Some places earn their meaning over time. Kaua’i is one of those places for me. My first trips here weren’t holidays in the traditional sense. They were family gatherings. My dad’s extended family, coming together in Po’ipu the way families do when they sense that time is starting to move faster than it used to. My grandfather, colloquially referred to as Papa Pete amongst family, friends and the Chico community had a way of making things happen, like somehow get a sprawling extended family to pause their lives and show up somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. What I think he understood was that the slower pace of the island wasn’t just a backdrop. It was the point. Kaua’i has a way of making you put down whatever you were carrying and pay attention to what was right in front of you.
250km/h and a Curried Pie
There’s a moment on the TGV from Basel to Paris where the French countryside just opens up. Fields, farmhouses, the occasional church spire catching the winter light. And it moves past you fast. Very fast. My son and I were in the dining car. He had a curried pie. I had a German bier, which felt entirely appropriate given where we’d just come from. We weren’t doing anything particularly remarkable. We were just sitting there, watching Europe blur past the window at 250km/h, eating unremarkable train food, and talking. But for me, that was a moment. Getting There We’d spent the past week moving between Christmas Markets, using Basel as our base. It’s not a city that makes the top of most people’s Europe lists, and that’s partly what made it work so well.
Hong Kong: The City I Kept Passing Through
Hong Kong and I had a strange relationship for a long time. I knew the airport better than I knew the city. The wonton noodle soup near the transit hotel. Which immigration queue moves fastest. That kind of familiarity, the kind that isn’t really familiarity at all. For years, it was just a stopover. Sydney to somewhere. I’d seen the surrounding landscape from the windows or the airport to feel like I knew it. But honestly, I didn’t. Until Work Made Me Stay I finally spent some time there. A few days here and there for meetings. Mornings accounted for, the rest loosely mine. It wasn’t a holiday. But it was the first time Hong Kong and I actually had a chance to really experience it. And I loved it. The timing was interesting. A monsoon had been tracking towards the city and it was bracing for it.
Los Caracoles Barcelona: The Best Roast Chicken in the Gothic Quarter
I’ve travelled through France, Germany, Switzerland and Spain. I’ve eaten in bistros, beer gardens, and mountain chalets. But the best meal I’ve had in Europe? Roast chicken in a Barcelona restaurant that’s been cooking it the same way since 1835. Finding Los Caracoles in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter You smell Los Caracoles before you see it. Walking through the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, you catch it. Roasting chicken, smoke, something that makes you stop and look around. Then you see them. Chickens turning slowly on a rotisserie right there on the street, visible through the window. Golden skin, fat dripping, the heat coming off them even from the sidewalk. They’ve been doing this since 1835, chickens rotating in that same window, and it shows. This isn’t for display. This is just how they cook. The Dining Experience at Los Caracoles Inside, the ceilings hang low.
The Art of Doing Nothing: A Family Vacation in Thailand
There is a specific kind of exhaustion that comes from a corporate stint in a city like Singapore. It’s efficient, it’s fast, and it’s digital. By the time we wrapped up work and headed north to Krabi, I didn’t realise I was carrying the weight of a thousand notifications. We went to Thailand for a beach holiday, but what I got (and didn’t realise I needed until I got home) was a disconnect and mental reset. The Art of Doing Nothing When I travel, I’m that “planning” guy. Spreadsheets and a “let’s make the most of the time” mentality. I’m all about the itinerary. Do this, then do that. We only have a finite amount of time. But the highlights of the trip weren’t found in a spreadsheet. It was about slowing down and the quality time with the family.
Chimney Cakes: Christmas in a Cinnamon Dusted Package
European travel during the Christmas season is defined by its festive atmosphere and traditional markets. While visiting Munich and Salzburg in December of 2024, I encountered this tasty treat that is a common fixture at these winter events: the Kürtőskalács, also commonly known as the Chimney Cake. Soft Christmas Cheer wrapped in a crispy exterior, the dough is wrapped around a rotating spit and cooked overheat, causing the exterior sugar-coating to caramelise. The resulting steam from the freshly baked, hollow cylinder gives the pastry its ‘chimney’ name. The warm aroma of caramelised sugar and spices is a key component of the Christmas market experience. A Brief History The history of the Chimney Cake is traced back to the Hungarian-speaking regions of Transylvania. The earliest known recipe appears in a 17th-century Transylvanian cookbook.
A Hawaiian Sunset at Hualālai: Family, Photography, and Being Present
There’s something about Hawaii that shifts your perspective the moment you step off the plane. The air is warmer, the pace is slower, and the ocean always seems to be within arm’s reach. On my first trip to Hawaii with both of my kids, when they were just 6 and 3, I found myself drawn to moments like this one: quiet, simple, yet deeply meaningful. The photo above was taken at the Four Seasons Hualalai, where the sand is soft, the palms lean gracefully toward the sea, and canoes rest patiently on the shore. It’s more than a beautiful scene. It captures the essence of Hawaii’s laid-back, water-first culture. Capturing the Perfect Hawaiian Sunset Photo As a photographer, sunsets in Hawaii are irresistible. The light does all the heavy lifting, painting the sky in warm tones of orange, pink, and gold.
