Category Archives: Europe

the more noble instinct that aspires

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

I have been a fan of filmmaker and photographer Alex Soloviev ever since I stumbled upon his visual ode to Germany’s capital in Everyday Berlin. His new short film Highland Fairytale is an atmospheric and haunting visit to Catalunya’s most … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Europe, Film, History, Photography, Tourism | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Tunnel Vision

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

The Cuyperspassage is a 110-meter tunnel that runs under Amsterdam Central Station offering a connection from the front to the rear of the building for cyclists and pedestrians . Graphic designer Irma Boom created a fantastic Delft blue time mural … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Europe, Public Transport, Tourism | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Silmarillion with an accent

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

I was searching for an illustrated copy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Silmarillion for a client when I stumbled across this Russian language version with exceptional black and white drawings by artist Denis Gordeev. I don’t know anything about him, but he … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Europe, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

A Cracking Good Idea

Posted on January 30, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

This week, the London street artist known as Furia ACK painted a large mural of the P.T. Barnum of American presidential politics on a wall in the East End Shoreditch neighborhood. As soon as the portrait was completed, Furia, along with friends … Continue reading →

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Airbnb for Bikes

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

Copenhagen-based Donkey Republic has created what just may be a better alternative to city bike-sharing programs. AirDonkey users log-on with a simple app and reserve a bike within a chosen “hub” area. The app’s map guides the renter to a … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, Europe, Public Transport, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Banksy vs France

Posted on January 26, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

After Banksy’s controversial but surprisingly successful Dismaland installation closed last year, it was announced that the buildings and sets that comprised the attraction would be dismantled and shipped to Calais, France to provide shelter at the refugee camp known as “The Jungle”. The materials have been used … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Europe | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Backpacking 101

Posted on January 23, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

It’s been a quite a few years since I did any long backpacking trips around Europe, but I paid my dues with some three and four month journeys. Each episode is a learning experience on choosing the right gear and … Continue reading →

Posted in Air Travel, Canada, Europe, Public Transport, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Whiskey War

Posted on January 16, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

Since 1933, Canada and Denmark have been waging a quiet cold war over a desolate island in the far Arctic—really. The grim, barren 1.2 square kilometer rock has no apparent resources or value. But Hans Island is situated smack in … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, Europe, History, Maps | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Appearances Can Be Deceiving

Posted on January 15, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

Sometimes Paris can seem like one enormous movie set. Apparences is a beautiful, if somewhat surreal, video experiment directed by French duo Clarice et Maxine,who morphed iconic attractions and street scenes into a massive Potemkin Village.

Posted in Architecture, Art, Europe, Film, movies, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Welcome to Britain

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

Everyone’s favorite Brit Stephen Fry is starring in a just released little “welcome to the U.K.” video created by London’s Heathrow Airport. The short film is calculated to introduce foreign visitors to some of the quirks of British culture. Appropriately filmed inside … Continue reading →

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