Category Archives: Europe

Copenhagen For Free

Posted on July 18, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

This summer Copenhagen is rewarding visitors who support sustainable tourism with a wide range of free perks. Travelers can earn rewards at Copenhagen attractions ranging from a free lunch or a cup of coffee to a kayak tour or even … Continue reading →

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Selling Nature

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

I have fond memories of exploring the Greek islands way back in the 20th century when it was still possible to find secluded beaches and little family run hotels. Alas, mass tourism has made all of that unlikely. The Berlin-based … Continue reading →

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Reading Room

Posted on July 13, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

The British Museum in London has reopened its famous circular Reading Room for visitors with free tours .The historic Reading Room was built between 1854 and 1857 to a design by Sydney Smirke using cast iron, concrete, and glass. Much of … Continue reading →

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secret from the river

Posted on July 12, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

“Have you also learned that secret from the river; that there is no such thing as time? That the river is everywhere at the same time, at the source and at the mouth, at the waterfall, at the ferry, at … Continue reading →

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Alien Picnic

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

I recently ran across a reference to the fantastic Russian Sci-Fi classic Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky that included a link to a free online version of the novel. You can read or download the book here. The Strugatsky brothers … Continue reading →

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Welcome to the city of love

Posted on July 9, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

The BBC has released a new promotional video to gin-up some excitement for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Titled ‘Welcome to the City of Love,’ the short weaves a heartwarming narrative that blends Parisian romance with the passion … Continue reading →

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“Ricordare è rivivere” (“to remember is to relive”)

Posted on July 5, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Sigmund Freud returned again and again to the problem of memory as he formulated his theories of psychoanalysis during the 1890s. “What is essentially new about my theory,” Freud wrote in this letter to fellow physician and confidante Wilhelm Fliess, … Continue reading →

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Souvenir for writers

Posted on July 4, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Over the years I have been both the giver and recipient of some quite silly travel souvenirs, so it’s heartening to find that even the ancient Romans weren’t above bringing home the occasional humorous gift. The Museum of London Archaeology … Continue reading →

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Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Franz Kafka, born on this day in 1883. “You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself … Continue reading →

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Banishing Evil

Posted on June 29, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

This short New Yorker documentary about a Bulgarian tradition of dancing evil spirits away reminds us of the traditional rituals that are slowly disappearing, of the ways people develop coping mechanisms and lasting community. It’s a moving portrayal and a … Continue reading →

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