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Fairies Live Here

January 10th 2012 09:19

There are places in the world that breathe life and truth into fairytales. Hidden, iridescent grottos brimming with mermaids, ancient fig trees sheltering elves beneath their gnarled roots and dragon caves lost deep within limestone cliffs. Some may be right beneath your very nose…so be sure to check at the bottom of your garden.

Figtree, North Queensland, photography by Vince Valitutti

Faerie Glen, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Toadstools, moss covered pebbles, paths carved between miniature hills carpeted in other-worldly green…you won’t find many people wishing to give you exact directions to this closely guarded space, but stumbling upon it is all part of the magic.

The Boulders, Babinda, North Queensland, Australia
An Aboriginal legend of forbidden love lays its curse over The Boulders, a place in which, 15 people, mostly young men, have drowned in the powerful undercurrents since 1959. The spirit of Oolana guards the boulders and her cries for her lost lover can still be heard, attracting young men into the treacherous waters. Look closely at the below photo, by renowned travel photographer, Vince Valitutti. A serpent and a goats head can be found lurking in the stream.

The Boulders, photography by Vince Valitutti

Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
Stories of pirates compete with James Bond movie locations among soaring lime stone cliffs. The only way to experience your own adventure flick here is in a canoe. Float beneath the stone, your nose almost scraping colonies of bats overhead, then emerge into emerald green lagoons with giant rock formations of dogs and elephants leering towards you. Watch out for pirates (and monkeys).

Hasel, Black Forest, Germany
Legends abound from stalagmite and stalactite palaces in the Dwarf Cave at the southern end of the Black Forest. But first, you must traverse werewolf dens, lakes filled with beautiful water nymphs and Freischutzen - infamous marksmen possessed by the devil and able to hit any target in the dark of the forest.

Low Isles, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
An underwater kingdom of coral mansions and exotic sea-creatures, wherever you dive on the Great Barrier Reef, you’re sure to glimpse at least the tail of a mermaid…but keep your eyes peeled, they’re actually quite shy, after all…

Great Barrier Reef, photography by Vince Valitutti

The Great Barrier Reef, photography by Vince Valitutti

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Travel versus Settling in Suburbia – The Endless Debate

November 12th 2011 14:51

We all know him, or her. They may have dreadlocks, wear baggy Hessian pants as an informal ‘travelling uniform’, and sprout words such as, “when I was in Cambodia", and, “I slept with one hundred cockroaches in the outback and they didn’t bother me one bit,” to – “while I was in Europe, I picked grapes for a living and lounged in a Tuscan farmhouse,” to, “I was a nanny in England once. I lived in a mansion in the Cotswolds and flew to Venice every second weekend”.

Exciting? Yes. Adventurous? Yes. Slightly mad? Yes.

<a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=12571&picture=meditation-by-the-lake">Meditation By The Lake</a> by Nat Sakunworarat

Now, a snapshot of suburban, family life. “I changed five nappies before 11am yesterday, had the in-laws over for lunch, did six loads of laundry, cleaned the kitchen, drove to swimming lessons, mowed the lawn, made dinner for five, cleared the table, washed up, read the kids a bed time story and went to sleep at 8pm, only to be woken up with, ‘mummy, daddy, mummy, daddy…’ over and over again from 2am to 6am”.

I must confess, to this point, I am firmly in the first category, that of addicted backpacker. However, I have a gorgeous niece, and numerous friends’ children vying for the second option – so I am by no means ‘anti’ either argument.

But an argument it is.

Brought to the fore by relentless Home-buyer television shows portraying the poor, unfortunate backpacker, trapped in an illusionary state of ‘falling behind’ his or her’s contemporaries in the house buying market, unable to meet society’s version of ‘respectability’. News flash – this will mean little when we’ve moved on to the afterlife, if there is one. Better to live this life…to the fullest. Who, by the way, invented this ‘respectability marker’? I’d like to meet them and ask them a few questions…

Or, the unfortunate couple, having had children because the woman felt she needed to before she was too old, both trapped in an unyielding market, unable to live life to the full, weighed down by nappies, mortgages, bills and 9:00-5:00 jobs with little opportunity for creative fulfilment or excitement on the domestically blurred horizon. However…in the meantime… they get to witness the unsuppressed giggles, the first spoken words, the uninhibited movement, the capacity for love of the untainted souls of their own children.

