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The Gardens of Schloss Sanssouci – Potsdam

Looking up the hill towards the Schloss

Schloss Sanssouci was the summer palace built by Friedrich the Great in 1745-1747.  Surrounding the palace are the gardens of Schloss Sanssouci.  The entire complex of the palace and the surrounding 300 acres of parklike gardens are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.  The palace sits at the top of a terraced vineyard making use of the hill to capture maximum sunlight on the vines.  Centred at the base of these terraces you find the main fountain of the park. 

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Should I stay in a Hostel?

Nomads Brisbane Hostel

Should I stay in a Hostel? The age-old question.  The traveller’s cost-benefit analysis.  The potential ‘pot of gold at the end of the rainbow’ – affordable travel.

Recently I took a quick hop up to Brisbane that was the result of a combination of several factors including a tough week at work, a glass of wine, and a Qantas sale.  But that’s a story for another day.  In order to reduce the financial impact of last-minute decisions I decided that since I was travelling solo, I’d stay in a hostel while I was there.  After all, it was only going to be one night, so how bad could it be?

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Hamilton Gardens New Zealand

Hamilton Gardens overlooking the Italian Renaissance Garden

Hamilton is a city in the Waikato region on the North Island of New Zealand.  The Waikato river passes through the middle of the town on its way North.  At the east end of the town, the Hamilton Gardens are bounded by the banks of the river and incorporate a jetty for access to the river cruises.  The award-winning gardens are a public space covering over 58 hectares and are free to enter. 

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Devonport New Zealand in a day trip

Devonport New Zealand

If you would like to spend a few hours in a picturesque seaside village in New Zealand, not too far from the city, then Devonport is the place for you.  Built on the lava flows of a dormant volcano, it is just 12 minutes from Auckland by ferry, yet it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.  Popular cafes and boutique shops fill Victorian buildings, while parks and beaches provide beautiful scenery to be enjoyed.  You can climb to the top of the dormant volcano for some magic views out over the water with the Auckland cityscape as a backdrop. 

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Street Art in Devonport NZ

Street Art in Devonport NZ

Devonport New Zealand is a quaint little village to the North of Auckland.  A short 12-minute ferry trip from Auckland will bring you to the town.  A historic town with a dormant volcano, Victorian-era buildings and beautifully decorated beach style houses.  Street Art was really the last thing I was expecting to find on my visit to Devonport.  Yet, to my surprise, there were many pieces to be found on blank walls, and electricity junction boxes around the town. 

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Ramada Suites Albany New Zealand

Ramada Suites Albany

254 Cornerstone Dr, Albany, New Zealand.  

I thoroughly enjoyed my 5 night stay at the Ramada Suites Albany in New Zealand.  My accommodation was on the third floor in a one bedroom apartment.  Located close to the Northern Motorway, it was a very easy 35 minute drive up from Auckland Airport to the hotel.  Reception staff were very helpful, and parking was readily available at the location. 

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One Day in Bordeaux

Bordeaux by night

Bordeaux is an interesting port city located on a sweeping crescent-shaped bend of the River Garonne in South-West France.  Known as the Port of the Moon because of its shape, this UNESCO world heritage site has a rich history.  For more than 2000 years the city has operated its port, facilitating the exchange of human values and commerce as the capital city of the famous wine region.  One day in Bordeaux was not enough time!  

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Prague Astronomical Clock

Prague Astronomical Clock

Don’t you find beautiful custom-made clocks interesting?  Throughout history, the creation of a beautiful clock has been a skill and art form meticulously studied.  Master instructing apprentice, handing down secrets not to be shared with the competition.  Who could become the most renowned clock maker of their time?  Centuries ago, the creation of a unique work of art in the form of a beautiful clock was not just commissioned as a time measuring device.  These clocks were also seen as symbols of status.  A measure of the wealth or technological advancement of the owners or developers of the clock, in comparison to other clockmakers in other nations.  Which brings me to the Prague Astronomical Clock.

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Prague Castle Complex

Prague Castle Complex

Inscribed in the UNESCO world heritage list, the Prague Castle Complex is a group of palaces and church buildings of varying architectural styles.  Here you will find 10th Century Romanesque buildings as well as the newest modifications of the 20th Century.  The castle complex is the seat of the Head of State and is a culturally significant monument.  Within the complex walls, there are the remains of Czech Kings, Christian relics, historical documents and artistic treasures. 

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Notre Dame Paris – Before the Fire of 2019

Notre Dame Paris south view

I’ll never forget the morning I woke up to discover that Notre Dame in Paris had been severely damaged by a fire the day before.  April 15th 2019 will be a day sadly remembered by many, as the roof and spire of the cathedral were engulfed in flames and destroyed.  The fire burned for 12 hours in the wooden structure some of which contained original timbers from the 13th century.  The heat of the blaze and the collapse of the spire caused some of the stone vaulted ceiling to collapse inwards scattering debris through the cathedral. 

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