Tuscany is a region in upper central Italy ๐ฎ๐น. The diverse natural landscape stretches from the rugged Apennines to the beaches of the island of Elba on the Tyrrhenian Sea and the olive groves and vineyards of the Chianti region. Not forgetting the Brunello. Even though I'm not a big red wine drinker and tend to enjoy white wine (I quickly get checkmated by red wine ๐), I do enjoy an excellent drop from this sensational Italian region from time to time.
What I'll be doing besides eating, wine tasting and exploring the region: relaxing. Sun. Pool. Garden lounger. Book. The 35 degrees in summer are ideal for what I actually want to do: Lazing around and letting my mind wander. Kisses ๐
I'm in the grip of Italy fever ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฅ. Why? I've booked my summer holiday! Off to beautiful Tuscany! Fantastic hotel, wonderful surroundings. Fantastic food ๐ (I LOVE pasta in any variation and very much with fish). Excellent 1a wine ๐ท (Brunello). Great olive oil ๐ซ and sooooooo much to discover. And above all: plenty of sun โ๏ธ! Location in the pics: Hotel Borgo San Luigi. Can't wait to be there. Kisses ๐
I spent the night in York at Guesthouse York No. 1, a cute hotel in the middle of York and ideally located for a quick stroll into the city centre. I was given a wonderful room with a four-poster bed ๐ There was a free self-service bar where you could get free soft drinks and sweets! I've never experienced that before. After a long walk and lots of impressions, I was able to relax in the bar. Clear recommendation. Kisses ๐
York Minster is the largest medieval church โช๏ธ in England with the largest collection of medieval windows in England ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ . It is a mighty 2000 year old cathedral and the second largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe after Cologne Cathedral. It would even fit the Leaning Tower of Pisa from Italy! Even from the outside, it is a marvellous sight ๐คฉ . The imposing Gothic cathedral from the 13th century with its extensive nave is famous for its stained glass windows (128!!! Some 900!!! years old!) from the 14th-16th centuries. The east window is the size of a tennis court, making it the largest area of medieval glass art in the world. The so-called Five Sisters window consists of five lancet windows, the largest stained glass windows in England. Each of them is almost 17 metres high and 1.5 metres wide. The two bell towers are still in full operation with 56 bells ๐. Wow! Please note: If you want to visit, be sure to book tickets in advance! Kisses ๐
York in the north-east of England, not far from the Scottish border (which is why it was on my route when I unfortunately had to leave Scotland again ๐ข), is a small city with an almost completely preserved medieval city wall, where there is a lot to discover - from small, narrow alleyways from the late Middle Ages, the so-called Snickelways, to a shopping street whose history dates back to the 11th century. Or the idyllic 13th-century street "The Shambles", lined with half-timbered houses, is also worth a visit.
The most impressive view of the city is from Clifford's Tower, which was built by William I in 1069. I was amazed ๐คฉ by such a wonderful little town.
York is one of the most haunted ๐ป cities in England. Right after Chester, it ranks second in the official list of the Most Haunted Cities ๐ป of England. Quite a few people even say that York might even be the most haunted ๐ป city in Europe. If you're lucky, you might even be able to see it for yourself during your visit. ๐ So if you're looking for that goosebump feeling in the north of England, York is the place to be. The frequent fog that drifts through the city does the rest to send a shiver down your spine time and again. However, I can't confirm the latter. I had the best โ๏ธ weather.
