Category Archives: Travel experiences

3 Free things to do in Devonport Auckland

Devonport on a Sunday

1. Visit Mt Victoria 

Overlooking the charming area and suburbs of Devonport it Mt Victoria. Set up as a battalion base in the wars it now serves as one of the best, unadulterated views of Auckland.

The Signalman’s House is on the way up and truly breath taking. For it’s colonial style, it’s obvious connection to yesterday and it’s current purpose of offering writers a retreat. Being a writer I am totally in-love with the idea of a haven. A place to write whilst being frivolous and overlooking the harbour. 

You can’t drive all the way to the summit any more but you can walk, hike or stroll. Ie foot is the only way. Up the top you will be greeted by sweeping views to the east, north and west. To the south you have iconic views of Auckland although you need to veer past a few trees.

You can have a picnic on the old forts, while watching the clouds jump and jive overhead. 

Or you can share a chit chat with an old mate reminencising over times of old … waxing lyrically about childhood while your feet dangle over the edge of the old fortress. 

Exploring is lot of fun which is what makes this the perfect afternoon trip for a family or lovers or solo travellers.

2. Visit the Devonport library

Well blow me down, I have visited many libraries around the world but this library is amazing. 

Aside from being an architectural designer master piece it offers peace. 

Peace and an open air outlook over one of the most amazing bays in the world. 

It’s inspiring and has all the literature greats at your finger tips… all for free… waiting to be indulged.

I whittle away a few lustful moments reading the local rag and absorbing the view. 

Whilst not a “tourist” attraction I sincerely hope you visit this space. Especially if you have never been to a library before!

3. Walk along the foreshore

This is one of the oldest, loveliest foreshore walks in New Zealand. 

Beautiful trees, spaces, play grounds, picnic areas and Elizabeth House, make this a beautiful lazy afternoon walk. 

Grab a photo with your family – a real keep-stakes as the back ground of the azure waters of the harbour and the sky line of Auckland subside away. Truly beautiful. 

4. Lunch at the Esplanade Hotel

The Esplanade Hotel is such an iconic landmark. Built in 1857 the interior is everything you would expect from a timeless building.

We rock up on a Sunday and have the bowl of mussels done in white wine garlic and cream. Yes you guessed it! Something I will travel back for again and again and again. Especially at the end of the pier if the ferry from Auckland. It the perfect romantic escape and boys… it has a fire side! 

5.Visit an art gallery

Despite everyone assuming art is for the rich or eccentric art is an expression. There are many art galleries in davenport and all worth a Casual wander through. There are too many to name and in my personal (artist) opinion, sometimes it is better to waltz through art galleries than it is to visit one. See where your heart takes you. 

The Lawn

Reclining back, watching the last of another magic Balinese day, I giggle at the outlook of The Lawn. It is like a piece of Seminyak in Canggu. A little piece of glamour in the surf village.  I don’t mind it for a change but I know it wont’ become my local. I am still an “Old Man’s” gal!

The Lawn is impressive though.

Perched on the beach, tastefully hidden, and discrete, you can chill on reef mats, watching the sun set.

It is pseudo kid friendly with an infinity pool, chez lounges and a couple of bar areas.

The cocktails are fairly standard for Bali – good, still cheaper than most parts of the world. I was a little disappointed with the menu and food but that might because I had been spoilt for organic raw choice all day, and gorging on pizza really didn’t tick my fancy. I am sure many would love their American quasi global menu.

The Lawn in summary is definitely worth a sunset visit – it maybe your thing, but you won’t know until you have been there at least once!

 

Cagar Budaya Gianyar, Bali

This amazing temple is about thirty minutes drive from Ubud.

I didn’t know this temple existed until my latest visit to Bali (my 12th time in the last 3 years)!

It is so worth the visit.

The mere fact that the caved sanctuary was built  over 1000 years old makes this place a spiritual mecca.

Originally serving as a meditation school, the temple has recently been used for offerings from local farmers.

The incredible arches, reaching up to the sky give the place a surreal and natural ampitheatre.

The sound in the kings meditation dome is amazing. It is over the river and up behind the large wall alcoves.

There is no rush to pass through this temple and once you pass through the eager shop assistants you will be able to move through at your own pace.

