My doorbell rings. I open the door to find a good friend of mine standing there with a big grin on his face and…
Velvet Escape travel blog
Sabah: a nature lover’s paradise
Sabah, one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo (map), is blessed with superb white sandy beaches, coral islands and large tracts…
A delightful day in Pézenas
Pézenas is a historic town located in the Hérault region of southern France. It was just by chance that I ‘discovered’ this lovely town…
Amsterdam’s cinematic jewel
The Tuschinski Theater, Amsterdam’s most beautiful and historically significant cinema, is a masterpiece of architectural flair and cultural heritage. Located in the city centre,…
Things to do around London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow Airport isn’t much of a tourist sight unless you’re fascinated by airplanes or airports. Yet it is one of the world’s busiest…
History and nature: A Northern Germany road trip
Exploring Germany by car is always a good idea, in my book. The roads are great and toll-free, and there are many road trip…
Things to see in Monopoli
Monopoli, a picturesque coastal town in Puglia, southern Italy, is a lovely port town that’s often overlooked by visitors. With its whitewashed buildings, ancient…
Zaanse Schans: a picturesque glimpse into Dutch ingenuity
Zaanse Schans is a picture perfect open-air museum in the countryside near Amsterdam (map). Whenever I have friends or family visiting me for the…
Amsterdam School architecture: where art meets function
Amsterdam is famous around the world for its UNESCO World Heritage listed canals and its beautiful, gabled canal houses. The city is also known…
