Author Archives: moselman

Seeking the Good Life: In the Karwendel Alps

Posted on February 13, 2013 by moselman

It used to be that virtually all my “holidays” involved being on a mission of some kind or other; whether it was exploring a new part of the world by bike, going on a mountain trek or on a badly planned kayaking adventure in hostile weather conditions. … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, In Europe, Mountain Treks, Wild Places | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Three Men in 3 Boats: a Hebridean tale of Cowardice and Mediocrity

Posted on February 1, 2013 by moselman

It’s hard getting used to being landlocked here in continental Europe. Any piece of water, whether it’s a reservoir, stagnant pond or small stream now starts to take on a special spiritual significance, if like me, you are used to living … Continue reading →

Posted in Canoe Trips, In Scotland, Wild Places | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Picos de Europa: On foot through Spain’s Costa Verde

Posted on January 16, 2013 by moselman

It’s mid January and at last we’re snowbound here in Aachen after seemingly weeks of damp, mild winter weather. During these dark, winter days thoughts start turning to sunnier months spent exploring Europe’s wilder places. I’m always amazed by the sheer … Continue reading →

Posted in In Europe, Mountain Treks, Spain, Wild Places | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Black Forest Mist

Posted on January 3, 2013 by moselman

Aachen is buffeted by many of the same Atlantic pressure systems that also give the British Isles its renowned damp climate. These weather fronts run up against the foothills of the Eifel plateau (an easterly extension of the Ardennes) and deposit … Continue reading →

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Assynt: Winter light in Scotland’s far North West

Posted on December 18, 2012 by moselman

Journey  to Scotland’s “Middle Earth” Whilst Germany is fascinating to explore for its culture, heritage and history, it’s very hard to beat the Scottish Highlands for experiencing pure, raw nature and a sense of connection with landscape and “spirit of place”. The Assynt … Continue reading →

Posted in Canoe Trips, In Scotland, Mountain Treks, Music, Wild Places | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Castles, Vineyards and Ancient Villages

Posted on December 13, 2012 by moselman

In the shadow of Burg Thurant: The austere twin towered fortress of Burg Thurant stands impressively on a hill top overlooking the winding streets, ancient houses, inns and vineyards of Alken, a medieval wine village situated on the lower Mosel. This dramatic scene symbolises everything … Continue reading →

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Winter market

Posted on November 18, 2012 by moselman

Warming  scenes from the “Weihnachtsmarkt”  in the medieval old town of  Stolberg near Aachen. Gluhwein and crepes with African music ! All of a sudden Christmas seems nearer…

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Enchanted Forest

Posted on November 16, 2012 by moselman

We stay next to the Aachener Wald, a large area of mixed woodland located a few just a few minutes walk away from where we live. At this time of year the low angle autumn sunlight shining through the beech leaves gives … Continue reading →

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St Martins Fest – heralding the start of winter

Posted on November 14, 2012 by moselman

One of the joys of living here in Aachen are the many and varied festivals which occur here throughout the year. One of my personal favourites is the St Martins festival which is held every year around the 11th of November. … Continue reading →

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Going Home – A view of Scotland from Europe

Posted on November 13, 2012 by moselman

I’ve been living in Aachen for over a year and in early November I decided it was time to head home, to reconnect (albeit briefly) with past roots and all things Scottish. Most interestingly I wanted to see how Scotland appeared to me from … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs, History & Culture, In Scotland, Music, Trees & Greenspaces, Wild Places | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment