This year has been full of wonderful travel. I started the year with a trip to Italy via Hong Kong, Helsinki, Paris and London.
Hong Kong from my friends' window
snowy Helsinki in February
it was cold, but very beautiful
I went back to Helsinki in spring and met some Finnish relatives for the first time, which was wonderful, and again in autumn to absolutely perfect weather. I am yet to experience Finland in high summer – one day.
Paris was also freezing - but wonderful
We arrived in London just after the death of Alexander Mc Queen. It was very sad to stand in front of his shop.
Alexander McQueen's window
Paul is attacked by a giant pink snail in Milan.
lucky to be alive
I went with my friend Di to Lake Como in March and liked it so much I went back in April with Jim, Laurie and Liz.
looking at the Alps from Bellagio
beautiful gardens in Varenna - Lake Como
I love Bologna. I did the walking tour for the second time and loved it – again.
Via Drapperie - my favourite food markets in Italy
We drove through the Chianti area inTuscany in spring, stopping in Greve, Radda and along the road to Asciano. It really is just like the postcards, only better. We have done this several times now, in all seasons, and it is always spectacular.
spring in Chianti
We went to Ravenna for the first time to see the incredible mosiacs.
the incredible mosiacs in San Vitale, Ravenna
I got my Italian drivers’ licence and drove to Siena by myself for the first time, almost incident free.
looking through the buildings to the Campo in Siena
I climbed the tower in Pisa for the first time. Why did I wait so long?
the view from the top of the tower
I took the overnight train from Florence to visit friends in beautiful Bavaria.
the beautiful little castle in Erlangen
I had a couple of visits to Rome – always fabulous.
Spanish steps late afternoon
Liz, Laurie and I went to Torino for Salone del Gusto.
threading tomatoes at salone del Gusto
There were a few trips to the gorgeous Italian coast – Portovenere, Portofino, Cinque Terre.
along the coast near Portofino
There were some very memorable meals along the way. One of our absolute favourite restaurants is Il Fortino in Forte dei Marmi.
branzino ravioli with scampi at Il Fortino in Forte dei Marmi
lunch at the Armani cafe in Milan
Lunch at the Armani Cafe in Milan is always fun. If you don’t have time for lunch, at least call in for a coffee and some excellent people watching.
how could I leave out the erotic salad at Paris Boheme in Lucca?
We love our newly discovered Paris Boheme in Lucca. Luis and David are waiting for you.
I don’t have any pictures of Marco’s famous brick chicken or his fabulous pizzas, but thank you Marco for your friendly face and great food.
And, of course, I spent lots of time in perfect Ponte a Serraglio, with regular visits to lovely Lucca and fabulous Florence.
our very pretty village
I love my time in Australia – the best of both worlds really. I love coming home to Brisbane and heading to the beach occasionally.
early morning at Main Beach
My sister’s vineyard, Curly Flat is a beautiful place to visit, not least because they produce an excellent chardonnay and pinot noir.
Curly Flat - my sister's vineyard
We went to Adelaide to visit lovely relatives, and flew in a light plane over Lake Eyre, full of water, and visited some iconic outback towns, Maree, Coober Pedy and Birdsville – what fun!
outback Australia
I think I can safely say 2010 was a very good year. Here’s to 2011. Happy New Year everyone!
If you have time, go back through the archives, or click on the highlighted words, for more information about the places I visited.