Dispatches

A serene corner of Japan, where traditional gardens blend art and nature. These landscapes are designed for harmony carefully pruned pines, reflective ponds, and stone lanterns symbolising guidance. Japanese gardens date back over 1,000 years, crafted for meditation and beauty. A peaceful escape where history, culture, and nature come together in perfect balance.

🌸 Breakfast dreams served on a plate! Crunchy granola, creamy yogurt, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of honey,  finished with a sprinkle of petals for that perfect morning vibe. ✨☕ A feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Tasmania continually serves up fabulous food you need to try.

Found this stunning bronze sculpture at Art:1 New Museum, tucked away in Gunung Sahari Utara, Central Jakarta. The detail and texture are breathtaking,  a modern tribute to Indonesia’s rich architectural and spiritual heritage. Each curve feels alive, echoing stories of history, culture, and craftsmanship. 🎨

If you love exploring creativity that bridges tradition and contemporary art, this gallery is a must-visit!

✨ A galaxy far, far away… right in Orlando!
Stepping into Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge feels like landing on another planet, where droids mix your drinks and adventure buzzes in the air. 🍹🚀

A stroll through Zaragoza feels like walking through layers of history and art. The stunning Basílica del Pilar rises at the end of this charming street, blending elegance with everyday life. Locals and visitors alike wander beneath ornate lamps and hanging flowers, soaking in the city’s timeless beauty.

Outside Huon Valley Bakery, two patient pups wait as their owners head inside for something delicious. The smell of fresh pies and coffee fills the air , a true country bakery moment. Friendly locals, hearty flavours, and that unmistakable Tasmanian charm make this a must-stop in the Huon Valley. Even the dogs seem to know there’s something good cooking inside.

A winter hush settles over Old Montreal, where history stands gracefully against the chill. The Maison des Éclusiers, once home to lock keepers along the St. Lawrence, now watches over a snow-dusted scene that captures the timeless charm of Quebec. Such a wonderful place to visit. 

Celebrate Deepavali at Times Square Kuala Lumpur with beautiful floral displays in the foyer. many festival and events on all over KL at the moment, a great time to enjoy the diverse culture.

We went to the towers on our walk this morning and I was surprised how stunning they still are. The 88 storey towers were the tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004. Great design Cesar Pelli they still look amazing. Well worth a look

This cozy bar in Milan, Italy, exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere with its wooden interior, soft lighting, and bustling patrons. A bartender is seen serving drinks behind a well-stocked counter, while a mix of locals and tourists enjoy conversations and pints of beer. The Guinness sign adds a classic pub touch, and a TV screen in the background suggests it’s a popular spot to unwind after work or catch up on the news. The lively yet relaxed vibe reflects Milan’s vibrant nightlife culture.

You’ll often see anime figures like this in Japan’s pop culture hubs, especially in:

• Akihabara (Tokyo): The mecca for anime, manga, and gaming culture. Stores like Animate, Kotobukiya, and Mandarake are packed with figures, collectibles, and limited editions.

• Ikebukuro (Tokyo): Another hotspot, especially for anime fans, with shops like Animate’s flagship store

At the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam, visitors step into the world of one of the world’s most iconic beers. Here, you’ll learn about the brewing process, history, and global reach of the brand while enjoying interactive exhibits. A stop at the tasting bar, like this one, lets you savour the fresh flavour of a perfectly poured Heineken straight from the tap

Walking through Toledo felt like stepping back in time. Crossing the old stone bridge and passing through the Puerta de Alcántara, I was struck by how the ancient walls still hold the spirit of the city. Looking up, the Alcázar rose above everything, majestic and timeless. The mix of Moorish, Christian, and Jewish history is alive in every street, and the golden glow of the afternoon sun made the whole scene feel magical and unforgettable.

Bruny Island, Tasmania, blends rugged beauty with serene charm. Wildflowers brighten green fields that roll toward dramatic cliffs and the blue sea. Offshore rocks and distant hills frame the horizon, creating a perfect balance of tranquility and raw coastal power, an unforgettable slice of Tasmania’s natural wonder

Tsim Sha Tsui, at the southern tip of Kowloon, is one of Hong Kong’s most vibrant districts. Known for its bustling streets, luxury shops, museums, and the stunning Victoria Harbour promenade, it’s where culture and shopping collide. A hub for travellers, Tsim Sha Tsui offers everything from world-class dining to hidden street eats, making it a must-visit stop when exploring Hong Kong. 🌏✨

The Grand Lisboa in Macau stands out with its dazzling lotus-shaped tower that dominates the skyline. Beyond the casino, it offers fine dining, luxury accommodation, and vibrant nightlife. Inside experience the lively atmosphere that reflects the city’s dynamic spirit. A visit here gives travellers a chance to enjoy the bold character that makes Macau an unforgettable destination

On the lively streets of Jakarta, scooters line up tightly in front of a café, a common sight in the bustling city. The café door reveals warm light and a steady flow of customers, reflecting Jakarta’s mix of fast-paced urban life and social café culture. It’s a snapshot of daily rhythms, where coffee, conversations, and motorbikes intertwine seamlessly.

