Tag: History
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Reflections
This is my last post of 2025—and what a year it has been. So much happened: travel to faraway and beautiful places, returns home and reunions with old friends, great times with new ones, and busy work schedules made easier by fun and relaxing weekends. There were ups and downs, as there always are, but…
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The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
I kept my best Christmas picture for last: the famous tree at Rockefeller Center. I managed to catch a short window in the run-up to Christmas and ran over during a work break to see it. Even on a weekday, at a very random time, it was already crowded with people. So yes — I…
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Carnegie Hall
Today is Christmas Eve—Heiligabend– the main event in Germany with afternoon cake, traditional food, presents and one of my favorite parts: my mum revealing her special surprise for the holidays. Always treating us to a concert, the ballet, or a cabaret. Even though I’m not spending Christmas in Germany this year, I’m keeping that tradition…
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Christmas Trees
This year I’m spending Christmas in Manhattan, which means scaling things down — but of course not the level of cosiness. After choosing a cute, real fir tree, decorations followed: lights and a variety of ornaments. But have you ever wondered where this tradition actually comes from? It goes back much further than modern Christmas…
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Day of the Dead Ofrenda
Following yesterday’s post about pan de muerto, I came across a stunning Día de los Muertos ofrenda at Hudson Yards today. The ofrenda was framed by cascades of vibrant cempasúchil (marigolds) and flanked by elegantly dressed Catrinas — their painted faces and traditional dresses forming a beautiful tableau against the bluest autumn sky. An ofrenda…
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The Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are one of those places you’ll almost inevitably walk past in Rome—whether you plan to or not. Built between 1723 and 1726, the grand staircase connects Piazza di Spagna (named after the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican) with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. There are 135 steps in total,…
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Trevi Fountain Rome
The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks—a Baroque showpiece completed in 1762, built at the end of an ancient Roman aqueduct. Once a truly beautiful spot with architectural finesse, it’s now surrounded by people selling you the dreamy postcard version of Rome. In reality, the area is buckling under its own popularity.…
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Una Notte Al Colosseo
I’ve officially started my vacation—and I’m back in one of my favorite cities: Rome. My first evening combined two things the city does best: food and history. Classic Roman dishes for dinner, followed by a night tour of the Colosseum. The Notte al Colosseo event runs during the summer months and was such a highlight.…
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4th of July
This Fourth of July, I found myself not at a backyard barbecue or watching fireworks like in past years, but at a Mexican restaurant—enjoying one of the best tuna ceviches I’ve ever had, alongside tacos, quesadillas, and queso fundido. We sat outside, taking in the mild summer evening (a rarity in New York). It might…
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Prometheus at Rockefeller Center
Especially on a spring afternoon like this Friday, it’s easy to miss the golden statue in front of the Rockefeller building. Packed with people, the plaza sometimes hides the sculpture of Prometheus. He’s been here since 1934, part of the original vision for Rockefeller Center as a place where commerce, art, and public life could…
Josephine in New York City 