Knock-Knock, Opening a Door on ‘Touch Wood’

‘Knock-knock,’ I chuckle to myself as I knock on the wooden closet, ‘the work on my next book is going so well, touch the wood!’ And ‘mum’s the word!’ ~ Am I being irrational by succumbing to a positive superstitious belief? Or do I actually improve my performance in a subsequent task by engaging in such credulous thoughts and behaviors? Never mind keeping to a rigorous writing schedule! It feels magical, so it’s got to be, right? 😉

25/08/202324/05/2024

The Boyar, with a Dagger, in a Sibiu Square, or Assassinating Mihnea cel Rău

Evanghelical Church Sibiu, Southern Portal 1457, has a baroque style door

There are numerous historical stories associated with Sibiu, Transylvania, but the assassination of dark Mihnea Vodă cel Rău, son of Vlad the Impaler, by a boyar, with the dagger, in the church square stands out.

10/08/202310/08/2023

Flâneurs on Paris Streets, Smiling Under Arches and Iron Sculptures

Five years ago we visited Paris and like greedy-eyed flâneurs, we smiled under arches and admired its iron carvings. We started our Parisian tour with glossy Trocadéro and Palais de Chaillot’s secrets and relaxed in the gardens of notorious Place de la Concorde.

On our way to the the thrilling Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile we simply strolled along the rues of Paris and admired its wrought-iron street art… Before climbing the historical Eiffel Tower… Before bowing underneath the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel… Before finding the shortest way to the Mona Lisa inside the artsy maize of Palais Royal Musee du Louvre… and other touristic activities people do in Paris, such as paying a visit to Nicolas Flamel’s home or finding the sinking house of Paris. Come, off we go along my Parisian memory lane!

14/07/202314/07/2023

Why Love Paris, Glossy Trocadéro and Palais de Chaillot’s Secrets

Day tour visiting Paris Trocadéro, Eiffel Tower Travel photography.

If you ever asked yourself why everyone loves Paris, then glossy Trocadéro and the Palais de Chaillot, not to mention Place de la Concorde, are three perfect reasons. Join me down the memory lane to one sunny August morning as we pay homage to the cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of France on its National Day, 14 July. Vive la France!

08/07/202305/08/2024

Being Bold, Climbing A Rare Medieval Council Tower, Bewitching Sibiu

Council Tower Sibiu view Small Square Big Square Patricia Furstenberg

Join me in climbing the seven floors of medieval Council Tower of bewitching Sibiu, located in the heart of Transylvania. We’ll squeeze our shoulders and bow to history as we’ll make our way up, up, up, but slowly, along a narrow spiraling stone staircase. We’ll pause to gather our wits and breath deeply before climbing further up on the suspended wooden stairs, all the way to the top!