“Oh Mummy, PLEASE can we get that baby Jesus scene – it’s so nice.”  The little girl, wrapped up in a bright blue duffle coat, gazes longingly at a Nativity Scene carved from wood.  Mary and Joseph stand beneath a couple of palm trees on either side of tiny crib,...

The contrast couldn’t be greater. We’d come from the crowded splendour of Ephesus, one of the world’s most visited sites, to the remote tranquillity of Miletus on the Turkish coast.  There, hordes of tourists jostling each other to get the best shot of the elegant Library of Celsus, here a...

Watching the sun rise across the Bosphorus illuminating three of the best-known sites in Istanbul– the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (aka The Blue Mosque), Hagia Sophia (or Ayia Sofia) and Topkapi Palace was a joy. Pink and turquoise light bounced off the quaint little Maiden Tower as ferries, fishing boats and yachts...

When you think of elegant Audrey Hepburn and ruggedly good looking Gregory Peck, the film Roman Holiday will instantly come to mind. For many film buffs this classic film acted as their first introduction to the Eternal City and as the 60th anniversary of the cinematic triumph was celebrated this September,...

Musician Oleg Skrypka and artist Anatoliy Kryvolap at Days of Ukraine launch in Kiev Having attended the ‘Days of Ukraine‘ press launch in Kiev, it’s very exciting to know that the festival starts today in London, showcasing the very best of Ukrainian culture including fashion, music, art and literature.  This intriguing country is...

Today’s quirky travel photo is of Videy Island (Viðey) just a few minutes’ ferry ride from Europe’s most northerly capital city, Reykjavik. As you sail towards this tiny isle, two small white buildings can be seen.  According to the official website (link above) Viðey Church, on the left,  was con­secra­ted in 1774.  It...

Through a half-open doorway drifted the divine sound of strong male voices harmonising in choral perfection … Magnetically drawn towards the sound, I discovered a timeless scene of elaborate ornament and simple reverence in the heart of Kiev.  A small group of young priests clustered together singing accompaniment to the...