stroll along the shore.

All in all, a trip to Funchal and Madeira is sure to be an unforgettable experience. With its stunning gardens, charming streets and delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful island. So pack your bags, grab your camera and get ready to explore this incredible destination.

Gothic Majesty of Siena

Duomo di Siena
Duomo di Siena
Streets of Siena's medieval center
Streets of Siena’s medieval center
Basilica di San Domenico
Basilica di San Domenico

Truth be told, the real gems of Tuscany are the historic town and cities. One of my favorite is the Gothic majesty of Siena. Legend tells us that Siena was founded by the son of Remus, and the symbol of the wold feeding the twins Romulus and Remus is as ubiquitous in Siena as it is in Rome.

The streets of Siena’s medieval center are humongous and gorgeous. During the day the stone ground sizzles under the sun and the wonderfully crafted buildings bake from exposure from an incredible clear sky. To be on the safe side and because I love film grain, I decided to load my camera with an ISO 200 Fuji film to capture the town (click on the photos to enlarge them and to see the grain).

Our first stop was Duomo di Siena, a cathedral originally designed and completed between 1215 and 1263 and Siena’s main landmark. The dome rises from a hexagonal base with supporting columns. The magnificent facade of white, green and red polychrome marble was designed by Giovanni Pisano. The lantern atop was added by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Later we visited the Basilica di San Domenico, which was constructed between 1226 and 1265, but was enlarged in the 14th century resulting in the stunning Gothic appearance it has now. In the afternoon we continued to stroll around Siena and had plenty of Gelati at Palazzo Publicco…

Music on the Lawn & Beach Party

Am Samstag war Music on the Lawn, ein kleines Konzert auf dem Gelände von CERN. Die Mitglieder der Bands sind allesamt Kollegen. Besonders gut spielten “Miss Proper & the Moving Targets”. 😀

Weniger Rock, dafür um so mehr House und Trance gab es dann am Abend. Am Lac Léman ging es weiter mit einer Beach Party.