ROME: The Basilica San Paolo

The Basilica San Paolo may not be the most famous place in Rome, but it’s one of the most interesting. This ancient Roman church has a shop (shampoo made by monks), a great local bar and a holy water tap.

Madison Square Park – A New York Insider Secret

Madison Square park Photo by Ahmet Muhsinoglu, Unsplash

With free music, art and a wonderful kids’ playground at the northeast end, Madison Square Park is a destination for families and proves that not everything in New York has to be ticketed and expensive.

The Best Afternoon Tea in New York

Afternoon tea image by Jelleke Vanooteghem, Unsplash

If you want to horrify anyone from the UK or Australia, just take them to a diner in New York and tell them to order a cuppa. What they will get is a cup of hot water and a limp, unwrapped teabag on the side. Yanks just don’t get tea, unless it’s iced and full […]

Rome’s Best Picnic Ingredients

Picnic

One of Rome’s most impressive hamper-friendly shops is Salumeria Roscioli. The staff here will have your choice of picnic ingredients delivered to your hotel if you wish, but it’s more fun to visit, shop and think about staying to dine.

Flirting With Rome

Trevi Fountain during the day in Rome

In Rome on business recently I discovered a wonderful truth. There, all the men flirt with all the women all the time. Flirting is a national pastime, without an age limit, one marinated in good humour and class. Italian men don’t ogle, they smile and chat and make women feel beautiful.