In a time when the pursuit of ultimate advancement frequently overrides conservationist sentiments, the idea of sustainability appears as a distinct ray of hope. People ask, What is sustainability?”
Sustainability is a concept, an attitude, and a dedication to preserving our world for future generations. It is more than just a catchphrase bandied about in corporate boardrooms and environmental conferences.
Why the big deal?
However, what does sustainability actually mean, and why is it so important in the modern world? At its core, sustainability is the practice of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
This can be a complicated maze to weave with kids. Yet, it’s about striking a delicate balance between economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection—and getting this point across.
Case in point! Imagine a three-legged stool that seems sturdy only when all legs are equally strong. Sustainability functions on this premise: neglecting one aspect ultimately jeopardizes the stability of the entire system. Striking the right balance is needed.
Economic sustainability demands responsible resource management and the equitable distribution of wealth. It calls for businesses to adopt models that prioritize long-term viability over short-term gains. This means embracing renewable energy, minimizing waste, and fostering innovation that respects planetary boundaries—a concept that can seem daunting.
Companies must recognize that profitability should not come at the expense of ecological degradation or social injustice. Social sustainability focuses on fostering inclusive societies where all individuals have access to basic human rights, such as education, healthcare, and dignified work. It requires addressing systemic inequalities, eradicating poverty, and promoting cultural diversity.
Environmental sustainability: A call for urgency
Communities must be empowered to participate in decision-making processes that affect their well-being, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress. Environmental sustainability, perhaps the most urgent facet in today’s context, revolves around protecting the delicate ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.
It involves preserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and reducing pollution. We must rethink our relationship with nature, recognizing that we are not separate from it but intricately interconnected. Every action we take, from the products we consume to the energy we use, has a ripple effect on the environment. The need to embrace sustainability cannot be overstated. Climate change looms as an existential threat, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and melting ice caps serving as stark reminders of our planet’s fragility.
Biodiversity loss accelerates at an alarming rate, with species disappearing at an unprecedented pace. Meanwhile, social disparities widen, exacerbating tensions and undermining global stability. However, in the middle of these difficulties is a chance for revolutionary transformation. Sustainability offers a pathway toward a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous future.
Millions of jobs are generated by investments in renewable energy, and we can lessen our reliance on fossil fuels. We can protect food security and key ecosystems by using sustainable forestry and agriculture techniques.
By prioritizing public transportation and green infrastructure, we can mitigate urban sprawl and improve air quality in our cities. Sustainability is not just a responsibility; it’s a moral imperative! As stewards of this planet, we owe it to future generations to leave behind a habitable world.
Individuals, businesses, and governments all play a role in advancing sustainability. It requires a shift in mindset, from short-term gratification to long-term stewardship, from consumption to conservation, and from indifference to action.
In conclusion, sustainability is not a distant utopia but a tangible reality within our grasp. It’s about making choices today that will resonate far beyond our own lifetimes. It’s about recognizing that our fates are intertwined with the fate of the planet. Let us rise to the challenge, united in our commitment to building a more sustainable world—one where prosperity flourishes, diversity thrives, and nature’s beauty endures for generations to come.
The EU taxonomy mandate continues to evolve, but with their sustainable initiatives? Many questions remain. Why is it important for banks? And how can they help with this topic?
What is European taxonomy? According to the European Union, “the EU taxonomy is a classification system, establishing a list of environmentally sustainable economic activities. Simply put, it’s a tool that lists particular commercial activities that the EU regards as sustainable.”
The EU taxonomy meets two crucial needs:
1. It provides a shared language for discussing sustainability. 2. It employs objective, quantifiable standards for evaluating enterprises.
The terminology used by other sustainable finance laws and organizations (such as Ecolabel and the Green Bond Standard) varied in the past. One essential goal that was set at the EU level was to create a climate-neutral European economy by 2050 via the EU Taxonomy Regulation. This regulation, at the very least, created a unification of definitions, measurements, and missions.
The EU taxonomy has identified six primary environmental objectives:
1. Climate change mitigation
2. Climate change adaption
3. Protection of aquatic and marine resources
4. Making the switch to a circular economy
5. Pollution control
6. Protection of the ecosystem
The EU taxonomy adopts a more rigorous approach, using a science-backed initiative. The EU taxonomy is important because it enables companies and investors to make sound, conscious investments for a sustainable future.
Further, it provides a working framework to put everyone on an even playing field that allows investors to better understand how different companies compare to each other. Additionally, it will assist with business decision-making and make it more difficult for businesses to hide behind ad-hoc marketing plans.
All significant European businesses covered by the NFRD (Non-Financial Reporting Directive), i.e., public interest entities with more than 500 employees, are subject to EU taxonomy rules.
Participants who offer goods in the EU that support environmental goals must also disclose their relevant information.
How is European Taxonomy affecting banking clients?
Currently, companies covered by the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) started disclosing the percentage of their operations that the Taxonomy Regulation deems to be “environmentally sustainable” since the beginning of 2022.
After January 1, 2023, more businesses will start submitting reports in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which replaces the NFRD.
The percentage of a company’s revenue, capital investment, and operating expenses that can be attributed to at least one of the six environmental goals will need to be explained by the company by referencing the pertinent Technical Screening Criteria (TSC).
