The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 May 2022
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Travel & Leisure PART 1 OF A SERIES 1. London London isn t known for having the best weather in the world but when the sun shines and you’re on the Thames any city in the world would be hard pressed to beat beautiful London. When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life is the famous quote from Samuel Johnson. London is home to some of the world s most famous landmarks from Buckingham Palace to the just recently refurbished Big Ben to Westminster Abbey and well we could go on and on. There are 35 different bridges in London along the Thames from the beautiful pastel coloured Albert Bridge to world famous Tower Bridge. Experience some of the best art in the world at the Royal Academy, the Tate, Tate Modern, National Gallery and many more such institutions. A key part of London’s beauty is its lovely parks beloved by its residents. London has 3,000 parks and believe it or not 40% of the city is green. Hyde Park is the best known but don t miss stunning Richmond Park and its deers and views over London and gorgeous Holland Park. Head off the beaten path and explore London s street art scene in the East, take a rubbish tour and see lesser known green spots such as the Isle of Dogs, visit the coloured houses of Notting Hill or enjoy a gourmet meal on a London bus whilst experiencing fantastic views of the city. 2. Paris The city of lights, the city of love, whichever name you want to call it, love it or hate it there is no doubt that Paris is absolutely beautiful. Sunrise in Paris from the Norway is a great place to visit in the summer since the midnight sun offers almost 24 full hours of daylight, but you don’t want to miss the magic of a winter cruise when the Northern Lights take over the sky and the snow turns everything into a fairy tale scene. It’s a completely different experience and one of my all-time favourite trips. Even if your dream cruise involves lying on a ship deck in your bathing suit, don’t let the cold weather stop you. Here are 10 reasons you should buy yourself a warm jacket and book this winter wonderland of a cruise right now. Seeing the northern lights tops so many travelers’ wish lists and, although there are no guarantees, chances are you’ll get to experience them on this itinerary. In fact, I think every passenger got at least a glimpse of them on the cruise I was on. You can even sign up to get a phone call in the middle of the night if there’s a sighting so you can head outside. Because the route takes you so far north, crossing
the loveliest commutes in the world. Sydney is, of course, famous for its beaches. Bondi Beach is its most iconic beach and it really does have lovely sand plus some great restaurants. Many of the other best places to visit in Sydney are based around the water and beaches from Manly to Watsons Bay and many more. The most beautiful place in Sydney is the Bondi to Coogee coastal path. This is one of the most famous walks in the world for good reason. Virtually every step provides jaw-dropping scenery. From the ridiculously photogenic Bondi icebergs pool at the Bondi end to the Waverley cemetery with a view to end all views to lovely Coogee this is a walk you won t forget.
Your guide to the great cities of the world Trocadero Fountains Paris, of course, is known for its famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Louvre etc. However, what makes Paris beautiful is the charm and detail in its 20 arrondissements. Cobblestone streets, beautiful buildings, atmospheric cafes with wicker outdoor chairs arranged just so it is the combination of these details that gives the average Paris street so much charm. The Seine River and its beautiful bridges are critical elements of Paris beauty. Indeed there are 37 bridges in Paris, more than the bridges in London, and one of the best ways to enjoy Paris is a cruise under those bridges on the Seine.
Although only 10% of Paris is green, when it is green it is stunning. From the Jardin du Luxembourg to Jardin des Tuileries to the Interior Garden at the Petit Palais Paris does a garden well. Paris is at its most beautiful first thing in the morning and heading into the evening as the light softens and changes and bathes this beautiful city in a glow. Sunrise in Paris, as well as the sunset in Paris, are not to be missed. 3. Rome With over 280 fountains and more than 900 churches alone Rome is fully equipped with enough architectural landmarks to earn a spot on this list. Then add the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Pantheon plus all the other
significant buildings in this city and you have a shoe in for any list of the most beautiful cities in the world. It often seems like Rome has enough spectacular buildings and tourist attractions in each block to support a separate city. However, like Paris much of the beauty of Rome is in the details It is in the cobblestone streets, the beautiful Piazzas, a Vespa perfectly posed next to an ancient building and of course the beautiful inhabitants of Rome. And don t miss some of Rome s beautiful neighbourhoods like Trastavere and Parioli for a quieter but just as atmospheric Roman experiences. 4. Sydney
There is a clear rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney, with each city s inhabitants sure that their city is superior. Whilst Melbourne is of course the superior city, we cannot deny that when it comes to beauty Sydney does it as well as most other cities in the world. The heart of Sydney is its harbour and its two iconic Australian landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney Harbour is extraordinarily pretty and often sparkles, particularly at sunset. Sydney is a true waterside city that was built around the harbour and the desire for harbour views. Sydney ferries move inhabitants around town in what must be one of
Consider a winter cruise in Norway into the Arctic Circle and visiting places like Tromso and Alta – considered some of the best sites for viewing the aurora borealis – there are endless opportunities to
catch those glorious dancing lights on both land and sea. Many of the activities and shore excursions are actually designed around that goal but are just as enlightening
on their own. Even on sea days, though, you’ll get to enjoy Norway’s gorgeous scenery from the comfort of the ship, whether you head out on the decks to search
for northern lights at night or just admire the snow-covered views from your stateroom’s floor- to-ceiling windows during the day. The Igloo Hotel is one of
5. Venice Canals, waterways and bridges are a bit like good bone structure when it comes to making a city beautiful. And Venice has a lot of all three of those. Venice is actually 117 different islands that are linked by 150 canals and about 400 bridges or pieces of pavement. Venice is literally built on water. The base of its buildings go deep into the ground. As the soil is so water logged there is no oxygen in it and thus no decay. Venice and its delights are best explored on foot or by water. The Piazza San Marco is the centre of Venice and home to the magnificent Basilica San Marco which also has some fantastic views of Venice. Don’t miss the Rialto Bridge, the many Venetian Palaces, the Accademia Gallery and the Bridge of Sighs. Or a trip to the home of beautiful coloured glass Murano. Continues next week the most unusual hotels in the world, and you can spend a night there. Tour the hotel, which is filled with creative ice sculptures, and enjoy a drink in a glass made of ice before settling in to your ‘bed’ which is surprisingly cozy, thanks to reindeer hides and a double layer of down sleeping bags. Don’t worry if you have to get up to use the restroom in the middle of the night. It’s located in the warm building next door and, because there’s so little light pollution, the northern lights just may illuminate the way. What better way to enjoy the beautiful Norwegian landscape than on a sled pulled by huskies? These dogs aren’t just cute, though. They’re fast and hardworking, and they’ll happily take you on the ride of your life. You’ll be given warm weather gear to bundle up in before getting comfortable in the sled and letting an experienced musher take the reins. Afterwards, you’ll want to take selfies with your new furry friends.
