My Getaway Stylist – Spring 2012
Spring is all about starting afresh and setting new goals. For some, this may mean shedding a kilo or two of winter-weight in time for summer. For others, it might mean buying a new wardrobe. For me, spring represents opportunity. And the great thing about opportunity is the only limits are those you put on yourself. So when it comes to travel, spring is the time when i like to think big. Soon enough the good ol’ bank balance is going to have something to say, but right now, anywhere in the whole world has the potential to be my next stop.
I’ve shared my wish list below; what’s on yours?
Brazil, South America: The vibrancy of Rio; the vivaciousness of the people and the music must make it impossible to stand still. Escaping the crowds and the dangers of the big cities, my Brazilian friend assures me that true to Latin form, you will always be greeted with kisses on your cheeks, massive hugs, more food than you could ever consume, and an invitation to the house of every relative of the person you’re talking to. The landscape is as varied as it comes, which is perhaps not surprising when you consider the size of the country! The beaches in the northeast are renowned for their white sand, crystal clear water, surfing and dive sites. The Amazon River beckons you, urging you to hire a boat and cruise along, eating whatever fish you happen to catch, trying to sleep through the raucous of the howler monkeys.
Canada: It’s said to have a similar ‘feel’ to it as Australia although I’m not sure how such a diverse country can have a singular feel. Vancouver sounds like a city I could live in – a beautiful town right on the water; a mountainous backdrop providing three ski resorts, not to mention the nearby wine region of Okanagan Valley and the impressive Rocky Mountains.
Hmmm, note to self: I’ll definitely need a LOT of time in Canada!
From the rugged mountains to the quaint ‘cottage country’ of Northern Ontario where, I’m told, even Hollywood A-listers have their own ‘cottage’ and do as everyone does: canoe on Bautiful and Plantiful lakes, pack a picnic, settle in for the evening around a campfire, crack open a bottle of red, and enjoy great company.
Ottowa and Toronto are known more for their cultural attractions with great restaurants, nightlife, theatre and shopping. In the far west you’ll find Vancouver Island, a paradise for any lover of the outdoors where you can experience wildlife ranging from bears to whales to salmon. And then there’s the French side of Canada in Montreal and Quebec!
Norway: I’ve been told that whilst an average glass of wine will set you back at least $15, Norway is a hidden paradise for shoppers with clothes and shoes at bargain prices compared to Australia. But for me, Norway calls purely for its natural beauty. The options are endless – from fully serviced hiking trips, to sailing, to off-piste skiing…even in summer! And where else can you party the night away, as the midnight sun of northern Norway shines 24 hours a day for two months of the year. Here’s that lottery card though: witnessing the Northern Lights flashing across the sky is perhaps top of my list of must-sees.
Photo by: Kristin-Folsland-Olsen
Photo by: Bolognesi
Photo by: Andrea Giubelli
Photo by: Terje RakkeNordicLifeAS
South Africa: Picture the scene – you’re in the vast African bush watching the animals drink at a watering hole while you take a sip from your own watering hole: an ice cold gin and tonic. Simply perfect. Cape Town buzzes with a palpable energy, seemingly powered by Table Mountain as it watches over its city, standing tall and proud for all to see. The sleepy town of Jefferies Bay draws surfers from all over the world; and Boulders beach is awash with penguins mixing with sun worshippers as they laze on the golden sands. It’s hard to imagine anywhere else in the world where you can get the incredible natural bushland teaming with wild animals, dramatic mountains and incredible beaches all combined with the bubbling African culture.
Catherine Hollyman
