Car horns, 20 million different sounding car horns, coming discordantly from all directions. The call to prayer echoing out from the hundreds of minarets in this 'city of spires'. The hawkers selling their wares on each and every corner (trying desperately to persuade tourists to look in their stores). The meowing of cats, the clucking of chickens and the clip-clop of donkey or horses hooves. The locals calling out to each other in their Arabic tongue, shouting out greetings or admonishments mid-argument, with arms gesturing wildly as discussions grew more heated. The locals calling out to us, some in kind greeting and some making jibes, presumably about my seeming lack of modesty and 'loose' western ways. This was the urban symphony on the streets of Cairo in all its ferocity and deliciousness. We arrived into the ... read more

It's been 3 years since I first stayed in Venice for Carnivale and I vowed back then I would definitely return to enjoy once more the party and spectacle that Carnivale is. After two failed attempts, this year my friend Claire and I got ourselves into gear and headed to this mystical city for 3 wonderful Venetian nights. Despite this being my third visit to Venice, arriving at the Grand Canal was every bit as magical as the first time I saw it. On this occasion, Claire and I found ourselves desperately seeking shelter from the heavy rain that was falling, all the while cursing ourselves for failing to come prepared for all weather conditions. Despite being sopping wet, with raindrops also marking our paper map to our hotel, I still couldn't help but smile at ... read more

Heralding in my 30th year on this planet, Adam and I headed to Dusseldorf for a celebratory weekend. I have to say I was nervous about travelling. The night before our flight, we'd not booked any accommodation as neither of us was wholly committed to setting foot on the plane the following day. Thoughts of being stranded in Germany were completely clouding my vision. But alas the next day we 'sucked it up' and set off. We needn't have been worried. The travels that followed were as hassle free and as seamless as any we've ever experienced to date. The flight was perfect-perfect departure, perfect arrival, perfect transport connection to the city centre. It was so easy it was almost unnerving. We kept looking at each other waiting for something to go wrong. Instead, we found ... read more

Sleigh bells ring...are you listening? Do you hear what I hear? From the official 'turning on of the lights' (orchestrated by some B-grade British celebrity) to the first cup of mulled wine, I can't help but be overcome by all things Christmassy. Oh yes, Christmas time is here again and I am filled with festive cheer. I find Christmas very different on this side of the world. In Australia, I typically embrace the Christmas season with summer evening gatherings with loved ones ranging from BBQs at home to al fresco dining in our favourite restaurants. I rush about air conditioned shopping centres, dreading the moment when I return to my car which has baked in the sunshine and heat. I struggle to avoid burning my fingers on the steering wheel as I try to keep on ... read more

Its a fallacy to say that it does naught but rain in the UK. This is of course not the case-it's only true on most occasions! But on those rare days when the sun does shine and the sky is blue, England for me becomes a bewitching place of sparkling beauty. It just doesn't happen quite often enough for my liking! The other truly annoying thing is that even on those occasions when the sun does shine, there's often no opportunity to enjoy it as one is caught up with everyday commitments and isn't at liberty to declare a personal holiday simply to go outside and dance in the sunlight. I've spent many a weekday staring out the window from my desk willing some sudden announcement that work today is cancelled and everyone must leave immediately. ... read more