Rossiniére Switzerland is one of my favorite places in all of Europe, perhaps in all of the world. Located on the French speaking side of the country, Rossinére is one of those picture-postcard perfect Swiss villages. The village is home…
Where to Watch Traditional Cheesemakers in Switzerland
Watching traditional cheesemakers in Switzerland will give you a new appreciation of hard work and the art of making cheese. We’ve watched and participated in cheesemaking in a number of settings. I’m always amazed at the sheer physical effort involved.…
Yule Lads and Other Cultural Souvenirs of Iceland
My favorite souvenir from Iceland, besides this picture of me at Lake My’Vatn with the Bardabunga Volcano erupting in the background, is a little thing called a Jólasveinar – a Yule Lad. The Jólasveinars, or Yule lads, are among the…
A Day on the Männlichen Royal Walk in Wengen Switzerland
We kind of stumbled upon the Männlichen Royal Walk in that mindless way that happens when you’re walking along, look up and think “ya, let’s do that.” We should have given it more thought. This post contains affiliate links and…
Quentin Roosevelt Memorial from WWI in Rural France
Chamery France is a tiny dot in the road in northern France, near the Marne River, not at all unlike Wolf Lake, the little dot in the road in southern Illinois near the Mississippi River where my sister and I…
Visiting Flanders Fields Museum and the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium
“In Flanders Fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row.” So begins the poem by Lt. John McCrae, a Canadian surgeon who witnessed the worst of World War I and tried to repair it. It is because of this…
Exploring Ålesund Norway and Art Nouveau Architecture
We had been in Ålesund Norway for just a few minutes when I posted this picture on social media. “Who knew Ålesund was such so gorgeous?” I asked rhetorically. Certainly those who have been to Ålesund know of the interesting…
What to Expect at the World’s Most Embarrassing Museum
The museum in downtown Reykjavik is officially called the Icelandic Phallological Museum, but everyone just calls it The Penis Museum. Have I got your attention now? This post contains affiliate links. To learn more, read our DISCLAIMER here. Just a Collection…
Gstaad Switzerland’s Really Big Fondue Pots
Although you can enjoy traditional Swiss fondue literally in any restaurant or cafe anywhere in Switzerland, the people of Gstaad have created a delightful opportunity to experience fondue in what has to be the world’s biggest fondue pots. This post…