No visit to Jaipur is complete without stepping into the grandeur of its majestic forts and palaces. The Amber Fort, perched high on a hill, offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, complemented by its breathtaking architecture. As you wander through its vast courtyards and grand halls, the echoes of a regal past whisper tales of valiance and royalty. The City Palace, another emblem of Jaipur's heritage, is a testament to the blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. It houses museums that showcase royal garments, weapons, and art. Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory nearby, reveals the scientific genius of past rulers, with its colossal astronomical instruments still accurate after centuries. Jaipur's hallmark, the Hawa Mahal, or 'Palace of Winds,' is an architectural marvel with its honeycombed hive structure. It allows royal ladies to observe street festivals while remaining unseen. Jaipur's bazaars are a riot of colours, aromas, and sounds. Johari Bazaar, brimming with exquisite jewellery, and Bapu Bazaar, famous for leather goods and sandals, provide a glimpse into the bustling trade that thrives in the city. From traditional Rajasthani attire to intricately designed pottery, the markets offer shoppers and culture enthusiasts a treasure trove. Jaipur's calendar is dotted with festivals that celebrate Rajasthan's rich cultural tapestry. The Elephant Festival and the Kite Festival are spectacular events that bring together locals and tourists and showcase centuries-old traditions. The beauty of Jaipur extends beyond its city limits, with destinations like the tranquil Jal Mahal and the rugged Nahargarh Fort offering escapes into nature and history. Whether you marvel at the architectural wonders, bargain in the lively bazaars, or savour the flavours of its streets, Jaipur promises memories you will cherish forever. Join us as we continue to explore the beauty and diversity of Jaipur, the Pink City—a jewel in India's splendid crown.

Nestled in the shadows of the Aravalli Range, Udaipur, formerly the vibrant capital of the Mewar Kingdom, beckons travellers with its enchanting blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Founded in 1559 by the visionary Maharana Udai Singh II, this city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan is a tapestry of spellbinding landscapes and architectural marvels, all set around the serene waters of its famed artificial lakes. At the core of Udaipur's historical narrative is the imposing City Palace. Towering over the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, this architectural masterpiece is a complex of 11 exquisite palaces, courtyards, and gardens, each narrating a unique chapter of the regal Mewar saga. The Palace is a mosaic of cultural heritage, famed globally for its intricate peacock mosaics that adorn its walls—a vivid manifestation of the royal patronage that nurtured Udaipur's artistic soul. Walking through the grand corridors of the City Palace, one is transported into an era of splendour and glory. The peacock mosaics, in particular, stand as a symbol of the Mewar dynasty's opulence. Their iridescent colours tell tales of bravery, romance, and the rich traditions of a bygone era. It's a place where every stone and mural whispers secrets of the centuries-old legacy of Udaipur's rulers. Yet, Udaipur is more than just its royal residences. It is a living mosaic of culture, nature, and history. Every corner of the city offers a new path to explore, a new story. From the bustling bazaars filled with local handicrafts and vibrant textiles to the tranquil waters of its lakes that invite quiet reflection, Udaipur promises experiences as diverse and splendid as the hues of its sunset skies.

A Quick Dip into History Let's travel a bit in time, shall we? Flashback to the mid-1800s: Hong Kong starts its journey as a humble fishing village. But history's gears turn quickly, and after the First Opium War, this little village finds itself a new role as a British colony. I'm not saying colonization was a walk in the park, but it sure set the stage for Hong Kong to become a global trading powerhouse. The Big Handover and What's Now Fast forward to 1997 – a big year for Hong Kong as it waves goodbye to British rule and says nǐ hǎo to Chinese sovereignty under a promise to keep things "business as usual" for 50 years. "One country, two systems," they call it. And let me say, Hong Kong has thrived as a financial circus—uh, hub! Walking through the streets today, you feel that pulse, the energy of a city that's both modern and aware of its past. Sky-high bars, night markets that dazzle with colours and smells, quiet parks where tai chi is a morning ritual — it's all here! But here's the thing — change is in the air, too. The recent National Security Law has stirred up quite the talk around town, and some say it might change the game. It's a reminder that nothing stands still in Hong Kong, not even its history.

