The Calci Charterhouse is a magnificent Carthusian monastery located in Calci, at the foothills of the Monti Pisani (Pisan Mountains) about ten kilometers from Pisa. The Charterhouse traces its roots back to 1366 when it was founded by a group of Carthusians. However, its current baroque façade stems from the 18th century. Thanks to [...]
My velvet escape travel tip: Goa
“My velvet escape travel tip” is a guest series about what the name ‘Velvet Escape’ evokes and what that would be in the hometown or favourite place of the guest writer. With this series, I hope to uncover travel tips from places around the world to help visitors have a truly local experience. Today’s guest [...]
Exploring Beijing
Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, came into the spotlight when it hosted the Olympic Games in 2008. Although the city has seen a lot of development with glass skyscrapers, five-star hotels and massive shopping malls, Beijing is the political, cultural and educational centre of a country that remains under communist [...]
O for Ontario
Ontario’s Overwhelming geography and Opulent culture are Only a few of its charms. Choose this Original destination to get in touch with nature, to explore One of the many faces of Canada and witness sceneries you will never forget. On your way back home your eyes will see only two colours: the dark green of [...]
A treasure trove in the forest
It all began with a course in art appreciation. In the late-19th century, the Kröller-Müller family was one of the wealthiest in Holland. Anton Kröller was chairman of Wm. H. Müller & Co., a conglomerate with large interests in shipping, the American grain trade and iron ore mining in Africa. One day, his wife, Helene [...]
Experiencing Tuscany like a local
Thinking of Tuscany never fails to make me smile. It conjures unforgettable memories of gorgeous scenery, divine food and wines, deeply passionate people and historic grandeur. Whether I’m wandering the streets of ancient towns like Siena, tasting local delicacies at a trattoria, experiencing colourful festivals, standing on a hilltop and taking in the beautiful scenery, [...]
A weekend in St. Albans
To be honest, when Andy invited me and a few other travel bloggers to visit St. Albans last fall, I had no clue where it was and what to expect. I quickly did some research and learned that it’s a small town in Hertfordshire, about 30 kilometers north of London. I also discovered that St. [...]
Velvet moments: travel photo of the week – jungles of Angkor Wat
Built deep in the jungles of Cambodia, the Angkor temple complex was left untouched for many centuries. Read the accompanying post: “The Wonders of Angkor Wat“. Search for hotels in Siem Reap.
The hidden charms of Chamonix
Sitting humbly at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, the French commune of Chamonix, which in 1924 was home to the first ever Winter Olympics, is something of a mecca for snow/extreme sports enthusiasts. Each year thousands of people flock to the powdery slopes in search of exhilarating fun and, [...]
Velvet moments: travel photo of the week – Tango in Buenos Aires
Every Sunday, the locals come out to dance on the Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo, Buenos Aires. Read the accompanying post: “Sundays in San Telmo“. Search for hotels in Buenos Aires.
About Keith Jenkins
I'm Keith Jenkins. In July 2008, I left my ten-year banking career to travel around the world. I've not looked back since.
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