By the way: the city and state of New York in the USA were named after the English city of York. Kisses ๐
I love the mountains. I love snow. I love nature. ๐What could be better than everything together.๐ Just a warming fur every now and then! Kisses ๐
Let's be honest. What is a holiday for: Of course - relaxation. I find them on hikes, but also on leisurely walks. I am Dunkeld in the pictures. Dunkeld (Dรนn Chailleann in Gaelic, a Celtic language that is still spoken in many parts of Scotland today) is a small town on the River Tay in the Scottish Highlands. I don't necessarily need the beach. But definitely nature. Enjoying the peace and quiet, the landscape, the view. I like to walk for hours. By the water, through forests and meadows. The main thing is to forget the daily grind and switch off so that I can start again with renewed vigour. And Scotland is more than suitable for this type of activity. I've rarely seen such amazing scenery as in this wonderful country with the great, helpful people I met. I will definitely be back. I promise. Location: Dunkeld House Hotel. Kisses ๐
In Scotland ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ I spent a few extra days in Dunkeld: relaxing, walking and exploring the Highlands in the shape of a star. I love churches โช๏ธ . They radiate peace. You can relax and reflect. Dunkeld Cathedral โช๏ธ is a former cathedral in the Scottish town of Dunkeld in Perth and Kinross, which is now partly in ruins. The cathedral took around 250 years to build until the middle of the 14th century. The long construction period of the cathedral is reflected in the mixture of architectural styles. Essentially, Romanesque and Gothic motifs can be found. Until 1810, the cathedral grounds were part of the policies of Dunkeld House, an outstanding designed landscape laid out in the 1700s and further developed by the Dukes of Atholl, who also instigated restoration work on the cathedral. Parts of the cathedral have been completely destroyed and cannot be entered. However, some areas are beautifully preserved and can be visited. The choir, which was restored after the Jacobite uprising, has been used as a parish church since 1691. Kisses ๐
Balmoral Castle ๐ฐ , built in the 14th century, is located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. During their summer holidays, the British royals ๐ stay here for up to 12 weeks every year. The castle ๐ฐ , has been the private property of the British royals since 1852 and is not part of the Crown Estate. Here in her familiar and relaxed surroundings, the Queen closed her eyes forever on 8 September 2022. The palace ๐ฐ consists of two three-storey, interconnected square structures, each enclosing an inner courtyard. The south-western part of the building houses the official rooms and the royal bedrooms, while the north-western part houses the kitchen, utility rooms, storage rooms, ancillary rooms and staff rooms. The 24 metre high clock tower is located on the south-east side. Balmoral Castle ๐ฐ has over 70 (!) rooms in total. I was fascinated by the fact that you can move freely around the park and get right up to the castle. It is also possible to visit the inside without any problems (April - end of July). There are no barriers around the extensive park and any cameras are skilfully concealed. Only the small River Dee separates it from the road opposite. By clearly limiting the number of tourists during the day, it was not too crowded, pleasant and relaxed! A wonderful property and a definite must when visiting the Scottish Highlands! ๐ฉท Kisses ๐
When travelling through the Highlands, the typical tourist's route not only leads to the inviting distilleries and through this fantastic landscape. Here in the Highlands lies the summer residence of the English royal family: Balmoral Castle. The castle is located in the middle of a huge park. The walk from the forged entrance gate to the castle alone takes 15-20 minutes, past giant trees ๐ณ , lawns and flowerbeds ๐บ ๐ธ ๐ผ ๐ท . When you turn the corner and see the castle in front of you for the first time, it is a breathtaking sight. The kitchen gardens are only cultivated for the royal family's 12-week visit. It is precisely at this time that the countless varieties of fruit and vegetables, lettuce and cabbage, berries and turnips are ready to be harvested. A sea of flowers, of all types and colours, is also grown for the purpose of decorating the private rooms of the royal family. An audio guide is included in the entrance fee, which guides you through the gardens in an informative way. The garden itself is very formal and clearly structured and was planned by Queen Mary. The Victorian-style greenhouse made a lasting impression on me! Kisses ๐
Travelling in the Highlands. They are the north-west area of Scotland ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ. They are characterised by a seemingly endless expanse, mountainous corners and also treeless moors (with peat layers up to 5 metres deep). I have never seen such green mountains (and I travel a lot and love mountains). Countless babbling streams and small rivers, waterfalls, wild animals. And this incredible tranquillity. I travelled long distances on the winding roads (I love them) and nobody was behind me. Nobody came towards me either. Madness! Nowhere is the urge for freedom more tangible than in the Scottish Highlands. With its rugged, wild and romantic landscapes, Scotland shows its picture-book side here. Incidentally, the family clan structure in the Highlands is still partially alive or is being revitalised. Including, of course, for tourism. The clans and whisky production have made the Highlands world famous.
I LOVE the Scottish Highlands. Quasi in love with shock. ๐ฉท๐ฉท Kisses ๐
Back after a fantastic martini cocktail ๐ธ in the Conaught Bar in London. Time to take off the blazer so you can finally see the Maison Close catsuit in full. It's sooooooo sexy ๐ Kisses ๐ (Location: Milestone Hotel Kensington)
've been partying! And how! I was an invited guest at the in-club Jimmy's in the centre of Kitzbรผhel. Wow. Noble rooms meet noble party ambience. The perfect combination for an evening of drinks and dancing until the early hours of the morning (yes, I did). There is now an adjoining restaurant (which I have not yet tested), which perfectly rounds off the lifestyle club. The champagne was an explosion of flavour on the tongue. And in my colour too ๐ฉท. It could hardly be more noble. THANK YOU for the invitation. Kisses ๐
The Seidl Alm, one of the last traditional Alpine huts in Kitzbรผhel, is located directly on the world-famous "Streif" ski piste. Opposite the "Seidlalm jump". This is where the Ski World Cup โท๏ธ was launched in 1966. The alp was probably built in the 17th century. For a few years now, it has been run by 3 girls who run it in a rustic and down-to-earth style. Fresh food from their own cattle. Delicious drinks. A wonderful ambience. This is definitely my favourite mountain hut. I recommend the inimitable "Brettl-Jause" ๐ ๐คค or snack: cheese, bacon, salami, liver sausage, butter, hard-boiled eggs - all from the local cattle that live happily up on the mountain pasture in summer. Served with fantastic bread. ๐ ๐ ๐ Or the "Mulberry pancake" ๐. A real treat!
