One develops an image of what a place will be like from reading and hearsay. Inevitably this image is what a place used to be once upon a time and, as the world becomes more global, so everywhere becomes more of the same. The unique image one visualizes is no more. So it is for…
Looking out from the tall buildings in La Defense I try to to understand what makes Paris so beautiful. The Montmartre, that ethereal all white church, glistens in the early morning light – perfectly positioned on the top of the hill overlooking Paris. The exquisite historical buildings maintain their majesty and their presence in balance…
Hanoi is unlike my expectations. I thought it would be a lovely French Colonial city with beautiful architecture, quiet and peaceful. Well, Hanoi is first and foremost an Asian city … busy … bustling … scooters everywhere hooting constantly to make their presence known, street upon street of shops selling their wares – do they…
Today Buenos Aires is not all pretty, it is also poor. The gracious buildings, the vibrant music around every corner, the delicious food and superb wines, as well as the dignity of the people in their poverty, have captured by heart. From the air Buenos Aires reminds me of Asian cities of years ago – lots…
“Lakemba”, you say. “Where is that? Is it South … or West? What is there? Muslims, violence, gangs, scary stuff.” Driven by challenging geography and an inadequate road system, Sydney is a city of small communities where it is rare to cross from one community to another. Sydneysiders are intrepid world travellers and yet we…
