What Holidays Mean To Me by Murray Bevan
Summer in New Zealand is a time for me to take my watch off, forget what day it is, sleep in, eat lots of fresh fruit, go fishing, swimming, read books and magazines on the beach, cook BBQ’s, visit the countryside on day trips, be with family and [...]

My taste buds were treated like royalty at three restaurants in Los Angeles during a recent stay, and here are their details for you:
#1: Carlitos Gardel - Named after Argentina’s version of Frank Sinatra, this little hideaway was the ultimate find during my stay in Los Angeles. Owned and managed by Gerard Bozoghlain [...]

Any film buff will tell you that the Griffith Park Observatory has appeared in more movies than most modern-day stars.
From when it was first used in a James Dean-led film, to the recent ‘Yes Man’ film starring Jim Carrey, the observatory building and grounds are a landmark in Los Angeles culture.
Unfortunately the day we checked [...]

I absolutely LOVE the way Americans celebrate their holidays, and Christmas in The Grove is a perfect example of how The Festive Season should be enjoyed.
The Grove is an outdoor shopping centre, complete with some of the best stores in L.A., plus independent boutiques, restaurants, movie theatres and more that’ll keep you occupied all day.
In [...]

If my three years of architecture training taught me anything, it’s to appreciate the architectural ‘moments’ in life.
The Getty Center in Los Angeles (the second one after the original in Santa Monica) is full of such moments.
After being appointed in 1984, architect Richard Meier put the finishing touches on the centre in 1997, when it [...]

You’re never too old for Disneyland.
If you’re in L.A., it’s a must. Since I went there in ‘87 and ‘03 it’s changed a lot, with new attractions and a major new shopping town parked right outside the front gates.
Some things in the world will never cease to amaze me, and Disneyland is one of [...]

My recent trip to Los Angeles brought to life all my wildest junk food dreams. I have the world’s sweetest tooth, and it was given a good workout over the 12 days I was in the U.S.A.
Pinkberry is a cult in L.A, so the first sighting of it in the Beverly Centre couldn’t be [...]

Now here’s a cafe that lives up to its name!
Started very recently by a couple of clever folk who also know a thing or two about the coffee roasting business, this sneaky little hideaway serves up low-key brunch like cheese toasties, sardines on toast, jam donuts and muesli, with a supreme selection of coffee and [...]

I rediscovered my romantic side a few months ago and decided it was time to take a break with my girlfriend up north for a bit of R&R.
Kourawhero Lodge is a tranquil and rather expansive location that completely takes you away from the city life, a perfect 40-50mins drive north of Auckland.
Our stay was only [...]

Rotorua. The tourism capital of New Zealand. Mud pools, hot springs, bubbling geysers, Maori dancers, sheep shearing. The works.

Then there’s Rotorua, the quiet, serene, idyllic getaway destination that most of us (even those of us who live here) wouldn’t believe existed.
Well, on Easter weekend, 2008. I found it. Like a Christopher Columbus wannabe (but with [...]