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
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
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
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
In Mid September I flew out to Central and Eastern Europe to meet with medicinal plant producers, and to learn more about the botanical wealth of Austria, Hungary and Bulgaria. For 2 and 1/2 weeks it’s been a fantastic, educational, illuminating and inspirational trip, and dear friends in each of these 3 countries rolled out the red carpet for me: Thank you beautiful, noble, grand people, … Read More