Second part of my Colombian experience, and discovering a bit further everyday just how different Spanish is here! To some extend reminds me of China where one word can mean just so many different things and in Colombia it is no different! Ask for a “Perico” and chances are that you end up with everything but a coffee…as it means as well cocaine, parrots and scramble eggs! Talking about coffee, Colombia is simply THE place to go for to get a proper “Tinto”, “Cafecito”, “Perico” (that one has milk in) or “Oscuro”, a real coffee culture where the coffee is simply so tasty and soft that you simply don’t need to add anything in it! (and I am normally someone who cannot drink coffee without sugar…) Now, when it comes to coffee and if you are ... read more

A few days in Berlin and absolutely not in the mood for yet more museum, churches or traditional architecture, guess it was a good thing as when it comes to art, the streets of Berlin are the “galleries”. Now, I didn’t feel like joining one of the numerous street art tour but rather like going and explore on our own and go along the way slightly more underground, the great thing was that Christophe who joined me for that part of the trip was exactly in the same state of mind! Sport shoes and sweaters on, off to Berlin arty street scene we went! Starting with the touristy part... One has to start somewhere and for a first timer in Berlin, the East Side Gallery known for the largest remaining Wall section painted by artists from ... read more

After 18 months in Baghdad, where my concept of personal freedom had been somehow scaled down, the idea of a road trip around Europe was very tempting. A month to explore, enjoy life, meet new and old friends & most of all cheer every moment, definitely something I relate to! Marta’s annual party in Poland was the trigger to this trip, I would not have missed it for anything in this world but decided to come through the long way from France by car through Italy, Austria, Czechoslovakia & Germany. Nice, France – a fresh start… Although the trip technically started on the other side of France, Bordeaux that is, feel like Nice was the real beginning of it, a happy one as I catch up with one of my closest friend Sophie and not so ... read more

After stunning Munnar and its sea of tea plantation, time to go back to the Indian coast, white deserted beach and quiet backwaters are on the program before catching up with one of my closest friend Pauline at Amma Ashram. Far from the hustle and bustle of Indian cities, Kerala country side has this special something that makes you feel serene. No rush here or jumping from one tourist spot to another but a slow path travel where one takes the time to enjoy simple day to day life taking place all around, the colors & scents of the spices, the smile and waving of people met along the way & the every second peace. On the map, most of the small towns seem to be near from each other but somehow I had this feeling ... read more

Over the years, when thinking of Sarajevo, I somehow always recall the tragic events of the 90’s. My understanding of the events people went through during those years was quite modest, but I always wished I could one day walk in its streets, meet & chat with locals and along the way grasp a bit more knowledge about Sarajevo complex history while discovering the new Sarajevo. Without going back to those years in too many details (many have done it & will do it in much better ways that I would ever be able to), I wish in this blog to share stories & impressions gather during our stay. First impressions…our arrival Reaching Sarajevo after having crossed the tortuous mountain chain that separate Bosnia from Serbia, brought to reality the little understanding I had of the ... read more