I had long wanted to visit the Fondation Carmignac on the island of Porquerolles – the largest of the Îles d’Hyères near Toulon. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.

We were lucky: a mild autumn day, a pleasant number of visitors, and our dogs in top form. A day of hiking, a boat ride, fresh sea air, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Yes, life is beautiful. It takes about 45 minutes to walk to the famous Notre-Dame Beach – that postcard-perfect view is world-renowned. I believe even Monet once painted this very scene.

At the Fondation Carmignac, we were captivated by the kaleidoscope installation overlooking the garden, and by Feelings by Jean-Baptiste Bernadet – Vertigo. (Just like the U2 song of the same name – such a cool theme, full of motion and emotion.)

Enjoy this souvenir of sunshine, movement, art, and nature.

A total change of scenery — switching hemispheres, yet still on the same earth. This time: Australia. 🌏

I’ve travelled a lot, but somehow never made it here when I was younger. Back then, hotels weren’t quite ready to tackle the visa maze, and so the dream stayed tucked away — somewhere between curiosity and possibility. Years later, with age, a little patience, and family ties (my step-daughter lived there), I finally went. What followed was a journey of beauty, questions, and humility — a reminder of how vast and fragile our planet truly is.

Please swipe slowly — it’s worth it.