Temple of Heaven: Circular Mound Altar

Temple of Heaven – Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

The Temple of Heaven Park is a vast green space in the heart of Beijing. It has the not-so-green Temple of Heaven, including its Circular Mound Altar structure as its centerpiece.  … Read the rest

Hutongs

Hutongs

This feels like the real deal. It’s drizzling and I’m finally out.  In China.  The real China.  Old certainly meets new here in the Hutongs (narrow street) district where neon sits beside hundreds of year old buildings. These are now protected as the old town historic district. … Read the rest

Eye Spy

Eye Spy

For many people, whale watching is a bucket-list experience, something to tick off once in a lifetime. Off the coast of Brisbane, Australia, we’re lucky enough to enjoy this spectacle for nearly six months each year with the help of Eye Spy.… Read the rest

Tokyo In 12 Hours

Sensoji main building & gardens
Sensoji main building & gardens

Tokyo in 12 hours! Not ideal, but it’s all I have. I’m on a stopover on the way home and have been awake for 24 hours already. Having left the UK yesterday and now landed in Tokyo early this morning, I have a mere twelve hours to explore.… Read the rest

Stowe Gardens & Cambridge, A Weekend With Ricky & Claire

Cambridge

My time in London feels like it is disappearing much too quickly, like water down the drain without a plug, I am helpless to slow it down. Work is busy and demanding and just trying to keep up with everything some days (like today!)… Read the rest

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle

I love this stuff! Leeds Castle lies 5 miles (7.8 km) southeast of Maidstone, Kent, England, and dates back to 1119, though a manor house stood on the same site from the 9th century. The castle and grounds lie to the east of the village of Leeds, Kent, which should not be confused with the city of Leeds in West Yorkshire.… Read the rest

A Tour of Bath, Stonehenge and Winchester

Me at Stonehenge

After an excellent night at El Rincon Latino last night and some tragic late night karaoke, the morning dawned bright. The same cannot be said for me. Still, I made it onto the bus for my tour of Bath, Stonehenge & Winchester.… Read the rest

Troyes

Troyes

Heading to Troyes after our beautiful stay in Auxerre, but at the same time having been overwhelmed by all the old towns and historic sights, we spot an Outlet Centre on the way into town. Stopping for a quick rest and a stretch of the legs our mornings’ shopping quickly turns into the best part of the day.… Read the rest

Marché des Halles

Marché des Halles

Troyes’ Marché des Halles is a historic local produce market located in the heart of Troyes old town, a picturesque city in the Champagne region of northeastern France. The markets are well known for their vibrant atmosphere and role as a central hub for local commerce.… Read the rest