Looking Up at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco
One of the best lessons photography has taught me is simple: always look up. When I first stood beneath the rotunda at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, my natural instinct was to frame the sweeping arches and those monumental columns head-on. But then I tilted my lens skyward, and suddenly the shot transformed. What I found above me wasn’t just a ceiling. It was an intricate tapestry of geometry, light, and craftsmanship that most people walk under without ever noticing. That moment changed how I photograph, and in many ways, how I travel. I still lag behind my family – egging me on to move faster, but I digress. Photography Tip: Always Look Up. Capturing Ceilings, Domes, and Hidden Details Ceilings, domes, and archways are often overlooked. Our eyes get drawn to the obvious. Doorways, facades, landscapes.
Long Shadows & a Long Weekend Hunter Valley Getaway
I love the late afternoon light. It’s a photographer’s best friend, with the sun dipping down and stretching shadows across the ground; elongating your photos and adding depth. Digging back into the archives, this photo does exactly that. Taken at voco Kirkton Park, the gum trees stand tall, their shadows reaching out across the grass like long fingers, drawing your eye towards the distant ridgelines. It’s been awhile since I’ve visited. In fact, I’m not sure these trees are there any more, but it’s one of my fondest (and earliest) memories of Australia before I decided to move here permanently. With kangaroos hopping across distant fields, it was a definitive “I’m in Australia” moment. A Weekend in the Hunter Valley Of course, the Hunter Valley isn’t just about quiet landscapes and tree shadows—it’s one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, and for good reason.
Kyoto at Night: Capturing the Ambience of the Hidden Laneways
A City That Slows You Down Kyoto has a way of making you pause. It’s a place where history isn’t tucked away in museums. It’s out there on display in the temples, gardens, and narrow streets. During the day, I wandered through iconic sites like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari, each grand and unforgettable. But it was at night, in small moments like this, that Kyoto felt most alive. The Magic of Lantern-Lit Streets This photo was taken in one of Kyoto’s backstreets, namely Pontocho, the kind that come alive after dark. Paper lanterns glow against wooden façades, inviting you to step inside. The warmth of the lights collides beautifully with the cool indigo of the sky, sometimes invisible to the naked eye, but something that can often come out in the photos as you later sit in front of the computer revisiting your travels.
Paris: Seeing through Time
Photography, for me, has always been about framing a story. Sometimes that story is in the subject itself. Other times, it’s in the way the light, shapes, and shadows conspire to create something more than the sum of their parts. This photo, taken from inside the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, falls into the latter. History in the Museum The Musée d’Orsay’s grand clock face is one of those rare places where architecture and artistry naturally collide. From the inside, it’s not just a functional piece of machinery. It’s a window to the city beyond and, in its own way, perfectly imperfect. You can see the ferris wheel on the horizon, the rooftops, the soft grey sky. All of it is made more interesting by the bold sweep of Roman numerals and the spidery arms of the clock itself.
The Métropolitain Sign: A Parisian Portal
There’s something about Paris that refuses to be ordinary. Even its subway entrances have more personality than some entire cities. Case in point—this Art Nouveau gem, glowing in the winter dusk, as if it’s less about catching a train and more about stepping through a portal to somewhere a little magical. The “Métropolitain” sign is unmistakable. Those curling wrought-iron arms, designed by Hector Guimard in the early 1900s, were never meant to blend into the background. They were statements—architecture as poetry. Over a century later, they still stand there quietly showing us that even the most practical parts of a city can be beautiful. Seeing the Finer Details of a City You’re In One of the easiest traps when travelling is to tick off the big attractions and miss the heartbeat of the place entirely. I’ve learned that the real joy comes from slowing down—looking for the in-between details.
Being a Tourist in Your Own City: Rediscovering Where You Live
When we think about travel, we usually imagine somewhere far from home. Far away destinations, bustling markets, white-sand beaches. But sometimes, the greatest adventure is being a tourist in your own city. Being a tourist in your own city isn’t just about saving money. It’s about reawakening your sense of wonder. As someone who has been fortunate enough to live in three incredible cities: San Diego, San Francisco, and Sydney. I’ve come to learn that the joy of discovery isn’t reserved for faraway places. It can happen right here, at home. San Diego: Rediscovering the Hometown I Once Took for Granted I was born and raised in San Diego, in my opinion, one of the most picturesque cities in America, with its beaches, palm trees, and sunsets that sparkle. But, like many locals, I didn’t fully appreciate what was in front of me.
Finding “Fiji Time”. Sun, Sand, Snorkeling, and Stars
Two Trips, Two Vibes Fiji has a way of pulling you back, like the tide, but with more coconuts. I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice, and each trip offered a completely different experience. First was a stay at the polished and pampering Shangri-La on the Coral Coast. The second was a journey farther afield, out to Treasure Island, where life slows down, shoes become optional, and time itself seems to politely excuse itself from the conversation. Two trips, two vibes, but one undeniable truth: Fiji is different from your average tropical getaway. Part One: Shangri-La. Easy Breezy Island Luxury Staying at the Shangri-La is like checking into a postcard. One complete with perfectly raked beaches, swim-up bars, and sunsets so good you’ll think they’ve been Photoshopped by the management.
