If up near the Castle it is well worth wandering down through the Grass Market as a previous reader has remarked. Where the road continues into West Port there are some splendid shops tourists might not otherwise find. Just by walking a bit more I came across a wonderful shop, Cabaret Antiques and Curios, which is spread over two floors and has an extraordinary selection of antiques, knick knacks, curios, books and other treasures. I found presents for several people in here and the prices seemed very reasonable. The owners seem happy for you to browse and take your time. It was an unexpected surprise and proves it is well worth exploring sometimes away from the usual tourist areas. Edinburgh is definitely a city for walking and exploring, especially the Old Town bit all around the Castle which so dominates the city.

137 West Port
Edinburgh
EH3 9DP
0131 229 4100

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It is fun to go see and opera or ballet performance in this glorious old Opera House. Top price tickets are usually about £28 ($50) with lots of lower prices. Website has an easy to use online booking system in English. Productions can be a bit hit and miss but it just rather fun to be in a Grand Opera House - treat yourself to a box and you'll feel very grand indeed!

www.opera.hu/

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Three glorious old continetal style cafes worth visiting for cakes and coffee are:

Ruswurm (Buda Side - tucked down street near castle

Gerbaud (Buda side - very polular)

Cafe inside Hotel Astoria

All three are atmospheric, great coffee and cakes and marzipan stuff for those with a sweet tooth

www.ruszwurm.hu
www.gerbeaud.hu
www.danubiushotels.com/en/budapest-hotels/hotel-astoria-budapest

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Head out to the Indian Ocean beaches at Cottesloe (15 mins on train from Perth) and go to the Blue Duck overlooking the beach. Time it late afternoon and sit on the outdoor terrace with a mango daiquiri and something simple to eat from the extensive menu (the potato wedges are great!). If you've timed it right you'll be able to watch a stunning sunset over miles of glorious beaches. A second mango daiquiri will prove to you life doesn't get much better than this!

The Blue Duck
Cotteslo Beach
Train from Perth to Cotteslo (also a bus buit not sure of the number - train is easiest I think)

www.blueduck.com.au

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If passing through Singapore's Changi Airport and you have five hours or more between flights, you can have a FREE tour of Singapore. Just look for the Free Tour Desks and sign up. They take you on a quick coach tour into the centre - you get a short trip on a "bum boat" as well - and bring you back to the departures lounge. Its easy to do and its free!

Singapore Changi Airport

www.changi.airport.com.sg

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The Day Tripper Fare ($15 - about £6) allows use of ferries, trains and buses. It's a great way to see Sydney from the water. Use it to nip round to Darling Harbour. Use it to scoot over and explore the various creeks and landing stages where the rich folk live. When you want a change, ferry back to Circular Quay and just jump on the next route! And when you need a coffee - just take the big Manley Ferry (it has a cafe/kiosk on board). Be sure to take a late afternoon ferry across to somewhere and come back to circular Quay when it is dark to see the buildings all lit up. The view by day and by night are excellent. AND the ticket is valid up until 4am the next morning after the day you buy it. A GREAT way to spend a day exploring!

www.sydneyferries.info/

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Want to combine stunning views with a nice drink? Then head for the Shangrila Hotel, take lift to 36th floor, enter bar and be stunned! Table 9 (corner by glass windows) will show you a view from Darling Harbour, round over the Bridge, Harbour, Opera House and you can see out to the Heads and across to Manley. On a sunny clear day the views are stunning, the harbour traffic fascinating to watch, and you can view it all whilst partaking of a nice cool drink at the same time.

Tall hotel by The Rocks at the harbour (Circular Quay)

www.shangri-la.com/sydney/shangri-la/en/index.aspx

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