In January of 1968, two earthquakes, only a day apart, hit 14 towns in the Belice Valley, razing four villages to the ground. Measuring around 6.3 on the Richter scale, the tremors led to the death of 231 people in the valley, injuring more than 1,000 and leaving as many as 100,000 survivors without a […]
A Tale of Two Ghost Towns: Poggioreale and Gibellina, Sicily Read More »
Arriving on a Friday afternoon to an undeniably picturesque resort town was definitely a mistake. Everyone was maximising the last days of summer, escaping Palermo (only an hour away) and the beaches were jam packed with colourful umbrellas. People were enjoying a slow passagiata while eating gelato or reclining in the many cafes flanking the
Cefalù, Sicily: Gem of the Tyrrhenian Coast Read More »
After a jam-packed day in central London, where aside from a little bit of photography, we spent our day visiting the Bank of England (unsuccessfully) and some bureaux de change (more successfully) in order to swap out our outdated pound notes. Coincidentally, we were able to spend a leisurely afternoon and evening with Gill, out
Palermo : the vibrant capital city of Sicily 🇮🇹 Read More »
I love the woodsy smell of cedar and fir trees. I love the way the pine trees form a warm, bright doorway back to the daylight from the cool shadows. I love the mossy shades of green and the dampness underfoot of the fallen foliage. I love admiring the autumn palette displayed in a patchwork
Falling in love with Fall 🍁 Read More »
We can’t remember whether we decided to go to Fukuoka because it is one of Japan’s largest cities and the furthest South West we’d go, or because every November, for a week, Fukuoka is thrust into the nation’s spotlight as visitors flock to the city that hosts one of Japan’s six Sumo Grand Tournaments. Either
After cleverly sorting our luggage into:Suitcase A. Useful Stuff Suitcase B. No longer Useful Stuff (eg. summer clothes, hiking gear and souvenirs), and Carry-on bag C. Overnight Stuff for Miyajima Island, we arranged for our Hiroshima hotel to send A to our accommodation in Fukoako, and B to Kyoto, with the kitty cat transport people. Takuhaibin is a
Miyajima: Iconic symbol of Japan ⛩ Read More »
“It was an unusually quiet summer morning in 1945, with clear blue skies as far as the eye can see. Air raid alarms went off regularly back then. On August 6, however, there were no air raid alarms. Then, at 8:15am, the sky turned bright white. My siblings and I were knocked off our feet
Hiroshima: International City of Peace 🕊️ Read More »
“There are no dead in Okunoin, but only waiting spirits.” Spending a night on Mount Koya is filled with many beautiful must-see sights but none more so than Okunoin Cemetery, Japan’s largest graveyard. It was early afternoon when we set out, but we were immediately blessed with gorgeous dappled light, showcasing the Autumn leaves in
Okunoin, Kyosan : The Temple at the End 🇯🇵 Read More »
After a quick change-over in Shin-Osaka, we took a panda-themed train to Wakayama. Across the platform, ready to depart was an African wildlife themed train. So pretty compared to the graffiti-scrawls, we are used to on our trains in South Africa. The city of Wakayama welcomed us with decorated stairs showing a hint of the
Wakayama, Japan’s Kingdom of Fruit 🏯 Read More »
Most people travel to Wakayama because it is the gateway to Mt Koya and the origins of Shingon Buddhism. Many come to taste the world famous tonkotsu broth with ramen noodles. Some come to see the beautiful Edo-period castle. We came to see a cat. 🐱 In Japan, cats are deeply ingrained in popular culture.
The Cat in the (Station Master’s) Hat 🐈 Read More »
Driving along the C1918 is surprisingly smooth. The road is virtually dead straight leading directly East from Henties Bay and the vegetation sparse against the pale sand. I have just declared how nothing could possibly survive here, when we stop for a leg stretch, startling 3 korhaans who seem just as surprised to see us.
