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Disneyland is a magical place. Even in the middle of winter. It’s actually very magical with a light dusting of snow, which is how we found it on our first day. And while the crowds were reduced because of the snow, there are a few things that I wish I had known before planning my trip to Disneyland Paris in Winter.
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.
Continue reading “The Gardens of Schloss Sanssouci – Potsdam”
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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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.
Continue reading “Notre Dame Paris – Before the Fire of 2019”
I have recently returned from a 24 day trip to France. A trip that I had been planning for over a year. The Australian Government was already recommending travellers to exercise a high degree of caution due to high threat of terrorist attacks before I paid for our flights, but we decided to go anyway, and to be mindful of our surroundings. Then in November 2018, we started seeing news of the protests in France by the Gilets Jaunes. While unsettling, I was hoping that the situation would have resolved itself by the time we made our appearance in January-February 2019. As the day of our departure grew closer, it was becoming evident that the demonstrations would be likely to continue throughout our time in France.
Continue reading “Gilets Jaunes: A traveller’s perspective”
Dinkelsbühl is a small town full of character, found along the Romantic Road in Germany. One of the last remaining walled medieval towns, this beautiful area has survived two world wars, allowing you to find it exactly as it has been for centuries.
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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
Rothenburg ob de Tauber is a picturesque medieval village located on the romantic road in Bavaria, Germany. The medieval town is surrounded by about 2.5k of 14th century fortified walls. Covered walkways top the walls, inorporating several towers with entranceways.
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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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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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