You can reach the Alm on skis or on foot. If you come from the valley, you have to walk up for about 45 minutes from a car park. It's definitely worth it! A magnet for hikers, skiers, cyclists and mountain lovers of all kinds ... A source of strength for people and animals and an absolute must-have-before-die! Kisses ๐
Another one of my traditions - especially when the weather is nice: on Christmas Day, we take the gondola up into the mountains early in the morning. Then at 11.00 a.m. in the best possible weather โ๏ธ and breathtaking views of the Sonnenbรผhel. Settle into your deckchair and toast with a glass of Apรฉrol (the cold version this time). The Sonnenbรผhel is considered one of the pinnacles of pleasure in Kitzbรผhel with exquisite Mediterranean-style gastronomy in a rustic ambience (inside) and countless sunny spots. Dolce Vita is the motto on the ski piste here. Incidentally, the hut has been around since 1924, making it one of the oldest in the area. There are special nights on Fridays during the season. One of my dreams: the James Bond Night there. If you don't ski, you can reach the piste via the Hahnenkamm cable car and a short walk (or you can be picked up by skidoo). Kisses ๐
I spent my Christmas holidays in Kitzbรผhel in Tyrol/Austria. The elegant winter sports resort is famous for its annual Hahnenkamm race. This consists of the super-G, the slalom and the downhill on one of the most difficult and dangerous courses in the world: the Streif. I also go down by ski some sections of it, reaching gigantic top speeds. There are exclusive shops and cafรฉs along the streets of Kitzbรผhel's medieval town centre. Pure chic chic. I don't necessarily need it, but the experience is definitely worth it! Every year on Christmas Eve, I traditionally stroll through the streets and stop for a hot Apรฉrol at the Christmas market with the girls from Seidl Alm. This year, I was particularly impressed by the romance of Kitzbรผhel immersed in snow โ๏ธ . The thickest flakes came down from the sky. I was happy as anything. Kisses ๐
I was a guest at the Olympia Eiskanal Igls in Innsbruck for the European Bobsleigh Cup. It is the first artificial ice channel in Austria. At 1270 metres, 14 bends (including a roundabout) are negotiated with a height difference of 100 metres. Even people
who are not professionals can have an exciting time in the ice channel. A professional then drives the bobsleigh. And you ride along. A great idea for brave people at top speeds of between 120-170 km/h. I prefer to watch! ๐ Kisses ๐
I wish you a great New Year's Eve. Have a safe journey to 2025! Thank you for making this year a fantastic one. I'm looking forward to 2025 together with you! Kisses ๐ and lots of love ๐ฉท
Latex has (unfortunately) a taste of fetish for many. A latex dress should actually be called a rubber dress. Among other things, the milky sap of the rubber tree is processed. Rubber is created by adding sulphur (vulcanization) and heating. It's actually the same as the end product of the synthetic production of petroleum. This is exactly why clothing is also referred to as latex clothing - to distinguish it from car tires ๐ And I definitely don't wear car tires. It's not for nothing that latex, as a natural product, feels like a second skin on your own skin. It's cool when you put it on, giving you goose bumps, but it quickly adapts to your body temperature and hugs your body perfectly. I love my latex clothing - which I have to admit I can't wear everywhere because of its often negative reputation. Which I think is a real shame! Every single one of my pieces has been perfectly tailored to me by a Berlin label. Kisses ๐
What's part of a city trip? A good breakfast, lots of walking around the city - preferably on foot, then you can discover more...... -, a good dinner and then an evening out. For me, I also like to go to a cocktail bar ๐น . Surprisingly, the word "cocktail" ๐ธ originated in the Anglo-Saxon-speaking world around 1800 and originally only referred to a very specific type of mixed drink that was common at the time. The first written source defined "cock tail" in 1806 as a "stimulating drink made from spirits of all kinds, sugar, water and bitters". It was customary to dilute the often still very rough spirits that came out of the barrel at the time with water and sweeten them with sugar before drinking them; these drinks were called sling. A "cocktail" ๐น was therefore nothing more than a variation of a sipping drink flavored with herbal bitters, which roughly corresponds to today's Old Fashioned. It was just as common to have cocktails ๐น in the morning. Okay. I'd be out of it then. I'm more for the evening cocktail ๐ธ . A drink in a bar like that is really something. My choice: not too sweet, preferably something tart. Fancy. And definitely always ask the bartender for his personal recommendation! Location: Bar of the Milestone Hotel London. Kisses ๐
When I drive to the Saar, there's pretty much a 100% chance that I'll end up at the van Volxem winery at some point. So I wouldn't bet against it! ๐ The wines, harvested on the steep slopes of the Saar, are inspiring, simply fascinating. Really great cinema.
