The South Tyrol question. In a bizarre twist of logic my school’s O level curriculum allowed me to study history, or Latin, but not both. I did Latin (badly) and missed out on the subject that has fascinated me ever since. Were that not the case I may not have asked my Tyrolian question at […]
Author: Kelvin Collins
Industry, tarmac, lakes and hills.
Volklinger Hütte. Do the words UNESCO World Heritage site conjure up a vision of a pile of old stones? P If it does for you then perhaps this is worth a try. The Volklinger Hütte is the most angry, scratchy, ugly and impressive example of cultural heritage you’re ever likely to come across. It has […]
Back on the road. October.
Back on the road. When does an adventure start? I reckon it’s as soon as you get into the van. If you’re driving to the end of the world, or simply staying out at a favourite local beauty spot, it’s always an adventure, an event to remember. I didn’t intend to start writing again until […]
Austria. Sensory overload.
After a slow start in Graz the Wanderers reach peak wow in the Austrian Alps. A walk in the woods. Monday morning. To pull on long trousers. To feel a chill on my arms as PDog and I walk through the woods. Drips from the trees onto those arms. Down my neck. Plucky new oaks, […]
In praise of Romania (by van), and Zsolney’s ceramics.
The simple luxuries of a campsite. At our campsite in the morning the French were all complaining about the dogs barking through the night. Hopefully they’ll get used to it. It’s such a feature of Romania that we’ve stopped noticing. The campsite looked after us well. Showered, with a bit more hand washing done, with […]
Brilliant Bucharest. Way beyond our expectation.
Bucharest. Way beyond our expectation. Romania is changing fast, and nowhere is changing faster than the capital. We arrived on the poorer southern outskirts of Bucharest on Thursday afternoon. The south side is dug up. Big time. And it’s pretty much what we expected. Crumbling concrete. Rough roads. The occasional horse and cart among the […]