Some of the highlights of our 15-plus visits to Hong Kong. First up, you absolutely cannot miss the Symphony of Lights. Picture this: you're standing by the Victoria Harbour, the night has settled in, and then, bam! The skyline erupts in a symphony of lasers, lights, and music. It's like the city is throwing a party, and you're the guest of honour. Honestly, photos do it zero justice. A sense-overloading experience makes you realize, "Yep, I'm definitely in Hong Kong. Next on the list is The Peak. I've seen my fair share of city views, but nothing quite prepares you for the sight from up here. It's like watching a live Google Earth feed, but it's way more relaxed. The tram ride up there is half the fun, bustling with anticipation. And once you're at the top? The city sprawls beneath you like a giant, twinkling Lego set. If you're anything like Sal and me, no trip is complete without a bit of shopping – but not your run-of-the-mill mall trawl. Enter Stanley Market. This place is a maze of treasures. From silk fabrics to traditional Chinese artwork, it's a grab bag of souvenirs waiting to be discovered. Sal had me hunting for a vintage qipao. Did I find it? Let's say my bargaining skills got a solid workout. Ah, the street food. Where do I even begin? From sizzling egg waffles to tender dim sum that melts in your mouth – every bite is a story. I heeded Sal's advice and dove headfirst into the culinary chaos. My top pick? The curry fishballs. Spicy, flavorful, and oh-so addictive. It's the kind of stuff that makes you consider moving here. Finally, for a change of pace, Lantau Island was my escape. Away from the city's heartbeat, it's tranquil and green and houses the majestic Tian Tan Buddha. Climbing those steps to the Buddha is a pilgrimage in itself. You're huffing and puffing, and then, the view from the top makes you forget the burn in your legs. Sal told me to slow down, breathe, and see it. She was correct; the serenity up there is unmatched. So, there you have it, friends – a snippet of my Hong Kong saga. It's a city of contrasts, where tradition rubs shoulders with modernity, and every street corner has a story.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah - Three Nights From when you check in to when you leave, the experience is like no other in this Six-star secluded luxury desert resort. We wanted to experience a desert resort, and The Ritz Carlton exceeded all our expectations. The villa was stunning, with a view of the desert for sunsets from the pool. You could not be disappointed with the size, and sometimes I thought my husband had gone missing! Or maybe it was ‘selective hearing’! We dined in The Farmhouse the first night, and the food and service were fabulous. The next day, we headed off to breakfast on our bicycles and then cycled around the resort to visit the stables and say hi to the beautiful horses, camels, falcons and owls! Hence, we booked a morning desert horse ride, which I couldn’t recommend highly enough. However, you are riding Arabian racehorses, so it is best to ensure you are an experienced rider. The view from the top was sensational! We also experienced The Rainforest in the spa, a beautiful one-hour period of relaxation at our own pace, including a series of showers and saunas and time in the Vitality Pool! We received a pleasant surprise for my 40th Birthday. The lovely host, Aquino, organised to pick us up in a buggy and take us for photos around the resort, including the top of the tower and presented me with a birthday cake and wine to celebrate. It was so beautiful!! We were then dropped off at our room to enjoy the sunset. At the same time, Aquino edited our photos and created an incredible video of all the moments he captured My hubby and I for my Birthday. It was an exceptional treat. We are so grateful to have this memento of our trip! This is the place for anyone wanting to experience the desert in luxurious style! I can not recommend it highly enough.

Monti Suite al Colosseo - Six Nights Great location and everything is excellent, except for a tiny bathroom.

Macedonia 🇲🇰 , you are a magical country, one that we hold very close to our hearts. The beautiful friendships, the kindness, and generosity of everyone we met will stay with us forever. We are incredibly grateful to have experienced it all with you. A very special thank you to our wonderful friends for making our time in Macedonia extraordinary and welcoming us into your lives. We will miss you all. 💛❤️💛❤️

Christmas in Frankfurt is simply heaven. Frankfurt, a central German city on the Main River, is a significant financial hub and home to the European Central Bank. It's the birthplace of famed writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whose former home is now the Goethe House Museum. Like much of the city, it was damaged during World War II and later rebuilt. The reconstructed Altstadt (Old Town) is the site of Römerberg, a square that hosts an annual Christmas market.

Phoenix Fine Wines - One visit We were drawn into Phoenix Fine Wines , a wine bar, not only by the name but the live Celtic trio band 'Joan, the bass player with Fiddlechick, Picky and Plucky' playing music invited us in. We are warmly welcomed by the energetic and friendly owner, Laura, and the Celtic trio; we are in the right place. We quickly settle in the cosy chairs near the band and floor-to-ceiling windows with a glass of red and enjoy the backdrop of the ever-changing tides of Passamaquoddy Bay; you can quickly while away in the afternoon. We also ordered the cheese platter; all food products sourced from local producers, including the cheese from the local goats, cows and sheep. They have a selection of wines by the bottle, glass and small bites. We love supporting local businesses and are thrilled when they do. Opened this July, the wine bar is like stepping back in time. Irish folk music transports you back 100 years while you relax in the beautiful wooded surroundings and antique furniture. Think of an old mansion library surrounded by books to peruse. The building was built in 1887 after the great fire 1886 decimated downtown Eastport. Over the last century, it was home to various businesses, but it was conditioned in the second century and century disrepair. It has since been reborn as a brewery and wine bar for all to enjoy. Huge glass-pane windows offer an everlasting view across the waters, music, atmosphere, comfort, and smiles from the lovely owner, accompanied by great food and wine. She has the formula just right. The locals were all very welcoming and loved hearing about our cruise and travels. We were grateful to have spent the afternoon in a beautiful wine bar to escape the rain and build memories of our visit to Eastport.

Big private condo - great views in Sausalito - Eight Nights Zander & Claudia were fabulous hosts and made sure I was happy. The property was very cosy and homely, a great place to treat yourself as your own, and very comfortable. It was in a perfect location for my requirements and was a quiet neighbourhood with friendly neighbours.