As far as the northern hemisphere’s concerned I’ve only travelled to one continent, that being Europe. The home of truly incredible architecture and design in my opinion, this reason alone makes it a must-visit.
The year is 2017, I’m sitting on a bench at Auckland Airport about to go on a solo ‘expedition’ to the beautiful continent of Europe. Starting in Germany; a country that would soon be dear to my heart and one that I seriously considered moving to after New Zealand. Till this day it still sits atop my list of ‘Countries I’d Live In’. I instantly fell in love with their way of life and enjoyment of the simple things. Myself, being self proclaimed beer connoisseur and staying in Germany, the home of beer, it was a dream come true!
Lübeck, Germany
The Holsten Gate, 2017
I stayed in Hamburg, the northern harbour city for most of my time in Germany, the reason being my girlfriend, Sarah was from a town close to this city and so I guess you could basically say she’s from Hamburg; at least that’s what she told me the first time we met. Hamburg provided me with eye-opening experiences one after another, taking in the incredible chapels, buildings and pieces of architecture.
Hamburg, Germany
Elbphilharmonie, 2019
After spending Christmas in Hamburg, we decided to go to Paris, the city of lights and love to welcome in the new year, 2018. We ventured through Paris for five whole days, taking in all the sights, sounds and everything this beautiful city had to offer, from the Eiffel Tower to Mortemart and many, many stops in between. The New Years Eve celebrations was definitely an experience.
Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower, 2017
We welcomed the new year at the Arch De Triomphe, with what I’m sure was about a thousand plus people and a tonne of fireworks. An experience I’ll never forget.
Paris, France
The Christian Dior Balloon, 2017
We then returned to Hamburg for a couple days before traveling to the picturesque city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, there we stayed for a couple days to start of the new year. Long walks through Vondelpark, tram rides and visits to Amsterdam’s attractions filled our days. One of the highlights was being able to visit The Van Gough Museum, as a photographer it was truly inspiring, being able to take in and try to understand one of the world’s greatest painters and the process to his work. Certainly one for the books.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Heineken Experience, 2018