Companies must also explain how they meet minimal social and governance criteria, as well as how they avoid violating other environmental standards. Banking clients need to embrace the EU taxonomy and how it might alter their frameworks, reporting requirements, and systems.
Banks help with EU taxonomy
By giving businesses the chance to evaluate their performance and advancement in achieving environmental goals, banks are helping clients to succeed with EU taxonomy.
A strong taxonomy alignment should enhance a company’s reputation, and make them more appealing to banks and investors while increasing its access to financing.
How will the taxonomy be applied by lenders and investors?
Asset managers and investment firms must disclose key performance indicators that demonstrate how closely a portfolio adheres to a taxonomy. Additionally, banks will have to declare their Green Assets Ratios (GAR). The degree to which their investment products fall under articles 8 (investments promoting environmental or social characteristics) and 9 (sustainable investment products) of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) is required disclosure for financial market participants in the EU. The EU taxonomy should be an effective tool to help with investment decision-making as well.
What are the effects if your company is not based in Europe via EU taxonomy?
The EU taxonomy will have an impact on enterprises beyond the EU that provide products in Europe.
The European Commission released a report last year expanding the taxonomy’s coverage to include economic activities that have a minimal impact on environmental sustainability, those that have a significant negative impact on it, as well as other sustainability goals, like social ones. Other nations, like the UK, Canada, China, and Japan, are now following suit and creating their own taxonomies.
Although it will take time, it’s expected that international green finance norms will begin to converge. This is already beginning to become apparent. A paper outlining an analysis of similarities between various issues was published at COP26, called The Common Ground Taxonomy (CGT). Time will tell the extent of bringing international alignment into place.
Conclusion
By joining the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), banks can match financing and investment portfolios with the essential course for attaining carbon neutrality by 2050. Precise metrics and data are needed to attain net zero. The EU taxonomy is a useful framework for achieving these goals.
Decades later, two Alley to the Valley friends returned to London to reminisce and get back that London vibe.
By Camille Siegel
Once upon a time, little things like phones and computers didn’t exist, and life seemed less stressful and more carefree. So, what are two former college roommates who did a semester abroad in London to do that will bring back that once carefree, stressless vibe that once existed before life got so noisy by cellphones and complicated by more technology?
The answer: We meet up in London to go down memory lane, create new, meaningful memories, and create new fun vibes.
London arrival: A hop on the train and a short flight away
With my Eurostar ticket in hand, I boarded the train from Paris to London early in the morning to see my friend, Deborah, who had arrived from a business trip to Dublin. It’s no exaggeration to say that London has certainly changed over the years from our days as flat mates in the 80s. The excitement of visiting familiar places remains as we seek new adventures on our journey.
New names and different methods are now the London norm. Back in our days, the Oyster Card didn’t exist. An Oyster card is London’s magic pass to getting around the city with ease. It’s a smart travel card that lets you tap in and out of buses, the Tube, trams, the DLR, and London Overground, the Elizabeth line, and most National Rail services within the city. Once I arrived at London’s St. Pancras International stop, I walk to the underground and tap my Oyster card and hop on the tube, riding a few stops to Leicester Square.
Thanks to Google Maps (I could have used those back in the day), I navigate my way to the lovely Montcalm Piccadilly Townhouse Hotel, a stone’s throw from Chinatown and Leicester Square. The staff is kind and accommodating, and the rooms are lovely. Montcalm Piccadilly Townhouse Hotel is the perfect location for walking around London and exploring the city on foot. And let’s not forget to wear comfortable sneakers on those Cobblestone streets!
To begin our London adventure, no walk down memory lane is complete without stopping off at one of our favorite old food haunts we used to eat at in the 80s, called Wong Kei in Chinatown. And lo and behold, the restaurant is around the corner from the hotel. Deborah and I reminisced and laughed about all the hilarious times we spent eating at this restaurant. Back in the 80s, living on a small budget was the key ingredient to survival in college when the dollar to the pound was two to one.
After our lunch of delicious Chinese yummies, we dashed off to Covent Garden—another one of our favorite charming spots from college. Excitement was in the air with the Cobblestone streets and all the flashes of amazing places we used to go to, like the fun pub, Punch and Judy’s. Boy, does that bring back great memories!
We wandered around the magical area for a great excursion, stopping off at interesting stalls selling adorable and eclectic items. As the weather was quite warm, a stop-off at the frozen yogurt shop was a must.
Simply the best! The Tina Turner Musical rocks it out of the park
To cap off the exciting first day, we went to see the “Tina Turner Musical” show in the West End at the Aldwych Theatre. WOW! What a showstopper. A theater experience you won’t soon forget.
Let’s face it, Tina Turner didn’t just break the rules; she conquered and rewrote the script to become one cool rock and roll tower house. The acclaimed musical, created with Tina Turner before her passing, recounts the story of how a small-town girl named Anna Mae Bullock from Brownsville, Tennessee, went on to become a global rock sensation. This is a must-see show for its empowering journey of resilience in the face of difficult obstacles. The cast was “simply the best”!
As we left the theater buzzing with energy after the incredible showstopper, we kept humming and singing Tina Turner songs along the way. To top off the evening, no visit to London is complete without a pint from the local pub. The goal of a carefree and stressless vibe was truly in play.