Fact – if you want security, by all means, buy a house and lay down roots – with joy. Fact – if you prefer adventure, challenge and endless change - don’t do the above - the backpack will suffice. Either way, it seems to me, the point is to do what makes one happy. And don’t get lost in either.

You have the power to change your life at any time, for any reason, no matter the circumstances, with love and blessings and good wishes for the future. We are not here, after all, to do each other's biddings, becoming caught up in a life of compromise for the sake of avoiding argument. We are here to do our own bidding, whilst infusing others with goodwill and projecting kindness to all. Kindness, however, is not equated with martyrdom or ‘settling’ for what we think is easy within the illusion we’ve created of our own lives.

To hell with what everyone else thinks. After all, your reputation is actually in the hands of others and has nothing to do with you, they will think what they wish, regardless – and, with regard to what other’s think, it’s none of your business – so what you do can't be dictated by this. It’s your journey. And yours alone. You’re the only one who gets to be happy about it…or not.

So let’s all stop worrying, what is the point, after all? Live, love and laugh in the present, create waves, movement and life - it’s all we have - and, as the song famously says… “Don’t worry, be happy…”. The past is over, the future is non-existent. Just do what makes you happy. In The Now. The worst thing to do is stagnate. Mould, moss, germs form when we stagnant.

Move. Stir the water. Place a finger in the still surface of a lake and watch the ripples expand. This is life. Expansion.

Take away all the materialistic, attachment based issues – and what we’re left with is the Now. And that is always something to rejoice in.

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The Eat Pray Love Avalanche

October 15th 2011 09:46

She lay dying on the street – hands curled around a baby too malnourished to cry, her feet clawed defiantly into cobblestones brimming with past atrocities. The slight lean of her head indicated her appeal for money, her deploring, foggy brown eyes were trained expertly on the wealthy - waiting, almost deliberately full of scorn, for a scrap of luck.

Luck? I recognized the need for it, as I strolled by this woman, perched at the bottom of the Spanish Steps in Rome. My mind recalled warnings from well-meaning travelers, “Don’t give money to beggars, they’ll only follow you,” and, “If you give them anything, they’ll only do it more.” Do what more? Beg on the streets while tourists amble by with gelato and stomachs full of pasta? Is that something we’d all like to be doing with our time?

Maybe. Maybe not. But I gave her an apple regardless. The sodden eyes glittered with relief, the gnarled body moved with sudden energy to grasp the shiny red skin, the rotten teeth bit into the juicy fruit to tear its nutrition into pieces in order to feed her baby.

And the moment felt like spiritual enlightenment. I’m still not sure why or how, or what’s right or wrong in these situations whilst traveling, but I know my intuition chose for me.

Who wouldn’t want to traverse the world in search of individual enlightenment, aka, ‘Eat Pray Love’, by Elizabeth Gilbert, (a gorgeous read, by the way), but the experience is available to us all…if we open our eyes and allow ourselves to be guided by what we intrinsically know already…

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Bali - The Land of No Rules?

September 30th 2011 10:22

What are the rules, for a destination with no rules?

Bali. Land of rice fields, nasi goreng, stray dogs and infinite spiritual wisdom. Land of unruly tourists from the West, drinking Bintang in the streets, lying topless on the beach and lining the pockets of corrupt officials for ‘unlicensed’ moped jaunts.

Bali – where no rules, equates to endless rules, all of which are bound to confuse the weary, luxury drunk tourist.

What must you avoid? The following:

Mopeds.

Unless you know the ins and outs of corruption. Apparently, you can ‘say’ you have family within the high ranks of the embassy, you can bribe your way out of it, or you can barter with police. In reality, if you have an accident, get pulled over randomly at 3am after too many Bintangs, or stop an official to ask for directions, you are unlikely to escape this situation without empting you’re pockets of hundreds of dollars worth of souvenir money. Better just to jump on the back of one with a local – and trust they know what they’re doing, (not a guarantee, but the odds are better…).

