Syria's woes 27 Aug 2013 | 04:19 pm

An Arabic seal from Jordan and an antique Syrian marquetry and mother-of-pearl table at our home. Thinking of the people of Syria, who continue to suffer unimaginable sorrows and hardships. Over the p...

Food for thought 25 Aug 2013 | 06:23 pm

A beautiful, strong, fierce and independent Bedouin woman near Kerak, Jordan. This is a story most women will recognize - women who are judged solely for their looks, despite their many, often heroic ...

An accordion player at Edam's cheese market 14 Aug 2013 | 07:24 pm

At the famous Kaasmarkt in Edam (Noord-Holland) this morning, a remarkably photogenic little girl was playing the accordion, while seated on a stack of cheese wheels. Of course, I put a couple of euro...

India 12 Aug 2013 | 09:03 pm

A bronze statue of a Hindu goddess, marked with coloured powders and draped with a chain of marigolds. At the moment, my daughter Jordana is in India for her work with an American fashion house. It's ...

The latest stealth scam to steal web traffic and content 8 Aug 2013 | 05:34 pm

In a Google Image search today, I noticed something odd. My photo was credited properly, but another company had attached itself - leech-like - to my website's original name Paris Parfait. So when vis...

Quiet Paris 6 Aug 2013 | 11:00 pm

The new book Quiet Paris by Siobhan Wall offers a welcome glimpse into more than 120 of the city's hidden gems - perfect for exploring, especially in August, when the city really becomes "quiet Paris....

Wisteria and watercress 5 Aug 2013 | 04:27 pm

In the market town of Alresford, England this 17th-century brick cottage with its royal blue door adds distinctive charm to the high street. Flanked by quaint shops and restaurants, the cottage is enh...

Then and now 4 Aug 2013 | 11:24 pm

Reflections of a nomadic life: Paris department store vitrine featuring travel in Maroc. "It's the same with us. We wear the brocade of past centuries or dress in fake purple. Covering our faces with ...

Without words 1 Aug 2013 | 08:19 pm

Deconstructing 29 Jul 2013 | 11:07 pm

19th-century child's bust and straw hat at Sophie Pretelat's Anges et Demons, brocante, Saint-Sulpice, Paris. After recent dismaying experiences of photo theft, I've decided to adopt the Tibetan Buddh...