The Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning Gothic chapel located on the Île de la Cité in Paris, built in the mid-13th century as part of the royal palace. Commissioned by King Louis IX, it was designed to house precious Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns. The chapel is renowned for its magnificent stained glass windows,…
A classic Paris Métro sign stands proudly atop a green metal pole, a true icon of the city’s streetscape. The sign features bold, red Art Nouveau typography framed by ornate green ironwork, a nod to early 20th-century design. The lamp glows softly, adding a vintage charm as it lights up at dusk. This timeless detail…
The Opéra Garnier is nothing short of a masterpiece and a favourite for many who fall in love with Paris. This 19th-century architectural marvel, designed by Charles Garnier, embodies opulence in every detail. From the grand façade adorned with sculptures of muses and gilded accents to the breathtaking interior, it’s a feast for the eyes….
Galerie Vivienne in Paris is a true gem tucked away in the city’s vibrant 2nd arrondissement. Stepping into this covered passage feels like stepping back in time, to an era when Parisian arcades were the height of fashion and sophistication. Built in 1823, its mosaic-tiled floors, intricate ironwork, and glass ceilings create a luxurious yet…
Visiting Versailles these days demands meticulous planning, especially during holidays when the crowds swell to near-unmanageable levels. The serene experience of wandering the palace and gardens at leisure, once a hallmark of the visit, feels like a distant memory. Back then, the grandeur of the Hall of Mirrors or the charm of the Petit Trianon…
Many AMG 53 and 63 models in Japan likely never get the chance to truly stretch their legs, often serving more as status symbols than performance machines. In Tokyo’s dense traffic and tightly packed urban areas, there’s little opportunity to unleash the full potential of these high-performance vehicles. Instead, they’re more about presence, both visual…
In Japanese supermarkets, nearly everything is carefully wrapped in plastic, reflecting a cultural focus on cleanliness and presentation. From individually wrapped fruits to vegetables packaged in neat trays, the attention to detail is striking. However, there are a few notable exceptions: corn and onions, often left unwrapped and displayed in their natural state. Their hardy…
A family visit to temples during New Year is a beautiful way to embrace the fresh start with tradition and tranquillity. Temples come alive with an air of reverence and quiet celebration as people flock to offer their first prayers of the year, a practice often called hatsumōde in Japan. Families queue patiently to toss…
There’s something hypnotic about the way a train platform comes alive through a large aperture lens. The shallow depth of field transforms a mundane moment into a dreamy tableau, isolating the details that would otherwise blur into the chaos of daily life. Or maybe it’s the gleaming edge of a train track, the leading lines…
First introduced in 2018, Sparking Elian was Evian’s stylish answer to the growing popularity of sparkling waters, but with their signature alpine twist. You’d think, “Evian’s already fancy enough, do they really need bubbles?” Apparently, yes! First time to come across this in Tokyo.
A pocket-sized restaurant in Tokyo is a treasure trove of culinary charm. These tiny establishments, often tucked away in narrow alleys or between towering buildings, are all about intimacy and flavour. With only a handful of seats, sometimes just a counter, the chef is often within arm’s reach, preparing each dish with precision. The vibe?…
Tokyo Midtown, approaching its 20th year, remains a shining beacon of modern architectural brilliance. Located in the bustling Roppongi district, this meticulously planned urban complex seamlessly integrates towering glass structures, thoughtful landscaping, and functional elegance. The centrepiece, Midtown Tower, is a staggering 248 metres tall, making it one of Tokyo’s highest skyscrapers. Its sleek façade…
Coming of age is a significant milestone in many cultures, marking the transition from youth to adulthood. In Japan, this is celebrated on Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day), held annually on the second Monday of January. It’s a time for 20-year-olds to don their finest traditional attire—typically colourful furisode kimonos for women and…
Ah, cameras on lamp posts—welcome to the high-tech neighbourhood watch of the 21st century! It’s like your streetlights have decided to moonlight as security guards. These unassuming sentinels, perched high above, are quietly capturing the comings and goings of daily life. From tracking a stray cat’s midnight adventures to monitoring the occasional delivery driver who’s…
Napoleon Bonaparte and the Louvre share an intriguing connection, particularly through the Egyptian collection. His Egyptian campaign (1798–1801) wasn’t just a military endeavour; it was also a scientific and cultural mission. Napoleon brought along a team of scholars, engineers, and artists, known as the savants, to study and document Egypt’s history and culture. This mission…
The Venus de Milo, an enduring symbol of ancient beauty, is a masterpiece of Greek sculpture from around 100 BCE. Discovered on the island of Milos in 1820, it is thought to depict Aphrodite, the goddess of love, though some theories suggest Amphitrite, a sea deity. The statue now resides in the Louvre Museum in…
The Louvre isn’t just about the art—it’s a masterpiece in itself. The building’s architecture is stunning, from its grand façades to the intricate details inside. Don’t forget to look up—the ceilings are works of art on their own. Painted panels, gilded mouldings, and ornate designs tell stories of a different era, adding to the museum’s…
La Joconde, or the Mona Lisa, reigns as the star attraction at the Louvre, surrounded by crowds eager to catch a glimpse of her mysterious smile. The room is packed, with people jostling for space and cameras held high above heads. Honestly, I’d rather spend my time exploring the less crowded galleries, soaking in the…
Another favourite area of mine in the Musée du Louvre is the collection of Greek and Roman statues. Wandering through these galleries feels like stepping back into the grandeur of ancient civilisations, surrounded by the timeless beauty of marble and stone. The sculptures are breathtaking in their detail and craftsmanship, from the elegance of the…
The Cour Marly in the Musée du Louvre is a breathtaking space where art and light come together in perfect harmony. Nestled under a glass ceiling that floods the courtyard with natural light, this airy gallery showcases an impressive collection of marble sculptures. It feels like stepping into an elegant garden frozen in time. The…