Kleine Berlin

Kleine Berlin is the Italian pejorative for the area of Trieste where German soldiers were worked and lived during World War II. Kleine Berlin also refers to the air raid…
Unique Restroom Signage

Unique Restroom Signage

As seen at the Lipica Stud Farm in Slovenia. With 24 official European Union languages, originality is required to get patrons to the correct bathroom: Madame/Monsieur (French), Damen/Herren (German and…

Italy Rental Car Fiasco

I thought the logistics were straight-forward: land in Venice, pick up the rental car, and drive to Portorož, Slovenia to speak at tech conference. Then suddenly it wasn't, and our…
Free Territory of Tireste

Free Territory of Tireste

After World War II, Trieste, Italy was de jure was an independent and diplomatically-recognized state, The Free Territory of Trieste, but, due to Soviet intransigence in agreeing to any civilian…

Biking From Keuekenhof

You are spending the better part of a (hopefully) gorgeous afternoon walking the impeccably-manicured grounds of Keukenhof: enjoying the plethora of tulips and flowers, ascending the windmill to get views…