The Musée des Beaux-Arts is one of France’s oldest museums. Within its ornate galleries, it has impressive collections ranging from Egyptian art to the 20th century. Most notable is the late 18th century European collection and the 15th century Burgundian collection. The centerpiece is the former great hall, now called the Salles des Gardes, where […]
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Musée d’Art Sacré
The only reasons to visit this museum are if you are already next door at the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne or if you are religious. Since I fell into the former category, it’s no surprise that I was more interested in the architecture than the museum’s dusty contents. The Musée d’Art Sacré occupies the […]
Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne
Although navigating quaint Dijon evokes the past, a visit to Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne really shows what everyday life was like. The museum, which occupies a 17th century Cistercian convent, is well worth a visit. It is spread over three levels: 19th century rural and Burgundian ethnographical heritage displays are on the ground floor, […]
Fort Lambert
In Luxembourg, there are ancient structures and eye-catching designs all over. This is one of my favorite combinations: the ruins of Fort Lambert adorned with Jean-Bernard Métais’ white aggregate and turf piece, “The Wave.” Fort Lambert was constructed in the 17th century. Then, it was a two-story pentagonal structure with a corresponding pentagonal courtyard protected […]
Léa Linster Delicatessen
Could these be what Proust was talking about? I was turned on to these madeleines by my new friend Anita, who said they were amazing. Guess what? She was right. So, so right! I’ve always loved madeleines. I’ve eaten them in France, New York, San Francisco (I know, I know, but there are a lot […]
Nil
Nil was recommended to me by my friend Alex, who used to live in Hamburg. I expected it to be good, but it ended up being the best meal I’ve had in awhile! The dishes were not particularly inventive, but the ingredients were seasonal and fresh and each course was solidly delicious. NIL specializes in […]
Hamburg Window Washers
After observing too many freestyle window washers, I took great comfort in observing these well-enclosed guys at work! Hamburg, Germany, window
St. Georg
St. Georg’s original 18th century Baroque building was destroyed by bombs during WWII. This one was rebuilt in 1957. I liked the simple, nautical interior and the art exhibit right outside. St. Georg, church, Hamburg, Germany
St. Michaelis, or St. Michel
This is another one of Hamburg’s five Hauptkirchen (main church) and the most recognizable church in the city, thanks to its Baroque copper spire. It is dedicated to the archangel Michael, who is shown in action, defeating the devil, in a large bronze statue above the portal. The first church on this site dates back […]
Speicherstadt
Ah, the port. The port is what Hamburg is known for. Well, that and St. Pauli, which seemed more like a tourist zone except with brothels. Anyway, right, the port. It’s the second largest in Europe (after Rotterdam) and the ninth largest in the world. And the Speicherstadt, or city of warehouses, is the largest […]
