[picture above: View of Peniscola from Castell de Peniscola] The Spanish cities of Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastien and Granada draw many visitors to Spain every year. However, along the coast south of Barcelona, in the region of Catalonia, you’ll find many just as beautiful, fascinating and historical towns to visit on your travels. Guadalest Beginning just south of Valencia, you … Read More
10 Highlights of Alicante and Murcia
Alicante and Murcia are two cities (about an hour apart) in the region of Spain south of Valencia. Alicante, on the coast, attracts some tourists in the Summer (although not nearly as many as its neighbour, Benidorm), while Murcia is a somewhat unknown, though nonetheless beautiful and interesting, city! Both Alicante airport and Murcia airports are the nearest to this … Read More
Mouthwatering Murcian Morsels
Did you know that paella is actually the name of the large pan that the rice is cooked in? In a more local restaurant you won’t actually see ‘Paella’ on the menu. Rather you’ll read the heading “Arroces” which is Spanish for ‘rices’. Under the heading you’ll then see the different rice dishes that the restaurant serves (seafood, chicken, chorizo etc.). … Read More
Keukenhof: the Epitome of Springtime in the Netherlands
The Keukenhof, located not far from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, is a large exhibition of Spring-flowering “bulbs” and the Dutch floricultural sector. It is open only for 8 weeks during the peak flowering period from late March through to mid-May each year and displays a magnificent array of beautiful flowers in all the colours of the rainbow! And, yes, the perfumes are delicious. … Read More
In the Netherlands for Koningsdag? (Kings Day)
I had the pleasure of arriving in the Netherlands from Hong Kong at 6:35am on 27th April 2016; Koningsdag!! Along with the warm and welcoming arms of my Oom (Uncle) Frits, I was greeted by some crazy orange decorations, from clothes, hats and balls to flags, rings and earrings (orange is the Dutch national colour, if you didn’t know). Koningsdag, or “Kings … Read More
Waiheke Weddings
Waiheke Island, New Zealand. A perfectly pristine getaway only 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Auckland’s CBD (plus a bonus a relaxing boat ride to get there)! [photos by The Official Photographers] Waiheke Island lies almost in the middle of the Hauraki Gulf, East of Auckland’s CBD. It is the most populous of the islands in the gulf with … Read More
Auckland in a Hurry!
I was recently passing through Auckland, New Zealand’s largest City, with only 2 full days and 1 night to experience her offerings. I tell you now, it was NOT ENOUGH time! I highly recommend making it a longer stay if you plan on visiting, as Auckland is a beautiful city teeming with unexpected entertainment and dozens of things to do … Read More