Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.
Monthly Archives: December 2020
Sunday Morning Podcast: World News From London And Zurich (Monocle 24)
Emma Nelson and guests cover the weekend’s biggest discussion topics from London and Zurich.
Culinary Travel: ‘Olive Wagyu’ In Kagawa, Japan – ‘Rarest Beef In The World’
Olive Wagyu is raised on a diet of the remains of pressed olives and is considered the rarest beef in the world. Lately Olive Wagyu won at the Wagyu Olympics in the category of “best fat quality” – The meal includes Fillet, Skirt Steak, Sirloin Steak, heart and liver.
Walking Tour: Baneshwor -Kathmandu, Nepal (Video)
Baneshwor is the largest residential area of Kathmandu, Nepal. The area is composed of New-, Mid-, and Old-Baneshwor, Baneshwor Height, Minbhawan, Shankhamul, Bhimsengola and Thapa Gaun. Major landmarks of Baneshwor include the current meeting place of the Federal Parliament of Nepal, the International Convention Centre. Maitighar Mandala is located at the southern border of the neighborhood. the people in this area are employed in the private business or are in the corporate sectors.
Baneshwor is a local financial and educational hub hosting several national banks and institutions.
Aerial Travel: ‘Budapest – Hungary’ In 4K UHD (Video)
Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the River Danube. Its 19th-century Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces city life from Roman times onward. Trinity Square is home to 13th-century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, which offer sweeping views.
Great Train Journeys: ‘Palermo To Mount Etna’ In Sicily, Italy (BBC Video)
Michael Portillo’s 1936 Bradshaw’s Guide brings him to the Italian ‘treasure island’ of Sicily, full of natural beauty and ‘scenery of the greatest charm’. But the interwar guide book also tells Michael that the head of government in Italy is the fascist leader Signor Benito Mussolini.
On a railway journey from the capital, Palermo, through the ancient town of Agrigento and the port of Siracusa, to Europe’s largest volcano, Mount Etna, Michael explores Sicilian life under the dictatorship. Michael finds out how the dictator took on the mafia and asks whether it is true that under Mussolini, the trains ran on time. In Palermo, Michael takes in the art and architecture of the futurists and feasts on a Sicilian speciality – spaghetti and sardines – in the city’s Ballaro street market. In the Capo district, Michael learns how the island’s distinctive puppets are made and is enchanted to see them in action.
Among the spectacular ancient Greek and Roman temples of Agrigento, Michael hears of the passionate ten-year search by a British archaeologist at the time of his guide for a long-lost ancient Greek theatre. The drama of the interwar period comes to life in front of Michael’s eyes as he joins six characters in search of an author at the Teatro Pirandello.
Michael takes the helm to explore the port of Siracusa by boat before visiting a controversial monument, which depicts a dark chapter in Italian history. He concludes his Sicilian journey on the circular railway around Mount Etna, aboard the sleek, futurist-inspired train inaugurated by Mussolini in 1937 – La Littorina.
History & Architecture: ‘Neuschwanstein Castle – Mad King Ludwig II And His Bavarian Fairy Tale’ (Video)
Neuschwanstein Castle is said to have inspired Walt Disney. This is the untold story of the Bavarian castle, which attracts 1.5 million visitors a year, and is also known as the ‘castle of the fairy tale king.’ Just over 150 years ago, in 1869, construction of Neuschwanstein Castle began in Bavaria, Germany.
This documentary gives a behind-the-scenes view of the famous building, which is said to have inspired the Disney castle. Neuschwanstein was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria, a man known also as the Swan King or the Fairy Tale King, but also as Mad King Ludwig. Ludwig II did not enjoy reigning. He dreamt of a life surrounded by nature, was an ardent fan of Wagner, and loved mythical imagery. Neuschwanstein Castle was his dream realized in stone. But it was also a withdrawal from his duties as head of state.
And the more Ludwig II hid away in his dream castle, the more he angered his ministers. They saw his artistic and architectural projects as overly extravagant. Eventually, this ‘overindulgence’ was used as grounds to declare him insane. He was interned in 1886. Just days later, he drowned in Lake Starnberg under mysterious circumstances, together with the psychiatrist who had certified him insane. Six weeks after the death of Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle was opened to visitors.
The decision was also an effort to convince the public that the king had been ‘mad,’ and many came to see the castle. Then came the World Wars and Neuschwanstein was briefly forgotten by the public. During the Third Reich, Nazis misused it to store looted art. But the castle survived the wars unscathed. After the end of World War II, U.S. troops reached the castle. Before long, it had become a favorite among GIs stationed in Germany, and Neuschwanstein was once again a much-loved tourist attraction. Today, it’s a tourist phenomenon. This documentary offers a behind-the-scenes view of Neuschwanstein, a place that continues to cast its spell on those who visit, as the legend of King Ludwig II of Bavaria lives on.
Top Camper Vans: ‘2021 La Strada Nova M’ (Video)
Club atmosphere with panoramic view: the dignified living space of the NOVA M shows its highest pretension up to each detail. First class travelling: high quality furniture surfaces, smooth leather and elegant wall covers for pure luxurious atmosphere. The timeless beautiful interior design sets new criterions in functional design and quality. Drawers and cupboards integrated with love and intelligence make tidying up very easy.
If you sleep well, you enjoy your holiday more. The very large double bed is easy to access and invites you to relaxing moments. All fits together in the NOVA M. The elegant design makes it difficult to step out the van and guarantees the interested stare of your neighbours. The kitchen has it all and is perfectly integrated in the interior of the van. No, this is no hotel bathroom. The NOVA M really features such a large bath with wood furniture, fibre glass washing basin and nice water tabs.
Travel: ‘A Different View Of Amsterdam’ (Video)
Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. Cycling is key to the city’s character, and there are numerous bike paths.
Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometers of grachten, about 90 islands and 1,500 bridges. The three main canals, dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city, known as the Grachtengordel. Alongside the main canals are 1550 monumental buildings.
Travel: ‘Top Ten Winter Destinations’ (Video)
Winter is a magical time of year as our favorite destinations are changed into completely new snow covered landscapes! From skiing the Swiss Alps to exploring the wilderness of the Arctic Circle, winter is such a special time of year!
Boomers Daily 