I did some meditation in one of the alcoves and really relaxed in the beautiful grounds.

I can highly recommend this place. Oh – it does have a few steps (300+ apparently). Not a drama for most but definitely an issue if you don’t like steps.

P & O Cocktail mix classes

On board drinking experiences are they worth it?

If you like a wine or cocktail I think the tasting experiences are a must.

On the cruise I am doing there are a few days at sea which means forced rest and recouperation. I take this part of my life very seriously and aside from writing travel blogs, dipping in and out of the spa, I will always sign up for a few drinking experiences.

The wine tasting one is fantastic.

Wine tasting course on board the P & O Dawn Princes
Wine tasting course on board the P & O Dawn Princes

So often in life I feel wine is drunk not enjoyed. The wine tasting enables you to thoroughly enjoy the true experience of wine – the joi de vie, the elixir of the Gods. I love wine so slowing down to have some one walk me through each quality and aspect of the wine, the colour, the aroma, the palette and to tell me the story about the wine maker and his intent on creating the wine is like attending a liquid art gallery.

The ship often shares one or two high end bottles which are beautiful to enjoy. I highly rate the wine tasting, the random people you meet at your table and the funny staff.

A different liquid experience and equally as fun is the cocktail mixing hour. For a modest sum you can make 4 delicious cocktails , have some fun and consume them all!

I found it very enlightening and learned that you can infuse your own vodkas with anything from chillis, to fruit to chocolate eclairs! I also discovered that many cocktails made behind the bar include sugar syrup and explained many so called “hangovers” that hadn’t made sense in the past – now I know they were sugar crashes.

We made an expresso martini, a humming bird, a caprioska and a chocolate one….

Book your cruise here. 

The Vatican

The Vatican , as it is referred to, is a principality inside the city of Rome.

As the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, many make the pilgrimage here to pay honour to the home of the Pope and one of the strongest religions world wide.

Inside the grounds of the Vatican are the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Church (St. Peter’s Basilica) , St Peter’s Square and many museums.

This historical and religiously significant venue is best seen before ALL the crowds arrive. It is one of the most visited places in the world… with millions streaming through ever year.

The good news is the Sistine Chapel and church open really early in summer – usually 7-730am. I would suggest setting an alarm clock and being one of the first in queue. If you don’t want to leg it alone, definitely do a tour as you can jump the queues and this is well worth it otherwise you may spend an hour or two(!) in a line up which is plain exhausting.

The police of the Vatican are the Swiss Army and are a step back into medieval times with their kit and custom. They are friendly and don’t mind a photo but are on duty so don’t be a pest.

St Peter’s square is massive and surrounding the periphery are significant people from the Roman Empire. If the pope is in town and giving a sermon, it will be in this square.

For more events at the Vatican, check out the official website here. 

Waiheke Island New Zealand

Situated 40 mins by ferry from Auckland is the lovely island of Waiheke.

The population is about 9000 steady residents that swells to 45,000 in summer.

The scalloped wind-protected bays are delightful and on a sunny day shimmer in the light.

The ferries with Fullers leave pier 2 in Auckland Wharf every thirty minutes on the hour and  similarly the return ferries leave on the hour and every thirty mins. The full time table is here. 

The ferry serves wine so it’s a nice transition from the hustle and traffic of Auckland to the more peaceful, tranquil island living.

Finding an awesome place to stay for two nights, (plenty other options here),  my digs are called Studio 16 in the fun bay called Surfdale . 

From the studio, equipped with more than one needs for a two night escape, you can walk to the local Irish pub, Malones. Reknown for it’s Argintinies  and latinos (quite a few on the island now) you can find some fun.

From darts, to a pool table and on our first night there, the infamous drones of the Baby Boomas it’s a fun joint!

There’s a lot to do in Waiheke if you chose, or nothing to do. Your choice! 

I head for an afternoon of wine tasting – something the island is well known for: rose and reds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starting at Wild on Waiheke, we start with some samplers – all around $4 per taste. The winery is also a craft beer distillery and I am told they are excellent beers. The food looks amazing and if you want you can shoot a riffle (laser) or part take in archery.

Next door are two excellent vineyards – Tu Motu – which has some of the best (and most expensive) reds I have had in awhile and Stoneyridge .

