A hidden historic treasure of Auckland in Parnell

Last night my fiance and I decided to have dinner at Parnell since we had not visited there in a awhile.  We don't live very far from Parnell but somehow hardly spend time around that area.  I adore Parnell because it is one of the (few) historical suburbs in Auckland despite being saturated with expensive restaurants and bars.  I still prefer to visit Parnell from time to time as it is a wonderful feeling to indulge the beauty of  historical buildings which intermixes with a milieu of retail shops, ice cream shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.

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Where to stay in Paris: Hotel Cluny Square Paris

This hotel is well situated right in the heart of the Latin Quarter (my favourite district).  This is one of the best hotels that I’ve stayed in Paris. Its a 3 star hotel and they pretty much cater for everything that would suit your comfort needs.  You cannot go wrong with the staff as they are absolutely helpful.  When I arrived they greeted me with a warm welcoming greetings and gestures, which continued all throughout my stay.  One of the ladies was also helpful when I needed them to assist me with setting up my pin code for the safety box in my room.  They were very kind, genuine and helpful to foreigners.  Well, I’m glad that I chose this hotel even though it was a little bit pricey due to its location as it’s right in the centre of Paris, which is easily accessible to neighboring districts and to all the tourist attractions. 

The balcony at Hotel Cluny Square in Paris. View from the balcony

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La Pedrera Barcelona Casa Mila

I can’t get enough of this artistic apartment building that is well known in Barcelona. I love it!! La Pedrera is also known as Casa Mila and is located in the Eixample district of Barcelona.  This apartment building is one of Antoni Gaudi’s works and is also one of the best tourist attractions in Barcelona.   Gaudi (a Catalonian) was one of the world’s most famous Architects (1852-1926).   The interior design of Casa Mila (La Pedrera) embellishes colorful and rounded shape walls with natural structures.  Upon entering this building you will be amazed by its highlights as each corner of Casa Mila defines its character.  The stunning roof is one of the highlights of Casa Mila as it’s overlooking a view of the city that attracts tourists’ attention.  The unique roof components are made of broken tile mosaic, marble and ceramics.  The roof seems as if it’s a dream landscape. The balconies are decorated in exquisitely crafted irons. This building is a style of art and architecture that embraces vibrant enhancing shapes.  Gaudi’s architecture is unique and is mostly known for the extraordinary shapes.   La Pedrera is regarded as one of Gaudi’s most ingenious works of art and architecture.  Wouldn’t you want to live in La Pedrera? I recommend you to visit his buildings.

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Sky Tower Auckland

The Sky Tower is one of the best tourist attractions in Auckland.  This tower comprises of a luxury casino, a stylish café, bars, restaurants and a special revolving restaurant that is situated at the top of the tower.  At the top you’ll also find thick glass segments of flooring that provides you with a clear view the ground below.  

By the Viaduct Auckland

If you love bungee jumping you can visit the Sky Tower as bungee jumping is also allowed from the observation deck with a guided controlled cable.  I actually have never tried bungee jumping at the sky tower but I am contemplating an attempt one day…perhaps if I’m drunk.  I love the view of the Sky Tower in Auckland as it reminds me of the Eiffel Tower especially at night time when all the colorful lights are turned on.  I should definitely go back and visit the sky tower again as the last time I went to the top of the tower was in 2004.

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Santorini Greece

© Photographer:  | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Santorini Greece will be one of my next travel destinations.  This magnificent island is situated in the Southeast of Greece.   

The Santorini architecture is radically distinctive due to the design attributes. The extraordinarily unique buildings are scenically painted in hues of white, pink and blue and are situated on the top of high cliffs.  

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Spanish Steps Rome

Sitting on the Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy

The Spanish steps in Rome are popularly known amongst locals and tourists as Piazza di Spagna. This steps are the longest and the widest steps I have seen in Europe.  At the top is where you’ll find the beautiful French church called Trinita Dei Monti, which was built in 1585.  It’s a beautiful church and you can also hear the choirs singing in Latin.  At the bottom you’ll find the fountain called Fontana della Barcaccia in the Piazza di Spagna.  

Majority of tourists or even locals hangout by the fountain and as well as on the steps drinking beers or water.  You will be surprised by the amount of tourists gathering within Piazza di Spagna as you cannot get a decent photo of yourself without having strangers included in a photo shot.  

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Budget Shopping in Oxford Street, London

Denim Co Leather Jacket - 19 pounds

Oxford Street is surrounded with very fashionable shops that cater to everything from branded clothing to budget bargain clothing.  Oxford is one of my favorite destinations in London as you can feel the energy from different people especially as they show off their fashion trends.  I have seen a variety of fashion shops there however one of the budget stores that really caught my eye was Primark. 

Primark

This budget shopping store is one of the leading stores in the UK.  Primark is situated in many different areas in UK and the Oxford Street store is the biggest and has the best selection of clothing.  Primark has every fashion item that a woman (or a man) needs.  

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The advantages of traveling by car in Europe

Traveling by car throughout Europe is a pleasant experience yet it can be horrendous depending where you go.  I decided to share my thoughts about the advantages of renting a car while on holiday in Europe for my next trip in the near future I plan to go back to Europe on a long road trip journey, which means it will probably take about 3 months of holiday.  I’m sure it will be an exciting adventure. 

I think that the best thing about having your own rental car while traveling throughout Europe is that you get to experience and see the villages and lifestyle.  You’ll definitely meet a lot of friendlier and welcoming locals as compared to those locals in big cities.  Traveling by car will definitely give you more of an adrenaline rush and an unexpected expectation while on a long road trip journey.

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