We’ve Got Hives!

Drop everything, dear, and come along.

We’re flying off on a whirlwind tour of shacks and chalets, hovels and halls, cottages and castles worldwide …

Oh, but, no. Not that sort of chalet. The home-sweet-homes we’re hunting aren’t inhabited by humans, honey.

Catch the clue?

Each bungalow along our route, big or small, belongs to … bees.

That’s right. We’re traveling around the world in 80 hives!

(Well, okay, maybe not 80, but a bunch of buzzing beauties nonetheless.)

First stop—in alphabetical order, because my sense of direction has never been all that keen—Austria.

Just look at the intricacy of this unique alpine getaway:

Looking for something more rustic? Try these jungle bungalows in Burkina Faso (a country in western Africa):

Or these woodsy log homes in the forest of Sichuan, China:

In Croatia, the communal hives are distinguished by simple signs:

While the hives in the Czech Republic are nothing short of architectural artwork:

 

In Ethiopia, the bees nest in trees:

French hives are fabulously pastoral, as you might have guessed:

In Germany, the accommodations range from humbly traditional skeps to elaborate sculptures:

Have a look at this charming stone community cottage in Hungary:

And, oh, don’t you just love these hand-carved hives in Lithuania?

Polish beehives are as diverse as they are delightful, so let’s linger for a while:

Now, on to Portugal, where we behold this bark-covered cabin:

In Russia, this hive is a resplendent replica of the Troitsky Monastery in Tyumen:

And, as luck would have it, we may have saved the best for last …

If I were a bee, I’d love to stay in Slovenia for a spell, wouldn’t you?

The one country we didn’t tour was the U.S., because I’m leaving that leg of our journey up to you.

If you have—or have seen—a heavenly hive close to home, take me on a virtual visit!