Searching out a uniquely Teutonic answer to those rowdy refugees in Cologne

   A whole bunch of refugees freaked out on New Year’s Eve in Cologne and allegedly both robbed and sexually assaulted women who unfortunately were at the wrong place at the wrong time. It wasn’t immediately covered in the German media, but not because of any conspiracy. It simply wasn’t known about.  There’ve been allegations… Continue reading Searching out a uniquely Teutonic answer to those rowdy refugees in Cologne

Sylvester spoil sport – get those damned fireworks away from me

New Year’s Eve in Munich is awful. I like almost every aspect of living here, but there are a few things I simply cannot tolerate. What the locals call Sylvester is one of those things. I loath it. A lot. More than a lot, if that were possible. A whole lot. It really comes down… Continue reading Sylvester spoil sport – get those damned fireworks away from me

Star Wars from over here in my corner of the galaxy

   As popular as the new Star Wars film might be on social media and, of course, in cinemas around the world, there’s a contingent of people who never saw the point. Either they weren’t around when the original films came out and are baffled by the entire phenomenon or they even experienced all of… Continue reading Star Wars from over here in my corner of the galaxy

Their brogues and their cheer and their utter joy

  I’ve connected with friends via social media and even met quite a few people face-to-face who I’d first connected with online. I was rather active on twitter back before it seemed to be mostly brands and marketing accounts, and between that and writing a tea blog, I made the acquaintance of quite a few… Continue reading Their brogues and their cheer and their utter joy

My tail is wagging as I bound through the undergrowth

   The sky seems to have moved in closer, and the day slams shut so much earlier. Knowing that sundown is creeping towards us makes me want to pack as much into those depleting moments of sunlight.  The leaves that are left are somehow racing to the ground now – they pile up and make… Continue reading My tail is wagging as I bound through the undergrowth

give us a scent that is a perfect anodyne to the restless spirit

    “Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love – that makes life and nature harmonise. The birds are consulting about their migrations, the trees are putting on the hectic or the pallid hues of decay, and begin to strew the ground, that one’s very footsteps may not disturb… Continue reading give us a scent that is a perfect anodyne to the restless spirit

up up up the stairs in Verona

Straight from late summer into what feels like winter, we’ve somehow missed autumn entirely. The leaves are yellowed and fall magnificently, but the temperature is blustery. My thoughts are down south in Italy where I’m sure it’s not only warmer but they’re eating particularly good ice cream while maneuvering the cobble-stoned streets. One of the… Continue reading up up up the stairs in Verona

How did the American get on the roof of the toilet?

   This blog has been only about refugees lately, and as much as I’m still obsessed with the topic (more on that another time), there’s so much else going on. Other things need to be dealt with. And quickly.  For example: people climbing objects in public & standing on said objects. Like in the photo… Continue reading How did the American get on the roof of the toilet?

I assume we’re going to keep doing this until we like it

   I’ve been laid up this week, which is why I’ve included the photo of Louis prepared to administer first aid. It’s been quite an interesting time to observe current events, and because of a lot of time on my hands, I’ve read my fill of op-ed pieces about the refugee crisis here in Europe. … Continue reading I assume we’re going to keep doing this until we like it