A City of Hidden Gems

Photos: New Plymouth

letrishamouton — Mon, 12 May 2014 08:49:00 GMT

A Coastal Paradise

letrishamouton — Mon, 12 May 2014 07:54:00 GMT

When people travel to New Zealand they end up in the big towns, Auckland and Hamilton, but on the North Island there is a coastal town rich with history, diversity and a walkway which offers quiet and peaceful thinking.

New Plymouth is a coastal paradise just waiting to be explored and appreciated. Commonly known as the art hub of New Zealand this small town has not just art to offer, even though art of all forms is clearly evident. The whole Taranaki region hosts major festivals such as WOMAD and the Festival Of Lights every year which attracts thousands of visitors to New Zealand. The Festival Of Lights engulfs the entire park area with ingenious designs and illusions for individuals of all ages. Before the lights are switched on at night the area is alive with concerts and acrobats, mimes and clowns entire the children and the food is amazing. Once the sunsets the park becomes picturesque. A school of floating octopus and light reflective balls seem to enchant the children and photographers alike.

For concert and music lovers WOMAD is the experience of a lifetime. The atmosphere among the concert goers and performers is intoxicating and for even the less know artists performing during WOMAD is an experience that will not be forgotten. The weather in New Plymouth can make WOMAD somewhat unpleasant for those of an older generation but for those of you who are young and looking for fun this is perfect.

The landscapes are a travellers dream. Rolling farm hills and the exquisite Mount Taranaki combined with beautiful sunsets and sunrises can fill any photographer with jubilation. For those with a higher taste of adventure New Plymouth offers snowboarding and skiing on Mount Taranaki's snow capped mountains and surfing in the somewhat chilly Pacific Ocean.

The culture lovers will find New Plymouth as a one way stop to heaven. Second hand bookstores combined with a quaint museum filled with history provide ensure that New Plymouth is a town that should be on any New Zealand travellers list.

A City of Many Faces

letrishamouton — Mon, 5 May 2014 10:01:40 GMT

The first time I set foot in Venice I was in awe. The sea spray mixed the smell of wine and, of course, pizza was intoxicating. In every direction Venetian Gothic architecture gave an ominous greeting as the plague doctor masks adorned by the famous gondoliers came into view across the canal.

Music and laughter filled the morning air as restaurants opened their doors and tourists began to fill the streets of Venice. In every direction shop owners display their merchandise with a classic Venetian flare. Masks, costumes combined with jewelry and pizza filled my senses. For a tourist this can be overwhelming and the urge to buy one, or more, of everything will be gigantic but it will be worth it.

At the center of all the chaos and buildings are parks safely nestling the peaceful and quiet individuals. Fountains and bird feeders combined with trees and benches filled with photographers taking a rest.

The amount of history that the streets of Venice contain is enormous. Between the churches and museums in Venice a tourist will never run out of places to visit and a writer will forever be inspired. Countless fiction novels and non-fiction biographies have been written centered along the art and hidden secrets Venice has to offer. Museums and churches contain art in many forms all inspired or created my famous artists from around the world.

Traditions in Venice have been the same for years, a tradition which is celebrated around the world is the Carnival of Venice. The masks and costumes create an anonymous beauty in the streets and a mysterious attraction towards the city.

The most unexpected experience in Venice would be when I walked into a bookstore and found myself looking at the most beautiful sight I have yet to surpass. I have spent many hours wondering around my home city and around bookstores and libraries but nothing presented a more hidden gem than the city if Venice.

Your experience of Venice would strongly depend on where you chose to stay and which sights you plan on seeing. There are museums and buildings which are on every tourist guide you could obtain but my advice to any tourist in Venice would be to explore on your own without a tour guide and find the hidden gems and secrets which Venice has to offer.