Potholes.

Pavements. Roads. Driveways. A severe danger to ankles of all foreign visitors. We’re not talking small indents in the cement – picture a 3 meter drop into a sewer. This is the obstacle course faced by all on the trek from Kuta to Seminyak – the main tourist thoroughfare. Tips? Don’t wear heels. Ever. Never step on a palm frond – it most likely hides a terrifying fall into a germ-ridden, horrifying stench polluted hell. Do not step on grates. Ever.

Ice. Salad. Meat from street vendors.

I know, I know. We are all smart, world-weary travelers – immune from falling pray to the dreaded ‘Bali belly’. Tell this to someone on their fifth day lying on the bathroom floor of their hotel – from drinking ice in a cocktail in a 5 star hotel. Just don’t. You don’t need to. It’s not worth it. The only way out – if you know locals and can trust the source of the ice/water/meat. I contracted food poisoning from a hot dog on the streets of New York. Who knew? It’s something you can never guard completely against, but it’s worth trying, just to stay out of the bathroom and on the path to adventure instead.

The rules are worth following, in order to enjoy one of the most sublime places on earth. The surf, the Rock Bar, the forests, Ubud, Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Nusa Dua – the list is endlessly divine. You will fall in love with the Balinese, find yourself within their smiles and bask in the sun setting over the ocean.

As long as you don’t fall down any holes on your way to bliss…Even Alice would find it hard to get to Wonderland through that amount of rubbish.

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Splendour in the Grass 2011

August 4th 2011 09:47

For those of you who missed out on it this year (sigh), here’s a quick run down of ‘Splendy Bendy’ 2011 at Woodford, Queensland.

COLDPLAY

Fittingly, Coldplay rocked the amphitheatre on the last, and the coldest, night of Splendour on the 31st of July. Chris Martin’s talent washed over thousands of inebriated, 3 day dirt encrusted revelers like a tidal wave. His soulful vocals drifted over us, into the surrounding valley, mercifully allowing us to forget the stench of the over-used port-a-loos. Bless him.

TRIPLE J BLISS

An avid triple j listener’s heaven, Splendour offered Goyte, Boy and Bear, Seeker Lover Keeper, Architecture in Helsinki, and countless others, to the hungry music loving masses. Goyte’s, ‘Somebody I Used To Know’, literally caused a break in the sound barrier with fans screaming for his talent – and when Kimbra walked on stage…well, let’s just say my ears will be ringing until next year’s festival.

Boy and Bear’s popular version of ‘Fall at Your Feet’, by Crowded House, was an easy gig for them as their smooth harmonies were lost in the enthusiastic vocals of the audience. A pity…this was my favourite tune of last year and I was ecstatic to hear the first beats…but inspiring nonetheless to witness the spell such a song holds.

KANYE WEST

Hmmm. Personally, I don’t see how he fits at Splendour – and as people joined us in commando rolling down the amphitheatre hill during his set – I imagine they didn’t get it either…

FASHION

Check out these tights. Gotta love festival attire.

CAMPING

Oh – the beer bongs, the frantic scampering to hide smuggled alcohol from roaming volunteers, the 70 deep line of girls hopeful for a shower at 6am, the dancing on top of bouncing utes, the waking up on a steep lean curled up at the end of the tent with dew dripping in your eye, the hysterical laughter at 2pm sitting around piles of last night’s rubbish, contemplating the long, hung-over trek back in to the festival – all set amidst valleys, forest and the majestic view of the Glasshouse Mountains.

Let’s all just forget the feeling of packing up 'said' camp on Monday under a dark cloud of ‘festival ending depression’ and 3 day old crusted make-up.

MISCELLANIOUS

A random porn show. Yes…people writhing on a circular red bed with body suits sporting rather large sexual organs, simulating sex scenes.

Strange…but all in all…spectacularly Splendid.

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Signs of Attraction for a Holiday Romance

June 10th 2011 10:36

How is this travel related? Ahh, how indeed?

