Sydney Harbour in Lights

July 30, 2013May 27, 2014 Matt Edwards 2366 Views 2 Comments Architecture, Lightshow, Photography

If you were ever in any doubt that Sydney possesses the world’s most beautiful natural harbour, adorned with the world’s most innovative architecture, this year’s Vivid light festival would surely have reassured you. Now in its 5th year, the Vivid festival encompasses music performance and an ideas forum, but the real drawcard for the visitors in their millions is the light display. Designed and choreagraphed by artists and technical wizards, the lights are breathtakingly projected onto the city’s most prominent landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Customs House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I rarely need an excuse to check out Sydney Harbour so I thought I’d get on down with my DSLR and take a good old gander.

Dubai Creek, United Arab Emirates (UAE)Dubai Creek. Taking a dhow or abra across the creek is cheap and magical.

City Guides

11 Cool Things to Do in Dubai

June 20, 2013June 20, 2014 Matt Edwards 47309 Views 11 Comments Arabian Nights, Architecture, Beaches, Food, Gold, Ocean, Shopping, Snow, Spices

I don’t care what you’ve heard of Dubai. The fancy attractions, the hotels, the impressive buildings, it’s all well and good. But if you want to see the real Dubai, you want to see the area around Dubai creek. The city was founded here, not really so long ago, in the early 19th century. Until the 1960s the city remained a small fishing village, centred around the Creek, an oasis in an unhospitable desert. And then they struck oil. What happened next is one of the most stunning transformations of a city in modern history. Now a giant metropolis and air hub, Dubai is a convenient stopover on the way from Australia or Asia to Europe. But it’s also worth stopping for a look, despite its huge size, oppressive heat, and obscene displays of wealth and unsustainability, if only you plan your days there well. Here’s what to do.