Translating to “The Desired One”, this narrow oblong islet off Guadeloupe’s eastern coast got its name from the fact that it was the first landmass spotted during Columbus’ Second Voyage to America in 1493. For centuries, Amerindian settlers didn’t much desire to live permanently on La Désirade, as it’s actually quite hostile to life, having…
The 5 Best Things to do in Pointe-à-Pitre, the Cultural Capital of Guadeloupe
It might not be Guadeloupe’s capital (that distinction goes to Basse-Terre) but Pointe-à-Pitre is the island’s biggest city and arguably its cultural centre with the highest concentration of museums, restaurants and bars. Due to the vicinity of the airport and ferry terminal it’s also likely the city you’ll arrive in, when first coming to Guadeloupe….
What to Do in Charming Jablonné v Podještědi in the Northern Czech Republic
This small town in the northernmost part of the Czech Republic may be far off the tourist trail, but there are at least two very good reasons for a stopover: The wonderful baroque-era Basilica of Saints Lawrence and Zdislava and the nearby medieval Lemberk Castle. You can easily visit the town on a daytrip from…
Visiting the Monument to the Battle of the Nations or Völkerschlachtdenkmal in Leipzig, Germany
Charming Leipzig is Central Germany’s biggest city and a wonderful place to check out for first time visitors to the country. It’s arguably the cultural capital of the region and packs tons of historical sights but at the same time doesn’t draw the amount of tourists other big German cities like Berlin, Munich or Hamburg…
What to Know About Visiting Colditz Castle, Germany
The small town of Colditz in western Saxony probably wouldn’t be on many traveler’s radars if it weren’t for its famous castle. It’s certainly an impressive example of Renaissance architecture, but the main reason Colditz Castle is familiar to history buffs around the world is its infamous role as a Prisoner of War Camp during…
7 Wonderful Things to Do in Matsuyama, Japan – Home to the Bathhouse from Spirited Away
Shikoku’s biggest city is also one of the island’s most interesting places to visit, as it features an unusual mixture of historic sites and wacky newer attractions. Foremost among the former are Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest public bath, which inspired the bathhouse from ‘Spirited Away’ and Matsuyama-jō, one of Shikoku’s best-preserved castles. More offbeat sights…
The Best Things to Do in the Pretty Historical Village of Uchiko, Japan
The cute village of Uchiko in western Shikoku’s Ehime Prefecture is worth visiting for its well-preserved historical centre, which is filled with traditional wooden buildings dating mainly to the late Edo and early Meiji Eras (approx. early 18th to late 19th century). Originally a centre for the production of silk and paper, Uchiko became wealthy…
10 Amazing Things to Do in Kochi, Japan – A Guide to Shikoku’s Most Beautiful City
Kōchi, the capital of the province of the same name, quickly turned out to be our favourite city on Shikoku. It played an important part in Japanese history, as national hero Sakamoto Ryōma, who was instrumental in bringing about the opening of the country to the West with the Meiji Restoration was born here. Ryōma …
The Ultimate Guide to the Iya Valley on Shikoku, Japan – 9 Unforgettable Things to Do
This remote river valley in the mountains of eastern Shikoku’s Tokushima Prefecture is one of my favourite places on the entire island. The sheer isolation of the place made it a popular hiding place for political refugees, and during the 12th century Samurai from the Heike Clan ostensibly fled to the valley to hide after…
What to Know About Visiting Nagoro, Japan’s Bizarre Doll Village
Japan certainly has its share of weird and wonderful sights, but we didn’t come across a more unusual place than Nagoro, a small mountain village populated by nearly life-sized dolls. Sitting in the secluded Iya Valley, it’s a wonderfully offbeat place to explore and one that should be on every Shikoku itinerary. Our visit to…