My Favourite Places
- Ali Lucas-Chee
- Oct 19, 2018
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 1, 2022
This is a hard one as there really hasn't been anywhere I have been that I haven't liked. These however, would have to be my top seven...for now.
​Fraser Island, Australia
I have been to Fraser Island multiple times, each time I enjoy it as much as the last. Surrounded by water, it is the biggest sand island in the world! You'll be taken away by the stretches of beach, lush rain forest and the incredible lakes. From Lake Wabby, a fresh water green coloured lake to the crystal clear waters of Lake MacKenzie, you'll be sure to have a blast on this beautiful World Heritage listed slice of heaven!
Having lived and gone to school here, this small city in the north of The Netherlands will always be full of fond memories. It is, as the locals call it, a gezellige stad (cosy city). If you are visiting, make sure you hire a bike and ride around the city, climb the stairs of the Martinitoren, visit the Groninger Museum, drive out to the coastline and shop at the Grote Markt.
Nothing beats strolling among the vibrant street life and amazing architecture, taking a dip in the beautiful blue waters of the ocean, buying cheese, meats and fruit at the local markets and having a picnic on La Colline du Château, all while basking in the sun and enjoying the stunning view.
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From land, on the water or from a plane, this place is very special. Go with the friendly locals on their mokoro (a canoe type vessel) to a secluded campsite where days are spent getting up close and personal with nature on game walks, nights chatting around a camp fire and listening to the sounds of near by animals as you fall asleep. You can also view the vastness that is the Delta by plane, this is an amazing opportunity to see the huge concentration of animals that call this place their home.
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Having first been to Prague in 2002, then in 2011 and again in 2017, it has been incredible to see how much this city has changed, yet still managed to hold a bohemian, mystical era about it. Walk along Charles Bridge at night and you'll know what I am talking about! While you're there, check out the 9th century castle, the medieval Astronomical Clock and the Gothic churches. The architecture here is incredible and it is busting to the seams with history.
I know this is cliché , but I can't help it...Paris got to me. Between marveling at the Eiffel tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, the stunning art in the Louvre or devouring pasteries, macaroons, french onion soup (I suppose they just call it onion soup...) and different cheeses, how could you not fall in love with Paris! My all time favourite spot in Paris is Place du Tertre in the heart of Montmartre, located just behind the Sacre-Coeur. It is an artist's heaven and a place where the likes of Van Gogh and Picasso used to hang out.
I have been here twice, both times in winter and it is magical. Think Christmas markets, fairy lights, mulled wine, bratwurst, snow, ice skating and the smell of cinnamon in the air. This is truly a sensory experience and if you go, be sure to do some ice skating at Vienna Rathausplatz. This rink is made up of many paths taking you around the stunning City Hall.
Published 19 Oct 2018
