A stroll down Rue Saint Dominique

The 7th arrondissement is the perfect mix of chic elegance, traditional culture and casual cool, not to mention home of the ultimate Parisian icon – the Eiffel Tower! Walking Paris remains the best way to see it. 

We know how awesome the neighbouring Rue Cler is for food and shopping, but now it’s time to discover why Rue Saint Dominique is worth exploring too! As I took myself off down the road I noticed the street is ALSO full of food. Bakeries, coffee shops, wine stores, all laid out beautifully in polished storefronts. It is a feast for the eyes.

Rue Saint Dominique, frequented by fashion people and food bloggers alike, there’s a marvellous array of flower shops, boutiques, bakeries, cafés and restaurants.

Spoiled for choice when looking for somewhere to eat.

Nothing like a homemade French crèpe!

The trendy Malabar serves fantastic breakfasts, colourful salads and delicious twists on French classics.

Charming hotel tucked away!

Love the colour combination.

Plus français tu meurs!

Decor and design are key!

Your regular Parisian bistro.

Irish pub known for its fish & chips.

Friendly neighbourhood chat

Always up for a hearty laugh.

Comme une lettre à la poste!

Time for a coffee break

For 8.- Euros I might was well have breakfast! 

I'll be back for the oysters.

Parisians love their bread and croissants, so it’s no surprise that there are a total of 8 bakeries within a 4 block radius.

Getting ready for lunch.

The iconic Cafe Constant... I wonder what the Queen would think of this?!?

No Parisian road would be complete without a tourist shop.

I wish our entrance would look like this!

Visiting the city of smoke

London is sometimes referred to as "The Smoke". It received this nickname as a result of pollution from coal fires in homes and factories. The smoke from the fires would mix with the fog that is common in London, and would cover the city. Air pollution laws finally corrected this problem, but the nickname remained.

It is a hop and a skip away from Paris and takes little over two hours to reach by train. I think I could get used to a little escapade to London from time to time. The weather might be the same in both cities but the vibes are decidedly different!

Gare du Nord on a Wednesday afternoon 

Arrived just in time for the legendary afternoon tea at The Claridge's

English roses

When the breakfast in your hotel does not inspire you and 

you pop around the corner to enjoy the best French toast ever!

Frida Kahlo's personal belongings shown outside of Mexico for the first time 

at the The Victoria and Albert Museum

A view from the Ceramic floor onto the V&A entrance

Shopping in Oxford Street

John Lewis department store is already selling Christmas decoration at mid-September 

Liberty, a store opened in 1875 selling ornaments, fabric and objets d'art from Japan and the East.

Today's department store continues its tradition for fashionable and eclectic design in furniture, fabric, clothes and jewellery.

Happy Hour at The Claridge's with its art deco-influenced interior... as one does!

In search of Atlantis

Feeling adventurous and fit this morning I decided to take a break from the beach and head off in search of Atlantis. My guidebook made it sound so easy: head towards the tower "Des Savinar" and then follow the little path to the left that leads steeply down the hill.

20 minutes later I was suppose to have stumbled upon a stunning quarry area at the edge of the sea with cut-out and rectangular pools in the stone, here rocks were cut and transported by sea to build the Cathedral of Ibiza, a World Heritage Site. A small jewel was to be found where ancient stonemasons took refuge years ago and was baptized by the name of Atlantis by hippies from the decade of the 50’s and 60’s. The original name of this hidden treasure is Sa Pedrera.

Well, after a 10 minute walk we reached a clearing with a magical view onto the Es Vedrà island; legend says it is the third most magnetic spot on earth. Another 10 minutes up a very steep and stoney path leading up from the cliff edge to reach the Pirate's tower... to discover an even more spectacular view onto the seashore ... but no little path down the other side of the mountain!

Even though we could spot Atlantis way below at the bottom of a scary looking drop, the ascent did look a shade too big a challenge given it was past noon on a hot and sunny summer day!

So, Atlantis will keep its secret for a little while longer until we return to conquer the mountain and the slope down to the ocean.

View from the "Mirador de l'Illa d'Es Vedra"

Climbing all the way to the top of the mountain...

The Pirate tower was finished in 1763 and it was designed to have a couple of cannons, 

but the heavy artillery never arrived!

Can you spot the quarry all the way at the bottom?

Atlantis is calling.

A panoramic view of Madrid

One of the glories of having friends to stay is that you are obliged to at least give them a taste of the city no matter how hot it might be. Let's face it... I won't make my teenagers visit the Prado or any other museum during the summer hols in a town they call home... therefore the next best option is a double decker bus tour around the entire city.

At 35°C under the burning sun, equipped with sun hat and Spanish hand fans, we settled on the top deck of the bright red Madrid City Tour Bus as not to miss a thing listening to the guide through our red headphones. Turns out Expat daughter decided to listen in Chinese to see how much she would understand having studied the language for four years. One of her friends listen in German, the other in English and I opted for the Spanish version. Who would have thought the guided bus tour could also turn into a language lesson? 

The advantage of sitting on the top of a double decker bus is the marvellous panoramic view...

... allowing for a whole new perspective...

... and I like what I am seeing.

Unarguably the most beautiful building in Madrid is "Correos"!

Originally used as the headquarters of the national postal service of Spain, the building now serves as the seat of the Madrid City Council.

Shutters are kept closed in order to keep out the heat.

At over a hundred years old, the Gran Via, is one of the city’s main arteries and one of its most iconic avenues.

Its construction, between 1910 and 1931, marked the beginning of the modernisation of the city, with the appearance of the country's first skyscrapers and the adoption of modern architectural trends originating in the United States.

The Palace is an iconic hotel that has thrived since its opening in 1912. With 500 suites it was Europe's largest hotel at the time and the first to offer in suite bathrooms along with a telephone in every room.

Siesta time

Ever heard of the Olive path?

How could we resist the beautiful sunshine? Spending a few days in Lugano over the holidays we were very lucky with the weather. When in Switzerland do as the Swiss, so, we stepped into nature for an invigorating breath of fresh air!

We opted for a hike along the "Olive Path" - a route through lush country with impressive panoramas - enjoying a landscape reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The trail wound along the lake and passed across the remains of old olive groves and areas on which this prized tree is being planted anew. The path thread its way through several little plantations of young olive trees as well as several examples of very old trees.

At the end of the trail lies one of Ticino's most charming village called Gandria. Between its alleys and stairways we discovered charming little corners, miniscule terraced gardens, old staircases and walls decorated with frescos. It was a perfect place to play hide and seek...

The view down the valley towards Gandria.

The view towards Lugano.

A glorious day in the Ticino, Switzerland's sunniest canton.

Feeling like I'm in Ibiza.

After a swift 3km hike we arrived in Gandria.

Church of Gandria.

The village is so small only about 250 people live there.

Gandria can only be reached by foot, bike or boat.

Luckily no one steals their neighbours' firewood in this village.

Off-season stillness and peace.

A romantic entrance.

Imagine arriving to your doorstep via boat?

Olive trees wherever you look...

... or palm trees!