Stoneyridge is my ideal way to spend a Sunday – funky cool tunes, relaxing outdoor al fresco sitting, wonderful wines and lovely views over the vineyards. We are there in winter and the winter’s sun catches the green of the valley in the most superb way – it glistens.

The only downside to the vineyards on the Sunday is the fact they all close at 4pm!

We miss out on the newer vineyard, which reportedly has been $35million in the making.

Eating out is fun, and we find many options in the town of Oneroa. If you head down a little alley way, bay side, towards, Sandbar you can find a funky little wine bar. The night we are there an acoustic guitar play keeps us entertained while we sip on lovely wines.

The Sandbar is nice and open and great for a drink – apparently they can get a crowd in there as well.

Upstairs is Vino Vino, an Italian restaurant that has a lovely balcony also over looking the bay. The food is OK but the view makes up for it… so best you go during the day or on sunset!

We have two nights in town and the first night eat at the Red Crab, the local Thai place. The foods is good, wines a good price. Not the most amazing Thai food but not bad either.

 

Across the road is the more elaborate Oyster Inn. With wide balconies, a great wine list and lots of seafood on the menu, it is a more romantic spot. We have the chilli fish curry (very hot) and the John Dory. Really GOOD! 

Other activities on the island include kayaking, stand up paddling all back at Maitati Bay where the ferry arrives. You can do lots of short walks around the island and bays as well as a 3km art route. We didn’t get to see much of the island’s art this visit but have been told it is a really thriving scene.

Transport around the island is easy – you will need a taxi from the ferry to most places – budget at least $30 NZD to get 5km. There is a good public transport bus which is only $3.50 per person, or shuttle buses also run regularly.

If you are planning on going, staying at least 2 nights, 3 would be ideal.

Alpine Hiking Mt Rigi

Switzerland offers many walking adventures, many accessible from trains, furniculars, cables and car.

Today we set off for a short 3 hours walk along Mt Rigi.

There is a car park at the bottom and three options for getting to the start of many walks. You can walk the entire way but you would need a day. The first part is very step. We choose to take the furnicular which is around 30 Swiss Francs return.

At the top you can switch off your mind and just follow the track. This is the start to many tracks but the main one is easy to follow and will take you to the summit of Mt Rigi.

The Swiss Alps start declaring themselves early on and are nothing short of breath-taking. It is hard to get one’s mind around the fact that the ones in front are 2000+ metres and the ones in the back ground are 4000 + plus. You really feel on top of the world, mingling with the clouds and gods.

There are plenty of things to see and do along the way. Cafes serving hot tea, wine, food are littered along the walking track.

Cows are taken to the hills in the summer and we are there on the last day they will inhabit the slopes until next summer. We are fortunate to witness the rounding up of the cows, with their big ding-dong, jingle bells as they are mustered to lower pasteurlands.

I love seeing this side of the world… traditional farming techniques that have worked for years and honoured season after season. It works, so why change it? And as my friend says, happy cows = happy milk.

The last part of the walk to the summit is step but very manageable with chairs scattered along the path to the top.

You can catch a train if you wish – the old carriages – some built in 1880 are reliable and comfortable.

At the top there are two dining options – a self serve buffet, or a sit down a la carte restaurant. Depending on the clouds, you will either get the most amazing pan views of the alps and valleys, or fluffy white clouds.

We opted for the self serve buffet and wine, then the train back to the starting point.

The train ride down is excellent and there are many opportunities to take photos of the lush forest. Towards the end there is a lovely waterfall on the right hand side of the train. If you have longer, you can walk down instead of catching the train.

We met a lady on the train who had done 58 walks in 4 months, so there are not shortage of walks not scenery. Have some fun, take a warm jacket and good walking shoes (sneakers are fine) and enjoy the magnificent views from the top of the world.

Europe – to plane, train or helicopter?

Helicopter

Well firstly whenever it’s an option take a helicopter.

It is the best way I know to travel.

Up in the air but close to the environment, a helicopter gives you an intimate connection with your surroundings.

I usually take the helicopter from Nice to Monaco and it is a 7 minute trip of a life time.

Or several life times if you travel there a lot. I use Heli Air Monaco but Monaco Air also as good.