Baseball in Japan is more than a sport, it’s a cultural experience. This photo captures the excitement inside the iconic Tokyo Dome, home of the Yomiuri Giants. The stadium is alive with the chants and drums of orange-clad fans, creating an electric atmosphere. With meticulous organization, vibrant energy, and a true sense of community, Japanese baseball brings together tradition and passion, making every game feel like a festival of sport.

Hidden in Tasmania’s north, nature unfolds in its purest form. A gentle waterfall cascades over mossy rocks, surrounded by towering ferns and eucalyptus trees. The air is crisp, the sound of rushing water and the dappled sunlight through the forest canopy makes it feel like a soothing, secret world. A perfect escape for those seeking tranquillity and a reminder of the raw, beautiful magic Tasmania holds.

In the heart of Tarragona, Spain, stands the Monumento als Castellers. This breathtaking statue is a tribute to the centuries-old Catalan tradition of human towers. Rising high with teamwork and balance, this bronze sculpture captures the spirit of community where every role matters, from the solid base to the daring climber at the top. A must-see landmark, very moving

A call out to the street food vendors and sidewalk makeshift eateries that create that colourful obstacle course of smells, drawing on the temptation of hunger to snare the passerby. This is how you learn to weave in and out of plastic chairs being placed at tables as the early diners get in before the rush. The locals know where to eat as queues will no doubt form at certain vendors stalls and other vendors will make what they can from the constant movement of people looking for sustenance. 

The sunlight hits hard in Cadiz as the sandstone walls add to the mustards and the golds; a flash of bright white from the buildings delivers summer. A city that takes all comers from cruise ships to holiday makers from Madrid. Let the sunrays reinvigorate the skin as pastie days under dull strobing fluorescent office lighting seems like a distant memory. Spot the blue water of the Gulf of Cadiz and float away, last chance before you board the plane or train back to reality.

Melbourne owns the coffee crown! In Fitzroy’s Smith Street, I caught a coffee devotee lost in a book, soaking up city life. The stroll blends experience and culture, with eclectic shops adding charm. Order a “Magic” Melbourne’s own coffee creation and taste the city’s rich, caffeinated soul.

Jump off the train at Hommachi and head east into a grid of streets alive with a culinary and cultural adventure. Seventeen blocks down and five blocks across are full of restaurants for the choosing, leading you to the famed Dotonbori, where the Glico running man shines over tourists devouring Takoyaki. Finish the evening by discovering the quieter backstreets of Osaka for a nightcap and dessert.

Terelj unveiled a wild beauty of rolling hills, granite cliffs, and whispering forests. We hiked to the serene Ariyabal Meditation Temple and visited Turtle Rock; a natural, turtle-shaped formation. Meeting nomadic families offered a glimpse into their enduring way of life. Holding an eagle, riding horses and camels, and trying archery made the day unforgettable. Full story in the next magazine.

A traveller on tour stumbles upon a foodie’s dream destination, a quirky food truck oasis! Picture a simple location: tiled floor, tin roof with creative thatching on the underside, tables and chairs waiting. Fifty menus tempt you with global flavours. Fast, cheap, and full of goodness; why visit just one eatery when you can tour a whole world of taste? Every dish comes with a friendly smile and a dash of culinary adventure.

When in Hong Kong, hop on a “Ding Ding” tram for a front-row seat to city life. From the top deck, watch crowds, neon lights, traffic, and glimpses of Victoria Harbour rush by. The tram’s steady clang and winding route through vibrant neighbourhoods make it more than just transport, it’s a cultural experience. Discover hidden eateries, local scenes, iconic destinations and more as you ride the rails through the heart of this dynamic city. Ding! Ding!

Jakarta may be hot and chaotic, but its galleries offer a cool, calm escape where creativity thrives. From a crumpled VW Beatle to a spasm of colour on canvas to carvings from indigenous crafty types. These are experiences that stir thought and curiosity. Places like Art:1 New Museum link local talent with global ideas, proving Jakarta deserves a spot on the international art stage, don’t overlook the emerging new world.

Zooming around the streets of Tokyo is nothing short of liberating. Sure you look silly, that’s the whole idea. Tokyo can be serious, all business, polite and quite, then a colourful pageant of go karts flash by to the sound of high pitched motors and laughter. The same with the night life as the Salarymen loosen the corporate ties for comradery into the early hours of the morning. Small wheels big fun pay attention you just might enjoy yourself.

A week in Lasenta Boutique Hotel overlooking the rice field was colonialism bliss. After an early morning swim, a coffee, it was out to explore for both a lunch and dinner spot. Restaurants run the full gambit of styles from a concrete floor, four posts, a flat tin roof with a kitchen comprising of a camper top gas burner through to a teak laden fit-out high end kitchen ready to pamper the guests in luxury. They all have two things in common great food and a welcomed smile all hard to leave.

Red, Blue & Yellow from 1930’s Dutch painter Piet Mondrian hints can be seen throughout the city. Discovered this houseboat on travelling trails looks fresh, modern, as if finished being built only yesterday. Bicycles dominate the roads, not the type you find in the Tour de France more of a practical flower basket carrying style. The back canals are worth a look some groovy coffee shops that spin vinyl or grab a stroopwafel, mmmmmmmm…. stroopwafel.