Though I did not note it before, Topkapi palace has several courtyards. The security gate I passed thru via the Gardens opens on the First Courtyard, a large open area where one buys entry tickets. The Gate of Salutation on… Continue reading

Since I was expecting to have to climb up to my 5th floor room at the end of the day, I readied my backpack for a day and early evening out in Munich. The hotel breakfast was substantial enough to… Continue reading

I was still tired and jet-lagged on Saturday morning when I had to catch the train to Berlin. It’s early Spring in Europe; something has bloomed to give me a stuffy nose and cough despite allergy meds. I’d largely packed… Continue reading

The best and least expensive way from Schiphol airport to Central Amsterdam is to take the train from the airport and then change to a Metro or tram car at Amsterdam Centraal to get to your hotel. I was feeling… Continue reading