Why Kaua‘i is the Ultimate Wild & Wonderful Wedding Destination
There’s no true halfway point between the U.S. and Australia, unless you count the middle of the Pacific Ocean, which, while scenic, lacks things like chairs or land. Fortunately, Hawai‘i exists, and nestled within its island chain lies Kaua‘i: lush, untamed, and quite possibly the most photogenic third wheel a wedding could ever ask for. When my wife and I decided to get married back in 2007, we looked for a place that made sense geographically (as much as that’s possible when the Pacific Ocean is involved). With my roots in the U.S., her family ties spanning both sides of the ocean, and our home base now in Australia, Kaua‘i felt less like a compromise and more like a revelation. Specifically, the south shore, Poʻipū, and the Grand Hyatt, which became our wedding destination. A Wedding Destination That Brings the Wow Kaua‘i isn’t just a location; it’s an atmosphere.
A Festive Day Trip to Salzburg: Music, Markets, and Magical Moments
A day trip from Munich, festive Salzburg has a bunch to offer. From retracing Mozart’s footprints to filling the hills with the sound of music, Salzburg is a delight to visit. We visited in December, as the festive Christmas markets were already in full swing. Chestnuts were roasting, carollers were carolling, and we were off exploring the halls of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Salzburg in winter is pure enchantment—an often snow-dusted city wrapped in golden lights and Baroque charm. If you’ve only got a day to spare, don’t worry. There’s plenty you can capture and experience in just a few hours. Start at the Top: Hohensalzburg Fortress There are sometimes tourist traps. And sometimes there are places that hit the mark. Rising proudly above the city, Hohensalzburg Fortress is your first must-see (and must-shoot). The funicular ride up is quick, but the view? Absolutely panoramic.
Christmas Markets in Germany: Dream Realised. Magic & Mugs of Mulled Joy
In Germany, Christmas isn’t just a holiday. It’s practically a seasonal personality trait. The scent of cinnamon, the soft glow of fairy lights, the sound of carollers crooning in front of 14th-century cathedrals. This stuff runs in the blood. So it’s no surprise that I’d been dreaming about the German Christmas markets for years. And in December 2024, I finally made the glühwein-soaked pilgrimage. Christmas Markets in Germany are absolutely worth it. The Ambiance: Where Fairytales Come to Life (with Bratwurst) Munich’s Marienplatz at Christmas is like someone sprinkled holiday spirit from a snow globe onto a Gothic postcard. The massive Christmas tree sits in front of the Neues Rathaus, twinkling with lights as choirs sing from the balcony. It’s grand, it’s cosy, and it smells like roasted almonds and nostalgia. The Food: Calories Don’t Count at Christmas Markets Let’s be real. No one comes to Christmas markets for salad.
Tokyo’s Gritty, Glorious Slice of Old-School Japan: Piss Alley
Tucked away in the neon-lit labyrinth of Shinjuku, just steps from one of the busiest train stations in the world, lies a narrow alleyway that oozes with character, sizzling skewers, and a touch of Tokyo’s gritty past. Officially known as Omoide Yokocho, but more infamously (and affectionately) called Piss Alley, this spot is a must-visit for anyone looking to go beyond the polished, hypermodern façade of the city and taste something a little more real. What’s in a Name? Let’s get this out of the way: yes, it’s called Piss Alley. The name dates back to the post-WWII era, when the alley was filled with black market vendors and tiny makeshift bars, but had no toilets. Locals and patrons would, well… make do in the streets. Hence, the name. Thankfully, things are far more hygienic now, but the gritty, no-frills vibe still lingers, in the best possible way.
From Royal Palace to Global Icon: The Historic Journey of the Louvre
Ranking at the top of museums worldwide, the Louvre is impressive, even before you get inside. A royal palace to a global icon, it’s impressive from the get-go. The Parisian architecture that borders the notable glass pyramid in the plaza. It is immediately recognisable as a gateway to priceless works of art. Housed in a former royal palace, it offers visitors a journey through centuries of culture, making it a timeless symbol of global heritage. More art than you can shake a stick at The sheer scale of the Louvre’s collection is staggering. With over 35,000 works on display, spanning from ancient civilisations to the 19th century, it’s impossible to see everything in one visit. From the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa to the commanding presence of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, every corridor leads to another masterpiece.
Paris in Winter: Stunning Landmarks, but Missing the Holiday Magic
The Eiffel Tower. Holding the title of the most photographed landmark in the world, it’s immediately recognisable. Towering over the iconic city of Paris, the grey beams – bathed in a golden light at night – reach skyward effortlessly. It should be awe-inspiring. And it is, but on our recent trip to Europe, and my second time to Paris, it’s not that I wasn’t impressed, but it just didn’t rank at the top of our Winter trip across Europe. But what about the landmarks? Paris has its moments—there’s no denying that. Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour is a spectacle, and landmarks like the Louvre and Notre-Dame is steeped in history. But compared to the warmth and charm of the Christmas markets in Germany, Switzerland, and even Strasbourg, Paris felt… different, and that is what we were there for.