The view over Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo
It’s impossible to tire of this stunning view over the red tiled rooves and buildings of renaissance Florence. A blissful panorama over the magnificent dome of the Duomo, the spire of Santa Croce, the old white, yellow and cream palaces lining the river Arno, and the dark hills of Fiesole behind. Photographers are in their element, artists paint the scene, embroiderers stitch it, writers draw inspiration from it. And dreamers just take it all in doing nothing in particular with it. Especially on a still and warm T-shirt sort of day when one can just linger and enjoy.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore
A truly splendid outlook from this lofty platform above Singapore. A bird’s eye view in fact of all the hot spots one has to visit in this place. From the Central Business District with its high rises to the low attractive buildings of colonial times. From the Singapore river with its bum boats and bridges to the Singapore strait with its huge tankers and container ships awaiting entry to the port, and the green and luscious gardens by the bay. I’m not usually a fan of high rises, but at the bottom of this building looking upwards, I feel somewhat awe-struck. Exceedingly imposing it is. And a site not to be missed during one’s travels in Singapore.
Wat Arun, Bangkok
I saw it first at sunset. This great prang, poking into the Bangkok sky, representing Mount Meru, the centre of the Buddhist world, and its name, Aruna, the Hindu God of Dawn. And four lesser prangs, the four winds, surrounding it at the cardinal points. Located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, running through the centre of the capital. The Wat has been here for over three hundred years, adorned with shapes of fantastical animals and foliage, the sun glittering off the porcelain mosaics and seashells. Mythical warriors surround the base of the prang and a seven pronged trident surmounts it. Incredible.
Kazbegi Mountain and Gergeti Church, Georgia
It is not just the mountain itself but the spectacular scenic drive on the Georgian Military Highway to reach here. At the seeming end of an ever climbing winding road one arrives at the settlement of Stepantsminda, over which the 5033 feet high mountain keeps its silent snowy vigil. And alongside it, on a lower hill in its shadow, Gergeti Trinity Church. Associated with mythical gods, Kazbegi was the mountain to which Prometheus was chained because he stole their fire and gave it to mortals. Here, it watches over the church of the Christian god and its saints. Fit pilgrims hike to the church, less fit pilgrims drive to it. There is an aura of mystery and wonder around the church in its dramatic position on the hill.
Mekong River boat trip, Laos
I like boats. Anything to do with them. “Simply messing…” So boat trips and boats are bound to crop up in my top spots and experiences. This trip on the River Mekong was fabulous. Landscapes unfolded as the boat descended the swirling waters. Life revealed on the river’s edge: local kiddies, canoes, bamboo fishing poles, oxen, the odd elephant, gold panners. And, on board, all the necessities of life to sustain us travellers for a couple of days out of our customary environment. No rushing about, lazing, gazing, plenty of time for contemplation, but with a little exploration thrown in.
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