A bee hums to himself as he gathers nectar from a giant daisy, his stripey jacket furry, his wings whirring to keep him secure. The white petals and bright yellow hearts epitomize the simple pleasure of a summer’s day. A couple pose for a selfie in front of an even...

Mount Teide from the north – image Philipp N Quirky Travel Fact: Tenerife means ‘White Mountain' in the ancient Guanches language of this attractive island off the coast of Africa. The Guanches, according to my Berlitz ‘Tenerife' guide book, were. “tall, fair-skinned, blue-eyed people who somehow reached the Canary Islands...

The sound of a hundred voices rose above the flowers, trees, plants and water in a fond farewell. Neigen sich die Stunden  (Now it’s time for leaving) sang the choirs of South Tyrol.  Dressed in traditional Tyrolean costume these singers had been serenading a very appreciative audience at the Day...

The Victorian and Edwardian elegance and architecture of Southport is renowned in the north of England. Botanic Gardens – photo www.virtualsouthport.co.uk As one of the area’s most popular seaside resorts it attracts thousands of visitors every year – and rightly so. It has a beautiful Promenade with a miniature railway and ornamental...

Autumn trees in the Lake District What’s your favourite season?  In Britain we still have quite clearly defined changes around the year, keeping us on our toes and providing endless conversation topics in lifts around the country. Winter gives us frosty mornings, skeletal trees and occasional snow falls carpeting the...

‘Is it not strange, this madness that has gripped us?’ asks Cornelius. ‘What madness?’ asks the painter. ‘Have you surrendered to the passion yet?’ The painter pauses. ‘It depends what passion you are talking about.’ ‘This speculation on tulip bulbs! Great fortunes have been made and lost. These new hybrids...