From A Paris Balcony - by Ernest Demnit
From a Paris Balcony by Ernest Dimnet - my review of a collection of essays with the most wonderful title. Published just over 100 years ago, Dimnet’s essays offer not only a window onto France and Europe at a time between the two World Wars, along with an insightful and esoteric commentary on a world now vanished.
A Day trip to Amédée Island
Amédée Island is a hidden gem in New Caledonia. With perfect blue skies, clear waters for swimming and snorkelling, plus fish, coral and sea turtles in abundance, Amédée Island makes the perfect day trip from Noumea.
Sunset in Florence
The colours of Florence are truly magical, and give stunning images of the city.
Lost on the Mekong Delta
Drifting up the Mekong ‘civilisation’ far away. Often all I could hear was the splash of a fish of the drone of a dragonfly, as if I’d entered a corner of paradise.
Unusual Brugges
Brugge or Bruges? Whatever the spelling, the city is a perfect place for wandering and getting lost, perhaps taking a tour along her many canals, exploring her wealth of museums, not to mention all the chocolate shops!
A Tale of Two Anatomy Theatres
Bologna University is the world’s oldest continuously teaching university with a stunning Anatomical Theatre filled with incredible art works. Padua University boasts the world’s first permanent anatomical dissection theatre, which is a stunning piece of design.
In the Footsteps of St Francis
Despite the number of tourists and pilgrims visiting daily, Assisi remains a place where the spirit of St Francis can still be found: pax et bonum, peace and goodwill.
The Farnese Hercules
The Farnese Hercules is a classic masterpiece in Naples’ Archeological Museum. A Roman copy of a bronze Greek statue created by in the 4th C BC, the statue depicts a weary Hercules leaning on his club, over which is draped the skin of the Nemean Lion. Behind his back Hercules holds the Apples of Hesperides, and so both the first and last of his twelve labours are represented.
Dolphins at Sunset.
Watching a pod of spinner dolphins play around us during a sunset cruise in the Maldives
Ayutthaya, Capital of Siam
Once the capital of Siam, Ayutthaya is peaceful place of ruined temples and meditating buddhas not far from Bangkok, Thailand. But beware of the elephants, who demand right of way!
The Taj Mahal at Dawn
The magic of the Taj Mahal is amplified with a dawn visit. Time it well to be the first person of the day inside, and for a few moments have the place to yourself.
Desperately Seeking Coffee
Exploring the history of coffee - while trying different brews around the world
The Marble Quarries of Carrara
The marble quarries above Carrara have been mined from before the Romans. Both the Roman Forum and Michelangelo’s David used marble from here.
A Traveller Not a Tourist in Rome
Visiting Rome can be exhausting - there is always more to see than time allows. Yet there’s much to do and see away from the usual tourist route, as well as hunting for the perfect coffee.