Category: Architecture & Design

Brighton Bathing Boxes Melbourne
Architecture & Design, Culture, Melbourne

Brighton Bathing Boxes: Melbourne’s Rainbow Row

The rainbow row of Brighton Bathing Boxes is one of the most iconic sights in Melbourne. There are 96 brightly-coloured, tiny beach houses lining Dendy Beach, in Melbourne’s affluent bayside suburb of Brighton. They are a Melbourne icon, alongside Flinders Street Station and the MCG, plastered across postcards, prints and artwork all over the city. Even in our first apartment in Melbourne, which we had … Continue reading Brighton Bathing Boxes: Melbourne’s Rainbow Row

Genevieve Lauren13 Comments
Chicago River Walk Hero
Architecture & Design, Chicago

The Chicago Riverwalk

I recently visited Chicago for the first time, a city that has been on my wish list for years, and mostly due to it’s renowned architecture. The Riverwalk is a 1.25 mile path along the beautiful Chicago River, where it is flanked by some of the city’s most striking architectural treasures. I started opposite The Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower and peeled off when I was just about … Continue reading The Chicago Riverwalk

Genevieve Lauren3 Comments
Pantheon Paris
Architecture & Design, Culture, France, History, Paris

The Pantheon, Paris: Home of France’s Heroes

The elegant dome of the Pantheon is an iconic fixture of the Parisian skyline. I was excited to see inside, when I was in Paris for the first time, with my family. The Pantheon’s purpose is to serve history, but the building itself is also a legacy of Paris’ tumultuous history. Paris is a city that celebrates and honours the past better than any other city … Continue reading The Pantheon, Paris: Home of France’s Heroes

Genevieve Lauren1 Comment
Melbourne's laneways and arcades
Architecture & Design, Melbourne

Melbourne’s laneways & arcades

Melbourne is famous for its laneways and arcades. They’re the canvas for the city’s adored street art and hide Melbourne’s best bars and cafes. It’s pretty rare to find a city where you actually want to spend time in the city centre, but you could lose hours following Melbourne’s laneways & arcades. The gorgeous arcades get less hype, but they offer a refuge from the … Continue reading Melbourne’s laneways & arcades

Genevieve Lauren4 Comments
Architecture & Design, Culture, France, Paris, The Arts

The Glory of Opera Garnier, Paris

I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I thought the Palace of Versailles was grand, but Paris’ Opera Garnier blows it out of the water. Every inch is a tribute to opulence. Completed in 1875 by architect Charles Garnier, Opera Garnier is Europe’s largest opera houses. It is the setting for Gaston Leyroux’s Phantom of the Opera, a famous play which is now also the longest-running show … Continue reading The Glory of Opera Garnier, Paris

Genevieve Lauren3 Comments
Sainte Chapelle Upper Chapel Paris
Architecture & Design, Culture, Europe, France, History, Paris, Religion & Spirituality

Sainte-Chapelle: A 13th century treasure

Sometimes the smallest stars shine the brightest. I visited Sainte-Chapelle in Paris in December 2011 and I’ve never been so in awe of anywhere. It is smaller than Notre Dame, but in my opinion, it is so much more beautiful. There isn’t a square inch of the interior that isn’t painted, coloured, carved or adorned with gold leaf. The lower chapel was beautiful, but I was … Continue reading Sainte-Chapelle: A 13th century treasure

Genevieve Lauren10 Comments
Architecture & Design, Culture, Europe, Luzern, Switzerland

Postcards: Monster Murals in Lucerne

Quaint little Lucerne’s buildings are sensible shades of brown, khaki and cream. Against the grey winter skies, this would almost look a little dull were it not for the beautiful, colourful murals splashed across  buildings in the centre of town. I’ve never seen anything like it! in Australia it’s a big deal when a building is 100 years old, so buildings tend to fall into … Continue reading Postcards: Monster Murals in Lucerne

Genevieve LaurenLeave a comment
Architecture & Design, Culture, Europe, Florence, Italy

Ponte Vecchio perspective

I found Florence instantly more likeable than Rome. The streets were quieter and the city is walkable. It was the birthplace of the Renaissance and has been a magnet for artists for centuries, who come to study the masterpieces inside the Uffizi gallery and lining the streets of Florence. The Ponte Vecchio is one of my favourite parts of Florence, although I prefer admiring it … Continue reading Ponte Vecchio perspective

Genevieve Lauren2 Comments
Architecture & Design, Bath, Culture, History, United Kingdom

The Beauty of Bath

Strolling around Bath is like wandering through a three dimensional post card. Cute, crumbly and sleepy, a peaceful overnight stop there provides a welcome reprieve from the exciting but tiring hustle and bustle of London. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site and our overnight stay in Bath was the highlight of my trip to the UK. Charming Pulteney Bridge is the … Continue reading The Beauty of Bath

Genevieve LaurenLeave a comment
Architecture & Design, Czech Republic, Europe, Prague

Postcards from Charles Bridge, Prague

It was this  bridge that incited an urge to go to Prague. Well, that and The Illusionist.  It is just as beautiful in person and is flanked by my favourite marble people in the world. Sadly, it’s rarely empty enough to get a photo without the crowds, like the photo I saw that made me want to come here in the first place. Genevieve LaurenHello! I’m … Continue reading Postcards from Charles Bridge, Prague

Genevieve Lauren3 Comments