Social media: How it proved its value this week
The world was rocked by the events that took place last week. The downing of the flight from Sharm El Sheikh to Russia and the Paris attacks were shocking enough. When four people died in five uncontrolled bush fires around an Australian town I used to live in, and friends of mine were fighting those fires, I felt uselessly far away. Using social media to share information As a longtime Francophile I can honestly say my first response to the Paris attacks was to worry about friends, absorb information from Twitter and the news for several hours, and despair for one of my favourite cities. But it wasn’t long before…
The journey to citizenship – How I became Australian
It’s funny how things work out. Ctizenship was never my goal. I moved to Australia temporarily. The plan was to spend a year travelling around Australia, supporting myself with a bit of casual work along the way. However, the offer of a permanent position changed that plan. Here’s how I became an Australian citizen. It all started when I applied for a partner visa. I could have applied for a second year’s working holiday visa, but that would have significantly limited my work opportunities, and it still had an expiry date. Applying for a partner visa, on the basis of my relationship provided more security. Countless forms, photocopies of documents…
5 of the best villages in Provence
I feel really lucky to have been able to spend some time exploring Provence. I think it to be one of the most beautiful areas of France, if not the world. From tiny villages filled with mystery, to sophisticated settlements offering incredible backdrops while you sample the local produce, there is definitely a village for every taste. Here are my five favourite villages in Provence. St Remy de Provence One time home to Vincent Van Gogh and Nostradamus, Sainte Remy de Provence is a beautiful example of a perfect Provencal village. Across pretty village squares and beneath arching trees colourful shops entice you in to discover locally made melt in…
Food and Drinks of Cyprus
Food and drink is at the very heart of eastern Mediterranean culture, and nowhere is this more in evidence than in Cyprus. While you may think Greek food and Greek Cypriot food are pretty much one and the same, Cypriots will always point out that it’s the subtle changes that make all the difference in their dishes. So what’s on the menu? Meat and fish dishes Halloumi is possibly the most famous Cypriot foodstuff and while this brine-soaked goat’s cheese concoction is rubbery when raw, it’s so good when fried or grilled and has worked its way into a number of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. If you’re eating in…
The best Christmas markets in Paris
Experience the Paris Christmas markets and no other market will ever match up. Parisians take markets very seriously, and the city’s Christmas markets are no different. No matter what you’re looking for, be it fresh food, regional produce, Christmas food, mulled wine, cheese, crafts, jewellery, clothing, Christmas decorations or gifts, you will be spoilt for choice at the Paris Christmas markets. Inspired by the way nearby Germany embraces Christmas, France’s tradition of Christmas markets originated in the Alsace region, and the products sold at the Paris Christmas markets come from all over the country. Paris is popular year-round, but the iconic wooden chalets clustered together to form the traditional Christmas…
Visit the Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Circuit
If you are passionate about waterfalls, a visit to the Atherton Tablelands, in the Cairns hinterland, will leave you spoilt for choice. There are several waterfalls, some are wide rivers flowing over low falls, while others cascade from vast heights surrounded by rainforest foliage. Many are tucked away and feel like well kept secrets, while others are in bright open locations and even have facilities. You could say there’s a waterfall for everyone! One of my favourite things about Far North Queensland is the fact that it is a place where the rainforest meets the reef. Generally I’m all about the reef, but I love the rainforest too. It is…
Things to do in Gibraltar
A lot has happened over the years in the 7 square kilometres that make up Gibraltar. Originally settled by the Moors, then conquered by the Spanish and later becoming a British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar has seen many conflicts and the country today is a fascinating mix of several influences. There are lots of things to see, and the good news for those short on time is that everything is very close together. Having first visited Gibraltar as a child, I can guarantee a visit to see the Gibraltar rock apes will create lifelong memories. It was great to revisit recently and see the apes continuing to thrive on top of…
Sanary Sur Mer – a small town with a big history
Many visitors to the Marseille region of Provence travel east far enough to explore the marvellous calanques along the coastline. Some even make it far enough to appreciate Cassis and her charms, but those that travel just a short distance further east are rewarded with time spent in Sanary Sur Mer, which is far quieter than other more famous towns on the French Riviera, but just as pretty. Sanary, as it is known locally, is a beautiful fishing port, without all the crowds. The town is near Toulon, about 75 km east of Marseille and 150km west of Nice. Sanary is a small town with a big history. The little…
Plitvice National Park – a waterfall wonderland
If you’ve ever considered visiting Croatia, you’ve probably seen photos of Plitvice National Park. Perhaps it is the reason you want to go? The incredibly beautiful lake system, with a handmade walking path leading past several cascading waterfalls, lures thousands of visitors each year, and is definitely worth a visit. Things to see at Plitvice The main draw of the almost 300 metre square park is the large lake system. There are two large lakes and several kilometres of walking paths lead around each. As you wander along the handmade footpath of logs, sometimes with the water rushing beneath your feet, you pass pretty little waterfalls, large open sections of…
Celebrate life: Visit the Chagall Museum in Nice
If you’re a fan of Chagall’s colourful and dreamlike compositions, the Chagall Museum in Nice is a must-see. Nestled in the hillside neighbourhood of Cimiez, high above the city, the unassuming museum is a haven of tranquillity, housing a host of treasures. The French Riviera has been a source of inspiration for innumerable artists. While many visited the Cote d’Azur, Marc Chagall was one of the artists that called the region home. Chagall first visited Nice in 1926 but, having had to leave Europe and relocate to the USA to survive the Second World War, he only lived in Provence from 1950 to 1966. Chagall’s Old Testament stories Opened in…
