takingyoutoplacesyouveneverbeen

WATKIN STREET, WHO KNEW?

Yes, I realise it wasn’t lost, but people living just a few blocks away are unaware of its existence, so, perhaps a more accurate description would be “overlooked”. It’s maybe a reflection of the inner suburbs of Sydney that people seemingly aren’t that interested in either the historic architecture or the large bodyContinue reading ” WATKIN STREET, WHO KNEW?”

CONTRAST

I know a man called Maurice. He is very French, even if you didn’t know, his thick accent is a giveaway. His speech is also rapid; he tells stories. You could learn more in his bike shop than watching the news for a whole week and it would be a lot more colourful. However, theyContinue reading “CONTRAST”

THE OH SHIT BYWAY

I’d corresponded with someone on the internet about the Burr Trail. He said to make an effort to do it. So, as I sat in the hotel room in Torrey, knowing I’d already gone past the turnoff yesterday, a decision was made to go back. The skies were still overcast, blue skies notably in absentiaContinue reading “THE OH SHIT BYWAY”

FIRE IN THE EYES

I’d read good reports about it but hadn’t really done a lot of research. I’d copied out details of what to see and I moved out as soon as I had the car rental keys in my hand. The road north from Las Vegas is straight and, when you turn off after just over 50Continue reading ” FIRE IN THE EYES”

THE HEATHLAND – BEYOND HOLLYWOOD

Having researched the location I picked something I would remember, Hollywood Street, no boulevard here. The street I wanted was two past that. I’d chosen not to use google maps in order to save batteries, don’t want to run low while I’m taking photographs. The Princes Highway was busy despite lockdowns so I gratefully turnedContinue reading “THE HEATHLAND – BEYOND HOLLYWOOD”

WITH FRONDS LIKE THESE, WHO NEEDS ANEMONES

“What’s that blue thing?” People had texted me after I sent the photo out. Truth is, that’s exactly what I said when I saw it. The Eight-armed Sea Star (Meridiastra calcar) is, according to some sites, quite common and its colours can vary greatly. It’s omnivorous so living in a rock pool offers many opportunities,Continue reading ” WITH FRONDS LIKE THESE, WHO NEEDS ANEMONES”

THE HEIGHTS

The now famous Waterfall Way between Bellingen and Armidale is rightly becoming a “must-do” for Aussie travellers. There’s a tendency however to do the most famous three or four and overlook the rest, not to mention other attractions. A well-produced new brochure has hopefully gone some of the way to rectify that and make forContinue reading “THE HEIGHTS”

NOT ALL CATHEDRALS ARE CREATED EQUAL

Chartres was the goal, the “jewel in the crown of Gothic architecture”. We’d left Charles du Gaulle airport in record time, heading south in a rented Opel that smelt like a 50’s pub in Oz. It absolutely reeked of cigarette and, had it been easy to turn around and go back, we would have returnedContinue reading “NOT ALL CATHEDRALS ARE CREATED EQUAL”

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

I remember saying several times before we left, “We’re going to Cinque Torri”. Invariably, the reply would be, “Oh, Cinque Terre, that’s nice, we’ve been there.” It’s perhaps a reflection on how tourism works. Some place gets a name, the busloads start coming and, presto, everybody has either been or is going to go there.Continue reading “UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL”

LIFE ON THE ROCKS

I’d picked up some lunch from Bakers Delight. A cold pizza and an almond scroll to be precise. Now, while the westerly invaded every space, a rocky perch was found with a modicum of protection and I sat down to savour the sea; to become immersed in its rhythms, to see foam lurching above theContinue reading “LIFE ON THE ROCKS”