Category: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are cultural and/or natural sites considered to be of ‘Outstanding Universal Value’. They are carefully chosen by a committee for their unique characteristics and cultural significance.

Meteora Monasteries in Greece

The Meteora are rock formations shaped as a result of the erosion of wind and rain over time. These effects created separate pillars of various height and width.  Caves eroded in the sides of the pillars. Centuries ago, monks seeking quiet solitude for their devotions created small places of prayer by making cells inside these caves. Consequently, the area came to be known as a holy place. Amazingly, around the 14th Century, many Meteora monasteries started to be built at the very top of the rock pillars. During that time access could only be gained with removable ladders and winch systems used to haul up baskets and nets. This was used for both goods and people!! As a result, entering and exiting their home must have been a terrifying experience.

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Chenonceau – Chateaux of the Loire Valley

The elegant chateau we see today spanning the Cher River in France was built between the years 1515 – 1559, starting first with a residence on the river accessed by a bridge.  Later, an arched bridge on the other side was constructed, reaching all the way to the opposite bank.  The bridge would eventually include a grand gallery and a floor of rooms above that.  Chenonceau is built entirely across the middle of the river Cher! At each end of the chateau there are access walkways to the riverbanks. Women who have inhabited this chateau throughout history have influenced its design, including its gardens.  Chenonceau is often described as “the ladies chateau” for this reason.

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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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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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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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Ancient Mycenae & the Treasury of Atreus

Ancient Mycenae

Less than half an hour’s drive from the quaint seaside town of Nafplion, you will find the ancient city of Mycenae.  This city was one of the finest examples of Mycenaean culture, inspiring Homer in his epic poems.  There is an onsite museum displaying many of the artefacts recovered during its excavation.   A UNESCO world heritage site, the city is located in the North East  Peloponnese region in Greece.

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What NOT to wear in Amsterdam

What not to wear in Amsterdam

Ok, I am no fashion diva.  I’ll be the first to admit it.  If my clothes are clean, and the colours coordinate, I’m pretty comfortable.  Yet, I concede that putting together a suitcase full of clothes for a holiday trip requires a bit more thought.  I need to select items that won’t wrinkle too much, items that dry quickly, and items that don’t take up too much space.  Then I also need enough variety so that I’m not wearing the same thing in every photo, because that makes it look like you went away for one very long day…  I like to select items that mix and match with the other items in my bag so that I have my options covered for the various different kinds of weather that will be encountered.

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