Prague’s Invalidovna
If you ask many people in Prague about 'Invalidovna' they'd be more likely to direct you to the metro stop of that name. Few know of the magnificent Baroque building which is the real Invalidovna.
The powerful Anglo-Egyptian Bank in Malta
In the 19th century an offshore British bank in Malta issued its own banknotes. It's unusual to think of a private company issuing banknotes, more so in a small country like Malta. This article explains why this bank did so and why it was in Malta.
Preserving Malta’s money supply
European geopolitics in the 1930s caused plenty of uncertainty. The British worried about riots in the Middle East, and the possibility of another major war with Germany. They hatched a secret plan to reinforce Malta’s money supply in case of war.
The mysterious secret of Dr James Barry
There weren’t many female physicians in the 19th century. Irishwoman Margaret Bulkley pretended to be a man for over 40 years to practise medicine. This article explains how this happened, Bulkley's life in Malta and how we know what happened.
The truth behind the Sudetenland
Before living in Prague I thought I knew about the Sudetenland and how Hitler annexed it before World War II. There’s a lot I’ve learnt about the nuances of history in the region/s that carry this name. This article is my attempt at straightening out the facts from the commonly-held myths.
Do you know when to drive on the right in London?
Many people become anxious when they have to switch from left-hand driving to right-hand driving. I've had people tell me they won't drive in England because they're so used to driving on the right. In London, you may need to switch from driving on the left to driving on the right depending on which road you're in!
The Scratching Fanny of Cock Lane
Nothing cheers up a good ghost story than a juicy double entendre. One of London’s most famous 18th century hauntings took place in the marvellously named Cock Lane.
The Admiralty Arch and Queen Victoria
Stand in Trafalgar Square in the middle of London and gaze south-west at the landmark Admiralty Arch that leads to the Mall. Its association with Britain’s Queen Victoria is not
The Best Places to View a City from
If there is one thing that fascinates me about cities, it is the view from the top of a skyscraper. Nothing quite beats the moment of “Good Grief!” that hits
Revealing my 5 Ambitious Travel Resolutions
Over the New Year, while I was peacefully driving through the hills and valleys of Andalusia, it occurred to me that I had not really made any fixed plans for