The balanced perspective Colombia

Colombia may have made gigantic safety leaps forward in
recent years yet there’s still room for much improvement. There are certain
areas of the country that are still considered unsafe for foreign travellers,
and keeping away from any known trouble spots will certainly be a wise choice.
Besides, even the Australian government warning website, which rates the whole
country deserving of ‘high caution’, actually goes to much trouble to list
places it considers unsafe, and many which it states as exceptions, including
all the above-mentioned tourist hubs. When reading such warnings, it is
imperative to read all the details, not just the headlines.

An important factor when considering travel to Colombia is
to pay close attention to what your insurance company says. Being covered by
insurance is essential not just when travelling to Colombia, but when traveling
ANYWHERE! Travel insurance companies are incredibly reliable and don’t scare
easily. They use facts and stats to concoct their policies, not unsubstantiated
warnings.

The UK Foreign Travel Advice for Colombia site has a great
map you can download, which will give you an overview of the areas that are
safe to visit, and those you should avoid.

Top tips for keeping safe when visiting Colombia

The great majority of safety travel tips pertain to
independent travellers, when solo taxi rides, use of public transport, and
overnight transfers, are part and parcel of everyday life. On a group tour in
Colombia, however, the major dangers are dissipated. Not only will you be in
the care of a local and experienced guide, but you’ll have the luxury of
private transport and a local’s knowledge of the safe roads to take, and the
ones to avoid.

Independent and group travellers alike ought to maintain a
low profile. No flashy displays of wealth are recommended (naturally) and
keeping a minimum of cash and valuables with you is imperative. More
importantly, should you be accosted by a would-be robber, it’s wise to simply
hand over what they want. Better to lose a hundred bucks rather than have a
nasty story to tell.

And then relax. Statistics SHOUT that you’re much more
likely to get attacked by a shark whilst swimming in Australia, than to be
kidnapped for ransom in Colombia. But we bet that won’t stop you from enjoying
another spectacular day at the beach back home. And it really shouldn’t.

Why you should visit Colombia

While so many people think ‘If you go to Colombia, you’ll
never come back!’ due to the overly-dramatic safety warnings, we chuckle and
think that (although for very different reasons) they’re quite right. Lush
tropical jungles, fantastic historical highlights and drop dead gorgeous
beaches. All of them devoid of mass tourism. Colombia is an absolute tourism
powerhouse and one of the most addictive destinations in all of South America.
The people are insanely friendly, the coffee and food sensational and the sheer
kaleidoscope of experiences simply out of this world. Visit once and you may
well feel an insatiable urge to come back, time and again.

The Atacama Desert, Chile

The driest desert in the world and the most surreal
star-gazing destination in the southern hemisphere, the Atacama is an ethereal
place to visit, where the salt-encrusted earth crumbles under your feet; where
the sunsets are fiery-red and where the night skies put on a magnificent show.

Desolate and harsh yet incredibly enchanting, the Atacama is
in the northern fringes of Chile, bordering the world-famous Bolivian Salt
Flats. If you have some extra time you could easily discover both in the one
single unforgettable journey.

The Amazon Rainforest, various destinations

The Amazon is one of South America’s most celebrated
highlights and the one destination everyone who visits South America wishes to
explore. Yet once you’re over and not overly keen to rough it out in a tropical
jungle budget-lodge – them pesky insects and soul-sucking humidity and all –
then rest assured you can still head here and experience this resplendent
wilderness. From luxury lodge-based tours to Amazon River cruises aboard
gorgeous river boats (yes, they also come with air-con and window fly-screens,
nowadays!) the options for exploring the

Amazon in comfort and style are plentiful. You can still
enjoy all the on-land excursions you wish, cuddling anacondas and chasing
sloths (or was it the other way around?) visiting remote Amazonian communities
and simply relishing being in the heart of the world’s grandest and most
important rainforest, all the while still getting a great night’s sleep,
feasting on superb cuisine and indulging in a refreshing shower at the end of
the day.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

We certainly wouldn’t begrudge any over-55s from heading to
the Brazilian party-capital to shimmy it up with the best samba dancers at the
annual Rio Carnival, yet let it be known that Rio de Janeiro is actually a
pretty spectacular city to discover at any time of year. Steeped in hundreds of
years of fascinating history – as the birthplace of African-imported slavery
into the continent – Rio is a powerhouse of attractions.

The famed Christ the Redeemer statue will welcome you with
open arms (well, he does that for everyone) and guides you along one of the
most picturesque coastlines of all. With a great array of museums, fun shopping
options, exceptional cuisine and a long list of sightseeing highlights to suit
everyone, Rio will bewitch you for days on end. And come sunset, when you’re
enjoying a sundowner on your private hotel balcony overlooking glitzy
Copacabana beach, you may well think there’s no more exciting place in the
world to be.

Thailand, Malaysia, Laos

Spanning few countries, thousands of islands, and hundreds
of traditional cultures and unique natural wonders, the region of Southeast
Asia could take a lifetime to fully explore. These few destinations each offer something
different for the most discerning travellers

Gulf of Thailand

The Gulf of Thailand is a destination in and of itself, the
expansive bay extending along coastlines of Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and
even Vietnam. To the west, the Chumphon Archipelago includes Koh Tao, Koh
Samui, and Koh Phangan, each tiny, relatively undeveloped islands with an
enormous variety of activities and stunning scenery practically tailor-made for
the discerning traveller.

Across the Gulf to the east is the Vietnamese island of Phu
Quoc and its 27 nearly entirely uninhabited islets spanning over 500 square
kilometres, including Hon Thom and Hon Xuong, known locally as ‘the Robinson
Curusoe island’ and Hon Thom, connected to the main island by the world’s
largest oversea cable car. Back up North near Koh Chang the sleepy island of
Koh Mak promises enduring sustainability as a slice of true paradise, entirely
focused on ecotourism and limiting daily visitor numbers so it’ll never lose
that undiscovered island vibe.

Malacca, Malaysia

A food-centric city home to a number of expressive cultures,
Malacca has been a destination for centuries as a vibrant port drawing traders
from India, China, the Middle East, Portugal, the Netherlands, and the UK.

Each visiting culture left traces of its influence seen
today through the diverse architecture, unique Malaccan cuisine, and entrenched
culture that may as well be worlds away from nearby Kuala Lumpur. The region’s
early history is hotly debated, with the only permanent records detailing
accounts mixed with myth and legend, tracing roots southbound to Sumatra and
the Northern pressure of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, or today’s modern Thailand.

Si Phan Don, Laos

Also known as the Four Thousand Islands, this archipelago is
spread across the Mekong River Delta in Southern Laos. The actual number of
islands ebb and flow depending on the season, as some submerge under the
monsoon rains, but perennially Don Det and Don Khon offer the best experience.

From these bases, you can explore the greater delta kayaking
with the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, trekking to Khone Phapheng Falls, the largest
waterfall in Southeast Asia, and watch the region’s magnificent sunset over
beachside campfires.

Tayrona National Park

It’s hard to play favourites in a country which boasts 58
protected nature reserves, making up over 10% of its territory. But in
Colombia, the crowd-fave tag is awarded to Tayrona, a splendid national parks
which literally hugs the Caribbean coasts, sits on the base of the Nevada de
Santa Marta Mountain Range and offers sparkling beaches, luscious jungles,
verdant rainforests and even arid deserts, all inhabited by a flurry of endemic
wildlife, many of which are critically endangered.

Some say this stretch of coast is South America’s prettiest
and once you reach one of the dreamy beaches, shaded by coconut trees and
framed by picturesque mountain peaks you may well agree. Tayrona makes a
phenomenal ‘last stop’ on a whirlwind tour of Colombia and is the perfect place
to kick back for a couple of days, cocktail in hand, reading a book in a
hammock and anticipating the sunset every day. Life and travel in Colombia
rarely get better than this!

Ciudad Perdida – The Lost City

Once you learn that it takes 6 days of intense hiking
through 50km of unforgivable jungle terrain to reach La Ciudad Perdida, you may
no longer wonder how this ancient treasure managed to stay hidden for so long.
Discovered merely three decades ago and built more than 600 years before Peru’s
famous Machu Picchu, the Lost City of Colombia offers the country’s most
challenging yet rewarding adventure, least of all for the fact that it’s still
very much a hidden – and painfully hard to reach – highlight.

