Terrorist attack in Prague
Olga Hepnarová is not a name that is familiar to many people even in Czechia. She is infamous here as the last woman to be executed by the state in 1975 after carrying out a terrorist attack in Prague in 1973.
I didn’t know about these connections between Malta and Prague
I no longer am surprised at unusual connections between places. I've travelled enough over the years to know many things are connected in the strangest of ways. Imagine my surprise though, when I found an unusual connection with St Anthony's Church in Prague.
The Belgians know Tsar Peter’s secret
The National Park in Brussels, right in front of the Royal Palace, is a welcome touch of greenery in the city. But why would the Belgians commemorate the spot in the park where Peter the Great, Tsar of Russia, felt violently sick?
Sychrov Chateau: A Czech-French Chateau
Picture the situation: It's the French revolution and you are a member of the French nobility. What's the best way of making sure your head doesn't end up on the chopping block too? Why, escape to another country and buy a château there of course!
Finding Prague’s lost Old Town fortifications
Tourists from the New World chuckle when they read that Prague's New Town dates back to the 14th century. The New World barely existed in those days. Prague's Old Town Fortifications have been lost but if you know where to look, you can rediscover the medieval limits of the Old Town of Prague.
Do you know when to drive on the right in London?
Many people become anxious when they have to switch from left-hand driving to right-hand driving. I've had people tell me they won't drive in England because they're so used to driving on the right. In London, you may need to switch from driving on the left to driving on the right depending on which road you're in!
Do you know when the Union Jack first flew over Malta?
Maltese history is a rich tapestry of events, influences and wars. The Maltese are proud of British heritage, but few seem to know where the British flag was first flown over the islands.
Loučeň Castle
Most stately homes and castles in Czechia close for the winter months. I suppose not many people enjoy traipsing around an unheated building when it’s -20 C outside. Loučeň castle is
The Spinsters’ Church
I hold on as the swaying of the boat almost makes me lose my balance. I am on a vaporetto heading to the Venetian island of Giudecca. I want to
Maltese windows
When the Knights of Malta built Valletta in the seventeenth century, it was admired by all who saw it. We don’t realise that it took 400 years or so to