Perpetual Learning
It’s July 29th, 2025, and I’m currently nestled in a small café in Vienna, poring over some rather fascinating 18th-century travel diaries. As anyone who’s ever joined a group tour knows, the company you keep can make or break the experience. It got me thinking – was this a concern for travelers centuries ago? In … Read more
Planning your first trip to Europe is exciting! For many of us, especially those who have spent years buried in historical texts, the thought of navigating unfamiliar airports can feel a bit daunting. My own travels, often dictated by research needs in far-flung archives, have taught me a few crucial lessons about making those airport … Read more
So, you’re planning your first trip to Europe? That’s wonderful! My own journeys often revolve around tracing the footsteps of 18th-century figures, but the practical side of travel is something I’ve had to learn firsthand. It’s a fascinating blend of historical curiosity and, well, wrestling with a suitcase. My love for the 18th century – … Read more
As I travel across the country these days, often researching historical routes and byways, I find myself thinking a lot about gas prices. It’s a modern traveler’s constant companion, isn’t it? But this focus on cost-saving travel strategies, especially concerning fuel, actually connects with a much older human trait: resourcefulness. Think about it. Throughout history, … Read more
As a historian who usually dives into the intricate politics and social customs of 18th-century Europe, I often find myself surprised by the connections between my specialized field and the world today. This summer, my travels have taken me to ancient sites, and I’ve been struck by the sheer ingenuity of ancient urban planning. It’s … Read more
It might sound strange, but some of the most talked-about health tips today aren’t new at all. Many are actually ancient practices, some over a thousand years old, that history is now showing us were pretty smart. As a historian, I find this connection between the past and our present fascinating, especially when it comes … Read more
As someone who has spent years delving into the past, I’m always fascinated by how new discoveries can illuminate forgotten corners of history. Recently, I came across an article from the Harvard Gazette that truly captured my imagination, detailing how ancient DNA analysis is shedding light on the origins of the Hungarian and Finnish languages. … Read more
Well, it’s July 25th, 2025, and I’ve managed to make my guest bedroom entirely uninhabitable. Don’t ask. Let’s just say a rather ambitious historical textile restoration project has taken over, complete with dye pots, looms, and what feels like a century’s worth of linen samples. My usual quiet sanctuary is now a vibrant, chaotic testament … Read more
When we think of spies, our minds often jump to thrilling chase scenes, gadgets, and double-crossing agents straight out of a Cold War novel. But the truth, as it often is with history, is far more fascinating and, in many ways, surprisingly modern. My travels through European archives often lead me down unexpected rabbit holes. … Read more
As a historian, I’m always fascinated by how new tools can shed light on the past. Recently, I came across a captivating piece from the Harvard Gazette that brought together my love for history and my appreciation for scientific advancement. It’s about how ancient DNA is helping us understand the origins of the Hungarian and … Read more