The BBC called an adventure to The Lost City an ideal way to
satisfy an Indiana Jones fantasy and if you’re an avid hiker (of average
fitness) and adventure-seeker you may have just found your Colombian trekking
dream.

San Agustin Archaeological Park

Colombia is an ancient culture lover’s paradise, boasting an
impressive number of world-class archaeological sites. One of the most popular
and easily accessible is San Agustin, home to gargantuan pre-Inca statues whose
true origins remain a mystery to this day. In this complex, the largest
megalithic sculpture collection in all of South America, you’ll discover
incredible works of art, with animals, warriors and mythical figures carved
from volcanic rocks weighing tons and measuring up to 4 metres in height.

Straddling both sides of the Rio Magdalena Gorge and sitting
at an elevation of 1800m, the statues are best visited from the small town of
San Agustin.

Tayrona Natıonal Park South America’s

Our final destination is Tayrona National Park, also on the
Caribbean coast – and getting there is an adventure in itself! After a
four-hour drive to Santa Marta and a quick change from local bus to private
transfer, we’re driven another hour and a half to the entrance of Tayrona.
We’re dropped as far as the van is permitted; at a dusty horse station. Now we
have a 45min walk through the bush to get to Arrecifes beach. For 17,000
Colombian Pesos (approx. $9 AUD) we hire a horse to take our big bags. The bags
are put into sacks and we’re pointed in the direction of the trail. The path is
well worn and we pass other walkers with varying accents – one of whom appears
on a ridge above us and warns of a pack of horses bearing down on us!

We quickly climb up off the path and sure enough, a porter
and five or six horses appear, moving at substantial pace along the narrow
trail. A tourist is sitting atop a horse so it would appear walking is optional
(for a price). We enjoy the hike, although even in the shade of the forest it’s
still very humid. The trail is not flat and thus challenging, but it’s scenic
and peaceful and the effort heightens the anticipation of arrival.

We make it to Arrecifes without our horse catching up, so we
can only assume (and hope!) he’ll appear with our bags in due time. We’re shown
to our bungalow and the sight of a large hammock on the porch makes me very
happy. The spacious 2-storey hut promises a relaxing end to the trip (…and our
bags do eventually arrive).

We walk to the beach, passing a colourful juice bar and
campsite for tents, and it’s quite a sight, surrounded by mountains, forest and
towering palm trees. However the waves are formidable and warning signs
indicate that it’s not safe for swimming, so we study our map and discover that
further down the beach, disguised by huge rocks, is a safe little cove.

The sun is setting so we head back to our bungalow, with
plans for a morning swim. We enjoy a delicious dinner at the on-site restaurant
(three courses, no less) and the next couple of days pass in a contented blur
of sleep-ins, hammocks reading, good food, walks along the beach and swims in
the cove, which has a bar and a couple of cute juice and ceviche stands.

All too soon it’s time to book a horse, saddle up the
backpacks and hike on out of there. 
Tayrona National Park is stunningly beautiful, peaceful and remote; a
perfect end to our Colombian adventure. We’re picked up by the van and driven
to Santa Marta airport, where we fly back to Lima. Colombia is a fabulous
country of diverse landscapes and charming people; it’s South America’s
best-kept secret… go before everyone else catches on!

Sumatra Hue Atauro Island

Spanning few countries, thousands of islands, and hundreds of traditional cultures and unique natural wonders, the region of Southeast Asia could take a lifetime to fully explore. These few destinations each offer something different for the most discerning travellers

Sumatra, Indonesia

Indonesia’s largest island is the sixth biggest in the
world, sat squarely on the equator in the country’s rugged west. Exploring the
north of the island you’ll encounter Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic
lake with its own nascent island, Palau Samosir, formed some 75,000 years ago,
itself the largest island within an island on the planet.

Samosir has a rich and exotic history dominated by its
indigenous peoples, the Batak tribes, who today still practise and adhere to
many elements of their native cultures. Sumatra is also one of two places left
on Earth home to wild orangutans.

Hue, Vietnam

Vietnam’s ancient capital city lies on the central coast
between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh along the Perfume River, and originally held the
seat of the Nguyen Dynasty until it fell in 1945. The rich history of Vietnam
is held in the very spirit of this coastal town, and to experience the
intricacies of Vietnamese culture here is like a textbook come to life.