College days revisited: A blast from the past
Sunday started off with a lovely breakfast from the café next to the hotel. No trip to London is complete without some tea and scones. We walked along Piccadilly Circus, heading towards Fortnum & Mason with a little pop-in to peruse the beautiful items and lovely teas and cakes.
Then it was time to head out to our old college area in South Kensington. It’s amazing when you go back to a special place that had such a profound effect on your life’s vision. Walking around our old area and home, which is now a hotel, was an enriching experience. Just talking about all the fun things that we used to do, along with the amazing places we went to in this lovely area of London, brought back wonderful memories.
Close to this memory, we stopped off at the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. It has been many years since I last visited these two museums, which are so close to where we lived, and it is an enriching cultural experience, to say the least. The Victoria and Albert Museum has a beautiful garden with a calming water pond that helps you to relax as you sit and admire the view.
Along the route was a stop at one of my favorite places: Harrods. Let’s face it, no trip to London is complete without a walk through the food court. What a fantastic array of dizzying choices of food from every place one can imagine. It is truly too hard to choose just one, but we managed to get some delicacies and have lunch outside the store.
We then took a nice walk back to the hotel to catch the next theater experience to see “The Comedy about Spies.” A hilarious show with brilliant comic timing. One thing we always enjoyed was British comedies, and this show hit it out of the ballpark.
A hysterical romp through the swinging 60s, “The Comedy About Spies” is where espionage gets tangled up in a web of superb slapstick and even more absurd confusion. It is packed with enough punchlines and pratfalls to make even a stone-faced spy crack a smile. We haven’t laughed this hard since we went to see “A Fish Called Wanda” back in 1988. A must-see when in London.
Photo provided by International Friends Tour
A day in the Cotswolds: Country charm personified
Nothing could be finer than to take a break from city life and head off into the Cotswolds. Tucked into the heart of England, the Cotswolds is a storybook setting of rolling green hills that are infused with beautiful old stone cottages and winding country lanes that seem plucked right out of a painter’s dream.
This area spans 800 square miles across five counties, it is an eye’s view of postcard-perfect villages like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water, where ivy climbs up old stone walls and ducks paddle past flower-draped bridges. It almost seems surreal.
This area of England always reminds me of another time. Whether you’re wandering through beautiful fields or just sipping tea in a centuries-old inn, this area speaks to you with peaceful charm at every turn. In my mind, it’s not just a place; it’s a feeling that creates a tranquil setting with a gentle feeling of countryside magic.
To keep this vibe going, we turned to the International Friends Tours, which is the go-to place for a wonderful excursion into the English countryside. We chose this tour because of the charm of the countryside that provides an intimate small group tour aboard a comfortable mini coach.
The International Friends Tour gives that more personal touch with fewer passengers than big buses, allowing you to enjoy a deeper connection to the countryside. The mini coaches and tour guide are perfect for exploring scenic, off-the-beaten-path routes, while navigating the narrow country lanes that are simply out of reach for larger coach tours.
Being huge fans of the TV series, Downton Abbey, we chose this tour to explore the filming locations, the Cotswolds, and a beautiful stop at Blenheim Palace, the opulent and stunning palace with amazing history at every turn. As a bonus, we even stopped off at Winston Churchill’s resting spot in Bladon before the palace visit.
Sir Winston Churchill is buried in the quiet churchyard of St. Martin’s Church in Bladon, a small village in Oxfordshire, England. This resting place is just a short walk from Blenheim Palace, where Sir Winston Churchill was born.
A little spoiler: Don’t expect to see grandeur and an over-the-top setting for this statesman. The grave is modest, surrounded by family members, including his beloved wife, Clementine. Despite his towering legacy, the setting is unassuming and peaceful, just the way Sir Winston Churchill wanted it. The grave is a place of reflection, not splendor. This is what I found most compelling about this visit. At the heart of Sir Winston Churchill was his love of his childhood region.
Downton Abbey and Blenheim Palace: Landscapes with breathtaking views
As the tour continued, we traveled along the country roads to Downton Village, Yew Tree Farm, and other filming locations and landscapes. The day concluded with a visit to the grounds and interior of Blenheim Palace.
Photo provided by International Friends Tour
Upon entering the palace, we viewed the gilded State Rooms, which contain collections of spectacular portraits, amazing tapestries, and furniture from another time—masterpieces at every turn. The rooms were oozing with amazing works that take you back to another time and place. There’s even an entire area dedicated to Sir Winston Churchill that is not to be missed.
Additionally, we were impressed by the sheer magnitude of the palace. This was the perfect way to top off an enjoyable day with our knowledgeable and hilarious tour guide, Tony. He impressed us with his knowledge and taught us amusing British terms that I am still quoting. The world could certainly learn to stop “doom scrolling.” Nothing says stress-free more than a visit to the cozy English countryside than the Cotswolds. A fantastic way to finish an amazing day in this magical setting.
Tranquility at its best: Spa Day extraordinaire
On our final day, nothing could be more perfect than topping off a reunion visit with a nice day at the beautiful YATRA Signature Spa at Montcalm Mayfair Hotel for an amazing massage and sauna visit. One can feel the stress just melting away.
