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
It’s one of the most treasured institutions in Paris, but I didn’t enjoy my visit to the Louvre. I risk sounding like a uncultured brat and there’s no arguing that the works inside are magnificent but I found it overwhelming. It’s a labyrinth where every square inch is covered in art and there’s no room to breathe. I found it hard to concentrate on one … Continue reading Why I didn’t love the Louvre
A recent weekend getaway was the perfect introduction to the sophisticated city of Melbourne. In a few short days I fell in love with the southern city which was bursting at the seams with boutiques, laneway cafes, and opportunities to appreciate the arts. The importance of art and culture is reflected in the myriad of boutiques where friendly shop girls know the name about the … Continue reading Free in Melbourne: Ballet in the Bowl
On my first visit to Paris, I didn’t make it to the Moulin Rouge and I’d always regretted it. When I went back to study last summer, it was on the top of my list and I had pretty high expectations. The world’s most famous cabaret is in Paris’ red light district, in the historic Montmartre neighbourhood. Seeing the famous Can-Can was cool. The stage … Continue reading Unpopular Opinion: I didn’t like the Moulin Rouge
Flamenco is not for the faint hearted. The dancers are extremely passionate, talented and telling a story all at once. We drove up to Port Olimpic for dinner and a flamenco show. Their heavy, traditional costumes didn’t stop them from dancing so hard I thought they were going to stomp holes in the stage but their faces fierce with concentration and beaded with sweat betrayed … Continue reading Crazy beautiful flamenco in Barcelona