The Imperial Citadel is the central structure in Hue, with
sacred pagodas extending for kilometres outside the main complex. Then there
are the royal tombs and iconic Forbidden City – but without the crowds of its
Chinese counterpart. Finally, don’t leave without sampling the local
speciality, Banh Khaoi pancakes, which pair well with the area’s namesake
microbrew.

Atauro Island, East Timor

This small island off the north of East Timor’s capital city
of Dili is the stuff of tropical dreams. In fact, scientists estimate that
Atauro’s surrounding waters are some of the most biodiverse on the planet, home
to hundreds of colourful fish and marine life, including many rare creatures
and species unique to Atauro itself.

On land, the island’s silhouette is dominated by its conical
mountains that give way to incredible trekking opportunities, and the local
villages are full of the area’s unique culture and history. At just 25km long
and 9km wide, the indigenous people speak four different languages apart from
the growing English proficiency, and everything from the architecture to the
food has been subtly influenced by the Portuguese control of the island
paradise until 2002.

Spitsbergen

The only permanently inhabited island on Svalbard, the
Norwegian Arctic archipelago renowned for being home to more polar bears than
people, Spitsbergen is an unrivalled Arctic destination. Ideal for those short
on time – thanks to its ease of access from Europe – Spitsbergen can be visited
all year round. In summer, you can cruise the Arctic waters and tackle
heart-thumping expeditions by dog-sled. In winter, you can lie back and be
blown away by the resplendent spectacle of the Northern Lights. Less than 1,000
kilometres from the North Pole, and deep within the Arctic Circle, Spitzbergen
is the most visited Arctic destination in Europe and a brilliant introduction
to Arctic explorations.

The Russian Arctic

The Russian Arctic region is a dream for all seasoned
adventurers: that ultimate frontier for those who have ‘been there and done
that’ all over the world. This is a land forgotten by time or, at the very
least, largely ignored by the rest of the travelling world.

Too far-flung, too disconnected and far too foreign to even
seem like a reachable goal. If you’re looking to channel your inner old-world
explorer, the one who discovers new horizons, you’ll find no better Arctic
destination to visit. Endless horizons of dramatic tundra, home to a colossal
array of endemic wildlife and some of the most magnificent landscapes you’ll
ever see in your life.

Add to that close encounters with incredibly interesting
native cultures, and you’ll find the Russian Arctic delivering an impressive
amount of unforgettable experiences to all those who brave its frontiers.

Greenland

You know you’ll be up for some marvellous nature-filled
adventures when you land on the world’s largest island, which also happens to
be the least populated by humans. An arctic sensory overload like no other,
Greenland is home to the largest ice cap on the planet, spectacular icebergs,
breathtaking fjords and a remarkably vibrant Nordic culture. One of the few
places on earth which has the ability to make you feel immensely and totally
insignificant. Everything about Greenland is colossal and grandiose and, for
WOW factor alone, should be on everyone’s must-visit list.

Canadian Arctic

A part of the northern cap which needs little introduction,
the Canadian Arctic is all about magnificent scenery, exceptional wildlife and
world-renowned hospitality by its native Inuit locals. With tens of thousands
of islands to meander around, dodging icebergs, polar bears and vertiginous
ice-capped peaks, the Canadian Arctic region is Mother Nature at her most
impressive.

Boasting a rich history in seafaring explorations, along the
coveted Northwest Passage, this is the best destination if you want to indulge
in a lot of adventure activities. Explore by bobsled, on husky-sled, on foot,
by plane or from the comfort of your expedition ship: Canadian Arctic
expeditions offer the lot, and so much more.

The ultimate thrill for the consummate explore: a voyage to
the North Pole is a bona fide Holy Grail arctic experience. Fly in for a
whirlwind visit of a temporary Russian floating Arctic base-camp, only 1 degree
away from the polar north.

Experience life at extremes, be overawed by the ethereal
landscapes and meet the people who make a living researching what is arguably
the most inhospitable nook of our planet. A North Pole expedition is a
sensational adventure very few have the privilege to experience.

A voyage of exploration to the northernmost reaches of our
planet, aboard ice-strengthened vessels staffed by an expert and dedicated team
of professional guides. Our Arctic Expeditions are what happens when adventure
dreams and reality come together to bring you unforgettable memories.

