The sounds of abras gliding over the winding waterways turn into music. Over the tent-filled terrace, the full moon casts a silvery light while the majestic Burj Al Arab hotel rising from the Arabian Gulf puts on a spectacle of colour and light. This is not a mirage. Shoo Fee Ma Fee is a Moroccan [...]

During our trip to Sicily, a last minute change of plans had us spending 24 hours in Palermo. There was little time to look for accommodation and we needed a hotel that was relatively inexpensive but comfortable. Since we were arriving by bus from Mazara del Vallo and there was a stop near Teatro Politeama, [...]

Tchak Tchak Tchak That’s the sound of the coppersmiths at work as you approach Khan Al Nahasin, the copper market in Aleppo. Tchak Tchak Tchak. Your footsteps on the cobblestones echo their rhythm. The Aleppian khan or souk dates back to the 16th century when it was the epicentre of copper trade in the Syrian [...]

When it comes to quality produce, there are two adjectives that weave their magic and elevate simple food to a higher level: seasonal and regional. Two simple concepts that are becoming rare in some parts of the world where we willingly exchange flavour for year round availability. But not in Italy. In the Sicilian town [...]

This is a guest post by Craig C. 1. Watching dozens of brown bears (some only metres from our viewing platform) catching leaping salmon (and fighting for the best fishing spots) at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. 2. White-water rafting (with Class V rapids) at Six Mile Creek (which is neither a creek nor [...]

When it comes to accommodation in Paris, we are drawn to the 6ème arrondissement. The left bank area surrounding boulevard saint-germain has somewhat become our second home. Rich in café life, some favourite restaurants, bars, even a fresh market, this an area Paris that makes us feel less of a visitor and more of a [...]

If you’re looking to impress a visitor to Sydney and show them icons beyond the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, take a drive to the north side. The Newport Arms hotel is a prime spot to enjoy a causal meal by the water in a location that would make Sydneysiders fall in love with their [...]