The spa provides wellness services that combine Ayurvedic rituals with modern therapies. The spa facility includes various treatments, heat experiences, fantastic massages, and a soundscape of British woodlands designed to heighten one’s relaxation level. In my book, this is tranquility at its best. When we left the spa, we were truly in a Zen-like state. The true calling and purpose of the trip was to restore and refresh; we can now say we achieved all this in full.
Memories of a lifetime
By meeting up every year, we have managed to solidify our 38-year friendship that continues. Great distance may keep us apart by two countries, but true friendship always remains constant and true. Thank you, London, for delivering great memories every time.
Stockholm has always been a city of great moments for me. And when my dear friend Valerie told me her one-woman play, Baggage From BaghDAD: Becoming my Father’s Daughter was accepted into the Stockholm Fringe Festival, her second award-winning solo show, we were booking our flights. Valerie had also written the amazing show which I saw in Stockholm, “The Pink Hulk, one woman’s journey to find the superhero within.” You can find out more about both shows here.
Background
For over 19 years, I have had wonderful Swedish friends living in and around Stockholm whom I met in Finland back in 2003. We kept up a great friendship, and I was lucky to visit them over the years. So it was a no-brainer to return to Stockholm to see Valerie’s new show and to bring my husband, who had never been to Stockholm.
The joy for me is in the planning. I am lucky that my husband lets me plan the entire trip and doesn’t want to know what I have I have put together. He loves the element of surprise—and many surprises were to come.
Day 1: Paris to Stockholm
Three in the morning is never a fun time to get up, but for an early trip to Stockholm, it was well worth it. We boarded a direct flight to Arlanda airport on Vueling at Orly airport. Everything went smoothly and my dear friends, Hans and Solan, from Sweden, picked us up at the airport and gave us the grand tour.
Hans and Solan are retired, police detectives and officers. They drove us to the Swedish Police Academy and showed us around the premises. The academy is a large and vast place, and it was such an exciting journey to discover the different aspects of training that go into being a police officer, as well as having lunch with the academy members.
The meal was fantastic. We had our choice of so many wonderful combinations in the form of a Swedish smorgasbord.
After our meal, we proceeded to visit the King’s grounds outside of Stockholm and walked around to enjoy the fresh, cool air. My husband, Pascal, the wonderful photographer, was able to capture much beauty in the process.
After our visit, Hans and Solan dropped us off at our hotel, the Clarion Södermalm. The location and hotel were perfect. The metro was just a few steps away, making it very convenient for exploring the city.
After we checked into the hotel and relaxed, we got ready for my first surprise—the ICEBAR by ICEHOTEL Stockholm at the Nordic C Hotel, located on Vasaplan 4.
I visited the ICEBAR years ago, but this was a first for Pascal. He was amazed by the ice sculptors from ICEHOTEL, who use 40 tons of real ice from the Torne River to create the interior.
Since its debut in 2002, ICEBAR in downtown Stockholm has become a well-liked destination for tourists and locals seeking a great taste of the Arctic. The vodka drinks are an even nicer bonus, and you have 45 minutes to enjoy this exciting experience before it’s time to leave and melt away.
After our Artic experience, it was time to head out to Odeonplan and have dinner near Pygméteatern, where Valerie’s play was being showcased. We grabbed some delicious Italian food at Primo Ciao Ciao nearby and had a lovely meal before the show.
The Pygméteatern is an intimate children’s theater stage that is in a basement near the metro. The ambiance is enchanting and brings a real feeling of cozy theater to the experience.
Once the show began, Valerie blew us away with her one-woman show about one Middle Eastern Jewish family’s true epic journey to America. Her show was not only moving but also resonated with everyone on a profound level. Her show had me in tears at the end. Valerie’s show was a moving tribute to her father—a show not to be missed.
Afterward, we went out to a pub to celebrate Val’s show and catch up. A fantastic way to end day one in Stockholm.
Day 2: It’s time to explore the city
Our room at the Clarion was on the sixth floor and had a great view overlooking the city. As the hotel sits above the highway, the cars go underneath the hotel. You can watch the cars slip by under your feet while enjoying the view. My husband was particularly enchanted by the window view and enjoyed watching all the excitement below.
We started our morning with a breakfast that was not to be believed. Every possible combination you could imagine was waiting for you at a huge buffet-style breakfast.
Further, there was a lovely lady at the door who greeted everyone as they walked into the restaurant and offered you a ginger shot to start your day. I must say, this was an extra nice touch and an exceptional way to start our day.
After breakfast, we walked out of our hotel and proceeded to the train to go directly to Gamla Stan, the old town. This area is one of my favorite parts of the city; each street is steeped in history and carries its own magical charm.
We walked many streets and took photos like good tourists. There are so many exciting shops and fun items to peruse that my big purchase was a set of traditional Scandinavian sweaters for me and Pascal from Kerstin Adolphson.
After lunch, we headed to our free New City Walking Tour with Guro Tours. These tours are fantastic, you get a nice overview of the city, along with interesting facts along the way. We covered quite a lot of territory in two hours. The tour guide was excellent, and you only need to tip her at the end.