Spitsbergen (Svalbard)

Revered for being home to more polar bears than humans, the
archipelago of Svalbard (or Spitsbergen depending on where you come from) was
the headquarters of expeditions during the Age of Polar Explorations and is by
far one of the most fascinating places you could ever visit in the region.

There’s an abundance of activities here, from visits to
former (and currently active) Russian towns to kayaking alongside glaciers,
trekking and hiking atop snow-capped peaks and, of course, a multitude of
adventures aimed at wildlife-spotting, specifically.

Cruising in Svalbard affords the best chances of polar bear
sightings in Summer, as the large number of bears inhabiting the archipelago
converge on the northernmost isles, following the seals as they migrate north
in search of pack ice.

Yet there’s no human inhabitants that far north, no
infrastructure and no other way to reach the remote coats other than on an
expedition cruise ship. Svalbard is under the Administration of Norway and flights
are operated by both Norwegian Air and SAS, the Scandinavian Airline System.

Ottawa – Canada

The Canadian Arctic is the second-most popular destination
for polar bear spotting and that’s because of the 19 known colonies of the
Arctic wildlife poster-child, Canada is home to over a dozen. Most of these are
inaccessible (unless you’re looking for a truly epic hard-core expedition)
although two special spots, namely Churchill (Manitoba) and Baffin Island, are
both easily accessible and immensely rewarding.

Arctic expeditions to the famed Northwestern Passage – the
channel that separates Canada and Greenland – are exceptional adventures that
take you way off the beaten path, retracing what once was the most coveted
maritime challenge in history.

Iceland and Greenland

Iceland has enjoyed a surge in popularity in the last decade
(thanks, Game of Thrones!) the country’s fantastical glacial waterfalls,
volcanoes, hot springs and fjords attracting visitors by the plane-loads. Yet
as exciting as city as Reykjavik may be for a cityscape with a difference, it
is mostly a coveted hub for Arctic expeditions because it is from here that you
can explore Greenland, Iceland’s spectacularly wild neighbour to the west.

Greenland itself doesn’t have much in terms of expedition
infrastructure to host cruises (or any infrastructure at all, really) so it’s
left to Iceland to offer the most magical Arctic gateway of all: the priceless
chance to explore them both on one fantastic expedition cruise.

Read more about the differences between Iceland VS Greenland
and you’ll better understand why, in terms of Arctic expeditions, they’re
usually bundled up together into a single, unforgettable destination. Just like
you need to join a Canadian Arctic cruise to see the western coast of Greenland,
you’ll also want to seek a Greenland cruise that departs either from Iceland or
Spitzbergen to explore the eastern coast.

Southwest Sulawesi, Batad, Chiang Mai

Spanning few countries, thousands of islands, and hundreds
of traditional cultures and unique natural wonders, the region of Southeast
Asia could take a lifetime to fully explore. These few destinations each offer
something different for the most discerning travellers

Southwest Sulawesi, Indonesia

Known for world-class scuba diving, this region is shrouded
in magical tradition, deeply engrained mythology, and whirlwind history. The
earliest settlement of the region dates back as far as 30,000 BC, and over time
the Bugis people – known for their early adherence to Animism, the belief that
objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence –
entrenched their dominance in the region that extends to this day. Early
traders to the area even coined the term boogeyman, inspired by the Bugis
mastery of sailing and the seas.

Today, Bugis tradition is still greatly entrenched,
especially in traditional villages like Toraja. This ancient city still practises
customary Bugis funeral rites, which can last for weeks or even months (corpse
included,) and often attended by thousands of people. The Bugis believe that
death is not a sudden, drastic event, but a time for community celebration as
the soul journeys to Puya, their version of the afterlife.

Batad, Philippines

This tiny village of less than 1,500 people is framed by the
spectacular, amphitheater-like Ifugao rice terraces, heralded as the most
remote and beautiful in the world. Reportedly built by hand more than 2,000
years ago, the journey to get to Batad is half the experience, accessible by
jeepney – retrofitted, usually wildly painted military vehicles left by the
U.S. Army after WWII – and gloriously devoid of much internet or cellular
connection. Outside of the central village, there are stunning viewpoints, the
Tappiyah Waterfalls, and an even smaller sub-village called Patpat Sitio.

