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Villandry – Chateaux of the Loire

In the Loire Valley of France, you will find many marvellous chateaux surrounded by beautiful gardens.  Having visited a healthy number of these chateaux, I can say that the gardens at Chateau de Villandry were the most impressive that I have seen.  An easy 9 mile car trip from Tours will drop you at the castle car park, which is free.  Entry to the gardens will cost € 7, or for a look in the fully restored chateau as well as the gardens you pay €11.

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Chania Old Town – Western Crete

Chania Port

Chania is an exceptionally charming town with cobblestone streets abounding with history.  In the old town area, you will find quaint hotels and buildings butted up against Byzantine walls, nearby to an amiable Venetian harbour lined with waterfront restaurants, cafes and historic monuments.

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Ravello & Villa Cimbrone

Crowning the terraced cliffs above the oceanfront town of Amalfi, you will find the refined old village of Ravello.  A centrally located piazza sits peacefully skirted by the Duomo di Ravello, along with several cafes.

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Donovans – St Kilda, Melbourne

Every now and then, my husband and I treat ourselves to a meal at a “nice” restaurant.  You know, the type of restaurant where the rich and famous probably eat without blinking an eyelid, but where the everyday person reserves for special occasions. Like birthdays, anniversaries, and so forth.  I call these types of restaurants an “event” restaurant because the experience stands out in the memory.

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St Kilda, Melbourne – A Short Stay

I visited St Kilda with my husband earlier this year for a short 3 day stay.  The beachside suburb boasts an eclectic collection of entertainment, relaxation, and dining choices.  Conveniently located just a short tram ride from the CBD in Melbourne, coming via the 96 from Bourke St.  (Nothing says “you are in Melbourne” better than tapping on with your Myki card for a ride on the tram network.)

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Manhole covers in Germany

Bamburg Manhole Cover

I know manhole covers are not such a glamorous topic, however, the ones in Germany are quirky – and I love a quirky difference from a country!  These little differences are ultimately what makes a place unique in our memories after we get back home to the everyday.

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Vivid Sydney – don’t miss it!

Vivid Sydney Opera House

Every year, for about three weeks at the start of our winter (late May to early June), Sydney turns into the “City of Lights” as a festival of light, music and ideas  – known as “Vivid Sydney”  – takes place.

Buildings and walkways around the city are illuminated with various light sculptures, installations and image projections, as well as interactive stations that passers-by can engage with.

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Sydney Harbour and Ferries

Sydney Harbour

Nothing compares to the serenity of a beautiful bright sunny day on Sydney’s magnificent harbour.  Sailboats can be seen bobbing happily across the waves, going nowhere in particular at a leisurely pace.  Or waiting patiently at their moorings in sheltered bays and marinas, rehearsing a synchronised dance directed by the wind and the tides.  Eye-catching groups of energetic “optimist” dinghies dart to and fro in formation, like a flock of birds wheeling and swooping in unison, as they navigate their course.

Cutting their way across the waves in a tireless circuit from wharf to wharf, amidst the frivolity of the sailing boats, weave the sober green and yellow workforce of the harbour  –  Sydney Ferries.

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Exeter, CA – Outdoor Art Gallery

Exeter CA Orange Harvest

Downtown Exeter is the stage for an interesting outdoor art gallery which features over 30 murals painted by different artists.  The stories told in the murals, found on the external walls of the buildings, are of local history, folklore and culture.  You will find this quaint town located near the foothills of the Sequoia National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

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The Netherlands – Enjoy the Differences

Coming from Australia, yet having Dutch grandparents, I’m not a complete stranger to Dutch things.  Growing up, we had Poffertjes, Stamppot, and Braadvlees (– not all at once! ).  We had Krokets and Oliebollen between Christmas and New Years.  I’ve had my fair share of chocolate sprinkles on bread for breakfast, and I even had a set of clogs to klomp around in at Oma’s house.  The calendar behind her toilet door with everyone’s birthdays written down on it was completely normal to me.  I had heard Opa use various colourful language in Dutch when things weren’t going right, and heard Oma say “weet je wel?”  a hundred times on the phone to her friends.

However, when I visited The Netherlands for the first time, it was fascinatingly different.  An amazing juxtaposition of familiar sounds and things in a strange environment.

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