Category Archives: travel

Desert Park

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The last day of our Northern Territory holiday had arrived and we made the most of it at Alice Springs Desert Park. The ridge of Alhekulyele (Mt. Gillen) is a stunning backdrop to the 3,000 acre park.

We arrived in time for the Nature Theatre show to be entertained with demonstrations of free-flying birds of prey.

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The bush stone-curlew stole my heart again.

The park has three re-created desert habitats to explore: Sand Country, Woodland and Desert Rivers. The Woodland habitat includes enclosures for dingoes

and kangaroos.

It was a bit early for the wildflowers but they were lending some bursts of colour.

The Desert Rivers habitat was full of life, from the magnificent perenties enjoying the sun,

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to the black cockatoos posing majestically in the trees.

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The waterholes were popular

while some preferred dry land.

We had the opportunity to learn more about the wedge-tailed eagle

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and he very kindly posed for a photo.

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The reptile house was home to some cute lizards

and snakes.

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The tawny frogmouth looked very regal.

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Our day at the Desert Park was amazing

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and we left with some very special memories.

Benabbio doors

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One of the things I found fascinating in the Tuscan villages was the seemingly infinite array of doors. Wandering around Benabbio, I was intrigued by the lives unfolding behind these portals and what may have been in the past few hundred years. There were many green doors and I wondered at the significance.

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I found some interesting insights, from suggestions of traditional values, caring about home & community,

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to being ambitious and good with finances.

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Green insinuates health, safety, tranquility and harmony.

In ancient times, green was worn to appeal to nature spirits for protection.

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Whatever the reason, I think green is a fabulous colour for a front door.

Some doors were quite opulent

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or at least, displayed a certain style.

Others exhibited their many years of service.

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Then there were those that haven’t been opened in recent times.

I wonder what this mysterious little hatch was used for?

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West Wales

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Following our exploration of Cilgerran castle, we found a lovely place for lunch in nearby Cardigan.

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I thought it would be nice to buy a cardigan in Cardigan, but I didn’t. Instead, we strolled along the River Teifi

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before continuing our drive north. Not far from Aberystwyth was our inviting B&B, Awel-Deg, at Capel Bangor.

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The views were stunning across the gorgeous Rheidol Valley.

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We walked to the Tynllidiart Arms for dinner

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and sampled ales brewed at the smallest commercial brewery in the world. Bragdy Gwynant is a five foot square former men’s toilet where, since 2004, beers have been brewed for the Tynllidiart Arms.

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The next morning, we detoured to Devil’s Bridge. There are actually three bridges built on top of each other, the oldest dating back to the 11th century. The stone bridge was then built in 1753 when the original became unstable and the most recent iron bridge was constructed in 1901.

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The bridge is at a point where, before reaching the River Rheidol, the River Mynach drops 90 metres down a steep and narrow ravine.

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As we descended the steps

the bridge rose above us.

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At the bottom, the water created wonderful waterfalls as it cascaded through the confines of the gorge.

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According to legend, the original bridge was built by the Devil. He was visiting Wales and came across a lady whose cow had wandered across the river and she couldn’t get her back. He offered to build a bridge in return for the soul of the first living thing to cross the bridge. The next morning, the lady returned but she tricked the Devil by throwing bread so her dog went across first. The Devil wasn’t happy and was never seen in Wales again.

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We continued our drive north through Snowdonia National Park, 823 square miles of stunning landscapes,

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as we headed for the coast.

Alice Springs

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We didn’t spend much time in Alice Springs, just one night on the way to Uluru and two nights at the end of the holiday before returning home. Alice Springs is nearly equidistant from Darwin and Adelaide, about 1500km in each direction. At the top of Anzac Hill,

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is a memorial to the soldiers killed in World War I.

There’s not a lot to see in Alice Springs but the panoramic view of the town and surrounding ranges was quite spectacular.

Known as Mparntwe to its original inhabitants, the Arrernte, Alice Springs was named in 1872 after the wife of Sir Charles Todd, the former Postmaster General of South Australia. The Todd River, which is dry for most of the year, was named after Sir Charles.

The prominent ridge to the west is Mt Gillen, a popular destination for hikers.

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I had never seen Sturt’s Desert Pea in the wild and there they were, masses of them growing on the median strips around town. Absolutely stunning.

We had excellent accommodation, choosing to stay on the edge of town at the Quest Apartments.

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The end of the holiday was nigh, only one more day left.

Villa Reale di Marlia

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After a morning strolling around the grounds of Villa Grabeau, followed by another delicious Tuscan lunch, we found our way to Villa Reale.

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In 1806, the sister of Napoleon, Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, purchased the 16th century villa for her country residence.

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She also acquired other neighbouring properties, including Villa del Vescovo.

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The sweeping lawns and lake were breathtaking.

As we walked around the villa

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we discovered the Italian Renaissance garden

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and the abandoned inner courtyard.

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There were some surprising smaller buildings like the summer house

and chapel.

The nymphaeum (sacred place of the nymphs), is dedicated to the god Pan.

Built around 1580, the circular grotto has a domed roof with a single opening at the top.

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Nestling within niches in the interior limestone wall are the statue of Pan

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along with disturbing sea figures and gargoyles.

The art deco influenced Spanish Garden was created in 1924 when the park underwent restoration.

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The Palazzina dell’Orologio waited majestically at the end of the avenue

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as we made our way to the 17th century Lemon Garden where more than two hundred citrus trees surround four magnificent magnolias

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At one end, the fountain of the Three Graces is set in a semicircle of rustic mosaics.

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At the opposite end is a large fishpond bordered by a marble balustrade.

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Two statues of giants, representing the Arno and Serchio rivers, spill urns into the pond

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while Leda and the Swan keep watch from their niche.

We continued on to the atrium of the Green Theatre with it’s beautiful fountain

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and statues.

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A natural theatre formed by yew hedges, the Teatro di Verzura was created in 1652. The semi-circular stage has a series of wings 5.5m high and the spherical bushes at the front imitate footlights.

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Surrounding the grass stage are terracotta statues of Columbine, Pantaloon and Punchinello.

After a closer look at the 17th century Clock Palace,

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we descended the steps

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to the spectacular Teatro d’Acqua. Water pours from the mouths of five masks around the semi-circular pool,

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the Grotto fountain is a marvellous centrepiece.

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Statues of Jupiter, Saturn, Adonis and Pomona

overlook the pool and immaculate gardens beyond.

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In 2015 the Villa Reale Di Marlia was sold to a couple from Switzerland. The 18,000sq m building on 19ha of land is going to be turned in a luxury hotel.