Local villagers also invite visitors to see facets of the
area’s traditional economy, including homemade Infugao weaving and knives, wood
carving, coffee, and rice wine.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Bangkok’s little sister to the north offers all of the
trappings of Thai city life, with colourful night markets, world-class cuisine,
and all the temples you can handle – but with a distinctly Thai vibe. The city
also acts as the perfect jumping off point to check out some of the country’s
most beautiful areas and landscapes. The historical centre is the walled city,
itself containing more than 30 temples and monuments dating back to the 13th
century, and just outside the city you can visit the Bua Tong Waterfalls in Sri
Lanna National Park, The Elephant Nature Park, trek to hilltribe villages,
mountainbike on Doi Suthep mountain, and even take a short trip to nearby Pai,
a small, diverse mountain community that’s become an eccentric hotspot for
backpackers in recent years.

Don’t forget to check out Chiang Mai’s extensive festival
schedule before arriving – from its February Flower Festival to November’s Loi
Krathong lantern release, there’s nearly always something going on in the
bustling culture centre of the north.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Laos’ ancient capital city is today a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, a sleepy area at the intersection of the country’s two main rivers. The
town maintains a deep French colonial influence, particularly in its
architecture, blended with the well-preserved religious and cultural heritage
of the indigenous population. One deeply entrenched cultural tradition is the
daily alms ceremony.

Each morning at dawn since the 14th century, Buddhist monks
in saffron robes collect alms of rice from kneeling villagers. Outside the main
village, there is seemingly endless natural beauty to explore – from the Phou
Si hill, Vat Cieng Toug, the oldest monastery in the city, Kuang Si Falls, Pak
Ou or ‘Buddha’ Caves, and Tad Sae Wateralls, which has its own 1,000m zipline.

South American travel goes

As far as South American travel goes, Colombia is one of the
roads less traveled. It still features on many ‘Don’t Travel’ lists and is
perceived as dangerous, due to its history of violence and drug trafficking.
But with a drastic and continued reduction in violence over the last decade and
its government dedicating real money towards tourism and safety, Colombia has
had a remarkable transformation and is emerging as an exciting and wonderfully
under-commercialised travel destination. What we discovered was a beautiful and
diverse country, full of friendly and welcoming people. And even better? Less
tourists!

BOGOTA & BEYOND

We fly Lima to Bogota and arrive in the late afternoon. The
transfer from the airport to our hotel reveals a city surrounded by Andean
mountains and full of impressive street art. Our room offers a fabulous view of
Monserrate mountain, looming over the city centre. We go for dinner around the
corner and although the hotel staff recommends caution and leaving valuables
behind, we don’t feel unsafe; the streets and bars are busy and music can be
heard from several ‘rock’ bars.

After dinner we try some delicious craft beers in a packed
corner pub and the locals are friendly and hospitable. I wish we had more time
here but alas we are leaving early in the morning.

The next day we drive to Catedral de Sal (the Salt
Cathedral) in Cundinamarca. This cathedral was built within the tunnels of a
salt mine and is absolutely mind-boggling. We follow a strobe-lit tunnel down
and once we enter the dark cathedral, we are at a small chapel representing the
first Station of Cross. We make our way through the fourteen stations, which
are stark affairs; simple crosses backlit by soft blues and purples. The effect
is stirring and they are beautiful in their simple solemnity.

The path takes us to a viewing balcony and below is the main
altar, set in a large cavern. The guide tells us that weddings are held here
regularly but since there aren’t any on today, we wander freely through the
caverns and tunnels, marveling at the way the halite (rock salt) has been
carved and the pretty marble-like patterns.

We travel to Ráquira for lunch, which has a charming town
square and colourful main street lined with shops selling ceramics and bright
hammocks. The town is known for these specialties and the hammocks are
beautiful… if only I could fit a couple in my luggage!

 VILLA DE LEYVA

In the late afternoon we arrive in Villa de Leyva, a
heritage town with the most stunning square I’ve ever seen. Cobblestone and
white colonial buildings sit against a backdrop of imposing Andean mountains;
the effect is breathtaking and the afternoon sun drapes the mountains in
dappled light. We spend a blissful afternoon strolling the paved streets,
followed by a cocktail in a pretty piazza as the sun goes down.