After the tour was over, Pascal and I wandered around the area, got a cup of coffee (FIKA), and headed back to the hotel to rest and get ready for dinner.
We dined at Restaurang Stortorgskällaren, a beautiful restaurant in the heart of Gamla Stan with a historical setting, just steps away from the Nobel Peace Prize Museum. No trip to Sweden is complete without some Swedish meatballs, a true feast for dinner.
Afterward, we walked back to the metro and headed home. Another beautiful day in Stockholm.
Day 3: Time for Stampen and to celebrate!
After our hearty breakfast, we went back to Gamla Stan and explored more of the beautiful old town. We proceeded to take photos of the Royal Palace, which has a beautiful view overlooking the water.
After we wandered through some shops and had lunch. We then went to meet my Swedish friends at Stampen Jazz Club in Gamla Stan. What a great place!
My friends, Chris and Jonny, were on hand to greet us. Chris was entertaining an American colleague, Jason, and we all had a terrific time listening to everything from rhythm and blues to jazz.
The vibe was jamming and fantastic. Stampen has developed into a gathering place for individuals of all ages, playing everything from contemporary blues performances to soul r&b acts to “American Folk Music of 1910–1959,” or traditional jazz as it is known to some.
With an interesting history, jazz lover Sten Holmquist learned about Stampen, a pawnshop with a lovely setting in Stockholm’s old town. It had a cellar since the 17th century and housed the French Reform Church until 1880.
Many vintage things, including cuddly animals and musical instruments, still hang from the ceiling of Stampen, a jazz bar that was converted in 1968, revealing its origins.
After our jazzfest, I organized a friend and Viking reunion of 10 people at Movitz, a beautiful old-world restaurant in a cellar in Gamla Stan.
Valerie and her friends joined us, and my other Viking friend, Lennart came for the fun too. It was a perfect evening of friendship and camaraderie. We were even on hand to hear that Valerie had won an award for her show. A fantastic way to top off the night.
Last day: ABBA and all
No trip to Stockholm is complete without a visit to the Abba Museum. This is one place on the trip that my husband wanted to see, and he wasn’t disappointed.
Pascal, who loves karaoke, just adored the interactive visit where he was able to belt out Abba songs in front of an audience. He even got to audition in a booth by singing “Dancing Queen.”
After our visit, we walked around and stopped to take photos at the beautiful museums, from the Viking Museum to the National Museum. We then proceeded to have lunch and headed back to the hotel to get ready to head back to the airport.
Our trip to Stockholm was perfect from beginning to end. It was wonderful seeing my dear friends and enjoying the city that I adore through my husband’s eyes. He loved Stockholm as much as I do and now wants to return again next year. Count me in!
What started out as my birthday gift to my husband in 2020, a beautiful trip to Prague and Karlovy Vary, turned out to be a long-delayed journey of over a year and a half due to COVID-19. But it was worth the wait!
Prague is a city steeped in magical beauty and fascinating history which permeates every corner. We departed from Paris for the belated birthday trip in November 2021 and landed in the early evening.
With the winter chill in the air, it set the mood for a wonderful overture to the city. After we checked into our lovely hotel at the Charles Bridge Palace Hotel, which is a two-minute walk to the historic Charles Bridge, we set off on an evening exploration walk across the bridge into the twilight of the evening.
With no set dinner agenda in place since we didn’t know if our plane would be delayed, we “winged it” and came upon a fantastic surprise.
Photo by Lachlan Gowen on Unsplash
As we proceed to cross the bridge, my husband captured the most amazing photos as we stopped to take in the sights along the way. With the crisp, cold evening and the beauty of our surroundings, we stumbled upon the most amazing little restaurant just at the right side of the bridge called Pod Věží.
The ambience was simply magical. We stepped into a place of real old-world surroundings with antiques and beautiful pictures to add to the magic. We dined on pumpkin dumplings with creamy cheese to beef tenderloin steak, foie gras, truffle caviar, wine sauce, and potato purée.
With a tall Czech beer for my husband and a nice glass of red for me, the dinner was as memorable as it was romantic. We topped off the evening with a dessert to stimulate the senses: chocolate cake, sour cherries, griotte, and meringues—yummy!
The staff were so delightful, they even offered us a wonderful nightcap of traditional Česká pálenka / Bohemian Spirits. With full tummy’s in tow, we departed the restaurant with beautiful memories.
My husband and I proceeded to walk back across the Charles Bridge, stopping along the way to admire the winter sights while soaking up the atmosphere for a peaceful return back to the hotel.
Day 2
After a wonderful slumber after our long journey from Paris, we awoke head downstairs for the buffet breakfast. All the scrumptious delights of a dream breakfast were waiting our arrival. We dined on a multitude of tasty items such as eggs, pancakes, breads, and wonderful cereals.
With a vast amount to choose from, it was hard not to go overboard, but perseverance paid off and we chose wisely.
After breakfast, we started off our day with a Free Walking Tour of Prague with 1.2tours.com. Our tour guide, Aris, was amazing and full of wonderful knowledge about the city.
