Hiking in France–Aveyron is at the Heart of It All

France’s aesthetic appeal can not be contested. Being the undisputed champion of tourist popularity for most of recorded history, France’s vacation appeal might as well be legendary. The gorgeous cities are one reason why France is so popular. Another obvious reason is the country’s dedication to fashion, beauty, sensual pleasure and their relaxed social attitude. Then, of course, there is the stunning and near mythically beautiful French countryside.

The best way to enjoy any countryside is to take to it in the spirit of total immersion. Put down the car keys, pick up a backpack, head out of door, let your feet be your transportation and your curiosity–and a good trail map–be your guide. The sun drenched, tree populated and ruin decorated trails of the French parks are the perfect places to get away from the complications of modern life. Tell your legs, and cell phone, to take a hike.

No area of France has as many recorded scenic hikes as the department of Aveyron. Aveyron, in the Midi-Pyrenees region–also full of hiking opportunities, has more than one hundred well planned hikes waiting to delight any nature lover. With so many medieval and ancient sites, Aveyron’s selection of hikes may be a bit intimidating. I recommend checking out the Lot valley starting from the village of Fel. Fel itself is home to a host of restored old houses, making it a beautiful starting and ending point for a two hour hike through some very well maintained agricultural and natural points.

Portugal’s Three Royal Beach Resorts

Cascais, which has been a harbor since prehistoric times, became a fashionable resort in the 1870s when the monarch Luis I built his summer palace there. It says a lot for a place when the man who can be anywhere chooses to be there, and what was said was heard and answered by a wave of recognition washing over the lovely beach. The upscale shops in the pedestrian section of the glorious old town bear homage to the exalted rich who ones vied for produce along the same streets. The port is still in use, and the day’s catch is auctioned near the harbor in the afternoon.

Three kilometers east of Cascais is the beach resort of Estoril. Estoril is home to excellent hotels and grand villas, helping to retain a sense of the place’s past. In years gone by, Estoril was the home of exiled European royalty. The beach is pristine and popular, and it’s not hard to understand why.

To west, ten kilometers from Cascais is Guincho. Guincho’s beach is magnificent and sandy and looks over an endless sea. Its atlantic breakers make it a haven for surfers, and the spirit of youth is ever present to electrify any who come near. A seafaring empire since its inception, Portugal holds on to her love of the ocean in her seaside resorts and no visit to Portugal is complete without a walk on the beach.

Walking in Austria

As any health buff can, and probably will, tell you, walking is the basis of good health. Most of us sit all day. In the car, in the office, in front of the television–your next vacation can change that, you can be reinvigorated and energized while enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Walking in Austria can help you appreciate your vacation surroundings even as you’re appreciating yourself.

Austria is known as much for its lush countryside and stately, luxurious cities as it is for the friendly warmth and hospitality of its citizens. It’s no accident that a few of the tour companies operating walking and biking tours in Austria are run by American emigrants.

Don’t motor through the countryside on your way from one museum to the next, take your time on a relaxing valley stroll or hillside hike. Your camera, your wallet, your smile and your body will all thank you.

Vienna’s Art History

Austria’s Hapsburg dynasty were known for being creators, monarchs and, most of all, collectors. This reputation for gathering is well deserved, and one of the many living tributes to its veracity is the impressive, and somewhat comprehensive, Kunsthistoriches museum.

Established from the Hapsburg’s collection, the museum of the history of art houses centuries of buildup of fine art brought to Vienna from around the world. The entire first floor is occupied by the picture gallery which is focused on the work of the old masters from the 15th to 18th centuries. There are a number of Rembrandts, all of them portraits, and many pieces that have never been seen outside of the museum. The ground floor houses collections of art and antiquities from ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt and the near east.

Also on display are a singularly Austrian curiosity: automata. The same interest in what lies below-the-surface that brought us modern psychology spawned the worlds first robots. They could not move and function like modern robotics, but they were created to convincingly mimic the motions of living creatures. One of the most famous and beautiful is a metal swan upon a metal river which stretches its neck, dips its bill, snatches up and eats a little metal fish–which it summarily excretes.

Italian Food–Rich and Varied

Unlike Mexican food which seems to be a scam perpetrated upon the rest of the world (What’s a flauta? Chicken, cheese or beef in a flour or corn tortilla. What’s a taco? Chicken, cheese or beef in a flour or corn tortilla. What’s an enchilada? You get the point.), Italian food is among some of the most varied on the planet. Each region claims its own specialties, different in preparation and presentation style as well as ingredients. Each different regional cuisine also evokes a different feel, from the ornate and decadent feasts of Sicily to the simple rustic traditions of Sardinia, Italy is a country to be explored plate by plate.

The best thing about Italian food is its familiarity. Who hasn’t enjoyed a chicken parmigiana sandwich or a plate of flavorful deli meats accompanied by ripe fruits and pungent cheeses? Italian food can often be created from a short list of ingredients combined to powerful effect.

Today I’ll introduce you to one such simple recipe perfect for the beginner to cut their teeth upon: Bruschetta. You’re probably already familiar with Bruschetta, and you probably already know how to make it. Cut up some tomato, onion, garlic and oregano, mix it with some olive oil and put it over small pieces of toast. Simple, right? Hardly worth your time? The beauty of the dish is in the simplicity: you can customize it at will and make it not so much Italian cuisine as your cuisine.

One customization option I’ve enjoyed is added bits of lemon. Another I like is some chopped mango. I invite you to throw away your cookbook for the evening and invent something that your guests will wonder at.