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Tataouine, in southern Tunisia, is famous for the trogolodyte buildings of the native Berber* population. It’s so other-worldly, that director George Lucas used it as a backdrop for one of his Star Wars films. The buildings are actually ancient grain stores, or ksour, and you can read more in my Time Out article here.
Venice was once a water-logged destination for those escaping the plague on mainland Italy. It became one of the most powerful Italian republics, a great maritime power, and centre for the world’s finest art and music. Today the city seems to be drowning under the weight of its success. Each year it’s invaded by tourists…
On my latest visit to Devon I discovered a vibrant craft scene that includes ceramics, blacksmithing, and glass-blowing, along with an incredible range of food and drinks. Read about Devon’s quality wine, beer and gin, organic edible flowers, jams, fresh fish and chilli, in my article for ‘Discovering Devonshire Delights’ for Foodtripper. Some of the…
Casablanca Or Dar El Beida in Arabic, means ‘white house’ – a reference to the low-rise white-painted buildings that cover the landscape. But it’s a much-changed landscape today. The biggest city in Morocco is the busiest port in North Africa, a techno city decorated with hoardings advertising Samsung, Galaxy, Zara and Uniqlo… Markets in Morocco…
Milan’s EXPO Set to be the biggest ever, the theme is ‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life’. With 140 participating countries, it will be the biggest event on nutrition in the world. Here are some facts: 1 million square metres: the site will be equivalent in size to the 8th largest city in Italy 250,000:…
A neo-classical architect married an heiress, bought a house in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, then another, and another. He knocked them all through and filled every inch of space with his extensive collection of architectural fragments, sculptures and paintings. He lost three of his sons, fell out with the last one, and left the lot to…
East London Federation of Suffragettes Didn’t know that it’s 100 years since the start of the First World War? Unlikely. You can’t move for TV and radio programmes dedicated to it, local talks, ceremonies, commemorations, exhibitions… No, this centenary is something that we are all very much aware of. But what of the anti-war movement?…
Venice, the most flamboyant of all the Italian Carnivals, is famous for its political satire. But the rest of Italy also celebrates carnival. Find out more below: VENICE www.carnevale.venezia.it Palaces throughout the city host grand masked balls. Immerse yourself in the Serenissima’s festive history. During the world’s most famous masked ‘open city’ party, every corner…
Cinecittà & a cinephile’s introduction to Rome A lifetime spent in the Rome wouldn’t be enough to explore its art, architecture and cultural history. In a weekend, all you can hope for is to get a flavour of what this rich city has to offer. You’ll want to return again, and again… Even for those…
‘Now he takes his brush and he waits, outside them factory gates, to paint his…’ That was my introduction to L S Lowry, through the lyrics of flat-capped Brian & Michael on ‘Top of the Pops’ in 1978. To be honest, I haven’t given him much thought since. But as Tate Britain is currently hosting…