Van Volxem stands for refined, elegant white wine (predominantly Riesling) with a pronounced complexity, which is mostly vinified dry, which suits me perfectly. This also applies to the predominantly low alcohol content. This means that these excellent wines can be enjoyed to the full. Many wine journals have long been rating van Volxem as a world-class winery. I like the personality and warmth that still exists, right up to the executive level. Kisses ๐
What do the Matterhorn and the Altenberg, at the foot of which the von Othegraven winery is located, have in common? Both are climbed over an incline of 65 degrees. The only difference is that on the vertiginous, monumental steep slopes of the Kanzemer Altenberg, the vines are worked by hand, vine by vine. The von Othegraven winery has existed since the 16th century and is now in the hands of the 7th generation of the family. In a pre-Christmas atmosphere, I was able to taste the estate's own mulled wine (excellent) and stroll through the associated romantic park with a view of the stately manor house. Together with the monumental Kanzemer Altenberg escarpment, they are listed as an ensemble. And there was also a delicious bratwurst "on the hand". ๐ Kisses ๐
Trier's Christmas market takes place against the unique backdrop of Trier Cathedral and on the medieval main market square. Discover the festive stalls with delicious local specialties such as Moselle mulled wine. The arts and crafts on offer in small and large wooden houses also attract visitors from all over the world every year. Me too ๐ You can also take a wonderful stroll through the romantic old town. You can also meet Germany's only mulled wine queen at the Trier Christmas market - no, it's not me! ๐ Kisses ๐
Getting ready for the evening. A bath ๐ , make-up ๐ , stockings, latex dress. Ready to go out. I love ๐ฉท my bathroom at the Ritz Carlton Berlin ๐ Kisses ๐
Stars twinkle in the magnificently decorated courtyard and the unique atmosphere enchants with Christmas spirit at Bensberg Castle near Cologne. In addition to a wonderful view over Cologne, you can also enjoy excellent food here. 3 restaurants take you into a world of indulgence - one of which is a 3-star Michelin restaurant. You can enjoy an excellent tea time in the lobby bar and relax in the Salvatore Dali bar with piano music and a cocktail or a good glass of wine or champagne and a tasty, more rustic meal by the fireplace. I always recommend the prawns ร la discretion. ๐ And on the 2nd and 3rd Advent, the Christmas market there will completely enchant you! Kisses ๐
I love Christmas markets. Definitely. When everything is so cosy and homely. I went to the Aachen Christmas market at the weekend. In my old home town, I immediately recaptured the mulled wine stall from my student days. The smell of roasted almonds or bratwurst will definitely tempt you. Followed by a glass of mulled wine or eggnog. Delicious! In between, take a stroll through the alleyways of the Christmas market and get inspired for a Christmas present or two. I love the festive season! Kisses ๐
The Ore Mountains are a low mountain range in Saxony and Bohemia and thus part of the German-Czech border. It is home to upland moors, natural monuments, national parks and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in part. It is also a popular winter sports region, but also popular for cycling and hiking. It is also world-famous for its Christmas traditions and craftsmanship, historic steam railways (there are still 4 narrow-gauge railways). Watch connoisseurs will be familiar with the small village of Glashรผtte. The cradle of some wickedly expensive, handmade watches that can certainly compete with more prominent brands.
The soul of the Erzgebirge is at its most intense at Christmas time. Every year from 1 Advent, candle arches, pyramids and around 500 events transform the region into a "Christmas wonderland" โญ๏ธ . Definitely worth a visit! Kisses ๐