Namibia: The mystical Spitzkoppe mountains 🇳🇦 Read More »
The opportunity to combine business travel with leisure is often more of a fantasy than a practicality. When we got the opportunity to run our Enneagram workshop for a bank in Windhoek, we were excited to combine the two. No sooner had we buttoned down dates for the course and reserved our weekend accommodation, we
Namibia: Swakopmund and Walvis Bay 🇳🇦 Read More »
“Don’t bother visiting Casablanca,” said the travel bloggers, “It’s just a political hub and not worth seeing other than perhaps the Mosque.” “You can give Tangier a skip – it’s run-down and there’s little to see”. “Rabat is easily missable, it’s just another capital city.” “Marrakesh. Meh…overrun by tourists and tauts.” I’m grateful for this mis-guidance because it
Here’s looking at you, Morocco! Read More »
We stand looking out to sea at the edge of the Gulf of Grief, at Slaver’s Bay, on the very spot where Daenerys Targaryen freed an army of eunuch slaves to help her invade Westeros in order to destroy the evil boy-King, Joffery. If you are not a GoT (Game of Thrones) fan, you will
Essaouria: “Bride of the Atlantic” Read More »
Morocco is synonymous with colour. Cities glow with burnt yellows and rich rusts; deep majorelle blue; verdant roof tiles. The towering spice displays in the souqs are a kaleidoscope of ochre, burgundy, mustard, cherry and khaki. However, this abundance of colour is completely removed when it comes to the colours of death and mourning. Traditionally,
The colour of grief: Burying the dead in Morocco Read More »
I walk blindly through the busy Medina, eyes red-rimmed, cheeks damp with tears. Passers-by double-take as they glance at me. Perhaps a fight with her husband? A bereavement? I knew that visiting a country with so many stray cats would test my strength and self-control. I’ve been so proud of myself, remaining aloof, objective and
The Cats of Morocco 🐈 Read More »
“Many destinations are interesting, but few are truly intriguing—for intrigue requires mystery; something fascinating, yet not immediately obvious. Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, very much fits that description: It’s hypnotic, idiosyncratic, and often confounding.” Conde Nast Traveller, Lindsay Cohn; April 11, 2022 Fès is the second largest city in Morocco after Casablanca, with
Fès, Morocco – “Athens of Africa”🇲🇦 Read More »
Chefchaouen, is one of the most mesmerising cities we’ve ever visited. A quaint and picturesque, ancient city tucked high into the north-eastern Rif mountains, perhaps it’s the relative inaccessibility that has the “Blue City” as one of Morocco’s better-kept secrets. It’s somewhat out of the way (the trip takes about four hours from Fez and
Chefchaouen – the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco 🇲🇦 Read More »
Maybe it has something to do with Tangier being the gateway to Africa and a hop and a skip across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain, or perhaps it’s because Tangier has developed something of a romantic reputation over the course of the 20th century as an international haven for intrigue, spies and mavericks, but
Tangier, Morocco – Gateway to Africa 🇲🇦 Read More »
It’s always tricky to anticipate weather temperatures at a foreign destination. 24 degrees sounded a doable, mild and pleasant temperature to me. But landing at Casablanca’s Mohammed V airport – it was HOT . After a relatively painless immigration process, our hotel shuttle took us to the centrally located Hotel Odyssee. The car journey took
Casablanca, Morocco’s White City 🇲🇦 Read More »
Our cats speak English. Either that or they have a sixth sense that says “Uh oh. Road-trip!” followed by a smoothly-executed, vanishing act. Our plan was to leave at 6am sharp, so we had strategically locked Jango and Hobie in a bedroom, but our brand new, 4 month-old kitten, Inky, (who is ALWAYS underfoot) was
Karoo road trip – Groot Karoo to Cedarberg Read More »
What? A road-trip without the furries… whatever next! Does it even meet the definition of a road trip?. Not sure who felt more dismayed – us or them? Wednesday Darcy watched disapprovingly as we packed our luggage into the narrow (but deeper than you think) boot, and into every other crevice we could find without
“Fun is Back” : Our MG Roadtrip from Joburg to Cape Town Read More »
Once upon a time there was a very small brown kitten, with enormous white paws, big blue eyes and whiskers like a walrus. He was found on the bridge above the wetlands of Wakkerstroom, which is a good 2km walk from any human habitat. The ladies that found him were doing some birding on the
The adventures of Jango Read More »
Arguably one of South Africa’s best roadtrip routes, is Route 62. Route 62 meanders from Oudtshoorn to Cape Town along scenic roads that are less travelled than its more famous coastal cousin, the adjacent “Garden Route”. Not too far from Uniondale, we passed a road sign that said Kykoe. The lush valley and forested land
