Zürich

One of the world's most expensive cities - so what makes it also one of the most liveable?

Zürich is Switzerland’s largest city.  It is often ranked among the most liveable cities in the world – and one of the most expensive. Being both ‘most liveable’ and expensive sounds a bit of a contradiction.  What is it about Zürich then that makes it score so highly? On my trip there earlier this year, […]

White Turf

Horse racing on ice in the heart of the Swiss Alps

White Turf is a unique winter horseracing event.  It takes place every February on the frozen lake at the Swiss mountain resort of St. Moritz. Held each year since 1907, White Turf now attracts over 30,000 visitors.  The races take place over three consecutive weekends against the spectacular backdrop of the Engadine Mountains. Click on […]

Kuwait

From pearls to petroleum in the land of black gold

The Gulf state of Kuwait lies at the top of the Persian Gulf between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.  Long a vibrant trading centre, in the second half of the 20th century the country’s strategic position and plentiful oil reserves gave it a new importance way beyond its physical size. The first town of Kuwait was […]

Gutenberg Castle

Hilltop fortress with film-star looks and a rich history

Looking like a set from a movie, Gutenberg Castle in Liechtenstein sits atop a steep hill above the small town of Balzers.  Together with Vaduz Castle – the residence of the country’s ruling Prince – it is one of only two of the principality’s five castles that have not fallen into ruin.  Yet the castle […]

Liechtenstein

An alpine principality celebrates its 300th anniversary

The principality of Liechtenstein nestles between Austria and Switzerland.  It is one of only two doubly-landlocked countries in the world, meaning its neighbours are also landlocked. Europe’s fourth smallest country, the German-speaking principality covers only 160 km² and has a population of just under 38,000. Click on the photos to enlarge them and see the […]

The Haenyeo of Jeju Island

Free-diving females with a fondness for fish

The female divers or haenyeo of Jeju are part of the South Korean island’s rich history. In 2016, UNESCO added the haenyeo to its list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Yet, unless things change, the haenyeo might soon be a thing of the past. For centuries, they have dived in the waters around the […]

Jagalchi Fish Market

Where the skate on your plate is never out of date!

The Jagalchi fish market in Busan is South Korea’s largest fish market and one of Busan’s top attractions. Busan is South Korea’s second city.  Situated on the South Eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula, it is the country’s biggest port and the fifth largest in the world. The city is known for its beaches, mountains […]

Jeju-do

Founded by gods, loved by tourists

The volcanic island of Jeju lies to the south west of the Korean Peninsula.  Known for its warm climate and beach resorts, it is South Koreans’ favourite domestic holiday destination.  Yet with a dormant volcano towering nearly two kilometres over the middle of the island, a landscape of volcanic craters and a multitude of museums, […]