Egmont
National Park, covering over 33,000 hectares on Mt Egmont
/ Taranaki is home to several drives and walks. One of the
most popular destinations of the National Park is Dawson
Falls - a most enjoyable drive
up the mountain and through Egmont National Park. Dawson
Falls themselves, although popular, are surprisingly secluded
- perhaps on account of the less-than steady steps on the
way down. While the steps on many of the Swiss mountains
may be much better maintained, they lack the charecter and
charm of walking through native bush and, of course, that
elusive "untouched" bush feel. The waterfalls?
Well, watch the video and see for yourself .........
I don't mean this in a disparing way, but the drive down from
Dawson Falls was even better than the drive
up. Bar getting out of the car park, I didn't touch the
gas peddle at all until I got to the base of the mountain -
gravity just did all the work (and the limit!) for me. Probably
the most effortless scenic drive I've ever had!
Naturally, the drive back to Stratford took me through some
of the finest dairy country in the world - and it shows. I
have to admit that driving Taranaki is one of the great pleasures
in life.
Dominating the skyline of the Taranaki region of New Zealand
is Mount Taranaki itself. Home to Egmont
National Park which covers over 33,000 hectares, Mt Egmont
(as Mt Taranaki is also known) is also home to several drives
around the base of the mountain as well as some routes through
the national park. However, one of the best
drives on the mountain is the drive upto Dawson Falls. The
drive through native bush opens up at the Department of Conservation
Office and car park which affords excellent views of South
Taranaki.
On our visit to Rotorua, we visited the Tamaki Maori Village - a well oiled machine displaying Maori culture and ways-of-life.
Arriving in our wakas (aka coaches), we were coached for this
fine display where our elected "chiefs" were met with a challenge
of peace by the resident Maori. Intimidating though these fine
young gentlemen are, once the challenge of peace is accepted
- our "chiefs" were welcomed by the chief of the village and
they were led into the village itself. We followed our chiefs
in to be treated to various (interactive) demonstrations of
Maori games, a Haka, weapons and, of course, a Hangi meal.
Yes, it's the great conveyor belt of tourism. But it's good
fun too.
Each year Zürich city
hosts the Sechselaeuten festival in the centre of the city.
A cortege or parade through the city culminates at 18:00
at Sechselaeutenplatz with the burning of the Böögg.
The quicker he burns, the longer and hotter the summer will
be and, conversly, the longer he takes to burn, the shorter
and colder summer will be.
On Tuesday night of the Basler Fasnacht, the Guggemusik
troups parade through the squares of Claraplatz, Marktplatz
and Barfüsserplatz in central Basel. Each troupe plays
its own set of tunes - including classics from Abba and Chuck
Berry as you've never heard them before!
Fasnacht is
the most important date in the Basel calendar
and one of the the best times to visit the cultural capital
of Switzerland.
72-hours of festivities commence at 4am on Monday morning
with Morgenstreich, a procession of lanterns and piccolo
players, through the streets of Basels Old Town. I know early
morning in Feburary in Basel can be cold but get to Marktplatz
or Barfusserplatz early (3am-ish) to get yourself the best
place.
Pick up some Mehlsuppe (a traditional flour soup) to keep
yourself warm.
I hate flying. I'm not a nervous flyer. I just don't like
it. It's boring. This, on the other hand, was a bl00dy marvellous
flight. The best flight I've done in years. No, it was the
best flight ever.
In spite of the odd bit of turbulence, the pristine blue
sky made for view over
the mountains and flight throguh the fjord were worth
every penny.
I picked the flight up from Queenstown (Actually, they picked
me up and brought me to the airport) having made the reservation
through the local
i-Site - who stock a whole heap of Milford flight options.
Fasnacht is
the most important date in the Basel calendar
and one of the the best times to visit the cultural capital
of Switzerland.
