On the Countryside

"It is my belief, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin that does the smiling and beautiful countryside."

-Arthur Conan Doyle

(Picturesque accommodation in Hallstatt, near the Austrian Alps)

On Whipped Cream

In some Eastern European countries whipped cream goes with every meal.

(Whipped Cream over fish and salad in Hallstatt, Austria)

On Ravens

Depending on one's outlook, they can be seen as a beautiful part of nature, or as a loud public nuisance.

(Ravens and their nests in Ceske Budejovice, CR)

On Fog

Occasionally weather that is not ideal can contribute to some unusually stunning photographs.

(A foggy day in Hallstatt, near the Austrian Alps)

On Shakespeare's Birthplace

It is possible for an entire city to thrive financially 450 years after the death of its most famous writer.

(Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England)

On Easter

In many Roman Catholic countries, Easter celebrations are much more elaborate and faith-based than Christmas ones.

(Traditional Easter march around Ceske Budejovice, CR)

On Dreams

"It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams."

-Gabriel Garcia Marquez

(Dandelion tattoo from a Montrealer's shoulder)

On Seniors

Some people approaching their 8th decade alive are still capable of pulling a show-stopping acrobatic performance.

On Fresh Air

No one appreciates the outdoors/fresh air as much as a former smoker.

(Polite anti-smoking sign in a Stratford-Upon-Avon cafe)

On Hostels

Every now and then it's possible to find cheap overnight accommodation that is far better than a pricey hotel. 

(Lovely hostel just outside Stratford-Upon-Avon, England)

On National Dishes

Just because a country is famous for a particular dish, it doesn't mean that every restaurant can produce edible versions.

(A pair of sausages at a resto-pub near Linz, Austria)

On Brand Names

Just because a restaurant operates in a conservative town, it doesn't mean it will boast a traditional name.

(A funny burrito restaurant in Cambridgeshire, England)

On the Day of Pink

A growing number of schools, offices, and events participate in this international day against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia. 

(A fake pink tree at the Remal Festival in Kuwait)

On Elections

Just because a leader loses an election it doesn't mean that his/her party's agenda hasn't been furthered in some way.

(A series of raven nests in Ceske Budejovice, CZ)

On Making Souvenirs

The most memorable souvenirs can usually be handmade and don't necessarily cost anything.

 

(Painted rocks near a church in the Austrian Alps)

On Peace

"Imagine there's no countries

It isn't hard to do

Nothing to kill or die for

And no religion too.

Imagine all the people

Living life in peace..."

-John Lennon, Imagine lyrics.

(Flags of the world in Trafalgar Square in London)

On Tudor Revival

The Tudor-style of architecture has been steadily rising since the mid-19th century although few architects are known for such buildings.

 (Tudor-style buildings in Stratford-Upon-Avon)

On Assonance

It is the repetition of vowel sounds, and can be used to create some terrific business/restaurant names.

(Thai restaurant in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England)