The holiday romance is whispered about over coffee at the office, bragged about at the pub and dreamt about by those embarking on a trip of a lifetime. So, how do we know when that ‘lingering gaze’ or ‘accidental touch’ means something…more?

The short answer is – we don’t. Not unless we’re fortunate enough to come across that rare, ultra confident person who puts themselves in the line of fire for rejection, saying, “to hell with the consequences”, in order to tell you they want you. (Bless you, ultra confident people of the world).

This is a conversation I’ve had many times, with males and females, with regard to travel romances – and the lack thereof due to self-inhibitions. So, from a non-psychiatrist, non-clinical point of view, here are some very reliable signs that someone is very, very into you. (Or not…).

Obvious Signs from Women

The Hair Flick – Yes, an extreme cliché, but apparently true! Most women I know cannot help but play with, twirl or bring attention to their hair when they are attracted to a man. It could, also, be a sign of nervousness, but there’s a reason for the nerves, right?

Eye Contact – Vital! A woman will not make extended eye contact with a man she is not interested in. In fact, this is absolutely crucial. If a woman’s eyes are flicking everywhere but on the man she is talking to – it means she wants to be elsewhere. (Note – this does not include looking down every so often, batting of eyelashes and nervously looking up from under the eyelashes to gain contact again – this is a form of outright seduction).

Personal Space – If a woman wants you, she will be within 15cm of your personal space. If not - especially if she’s taking gigantic steps backwards each time you approach – you either have very bad breath, or she is just not into you. Or both, most likely.

Jokes – Yes, women will laugh at very bad jokes if they are attracted to a man. Because, in the woman’s eyes, they’re not bad jokes, they’re an extension of the lively, enthusiastic personality of a man. Always a winner. Rolling of the eyes means the opposite – take note and stop telling jokes. Or think of better ones.

Touching – Many women can be ‘touchy feely’ types. Having said that, it’s rare that we as human beings want to touch anything we’re not attracted to. Generally – a good sign.

Obvious Signs from Men

I’m not a man, so this is second hand information from being on the receiving end of such behavior.

Men, with more knowledge than I, please feel free to comment…

Eye Contact – Again, vital! If a man is making intense eye contact with you, or is nervously glancing away whenever you catch him making intense eye contact with you – it is an obvious sign of attraction. It’s all about the visual, right?

Body Direction – When attracted to someone, most people will point their feet, upper body and hands in the direction of that someone. This is usually a subconscious gesture. Watch out for it. That, or males hooking their fingers into their belt buckles while splaying their legs…hmmm. Obvious much?

Auto Erotic Touching – Is he touching his cheek? Rubbing his chin? Playing with his watch? This is not all he’s thinking about playing with if he’s maintaining eye contact with you while doing so…

The Interest Factor – Just quietly, if a man is acutely interested in your life, hobbies, friends, family – and asks a billion questions – it means he’s interested in you.

It’s all about the Laugh – Men will joke with women, tease women and generally act like chimpanzees if they think they’re in with a chance - even, if they just like you as a friend. The thing to look out for is goofiness, and an all round extreme ability to embarrass themselves. This can mean they are trying too hard – and there’s a reason for that.

The Biggest Giveaway, Scientifically at Least – Pupil Dilation. Apparently, our pupils become bigger when in the company of something, or someone, we’re attracted to. Do make sure you take into account the lack of light in the room though…

In conclusion, coming straight out and asking someone is easier – especially when traveling – yes? Just go for it, that’s the beauty of being able to return to your own country – you’ll never (hopefully) have to see them again – that is, if you have to face the dreaded ‘rejection’ – and it might just be worth it.

Happy Travel Romancing x

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Festival Fever

May 5th 2011 08:11

Hands up all the festival addicts? It’s no point denying my addiction; it started with Splendour in the Grass and has progressed steadily over the years into full blown festival fever.

Byron Bay Blues Fest: 21st – 26th April 2011

Byron Blue Blues Fest always tops my list, and this year, for the second time at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, the line-up exceeded even jaded festival-goer’s expectations.

Most notably, Bob Dylan, BB King, Grace Jones, Ben Harper and The Relentless7, ZZ Top, John Legend and Wolfmother.

