After musician Tom Petty died last year on October 2nd last year, I listened to this hauntingly beautiful rendition of his song ‘Wildflowers’, performed live by Miley Cyrus on the Howard Stern show. Inspired by the listening experience, I took the last window of good weather opportunity offered by nature around that time, to prepare the soil and sow a meadow in his memorial. Pictured above … Read More
There are many reasons beyond the world famous beer festival Oktoberfest to make Munich a stop on your travels. Munich was first mentioned in written records in 1158 , when it was a monastery. Located at the Northern Edge of the Alps, between the rivers Isar and Würm, it grew quickly into a major city, and eventually became capitol of the Kingdom of Bavaria, ruled by emperors over … Read More
Absinthe, also known as ‘the green fairy’, is an anise flavored, distilled, high-proof beverage which peaked in popularity during the Fin de Siècle, particularly in it’s country of origin, France, where it was consumed in large quantities by all levels of society as an aperitif. The spirit drink has been well documented in the fine arts The Peruvian painter Paul Gauguin consumed large quantities of the … Read More
In Southern France, outside of Nice, along the French Riviera, not far from Monte Carlo and it’s famous casino, perched on a hill overlooking the Bay of Villefranche and Bay of Beaulieu, lies the country folly of the baroness Béatrice de Rothschild. The exceptionally wealthy heir of the Baron de Rothschild banker family and wife of banker Maurice de Ephrussi, carefully chose this spot to build … Read More
On my last trip to Austria I was introduced to a lovely, light, refreshing summer drink called ‘Hugo’. Ingredients: 02 ml chilled, dry or semi-dry white wine, such as: Chardonnay, Viogner, Chablis, Chenin blanc, Savignon blanc, Riesling, Gruener Veltliner 1 tablespoon elder flower syrup 1 teaspoon lime juice 01 ml chilled sparkling mineral water, club soda, seltzer or 01 ml chilled sparkling wine, … Read More
Summertime spells heat and sun for most of us in temperate climate zones. To cool off, humans and animals alike trek to water, and seek shade under cool tree canopy. A popular deciduous shade tree is the Plane tree, or Sycamore, of the botanical genus Platanus, and the only member of the plane tree family (Platanaceae). This tree grows quickly, and can live a long time. … Read More
Every year in February, the biggest organic consumer goods fair in the world, called “Biofach Messe and Vivaness“, in Nuremburg, Germany, draws members of the organic business community from all over the world, who flock to the fair to make and break deals, cultivate old relationships, form new ones, look for products, attend lectures, and explore the organic scene. Originally started in 1990, it is now … Read More
The holiday season is here, it’s dark and cold outside, and we spend more time inside, socializing with friends and family. It’s the season to be jolly; and to spread influenza and other cold viruses. Here are some of my favorite flu fighting remedies: Herbal Chicken Broth Homemade Chicken Soup is a must in my flu fighting arsenal. I prepare a simple stock from my own … Read More
Autumn colors, long, dark and cold nights, rain, fog and storms: are you getting ready to retreat indoors, with a cup of tea, and a slow cooking dish on the stove or in the oven? I am, but not so fast. If you live in a climate that experiences cold winters, and have been spared by the destruction of hurricane Sandy, you have until Thanksgiving to … Read More
Dear BG, I will admit, your charms have left a lasting impression on me. Stara Planina Mountains, Bulgaria Your natural beauty is stunning, with a towering Stara Planina mountain plateau to the north, and the even more beautiful Rhodope mountains in your south. Nestled between these giants is your fertile valley, home to fields of the queen of flowers, Rosa x damascena, and fragrant lavender plants. … Read More