Photo by Camille Siegel
An American with a French background living in Prague for over 20 years, he gave us the grand tour of the city of Prague, from the Old Town Square, the Churches of Tyn and St. Nicholas, the Defenestrations of Prague, the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town, a walk by Charles University, the State Theatre, the Gunpowder Tower, the Spanish Synagogue, a walk to the Jewish Cemetery and the Old-New Synagogue, plus so much more.
With detailed insights into the history of Prague, we met at the The Rudolfinum, headquarters of the Czech Philharmonic, not to mention the beautiful statue to the Czech master himself, Antonín Dvořák. We also had one of the most spectacular views of Malá Strana and Prague Castle.
After the tour was over, my husband and I had lunch in the Old Town, with a view of the spectacular Prague Astronomical Clock. We continued our walk around the Old Town to peruse the wonderful stores and take in the sights along the way.
Photo by Jack Hunter on Unsplash
Since I had prepared many surprises for my husband’s birthday, I booked a special reservation at St. Clement’s Cathedral for a beautiful concert of Vivaldi and other famous Czech composers.
The church was exquisite, and the show was magical. My hubby was so surprised by my gift of music, he thoroughly enjoyed the show.
After the concert, I had another special surprise in store for my husband. I had booked a special reservation in the New Town up near Prague Castle at a wonderful old-world restaurant called U Císařů s.r.o., which translates to “At the Emperors.”
My husband and I walked up the hill and we stepped back in time. The interior had wonderful antiques everywhere, giving it the feeling of a time gone by. The ambience is composed of the original blacksmith’s bellows and wonderful, charming accents to complete this amazing dining experience.
With traditional Czech specialties to dine on, we had choices from a wine cellar dating back to the 13th century. All the makings for a special evening of charm and sophistication were there for our taking. We dined on English roast beef and honey-roasted dressing, what a great evening.
After our meal, we walked down the hill, stopping along the way to admire the view from the top of the castle which overlooks the beautiful city of Prague. The winding streets oozed history in every crevice and left us with a feeling of another era.
Day 3
On our third day in Prague, we decided to explore the areas we discovered on our walking tour in more detail. We proceeded to head back to the Jewish Quarter to get more immersed in the history and sights. With a wonderful walk around, we strolled down the charming streets to unearth history at every corner.
After, we ended up at a wonderful little restaurant for lunch called Danielas by Barock. This was a nice little find. My husband and I dined on pumpkin soup and a main dish of Barock Chicken, marinated in yogurt and chili, served with basmati rice, coriander, and red curry sauce.
After lunch, we walked around the old town and shopped at the adorable shops, while I searched for my birth stone in garnets. The Czech Republic is famous for its jewelry stores selling gorgeous garnets and lovely amber creations. Needless to say, my eyes were popping.
For our last evening in Prague, I made another surprise reservation for my husband’s birthday at a Medievel restaurant and show. He kept on kidding me that we were headed for a horse and carriage ride as the surprise—boy was he surprised.
Photo by Camille Siegel
We entered the medieval restaurant and walked down the stairs to another world. You really could feel the ambience in your pores as we settled into our seats seated next to two other couples, plus an American mom with a young daughter–she even had the same name as me–what are the odds?
Our table featured a fantastic mix of people from France, Greece, and the United States. It was a wonderful group of folks from all around the world. We had a great time with everyone and had some great conversations throughout the evening.
We dined on a five-course medieval supper with unlimited drinks in the heart of Prague. An exciting medieval performance delighted us all, with swordsmen, jugglers, and belly dancers, all accompanied by music in the medieval tradition. What a memorable night!
My husband and I left the restaurant with great memories as we walked back to our hotel. A perfect way to end our evening in Prague.
Day 4
We awoke early and had our last breakfast at hotel–boy was I sad to see that end. We then headed out to the bus station to go to our next exciting stop–Karlovy Vary.
The city of Karlovy Vary was founded in 1358. With such famous visitors as Peter the Great, Chopin, Schiller, Beethoven, and Goethe, to name a few, you are certainly in good company.
Furthermore, every year, famous actors and directors descend upon the town for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, one of the longest-running festival events in Europe.
With a two-hour ride ahead of us, we traveled through beautiful scenery to arrive in the charming spa town. Once there, we caught a taxi to the Grandhotel Pupp.
Photo by Camille Siegel
This Palace hotel dates back to 1701. What a beautiful sight to behold. I visited the town 20 years ago but never got to stay at this amazing hotel. This time, for my husband’s birthday, we pulled out all the stops for one night.
Our room was the size of a large studio apartment, with an ethereal view of the forest. I had always dreamt of staying at this hotel after seeing the adorable movie called Last Holiday, with Queen Latifah, Gerard Depardieu, Timothy Hutton, and LL Cool J. Dreams can come true!
Once there, we got dressed warmly and headed out to explore the town and grab some lunch. The weather was raining with a light mist. This certainly didn’t stop the enjoyment of living in the moment.
Photo by Camille Siegel
As we proceeded, we stopped and took many photos of the majestic scenery of the hot springs and colonnades, including the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, which is considered to be one of the most important Baroque structures in the Czech Republic.
The church was built in 1737 and boasts splendid interiors. We also wandered over to the Orthodox Church of St. Petersburg, another outstanding structure that was built in 1898.