Karoo road trip – Route 62 Read More »
We left the town of Middleburg without thinking too clearly. Our hearts were heavy with unshed tears and we tried to talk ourselves out of dwelling on Jango’s whereabouts, what Jango could possibly be thinking (is it even possible to think like a cat?), what might happen to him. In this state of general unease,
Karoo road trip – Ladismith area Read More »
The sun eases into the shimmering horizon. The wood smoke from our braai mingles with the fragrance of the shrubs and grasses. The ice in our glasses tinkles as we toast our incredible good fortune to be in such a panoramic spot. The immense silence is overwhelming and a sense of peace prevails as the
Karoo road trip – Middelburg area Read More »
It’s hard to keep your eyes on the road when your route is flanked with billowing fields of candy-floss pinks and icing-sugar white blooms. Heralding Easter holidays, road trips and the start of my favourite season, the fields of cosmos bring a final brilliant splash of colour to the South African landscape that will soon
Cosmos: A heavenly universe of pink and white Read More »
Halloween is a special time to be in the USA. The entire month of October seems to be dedicated to show-stopping decorations something Chicagoans do so well! Our Airbnb was conveniently located a block from Chicago’s Blue Line of the “El” train, and halfway between O’Hare Airport & The Loop (Downtown Chicago with its theatres,
Chicagoans first buried their dead on the banks of the Chicago River until the city began to steadily encroach on the space and concerns were raised about the possibility of disease being spread. Also this riverside land was highly sought after, perhaps better suited to the Lincoln Park of today. For these reasons the graves
Chicago’s beautiful Graceland Cemetery Read More »
Perhaps not too surprisingly, the USA is home to more lighthouses than any other country in the world. There are rough 700 of them (with over a hundred in Michigan alone, dedicated to the treacherous waters of The Great Lakes.) The state with the second highest number of lighthouses is the state of Maine –
The Lighthouse State: Maine Read More »
We had to drag ourselves away from this perfect place in Roque Bluffs. (see Part 1). The weather was glorious and we drove around our neighborhood enjoying the pristine scenery and exploring interesting lanes. We barely saw another human. But it was time to move on again to take advantage of all there was to
Lobsters, leaves and lighthouses: Roadtrip through Maine 🇺🇸 (Part 2) Read More »
Portland welcomed us with beautiful blue skies and a fresh sea breeze. We picked up our rental car and headed north on route 1. My heart quickened as we had the first glimpses of orange, red and golden leaves. Autumn was on it way! 🍁 Well researched by Geoff was our first stop in Wiscasset
Lobsters, leaves and lighthouses: Roadtrip through Maine 🇺🇸 (Part 1) Read More »
D’Arcy woke us nice and early in our Sutherland cottage by throwing up some disgusting old bones that she’d scrounged the night before. Day 8:We made egg mayonnaise sarms for breakfast on the go and a flask of condensed milk coffee. It was very chilly and the car registered zero degrees! We headed towards Calvinia,
Northern Cape Roadtrip: Part 2 – The Groen Kalahari Read More »
There’s a chilly katabatic wind blowing unchecked across the desolate Karoo escarpment when we stop at the settlement that was once the proud village of Putsonderwater. I’m a little in awe of finally being in Putsonderwater. The name is frequently used as a metaphor to indicate a faraway, remote never-land, like Timbuktu. I reflect on
Putsonderwater, Northern Cape: Gone, but not forgotten Read More »
In our family it’s a rule that you can’t break out the padkos until you have left town. “Out of town” has been further defined as being on the major highway leading to your next stop. Fortunately from where we live it’s a mere 5-minute drive before we hit the N1 . Our go-to snack
Northern Cape Roadtrip: Part 1 – Karoo Highlands Read More »
There is little more heartbreaking than seeing anyone who is sharp of mind ending up physically incapacitated. To be alert and willing in every way, yet unable to move about seems sadly unjust. This is how we felt when my parent’s beloved German Shepherd, Polo, became prematurely lame in her hind quarters at the relatively
Polo gets a new lease on life! Read More »
Clichés exist because there is a grain of truth at the centre of the sentiment. When people say “Japan is a land of contradictions”, they’re not just being glib. They’re onto something. Japan is steeped in rich culture, tradition and ancient history, and is one of the brightest hubs of innovation and technology in the world.
