Category Archives: Tourism

Watching Operation Night Watch

Posted on July 13, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Rembrandt’s famous painting The Night Watch at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum is not my favorite work from the master, or my favorite painting in the great institution. However, every time that I’m in Amsterdam somehow I find myself in front of the iconic work … Continue reading →

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See Naples and sleep with the books

Posted on June 20, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

The Mondadori Bookstore in Naples’ Vomero District has made it possible to spend the night surrounded by thousands of books. Under the name Mooks Bed & Books, the bookshop has installed two beautiful suites, each furnished with antiques and thousands of books … Continue reading →

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Kitsch is King Even In NYC

Posted on June 17, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Diehard Harry Potter fans will undoubtedly love the new Wizarding World-themed coffee shop just opened in Manhattan’s East Village neighborhood. Cleverly named Steamy Hallows, the kitschy  cafe boasts a whole range of over the top decor, including floating candles to … Continue reading →

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A unique perspective for NYC visitors

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Visitors to New York City sometimes find themselves overwhelmed by the crowds and hustle. A good way for tourists to get a break is to spend some time on NYC’s waterways and waterfront. This can be accomplished by using the … Continue reading →

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Another Roadside Attraction

Posted on June 8, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

About this time last year, I was on a roadtrip around the U.S. Southwest, which included a drive between Durango and Telluride, Colorado. That stretch was mainly on the beautiful Route 145 through the San Juan Mountains.  So I sat … Continue reading →

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In Bruges

Posted on June 4, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit Bruges before it became completely Disney-fied by over tourism. Still, I never got to see the Belgian gem as viewed in these amazing Photochrom prints from the 1890s. This … Continue reading →

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Poster House

Posted on June 1, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

New Yorkers and tourists too can now visit a new museum entirely dedicated to the art of posters.The Poster House, located in Manhattan’s Chelsea district and which features an identity designed by Pentagram’s Paula Scher, will be the first museum of its … Continue reading →

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Banksy pranks Venice

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

So it seems that that lovable street art scamp known as Banksy has brought his personal commentary on overtourism, commercialism, and the art world to Venice on the heels of the pretentious Biennale.

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Copenhagen : Books and Coffee

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Although I have my quibbles with the baffling commitment to light roasts by Scandinavian 3rd wave coffeeshops and roasters, I do appreciate that there are coffee drinking opportunities everywhere—even in libraries. One of the coolest place to enjoy a good … Continue reading →

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A Little Fjord Music

Posted on May 21, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Part of Iceland’s problem with overtourism is that too few tourists take the time to visit the beautiful East of the country. I always try to see the “real” Iceland by driving to some of the little waterfront towns like … Continue reading →

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