Then it came time for lunch. We dined at a lovely Italian spot called Pizzeria Capri. We had a terrific lunch with a nice waiter. After our long walk in the rain, we headed back to the hotel to relax and regroup before the next big birthday surprise, a spa night at the Carlsbad Beer Spa.
We were greeted by a wonderful host who was hilarious and made our visit to the spa memorable with wonderful stories and anecdotes. She even offered to take photos for us so we could have some great shots in the spa.
Photo by Camille Siegel
With an original spa procedure based on the exclusive use of natural ingredients, materials, and old-Bohemian folk medicine recipes, not to mention all the beer you can drink in the tub, my husband and I relaxed in the tub for two for an hour, all while de-stressing. It was the perfect cap to an extraordinary day in the town.
After our spa treatment, we capped off our evening with dinner at a traditional Czech restaurant called Restaurace U Švejka.
This restaurant was the perfect way to end our time in Karlovy Vary because you felt like you were part of the local scene. We dined on Czech beer (a must-have while in the Czech Republic) and roasted duck, red and white cabbage, and dumplings. What better way to end the evening.
On our walk home, we enjoyed the quiet stillness of the crisp air as we admired the beautiful architecture by night. We slept like babies in our room. A real dream vacation.
Final day
On our last day, we were treated to a royal breakfast at the Pupp. With every possible breakfast combination at our disposal, we dined on fresh orange juice, eggs, and croissants, to name a few, to the sounds of violins playing in the room.
The chandeliers and beautiful atmosphere capped off our experience with the perfect touch. After breakfast, the sad part came: departing and taking the bus back to the airport outside Prague.
As we departed the Czech Republic, we left knowing that we had the most beautiful trip that left us with a lifetime of splendid memories.
Autumn is in the air, a renewal of hope glimmers. Afternoon comes, hope is gone. Winter arrives and cold and frost set in—stillness begins. Days pass into weeks, months. Hope waivers. Spring arrives—hope begins. Stillness has gone by.
Beyond the French border is a land of immaculate beauty–Switzerland. When you think of Switzerland, what comes to mind? Chocolate, watches, banks? What I never imagined was such a spectacular place like no other–the Bernese Highlands!
Life, stress, daily grind–we all experience it! But sometimes you have to get away from it all and reconnect with your friends. So, when my friend Deborah from university days and her daughter, Dayne, called and invited me to the Bernese Highlands–Mürren to be exact–the answer was a resounding, Ja!
Beauty not to be believed
Switzerland is a vision of sumptuous magic! The snowcap mountains touch the sky and go on forever. From the freshwater dripping down the mountain streams to the sweet smell of pure air, a paradise steeped in natural beauty is just waiting to be discovered!
Our drive from Zurich to Interlaken was spectacular from start to finish. The winding roads with chalets right out of the book Heidi, along with the Alps etched in the background, made for the perfect Kodak picture. We stopped off the road to capture this precious moment and have a Swiss lunch with an amazing view of elevations beyond imagination.
Later, we arrived in Lauterbrunnen and the real adventure was about to begin when we boarded the funicular to the mountains. From the moment we boarded the funicular, we were in jaw-dropping awe. The delightful ride up the mountain was breathtaking from every vantage point. When we stepped off the final train to Mürren where we would spend the next three days exploring, the word “perfection” didn’t even come close.
Magic
When we arrived, a kind gentleman who worked for Hotel Eiger where we were staying greeted us to collect our luggage. From there we were welcomed by the owners of the hotel, Adrian and Susanna Stähli.
Since 1892, the hotel has been family-run, with the Stählis being the fourth generation to run and manage it. Their sweet benevolence was clear from the moment we arrived. A warm and familial feeling was felt throughout this charming four-star hotel the entire time of our visit.
Hotel Eiger
For starters, this girl was thirsty. Lo and behold, we were invited to a weekly champagne hour to soak in the view and blow the alpenhorn. (Dayne “blew” us out of the water on that one!) We conversed with many people. We met a lovely couple celebrating their wedding anniversary while staying in the James Bond room. The word “groovy” comes to mind!
Our room was lovely and enchanting. The first thing I did was open the door to the balcony where the mountain was summoning me. The smell of fresh air and flowers touched my skin and left me with a feeling of pure contentment. Later, we dined in the hotel restaurant, Eiger Hall, which was surrounded by spectacular views all around and amazing from start to finish.
We were immersed in dazzling imagery, from the car-free Mürren streets to the chalets with the aroma of cozy fireplaces wafting in the air. Later we went to the pool, which had wall-to-wall windows with mountains in every corner. The sauna was relaxing and just what we needed! At the end of day one, we all concluded that Mürren is the place to be!
“AS A FAMILY HOTEL, WE TAKE GREAT JOY IN MAKING SURE OUR CUSTOMERS ARE HAPPY.” ADRIAN AND SUSANNA STÄHLI.
Let’s go biking
The next morning, after a peaceful rest in our comfy room, we set off for breakfast. A wonderful buffet of every breakfast delicacy you could dream of was deliciously presented and waiting to be sampled. Being well fed put us in the right frame of mind to set off on our first exciting excursion on a guided tour with Flying Wheels. Flying Wheels offers bike riders–from the beginner to the experienced–the opportunity to rent bikes and explore on your own or go on a guided bike tour.
