ISLE OF SKYE

The Isle of Skye exerts a magnetic pull on visitors. It is a byword for spectacularly craggy mountains. Thus it is forgiven its relentlessly wet climate, which is inevitable as the big hill masses get in the way of the prevailing Atlantic weather fronts moving out of the south west. The new bridge linking Skye with the mainland may do little for the immediate scenery of the strait between. Sky has plenty of scenic wonders, thanks to its complex geology of overlapping ancient lava flows. 

Waller Hugh Paton (1828-1895) Entrance to the Cuiraing, Skye 1873

This painting is a spectacular example of Paton’s mature landscape work. It shows the Cuiraing (or Quiraing in modern usage), a remarkable landslip on the Trotternish peninsula of Skye. Here, the jagged spike of the thirty-seven meter high pinnacle known as ‘The Needle’ dominates the middle of the composition. Paton described the Quiraing as ‘an awful place’, despite the fact that it had become a top destination for artists and tourists alike. 

Received from Hazel, Scotland. As she says it is a very spiritualist place and great scenery!

DUNEDIN

Dunedin is New Zealand’s largest city by area and arguably the most spectacular in terms of contrasting landscapes. Dunedin is a thriving city set amidst a magical landscape edged by the sea. It’s a place where the streets hum vibrantly with colour and culture, and the beauty of nature is everywhere. Setting it apart from other New Zealand cities, Dunedin has the finest examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. It has close historical links with the Scottish city of Edinburgh. 

Dunedin, Otago, NZ

The city is renowned for its proximity to incredible wildlife and is often referred to as the eco-capital of New Zealand. The 24 km-long Otago Peninsula (19000ha) is home to a colony of one of the world’s rarest penguins, stretching along the southern edge of the Otago harbour is an easy drive from central Dunedin. Dunedin is a city of rare and charm.

DENVER

A young, active city at the base of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Denver is the 23rd most populous city in the U.S. Local boosters named the frontier mining camp on the South Platte River "Denver" after Kansas Territorial Governor James Denver in hopes of gaining political favor. Central City, located about 45 minutes west of Denver, is known as the "Richest Square Mile on Earth" due to the half billion dollars of gold that was mined there.

Denver, Colorado, "The mile high city" where the Great Plains meet  the Rocky Mountains.

Denver is near the mountains, not in them. The Mile High City is located on high rolling plains, 12 miles east of the "foothills," a series of gentle mountains that climb to 11,000 feet. Just beyond is the "Front Range of the Rocky Mountains," a series of formidable snowcapped peaks that rise to 14,000 feet. Denver might not be in the mountains, but the mountains still dominate the city. The picturesque mountain panorama from Denver is 140 miles long. There are 200 visible named peaks including 32 that soar to 13,000 feet and above.

Postcrossing Postcard US-1142290

VANCOUVER

The natural geography of Vancouver makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. As a vital part of the Pacific Rim, Vancouver is rapidly becoming more international in flavour and is very much a modern city. Defined by the North Shore mountains and rimmed by the Strait of Georgia, Vancouver is dotted with beaches and forested parks, all linked by the arms of the great Fraser River Delta. Vancouver is also known as Hollywood North because it is north of Hollywood and of its film industry.

Beautiful downtown Vancouver B.C. with the North Shore Mountains blanketed in snow (front). Burrard Bridge and Granville Island (back).

Nestled right in the downtown core is Stanley Park, spreading over 1,000 acres it is the largest inner city park in Canada. Modern architecture and skyscrapers blend in with heritage amidst spectacular natural backdrop of mountains and sea. Large shopping malls, squares and parks are scattered throughout the downtown core and the outlying areas. Vancouver is named after a British explorer, Captain George Vancouver.

HAMPSHIRE

Hampshire is a county of chalk downlands above winding valleys of the swift little Itchen, Test and Meon streams and the open heathland and woods of the New Forest in the south. In the middle sits Winchester - boasting one of the noblest cathedrals and most beautiful old schools in the country. There are pockets of real rural beauty to discover here.

Neither new, nor really a forest, the New Forest remains without doubt one of the most individual stretches of countryside in the South of England. It was set aside by William the Conqueror in 1079 as a royal hunting ground. The heathland and wooded enclosures of the New Forest offer interesting rambles. Deer are still common, though you're more likely to meet wild ponies. 

Cottages at Southwick, Hursley, The New Forest and Longparish show the character of Hampshire's vernacular style.

The pretty village Longparish with its abundance of thatched and period properties is situated on the beautiful River Test and bordered to the north by the remains of Harewood Forest. It boasts two excellent pubs and is a perfect location for walking, cycling and exploring the North Wessex Downs.

Visit Hampshire

HONG KONG

 Placed on the southeast coast of China, Hong Kong’s strategic location on the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea has made it one of the world’s most prospering and cosmopolitan cities.

Kowloon and Hong Kong Island

Dominating the Kowloon waterfront stands the 118-storey International Commerce Centre. The land in front of it is designated for the West Kowloon Cultural District. At centre lies Harbour City and Ocean Terminal and beyond, on Hong Kong Island, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"A Symphony of Lights" over Hong Kong Harbour.

This spectacular display, already named the 'World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show' by Guiness World Records, has now been expanded to include more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. It is an all round vision of coloured lights, laser beams and searchlights, synchronised to music and narration, creating a stunning, unforgettable spectacle celebrating the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong.

Neon fantasy on Nathan Road.

This is a composite creation made up of many of the best neon signs on both sides of the harbour. Many of the signs represent some of Hong Kong's best restaurants and night spots. The street is real and is Nathan Road in Kowloon, also known as "the Golden Mile".