With wide-open spaces, gum-boot worthy mud pits, food stalls that only Byron can offer – think organic doughnuts – dreadlock making wizards, original clothing designs for sale, drink tents with no lines and a chilled out vibe minus the extreme security seen at many festivals these days – quite simply, no one does festivals like Byron Bay.

My top three highlights this year? Watching an enlightening interview with Xavier Rudd half an hour before being transported to another planet via his extraordinary live performance. Eating pizza, than Laksa, than pizza, than organic doughnuts – and topping it with the best wine I’ve ever tasted at a festival. Finally – ending Friday night with the infectious, energetic acoustic talent of Rodrigo Y Gabriela – the guitar strumming duo personify the indescribable feeling expressed through music, and the coming together of music lovers.

Caxton St Seafood and Wine Festival : Sunday 1st May 2011

A festival without the hefty price tag ($27.00 entry fee), Brisbane’s Caxton Street Seafood and Wine festival merges food stalls, music, circus performers and a street party vibe with the famed restaurant strip’s flare for fine dining and trendy pub culture.

Main stages blocked off either end of the street, and, without glancing at a program, we managed to stumble on Joel Turner’s beat boxing prowess, Ash Grunwald’s surfing inspired acoustic blues tunes and the Velvet Cigar’s Moulin Rouge meets Burlesque strip show, complete with free buffet lunch of oysters, fresh prawns and Mediterranean dishes.

Off street, Casablanca, Gambaro’s, Bohemia Bar and the ever popular Caxton Hotel exploded with thirsty festival goers, hungry for a taste of unique cuisine. Sirromet Wines provided mini bottles of perfect ‘street sipping’ beverages from their LOVE series and the pubs provided cans of beer, spirits and a healthy dose of friendly bar tender culture.

With Splendour in the Grass at Woodford to look forward to from 29th – 31st July, (Coldplay, Jane’s Addiction, Kanye West, Eskimo Joe and The Vines), everyone in the near vicinity, or addicts from afar, can look forward to the continual feeding of their festival fever.

Hats (and gumboots) off to that.

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Learning Holidays

March 7th 2011 05:24

Next holiday, why not pack your brain in between the sunscreen and John Grisham’s latest bestseller?

What? Oh yes, I hear your concern and share your fear. After all, how does one balance a cocktail, pretend to read while checking out the, erm, scenery on the beach, and learn something at the same time?

Well, I’m not exactly sure…but I’m willing to try anything once.

Learn to be a Maasai Warrior

Which weapon suits your natural abilities? The bow and arrow? A spear? How about short throwing sticks that can crack a skull with one blow, called ‘rungus’?

The answer lies in northern Kenya, where sandy riverbeds and hiking trails act as classrooms and Morans (male warriors) are your expert guides. The weapons are used to protect family and cattle, and you’ll also learn how to wrestle, how to track animals and which natural medicines cure simple ailments.

Photography by Anna Vervova

Delve into the mysteries of high-jump rituals, spend time with traditional healers and learn how to barter for, herd and tend to the most important part of Maasai culture – their livestock.

Ok, ok, I know this sounds enriching and adventurous, but where does the holiday component come in?

It starts under a canopy of acacia trees, in a luxury safari tent, complete with a four poster bed, hot shower with views and fully catered, locally sourced meals. It ends each night with a bonfire, a few drinks under the stars and cultural story swapping – you won’t even notice your aching, warrior trained limbs.

Live Like a Tuscan

I’m not a cook, but there’s something about eating locally produced, freshly made food and chatting to the ‘mamma’ of a Tuscan farmhouse, set on the fringes of an olive grove, that makes me want to be a Michelin star chef.

‘La Cucina Povera Toscana’ (Tuscan country cooking) is the beating pulse of Tuscany, and learning this peasant culture tradition is not just an excuse to stuff yourself senseless with Pecorino cheese – it is, quite simply, a way of life.

Passion for the sea, the mountains and the countryside oozes into the regional cooking and you can immerse yourself in the wines, olive oils, cheeses and melons via a stay in a Villa, complete with chef, guides and, most importantly, the ‘mamma’.