Japan🇯🇵- land of contrasts Read More »
Nicknamed Tenka no Daidokoro or “the nation’s kitchen”, this term originally referred to Osaka’s Edo Period status as Japan’s centre for rice trade. Nowadays, it refers to the city’s reputation as a gourmand’s paradise. And yes, it lived up to its reputation and yes, eat we did! 🍜 Our first impressions of Osaka were really
City of Osaka – Japan’s tasty kitchen Read More »
Graveyards can be sombre and contemplative spaces. Coming across a 17th century burial site just above the Kanmangafuchi Abyss in Nikko, that was interring “The Graves of the Self-Immolation”, was especially intriguing. I’ll admit that I wasn’t exactly sure what ‘self-immolation’ meant and had to have Geoff explain to me that self-immolation is the act of
Two hours from a Tokyo by bullet train is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nikko. Nikko is famous for its natural scenery of gorgeous mountains and rivers and also for its historical shrines and temples. After a rather warm Tokyo where we had been wearing t-shirts, it was notably chilly in Nikko. We were
A day and a night in Nikkō, Japan Read More »
Nothing really prepares you for the impact of Tokyo. Despite all my pre-reading, Tokyo unleashed is overwhelming, but in such a good way. It’s a bit like being offered all your favourite foods at once. It’s hard to know where to begin. You just want to indulge in everything. Thursday afternoon We’d come for cherry blossom
Electric Tokyo, gateway to Japan Read More »
Possibly the only thing in Japan that isn’t completely punctual is the advent of cherry blossom flowering. The more I read about timing one’s trip to ensure that you experience cherry blossom season, the more emphatic the advice to just turn up and focus on enjoying Japan as a whole. Such is the transient window
Cherry blossom season in Japan 🌸 Read More »
It’s been a long year since we last saw you. Those bright golden eyes, always alert, always serious, are emblazoned on our hearts. The last time we saw you, you sat on the kitchen window-sill in Wakkerstroom, surveying the perfectly sunny January morning with those intelligent eyes. Your shiny black coat was glistening in the
There used to be a wonderful restaurant in Melville, Johannesburg, called Roma’s. It was my first introduction to authentic Italian food and in the early 90’s, we were still blissfully unaware that carbs were the root of all EVIL. In those days, Geoff and I would frequently pop over for a pasta and a bottle
Creamy chicken liver pasta (Penne con Fegatini di Pollo) Read More »
There is nothing that makes a dog happier than the promise of miles of open space ahead of them, snaking, tree-lined pathways, and perhaps a dam or two to splash through. All of this preferably leash-free. For our two dogs, every car journey is filled with promise, unbridled excitement and the taste of adventure. “One
Wild at heart: Old gardens and young dogs Read More »
Staying with locals gives you a completely different perspective on a city compared to the way you experience it as a tourist. We were lucky enough to stay with Geoff’s cousin Ann and her Swedish husband Clas. Better than any tour guide, they showed us around their beautiful city and neighborhood warmly sharing their summer
Seeing Stockholm…just like locals🇸🇪 Read More »
Driving through Norway, one passes through one picturesque village after another. At the heart of some of these towns you may even come across an historic wooden or stave church built in the Middle Ages and looking like something out of Grimm’s Fairytales. Each churchyard houses manicured grounds with well tended graves, swamped with flowers
Norwegian Cemeteries: Not so easily “dust to dust”… Read More »
Apparently there is a name for people like me who are fascinated by the beauty and the history of graveyards – “Tombstone Tourists”. Most people see graveyards as a harsh necessity, while others go out of their way to avoid them. I think I’m captivated by the unknown, by the finality of the lives that
Tombstones and picnic baskets Read More »
