Category Archives: Europe

Is it Really Worth It ?

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Now that we are immersed in the quadrennial celebration of all things sport, it may be an appropriate moment to stop and examine the true costs of all this hoopla. After seeing exactly what the 2012 Olympic Games is costing … Continue reading →

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Not the Route to the Olympics

Posted on July 28, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

London has many unique features, but few are aware that it’s the only city in Europe that can boast a railway line for the dead. The little-known London Necropolis Railway was constructed in the mid-19th century by the London Necropolis … Continue reading →

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Save the Guidebook

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

It may come as a surprise that purchasers of travel guidebooks in both the U.S. and the U.K. still prefer traditional print books to digital editions. That is according to the Bowker organization, which provides publishing and information management services … Continue reading →

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Make Yourself at Home

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Travelers with time to kill at Charles de Gaulle Aéroport in Paris can now kickback and relax in a new IKEA sponsored (and furnished) lounge. The 220 square meter lounge offers a homey escape from the hectic airport public waiting … Continue reading →

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What the Phonics

Posted on July 22, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

WTPh? What the Phonics is a neat project that helps confused travelers with the frequently tricky pronounciation of street names in Denmark. Artist Momo Miyazaki and sound engineer Andrew Spitz created the interactive installations that are scattered around the heart … Continue reading →

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Library Himmel

Posted on July 21, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

I can never resist a collection of great library photographs. So, I was thrilled to stumble across a wonderful series of photos of libraries from around Northern Europe. Professional photographer Christoph Seebach is based in Köln, Germany, where he is … Continue reading →

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Starbucks’ Progenitor

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Some of us seem to think that travel is just an opportunity to hangout at new cafes and coffeehouses. Thanks to the British Museum we can trace the Western roots of our coffee obsession back to England’s very first public … Continue reading →

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Voices in High Towers

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

British artist Robert Montgomery’s text/art has appeared on streets and in galleries around the world. His eloquent, moving and ruminative statements challenge viewers’ beliefs and illusions. Montgomery usually plasters over existing signage and replaces the advertising with poetry. This summer, … Continue reading →

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Room for Art

Posted on July 15, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The Clarion Hotel in Stockholm‘s happening Södermalm district, loves art so much that they inaugurated a scheme this summer that offers artists the opportunity to pay for their accommodations with a work of art. The offer is good for a … Continue reading →

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Paris: free wi-fi and more

Posted on July 14, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

All photos © Felipe Ribon The Mairie de Paris commissioned the firm JCDecaux to create the clever Escale Numérique , a “green” free wi-fi/gadget charging station/information kiosk at the Rond Pont des Champs-Elysées. The Escale Numérique’s sheltered hotspot is equipped … Continue reading →

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