Follow me on the road: Italy & Greece

I’ve been a bit quiet lately because I’m currently travelling – I’m enjoying five weeks of France, Italy and Greece. I won’t be posting until I get home ( living every moment while overseas) but you can follow my adventures by following me on Instagram: genevievehassall I’ll be posting again in late September. Happy travels! Continue reading Follow me on the road: Italy & Greece

Eating in Paris: The Latin Quarter

Wander through the labyrinth-like streets of the Latin Quarter in Paris and you’ll be spoilt for choice, if not a little overwhelmed. The narrow, winding streets make it difficult to retrace your steps but despite this, don’t stop at the first restaurant that catches your eye. I like to go before I get desperately hungry, so I can have a little wander and enjoy the … Continue reading Eating in Paris: The Latin Quarter

Where to eat & drink on Mt Tamborine, Gold Coast

Everybody knows everybody, the local businesses support each other and community ties are strong. Known for attracting quirky and creative residents, the villages that surround the main road weaving around the mountain have a decidely ethereal air. On one mountain you can find the oldest national park in Queensland and the third-oldest in the entire world, four wineries, a brewery, a distillery and a fromagerie … Continue reading Where to eat & drink on Mt Tamborine, Gold Coast

Brisbane Whale Watching in Moreton Bay

It seems ridiculous, but up until Sunday I had a (slightly) irrational fear of whales. Despite this, Sunday was the most amazing wildlife encounter of my life, and I’m still buzzing! On a full day tour with Brisbane Whale Watching, I lost count of the number of beautiful humpback whales that I saw, only metres from our eco-friendly, luxury vessel. It was honestly the most exciting yet relaxing … Continue reading Brisbane Whale Watching in Moreton Bay

Floating up Mt Pilatus, Luzern

The first time I saw snow was at the top of Mt Pilatus, the iconic mountain looming over the tiny town of Luzern. The scenic gondola ride up the mountain is worth the trip in itself . From the top level, you can climb a set of slipper steps to the peak. The enormity of the Pilatus and the surrounding mountains, blanked in snow made the … Continue reading Floating up Mt Pilatus, Luzern

Postcards from Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown

Queenstown was our final stop in New Zealand. Despite driving through gorgeous Kiwi countryside for the past week, the stunning town still blew us away. Built around the picturesque Lake Wakatipu with The Remarkables mountain range in the background, the town is drenched in natural beauty. Like many towns in New Zealand, the small city centre was dotted with quaint shops and felt as if … Continue reading Postcards from Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown

Davies Park Farmers Markets in West End, Brisbane

In every town I visit, markets are always a must-do, and my hometown is no different. My favourite farmers’ market in Brisbane is the Davies Park Farmers Market in West End. We do our weekly fruit & veg shopping here, so we arrive around 6:30 to beat the crowds which come from 8:00-10:00am. Before it’s busy, it’s easy to dart around to the usual stalls and … Continue reading Davies Park Farmers Markets in West End, Brisbane

Sainte Chapelle Upper Chapel Paris

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

Postcards from Prague’s Old Town

Prague’s historic centre looks like something out of a Hans Christian Andersen tale. Like any good fairytale kingdom, Prague has a beautiful Castle District, home to the Prague Castle, St Vitus’ Cathedral and other palaces dotted throughout the neighbourhood that have survived fires, wars and the ravages of time. The walk through the Castle District is relaxing, full of history and reveals picturesque views over … Continue reading Postcards from Prague’s Old Town

Don’t miss Marie Antoinette’s fairytale village in Versailles

Visiting the famous Chateau de Versailles is a popular and worthwhile day trip from Paris. Built by the lavish Louis XIV, the Sun King, the palace is one of the most extravagant in Europe. The palace itself is impressive, but in my opinion the best part of the estate is the garden. My favourite part of the sprawling garden is Marie Antoinette’s little village at … Continue reading Don’t miss Marie Antoinette’s fairytale village in Versailles