72-hours of festivities commence at 4am on Monday morning
with Morgenstreich, a procession of lanterns and piccolo
players, through the streets of Basels Old Town. I know early
morning in Feburary in Basel can be cold but get to Marktplatz
or Barfusserplatz early (3am-ish) to get yourself the best
place.
Pick up some Mehlsuppe (a traditional flour soup) to keep
yourself warm.
This band, with a penchant for English tunes, dressed in
the uniforms of the Chelsea Pensioners sported Union Jacks
on their left arms - each emblazened with their bands motif.
Saturday in Luzerner Fasnacht (or Carnival) sees bands wandering through the Lucerne Old Town often taking up position in one of the many historic squares. More often than not, the squares are also full of other participants, Fasnacht revellers and a convivial atmosphere.
In common with other Carnivals around Switzerland, Luzerner Fasnacht boasts its fair share of troups playing an assortment of catchy tunes processing around the old town. Many are made up of brass members and some drummers.
Transiting through Singapore usually involves hanging around
for a few hours and, delightful though Singapore Airport
is, it can be a bit tedious. Which is why, after our
last trip to New Zealand, we decided to take advantage
of the free
coach tour of Singapore provided at the airport which
included a short stop at a local temple. The two-hour tours
depart from Terminals Two and Three. They're clearly signposted
in the terminals.
Driving is one of the great
pleasures of New Zealand. New Zealand has one of those
great combinations of beautiful landscape and sparse population.
Which means you get great expanses of road more or less
to yourself. With scenery like this - why would you want
anyone else around ruining it for you anyway?
Music is a regular feature of the Fêtes des Vendanges in Neuchâtel - which is an excellent accompaniment to the selection of local wine.
Bands are dotted around the town many playing tents others, like this one, playing on the steps of local buildings through the town. An Irish band played in a tent on the opposite of the street from where this band was playing.
An abundance of music, including Guggenmusik, is an essential, effervescent and highly enjoyable part of the Fêtes des Vendanges and it really adds to the atmosphere of the place.
The centre is, pretty much, Chengdus answer
to the Eiffel Tower as its biggest tourist draw. But its
definately worth the visit.
Visiting before 10:00 am (shortly after feeding time) and,
preferably, before the temprature reaches 24 degrees centigrade
when Pandas prefer to sleep indoors. The centre is home to
both adult and cub pandas as well as the "Red Panda" which
is a much smaller bear.
One of the best preserved temples in China, six
beautiful halls are aligned on an axis through the temple
complex. The Temple is also home to an excellent vegetarian
restaurant, gardens and tea rooms - which are an excellent
way to wile away some hours.
Although one of the main tourist spots in Chengdu, most
of the visitors where local Chinese visitors which gave us
a sense that we were visiting "real" China. Many
locals visited with their families and children - the kids
seemed fascinated by the "strangers in town."
Totality at Hangzhou was
somewhat of a let down with clouds obscuring the eclipse
throughout. We didn't even see any of the partial phases.
This was, however, the darkest eclipse I've been present
for.
It's a real shame that the longest eclipse of our lives
was clouded out - but that's the way it goes. Hopefully it'll
be better for the 2012
eclipse in Queensland.
The Grand
Buddha at Leshan is one of the highlights of our trip
to China. Standing at 71 meters in height - it's the
tallest statue of Buddha in the world after the Bamyan
Buddhas were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.
Whats amazing, apart from the sheer scale of the statue,
is that the statue was carved in Red Sandstone - which is
very vulnerable to the elements. An extensive drainage system
and that the statue is set in the cliff face (rather
than on) it have helped to preseve this wonderful
place of pilgrmage.
Several carvings dot the cliff face along the steps to the
feet of Buddha - which is where he is most imposing.
From the boat it's possible to really appreciate the size
and scale of the project undertaken 1,300 years ago.
The Potala Palace in Lhasa is
probably one of the worlds most iconic and distinctive buildings.
Thirteen stories in two palaces (the Red Palace for religous
affairs and White Palace for political affairs) sit atop
a hill.