There is nothing quite like the Scandinavian summer for endless hours of daylight and it really allows you to pack in the sight-seeing. Three days in Oslo is just enough time for you to get a feeling for the city and then wish you didn’t have to leave! Wednesday We arrived by coach from Gothenburg
Three days in Oslo🇳🇴 Read More »
We never had big plans to visit Gothenburg, which is Sweden’s second biggest city located in the southwest of the country on the river Göta Älv. This river feeds into Kattegatt, an arm of the North Sea. We chose Gothenburg because it was the departure point for some of the best sailing in Scandinavia. Coincidently,
Weekend in Gothenburg🇸🇪 Read More »
Although I have no idea how they quantify it, the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland are in the top 10 Happiest Countries in the world, according to a 2018 Forbes survey. Well, all I can say is that we could feel the warmth the minute we landed in Copenhagen airport. And
Getting to grips with the Danish concept of ‘Hygge’ Read More »
I admit to having been fairly ignorant about the Nordic countries. Copenhagen to me was all about fairytale castles and romantic waterways, Carlsberg beer and of course, the little Mermaid statue. Denmark’s capital city has come a long way from its origins as a Viking fishing village in the 10th century! It is vibrant and trendy
Three days in Copenhagen🇩🇰 Read More »
The Moçambican policeman steps boldly into the road and pulls our taxi over to the side. Our driver lets out a sigh and eases over against the curb. The policeman and his partner stroll up and position themselves on each side of the vehicle. Reluctantly we wind down the windows.
A week long escape to Maputo and Praia do Bilene, Moçambique Read More »
Country living isn’t all long walks in Hunter boots and Barbour jackets. Every now and then nature reminds you of her immense power. Being in the countryside means that you are vividly exposed to her forces, her sudden displays of might and energy.
The perils of country life Read More »
Mauritius is all about perfect beaches, crystal clear water and luxurious resorts. And yes it is definitely all of those things, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that the island had so much more to offer. I thought I’d share some of the things we did in the unlikely event you get tired of
Mauritius – much more than just a beach break Read More »
Retirement. Such an interesting concept.I worked in marketing for the financial services industry for many years and the images that we would select to advertise retirement products would depict a good looking, silver-haired couple gazing with confidence at the setting sun from the deck of their yacht or their palm tree-fringed patio. My point being
If this is “retirement”, bring it on… Read More »
I used to dream of being able to travel indefinitely. Of moving from one awesome destination to the next, enjoying one mind-blowing experience after another. I thought that if you had time you could really maximise the cost of an overseas air ticket, instead of having to rush back to the office.
Is there such a thing as too much holiday? Read More »
I’d been so looking forward to visiting Barcelona which is the capital of Catalonia, one of the 50 Spanish provinces. Everyone I know who has visited the coastal city raves about its cosmopolitan and international vibe and especially for its world-renowned architecture and art. End April, beginning of May was an excellent time to visit
Beautiful Barcelona Read More »
I have a fascination with graveyards. I am drawn to their peacefulness, their interminable silence, their other-worldliness. Death is a mystery to all of us, but a cemetery compels you to engage with the concept whether you want to or not.
Perhaps it’s because I’ve grown up in South Africa, but mozzarella cheese has always been a firm pale yellow cheese that is grated onto pizza bases or on top of lasagna. It comes in a firm, solid block, often in a cylindrical shape. It melts beautifully and makes that long stretchy cheese when you cut
But is it mozzarella? Read More »
There is nothing quite like cooking a delicious Italian meal. What is even better though, is cooking a delicious meal when you are actually in Italy and are able to use local produce.
Fragrant Salsiccia con zucchini e farfalle Read More »
It’s still a few hours from dinner, but the restaurants and bars on the sidewalks of Milan, are starting to fill up with all kinds of people. It’s time for aperitivo. This is not just for tourists. Local families, the cool set, business colleagues and couples; gather for a sundowner and a snack. But to
Learning the aperitivo lifestyle Read More »
When you only have a day or two to see a whole city, it’s hard to know where to begin. There are many good sites related to tourism that helped us. We like to do variety of different things, i.e., not just museums or art galleries. Here’s 10 cool things we squeezed into a very
Exploring Milan: 10 interesting things to do or see Read More »
When I started packing for our trip to Italy and France, I googled the weather obsessively almost every day in the preceding week. It’s entirely impossible to imagine what the weather could be like a hemisphere away, when you are sleeping under a single sheet in a 30 degree Johannesburg, praying for rain.
What to pack for Milan in April Read More »
It’s early April and the sun is already deliciously warm but the gentle breeze (la breva) that blows across Lake Como from the snow capped peaks of Mt Grigio means I am grateful for a light jacket as soon as I step into the shade.
A jam packed day on Lake Como Read More »
It’s always a thrill escaping the city for a few days. I like leaving town early on a Friday morning ahead of rush hour, when the air is still cool before the midday heat sets in. It’s an amazing feeling to be heading in the opposite direction to everyone else, towards blue skies and cosmos
Country cooking: Pork sausage rolls Read More »
I had a cheese-curls-and-pajama day yesterday. Let me explain. I recently left my C-suite job in a blue chip company. I took a long, careful look across the abyss and leapt. I believed all the people who said, yes, there is life beyond the corporate world. You will never look back.
Cheese curls and pyjamas Read More »
Have you seen that sped-up video that shows a girl lying on a beach and as the camera zooms out, you see that she is alone on a tiny island and when it pans out further, it shows the island is in the middle of a vast ocean which is far away from any major
Tsarabanjina, Madagascar: Pressing pause on 2016 Read More »
It pains me to think that we made the mistake on more than one occasion of merely passing through the state of Singapore en route elsewhere in the world. Knowing that this tiny island is home to the world’s best airport, should have been an indicator of some of the amazing sights and treasures to
Singapore: City in a Garden Read More »
Geoff and I like to tail off a busy trip (especially one that is packed with sightseeing adventures and early morning departures) with a few nights somewhere tranquil and beautiful. After 10 days in Siem Reap and Saigon, we were ready for a little peace and quiet. Phan Thiết is a coastal port city in
Phan Thiêt, coastal town of South East Vietnam Read More »
Ho Chi Minh city, or Saigon as it is known by the locals, is an exciting blend of traditional and modern. Soaring glass sky-scrapers (even one with a helipad) overshadow French colonial architecture, while women in traditional hats sweep water away from their makeshift storefronts with reed brushes. Scooters flow through the streets like flooding
Southern Vietnam: Saigon, Mekong Delta and Cu Chi tunnels Read More »
Nothing excites the imagination quite like the discovery of a lost city. Cambodia is synonymous with the temples of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Angkor – the world’s largest (and best preserved) religious complex. The extensive and important city was built in the 12th century and lay swallowed up by the jungle for hundreds
Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia Read More »
At the most Eastern point of Botswana, where the three countries of South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe meet, there is a beautiful land of endless vistas, broad skies, giant trees, powerful rivers and great herds of game. Botswana is known as one of the best safari destinations in southern Africa and many tourists head directly
Bush-break in Tuli block, Botswana Read More »
Abyssinian cats and the Queen of Sheba! Does it get any more mysterious than that? It would appear however, that in both of these associations with Ethiopia, it is unclear how much is fantasy and how much is fact. In 1868, a British soldier returned from the Abyssinian War (the ancient name for Ethiopia) with
48 hours in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Read More »
Africa is a diverse and intriguing continent. Of all it’s countries, Namibia has to be one of the most beautiful and the most unique. From the spotless Bavarian-style town of Swakopmund to the majestic beauty and solitude of the Sossusvlei and onwards to the quaint windswept town of Lüderitz and the mysterious settlement of Kolmanskop, we
