It’s a perfect Parisian evening. A light breeze dances through the Jardin Du Luxembourg with the sweetness of red and purple blossoms. Tanned bodies sprawl across the lawn; bare skin against electric green. Little white triangles tack across the glossy fountain pond as children run alongside with sailors’ glee. Powder-green chairs sit in messy clusters;Continue reading “For The Love of Paris: a photowalk”
Tag Archives: Europe
Idyllic Croatia: A photo walk through memories
Croatia lives in my memory as a pristine natural beauty and a nation of warm hospitality. When running my not-so-short list of ‘favourite’ travel destinations , Croatia always seems to feature. And often, in moments of wishing I was far, far away, the mental images of Croatia sail into view, bringing with them a drifting kind ofContinue reading “Idyllic Croatia: A photo walk through memories”
Travel. Food. Photo. France.
Eating in France is a sensual, indulgent, near-sacred experience. Inspired by the French people, who seem to be captivated by their food, absorbing it rather than merely ingesting it, visitors will find their senses enlivened, their culinary imaginations fulfilled and their palates warmed to the finer delights of occasional dinning. Accompanying the familiar features ofContinue reading “Travel. Food. Photo. France.”
Travel. Food. Photo. Berlin.
Eclectic like its culture, full of flavour like its people, I found the food of Berlin bloomed from a welcomed suite of cuisines at joyfully affordable prices. As I mentioned in my A Week In Berlin post, I was happy to be greeted with the multicultural spectrum the tastebuds in Germany’s creative capital. Unlike otherContinue reading “Travel. Food. Photo. Berlin.”
A Week In Berlin: Exploring Germany’s Creative Capital
The mere mention of Berlin is often enough to conjure thoughts of street art, underground music and offbeat urban adventures. Such associations fit quite nicely with my concept of the ideal city, so I made my way back to Berlin in September to emerge myself in the creative city for a second time. I cameContinue reading “A Week In Berlin: Exploring Germany’s Creative Capital”
Gratitude for a Wonderful Year of Travel Adventures – 2012
As we wander into another new year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2012 adventures, and to thank you, my lovely readers, for sharing my journey. For me, 2012 was about realising dreams: my dream of travelling Europe for months and my dream of working as a travel writer. While I amContinue reading “Gratitude for a Wonderful Year of Travel Adventures – 2012”
A Photo Walk in Berlin
Gritty and colourful, sweet and rough, the streets of Berlin offer many curiosities for the aimless wanderer to consider. Whether it’s the street art that Germany’s creative capital is so famous for, the charming blossoms that dress cafe table tops, or the grand monuments that represent a rich and dark history, there is no doubtingContinue reading “A Photo Walk in Berlin”
Travel. Food. Photo. Croatia.
Of all the places I travelled this year, Croatia was perhaps the most unexpected to enter my ‘amazing country for food’ list. From previous travels, I had known to expect plentiful seafood by the Adriatic and Italian influences gracing the hearty Eastern European cuisine, but I now know my first trip to Croatia revealed onlyContinue reading “Travel. Food. Photo. Croatia.”
Everything Homemade in Petrinja, Croatia
A soft thud from the front of the house signals the fall of another petite red apple on the driveway. Our gracious host, Senad, had apologised for the scattered obstacles underfoot as we arrived from Zagreb at dusk, but we politely shushed him, secretly delighted with the novelty of freshly-fallen fruit. After a warm welcomeContinue reading “Everything Homemade in Petrinja, Croatia”
A Photo Walk in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Aquamarine lakes are fringed with mossy veins and sunshine-dappled woodlands in Croatia’s natural treasure, Plitvice Lakes National Park. Covering almost 300 km2 , and comprising 16 lakes, Plitvice is the largest of Croatia’s eight national parks and was the first established, back in 1949. As well as being just generally amazing, with its (hiding) brownContinue reading “A Photo Walk in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia”
4 Quiet Delights in Istria, Croatia
Happily nestled between Italy and Slovenia, jutting into the the Adriatic Sea, Croatia’s peninsula of Istria has some impressive neighbours to compete with in the tourism stakes. But with the region’s rich cache of truffles, vineyards and farmlands supplying some of the most notable culinary experiences in the country, and with natural beauty worth wowingContinue reading “4 Quiet Delights in Istria, Croatia”
A Photo Walk in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Walking the calm streets of Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana, is a bit like taking a stroll through a modern-day fairytale. The stoic stone castle perched above the river-laced city sets the tone for sure, but it’s the calm, cobbled streets, sunflowers, pinwheels and flower pots that sunny-up the scene and urge the body to skipContinue reading “A Photo Walk in Ljubljana, Slovenia”
8 Tips for Enjoying the Loveliness of Venice, Italy
The hypnotic dance of pale sunlight on the smooth columns of Ca D’Oro was enough to convince me that visiting Venice would be a lovely experience. I had questioned our timing, in the height of summer and tourist peak, and wondered if the small archipelago system might be spoilt by too many tour groups andContinue reading “8 Tips for Enjoying the Loveliness of Venice, Italy”
Bells, Doors and Bicycles: A Photo Walk in the Tuscan town of Lucca, Italy
Every town and city has its own delightful character, something that makes it particular, charming, unlike other cities. The provincial centre of Lucca in Tuscany could be described as quaint, historical, pretty, as could many surrounding towns. For me, Lucca was set apart by it’s wider streets, the bicycles and the big, leafy trees alongContinue reading “Bells, Doors and Bicycles: A Photo Walk in the Tuscan town of Lucca, Italy”
