It’s a beautiful, if a little crisp, Bristol morning. We’re off to Kings Western for the junior park run. My friend Alison used to run these in Brisbane when Miranda and Jasper were little, now it’s the children’s turn.… Read the rest
Kings Weston
Balloons Over Bristol
“Come to Bristol in August when the Balloon Festival is on” my friend, Alison invites. At least I hope she did because we’re here now. It’s early morning and the household is still quiet. I stir Jasper & Miranda awake and we dress as quietly as we can.… Read the rest
Villa d’Este
The alarm rouses me from sleep for a day at Villa d’Este and the first thing I feel is my aching feet, sore from a couple of weeks of walking. Not that I don’t like walking, I do, I like it a lot, especially when exploring new and wonderful places.… Read the rest
Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo is an impressive building. From its perch on the entrance to Naploli, it stands guard over the Gulf of Naples almost as impressive as Mount Vesuvius on the other side of the city. Certainly as proud, almost as formidable. … Read the rest
Santa Chiara
Nestled just off Naples’ bustling Spaccanapoli, Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara unfolds as a testament to Gothic resilience and Franciscan simplicity. Instantly I find this place both overwhelming and incredible. Like a little walled world of its own, it must have been even more so, a haven from the outside world, during periods of Napoli’s unsettled past.… Read the rest
Messina
Messina. Another glorious day, another glorious port. After feeling that I missed out in Valetta yesterday, I am well equipped for today and have a trail planned out. This pivots around being in the city’s main square at midday to see the clock chime 12pm and the mechanical performance that enshews.… Read the rest
Valetta, Malta
I am utterly unprepared for the delights that Valetta, the capital of Malta, has to offer. I have heard of the beauty of the Greek Islands, the party scene and endless nights that Ibiza has to offer but I seem to have missed Malta altogether. … Read the rest
Chania
We’re in Crete! We have brought the boys with us to Chania for the day and I have, as usual, a full itinerary to get through. It’s perhaps a little ambitious but, with a promise of ice cream a the end, let’s see how we go.… Read the rest
Santorini
The blue of the sky and the sea as I emerge from below deck to the dazzling sunshine stuns me momentarily. I blink a few times and Santorini is before me. Can this really be?
The harbour is almost unnoticeable, hidden in plain sight at the bottom of the cliffs.… Read the rest
Palace of the Grand Master
Facade – Palace of the Grand Master
At the top of the Avenue of the Knights in the magnificent medieval city of Rhodes, sits the Palace of the Grand Master of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. … Read the rest