Southern Namibia: epic, wild and unforgettable Read More »
From nothing more than a series of sand dunes hiding ancient diamond deposits, Kolmanskop quickly grew into a thriving, wealthy mining town only to be completely deserted once again, all in the space of under 50 years. Kolmanskop was once a flourishing town (in then German South West Africa) boasting a bowling alley, a casino,
Kolmanskop: Namibia’s ghost town Read More »
It could probably be argued that New York is the centre of the universe when it comes to matters relating to finance, culture, fashion, food and sheer entertainment. It’s a great city for walking and there is so much to see and do that you probably need to go back every few years! We were
New York, New York!🗽 Read More »
Two years ago we bumped into our good friends Sharon and Fred in Kalk Bay, Cape Town of all places. We both live in Johannesburg.“Come to our daughter’s wedding – we’re having it in the Bahamas!”Well, of course we said yes! And we suggested a week of sailing ahead of Shawni and Craig’s wedding. The
Bahamas: Sailing to a fairy-tale wedding Read More »
When I was little I had a beautiful fairytale storybook that was filled with colourful and textured pictures of castles with turrets, princesses in silky gowns – diaphanous veils cascading from their pointy cone hats and actual sprinkles of glitter highlighting fairies’ wings🧚♀️ and glistening stars.🌟 What made the book special was that the pages
The Jewel of Bohemia – Český Krumlov, Czech Republic 🇨🇿 Read More »
Budapest is the capital of Hungary and one of the most fascinating cities in eastern Europe. The city is divided in half by the Danube, and is comprised of a hilly and peaceful “Buda” district on the western side of the river and a flatter and lively “Pest” side on the east. The two sides
Budapest : “Pearl of the Danube” Read More »
Prague has been nicknamed, the “city of a hundred spires” for the many medieval turrets and church steeples that are silhouetted across the skyline. But you may as well also call Prague the “city of a hundred bridges.” According to Prague.net, there are over three hundred bridges in the city. Eighteen of them span across
Prague – City of Spires and Bridges Read More »
The horse-drawn carriages of Vienna are just as much a part of Austria’s capital, as the curving shores of the Danube River. The historical coaches are a permanent feature of Vienna’s cityscape and the background rhythm of clip-clopping hooves is as integral to the city’s soundtrack as the music of Mozart and Beethoven, who were residents
Vibrant Vienna, Austria Read More »
“My dog is walking around in circles trying to vomit. He seems to be in agony, even struggling to breathe. What should we do?” I spoke urgently to the vet over the phone even though it was after 10pm on a Saturday night.“Oh dear it sounds like torsion. Your dog is going to die,” responded
It’s hard not to feel slightly smug when you stroll along the promenade of the famous village of Portofino. Playground of movie stars, Presidents and the rudely rich, it’s easy to dream that you ‘belong’ for the day. Expensive yachts, charming dingys and pastel-coloured buildings are reflected in the pristine water. Stylish, tanned people sip
Liguria : Living it up on the Italian riviera 🌺 Read More »
There is a magical place in north-east Vietnam, that is renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands, capped with lush rainforests. Just a three and a half hour drive from Hanoi, the best way to enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage site is on a boat cruise! Travelling with our friends Carol
Cruising in Halong Bay, Vietnam Read More »
Mention Vietnam and most people’s thoughts tend to go to the tragic war of the sixties and seventies. It was interesting to hear people in Vietnam, refer to the “American War”, which I suppose makes perfect sense and highlights that I have had a very American perspective on the subject. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam
The hustle of Hanoi, Vietnam🇻🇳 Read More »
The dimly lit, cool chamber that we are seated in, resembles an underground church. A prayer is chanted, followed by a rhythmic drum and the deeply spiritual call of a reed flute. The ancient ceremony begins.The Dervishes enter wearing tall hats and voluminous white robes. They bow respectfully to one another and then slowly begin to
The magic of Cappadocia, Turkey Read More »
Istanbul is a unique place to visit. Straddling two continents, there is an amazing amount of history and culture to experience in this city where two major civilisations meet. It’s a magical place and the former names of Byzantium (660BC) and Constantinople (330AD) hint at the exotic traditions and customs that hail from bygone eras.
