Wellington is well suited for walking around its major cultural experiences. Several important museums and galleries are strung along the waterfront, adjacent to the downtown area, or are just a block or two back from there, while others are a kilometre or so further away. Start at Te Papa on the waterfront, not just because it’s the biggest and most interesting, but also … [Read more...] about Cruising the Capital’s cultural classics
Culture
Chicago colourful, contradictory and very much its own
Chicago, America’s self-styled second city is a special place defined by four factors: the magnificence of its buildings, as the cradle of electric blues, its long history of gangsterism and its blood brother political corruption, and its rather special food – deep dish pizza and the Chicago hot dog. On a quest to get a feel for all those elements I found one common factor: … [Read more...] about Chicago colourful, contradictory and very much its own
A journey into the Far North
Touring around the north of Northland is a step back into our earliest history, both European and Māori. It is the story of how the races met and interacted, of colonial days, development, hardship, conflict and strife – all the factors that shape the north as we find it today. Our group travelled by road from Auckland to Whangarei, but the trip really began in Paihia and … [Read more...] about A journey into the Far North
Continental Drift
There are few things better in life than quietly drifting down two of Europe's best-known rivers in comfortable surroundings, well fed, with plentiful supplies of wine and other drinks, rising each day to anew town and anew experience. The river cruises between Amsterdam and Budapest along the Rhine and Danube rivers are Among the most popular trips for the over 60s from New … [Read more...] about Continental Drift
Santa Monica, haven of cool
Santa Monica, a seaside town of 94,000 people southwest of Los Angeles, prides itself on being politically liberal, environmentally caring, alternative lifestyle-friendly and culturally sensitive. It’s got a great beach, a thriving high-tech culture, is a haven for creatives, and fosters all manner of bohemian, hippie and laidback lifestyles. It still sees itself as the … [Read more...] about Santa Monica, haven of cool