Planes

Planes in Europe are easy, from budget to first class. Depending on where you want to go and how quickly you need to be there,  a plane makes great sense, especially if traveling across 2-3 countries.

There are many discounted websites to purchase tickets from, try www.skyscanner.com, www.webjet.com,  or www.Iknowthepilot.com

Trains

Ocaissionally catching a train will be quicker than a plane. But more importantly I find them quite convenient. You need to work out the time lag from getting to the airport, the check in procedure, boarding, the hassle of waiting for your bag to off load then getting to your hotel. Sometimes trains are more direct and quicker.

Today I have decided to take the train from Zurich to Rome as it is only 6 hours, and uses the fast train system. The scenery along the way is pretty and overall it is less stressful than catching a plane. It is actually cheaper than flying and I worked out it was about the same time, once you check in with an airline, flying, and disembarking. 

Weigh things up and you will often find in Europe a train is a better way to travel.

And remember, whenever helicopter is an option, take it!

The Art’s Cafe Roma

This restaurant caught my eye as the perfect place to sit and paint one afternoon.

View from the cafe

The food is reasonably priced but with most restaurants with world notable views, there are premium prices for everything, including drinking water. But it is worth it.

It is plum across from the Colosseum and for that reason alone worthy of a luncheon to fully suck in the Colosseums magnificence.

 

I find myself there on a beautiful autumn’s day and manage a front table. Arriving a little before 12 often means you can get the best seats in house.

 

 

 

The food from Arts Cafe Roma

Painting the Colosseum

Musee de l’ oceanigraphy and Palace Monaco

There are a few touristy things to do in Monaco.

Many of them a “must when in Monaco”.

I highly recommend the On and Off Bus with the audio and a trip to the palace and Musee de l’ oceanigraphy.

The bus gives you a good lay out of the land, and takes you to key points.

The audio (in many different languages explains the history of the Monagese, the Monach, the grand prix and takes you to heaps of fun venues.

I have been to Monte Carlo a few times but this is the first time to the Musee l’ Oceanigraphy. You know thinking I had seen all the aquariums in the world!

This was amazing.

Patting sharks

Patting sharks.

Incredible coral reef fish.

A turtle called Rani.

The jelly fish display is wonderful.

You can visit the Musee and Palace by foot by simply walking up the hill, or stopping off on the on and off bus.

I love the walk up to the palace, it weaves along the dramatic coast line and brings you closer to the wonderful area that it really is.

Today I am keen to do one thing – give Prince Albert one of my paintings, but visiting the musee and palace become a wonderful distraction and experience.

The Palace (home of the Grimaldis) is a world famous landmark. For over 500 years the family have lived in the castle which is also a palace. You can take a tour through the palace and see where Louis the King lived and how they experienced life. I was quite overwhelmed with the grandeuse of the palace, the gifts other countries had given to the family over the years and the fact it is still functional today.

Still used for entertaining and formal ocassions you walk along the marble tiles where many world dignaturies have walked, brushing along the curtains as they do. It brings home to me that we are all one species, one people.

I am informed to contact the soldiers, to pass my modest gift to Prince Albert. They take me to his body guards who sign me in and then graciously take me gift. The assure me that Princes Charlene and Prince Albert will receive my paintings and note.  A note that read simply as a piece of gratitude. Monaco is one of the safest places in the world, with CCTV on every corner, the whole town is under surveillance. As a women, I appreciate the safety it offers.

After visiting the palace I wander to the Oceanicgeographic not really expecting much to be honest. I few weeks ago I had been to Seaworld on the Gold Coast, which is somewhere I have been going to for years with the kids. Seaworld has a wonderful aquarium and interactive pools with animals that I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be impressed. Well, I didn’t have any expectations.  I was blown away!

Turn out the musee is very interactive – you can pat sharks, get close to large tanks and the jelly fish display is surreal.

I discovered many fish I had never seen before, was excited by the jelly fish display and got to talk with Rani the turtle (yes I talk with turtles)!.

It is a wonderful aquarium and museum and I think any visit to Monaco, especially if you have 2 days should include a visit.

And to my painting for Prince Albert – I am waiting an email from him, saying he has received it. I would dearly love to draw the royal family, or draw one of their favorite scenes and have it hung in Monte Carlo. Or maybe i will be their naturopath if not artist.