Ville Radieuse and beyond in Melbourne

I recently came across Ville Radieuse (The Radiant City), an unrealised urban master plan by Le Corbusier, from 1924. His orderly, modernist vision for our future was standardised, symmetrical,  included effective transportation, and was balanced with natural elements throughout.

The influence of this proposed urban plan can be seen throughout Melbourne, which is rich in modernist architecture. The balance with the natural element is not so evident, which led me to explore the post modern as well - in hope.

More Paris

Still no words for Paris. It was autumn, the shadows were looong.

Paris

I have no words for Paris. Needless to say, there will be more than one post from Paris. Let's start with the views from Le Tour Eiffel.

Oxford

Oxford. A famous university city full of elegant, honey coloured buildings and a wonderful place to wander. I was there for less than a day but I could have spent many, exploring the narrow cobbled lanes and charming, bike studded university grounds. Next time.

The salt flats of Trapani

I can't tell you much about Trapani, except that I had an amazing bombolone alla Nutella at a bustling pasticceria on the way through. Trapani for me was about one thing. The salt flats. And they did not disappoint. Think shallow coastal waters, canals, windmills and mounds of snow-like, freshly harvested salt.

Cefalù

Arriving in Cefalù felt a bit like arriving in the Greek Islands, or maybe it's all in the name. A serene little town sitting pretty between its small bay on the Tyrrhenian Sea and the towering granite mountain of La Rocca.

Cefalù was all about colour for me. From dreamy pastel pinks, yellows and greens to the striking blues of the sky and sea, and its accompanying beach umbrellas.

It didn't steal my heart from Siracusa but a gorgeous little town nevertheless! 

And then there was Siracusa!

And then there was Siracusa, or more specifically the island of Ortigia, joined to the mainland by bridges. Oh my! Architectural styles vary widely on this tiny island - Greek and Roman ruins, Medieval Norman buildings and loads of subtle Baroque details. With limestone as far as the eye can see and blown-out white skies, this spectacular little island stole my heart.

Gerocarne - La Cittá dei Maestri Vasai

Gerocarne - The City of the Master Potters. First stop on my recent European adventure was Gerocarne. A small town of less than two thousand people, nestled in a valley in the Province of Vibo Valentia, Calabria. Historically a town of potters, though few remain, it is filled with beautiful moments of colour, stone and concrete.