Stories from travels in

Europe

Brittany, France

“It’s all very French.” That was one of my more acute observations made all the sharper because we were in France. In Brittany.

Josselin, France

Let’s have lunch in Josselin, our host suggested. Grand, we said, having never heard of the place.

Normandy Beaches, France

I knew. Of course, I knew. I’ve seen the movies. I’ve read the books. I was in history class the day we talked about the

Bayeux, France

It seems that for as long as I can remember, I’ve been hearing about the Bayeux Tapestry. Not surprising really, since it was made about

Granville, France

I wanted to visit Granville to see the home of designer Christian Dior. Himself was all about the picture-postcard fishing harbour and the cliffs. Neither

Nantes, France

Nantes didn’t meet my expectations, but only because I didn’t have any. This curiosity of a city has leapfrogged the magical Bordeaux to move to

Clongorey, Ireland: Eviction Walk

Local history tours are a great way to learn more about where you’ve landed, what shaped the place you’re in, and what made the people

Donkeys, Albania

Donkeys isn’t a village; it’s a secret of sorts. It’s a donkey farm near the tiny village of Kopaçez that you can (and should) only

Mursi and Ksamil, Albania

When you have so little time and when a place offers so much to see and do, it’s hard to choose. That’s where good guides

Mesopotam and Butrint, Albania

I’m not a huge fan of archaeological ruins. I have friends who rave about Roman ruins and Megalithic temples but they don’t really get my