Rose Winds, in Cortona, is an 18th century restored farmhouse with a traditional wood burning oven, barbecue pits and a swimming pool – think ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ – to sip your Chianti by. Villa Poggiarello, in La Maremma, has over 100 hectares of vineyards, is surrounded by hilltop villages and, as it’s located close to the ocean, offers Tuscan cooking classes with a seafood twist.

Or, you could try Villa Torremozza, a working farm that produces its own wines and olive oils, that's close enough to Florence to pop in to town for gelato (if your pants can take it).

Writing in Paradise

Or, more to the point, Editing in Paradise. As we are so often told, writing is not for the fainthearted, but this might just be the answer to those manuscript woes.

The term ‘writer friendly’ evokes dreams of quiet spaces, inspirational views, thought-provoking and likeminded company and time to do just that – write. If I let myself get really carried away, I’d also add fully prepared meals, a luxurious home in an exotic destination, experienced editors on hand, wine, fun, laughter and just a pinch of silliness. Let’s face it – all writers are a little crazy, right?

Not this time. Editing in Paradise is a self-editing masterclass retreat program that allows developing writers to learn techniques towards finishing, redrafting and publishing manuscripts. Expert guidance is given by industry professionals who’ve read your work – and your experience is tailored to it.

Destinations include Kangaroo Valley, Bali and South Africa (I know you were wondering about that all important ‘holiday’ component) and, in 6 days, your time is balanced with workshops, writing, eating, writing, reflection, rejuvenation, writing and the encouraging strength of fellow writers.

If you’re a writing addict, this is a touch of bohemian glamour to take the edge off the hard slog. When you return, you’ll find your mind filled with invaluable tools, your characters bursting with new life - and your manuscript sprinkled with a little bit of fairy dust.

Dance Like a Cuban

Have you ever watched Salsa dancers, in the street, on the big screen, sweating right beside you in a club, and not wanted to join in? Sexy, spontaneous, full of fire – if you can Salsa you’ll find yourself with a one-way ticket to romance heaven, the extra holiday pounds will drop off in a single night and you may just find yourself moving to Havana. So let’s start there…

With Club Salsa Holidays, you’ll stay in a 5 star Havana hotel, with breakfast included. Each morning, rejoice in the native Cuban dancers as they teach you a thorough Salsa syllabus. All skill levels are catered for, so beginners learn enough to dance comfortably for recreation and professionals have the opportunity to adopt the distinctively fluid Cuban style.

Take a city tour over lunch before jumping into the famous Salsa matinee dance sessions, but save some energy for when the sun goes down. A team of professional Cuban dancers are on hand to take you to the best clubs, soirees and restaurants, just to help show off your new skills.

By the end of the week, you may be doing little more than lazing by the pool, dark sunglasses covering your bloodshot eyes as you cringe at the thought of another Cuba Libre – but if you can move like a Cuban, the pain will be worth it.

Happy Holiday Learning x

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Arm Chair Travel

January 10th 2011 09:09

Ahh - so many countries, so little time! To satiate my wanderlust in between journeys, I indulge in travel shows.

I'm definitely not a television nut and only navigate the remote control between documentaries, anything related to travel and the occasional re-run of Sex And The City (whereby the adventures of Carrie in New York sustain me for a short while, in the absence of said travel shows).

My addiction has resulted in a severe case of 'travel show snobbery' - however, below are some that consistently hit the mark.

So, crack open a Pilsner, pour a Sangria or nibble on a mezze platter while you prepare for take-off - it's only the press of a button away.

No Reservations

Heavy drinker, - some say now reformed - smoker and all round grumpy, cynical, world-weary cook, Anthony Bourdain saunters across the globe, dismissing anything remotely commercial or...'sparkly'.

The loyal New Yorker manages to infiltrate the lives of locals in far flung corners of the world, has a fascination with Vietnam and makes eating innards and fried bugs look almost appealing.

His appreciation for the truly unusual aspects of travel is tangible - and the show is rarely predictable. You could love him or hate him, but, if you've travelled extensively, you'll appreciate his unique take on things.

