At the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa, Ukraine looks increasingly like the leader of the free world
Affairs June 2, 2026 5 Min Read Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kyiv has become a pioneer in drone warfare, diplomacy and security. Contributor Among all the events on the calendar of diplomatic and security conferences, the Black Sea Security Forum (BSSF) in Odesa can claim that it is not discussing these matters […]
Forget Milan, Paris and London: Helsinki is where talent scouts head to look for the best fashion designers
Fashion June 1, 2026 3 Min Read Finland is experiencing a fashion renaissance thanks to world-class fashion programmes at Aalto University and a new generation of young designers championing self-expression and technical garment-making. Writer Petri Burtsoff Finland is an unlikely supplier of top talent for the fashion industry. The city’s unofficial fashion week, Fashion in […]
Looking to the sky reveals much about what’s happening on the ground
Every few days or so, I will take a break from work and catch up on the world’s skies. Rather than train my eyes upward, I’ll open Flightradar24, a popular service for tracking anything that humans put into the air. The site is used by everyone from journalists monitoring the airborne movements of deposed potentates […]
Is Lisbon’s art market on the up? Arco Lisboa, the city’s growing contemporary art fair, has put on a promising display
Art June 1, 2026 4 Min Read Monocle reflects on the Portuguese capital’s biggest art fair, Arco Lisboa, and whether the peripheral market is starting to make a bigger splash. On the afternoon of 28 May, art enthusiasts flocked to Lisbon’s Cordoaria Nacional museum for the opening of Arco Lisboa’s ninth edition. The offshoot of […]
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras, North Carolina
For centuries, mariners feared the waters around Cape Hatteras in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Shifting sands and powerful storms make the area especially hazardous and unpredictable. More than 5,000 ships sank in these waters in the last 500 years, and it has long been known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. A fascinating museum at […]
Sundu Waterfall in Sündü, Azerbaijan
The waterfall among the rocks in the village of Sündü in the Gobustan region fascinates everyone with its unique beauty. The surrounding trees, berry bushes, and steep rocks seem to add additional color to this beauty. To see this mysterious beauty, you need to go south to the village of Sündü, located 16 kilometers from […]
Bright days, dark shadows: What was it like to travel to Syria?
Syria was, literally and figuratively, a wild ride for me. I have millions of thoughts on my time there, but I’ll start with the first question everyone has: what was it like to travel to Syria? Where to start with my time in Syria? Riding my motorcycle down the ancient streets of Palmyra with nary […]
The Arab world’s finest hot springs for relaxation
For decades, travellers have been drawn to the Arab world’s hidden network of natural wonders, which spans from the lush palm groves of Oman to the dry oasis of Saudi Arabia. Mineral-rich hot springs, rejuvenating fountains that appear to breathe new life into the surrounding landscapes, are among the region’s most sought-after havens. Those in […]
Motorcycle travel in Turkey: your biker travel guide to Türkiye
Endless scenic roads leading everywhere and anywhere. Every kind of landscape, from snowy mountains to aquamarine coastline. A strong culture of hospitality toward foreign visitors. Motorcycle travel in Turkey (Türkiye) is a dream every biker should experience at least once. In my humble opinion, anyway. At the time of writing, I’ve biked through Türkiye 4 […]
Want to rent a truck art motorcycle in Pakistan?
Truck art motorcycle rental in Pakistan is a no-brainer. Here’s how we can make it happen for you in Islamabad. Swirling psychedelic peacocks. Rainbow fish flashing through waves. Neon colors glowing in the dark of night. It’s pretty obvious why Pakistani “truck art” is adored by so many… and why I couldn’t resist putting it […]