I always tell myself to keep it to one or two books. It never works. Every shelf seems to offer another subject, another idea, another reason to keep reading.
This time I came home with books about U.S. presidents, pilgrimage, communication, symbolism, happiness and a little more besides.
So once again, the bicycle basket is full.
Can you hear the bold, majestic fanfare played by the brass instruments? See the Egyptian army return victorious from battle against Ethiopia. Watch the hero, Radamès, welcomed back to Thebes with a magnificent public celebration.
It’s the Triumphal March from Aida. And I found Giuseppe Verdi in Bilbao, where we both stopped to strike a pose.
What a composer.
We can be tourists, just for one day.
Watching modern art by Arman, especially his Accumulation Renault, reveals this connection in action. A central figure of the Nouveau Réalisme movement, Arman transformed everyday industrial objects into striking visual statements, reminding us that innovation often emerges where commerce and creativity meet.
Taking a board to a living workshop, arranged by my team, to an art museum highlights the enduring link between art and business. Renault’s involvement shows how a brand can move beyond industry, using creativity to shape identity, culture, and strategic visibility.
In the market halls, you encounter the soul of a country’s heritage and culture. I often take my lunch in these halls to experience the atmosphere and shop like the locals. This made my visit to the Grand Market Hall in Budapest particularly interesting, known for its wide range of goose liver.
Hungarian foie gras is commonly found at celebrations and family meals, highlighting its role in the nation’s culinary heritage. Hungary is also one of the world’s largest producers of foie gras.