Globe Trekker

Justine Shapiro first introduced me to the world of travel shows in Lonely Planet. Now, along with the irreverent Ian Wright, she still intrigues as she calmly drifts through magnificent places, charming the locals and regaling viewers with moments of history.

Globe Trekker is distinctively aimed at backpackers, its hosts are not afraid to tell it how it is and, even if I think I've thoroughly explored a destination, the show always takes me down a different path.

Getaway

This is so completely different to Globe Trekker and No Reservations that it should, perhaps, be in a different category. Getaway is 'sparkly' personified in a way that would surely horrify Anthony Bourdain. Hosts, such as Catriona Rowntree and Jules Lund, smile at the camera with startling white teeth, appear gorgeously attired at all times and clearly never sweat.

The good bits? Destinations are beautifully filmed and, every so often, it's nice to pretend that travel is actually that...'sparkly'.

World Cafe Asia

Bobby Chinn first came to my attention when I visited his restaurant in Hanoi, Vietnam. It's a place where you read the menu by torchlight, surrounded by sensual red curtains, before slipping inside an alcove for Shisha and emerging into the humid night - spellbound.

Half Egyptian, half Chinese and born in New Zealand, Bobby Chinn is confident, quick and endlessly interesting as he traverses Asia's street markets in a quest to find the best food, drink and entertainment.

Cheers! Prost! Kampai! - to arm chair travel x

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Wedding Escapes

November 15th 2010 06:54

All hail the Bridezilla - a not-so mythical creature created by pre-wedding planning mishaps - by this I mean too many choices of flower and table arrangements, not enough options for the perfect cake and far too many headaches sorting out the invite list - not to mention where to seat them once you invite them.

Many of you may be rolling your eyes in understanding (bridesmaids), shaking your heads defensively (brides-to-be) or sighing in pleasure (mothers-of-the-brides). Lately, I've found myself surrounded by an onslaught of wedding fever, and the theme seems to be, (this from an actual, real, bride-to-be), "I just want to forget about the little details and focus on the atmosphere".

So - for magical scenery, a touch of history and the scent of the exotic - where the place is far more attention grabbing than the table settings or the bows on the back of the chairs - here are some extraordinary places I've visited that may just save some headaches (but please don't blame me if they serve to create more...).

Paronella Park - North Queensland, Australia

Jose Paronella moved to North Queensland from Spain in 1929, bringing his wife, Margarita, to build a fantasy Spanish complex in the middle of the rainforest.

After being cyclone ravaged and semi-rebuilt, Paronella Park resembles a moss covered set from Radars of the Lost Ark, mixed with a romantic Spanish summer residence, resplendent in its faded glory. Crumbling stone, glistening creeks and waterfalls and tiny bridges lead to bamboo forests and regal, tree-lined paths - a magic garden dotted with ruins just begging for romance.

Tjampuhan - Ubud, Bali

Imagine a resort etched into the side of a hill above a tropical ravine, dripping with hibiscus and frangipanis and ringing with birdsong day and night.

Celebrated painter, Walter Spies, famously resided at this royal guest house and if you even boast a touch of artistic talent, Tjampuhan will rip it out of you in the guise of sublime inspiration. Seductive, tropical heat surrounds the statue littered pools and a day spa, carved into the hill, rivals any imaginative version of King Neptune's Underwater Palace. No flower arrangements required - just add yourselves.

Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie,Scotland

No fairy princess could resist picturing herself strolling towards this castle, rising up from the point where three sea Lochs converge, with the towering mountains of Skye dwarfing all in their presence.

www.photoeverywhere.co.uk

You could almost choose you're scenery, depending on the time of year -snow-capped mountains are an option, or swirling, all-encompassing mist or green, green grounds highlighting the sun glistening on the water.

With a history starting as far back as the 6th century and a quick trip up the road to the Isle of Skye with its mysterious fairy glen and soaring cliffs by the sea, wedding history is yours for the taking - or at least you'll soon forget great-aunt Margie's comments about your inappropriate boob-tube style wedding dress.

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Posted By: The Travelling Fairy Dancer - Category: No Category

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