Category Archives: Travel

A Train full of Old Men – from Edmonton to Winnipeg

In the first part of this Trans-Canadian railway trilogy, the prior perusal of which I recommend for reasons of strictly following the timetable, I had written about the historical importance of the railway for the establishment of Canada. The current … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, Photography, Travel | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

“Couchsurfing in Iran” by Stephan Orth

Couchsurfing, staying with hitherto strangers for free, is a good way to get to know a country and its people. It’s even more rewarding in countries where you don’t speak the language and where you are sometimes a bit lost … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Iran, Travel | Tagged | 9 Comments

Honeymoon on a Train

The young man went to the dining car alone because the wife had a strict rule about not eating after 8 pm and, having crossed several time zones on the long train journey, she was unsure which of them to … Continue reading →

Posted in Life, Love, Time, Travel | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

The Border between Europe and the Orient

Where exactly are the boundaries of Europe? With that question, you can entertain your guests for a whole evening of barbecue, especially when serving ćevapčići and kebab. It can’t just be the European Union, because why should San Marino, Norway and … Continue reading →

Posted in Azerbaijan, Europe, Georgia, Travel | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Communism in Canada?

With elections less than a month away in the province of Alberta, political placards are sprouting faster than crocuses. “Communism coming soon,” I read on one, coincidentally as I was walking to the grocery cooperative, and I thought: “Well, that … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, Politics, Travel | 4 Comments

Of Human Bonding

Over the years, I had become accustomed to living alone, had grown to appreciate independence, freedom, solitude even. It’s an easier life, not having to care about anyone, let alone for anyone, not having to worry about the expectations of … Continue reading →

Posted in Love, Travel | Tagged , | 6 Comments

FAQ on House-Sitting

Zur deutschen Fassung dieser Einführung ins Haushüten. Sometimes, one random encounter changes the course of our lives. When I lived in Montenegro, as I walked down to Tivat from a hike on Mount Vrmac, I bumped into a lady with … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel, Video Blog | Tagged , , | 41 Comments

Random Thoughts (24)

Good news: the days are getting longer. Unless you live in the Southern hemisphere, then you are doomed to darkness. And unless you live on the equator, in which case you are missing out on something fabulous. My sister asked … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, Books, Brazil, Canada, Economics, Germany, Iran, Language, Politics, Religion, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Travel, UK, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

For my readers in Yugoslavia

There are countries where I am received with car bombs and threatening phone calls (Malta), and then there are countries where I am received with hospitality and curiosity, leading to newspaper articles and invitations to speak at TEDx conferences (Romania). … Continue reading →

Posted in Montenegro, Travel | Tagged , , | 17 Comments

The next cat will be in Cornwall

This house sitting is turning into a booming business. Apparently, word on the cat internet has it that I am lovely and caring, for I am receiving one assignment after the other. As I am going to return from Canada … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel, UK | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments