Last night I was browsing through some old photos and stopped at this one from Berlin. It feels like I took it yesterday, but it was in fact ten years ago.

Time really flies. Back then I was living in Berlin, and this blog was only a few months old. Some of the very first posts here were about the city: maps of its districts, the people living in it, and a nice picture of Berlin to start the week.

As you can see in the photo above, it was dusk on a gray evening. The TV Tower (Fernsehturm) stood in the background, the tram wires crossed the sky, and the evening glow lit up the horizon, in that typical Berlin style I was lucky to admire quite a few times.

It’s hard to believe a whole decade has gone by!

This year I went back to the Basel Herbstmesse and, like two years ago, I couldn’t resist riding the Ferris wheel. This time I got lucky with the timing. The sun was right behind me, and when the gondola reached the top, I noticed the shadow of the wheel itself stretched across the white façade of the house in front of me. You can see the rim and the spokes running diagonally down to the street, almost like a giant sundial drawn on the building.

Sometimes you are just in the right place at the right time, and this was one of those moments. I took a few photos, and I think this one turned out quite well. The Ferris wheel is a classic attraction at the Herbstmesse, and it’s always fun to see it from above.

Hopefully I will be able to go again next year. I’m already looking forward to the next ride.

Some days ago I visited Sion, the capital of Valais, and climbed up to the Château de Tourbillon, the castle ruins on top of one of the two hills that rise above the old town.

The photo above was taken from one of its arched doorways. Framed in the arch you can see the Basilica of Valère on the neighboring hill, with the town of Sion below and the Alps fading into the haze behind it. The yellow leaves on the wall make it a very autumn picture.

According to Wikipedia, Tourbillon was built between 1297 and 1308 by Bishop Boniface de Challant and was the residence of the Bishops of Sion for a long time, until a fire in 1788 destroyed most of it. Valère is even older, with its first parts dating back to the early 12th century, and its organ, from around 1435, is one of the oldest working organs in the world.

Two hills, two old fortresses, and they have been looking at each other for more than 700 years!

Some days ago I went back to Nyon, the town I wrote about in my post on Noviodunum, but this time I didn’t stay. I walked down to the harbor and took the ferry across the lake to Yvoire, on the French side.

Getting there is very easy. The boat leaves from Nyon and the crossing is short, about twenty minutes, so you barely have time to enjoy the view of the lake before you arrive.

Yvoire is small, and you can walk around the whole town in no time, but it is beautiful. It still has its medieval walls, gates and a castle by the water, and its narrow stone streets are lovely to wander through. According to Wikipedia, the town was fortified in the early 14th century by Count Amadeus V of Savoy, and today it is listed among the “Plus Beaux Villages de France”.

It is amazing how such a short boat ride takes you to a completely different and beautiful clplace.

Last Sunday I made a flash visit to Bern with A. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s one of my favorite cities in Switzerland, and it’s so easy to get to from Basel that even a short stop is worth it.

By the time I walked into the old town it was already dark and it had been raining. The cobblestones were still wet and reflected the lights from the shop windows and street lamps, as you can see in the picture above. In the center is the Käfigturm, with its clock and pointed spire, and on the right you can spot the green dome of the Federal Palace.

A short visit, but Bern never disappoints, even on a rainy evening.

When I visited Mallorca a couple of weeks ago, every guide said the exact same thing: you have to go to Sóller.

So I did. I had hoped to take the historic wooden train from Palma, but tickets were sold out, so I hopped on the bus instead. Luckily, I still got to ride the vintage tram down from the town to the port, which was a highlight of the trip.

The port sits in a nearly perfect horseshoe bay framed by the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, keeping the water calm, clear, and vivid blue. Whitewashed houses climb the surrounding hillsides, and the bay is dotted with sailboats.

I got incredibly lucky with the weather, as you can see in the photo above. If you only have time for one day trip outside of Palma, make it Port de Sóller. I can’t wait to return the next time I’m in Mallorca.

I remember a few years back in Berlin, when locals would ask a Spanish colleague and friend of mine where he was from. Whenever he mentioned he was from the island of Mallorca, the reaction was almost always the same: a look of disbelief, followed by the inevitable question, “So what are you doing here, man?” I’d always been curious about the island and wanted to understand the appeal of the Balearics, and a few days ago I finally got the chance to see it for myself on a visit to Mallorca. It truly is beautiful, just as my friend had told me.

One of the activities I enjoy most when visiting a city is cycling, whenever possible, and on this trip, staying in Can Pastilla, I found that the hotel offered affordable full-day bike rentals. So I set off to visit the cathedral and its surroundings, as well as Bellver Castle, where I took the photo you can see above. I really enjoyed this visit, and I can’t wait to go back!

The Swiss town of Nyon in Vaud traces its roots back to 45 BC, when Julius Caesar founded the settlement as Colonia Iulia Equestris (also known to the Romans as Noviodunum).

Today, the ancient past still lives alongside the present. As you can see in the photo, the vestiges of three Roman columns still stand tall at the Esplanade des Marronniers overlooking Lake Geneva.

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Roman ruins in Europe, but to be honest, every single time I stumble upon them, that same sense of awe and curiosity comes rushing back.

Last night I decided last minute to stroll around the Basel Jazz Festival, and I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of acts around the city. The festival was alive with different settings from small intimate venues to larger stages, each offering a unique experience.

After buying some water at Barfüsserplatz, I wandered through the streets and found myself in front of a medium-sized stage on Freie Strasse, where a salsa-based Latin jazz band was performing. The musicians were incredibly talented, with a singer who reminded me of some of the greats of the genre.

I spent the next hour enjoying the music and sharing the experience with the rest of the crowd, Latin and non-Latin alike, who were completely immersed in the performance. Really cool!

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to visit the city of Tarragona for the second time, and I remembered why I liked it so much the first time I visited several years ago. Since moving to Europe, I have always been fascinated whenever I have the chance to visit Roman ruins, and Tarragona (called Tarraco in Roman times) is a city with a great number of them, including an amphitheater, a circus, and an aqueduct.

Specifically, this Roman amphitheater, dating back to the 2nd century AD, is one of the main tourist attractions of the city, and it is impressive to see how well it has been preserved over the centuries, as you can see in the photo above. The city of Tarragona is a place full of history and culture, and without a doubt, it is a destination worth visiting if you are in Catalunya.

A couple of days ago, I found myself back in Sitges! While strolling through the narrow streets of the charming city center, I took a picture of the iconic cathedral overlooking the sea, and it made me remember why I loved this town the first time I visited many years ago. There is such a unique vibe here—a perfect blend of Catalan tradition and Mediterranean warmth; it feels like a place that forces you to slow down and savor every moment.

We ended up having lunch at a yummy Italian restaurant on the seafront called La Terraza, then we got some nice ice cream from a local gelateria, and spent some time just sitting on the promenade watching people go by.

I was curious about why this town is such a lovely place and has become such a beacon of tolerance for the LGBTQ+ community. I read up on it this morning and found out that Sitges has always been a haven for artists, writers, and free spirits—which explains its totally open-minded atmosphere!

They host so many cultural events and festivals throughout the year, like the famous Sitges Film Festival. Already counting down to my next visit!

Let’s be honest: European heatwaves are no joke right now. After spending all these weeks bracing against the blistering sunshine and trying to work through the hot weather, it feels refreshing and invigorating to be back on the Catalan seaside.

Three years ago, I walked on this exact stretch of beach in Cubelles — same boardwalk, same view of the Mediterranean stretching flat and blue toward the horizon. I remember staring at the water and reflecting on where I was and where I was going.

Coming back now, the town hasn’t changed much. The same beach restaurants are still serving the same food at lunch. My favorite ice cream parlor has done well, and now it’s even bigger.

And of course, while ordering some splendid “arroz negro” and chatting with a friendly waiter, I remembered why I always feel closest to home when I visit this country.

Today, I’m grateful I have the opportunity to visit this spot once more.

An arepa is a traditional flatbread made from ground maize dough, enjoyed across northern South America since pre-Columbian times. Interestingly, the word arepa actually comes from Cumanagoto, an extinct Cariban language once spoken by indigenous peoples in what is now Venezuela; it's believed to derive specifically from the word erepa, meaning "corn."

One of my favorite versions is the Reina Pepiada. It’s a simple but delicious savory filling made with guacamole, shredded chicken breast, and fresh coriander.

I made them at home last week alongside air-fried yuca and mazorca (more corn! 😂), and they were a huge hit!

Last weekend I got up early and went for a bike ride, something I do fairly often when the weather starts warming up. I crossed Basel in the morning when absolutely no one was around and you could hear all the birds singing, arrived at Burgfelderhof, and headed over to buy bread in the French town of Saint-Louis. After crossing through the town, I went to Huningue and then over the famous "Passerelle des Trois Pays" bridge you can see in the photo above, to get into Weil am Rhein and pick up some extra groceries before heading back to Switzerland.

This structure, called the Dreiländerbrücke in German, is a beautiful bridge that crosses the Rhine between Huningue (France) and Weil am Rhein (Germany), and according to Wikipedia, it holds the world record for the longest single-span bridge for pedestrians and bicycles only.

I once read that the Spalentor is one of Basel’s most interesting iconic buildings—it's almost a whole history lesson in a single building! It truly does stand out in the city's old town with its unique architecture. The tower's history is very interesting because it is linked to one of the main events that shaped the city: the earthquake of 1356.

That dramatic seismic event reduced the city to ruins, and when it had to be rebuilt, the city was enclosed by a bigger ring of walls. This included multiple defensive structures, such as seven gate towers, and one of them was indeed the Spalentor. Today, the tower stands as a symbol of the city's history, alongside other historic landmarks like the St. Johanns-Tor and the St. Alban-Tor.

I passed through Bern again a couple of days ago. As I’ve mentioned here before, it’s one of my favorite cities in Switzerland, and it’s super easy to get to from Basel.

I was actually going to Vaud that day, but since the weather was so lovely and the day was perfect, I decided to stop for a while.

I continued my usual walk from the city center to the bear pit, but I paused at the Aare bridge. The landscape was so beautiful that I had to stop and take pictures of the river.

The view was incredible: the turquoise water flowing beneath the bridge, set against the bright green of the trees, grass, and forested slopes on the left riverbank, as you can see above.

Yesterday, while riding the train through the city of Neuchâtel, I looked out of the window, and the scenery was absolutely spectacular during that golden hour when the light was just perfect for taking a photo. So, I quickly grabbed my phone and took the shot you can see above.

As you can see, the image captures the city of Neuchâtel as the train passed, with the historic Neuchâtel Castle and the Collegiate Church dominating the hill on the right. Below them, a sea of medieval rooftops descends toward Lake Neuchâtel. I was quite lucky with the timing.

This evening I took a stroll down by the lake in Morges. The air had a nice chill to it, but the view was absolutely worth it. The sky is rarely so clear that you can see all the way across to the Alps, but tonight was one of those nights, as you can see in the picture above.

The Morges is a river in Vaud that flows into the Rhône at Lake Geneva and passes through the town of Morges, which takes its name from the river. This is a fact I had no idea about! Anyway, one evening last week, I was walking by the Parc de l'Indépendance and saw the lights on the horizon reflecting on the water with some tulips in the foreground, and I thought it would be a nice picture to share.

The weather was gorgeous yesterday, and I had some time to spare near Voltaplatz, so I took one of Basel’s little Rhine ferries once more and remembered why this simple plan is something I enjoy every single time. It’s very interesting how this small wooden boat has no engine — it’s just a cable and the river current doing all the work, quietly carrying you from one bank to the other. No rush, no noise, just the water and the nice lady telling some stories in Basler Deutsch.

The history of these ferries is interesting as well: they have been around since the 19th century, back when they were actually needed as part of the standard transport system, before more bridges went up alongside the Mittlere Brücke. Today they’re not really essential for getting around, but they’re still there as a reminder of what they once were. For a few minutes you’re not commuting, you’re not in a hurry, you’re just floating across the Rhine. Really nice!

Today we had the opportunity to visit the Grottes de Vallorbe, and it turned out to be a really amazing experience. We started our journey by taking the train from Renens to Le Day, and from there it was super convenient to hop on a bus that brought us directly to the caves’ parking lot. From there, the entrance to the caves is about a 10-minute walk along the river.

The Grottes themselves were absolutely beautiful. Formed over millions of years by the underground flow of the Orbe River, the caves showcase incredible limestone formations that are really unique. As we walked through, the natural rock structures were beautifully highlighted, creating a magical atmosphere throughout.

All in all, it was a nice day trip into one of the most beautiful cave systems in Europe.

Yesterday we went for a walk in Basel-Landschaft while the weather was really lovely. We started at the SBB Bahnhof in Basel and took the IR to Liestal. From there, we continued by bus 70 to Reigoldswil village. Instead of hiking up, we decided to take the cable car up to Wasserfallen, which made the start of the day feel very relaxed and easy.

From the top, we then walked all the way back down together with A. and L. It was a really nice route through green hills, forests, and small waterfalls, with flower-filled fields along the way, as well as some truly beautiful landscapes like the one you see in the picture above.

Our feet were a bit sore after the steep descent, but it was totally worth it.

A couple of days ago, I took the regional train from Badischer Bahnhof so that L. could visit Europa-Park for the first time. I had been there a couple of times before and always had a lot of fun. The last time was probably when I went with my brother, but it had been a while since then. It was great to go back and share the experience with L., who really enjoyed it as well.

We had a great time, and the weather was perfect, as you can see in the picture above. We went on some of the rides we had explored online beforehand, including Arthur and the CanCan Coaster, among many others.

It was a fun day, and we can't wait to go back again soon.

This morning I was browsing some old pictures with L., and when we got to some gastronomic ones, we remembered that a couple of years ago, while my aunt was visiting, we prepared a poke bowl with smoked salmon. Today we tried to replicate the dish but using tuna instead — and the result was fantastic! The combination of sushi rice soaked in rice vinegar, tuna, coriander, mango, wakame, dried red onion, edamame and roasted seaweed, finished with a splash of soy sauce, came together beautifully. Even better than last time!

I took this picture a couple of weeks ago during one of my early morning walks through Basel's city center. I love capturing shots in the early morning or late afternoon when places are quiet and you get to enjoy the small things that make them what they are — like a gravel pétanque court scattered with pigeons, a lone person sitting quietly on a bench, a bare winter tree, and the twin spires of the Münster poking up above the rooftops in the background. The light made it impossible not to stop and take a photo.

It's one of those scenes that feels completely unhurried, which is something I really appreciate about this city.

I took this picture while walking through Berlin-Mitte on my way to get my glasses done — way cheaper than in Switzerland! Among the renovated façades, galleries, boutiques and expensive apartments, Linienstraße 206 stands out like a time capsule. Covered in graffiti, street art and banners, it's clearly not a fully modernised luxury building, and that's exactly what makes it so unique.

After the Wall fell in 1989, hundreds of empty buildings across East Berlin were occupied by squatters, artists and activists. Most of those squats were eventually evicted or swallowed by gentrification, but Linienstraße 206 is still standing, still defiant. A small piece of Berlin's alternative history right in the middle of all that fancy new Mitte.

A couple of days ago the weather started to get better, so I decided to jump back on my bike and commute to work. I left relatively early to avoid the rush hour and enjoy the morning light.

The weather was perfect, but what was even better was the view on this commute: the sun rising behind the Alps, creating interesting shadows and beautiful colors reflected on Lake Léman. I stopped to take some photos and enjoy the moment.

I felt really lucky to witness such a beautiful scene during my daily commute!

Sometimes you turn your head while walking and suddenly realize you’ve found the perfect photo spot. That’s exactly what happened yesterday along the shores of Lake Zug. The sun was out, the water was calm, and bare tree branches and wooden posts framed a beautiful view of the edge of the lake, with the town of Zug and the surrounding hills clearly visible in the background under a blue winter sky. It was an amazing view!

This morning the winter weather wasn't too bad, so I decided to grab my bike and commute using my favorite mode of transport. As I was passing by the Blancherie parking lot, I had to pull over and turn right: the sunrise against the Alps in the background, reflecting off the calm waters of Lac Léman, was simply too beautiful to skip. I stopped, took a moment to admire it, and then shot the picture you see above. As you can see with the lady in the foreground, I wasn't the only one taken by the view :)

Yesterday I was biking on my way to work, and as I started to climb the hill on the Route de Genève that takes you to the Préverenges roundabout, I turned my head to the right and saw such a beautiful sunrise over Lake Léman, with the Alps in the background, that I had to stop to take the picture you see above.

On this New Year’s Eve of 2026, still recovering from the flu, we chose to celebrate quietly at home, preparing a traditional ajiaco from Bogotá for a late lunch—a dish perfect for a cold day like yesterday. In that simple moment, I felt hopeful that 2026 would be a good year!

Yesterday we had a nice day with A & L. We were looking for a day trip, and since they were absolutely dying to see some snow, I spent some time Googling the closest mountains accessible by public transport in the Vaud region. I eventually stumbled upon Rochers de Naye, and it turned out to be the perfect plan for a quick getaway into the snowy peaks.

We hopped on the cogwheel train from Montreux, and once we reached the top, the kids had the best time playing in the snow and building a snowman. We even got the chance to visit Santa’s Village, walking through a light-decorated tunnel, taking pictures with him, and leaving with a couple of treats in hand.

The train ride itself is an attraction, offering amazing panoramic views, just like the one in the picture above.

Today we decided to have a nice Christmas lunch with my colleagues at work. We’d been discussing this for a couple of days and agreed to go to a ramen place we had tried before and all liked.

But when we were about to make a reservation, it turned out to be closed. Arrgh :/. A classic Monday issue!

So, debating what to do next, a Moroccan colleague suggested a Moroccan place he knew near CHUV. I was very curious because I’d never tried tajine before, and it sounded like a nice culinary exploration.

So we went there and all of us ordered this traditional dish. The tajine arrived in its classic cone-shaped clay pot, and when they lifted the lid, it smelled really nice! The slow-cooked chicken with preserved lemons, olives, and a blend of spices I couldn’t quite identify made the dish really appealing.

Not surprisingly, the taste was even better, with a balance of sweet and salty flavors. Following my colleague’s advice, I tried it with warm bread and couscous, and the combination was really good.

I can’t believe I’d never tried this dish before. Really nice!

One of my favorite places in Basel is the Markthalle. This historic market hall has been transformed into a vibrant food court with a variety of international cuisines. The architecture of the building is quite interesting, with its high ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of natural light during the day.

Last week, when I was passing by the Markthalle at night, I noticed the full moon shining brightly above the building. The combination of the modern "Markthalle" neon lights and the natural glow of the moon created a beautiful view that I tried to capture in the photo above.

Last weekend I took a stroll up to Münsterberg, and this part of Basel looked absolutely lovely! The sky was clear and blue, with that special hue you sometimes see on those nice late-autumn days. I captured this shot while wandering around: the church’s clay-colored walls were brilliantly highlighted by the rays of the sun.

Dun Laoghaire is a beautiful coastal town located just south of Dublin. As I mentioned in a post a couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to visit Ireland recently, and during the weekend, I took a trip to Dun Laoghaire.

I repeated a plan that I used to do quite frequently when I lived in Dublin years ago: take the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train from the city center to Dun Laoghaire, walk along the pier and back, and then head to the bookstore on Marine Road, grabbing a coffee and a scone in the café next door.

When I looked out the window and saw St. Michael's Church, I remembered those days many years ago when I was in that same café writing the dissertation for my Master's degree.

A couple of days ago I went with my family to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow. Going down into the tunnels felt like stepping back in time — endless corridors, glittering salt walls, and even chapels carved deep underground. The Chapel of St. Kinga was the highlight, almost like a cathedral hidden below the earth. It was fascinating to see how a working mine was turned into such an incredible place.

A long time ago, when I first moved to Ireland for work, I was lucky enough to settle in Sandymount – a charming coastal suburb just south of Dublin’s city centre. My apartment sat right on the edge of Sandymount Strand, a wide sandy beach that stretches past one of the historic Martello Towers.

In the mornings, as I walked along the promenade, I would admire the twin chimneys that appeared in the distance: the famous Poolbeg Chimneys. These towering figures used to belong to the now-decommissioned Poolbeg Power Station. Although the plant is no longer operational, the chimneys remain and have become an iconic symbol of the city.

Last weekend, I finally had the chance to revisit that view in person. I hadn’t seen those chimneys for many years, but this time I found myself walking along Sandymount Strand, reviving all the vivid memories tied to Ireland’s capital city.

One of the joys of spending weekends in Basel is being just steps away from the French border. It’s really easy to slip across early in the morning, pick up fresh bread from a local bakery, and return before sunrise — ready to enjoy breakfast with a still-warm baguette. And as if that weren’t enough, this trip often rewards early risers with breathtaking sunrises, like the one captured in the photo above on Burgfelderstrasse.

Every once in a while, you get lucky enough to witness that exact moment at sunrise when the sun first peeks over the horizon, painting the sky in a beautiful palette of orange and pink hues. That’s exactly what happened in Morges a couple of weeks ago, when I opened the windows to let in the fresh morning air and I was fortunate to capture it in the image above. I hope my significant other is lucky enough to have such a view today. Happy Birthday, K!

One of the towns we had the opportunity to visit last month was the colorful town of Filandia, located in the hills of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle. It was my first time visiting this place, which truly captures the essence of the region’s cultural and natural heritage.

This town is as beautiful as Salento, but it felt more authentic and less touristy, with its cobblestone streets, brightly painted balconies, and sweeping views of rolling coffee plantations.

Just before arriving in town, we stopped at the Mirador Colina Iluminada, a tall wooden lookout that offers 360-degree views across the Andes and stunning perspectives of the surrounding regions of the famous Colombian Eje Cafetero. And of course, we couldn’t miss stopping by one of the Café Quindío stores to enjoy a delicious Colombian coffee and take a break before continuing our walk around the town.

Above you can see a representative picture of the beautiful town of Filandia.

In the city center of Bogotá, the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) is one of Colombia’s most fascinating cultural treasures. Home to over 55,000 pieces of gold and other materials from pre-Hispanic cultures, it offers visitors a comprehensive journey through the artistry, beliefs, and traditions of the ancient peoples who once called this land home. Among its star attractions is the iconic Muisca Raft — a masterpiece of pre-Columbian goldwork that embodies one of the country’s most enduring legends: El Dorado.

The Muisca Raft is more than just an extraordinary work of art; it is a window into the ceremonial life of the Muisca people. Created between 600 and 1600 CE using the lost-wax casting technique, this intricate gold sculpture depicts a ritual at Lake Guatavita, where a new chief — his body covered in gold dust — offered gold and emeralds to the gods. Measuring just under 20 cm in length, the raft features the central figure of the chief surrounded by attendants, banners in hand, sailing into legend. Today, it remains one of the museum’s most celebrated pieces — a vivid reminder of the myth that defines Colombia’s pre-Columbian heritage.

At the end of our Colombian trip, we were lucky to have a really pleasant, sunny day, so we made our way up to one of Bogotá’s most iconic landmarks: Monserrate. Located over 3,150 meters above sea level, this mountain has been watching over the city for centuries, and today it’s not just a religious site but also one of the best vantage points you can find in the Capital District. You can get there by taking the cable car (which we did), riding the funicular, or climbing up the steep walking trail. The reward is always the same — a sweeping view of the capital that seems to go on forever and allows you to grasp the magnitude of the city.

It's hard to capture the full scale of Bogotá even from this height, but I tried my best with my GoPro camera to get a fisheye view of the city. The picture shows the sprawling urban landscape, with its mix of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and vast neighborhoods, particularly in the southern part of Bogotá.

Now, being at more than 3,100 meters above sea level is no joke, and the air is definitely thinner than what we’re used to in Europe, so it was a good idea to take it easy and enjoy the view rather than rush around. The altitude was a bit challenging for two of our family members, but the experience was well worth it. Here you can visit the official site and get additional information.

Last month, I had the chance to explore a place that many people don’t even realize belongs to Colombia: the islands of San Andrés and Providencia, located in the Caribbean Sea. Even though they are closer to Nicaragua than to mainland Colombia, they’ve been part of the country since colonial times, when they were administered from the Viceroyalty of New Granada (today’s Colombia) rather than from Central America.

We spent a few days on San Andrés, the largest island, and it was a wonderful experience. The water has more shades of blue than you could ever imagine, and the Raizal culture gives the island its own unique rhythm. This is definitely Colombia, but a very different part from the mainland. When I was flying out of the island, I managed to take the snapshot you see above, showing the downtown and northern part of San Andrés — and, of course, the incredible sea that makes this place so special.

Last month, I had the privilege of returning to one of my home countries with my family, and we used this trip to visit some of the most beautiful places Colombia has to offer. I always tell my friends and acquaintances that if they visit the country, one of the most memorable spots is the coffee-growing region — in particular, the "Valle del Cocora" (Cocora Valley) with its unique wax palm trees.

I've had the chance to visit several countries around the world, and this spot is still one of my favorites. During that trip, we visited Salento and took a Willys jeep to the Valle del Cocora. Once there, hiking uphill through the wax palm forest, I remembered why this place is truly special. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Colombia.

If you want to check out the exact place where that picture was taken, this is the point on the map.

Last week, with summer weather in full swing, I took the ferry from Ouchy to Évian. Once there, I took a nice walk along the lakeshore of Évian-les-Bains. Maybe I had always missed it before, but this time I noticed something in the lake: a massive eagle perched on one of those metal platforms near the ferry terminal. The statue is quite realistic.

Curious, I looked it up later and found out the sculpture is called L’Atterrissage (“The Landing”), created by Vanly Tiene. The eagle and its nest together span nearly five meters and weigh around three tonnes. It was installed just after Christmas.

I also learned that this piece now stands where a swan sculpture once floated—until it was destroyed by a storm. It’s really quite a beautiful sight.

A couple of days ago we did our usual day trip from Basel to Bern, but this time we took a really nice walk along the Aare River. We passed by Freibad Marzili and ended up at the Bern Tierpark, enjoying beautiful weather all along the way. We wrapped up the trip with a well-deserved drink before crossing the Kirchenfeldbrücke again. It was the perfect way to unplug from the daily routine!

Earlier this week, on my way back to Lausanne, I took a quick walk by the port in Thonon and stumbled upon an interesting bronze sculpture of a mermaid. I was curious, so I took a picture and wondered about its story. I soon discovered online that this piece is called La Sirène, a reproduction of a work by Marguerite Peltzer, a Belgian-born artist who made Thonon her home.

The original sculpture has stood in the Town Hall courtyard since the 1960s, but this new bronze version now stands on the lakefront, bringing Peltzer's art into public view. I was very lucky to stumble upon it!

The Eurovision Song Contest, created in 1956 in Lugano, Switzerland, is considered Europe's longest-running international music competition. It currently includes over 40 participating nations, celebrating a broad variety of musical styles and cultural expressions.

This year, the 69th edition of the competition is taking place in Basel (the third time Switzerland is hosting), and the city has transformed itself into Eurovision Town! Certain public spaces like Münsterplatz are adorned with heart-shaped decorations like the one you see above.

Last weekend, we passed by the Rathaus on the tram, where the Turquoise Carpet event was taking place. For these few weeks, the city has transformed itself into a hub of cultural celebration for Eurovision.

Bern has become one of our favorite destinations for weekend day trips. The fact that it's only an hour from Basel, with plenty of connections throughout the weekend, makes it incredibly easy to just hop on the next available train without much planning at all.

Our usual routine is to get off at the central train station and walk straight to the BärenPark, passing by several iconic Bernese landmarks like the Zytglogge and the Einsteinhaus, and crossing the Nydeggbrücke over the Aare River. The walk always ends at the Gelateria Eiswerkstatt, tucked inside the old tram depot, where we treat ourselves to some ice cream.

It was right there at the BärenPark where I took the photo you see above—on a day when the weather was perfect and the light couldn’t have been better for capturing the moment.

We were lucky that the weather last weekend in Morges was really nice: sunny but not too strong, perfect for a light jersey and a slow walk.

While strolling along the Cure d'Air beach, I sat on a bench near the lake and noticed a couple of people taking pictures. Among them, two women caught my attention, standing with the mountains behind them and the sun in front.

The scene felt perfect for a picture: the light, the contrast, and our shared desire to capture the moment came together to create the composition you see above.

This year, A and L were really eager to see the famous Morgenstreich—they’d been hearing about it non-stop. I hadn’t been in a while, not since COVID and everything, but I wanted to make them happy. So, I got up before 4 AM, as one must, and found a spot that wasn’t too crowded (at least by Morgenstreich standards). We ended up spending almost 45 minutes immersed in the atmosphere, listening to the different groups in traditional costumes play the drums and piccolos, marching alongside the iconic lanterns. It was there that I took the picture you see above.

During the Christmas season, we went to the Gartenbad Eglisee ice rink a couple of times and had a great time skating for hours each visit. On one of those occasions, just as the sun was beginning to set, I managed to capture this picture, with beautiful colors painting the sky above the rink, as you can see in the photo above.

The history of the famous German physicist Albert Einstein is closely intertwined with that of the renowned Swiss city of Bern. It was here, in 1905, while working at the patent office, that Einstein published four groundbreaking scientific papers that changed the course of modern physics: the photoelectric effect, Brownian motion, the special theory of relativity, and the iconic equation E = mc².

Many years ago, when I visited Bern for the first time, I had the opportunity to visit the Einstein House, a museum located in the apartment where Einstein lived during his time in the city. However, last weekend, I discovered something new: the bench near the Bear Pit that I had passed many times also features a statue of the famous physicist. Quite fascinating!

A couple of days ago, winter came early to Basel, and out of nowhere, the city turned into a winter wonderland. Snow was falling throughout the day and night, and the next day, the city was completely covered in white. It was so sudden that the city was not prepared for it; as a result, many tram lines were not working, and the streets were full of snow. The snowplows were out and about, trying to clear the streets, while people walked around in their winter jackets and boots.

Nevertheless, it was a beautiful sight to see! I took a walk through the city and captured some pictures, like the one above, taken over the Rhine River, next to the Wettstein Bridge. I always love the sight of snow falling and the city covered in white—it is so peaceful and quiet. Walking on fresh snow is always enjoyable, especially with the crunching sound under your feet.

A couple of weeks ago, I visited the Basel Herbstmesse. This year, I had the chance to ride the Ferris wheel again, which they usually set up on Münsterplatz. From the top, I snapped this picture showing the cathedral and the Rhine River in the background. The view is amazing, and it gives a nice perspective on the city!

Even though I've been going to this fair for years, I realized I’d never actually read up on its history. Turns out, it’s not just any fair; it’s the oldest and largest in Switzerland. It’s been held in Basel since 1471! The fair was first allowed by Emperor Friedrich III and started out as a market for selling goods and livestock. Hard to imagine that now, with all the rides, food stalls, and fun attractions we see today.

The fair’s changed a lot over the centuries, but it’s amazing how it still feels like a local tradition and brings the whole city together every year. If you’re ever in Basel during Herbstmesse, I definitely recommend a ride on the Ferris wheel for those city views—it’s worth it!

As I mentioned in my last post, a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit the Valencian city of Alicante. One of the most interesting experiences during this trip was spending a day on Tabarca Island, located just an hour's ferry ride from Alicante (the journey can take only 20 minutes from the town of Santa Pola).

The island is tiny but incredibly beautiful. It has been declared a marine reserve due to its diverse aquatic life and is surrounded by stunning, crystal-clear blue waters. One of the activities I enjoyed during this visit was walking from the port through the small town to the end of the main street, which leads to "Porta de la Trancada" (Trancada Gate).

There, I left my clothes, put on my goggles, and easily spent an hour exploring the various fish species that can be observed, as well as swimming to the "Illot de la Cantera" (Quarry Islet), where, at that moment, there was absolutely no one else around. I have a beautiful memory of being in this amazing place, enveloped by total peace.

Later in the day, I wandered through the town, crisscrossing its narrow streets until I stumbled upon a truly authentic restaurant. There, I enjoyed the 'Menu del Día,' which included a fresh salad, crispy fried sardines and shrimp, followed by an authentic Valencian paella. The meal was so satisfying; it kept me full for the rest of the day!

Frankly, I'm very eager to return there someday.

The Castle of Santa Bárbara in Alicante is a historic fortress located on Mount Benacantil, a hill overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Today, it is one of Alicante’s most prominent landmarks and a popular tourist destination.

A couple of days ago, I had the opportunity to visit this interesting place. There are different ways to reach the castle, including taking an elevator, but I decided to walk all the way up. I passed through the beautiful old neighborhood of Santa Cruz, with its picturesque houses, then crossed the Parc de l'Ereta, and finally reached the castle. This huge complex is quite fascinating, offering plenty of information about its origins, significance, and successive renovations, destructions, and restorations. I spent a couple of hours exploring the castle, and it was totally worth it.

AnimeGAN is a deep learning model designed to convert real-world images or videos into anime-style artwork. Using this model, it's possible to transform photos into nice anime-style images that look like they were taken from a Japanese animation.

A couple of weeks ago I passed by this place early in the morning and was able to capture a nice photo of the beach. I decided to use the Tensorflow.js version of this AnimeGAN model to convert the photo into an anime-style image. The result is quite interesting, as you can see in the image above.

One of my favorite plans is to jump on a train and head to Geneva. I always walk along Quai Gustave-Ador to the Jet d'Eau, enjoying the nice path along Lake Geneva.

A couple of days ago, I did this again. After passing the Jet d'Eau, I looked back and noticed the setting sun creating a beautiful backlight behind the fountain. It was a view that I thought was worth a picture, so I quickly captured the moment with my camera.

This unexpected photo turned out to be one of my favorites from that spot, so I'm sharing it here with you.

I have been fortunate enough to visit the Republic of Poland on several occasions, allowing me to explore fascinating cities such as Gdańsk, Warsaw, Poznań, and Kraków. On this particular trip, however, I had the opportunity to discover a new destination: Lublin, a city that is clearly underrated and boasts some truly remarkable sights.

One of the most impressive features is the beautiful castle perched atop a high hill, which can be clearly seen from the ruins at Plac Po Farze. This square, whose name translates to 'Former Parish Square,' contains the remnants of the old parish church. Although the church no longer stands in its entirety, the site provides a perfect vantage point to admire the panoramic view of the city and the castle. Reaching the hill where the castle sits is relatively easy, and we were rewarded with a stunning view of the inner courtyard. There, one can find comfortable seating areas where you can replenish your energy with a small snack and some refreshing water. En route, we paused beneath the iconic Grodzka Gate to get some amazing sorbets.

This castle holds great significance in Polish history, as it was here that the Union of Lublin treaty between the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was signed in 1569. This momentous event led to the creation of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, one of the largest and most influential states in 16th-century Europe.

Lublin's rich history, combined with its architectural beauty and cultural importance, makes it a city well worth exploring. After experiencing its charm, I'm determined to return, if possible, to discover more of what this nice Polish city has to offer.

Last week we had the opportunity to spend a few days on Usedom Island, in the Polish city of Świnoujście. This is the third time I've visited this region, and this particular town has a fascinating history. It turns out that before World War II, Swinemünde, as it was known back then, was a popular seaside destination that attracted tourists from Germany and other parts of Europe. Its beautiful beaches and spa facilities made it an extremely attractive location.

However, the charm of this resort town was brutally interrupted at the end of the war. Świnoujście became a military target and was virtually obliterated during an intense bombing campaign on March 12, 1945. Among the few structures that survived this terrible event was the Christus König (Christ the King) church. Although damaged by the bombings, it was immediately repaired after the war.

Today the city is still a popular tourist destination in Poland, but the place looks very different from how it did back then. During our visit, I had the opportunity to photograph this iconic church. It remains one of the remnants of what the city once was.

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the village just before the Vallorbe station, thanks to a kind invitation from a friend and former work colleague. He invited me for dinner at his house, which is conveniently located right next to the station 'Le Day'. Not only was it a very pleasant evening with excellent food and company, but it was equally interesting to get to know this region of Vaud.

Before heading to his place, he suggested that we take a walk near a meadow where we spotted some chamois grazing on the cliff near the viaduct. These animals are indeed very interesting. We then went through the tunnel under the viaduct, where I had the opportunity to take the photo above.

It’s a very nice region, and I will definitely come back.

Last week, we were walking near Schützenmatt Park when we stumbled upon an unusual sight in the middle of the central meadow. One of the storks that typically wanders through the park in the early morning was having a confrontation with a bird of prey, which looked like a falcon. The scene unfolded over a few minutes, during which the stork protested with its distinctive "clack-clack-clack-clack." Finally, the falcon got fed up and flew off to a branch of a nearby tree, close to where we had parked our bikes.

L. and I discussed how unusual this situation was. It's rare to see such wildlife behaving this way in the middle of an urban park. It made me wonder if the argument had started earlier, perhaps in the sky, between these two fascinating birds.

A few days ago, I once again had the pleasure of visiting Berlin, a city that holds a special place in my heart, as I've mentioned a couple of times on this blog. This particular trip was made even more memorable by reuniting with some former Spanish colleagues from my Google days in Dublin. Together, we spent a few days exploring this very interesting German capital, which confirmed why Berlin remains one of my favorite European cities. Though I'm happy with my current life, a part of me will always miss this fascinating place.

One of the highlights of my trip, besides having great conversations and reminiscing about old anecdotes, was finally doing a couple of activities I'd always wanted to experience but never had the chance to before. First on the list was climbing the stairs to the top of the Berliner Dom. This morning's cardio workout rewarded us with some beautiful panoramic views of the city, which you can see in this picture: the TV tower and the Berliner Rathaus in the background, bathed in the sunny sky we were lucky to have.

Once again, this city, full of living history, endless possibilities for exploration, and such a diverse culture, will always hold a special place in my heart. Auf Wiedersehen, Berlin!

A few weeks back, I visited a dear old friend, whom I have known since our school days and who now lives close to me in Vaud, Switzerland. My routine for these visits usually involves taking the train to Montreux and getting off at the Burier station. This time, everything aligned perfectly, allowing me to witness a really nice sunset painting a particularly quiet Lake Léman in vibrant colors.

It has been almost 9 years since the last time I had the opportunity to visit Locarno. This is a beautiful city in southern Switzerland, located on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore. It is known for its mild climate, its Mediterranean air, and its amazing landscapes. Last night I took this picture in the Piazza Grande, which is the main square in the city center. I remembered that on that occasion in 2016, I attended a screening of the movie "Lo chiamavano Trinità" in this square.

Augusta Raurica is an ancient Roman archaeological site located near the modern town of Kaiseraugst, Switzerland. It was once a thriving Roman settlement and served as the capital of the Roman province of Rhaetia. Augusta Raurica was founded in the 1st century BCE and reached its peak during the 1st and 2nd centuries CE.

The proximity to Basel, along with convenient transportation options, makes this place an excellent destination for a day trip, especially when the weather is nice. Last weekend we visited this place again and enjoyed a walk around the site. It's interesting because it contains a number of well-preserved ruins, including the theater, the temple, and the forum. Highly recommended if you are visiting Basel.

Yesterday we celebrated New Year's Eve in Switzerland with a delightful dish from Bogotá called Ajiaco con Pollo. We placed the steaming pot at the center of the table, and everyone served themselves a good amount, adding capers, cream, and the all-important avocado slices. This Colombian dish always brings back nice memories of my childhood, so I was delighted to discover that we still had some dried "guascas" to recreate it as close as possible to the real deal. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2024!

Photo taken a few days ago while I was walking through the city center of Basel. If you celebrate Christmas, I wish you a very happy one today.

All my life I have enjoyed coffee very much, and I have no doubt that it is one of the beverages that keeps my engine running during the workday, but last night, after drinking this Colombian coffee, I remembered that it is one thing to drink coffee and quite another to drink artisan Colombian coffee imported from local producers in the region of Manizales. Absolutely delicious.

A few weeks ago, Basel experienced an unusually chilly couple of days, including a particularly frosty weekend that gave us a fresh layer of snow. This wintry weather was the perfect excuse to enjoy classic winter activities such as crafting snowmen, engaging in friendly snowball battles, and enjoying some fun ice sliding.

The following day was bright and sunny, but the lingering cold ensured the snow stuck around a bit longer. These moments presented some interesting photo opportunities, such as the one captured in the image above. The photo shows the sun's rays creating interesting patterns on the snowy rooftop.

Every time I visited Geneva and had to wait on the train station platforms, I noticed those luminous works of art in the street in front, and I always wondered what the story behind them was. The last time I visited Geneva, I took the photo you see above when I was passing by.

Some days ago, I read the story of those displays, and it's as interesting as they are beautiful: in December 2016, this work, titled "Pinta Cura", created by the local artist Frédéric Post, was set up in the center of Geneva for the 3rd edition of the Geneva Lux Festival. The work depicts the shamanic symbolism of yagé medicine among some indigenous peoples of Colombia, featuring the figures of the anaconda and the jaguar, two animals of power linked to healing and care.

Last Saturday, I started the day very early since I had to catch a train to Freiburg. As I was cycling towards the Badischer Bahnhof station and approaching the Mittlere Brücke over the Rhine River, I noticed that the sky was really beautiful with its pink, multicolored hues. I had to stop suddenly to take the photo you see above. When I was about to take out my phone, I turned to my right, and there was another cyclist who had done exactly the same thing. With a smile, she said, "We have to take a photo of this, right?" and smiling back, I said, "Yes, indeed, it's a must!"

Last weekend, I went on a nice bike ride to buy a few items for breakfast. My journey took me across the Franco-German border via the "Passerelle des Trois Pays" bridge. As I pedaled along, the sun began to rise, casting beautiful multicolored hues on the horizon, while birds flew from one side to the other. I couldn't resist the urge to stop and take a photo. You can see the result above.

I've been fortunate to explore several European sites showcasing remnants of Roman civilization, such as the Colosseum in Rome, the Library of Celsus in Turkey, the Theater of Mérida, and the city of Augusta Raurica. However, Pompeii undoubtedly stands in a different league altogether. Last weekend I had the opportunity to go there, and it was a truly fascinating experience.

Since this Roman city was frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and remained undiscovered for centuries, the extent of its preservation is remarkable. It's surreal to find yourself walking along the original Roman streets, where horse-drawn carriages once rode. These narrow, cobblestone streets are flanked by impeccably preserved remnants of residences, stores, and public structures, such as the Amphitheater, the Forum, and even the impressive Tower of Mercury, which offers a panoramic view of the vast archaeological park.

Quite a magical place!

A couple of days ago I had the opportunity to visit Geneva again with a good friend of mine who was visiting the region for the first time. We decided to pay a visit to this interesting city without a definite plan, just to chill and walk around. When we were passing near the cathedral, I noticed there were some people up in the tower, and I suggested we go up to get a panoramic view of the city (I had never done it before).

The plan turned out to be a very interesting one, offering beautiful views of the different parts of the city with a clear and sunny sky. One of those views is captured in the photograph above: the iconic Jet d'Eau in the middle of the clear waters of Lake Geneva.

A few weeks back, on my way to Poland, I had a connecting flight in Paris. During my stroll toward the Châtelet train station, I came across the majestic Hôtel de Ville again, with its amazing Renaissance-style architecture. On that particular day, it brought to mind a historical event that unfolded many years ago.

On the 6th of July 2005, the host city for the 2012 Summer Olympics was announced. As I looked at the Hôtel de Ville, memories came back of the disappointment and the "noise" from the crowd gathered there when "London" was declared the selected city.

As I reflected on that past occasion, I couldn't help but think of the future. The people of Paris will be in the spotlight next year, since they will host the 2024 Summer Olympics.

This morning, when the sleepy town of Cubelles was starting to come to life and I went for a walk, I was lucky enough to experience this amazing view while the first rays of sunlight started to pierce through the thin veil of clouds, creating the very interesting picture you can see above.

Saint-Sulpice, a beautiful village close to Lausanne and Ecublens, has some amazing scenery along its lakeside promenade. One of the landmarks in this nice place is a meticulously preserved 12th-century church, which you can see in this backlit picture taken a couple of days ago.

This picture, taken in Morges last weekend, features an amazing landscape with an interesting composition: in the foreground, there is a group of multicolored tulips arranged in a nice row; in the middle ground, there is Lake Léman with some boats and reflections on the lake; and finally, in the background, there are the alpine mountains with snow-capped peaks.

I think the contrast of colors in this picture is particularly nice, with the bright colors of the tulips contrasting with the blue and green hues of the lake and the earthy tones of the mountains, combined with the perfect sunset light. Nice!

A couple of days ago, while strolling through the center of Geneva, I stumbled upon a fascinating sight: an interesting composition in the background, with the Jet d'Eau visible in the distance, seemingly on the verge of reaching the grey clouds before it started to rain.

The Tulip Festival in Morges is an annual event that takes place in this picturesque Vaudois town. The festival is dedicated to celebrating the arrival of spring and the blooming of thousands of tulips that adorn the parks and gardens of Morges.

A couple of days ago, as I was strolling near the lake, my eyes caught this interesting sight. The scenery featured the lake and the mountains in the background, with bright yellow tulips in the foreground. I couldn't help but think that it would make a nice composition for a photo, such as the one I attempted above.

One of the advantages of the EPFL campus is its location relatively close to Lake Léman. Sometimes the landscapes that can be seen in the background are really spectacular, and this was indeed what happened last week: I was on the esplanade walking towards the library when I noticed in the background a composition that I thought definitely deserved a photo and a post.

As the sun began to rise over the horizon, the sky above the town of Morges was awash with brilliant shades of pink and orange. The tranquil waters of Lake Geneva below reflected these vibrant hues, creating a stunning and serene scene.

The calm waters of Lake Geneva stretched out into the distance, their surface rippling gently in the light breeze. As the sun continued to rise, the colors of the sky deepened and the reflections on the water became even more pronounced, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle.

... and all this text was AI-generated just by asking the model to describe this picture. I had to make some corrections, but it was still quite impressive :)

Last week I was at the office when suddenly it started to snow heavily, and I could see the snowflakes falling very quickly through the window. I thought at that moment that it would be worth taking a picture, and you can see the result above.

Sometimes taking a good picture involves a bit of good luck and being in the right place at the right time. That's just what happened in Morges, Switzerland, a couple of days ago. I was riding back on my bike after buying some coffee when I noticed the silhouette of the Morges church reflected in the lake, with that spectacular sunset in the background. It was definitely a moment that called for me to stop and take this shot!

Yesterday when we were on our way home, my girlfriend pointed out the window and said, "Look, look there in the background." At first I couldn't see what she was talking about, but then I spotted them: the amazing Bernese Alps on full display in the background. I quickly snapped this shot with my phone, which you can see in the picture above. Really nice!

A couple of days ago I was testing my electric bike, riding from the university to Vevey (about 25 km). At some point, when the sunlight was starting to dim, I decided to stop and look back, and I saw this beautiful sky that I captured in the photo you find in this post.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Cubelles, a beautiful Catalan coastal town near Barcelona. I hit the jackpot when I found an apartment right on the beach! My time there was pure bliss; I spent almost every day soaking up the sea and cooling off in the waves.

But every time I watch the news, I realize how lucky I was to spend my days there during the heat wave that is hitting Europe. There are raging fires in many places in southern Europe, and places where the summer is not usually that hot, like the UK, are experiencing record temperatures.

No comments. The climate change problem is already here :/

A few days ago I had the opportunity to visit Berlin again, and I spent some very pleasant days in the company of my dear friend C. In those days I remembered why the German capital is one of my favorite cities in Europe, and although I am satisfied with my life at the moment, I will always miss that very interesting place!

One of the things I had always been curious about since leaving Berlin was what had happened with the famous Humboldt Forum. I remember the first time I visited that space in 2015: at that time it was a temporary construction, created by the Humboldt foundation, that served as an exhibition space and viewing platform for the Berlin Palace - Humboldt Forum reconstruction project.

Well, 7 years later, this project is finished, the palace is back to its former glory (at least the exterior facade), and it has some interesting exhibitions inside. Above you can find a picture of how it looks nowadays. Bis (hoffentlich) bald, Berlin!

View of the Freiburg im Breisgau city center, including the cathedral, from the top of the Schlossbergbahn last weekend.

Last night, when I passed near the Rathaus in Basel, I found that a Ukrainian flag had been placed on the flagpole of this emblematic landmark. There was also a group of young people gathered in the square with peace signs and notices imploring an end to the unprovoked invasion of this European country. Sending my love and best wishes to all my Ukrainian friends.

This morning, before starting work, I noticed that the day was quite beautiful, with a bright sun, so I went for a short walk to the lake here in Morges. While passing by the harbor, I captured this image with an interesting composition.

Sometimes you are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to capture an interesting photo. This is what happened last weekend in Ouchy, Lausanne: we were relaxing by the fountain in the main square, and as the sun was setting, illuminating the bridge and the water, people were passing by, including this cyclist, who was captured in the image.

Last weekend, when I was walking home after getting a PCR test (which is part of the routine in this pandemic era), I passed by Marktplatz, where I have walked thousands of times, but from the angle where I was, looking at the clear sky with the Rathaus in the background, I said to myself: wow, it really looks beautiful!

Nice picture of the moonlight casting the shadows of a tree's branches, taken a couple of days ago in Morges, Vaud, Switzerland.

The city center of Morges can be quite beautiful on snowy days in these winter months. That was the case a couple of days ago, as you can see in the photo above.

On this first day of 2022 I had the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful sunset on the shore of Lake Geneva, with the church of Morges in the background. I felt at that moment that, in spite of the difficult beginning of 2022, I had hope that everything would get better and that it would be a great year!

In a couple of days, the year 2021 will be over. It seems incredible to me how fast time has passed and how the seasons and months have gone by so quickly. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present serious problems, particularly with the new Omicron variant, and perhaps that is one of the reasons why this year and last year have passed so quickly: it has been a tug-of-war of hope and despair, associated with the desire we all have for this pandemic to end once and for all!

Anyway, since I haven't updated this blog much lately, I wanted to take this time to write a longer post and look back, through a few illustrations, at the events that marked this year. In my opinion, these were the most important events of this year:

James Webb Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) developed by NASA with contributions from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) was launched on the 25th of December. This telescope will support a broad array of research across the fields of astronomy and cosmology.

Facebook Files

Beginning in September 2021, The Wall Street Journal published "The Facebook Files: A Wall Street Journal Investigation", a series of news reports "based on a review of internal Facebook documents, including research reports, online employee discussions and drafts of presentations to senior management." A couple of weeks later, the whistleblower behind them came forward: Frances Haugen, a courageous former product manager on the Civic Integrity team, which was in charge of curbing misinformation and other threats to election security.

It's not news that social media has been used for years to spread misinformation. But having an "insider" to document and record the action (or inaction) coming from the senior management of the social giant was quite a moment.

Tokyo Summer Olympics

A year later than planned and with a lot of restrictions, the Summer Olympic Games finally took place in Tokyo this year. A number of athletes discussed the importance of participating in the games, but they also expressed their frustration at the lack of spectators and the confinement, which kept them from enjoying one of the most interesting cities in the world!

COVID-19 vaccine rollout

In January the COVID-19 vaccine rollout started, mainly in the industrialized countries (leaving the poorest nations behind). But then the scarcity of this valuable resource became clear, with many nations competing for the same vaccines.

There was a lot of criticism in particular of the EU, since the pace of the rollout was quite slow at the start.

Insurrection at the US Capitol

I remember I was working at home in January when those images of people attacking the US Congress appeared in my news feeds, so I switched to a live stream to check what was going on.

My first thought was "there can't be a coup d'état in the USA!"... but from everything that has been discovered so far, they weren't that far off. Democracy can be quite fragile.

PS: All the source pictures used in the illustrations come from Wikimedia Commons.

Last week when I was leaving work, the light was just perfect to take this snapshot at the EPFL campus.

Lausanne is a city that can be quite photogenic, and one of my favorite areas for taking photos is Ouchy. This area has stunning views of the lake with the Alps in the background. A couple of weeks ago I took this photo of the Éole sculpture, created by Clelia Bettua in 1995.

I wish you all a very happy 2021. I hope that this year comes with good health, vaccinations that will end the pandemic, and a return to that normality where it is possible to travel again.

Last week I went out at lunchtime for a little walk to the lake, which is quite close to my home office. Although the day was quite cold, the sun reflecting on Lake Geneva created a beautiful view that I captured in the photo you can see above.

I have been waking up quite early these days. A couple of days ago I was lucky to catch this beautiful and peaceful sunrise.

A couple of days ago we were visiting the old windmill in Świnoujście, and when we were heading back to the car, I looked back and saw this amazing view of the mill's silhouette and the people walking by, while feeling the fresh summer breeze on our faces. Nice memory.

4 years ago today I was on a career break travelling in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. New Zealand was one of the last countries I visited on my itinerary, and I completely fell in love with it. In my opinion, it's one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. Additionally, all the people I met over there were really nice.

It's sad that the country suffered a terror attack last Friday, targeting its Muslim immigrant community. Fortunately, the perpetrator was arrested, and the Kiwis are doing everything possible to give him the punishment he deserves without providing any platform to further advance his deranged views.

Update: On the 21st of March the New Zealand government announced a ban on military-style semi-automatics and assault rifles. Well done!

Yesterday I noticed that the autumn colors are already here. It's beautiful, as you can see in the picture above. However, with the crazy weather this year and the temperature going up and down, I barely realized that this season was already here.

This picture was taken in Łańcut, a city in southeastern Poland. Łańcut Castle, in the picture, was completed in 1641. The idea was to build a fortified residence to repel attacks from the Swedes.

Today the weather in Berlin kept bouncing between sunny and rainy, but this created quite a stunning sky, which you can see in this picture.

Today I came back from a quick bike sprint to the store to return some PET bottles and buy a couple of things. When I was about to insert the key to open the garage door, I noticed this nice snail moving slowly around the edge. Its shell was beautiful, so I thought it was worth getting my phone out to take a picture.

Today I was making a copy of the pictures I shared on Twitter a couple of years ago during my career break, and when I was reviewing those photos, I remembered this particular long-exposure shot where a guard stayed only for a brief time, creating this cool phantom effect.

Yesterday, before I boarded the plane, I noticed the sky was just beautiful, with an amazing summer sunset. I started to climb the stairs, and just before I entered the aircraft I was able to snap this quick shot through a narrow gap in the door. Sometimes the light, time, season, and weather are perfect for a picture like this.

Last night my colleagues joined me for a walk to the city center of Krakow, where I wanted to look for a present at the old city market. There were flocks of tourists in the old town, but the weather was quite pleasant, so it was nice to walk around.

Did I ever tell you the sky in Berlin can be amazing? Here is yet another example. When I was about to board a plane a couple of days ago, I saw these nice clouds decorating a warm summer night.

A couple of days ago, I was walking back to my place in Berlin, looked up, and saw those nice patterns in the sky that you can see in the picture above. I have mentioned a couple of times on this blog how the sky in Berlin is one of the highlights of this city.

Beautiful sky at the Basel airport.

Today the French are voting in their presidential election, and the possibility of having a far-right president, who has campaigned against Europe and NATO, brings dark clouds to the European horizon. I'm hoping the French people will reject those proposals. Allez les Bleus!

Last weekend we had the opportunity to visit Big Sur, a region on California's Central Coast. This region is quite beautiful, as you can see in this picture.

It had been a while, but today I had the opportunity to stroll again through the nice streets of San Francisco. I really like this city, and I'm happy I had the opportunity to visit SF one more time.

In Berlin, you frequently get the chance to see a nice sky worth taking a picture of, as was the case today at the office.

Another picture I shot last weekend during a sunny Sunday. In the background you can see Pauluskirche. This Reformed Church in Basel was built between 1898 and 1901, in a Neo-Romanesque architectural style.

Yesterday the weather was quite amazing here in Basel. Spring is definitely here already.

Yesterday, while I was working, I received a news notification about an attack in London, where five people were killed and many others were injured after an attacker drove a car along a pavement near Parliament. I have always enjoyed visiting London, and Westminster, by the Thames, is beautiful. As I said when it happened in Berlin: I will keep visiting this amazing city, and no terrorist is going to change that.

This morning, when I was landing in Berlin, I was staring out the window, and I realised that sometimes I forget how many lakes and water sources there are around Berlin. I shot this picture to remind myself about it.

One of the most interesting parts of Basel Fasnacht is the big lanterns that take part in the parade on Monday morning. On Tuesday they were exhibited on Münsterplatz, and this year there were a lot of motifs related to politics and far-right trends. One of the most descriptive ones was this one.

Sometimes you look out the window and the view is so nice that it doesn't look like a normal window but rather like a picture that was presented to you instead. That was the case today.

The last couple of days have been particularly cold in Basel, but a nice gift that you get with that type of day is snow. Yesterday I saw this beautiful snowy tree, with snow on top of its leaves.

Finally 2016 is ending. As John Oliver mentioned in the last episode of his show Last Week Tonight, 2016 has been a pretty shitty year. So many music and movie legends passed away (David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Prince, Gene Wilder, Leonard Cohen, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, and George Michael), and Europe experienced terror in many cities, including Nice, Istanbul, Brussels, and Berlin.

On the other hand, populist and far-right anti-immigrant movements gained a lot of traction in Europe and America. The popular vote brought many unexpected outcomes, including the Brexit victory despite Scottish and Northern Irish opposition, the Colombian plebiscite's rejection of the peace agreement reached in Cuba, and finally the astonishing Trump victory in the electoral college, even though he lost the popular vote by almost 3 million ballots.

The only silver lining of this year was the historic Paris Agreement on climate change. Let's hope this doesn't change in 2017 (cough, Trump), since that would make it a horrible year as well.

This morning I was talking to my father-in-law, and he mentioned he wanted to check out the synagogue in Basel. I had no idea there was such a building in the city, but I checked online and discovered that there is indeed a neo-Byzantine domed structure, originally constructed in 1868 and enlarged in 1892. Above is a picture of this synagogue.

This weekend I did a small city break to the Bulgarian capital. On my last day before coming back to Berlin, I experienced my first snowfall of 2016, and it was quite a big one, as you can see in this picture of the Sveta Nedelya Cathedral.

We enjoyed the sunny Sunday morning by making a quick visit to Freiburg. The last time I visited the city, they were restoring this building, and the result is great.

Last weekend a colleague of my girlfriend was in town, and I was happy to walk with her around the city. During the evening I remembered it was the last day of the Berlin Festival of Lights. During this event, the main landmarks of the city are used as canvases for very interesting light displays. Some of the most beautiful ones were at Humboldt University, where I shot the pictures above.

The sky in Berlin is amazing not only in spring but also in autumn. Yesterday, a former colleague was visiting the office, and when we went up to the terrace, I had the chance to see this amazing sky.

I didn't update this blog last week because my GF and I went to Tenerife, and I decided to leave my computer at home to unplug for a while. We had a really amazing time on the biggest of the Canary Islands. The weather was warm but not scorching hot; the landscapes were really nice and quite different across the island; the seafood was so fresh and delicious; and finally, the people were extremely friendly. It was just great.

Some of the highlights of the trip were (besides the stunning Teide you see in the picture above):

1- The nice town of La Orotava:

2- The picturesque town of San Andrés, where we stayed, and the nearby "Playa de las Teresitas":

3- Walking around in Santa Cruz:

4- The old town of Garachico and its natural rock swimming pools:

A couple of days ago we visited Lindau, a major town and an island on the eastern side of Lake Constance. We stayed at a hotel on the island, which is connected to the mainland by a road bridge. The current harbour of this island was built in 1856, and the iconic lion sculpture and lighthouse mark the entrance of this port. An interesting fact is that this lighthouse is the only one in Bavaria!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, and I learned about the interesting history behind it. The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a refuge from his constitutional monarchy duties, in order to revive his romantic dreams of medieval kings. The guide described how the king was deemed insane, arrested, and died mysteriously. My GF and I were discussing yesterday that, insane or not, he certainly brought good fortune to this region of Germany!

