Something Like Home

What does home mean? Is it the place you’ve lived in the longest? Or is it the place you grew up in? Is it the memories you associate with the place or is it the place itself? A place covered by four walls and a roof. A place that’s a sanctuary for you. A place […]

Savouring Christmas

Christmas markets are a ubiquitous part of European cityscapes. As the end of November approaches, squares and sidewalks sprout markets heralding Christmas in big cities and small towns. Passers-by are greeted to the aroma of mulled wine mixed with other savoury and sweet refreshments. Inevitably, most markets have a giant Christmas tree at the centre, […]

A Celebration of Bavarian Culture

Just the mention of Bavaria is enough to make people think of Munich, mugs of beer and the Oktoberfest. Of dirndls and lederhosen. Bratwurst and the roasted chicken. And more beer. But Oktoberfest or Wiesn as it is locally called is more than just a beer festival. Indeed, it is classified as a ‘Volksfest’, a […]

The Dutch King’s Birthday

27th April On this day, every year, thousands of Dutch people take to the streets to join in on what is probably the largest party in all of the Netherlands. There’s revelry in the streets. The bars are overflowing with people. Everyone dressed in orange. Right from orange T-shirts to orange hats. It’s an orange […]

When a Foreigner Moves to Switzerland

Switzerland welcomed me with traditional Swiss music accompanied by the intermittent mooing of cows. Anyone who has ever taken a flight into or out of Zurich will realise that I am talking about the soundtrack playing in the train ferrying passengers to and from the international terminal at Kloten airport. Equipped with a basic knowledge […]

The Northern Lights – A Camera Trick?

Everyone must have seen pictures of the Northern Lights. Instagram is flooded with those brilliant displays of predominantly green fluorescence in the night sky. Dancing the night away. They come in different shapes and colours. Right from a blood red to an electric blue. From luminescent ribbons to sparkling spirals to glittering arcs. Every sighting […]

Language!

Such a powerful word! Something around which our entire existence lies. We grow up in a cocoon of people sharing the same language. Listening to the language. Imitating the sounds. And with this language comes a plethora of cultural treasure. Traditions and folk arts are unlocked because you can comprehend them. Food habits are shaped […]