Category: Culture

Europe, France, History, Paris

Archaeological crypt of Notre Dame: Roman ruins in Paris

With it’s grand boulevards, historic mansions and charming lack of skyscrapers, it can seem like Paris is stuck in the 19th century. The Archaeological Crypt of Notre Dame underneath Notre Dame Cathedral in Ile de City shows that it’s a city in a constant state of change. In the 1960s, during excavations for a car park outside Notre Dame, ancient Roman ruins were discovered 80 … Continue reading Archaeological crypt of Notre Dame: Roman ruins in Paris

Genevieve LaurenLeave a comment
Food & Drink, Italy

Naples: Slow pizza & quick crooks

Our Roman tour guide had a strong distrust of any Italians who lived south of Rome, and it is a sentiment echoed by many Italians throughout central and northern Italy. We’d heard rumours that the mafia in Napoli had the city under its thumb, taunting citizens by cutting off the garbage collection and letting putrid trash pile up in the streets if the local government … Continue reading Naples: Slow pizza & quick crooks

Genevieve Lauren4 Comments
Food & Drink, Sunshine Coast

Strawberry picking on the Sunshine Coast

I’ve wanted to visit the Strawberry Fields Farm at Palmview on the Sunshine Coast for ages, and the perfect opportunity arose on our drive up to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland this past weekend. David & I were taking a long weekend in the mountain townships of Montville & Maleny and the fields are only a half-hour detour. I acknowledge the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples … Continue reading Strawberry picking on the Sunshine Coast

Genevieve Lauren6 Comments
Florence, History, Italy, Nature

Biting off more than we can chew in the Boboli Gardens

It had been a deliciously lazy day in Florence but by the late afternoon we felt that we should tick something else off our list. We were feeling fairly dusty, the aftermath of the night before which ended quite tellingly, at the most unlikely of places in such a foodie city – Florence’s golden arches. It was at the request of my friend, who works … Continue reading Biting off more than we can chew in the Boboli Gardens

Genevieve Lauren4 Comments
Florence, Food & Drink, Italy, Rome

Discovering Aperitivo in Rome

Dinner in Italy for the price of a prosecco. For the penny pinching traveller who has an unfortunate, somewhat expensive taste (such as yours truly) this is like winning the lottery. Aperitivo hour has got your back (and your belly). Our first encounter with this blessing was in Rome. We’d arrived that day and were exhausted. Before we could sleep however, we had to eat. … Continue reading Discovering Aperitivo in Rome

Genevieve Lauren4 Comments
Goma Brisbane
Brisbane, The Arts

Cai Guo-Qiang & California Design at Brisbane’s GoMA

The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) in Brisbane is the most visited art gallery in Australia for a reason. Every major exhibition held there goes the extra mile to stun audiences into thinking a little deeper. In my opinion, since it’s opening in  2006 it’s also encouraged the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) next door to lift its game. It’s situated in the heart of … Continue reading Cai Guo-Qiang & California Design at Brisbane’s GoMA

Genevieve LaurenLeave a comment
Food & Drink, Italy, Rome

That’s Amore Pasta Cooking Class, Rome

The best thing about eating pasta in Italy? It’s free from the “evil carbs” baggage that it gets burdened with back home. No, Italian pasta doesn’t make you “fat” – just look at all the Italians. As our local guide explained, Italians don’t eat pasta drenched in creamy, fatty sauces. Our idea of a spaghetti bolognaise is virtually foreign to them and a carbonara in … Continue reading That’s Amore Pasta Cooking Class, Rome

Genevieve Lauren5 Comments
Florence, Food & Drink, Italy

Organic Gelato in Florence: Edoardo Il Gelato Biologico

The most delicious gelato in Florence is Edoardo’s, right under the Duomo. It stands out against the countless old-school gelatarias in Italy with modern decor and most importantly, gelato that is kept under wraps (or, metal lids), a sign of a true gelato mastery. Gelato is kept freshest this way and  as tempting as gelato piled high in cabinet windows may look, it is the … Continue reading Organic Gelato in Florence: Edoardo Il Gelato Biologico

Genevieve Lauren3 Comments
Food & Drink, Italy, Venice

Rush hour by the Rialto Bridge

By the time we arrived in Venice, we had worked up an appetite. We’d taken the train from Verona in the morning, but halfway through the trip a ticket inspector realised that we’d booked the train tickets for a month earlier – an admin error on our part that we hadn’t noticed. We were kicked off the train in Vincenza, and had to purchase new … Continue reading Rush hour by the Rialto Bridge

Genevieve Lauren4 Comments
France, Paris, The Arts

Skip the Moulin Rouge! See The Lido

The Moulin Rouge achieved international infamy decades before Nicole Kidman sashayed across the stage in Baz Luhrmann’s film of the same name.  I’d seen the Moulin Rouge, but didn’t realise that The Lido was a similar cabaret in Paris until my uncle made the joke that I could work there with one of his friends, to fund my dream of living in Paris. As I’ve … Continue reading Skip the Moulin Rouge! See The Lido

Genevieve Lauren9 Comments