INSPIRATION & EXPERT ADVICE FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS
Bruges is an exceptionally picturesque city. The canals and exquisite medieval architecture make it a joy not only to visit, but to photograph as well. One of the most photographed locations in Bruges is the view from the Rozenhoedkaai. Here, the Groenerei and Dijver canals meet, creating a romantic, charming scene. It’s believed that the...
Crowning the top of Montmartre Hill, Paris’ highest point, is Sacré Coeur Basilica. This prominent location makes Sacré Coeur Basilica one of the most noticeable landmarks in Paris, easily visible from the top of the Eiffel Tower. This imposing basilica will surely make you gasp when it first hovers into view. The beaming white stones have...
Budapest’s most recognizable building (and Hungary’s largest), sits majestically along the east bank of the Danube. The Hungarian Parliament building is unmissable during a trip to Budapest– its buttresses, towers and mighty dome are dazzling from near and far. It is especially impressive at night, brightly illuminated in a golden glow. The marble-clad interior is...
In 1980 after the death of John Lennon, an image of the former Beatle member was painted on an ordinary wall in a secluded square, across from the French Embassy in Prague. Soon after, the youth of Prague filled the wall with other John Lennon-inspired graffiti and Beatles lyrics, turning the wall into a symbolic...
Across from the mighty Mississippi, in the community of Vacherie, Louisiana, is the historic plantation of Oak Alley. A long, graceful path, canopied by a double row of live oaks, leads 800 feet up to the Greek Revival plantation house. The sturdy oaks were planted in the early 18th century, long before the house was...
Paris is a photographer’s dream! Everywhere you look there are famous landmarks, beautiful parks and exquisite architecture just begging to be photographed. I could not put my camera down and came home with a ridiculous amount of photos from my 4 days in Paris! When I got to editing my pictures, I started to play...
The Palais Garnier, home to the Paris Opera, was the most stunning building we visited during our four day trip to Paris! The Grand Foyer was designed to resemble the gallery of a classical chateau- adorned with gold and accented with mirrors and windows. The ceiling paintings are exquisite and portray themes from the history of music....
UPDATE: In June 2020 the Wall for Peace was dismantled and moved to Avenue de Breteuil in the 15th arrondissement. We haven’t visited the new location. At the end of Parc du Champ de Mars, in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, stands the Wall for Peace. Made from steel and glass, the monument features...
Europe at night is absolutely stunning! All of the important buildings and monuments are illuminated, creating a romantic feel to whichever city you happen to be in. I thought some cities, like Budapest, were actually more beautiful at night when everything was lit up so prominently. Taking night pictures quickly became my favourite thing to...
Fisherman’s Bastion was my favourite place on Castle Hill in Budapest. It’s a unique looking structure built in neo-gothic and neo-romanesque styles, different from anything else you will see in the city. Fisherman’s Bastion was erected behind Matthias Church, on the spot where a guild of fishermen defended the city from invasion during the Middle...
The Ponte Vecchio, or “old bridge”, is a highlight of any visit to Florence. The medieval bridge spans the Arno River at its narrowest point but is so much more than just a river crossing. The Ponte Vecchio has always been a place where merchants could display and sell their goods. Butchers first occupied the...
Neuschwanstein Castle is the theatrical creation of King Ludwig II, also known as “mad” Ludwig. He ordered it to be built in 1869 on a craggy hill in Hohenschwangau, Germany, using his own personal fortune to pay for the project. Unfortunately, King Ludwig died mysteriously at Lake Starnberg in 1886 before the castle’s completion. Neuschwanstein...
The Wurzburg Residence is one of the largest and most magnificent Baroque palaces in Germany. It was built between 1720-1744 under the patronage of the Prince-Bishops of Schonborn. The interior is impressive, although somewhat kitschy by today’s standards, and has been restored since being heavily damaged in World War II. As usual, when visiting a...
No trip to Bavaria is complete without a visit to Alpsee Lake. Just four kilometres southeast of Füssen, Alpsee Lake sits nestled between wooded mountain slopes, in an area so beautiful that Bavarian kings chose to build their romantic castles here. A boat ride on the lake offers splendid views of Neuschwanstein and Hohenshwangau castles,...
Last year, Travel Supermarket launched a photo contest for travel bloggers called Capture the Colour. It was so successful, that this year they are doing it again. I had never heard of this contest before and just started our blog a few months ago, so when I was nominated to participate by fellow Edmontonian and...
The Temple of Hephaestus is the best preserved Doric temple in Greece. It was built on the western edge of the Ancient Agora in honour of God of the Forge, Hephaestus. The temple has 34 columns, a frieze depicting nine of the Twelve Labours of Heracles and was once surrounded by foundries and metalwork shops....
When you’ve lived in the same city for a long period of time, sometimes it’s hard to feel inspired by it. It’s easy to become jaded and no longer notice the beauty that surrounds you. After 14 years of living in Edmonton (and growing up only 45 minutes away), I’ve been feeling…unenthused, to put it...
The most famous church on the island of Mykonos is Panagia Paraportiani, whose name translates to “Our Lady of the Side Gate”. In addition to its obvious beauty, the church has a unique construction that makes it one of the most interesting churches in Greece. Panagia Paraportiani is actually not a single church, but a group...
The decor throughout the Chateau Lake Louise pays homage to the Swiss influence that was paramount to the early development of the Lake Louise Area. This chandelier in the chateau’s main lobby has four maidens, facing each of the cardinal directions. The women are said to represent the wives of the Swiss mountain guides. The...
Rome is one of the most incredible cities I have ever visited. Everywhere you go, remnants of the city’s great history surround you. There is an impressive amount to see, do and learn about in Rome that even after a week I still didn’t see all I wanted to see. As I wandered around the...
We are Rhonda and Mike, a Canadian couple who make it a priority to travel every chance we get!
We describe our travel style as "laid back luxe" and enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures and historic sites.
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