Dispatch from London on World Environment Day: Green Park and “do-you-have-an-underground-station-named-after-you?” vibes 

Did your London friends tell you about the Green Park’s Underground roundel turned into Green Planet (as it did in January 2022 to celebrate David Attenborough’s TV series?) First, you will have to have a park called Green Park, then you’ll have a station named after it – a feat that neither Hyde Park nor Read more

In search of spring flowers #2: Taiwan’s “snow blossoms”

The romance of “April snow” and “May snow” The Tung Blossoms (油桐花) (Latin name: Vernicia fordii) that line mountains and hillsides around the country in April and May are very popular in Taiwan.  Taiwanese people often refer to Tung Blossoms as “April Snow” or “May Snow” (depending on when they are in full bloom) and their Read more

In search of spring flowers #1: Hong Kong’s spider tree blossoms

We love the “oo-ing” and “ah-ing” we somehow allow ourselves to do when we see beautiful light pink blossoms in the midst of an urban cityscape – cherry blossoms in Tokyo, roses in Paris (“the roses in Paris are worth waiting for”) – and doing a pink-flower-and-scent-walk using our secret gardens in Paris map is Read more

Smart cities remix: sustainability that is fun, green, and amazing

With many countries experiencing an energy crunch and gas prices going through the roof, and as many cities around the world are still recovering from Covid restrictions and Covid-related angst, we must share some promising and even amazing ideas that we’ve seen in our travels to many cities in the world. In fact, there’s been Read more

Rethinking cities #5: Madeleine scoots round town and learns that God is in the details!

The age of scooter sharing is upon us.  Ever since cities like Paris started with its vélib scheme, scooters, bikes, and mopeds have been taking over cities around the world.  In Paris itself, there is a strong love for vélos and the government’s scheme is now not the only choice, with several new dockless options Read more