Category Archives: Europe

Polar Express

Last weekend a passenger on a Szczecin to Warsaw Poland regional train got a very chilly reception when she visited the train’s lavatory. She was shocked to discover that the toilet was encased in a three-inch thick block of ice. … Continue reading →

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

A Tale of Two Bridges

I can’t explain my interest in brilliantly designed bridges and I don’t feel the need to explore it. So, here’s a tale of two more way cool new bridges in Europe. Designed by Amsterdam-based NEXT Architects, this stunning span connects … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Europe | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

No Pine Scent Whatsoever

For decades, the Flemish city of Hasselt, Belgium has erected a lovely, traditional Christmas tree in the city’s Grotemarkt main square. But this holiday season has brought a charmingly novel approach to the tradition. Working with local residents, the Belgian … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Europe | Tagged , | 2 Comments

I’ll Drink To That

When the private company that provided night bus service in Ghent, Belgium stopped the operation, the municpal government found an innovative solution with an unlikely partner. In the new collaboration, the Antwerp-based brewery De Koninck agrred to cover the cost … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Tourism | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Underground Books

By now most bibliophiles have participated in, or at least heard about, bookswapping programs. The latest book give-away scheme is London’s Books on the Underground. All that’s necessary to be a participant is to visit the project website, request some … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, Writing | Tagged | Leave a comment

Meaning Minus Truth

I’m a fool for book-based art installations, as you may have already surmised. So here’s new one called “Meaning Minus Truth Condition” by Vienna-based artist Thomas Ehgartner. Built with 8,000 recycled books, the installation in the Kunstacademie Wien also includes … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Europe, Museums | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Amsterdam Goes Green(er)

This October, Reuben Beugel’s new company Hopper launched an innovative, eco-friendly taxi service in Amsterdam using chauffer-driven electric scooters. Charging a flat-rate fee of just € 2.50 regardless of the distance traveled Hopper’s service is quicker than traditional taxis, as … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, Europe, Tourism | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Borrow One If Necessary

Tomorrow, December 1st, marks the third annual Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day. More than 1,000 bookshops in North America, along with stores in the U.K. and Australia, will be hosting special events to celebrate young readers. Many bookstores … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, Canada, Europe, USA, Writing | Tagged | 2 Comments

Timeless Alsace

According to the editor Julien Guntz,  The “Alsace timelapse” project is the fruit of the collaboration of three French artists from Strasbourg, and the fusion of their photographic, editing and musical talents. The collective, baptized IGH, presents a short film … Continue reading →

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

Go Amphibious

If you have ever dreamed of going camping and boating, the Sealander is the perfect solution for you. This nifty little schwimmcaravan retails for around $20,000, but it’s fully customizable and comes with an electric motor, heating and cooking equipment. … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Tourism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment