Art + Architecture tips

“In Corpus Christi, it’s the beaches, then everything else,” my shuttle driver Angela shouted over the roar of the highway as we hurriedly made our way downtown. That might be the truest statement I’ve heard in some time. McGee, Whitecap, North Beach, Mustang Island State Park, Padre Island — Corpus Christi’s beache scene is iconic.

Leaking fire hydrants were a common sight the years I lived in New York City. Usually they rarely got more than a passing look, if that. Yet a fire hydrant in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn got a different life in the beginning of August that has seen a space the size of a square of sidewalk concrete turned into a popular draw for locals and travelers: the “Bed-Stuy Aquarium.”

Exploring the historic castles of Scotland is more than a popular tourist activity. It’s a way to learn about the country’s history, one steeped in fascinated legend and lore. These ancient fortresses, scattered across the dramatic Scottish landscape, are one of the best ways to explore tales of feuding clans, royal intrigue, and battles for power — all of which echo through stone walls and misty valleys even today, thanks to the dedicated efforts of preservationists and historians. Visiting Scottish castles is not just about ticking off tourist attractions, but about engaging with the stories and dramas that shaped the country.

Located on the banks of the Swan River, Perth is the capital city of what is, geographically, Australia’s largest state: Western Australia. With a population of about two million, Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild, wet winters. It’s culturally diverse any time of year, with a mix of both modern and indigenous art alongside galleries and museums to rival Sydney and Melbourne, and its west coast remoteness means the city is far less touristy than the cities on Australia’s eastern seaboard. Perth saw 5.7 million arrivals between July 2018 and June 2019 compared to the 16.1 million visits to Sydney in the same period. If you do make the trip here, these are the cultural attractions to see.

The most visited attraction in Barcelona, Park Güell gives La Sagrada Família, the most iconic building in the city, some stiff competition. Just like the extraordinary church, the park is one of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí’s marvellous creations, of which there are seven in Barcelona (all are UNESCO World Heritage sites). Now famous throughout the world for their extraordinary colors, pattern, shapes, and decorative elements, Gaudí’s works can easily be visited, including Park Güell where you can spend hours roaming the beautiful 30 acres.