ART: Cape Town

Cape Town in South Africa is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the world being surrounded by the ocean on one side and guarded by the Table Mountain on the other.

The rich cultural mix of the historic city is immediately evident. Members of various African tribes from the north with their distinct styles of dress are as visible as the Dutch, French, Indonesian Indian, British and of course the various shades in between. It seems hard to imagine that apartheid was such a harsh reality; and international sanctions had isolated this vibrant country for years. Yet the sight of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other Black freedom fighters had been imprisoned for decades is a reminder of the grim past. Cape Town is worth visiting just to pay homage to Robben Island, now a World Heritage Site.

Well worth a visit is also Camps bay, the Atlantic Seaboard, Blouberg and of course the City Bowl.

The colourful city is wedged between the famous landmark Table Mountain, the top of which gives a birds-eye view of the city, and the Atlantic Ocean. One can climb to the top of this lovely 1000 meter mountain via a hundred different and equally scenic paths or enjoy the thrill of a revolving cable car ride.

The mountain is within the Table Mountain National Park that thrives right in the center of the city. Take a relaxed afternoon walking among the wooden walkways and designated pathways. The biodiversity in this park is amazing and it comprises of three distinct areas that extend from Signal Hill at its north end to Cape Point at its south.

Cape Town has plenty for lovers of adventure sports like bungee jumping, skiing and paragliding. One can even enjoy the thrill of diving with the sharks on a package that takes you by boat off the South coast at Gansbaai, Dyer Island and Geyser Rock in Shark Alley. It is in a secure environment when you go down inside a cage with a mask and snorkel but hey this is the great white shark we are talking about!

The mix of races and the position of Cape Town, between the European and Asian influences, are very obvious in its lifestyle, food, architecture and even gardens. If you visit Cape Town you probably need not go anywhere else in the world to find out how people live!

» Ravenstein: Camps Bay holiday apartment, sleeps 12, from Euro 450
» Harbour Edge: City Bowl holiday apartment, sleeps 4, from Euro 160
» Big Bay Beachclub 118: Blouberg holiday apartment, sleeps 6, from Euro 45

ART: Auckland

The Southern Hemisphere has always been a fascination with Europeans since their summer is in December and winter in June. A dream come true for skiers from countries that are ‘right side up’ as they can ski through out the year by going to countries like New Zealand!

New Zealand has more sheep than people and the entire country is as unspoiled as one can imagine. Auckland which is the largest city in New Zealand and holds one third of the nation’s population, yet one can be immersed in Mother Nature’s ample bosom within thirty minutes of leaving the downtown area!

When landing in this North Island city, be prepared for the magnificent vistas that surround Auckland providing images of brilliant blue sea and majestic mountains. The City of Sails as it is nicknamed appears to be the perfect place for a stress-free life.

One can escape to stunning beaches, hit a hiking trail or disappear into one of the nearby enchanting islands all within half an hour. Whether Auckland South or Auckland West, the city is a melting pot of cultures with people of all races and nationalities living and working here. The sunny climate, the inherent Polynesian traits and joie de vivre of the inhabitants add to the pleasure of being here.

Hiking is a great pleasure and the joy of being in the rainforests is indescribable. The trails in the nearby Waitakere and Hunua Ranges that are west and south of Auckland are highly recommended. A short bush walk in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park can bring you to a delightful spot by the Hunua Falls. The forests are dense with native trees and there are programs to sensitize school kids about the environment at the Falls.

Waikatere Ranges are a chain of hills 25 kilometers west of Auckland with the Maori name Te Wao nui a Tiriwa. On the coastline, the hills have stretches of surf beaches in their midst. Plenty of regenration of the native bush is happening in these ranges as well.

Within easy reach of Auckland, there are the enchanting islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Here you can catch a ferry and be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a pair of dolphins on the way to Waiheke Island or Rangitoto Island. The latter is about eight kilometers from Auckland and one can go across to Motutapu Island by a causeway. Rangitoto is made of volcanic rock and about two hundred types of plants grow on it. It has the largest Pohutukawa forest in the world.

Whale watching trips are organized in these waters. We would also recommend the underground aquarium at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World with its transparent viewing tunnel.

Some Auckland accommodation on Holiday Velvet:

» The Spencer on Byron: Auckland hotel, from $185
» Kiwi International: Auckland hotel, from NZ$99
» Ateas Chalet: Auckland hotel, from $350

ART: Tuscany Countryside

Tuscany is not just the birthplace of The Renaissance it is the most beautiful part of Italy. Spend a few days just traveling at a leisurely pace around the Tuscany countryside and drink in the natural beauty of the undulating countryside swathed in various shades of green.

Tuscany known locally as Toscana is in the center of Italy, about midway down the peninsula. Surrounded by mountains and dense cypress forests it is easy to see how this landscape must have nurtured and inspired artists down the centuries. The region is famous for its olives and wines, both of which complement the simple meals of the Tuscany Countryside perfectly

It is a moving and enriching experience, soaking in the beauty of the region where time seemingly stands still. This is Chianti country and the vineyards with their erect battalion of baby vines, which are in perfect symmetrical rows and are a feast for the eyes. The gently rolling hillsides, the rows of proud dark green cypress trees, the narrow winding village lanes together made a picture postcard landscape.

From the hills of Northern Tuscany to the gentler undulating countryside, farms with their mellow stone houses now open their doors to tourists who want to sample their lifestyle. Simple yet delicious meals using local produce and wonderful homebrewed wine lull the senses in the sun drenched village that I stumbled upon. The warmth of the welcome matched the climate and I vowed to be back some day.

There was plenty of time for long hikes, bird watching and just admiring the flora and fauna. The views from the elevation of the symmetrically rounded hilltops encompassing old farm houses in medieval hamlets, moss covered storybook castles and parish churches and monasteries is breathtaking. Those who seek tranquility cannot help but be captivated by the Tuscany countryside.

The traditional villages perched high in the scenic hills of Northern Tuscany offer the simple pleasures of life. The swish of the cypress trees, the chirrups of the birds and the fresh crisp mountain air that exhilarates is a wonderful experience.