Comprised of 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues,
the Potala Palace was the primary residence of the Dalai
Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled into exile in Dharamsala,
India.
The Maglev or Magnetic Levitation train runs from the suburbs
of Shanghai to
Shanghai Pudong Airport at speeds upto 431 kph. This view
is from an early evening train where speed restrictions apply
- but we did reach a top speed of 300 kph.
It's amazing to travel at such speeds without a driver or
seat belts and, at times, somewhat unnerving - especially
when running alongside the motorway and cars appear to be
going backwards.
Fasnacht is the most important date in Basel calendar and, in my opinion, the best time to visit the city regarded as the cultural capital of Switzerland.
Morgenstreich kicks off 72-hours of festivities at 4am on Monday morning with a procession of lanterns and piccolo players through the streets of Basels Old Town. Cold Feburary mornings aren't usually very appealing but get to to Marktplatz or Barfusserplatz early (3am-ish) to bag yourself the best vantage point.
Pick up some Mehlsuppe (a traditional flour soup) to keep yourself warm.
Recent travel videos
Mt Taranaki - walk down to Dawsons Falls
Egmont National Park, covering over 33,000 hectares on Mt Egmont / Taranaki is home to several drives and walks. One of the most popular destinations of the National Park is Dawson Falls - a most enjoyable drive up the mountain and through Egmont National Park. Dawson Falls themselves, although popular, are surprisingly secluded - perhaps on account of the less-than steady steps on the way down. While the steps on many of the Swiss mountains may be much better maintained, they lack the charecter and charm of walking through native bush and, of course, that elusive "untouched" bush feel. The waterfalls? Well, watch the video and see for yourself .........
Mt Taranaki - Dawson Falls to Stratford
I don't mean this in a disparing way, but the drive down from Dawson Falls was even better than the drive up. Bar getting out of the car park, I didn't touch the gas peddle at all until I got to the base of the mountain - gravity just did all the work (and the limit!) for me. Probably the most effortless scenic drive I've ever had!
Naturally, the drive back to Stratford took me through some of the finest dairy country in the world - and it shows. I have to admit that driving Taranaki is one of the great pleasures in life.
Mt Taranaki - drive up to Dawsons Falls
Dominating the skyline of the Taranaki region of New Zealand is Mount Taranaki itself. Home to Egmont National Park which covers over 33,000 hectares, Mt Egmont (as Mt Taranaki is also known) is also home to several drives around the base of the mountain as well as some routes through the national park. However, one of the best drives on the mountain is the drive upto Dawson Falls. The drive through native bush opens up at the Department of Conservation Office and car park which affords excellent views of South Taranaki.
Rotorua - Tamaki Maori Village
On our visit to Rotorua, we visited the Tamaki Maori Village - a well oiled machine displaying Maori culture and ways-of-life.
Arriving in our wakas (aka coaches), we were coached for this fine display where our elected "chiefs" were met with a challenge of peace by the resident Maori. Intimidating though these fine young gentlemen are, once the challenge of peace is accepted - our "chiefs" were welcomed by the chief of the village and they were led into the village itself. We followed our chiefs in to be treated to various (interactive) demonstrations of Maori games, a Haka, weapons and, of course, a Hangi meal.
Yes, it's the great conveyor belt of tourism. But it's good fun too.
Zürich - Sechseläuten 2011
Each year Zürich city hosts the Sechselaeuten festival in the centre of the city. A cortege or parade through the city culminates at 18:00 at Sechselaeutenplatz with the burning of the Böögg. The quicker he burns, the longer and hotter the summer will be and, conversly, the longer he takes to burn, the shorter and colder summer will be.
Basel - Guggemusik at Basler Fasnacht 2011
On Tuesday night of the Basler Fasnacht, the Guggemusik troups parade through the squares of Claraplatz, Marktplatz and Barfüsserplatz in central Basel. Each troupe plays its own set of tunes - including classics from Abba and Chuck Berry as you've never heard them before!
