Royal Happiness in Copenhagen, Denmark
The small Scandinavian powerhouse of Denmark always ranks in the top 10 in the United Nations World Happiness Report. During a business trip to Copenhagen in June, I was reminded why. It’s clean, efficient, safe, socially minded, sustainable and technology-driven with high trust among its citizens, high quality of life and values centered upon honesty and equality. It has free education and an advanced health care system. The Danes are polite, helpful, friendly and good-humored. What’s not to love?
Shrimp Fishing on Horseback in Oustduinkerke, Belgium
In the Belgian village of Oustduinkerke on the North Sea, a 500-year-old tradition endures: shrimp fishing on horseback. It is the only place on record in the world where this unique, UNESCO-recognized practice still occurs. It is also one of the most difficult fishing practices in history, requiring mastery of both large horses and tiny shrimp.
Light, Smoke, Baguettes and Berets in Paris
Paris, the City of Light, has been a light in my life for decades. Its romantic reputation upholds as the capital of France, which exemplifies “joie de vivre,” and as the world’s epicenter of art, architecture, fashion and gastronomy. My love affair with Paris began many years ago and continues to this day.
Nautical Knots and Locks of Love in Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is Germany’s northerly darling that’s a gateway to the world as a major international port. It accesses the North Sea via the Elbe River and rivals Venice with its web of canals and waterways. More than 15,000 ships from over 100 countries pass through Hamburg each year. The city-state also has a lake (Alster, divided into inner and outer parts), massive shipping and ship building industries, and maritime culture from water “buses” to a weekly fish market. This explains why Hamburg is Germany’s second most populated city after Berlin and has more consulates than almost any city in the world.
Destination Heligoland by Charter Expedition Yacht
Discovery is a dream rooted in nature … who knew Heligoland archipelago north of Germany had such stunning cliffs and fluffy cows! This once Frisian then Danish hideaway was taken over by the British in 1814, which ceded it to Germany in 1890 in exchange for Zanzibar and other African territories. The Germans used Heligoland as a naval base during both World Wars and as a tourism spot in between. Today it a site for navigation, wind-energy production and scientific research, namely orinthology.
Beach, Wind & Fire on Canary Islands of Spain
Beach, wind and fire sum up the Canary Islands of Spain from La Palma to Fuerteventura. Made from fire, these islands all have a fiery temperament. Mother Nature creates and destroys parts of them like a symphony. Stunning beaches and wind for sports are her gifts in between movements.
‘Thelma and Louise’ on Volcanic Moonscape of Lanzarote
Lanzarote, the most volcanic island in Spain’s Canary archipelago, is comprised entirely of volcanoes ranging from 15 million to 300 years old. The newer landscape was largely created by a volcanic eruption in the 1730s that covered it with lava and ash, expanding it several square kilometers and destroying villages. Today, this eruption is frozen in time, giving life to a black “moonscape” of craters and bizarre shapes with streaks of red, orange and yellow. Driving across this island brought “Thelma and Louise” back to life as well.
Blown Away by/on Fuerteventura in Spain’s Canary Islands
Contrary to popular belief, Spain’s Canary Islands west of Western Sahara do not take their name from birds, rather dogs. While the songbirds were named after the Canary Islands, the latter was derived the Latin term Insula Canaria, meaning “Island of the Dogs.” Ironically, these windswept islands, notably the kitesurfing hub Fuerteventura, will transport you away from the “dog eat dog” world and make you sing like canaries.
Party Like an Environmentalist, Foodie and Artist in Ibiza
Ibiza in Spain’s Balearic Islands is the European party place with world-class DJs but it is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site as a hub of biodiversity, history and culture. This natural reserve, archeological site and pioneer in art and gastronomy will be music to your ears. Rock on!
Summer of Dreams in Boroughs of London
Spending a summer in London was one of the best things I ever did. This metropolis, including the City of London and 32 boroughs, has a neighborhood feel and everything you can and cannot imagine.
