Well, it is true indeed: Rome is an outstanding place. Although I went there on business, the little I saw was more than impressive. It's a city which lives with its history - it's omnipresent, and pervasive in modern life. The Forum Romanum, St Peter, the National Monument cover more than 2000 years - while the crowd is gathering around Trevi fountain.

This time, I was really lucky: Not only did I get an invitation to speak at this fairly prestigeous conference; I also managed to convince our management to let me fly there, despite of the current state of the economy (actually, this environment and how corporations should react to it - that was my topic.) Happy and grateful, I spent a very productive week - but the early mornings and Friday afternoon allowed me to enjoy the beauty of the nature in this costal town.

So, what do you do if your client suddenly tells you that the next workshop is delayed by two weeks? This time, I took the loss of billable time as an opportunity to take a couple of days off. And to escape the European winter (a horribly cold January this year...) I took a short flight to the Canary Islands. Fuerteventura (Spanish for "strong winds") is a great place for water sports, even if the temperatures are not that inviting.

Strictly speaking, these pictures do not belong here. This wasn't a business trip, it was just plain, simple vacation. But - hey, even consultants need a break now and then!

This trip to the mountains was stunning! And then, a sudden snowfall transformed Arosa from late summer to mid winter within one night.

Now, this is the opposite of Saudi Arabia: An island of 253 square miles - with everything which is forbidden over there. Starting with cinemas, carrying on with alcohol, and not stopping before all the vices of Miami Beach are covered. It's connected to Saudi Arabia through the 15 miles King Fahd Causeway. How long can a traffic jam can be at the weekend...

Nevertheless: Bahrain has its interesting places - like the Grand Mosque, or the National Museum. And sunsets are spectacular as everywhere...

One thing is for sure: I have never travelled to a location being so confused what to expect. A thin Lonely Planet guide, several warnings from the embassy, and persistent complaints of the collegue who had been there last month - no drinks, no chicks.

Well, to be honest: I have not stumbled into a big whole-night party there. But I found a kingdom with a very own face, spread between the glamour of the shopping malls and the rigor of its religious police, with evidence of a long and great history, and an amazing natural beauty...

In June, a trip took me to Tampa, Florida. Quite a nice place - in particular Ybor City, the former home of a cigar factory, and now the official centre of Tampa's party zone.

But also, lots of really amazing locations are around the city - St. Petersburg with its great Dali museum. And then, the endless beaches on the West coast of Florida - most prominently Clearwater Beach.

As we had project meetings even on Saturday, Sunday was the only opportunity to explore these settings, and take a few pictures...

IIf you really want to enjoy India, do not waste your time in Goa. There is no point visiting a place where a long trail of budget tourists has devastated the country.

Your place to go are the backwaters of Kerala - a system of canals through the jungle, where a house boat with a friendly crew will take you where ever you want. After a couple of hours on the water, you will be in a different world.

On the way back, do a stopover in Cochin, and visit a Katakali performance - the classical dance form of the region.