Flying Wheels
Additionally, Flying Wheels specializes in e-bikes, along with any other bike you may want to take around to all the charming villages that display both mountain and lakes in the Jungfrau region in Interlaken.
Bike riding is the way to go! With Flying Wheels, you have the choice of how you want to spend your day. With the guided tour, you discover things you would never find on your own. I would have ended up in some other town–lost!
When we arrived in Interlaken, we were greeted by our guide, the entertaining owner Frank Stein. Frank was so knowledgeable about all the facts of the Jungfrau region in Interlaken. We suited up and rode around on our e-bikes. It was a thrilling experience all around.
The ride to the lakes with Frank was remarkable. The vision of mountains and lakes combined made for a dreamlike experience. I never imagined such distinctive beauty and history would all be in one place. We stopped off regularly to learn more about the history of the area, all the while basking in the sights and smells of the region.
Later, we stopped off at a local farmer’s cow and chicken farm and discovered an adorable dog, Laika, and her mate, a beautiful Bernese Mountain dog. We discovered the farm store (Hof Ladeli), where they sell fresh milk, cheese and eggs from the free-roaming chicken. With an honor system in place, you could leave your money in the bowl and enjoy the most amazing cheese.
Bike tour
As we continued on, we came upon Lake Brienz. I was truly in another world. A vision of immaculate green water was the most beautiful revelation I could imagine. With the peaceful boats on the lake and the soft lapping sounds of the water, Lake Brienz had it all!
Later, we stopped to have a picnic lunch of local delicacies. Frank impressed upon us the real joy of buying the local farmer’s cheese and trying the saucisson from the region. The taste of the cheese and other delights didn’t disappoint us.
Although the picnic is not part of the Interlaken tours (in fact it’s part of the longer Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls Valley tours), Frank took the time to explain why it’s important to buy the local produce: no plastic packaging, no trucks polluting the air while transporting the plastic packaged industrial food through Switzerland. We sat on a bench with our local treats and talked about life and our vision of an ideal world. Sitting in front of Lake Brienz was the perfect complement for this memorable lunch.
Riding around with Frank was a truly enlightening experience. His vast knowledge of the area and its history is impressive. He was terrific in communicating with Dayne about many interesting topics and took the time to teach her to skip stones in the lake.
For me, the real takeaway is how Frank impressed upon us that we are all responsible for the planet. From picking a biodegradable package to riding bikes and not polluting the air, Frank left his indelible stamp on this bike rider that we all have a role to play in the world. For Frank, the Flying Wheels mission is to make the “world an environmental place.”
“DON’T RENT A CAR, RENT A BIKE,” FRANK
When the e-bike tour came to an end, we were all a bit melancholy to say good-bye. We left Flying Wheels and all vowed to return one day soon for another enchanting ride.
Bond is where it’s at!
Get ready for the ride of your life up to the mountain of Schilthorn Piz Gloria. With just 32 minutes by cable car to reach the top of the summit of Schilthorn and over 2,970 meters, you are in for a ride of a lifetime. The view of Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and more than 200 other summits is to live and let die for—no pun intended!
What a thrill ride from start to finish! The ride up the mountain was even higher than Mürren, but it felt like I was flying through the clouds in an effortless manner.
Lo and behold, we got to the mountain top where the Bond film, Her Majesty’s Secret Service, was filmed in 1967. This place blew me out of the clouds!
The interactive Bond World museum was a real trip through the exciting times of the late 60s. With the history and legacy of the movie at our fingertips, it was wild to think that over 52 years ago, they filmed such memorable skiing scenes!
The walk through the 007 Walk of Fame was also a step back in time. Discovering how they filmed these captivating scenes was interesting in and of itself in the Bond Cinema room.
When it came time to have lunch, we ate in the 360-degree Restaurant Piz Gloria overlooking the mountains in the sky. The restaurant was rotating the entire time—a moveable feast to say the least. Hemingway would have been pleased! With a buffet of terrific items to choose from, there was something for everyone.
Later, we sneaked off to the Skyline Top Shop where we stepped into a gift shop full of wonderful Bond items and Swiss goodies. After some shopping, we took the plunge and slipped out the back to the Skyline View Platform. Get ready for real excitement. I am happy to say I did the skywalk, a high wire almost 10,000 feet up with a view to a kill.
With my heart pounding in my chest, I carefully navigated the walk across the long line. “Don’t look down” was all I could think of as I meticulously navigated my way across the thin wire. WOW, what a thrill! Dayne even crawled through the net wire and made it to the other side–kids have no fear!
More fun was to come as we walked around Piz Gloria and gathered together to take a picture with James Bond! The clouds in the background were immersed in mountain ridges with snow perched on top and fantastic views all around.
When we returned to the hotel, we had our final dinner at the adorable Eiger Guesthouse. We dined on Italian specialties and enjoyed our last night with a view we will never forget!
From Switzerland with love!
Sunday arrived and it was time to leave. We all pledged to return to the ethereal magic land of mountains and lakes to relive the otherworldly experience all over again. Like a James Bond movie, From Switzerland with Love!
As the train departed from the hotel, with one last view in sight, the smell of fresh mountain air and Edelweiss lingered in the air.
CHAUCER'S CORNER 