Basel - Morgenstreich at Basler Fasnacht 2011
Fasnacht is the most important date in the Basel calendar and one of the the best times to visit the cultural capital of Switzerland.
72-hours of festivities commence at 4am on Monday morning with Morgenstreich, a procession of lanterns and piccolo players, through the streets of Basels Old Town. I know early morning in Feburary in Basel can be cold but get to Marktplatz or Barfusserplatz early (3am-ish) to get yourself the best place.
Pick up some Mehlsuppe (a traditional flour soup) to keep yourself warm.
Geneva - Drummers at L'Escalade
Flight over Milford Sound, New Zealand
I hate flying. I'm not a nervous flyer. I just don't like it. It's boring. This, on the other hand, was a bl00dy marvellous flight. The best flight I've done in years. No, it was the best flight ever.
In spite of the odd bit of turbulence, the pristine blue sky made for view over the mountains and flight throguh the fjord were worth every penny.
I picked the flight up from Queenstown (Actually, they picked me up and brought me to the airport) having made the reservation through the local i-Site - who stock a whole heap of Milford flight options.
Basel - Morgenstreich at Basler Fasnacht 2010
Fasnacht is the most important date in the Basel calendar and one of the the best times to visit the cultural capital of Switzerland.
72-hours of festivities commence at 4am on Monday morning with Morgenstreich, a procession of lanterns and piccolo players, through the streets of Basels Old Town. I know early morning in Feburary in Basel can be cold but get to Marktplatz or Barfusserplatz early (3am-ish) to get yourself the best place.
Pick up some Mehlsuppe (a traditional flour soup) to keep yourself warm.
Solothurner Fasnacht Cortege 2010
16 Feb 2010
Today, I attended, for the first time, the Solothurner Fasnacht. I've long been a fan of Solothurn - Switzerlands finest baroque city.
I've attended the Fasnacht celebrations in Luzern this year and in Basel over the years and found the Soloturner Fasnacht Cortege to be one of the most convivial of the three. Although the Basler Morgenstreich remains, by far, the most unique.
Luzerner Fasnacht 2010 - a band playing in the Old Town
On the Saturday of Luzerner Fasnacht various bands roam the streets, restaurants and bars of the old town of Lucerne.
This band, with a penchant for English tunes, dressed in the uniforms of the Chelsea Pensioners sported Union Jacks on their left arms - each emblazened with their bands motif.
Luzerner Fasnacht 2010 - band playing in an Old Town Square
Saturday in Luzerner Fasnacht (or Carnival) sees bands wandering through the Lucerne Old Town often taking up position in one of the many historic squares. More often than not, the squares are also full of other participants, Fasnacht revellers and a convivial atmosphere.
Luzerner Fasnacht 2010 - procession of music
In common with other Carnivals around Switzerland, Luzerner Fasnacht boasts its fair share of troups playing an assortment of catchy tunes processing around the old town. Many are made up of brass members and some drummers.
Singapore - 5 minute video
19th January 2010
Transiting through Singapore usually involves hanging around for a few hours and, delightful though Singapore Airport is, it can be a bit tedious. Which is why, after our last trip to New Zealand, we decided to take advantage of the free coach tour of Singapore provided at the airport which included a short stop at a local temple. The two-hour tours depart from Terminals Two and Three. They're clearly signposted in the terminals.
Driving through New Zealand
Driving is one of the great pleasures of New Zealand. New Zealand has one of those great combinations of beautiful landscape and sparse population. Which means you get great expanses of road more or less to yourself. With scenery like this - why would you want anyone else around ruining it for you anyway?
I must goto New Zealand more often.
Neuchâtel - Guggenmusik @ Fêtes des Vendanges 2009
Music is a regular feature of the Fêtes des Vendanges in Neuchâtel - which is an excellent accompaniment to the selection of local wine.
Bands are dotted around the town many playing tents others, like this one, playing on the steps of local buildings through the town. An Irish band played in a tent on the opposite of the street from where this band was playing.
An abundance of music, including Guggenmusik, is an essential, effervescent and highly enjoyable part of the Fêtes des Vendanges and it really adds to the atmosphere of the place.
Chengdu - cubs playing at the Breeding and Research Centre
We we fortunate enough to see these three cubs playing together at our visit to the Chengdu Panda Research and Breeding Centre.
The centre is, pretty much, Chengdus answer to the Eiffel Tower as its biggest tourist draw. But its definately worth the visit.
Visiting before 10:00 am (shortly after feeding time) and, preferably, before the temprature reaches 24 degrees centigrade when Pandas prefer to sleep indoors. The centre is home to both adult and cub pandas as well as the "Red Panda" which is a much smaller bear.
Chengdu - video clip of the Wenshu Temple
The Wenshu Temple in Chengdu was one of the greatest highlights of our trip to China.
One of the best preserved temples in China, six beautiful halls are aligned on an axis through the temple complex. The Temple is also home to an excellent vegetarian restaurant, gardens and tea rooms - which are an excellent way to wile away some hours.
Although one of the main tourist spots in Chengdu, most of the visitors where local Chinese visitors which gave us a sense that we were visiting "real" China. Many locals visited with their families and children - the kids seemed fascinated by the "strangers in town."
Hangzhou - 2009 eclipse totality
Totality at Hangzhou was somewhat of a let down with clouds obscuring the eclipse throughout. We didn't even see any of the partial phases.
This was, however, the darkest eclipse I've been present for.
It's a real shame that the longest eclipse of our lives was clouded out - but that's the way it goes. Hopefully it'll be better for the 2012 eclipse in Queensland.
Leshan - video clip of the Giant Buddha
The Grand Buddha at Leshan is one of the highlights of our trip to China. Standing at 71 meters in height - it's the tallest statue of Buddha in the world after the Bamyan Buddhas were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.
Whats amazing, apart from the sheer scale of the statue, is that the statue was carved in Red Sandstone - which is very vulnerable to the elements. An extensive drainage system and that the statue is set in the cliff face (rather than on) it have helped to preseve this wonderful place of pilgrmage.
Several carvings dot the cliff face along the steps to the feet of Buddha - which is where he is most imposing.
From the boat it's possible to really appreciate the size and scale of the project undertaken 1,300 years ago.
Lhasa - façade of the Potala Palace
The Potala Palace in Lhasa is probably one of the worlds most iconic and distinctive buildings. Thirteen stories in two palaces (the Red Palace for religous affairs and White Palace for political affairs) sit atop a hill.
Comprised of 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues, the Potala Palace was the primary residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled into exile in Dharamsala, India.
Shanghai Maglev - 8 minutes looking out the window of the Maglev
The Maglev or Magnetic Levitation train runs from the suburbs of Shanghai to Shanghai Pudong Airport at speeds upto 431 kph. This view is from an early evening train where speed restrictions apply - but we did reach a top speed of 300 kph.
It's amazing to travel at such speeds without a driver or seat belts and, at times, somewhat unnerving - especially when running alongside the motorway and cars appear to be going backwards.
Basel - Politics and Piccolos: Morgenstreich at Basler Fasnacht 2009
Fasnacht is the most important date in Basel calendar and, in my opinion, the best time to visit the city regarded as the cultural capital of Switzerland.
Morgenstreich kicks off 72-hours of festivities at 4am on Monday morning with a procession of lanterns and piccolo players through the streets of Basels Old Town. Cold Feburary mornings aren't usually very appealing but get to to Marktplatz or Barfusserplatz early (3am-ish) to bag yourself the best vantage point.
Pick up some Mehlsuppe (a traditional flour soup) to keep yourself warm.
Liestal - Chienbäse, the video 2009