Happy Wanderings in Perugia: A Photo Walk in Umbria, Italy
A quiet kind of romance lingers in the medieval streets of Perugia. Vineyards, sunflowers and picturesque peaks abound the small city, leading newcomers on a happy journey into the capital of Italy’s Umbria region. The walled city wears potted flowers, balcony herbs and scrambling vines with an old-world elegance that fits my cinematic ideals ofContinue reading “Happy Wanderings in Perugia: A Photo Walk in Umbria, Italy”
Falling in Love with Lisbon, Portugal
Pink dawn lingers on olive groves as I wake on the train to Lisbon. A hazy blue hangs above the distant horizon, hinting at the salty river beyond. I am excited to see the city that so many have dubbed their offbeat favourite and can feel butterflies building in my belly as we approach. SaintContinue reading “Falling in Love with Lisbon, Portugal”
Colourful Streets of Lisbon: A Photo Walk
Sweet pastels and brightly patterned tiles line the vertical surfaces of Lisbon’s streets. Like clothing, the colours are worn to communicate personality, enliven the streets, tell a story about culture. In my week visiting Lisbon I spent hours just wandering with a camera in hand, soaking in the joy of those coloured walls, learning theContinue reading “Colourful Streets of Lisbon: A Photo Walk”
Art, Music & Culture in Granada, Spain
A few weeks ago I had the delight of visiting the Southern Spanish city of Granada. Known for its bohemian culture, impressive Muslim legacy and flamenco-gypsy arts, this dynamic city was bound to entertain. I was pretty excited to be in a region where delicious Spanish food meets multicultural colour and stunning Spanish landscapes. ByContinue reading “Art, Music & Culture in Granada, Spain”
188 Days of Travel
Looking out across the calm Lisbon shore, I am moved by the memories that brim to mind. It is mid-year already and time to reflect on all I have seen and experienced in my last 188 consecutive days of travelling. You would think that after six months, I would be used to living this realityContinue reading “188 Days of Travel”
Four days of solo Camino: walking through the Spanish Meseta
There are some things that are best experienced within the solitude of your mind, like meditating or soul searching… and perhaps, walking through the Spanish Meseta on the Camino de Santiago. The Meseta is the central Spanish tableland, which intersects the Camino Frances between Burgos and Astorga. It is a part of Spain known amongContinue reading “Four days of solo Camino: walking through the Spanish Meseta”
From Istanbul to Barcelona, from there to here
A rising murmur in the afternoon street rouses me from siesta. Eyes open to a sun-streaked balcony of daisies and thyme. Ears focus on the plucking of strings and the zip of motos under echoing sirens. I am warm, tired and utterly disoriented. And then I remember: Barcelona is out there. My head is stillContinue reading “From Istanbul to Barcelona, from there to here”
Impressions of Istanbul, Turkey
The thing about Istanbul is, it’s not an easy place to sum up. I’ve sat here scribbling impressions for a hour and my list is long and varied. From the hundreds of ornate mosques that call the city to pray each day, to the high-end fashion and modern bohemian vibe, it is clear that IstanbulContinue reading “Impressions of Istanbul, Turkey”
The 2012 Travel Itinerary: Choosing From a World of Adventures
‘Which ones can we cross off the list then?’ he asked with sincere concern. We had been negotiating with nations (I’ll give you Malta for Slovenia and raise you Bulgaria). But suddenly I realised how unrealistic I was being; perhaps we couldn’t see all the places in Europe… Sure, nine months of travelling seems likeContinue reading “The 2012 Travel Itinerary: Choosing From a World of Adventures”
Five and a half things I’ve learnt about Norway
The first ‘must’ for any international adventure is enthusiasm…the second is research. No matter what your travel style – ‘wing it’, ‘nose-in-guide’ or ‘three page daily itinerary’ – there is always a need to read up about your destination (even if it’s only about how to get there). Being the book worm that I am,Continue reading “Five and a half things I’ve learnt about Norway”
Another adventure in the planning
Oh, I have good news my friends! I’m dusting off my keyboard, brushing up my online bargain hunting skills and getting ready to launch into the comprehensive investigation, planning and plotting of another international adventure. Hurrah. But, before I get carried away in my pre-planning euphoria, I would just like to acknowledge that yes, it’sContinue reading “Another adventure in the planning”
Exploring Taksim
The day after I post my jeans and jumpers home, the temperature in Istanbul drops from 35 to 20 degrees Celsius. But that is okay, the cool air has been a welcomed change and a popular topic of conversation between strangers on the street. Today has been a day of welcomed surprises. This morning IContinue reading “Exploring Taksim”
Surviving The Mysterious, Inevitable Travel Sickness
After a twelve hour journey from Denizli to Istanbul (two buses, a tram and a long, hot walk), I spent yesterday in various states of laziness. Being the kind of person who always crams as much as possible into a day, laziness is something I still need to think of as constructive to enjoy it.Continue reading “Surviving The Mysterious, Inevitable Travel Sickness”
The Road To Denizli
I am sitting in Denizli Otogar (bus station) drinking free tea while waiting for an overnight bus back to Istanbul. I have had a day of relaxation, an evening of trials and first-hand experience of how gracious and considerate the Turkish people are. (This includes the five old men at this Doner Salonu who areContinue reading “The Road To Denizli”
Nic Freeman 