First Impressions

Clock Tower outside the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater

There are many words to describe my first impressions of Tbilisi, yet none of them quite capture the vibe of the Old Town or just how excited I am to be here.

Statues outside the Hotel Ambassadori

It’s still early and I have checked in to the Museum Hotel Orbeliani, dropped my bags and logged in to finalise a few last work emails before the long weekend really sets in. … Read the rest

Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile

Arc de Triomphe with the Le Départ sculpture visible on the right hand facade.

The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile (Triumphal Arch of the Star) is a must see in Paris.  Even if you don’t climb the 284 steps to the top, strolling up the Champs-Élysées as the 50 meter high French Revolutionary and Napoleonic War memorial comes into ever greater focus is memorable.    … Read the rest

Latin Quarter

Restaurant Au Port du Salut, Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques

The Latin Quarter in Paris is an area that takes in parts of the 5th and 6th Arrondissements on the Left Bank.  It is home to several higher learning entities, including the Sorbonne (the University of Paris), as well as lively bistros, shopping and of course the Pantheon.… Read the rest

La Tour Eiffel

La Tour Eiffel

Sigh!! My first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel) in Pairs.  We arrived in Paris yesterday and had an early night last night in anticipation of getting to the Eiffel Tower early this morning.  It’s a bit of a Metro ride but we’ve made it. … Read the rest

15th Arrondissement

Max Poilâne patisserie & boulangerie

Our 10am booking for the Eurostar to Paris was a sensible choice.  We are staying with Claire in the 15th Arrondissement and as I rise to my 6:30am alarm and rouse the boys from the cartoon channel, which has likely been on for a while already, I’m resigned to a long day ahead. … Read the rest

Villa Borghese

Tempio di Esculapio across the lake in Villa Borghese

If there’s one thing Italy does well (after gelato), it’s Villas.  Villa d’Este was a fantastic example of this, Villa Borghese is another.  Whilst the Palazzos and Castellos are interesting and impressive, the villa gives way from the regal, political and military to a more laid back take on Italian lifestyle, architecture and the outdoors, namely a garden. … Read the rest