• Shopping

    Keeping Time: Why a Timepiece is Still the Best Souvenir of Switzerland

    For more than 400 years, Switzerland has been the world’s watchmaking and time-keeping capital. And unlike many luxury industries in other countries that outsourced production decades ago, the most respected Swiss watch brands are still made in Switzerland — often by hand, often in the same valleys and communities where the craft was born.   That makes a Swiss watch or clock not only an investment in precision timekeeping and prestigious personal style, but also a truly authentic and heirloom-quality memento of a visit to Switzerland.  Now, when it comes to souvenir shopping, I’m firmly in the ‘consumables’ camp: something you can eat or drink or share when you get…

  • Ireland,  Shopping

    Top Souvenirs to Bring Home from a Trip to Ireland

    St. Patrick’s Day may be the day when we are all just a little bit Irish, but anytime we visit Ireland, we can bring home a little bit of Ireland – for our own memories, or to share an Irish blessing with our friends and loved ones.  The Emerald Isle is known for its vivid landscapes, love of life and literature, horse flesh and history, and perhaps above all, the embracing warmth of its people. Ireland is also a treasure trove of unique souvenirs that capture the spirit of the Emerald Isle and Irish culture. Whether you’re looking for traditional crafts, delicious treats, or something quirky, Ireland offers a variety…