I first discovered Seville one summer years ago, while I was backpacking across Europe (let’s not talk about how many years). I vaguely recall some old buildings and getting infuriatingly lost in a labyrinth of laneways (ok, so it was before Google Maps). But mostly I remember being so hot that air conditioning and a … [Read more…]
Since moving to the Northern Hemisphere, I’ve developed a fond spot for a good Christmas market. Many of my English colleagues find it a little peculiar that a grown man could get so excited over a market, but really, what better excuse to drink copious amounts of Glühwein?! The popularity of Christmas markets has spread … [Read more…]
There was a time when I couldn’t wait to get out of Hobart. The capital of Tasmania (an island state in Australia’s south) wasn’t the most exciting place when I was growing up. Shops closed for the weekend at noon on Saturday; ‘doing a blockie’ (a.k.a. driving around the block) was a popular pastime; and the … [Read more…]
It’s easy to think of Germany as the land of meat and carbs. Certainly, when I think about German food, bratwurst, schnitzel and pretzel all spring to mind. But Berlin is a different Germany, and it shines a whole new light on what German cuisine can offer. Berlin is the multicultural heart of the country, … [Read more…]
Over the course of my travels, I’ve lost count of the number of times people have asked me to describe Australian food. My response tends to be “Um…..lamingtons?” (Not really. My real response is Pavlova, but I’ll get into trouble from the New Zealanders for that one.) Truth be told, it’s not an easy question … [Read more…]
Post updated December 2018 with details about the Christmas Markets in Tegernsee, an hour’s drive from Munich. To an Australian, the festive season in the Northern Hemisphere is basically Christmas on crack. Cheap and cheesy Christmas sweaters become perfectly acceptable attire, wine is served piping hot, and the streets are an overdose of colour exploding … [Read more…]
I love the Scandinavians; their outlook on life, their progressive attitudes, their easiness on the eye… Stockholm, therefore, has long been one of the cities on my must-do list. I’ve meant to go each summer, when the days are long and life moves outdoors. My first visit, however, ended up being in November, when it … [Read more…]
Alas, the days in London are shrinking yet again. But just because summer is over does not mean you have to put your passport back in the draw! The shoulder season that follows a European summer is perhaps my favourite time to travel. Pick the destination right and the weather can still be warm, plus … [Read more…]