Iconic Istanbul, Turkey🇹🇷 Read More »
“Welcome to Trat!” proclaimed the sign at the airport. We admired the green topiaries that had been cleverly crafted into elephant shapes. After all, Thailand’s third largest island after Phuket and Koh Samui, Koh Chang is fondly known as ‘Elephant Island’ because of its mammoth size and elephant shaped headland. 🐘 Forming part of the Mu
Koh Chang archipelago, Thailand🇹🇭 Read More »
We’re gently swaying along the dusty track in the back of an open Landrover when the on-board radio cackles to life, breaking the peaceful solitude: “Ngala yi famba yi ya ka qivi“. Our game ranger, Robert mutters back in Shangaan and accelerates deep into the bush. Our hearts begin to race. Ngala…Lion on the move…
Milkberry Lodge: A sanctuary in Sabi Sands🦒 Read More »
Andrew meets our train looking slightly flustered. “We’re in a hurry,” he tells us, taking my suitcase, “the vaporetto service will be suspended in the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco for most of the afternoon.” Expertly guiding us through the crowds, he ushers us onto one of the last departing vaporetta taxis.
We flew into a shimmering 36 degree Florence and spent a glorious 24 hours reacquainting ourselves with why we love Italy so much (the people, the food, the wine, the scenery). We were looking forward to exploring rural Italy, the hill towns and endless green fields and the best way to do this is by driving.
Summer in Umbria, Italy Read More »
The sun starts to sink, casting golden light on the River Arno. A few late canoeists cause a ripple as they streak beneath the Ponte Vecchio. A band begins setting up on the famous bridge, tuning their instruments and giving us a taste of what is to come. The locals wriggle into position on the pavements,
Florence, Italy: Journey into the Renaissance Read More »
Ushuaia is a charming resort town at the base of Argentina. It’s located on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, the southernmost tip of South America, and is nicknamed the “End of the World.” There is even a post office from where you can send family and friends a postcard that is stamped “End of the World.”
Ushuaia, Argentina – “The end of the world”🇦🇷 Read More »
Stepping onto an expedition ship that is bound for one of the most remote regions of planet Earth is a thrilling experience. We watched the twinkling lights of Punta Arenas gradually fade in the distance as we began crossing the Strait of Magellan, the gateway to a labyrinth of channels that define the most southern
Cruising the Fjords of Tierra del Fuego Read More »
“What’s new, Buenos Aires?! I’m new! I wanna say I’m just a little stuck on you! You’ll be on me too! … And if ever I go too far It’s because of the things you are Beautiful town, I love you!” Evita – Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice Header photographer credit:Photo by Vincent Pelletier from Pexels
Buenos Aires, Argentina 🇦🇷 : The Paris of South America Read More »
All good things come to an end and we had to tear ourselves away from our friends Carol and Roy and the endless enigma of Rome. Our next adventure beckoned. Roy dropped us at the station in Rome to catch a train to Venice. The train route went through Florence and Bologna although we caught
Venice, the Floating City Read More »
We had an early start in the morning ahead of our 4-hour drive from Rome to Positano. Roy and Carol were taking us to see the Amalfi Coast, which is a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, in the Campania region. It’s a popular holiday destination dominated by sheer cliffs
Positano, Italy’s glorious Amalfi Coast🌞 Read More »
We flew to Rome on Air Emirates via Dubai and Milan. It was a tiring journey because the Dubai stop was at 3am and we hadn’t had much sleep. As a serial shopper I now know that shopping in the middle of the night is actually not that much fun and the effort was quickly
It’s so frustrating to miss a flight! My head had already checked into our next destination and Geoff and I were beyond excited to be going to Boston for the first time. Unfortunately traffic jams out of Garner had us stranded in Raleigh-Durham airport from 8am. This was followed by a further flight delay due
Massachusetts, USA: Boston and Cape Cod 🇺🇸 Read More »
Les saveurs de la vie is a blog about lifestyle, travel, food, photography and other musings. We are Nikki and Geoff, married since 1995 and based in Johannesburg, South Africa 🇿🇦.