There is more to Europe than meets the eye. There is a tale on every corner because history is embedded just beneath the surface in public art and landmarks. In Paris, it’s hard not to find an old building without its historical significance duly noted in a plaque, often small and fixed on the top floor, only sharing secrets with those who are looking. Some … Continue reading Frozen Stories: Tripping over history in Paris
Travel is about the moments when you have to pinch yourself because you can’t believe you’re wide awake and what you’re seeing is real. Sometimes its a first and other times its something you never expected. Sometimes they are big moments but so often they are the small ones. Here are some of my favourites 1.International Eiffel Tower picnic, Paris At the international summer academy, … Continue reading Top 5 Travel Experiences 2012
The Marche aux Fleurs ( Flower Markets) in Ile de Cite is the oldest and one of the largest flower markets in Paris. Between the Conciergerie and Hotel Dieu (City Hall) you’ll find the markets every day of the week – and on Sundays, they are joined by the Marche aux Oieseaux ( bird market). Visiting markets is something I try to do in every city … Continue reading Postcard from the Parisian Flower Markets
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
I didn’t have much of a budget for shopping when I was in London, so if it was up to me I probably wouldn’t have bothered visiting Harrods. I only had one day in the city, on a day trip from Paris, and I could think of a thousand other things I would have rather seen first. I’m glad I listened to my friend Dani, … Continue reading Hats off to Harrods
Somewhere in Switzerland I imagine it’s looking a little like this once again. Meanwhile, it’s absolutely sweltering in Australia! I spend half the day daydreaming about this idyllic spot half way up Mt Pilatus in Luzern, where I was delightfully cold and saw snow for the first time, which resulted in me (and many others, I’ll add!) running over and scooping up a snowball, before … Continue reading Swiss Dreams
Europeans overdose on the Christmas spirit and I love it. The Christmas Markets in Paris are delightfully festive all over town. My favourite was the the Marche de Noel du Mail Branly, underneath the Eiffel Tower. Such a gorgeous sight! We left Australia on Christmas Day but I didn’t miss out on any festivities because Europe clings on to the Christmas season and carries it all the … Continue reading A Visit to the Paris Christmas Markets
The simplest moments can sometimes be the most spectacular. It wasn’t the famous Moulin Rouge or the awe-inspiring Eiffel Tower. It cost all of about two Euro and we were sitting on the ground. Then again, when the ground you’re sitting on is the left bank of the Seine, you’re drinking wine and have spent the afternoon eating, drinking, wandering the streets of Paris and … Continue reading A Perfect Night in Paris for 2 Euro
Parisian boulangeries have ruined me for all other bread. Yes, Rome ruined me for all other pizza, but I was never a huge pizza lover and I got over it. But bread? Dead to me. I wish it wasn’t so, but there it is. This is one of the breakfasts my Dad made one dark, winter’s morning in Paris. The photo still brings back feelings … Continue reading Petit-déjeuner à Paris: an ode to French bread
My summer in Paris was unforgettable. I loved having a full month to sink my teeth deeper into more of what Paris has to offer, after my fortnight in January. I noticed more about the culture and the state of Paris that I had not noticed a few months before as a wide eyed and wonderstruck tourist. The Champs-Elysee is changing. Fewer and fewer French … Continue reading The changing faces of the Champs-Elysee