The Crown of Palaces – The Taj Mahal

Famous globally for its breathtaking beauty and mirror-like symmetry, the Taj Mahal is India’s most famous landmark. Located in Agra, it reportedly attracts more than 6 million visitors each year. The Crown of Palaces The Taj...

Day 20 – 25 April 2011 – Clean Air, Green Grass and Tranquillity

Updated October 2021 As today was ANZAC day, we caught the extremely efficient train (MRT) to Kranji and then walked the short distance to the War Cemetery to mark our respects. As this was our only...

Hot and Spicy in India!

The colours and flavours of spices conjure up images of exotic lands and ancient times. Today, many of our favourite global cuisines use spices unique in texture, aroma, and taste. India is the birthplace of...

Exploring Portugal’s Food: From Asbestos Tonsils to A Sweet Tooth

Last Updated: 26 August 2022 Feeling warm sand between your toes on Portugal’s finest golden beaches is an unforgettable experience. But you can work up quite an appetite!  Fortunately, the Algarve boasts some of Portugal’s best...

The Magic of Hobbiton – Exploring Middle Earth

Nestled in New Zealand's North Island’s rolling hills, lies the magic of Hobbiton.  It has captured the hearts of J.R.R Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" film and book fans all...

Day 12- 17 April 2011 – Match Day

Updated October 2021 Manish, our host from Friday’s meeting, had agreed to take us sightseeing today but our plans were significantly disrupted due to the death of Jaipur’s last maharaja, Bhawani Singh, who was 80. The...

Maori History, Dolphins & Breath Taking Scenery in Paihia

Updated: November 2018 The Bay of Islands has been a favourite holiday spot for generations of Kiwi families.  At its heart, lies the picturesque seaside village of Paihia, which offers a relaxed pace for locals...

Pembrokeshire: Wales’ wild and rugged west

I fondly recall many, and sometimes wet, summer holidays as a child in West Wales.  If you allow it, Pembrokeshire will immediately capture your heart.  Purple-grained sea cliffs fall abruptly to sea caves, golden...
Sky Tower, Auckland, New Zealand

10 Of My Favourite Bars and Restaurants With Stunning Views

Updated: September 2021 What could be more elegant than sipping cocktails on a roof-top bar?  Or dining in a restaurant that has the most amazing killer views? Whether you're perched, eagle like, above a neon-lit city;...

Hamburg: An Insider’s Guide to This Stress-Free City

Hamburg, nestled northern of Germany, is proud to call itself a “Free and Hanseatic City”. According to one recent survey, it’s one of the world’s least stressful cities. It...