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
Frozen Stories: Tripping over history in Paris
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
Top 5 Travel Experiences 2012
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
Postcard from the Parisian Flower Markets
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
Byron Bay getaway
Byron Bay must be the jaywalking capital of Australia. While it’s true that no one looks before the cross the road in most coastal towns, Byron’s pedestrians are truly a special breed. I remember as a kid, someone walking into the side of our car, which was not even going at 10 km/hr. When we went there last weekend, not much had changed. Fortunately, not … Continue reading Byron Bay getaway
Burning up on Brunswick Heads Beach
On our way to Byron Bay we decided to take a little detour to Brunswick Heads, somewhere neither of us had ever been. My Dad spent many of his summer holidays there as a kid and as it was only 15 minutes north of Byron, right off the Pacific Highway, we thought we’d pass through. I could have spent all day there! Driving into Brunswick … Continue reading Burning up on Brunswick Heads Beach
Carving up the Surfers’ Skyline
Surfers Paradise epitomises the best and worst of the Gold Coast. It’s one of the few Queensland destinations truly saturated with tourists. I can see how frustrating it must be for residents of Paris, New York and London must feel, being constantly inundated with wandering crowds and bumping into people stopped dead in their tracks to take a selfie with their iPad. However, the tourists … Continue reading Carving up the Surfers’ Skyline
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
Hats off to Harrods
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
Swiss Dreams
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