Well I’ve just tallied up my holiday photos as I head for home after a wonderful few weeks in Italy, France and Portugal. I’ve snapped more than 1800 photos over the past 15 days and yes, I’ve shared a few on social media! Thanks to those who have journeyed with me online and spare a … Continue reading Ten photos … many stories!
Travel
A coastal calling
The coast always beckons me. And I got a coastal trifecta today – hiking, kayaking and swimming on the stunning Algarve Coast in southern Portugal. It was another bucket-list day and I am feeling weary, but so, so thankful. I was born just up the hill from Merewether Beach, internationally recognised as one of the … Continue reading A coastal calling
Australian reconnaissance
There are lots of uphills, downhills and around the corners in Lisbon. And this afternoon I took on the cobbles with a special Australian-flavoured destination in mind. But as I am so enjoying in this delightful city, there is so much to see and breathe in along the way, wherever you are going. Now I … Continue reading Australian reconnaissance
Lessons from the track
Just look at this lake! Today I have been walking around one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever visited. Lac Annecy is simply superb. It’s captivating and I wish I had more time to explore it and the villages dotted around the 50km lake circumference. It wasn’t hard to walk more than 20kms … Continue reading Lessons from the track
Bonjour!
Bonjour! I’ve crossed borders for a few days and arrived in the enchanting Chamonix-Mont Blanc where I can't complain about the view from my lodging. I've sought tonight to put my extremely limited and rusty French into practice. Hopefully my hiking plans will be more successful tomorrow given the looks I . received from a … Continue reading Bonjour!
A Ligurian jackpot!
Cinque. Yes, five in a row. What a superb day! When I was a kid my father and grandfather would try and pick a trifecta at the races. Today I won a Ligurian coast jackpot and ticked off the Cinque Terre hike from my bucket list. Monterossa al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggorie. I’m … Continue reading A Ligurian jackpot!
The richness of poor man’s food
Last night my hosts in Roma wanted to make sure I finished my stay in the “eternal city” with two special Italian street foods – one, suppli, to farewell Roma and the other, farinata, to introduce me to where I find myself tonight, the stunning Ligurian coast. Both dishes could be historically described as “poor … Continue reading The richness of poor man’s food
Showing off in Rome
The humble tablecloth loves to show off in Italy. It's everywhere! Different colours, plains, checks and stripes, playing up to the summer crowds alfresco style, dressed simply and elegantly, covering tables on so many of Rome’s sampietrini pavements. The colourful cloths seem to sing in tune with the sights and smells of pastas, pizzas, tomato … Continue reading Showing off in Rome
The world at their door!
I had to smile as I listened to a group of children comparing travel notes getting off my Melbourne to Dubai flight this morning. “We’re going to London.” “My family is going Ireland.” “We’re going to an island in Greece.” “I’m going my cousin’s wedding in Spain.” Yep a group of seven Aussie kids from … Continue reading The world at their door!
A few more pages!
I’m sitting in Melbourne Airport. Winter has certainly been in the air today. All going to plan, by tomorrow night I will be in Roma, sitting on a Summer evening, alongside the Tiber, catching my breath, with a glass of vino, watching the sun go down on a city that traces its roots back an … Continue reading A few more pages!
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