Europe

Slow Train to Susa

Summer is winding down in Turin—the breezes are getting cooler, and there are already crisp brown leaves covering the sidewalk here. Holiday makers have...

Très Grande Tchou-tchou to Torino

We arrived in Turin on Wednesday night after an eight-hour trip from Montpellier. Despite heavy luggage, two transfers and temperatures hovering around 33 degrees...

The Palace of Popes

“the fairest and strongest house in the world” Jean Froissart (1333-1405)   It’s a fortress as much as a palace. Its high stone walls and towers reach...

Death of an Octopus

    “Vuoi uno polpo?” The cashier in the little railway station bar shook her head. She looked about sixteen and yet already used to all kinds...

Senhor Jose

“You know the book I’m reading?” I asked. “Yes,” John said. “Guess what happens to the woman the clerk is looking for.” “Something bad,” he sighs. “Yes. What?” “She...