Category Archives: Europe

The Lost — and Found — Jews of Crete

Posted on May 9, 2016 by planetlippstone

My latest in Tablet magazine: A synagogue on the Greek isle of Crete, struggling to survive with no Jewish community. The Jews were wiped out in the Holocaust.  

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Brussels: Sad to See Dark Cloud Hanging Over Brilliant City

Posted on November 22, 2015 by planetlippstone

I really hate to see Brussels, Belgium, on lockdown, with the city bracing for a possible terror attack like the one that decimated Paris. When I went there last Easter in search of extraordinary chocolate, I also got a good taste … Continue reading →

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Brussels: Not just a bunch of boring buildings

Posted on July 12, 2015 by planetlippstone

With my own personal Chocolatefest in Brussels out of the way, I set my sights on more substantive fare — the rest of the city. Including a trek to the European Parliament in Brussels, tasked with looking after the affairs of … Continue reading →

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Brussels: Is Belgian chocolate really worth the trip?

Posted on April 26, 2015 by planetlippstone

Computer problems on two continents here at Planet Lippstone. A story for another day. Meanwhile, it was the most indulgent reason I knew for going to Brussels: I was tired of mediocre chocolate. Spring had finally sprung; Easter was approaching; … Continue reading →

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Ghent, Belgium: What they sell in a castle gift shop

Posted on April 10, 2015 by planetlippstone

Everything that’s positively Medieval for your Little Crusader. Castle of the Counts, Ghent, Belgium. 4.10.15 (Been a hectic week in Brussels. Doing regular news job in between all the running around, which included this day trip to Ghent, Belgium, a … Continue reading →

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Eats: Memorable Easter Dinner in Brussels

Posted on April 5, 2015 by planetlippstone

Just back from a memorable Easter dinner in the Matonge (African) section of Brussels, a few blocks from where I’m staying. Place was absolutely packed. I was parked near a family with a child who insisted on putting her toy … Continue reading →

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Delicious dilemma: Watching my weight with chocolate, chocolate, everywhere in Belgium

Posted on March 28, 2015 by planetlippstone

So I saw this plug for Candice Bergen’s memoir the other day. The fashion and entertainment icon (why wasn’t she really utilized in the SNL 40-year reunion?) says she’s put on 30 pounds and has no problem being considered fat. Because … Continue reading →

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Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas season, in Ireland

Posted on December 18, 2014 by planetlippstone

Feel like a turkey doing the same thing every Thanksgiving? Here’s some food for thought: Go elsewhere next year. For a radical change of pace, we left the country. For about twice as much as it would cost to fly … Continue reading →

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You don’t have to be George Clooney to marry in Venice

Posted on September 30, 2014 by planetlippstone

It doesn’t hurt, though, especially since it looks pretty steep, even if you’re not going for the movie-star treatment. Funny, when I think of dreamy places to tie the knot, Venice, Italy, doesn’t spring to mind. I guess I’m way … Continue reading →

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Sochi, Russia: The real place behind the Olympics glitz

Posted on January 20, 2014 by planetlippstone

Sochi. It’s suddenly become a household word. Who outside of Russia had ever heard of this place before all the Winter Olympics hype — both good and bad (very real security concerns and assorted other controversies)? I confess: Not me. Sochi is on … Continue reading →

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