Category Archives: Europe

Mind The Gap

Posted on December 28, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

The Château la Coste is a renowned vineyard located near Aix-en-Provence in the south of France. Along with fine wines, the vineyard is also known for its art. The Renzo Piano-designed gallery is currently hosting an installation from everyone’s favorite … Continue reading →

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

Mapping the Past

Posted on December 27, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

In one of my frequent sojourns down the rabbit-hole of the internet, I stumbled on these wonderful 19th century railway maps. The map above was created by Joseph Beers in 1884 to depict the railroads of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His … Continue reading →

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Choose Love

Posted on December 25, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

As many of you enjoy the festive season and celebrate the story of the birth of the world’s most famous refugee child, please take a moment to consider the plight of millions of displaced children around the world. Iranian animator … Continue reading →

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World’s Smallest Bookshop

Posted on December 22, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

The world’s tiniest bookshop launched this week in Malmö Sweden. The diminutive bookstore, called Frankie & Benjys Böcker, was created by an anonymous street art collective appropriately named AnonyMouse. Their mouse-sized mini-bookshop joins the group’s previous projects, Il Topolino, a miniature restaurant, and Noix de Vie, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Bookstore Tourism, Europe, Theater, Tourism | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

We Remember

Posted on December 21, 2017 by Brian D. Butler
Posted in Books, Europe | Tagged | 1 Comment

Winter Is Coming

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Tomorrow marks the  winter solstice —the shortest day and longest night of the year. In the northern hemisphere, the solstice also marks the official start of winter. Here on the east coast of the U.S., the solstice will be happen at … Continue reading →

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

Imagine Peace

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

The Imagine Peace Tower is a dramatic and moving memorial to John Lennon that was built by Yoko Ono on Viðey Island just off Reykjavik, Iceland. The monument consists of a round stone base with the words “Imagine Peace” inscribed in 24 … Continue reading →

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Amsterdam is Magical

Posted on December 15, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I’ve had the good fortune to visit Amsterdam many times, in every season. While I love balmy summer days hanging in cafes along the atmospheric canals or lounging in Vondel Park, there is something truly magical about the city in … Continue reading →

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

Rationalizing Airport Security

Posted on December 10, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

During the last two weeks Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport has been testing a novel approach to airport security screening. The Personal Security Pass pilot project aims to demonstrate that it’s possible to reduce wait times and make passenger security screenings … Continue reading →

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Coffee Makes The World Go Round

Posted on December 8, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Folks who know me will vouch for my life-long love of coffee. For the most part, I’m a coffee purist; I tend to stick with simple and direct caffeine delivery systems. Give me a doppio espresso, a Red-Eye, or just … Continue reading →

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