My old LAMP hosting is about to expire, and I’m using that account only to host a travel blog of my career break two years ago, called Breaksian. This weekend I migrated the contents to a Node platform, and I took the opportunity to review and publish a post about a week I spent in Ko Lanta, Thailand. Quite a special place.

In the last few days I had the fortune to visit Iceland for the first time, and I loved the country. The people are very friendly, and the landscapes are just stunning. The capital, Reykjavik, also has a very cool atmosphere, and it can be quite picturesque, as you can see in the picture above, taken at Lake Tjörnin with the city hall in the background in the left corner.

Also look at the geyser blowing off steam every couple of minutes.

And finally, Þingvellir National Park has some beautiful landscapes.

If you have never seen a picture of a soldier like the one in the statue above, then you don't know who Conrad Schumann is. This soldier from the East was one of the first and most famous defectors to West Germany, when the border was being built and was just a line of barbed wire. This statue is located on a building near Bernauer Straße.

A couple of days ago I was walking by the Berliner Dom and I realised I hadn't seen the progress of the Humboldt Forum construction in a while. The project is scheduled to finish in 2019, and, as you can see in this picture, it's definitely moving along.

I have walked by the Chapel of Reconciliation on Bernauer Straße many times, but yesterday I noticed for the first time the sculpture you see above. It's called Reconciliation, and it was originally created by Josefina de Vasconcellos, an English artist of Brazilian ancestry, and placed at the University of Bradford. According to Wikipedia, there are copies of this original work in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral, the Hiroshima Peace Park, and this one here at the Berlin Wall Memorial.

Time really flies by! One year ago I took this picture in Berlin.

The German border with Poland in the east runs through the town of Görlitz, which before 1945 was a single town. This border post marks the end of the country.

Last weekend my girlfriend and I took a long weekend trip to the Ticino region of Switzerland, staying in Locarno. I wasn't aware that the Locarno Film Festival was starting this week, and part of this event was a preview showing of a movie on Sunday night, open to the public.

The organizers decided to honor Bud Spencer, one of the classic Italian actors of the 70s in the action-comedy genre, who passed away earlier this year. They featured Lo chiamavano Trinità, one of the best examples of the "Spaghetti Western" genre. I really enjoyed this movie! It brought back nice memories, since the movies featuring the duo Bud Spencer / Terence Hill were one of my grandpa's favorites.

Last weekend, on a sleepless night, I set up the site pics.inberl.in to check the different pictures I have been taking in the city. When I was browsing through my collection, I found this cool photo I took at the Lustgarten in my first weeks in Berlin. I'm proud of the composition.

In the Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland, there is a Benedictine monastery called Mariastein, relatively close to Basel. Apparently, this place is a must for the Catholics, but it's also a nice place to walk around in the fields, as you can see in this picture we took yesterday.

View of the TV Tower from Strausberger Platz. Nice colors in the sky.

Two days ago: an amazing Coldplay concert at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.

I was reading in the news that at least 36 people were killed in a suicide attack at Istanbul airport. It's pretty sad that this amazing city has been hit by different terrorist attacks this year: the March suicide bombing in the Beyoğlu district, the January bombing in the Sultanahmet district, and now this attack at the airport. I had the chance to visit the city in 2013, and I loved it.

Last weekend I watched the Ireland / France game at Tempelhofer Feld (a pity, we were so close to beating Les Bleus!). When I was leaving the place, I shot this picture with an interesting composition.

It's shocking that the UK decided to leave the European Union, but on the other hand, Scotland voted clearly in favour of the UK staying in the EU by 62% to 38%—with all 32 council areas backing Remain. Heading towards a new Scottish independence referendum?

As I was mentioning a couple of days ago, the sky in Berlin during springtime is quite amazing!

Backlight is not necessarily bad. Sometimes you get really nice silhouette pictures like this one I was able to shoot in Birgu, Malta.

The island of Malta is in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and in the past it was a crossroads between Africa and Europe. The history of this place is therefore fascinating!

The Berlin sky is so photogenic during springtime!

Yesterday I did a nice bike ride from Berlin to Lake Wandlitz, located some 30 km north of the capital. The area is really beautiful, as you can see in this picture.

Walking from Nordbahnhof through Gartenstraße, you arrive at the roundabout in Liesenstraße, where there is a hidden but nice remnant of the former wall.

The weather is improving in Berlin and the skies are very nice again. This picture was taken on the colorful Oderberger Straße.

The Hanseatic League was a confederation established by different merchant guilds and the market towns where they operated, for the purpose of mutual defense and commercial trading. Between 1400 and 1800, it dominated trade along the northern coasts of Europe. The German city of Stralsund was one of the most important cities of this confederation.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit the city, where I took this picture.

Last Friday, when I went to the airport to catch a flight, I was able to capture this nice shot of the Berlin airport in the spring sunlight.

One of the last vestiges of the Berlin Wall at the Topography of Terror in Niederkirchnerstraße.

Beautiful sunset in Bornholmer Straße. I love the colors in the sky. I remember last year we had many of those spring days with amazing photogenic colors, such as this one I was able to see today.

Picture taken in Görlitzer Park last weekend. It was a sunny and warm Saturday, so people poured into the cafes and parks in Berlin!

I was thinking today that one year ago I was flying back to Europe after finishing my six-month career break, travelling in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

I tried to document this experience on the road at Breaksian.com. Today, I checked some of the interesting experiences I described there, and I found these posts:

Visiting the Angkor Temple Complex by bike

Making new friends in the Jeju Island of Korea by playing the Piano:

Cruising the Halong Bay in a 1906 replica boat

Travelling from Bangkok to Penang in an overnight train:

Experiencing the Portuguese flavor in the Chinese Macau

Enjoying the amazing Autumn Colors in Nara

Biking in the isolated Island of Zamami, off the coast of Okinawa.

Or visiting Taiwan and understanding the political and historical issue regarding China

It was such an amazing experience that I would definitely recommend it to anyone!

Last weekend I visited Dublin for the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, when Ireland started the process of becoming an independent republic. The city was absolutely packed, as you can see in this picture taken at College Green.

Interesting picture taken today at the Vitra Design Museum when the sun was starting to go down.

Today we were walking along the East Side Gallery and when we passed by the Oberbaumbrücke, I got this picture of this landmark bridge on a cloudy day.

Time passes really fast! A year ago I was exploring the beautiful city of Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand. Nice memories from my career break.

This weekend I wanted to do a small city break and I realised visiting Prague by train was relatively easy (it's only 4.5h by direct train). I went there, met and chatted with a Czech friend, and spent the rest of my visit walking around and taking pictures. One of the most interesting ones I was able to get shows a street performer making huge soap bubbles. The colorful bubbles make a nice contrast with the people staring and walking around.

Last week I provided a couple of my pictures at work for the article The Lowdown on Living and Working in Ireland. One of the pictures I selected was a favorite: a completely empty O'Connell Street on a Monday morning:

I love this picture not only for the beautiful colors in the sky and the nice contrast they make with the shadows of some of the Dublin landmarks (the General Post Office and the Spire), but also because of the strange feeling of seeing one of the busiest spots in Dublin completely empty.

Almost the same picture taken near Rosenthalerplatz in two different seasons in Berlin.

In this new year, one of my resolutions was to dust off my social accounts and update them regularly.

I also thought it would be interesting to use my personal website to keep a blog with the most noteworthy updates from those social profiles, or to write about anything that comes to mind. However, I didn't want to spend a lot of time setting up yet another blog using WordPress or something similar. It was an interesting experience when I did it for my career break, but this time around I wanted a simpler solution.

Based on my recent experience writing back and forth to Google Spreadsheets, I decided to use it as a super simple CMS. Through this approach, I can write posts directly in the spreadsheet interface and include the HTML tags I need, such as this bold or this italic, as well as links to various media elements I might want to include in the posts.

Once I'm happy with a particular post, I can export its contents as a JSON file, which I then parse and display in my application. In the image on the right, you can see how my CMS looks :). I essentially used the request Node module to get the JSON string and then parse it within my application:

What I like about this approach is that I can iterate over the JSON object returned by Google Spreadsheets and extract each value I’m interested in, then push them to my local JSON object.

When I render the data on the frontend, I can access those fields quite easily. I’ll probably write a detailed post later on about how the process works, but for now, I’m happy with the results.

Note: When I wrote this original post, I was using Google Spreadsheets. Nowadays, I’ve completely switched to a Markdown-only approach.