Nothing can beat Nelson on a sunny day. The beautiful setting of the city, right between the hills and the sea. The historic neighbourhoods, those pretty wooden houses, that bring back glimpses and memories of the past. Still preserved, stunning heritage villas that make this place quite special and unique, all around New Zealand.  

And now, I have to say, nothing beats Nelson on a beautiful sunny autumn day. Autumn brought even more colours and warmth to this magical little city on the top of the South Island.

Here are some of my favourite pictures. Are you ready for a walk in the sunshine? :)

Summer is long gone. At least for the past two weeks, it felt like a distant memory...
Yet today, it was summer. Summer again. Summer at the beach. Summer in my heart. And sand between my feet. An endless, joyful, peaceful summer. Full of fun and warm memories. When the sky is blue, the water clear, the sun shining, in so many ways.

And sweet sweet sweet discoveries. Of an endless summer at Tahuna Beach.

I haven't listened to classical music for some time. Not to mention the last time I went to a concert... It's been ages! Somehow, being in New Zealand has been first and foremost about discovering the incomparable nature and landscape around me, as it is so unique and breathtaking, it totally fascinates me.   The power of novelty, too, and experiencing the greenery, the freshness, after living in a big city with limited access to nature. My journey in New Zealand definitely included much less culture and music - something that was, undoubtedly, a huge and important part of my everyday life, in Paris, in the capital of culture... 

I didn't realise I missed it. In this form. Until this week. As I stepped through the timeless wooden doors of the Theatre Royal, to attend the Adam Chamber International Music Festival, one of New Zealand's major musical events, an exciting rush of adrenaline spread through my body and veins... 

This post was inspired by roads. Roads we take. Roads we choose. Roads we travel through. Alone or with someone. With or without a destination. By foot, by car. By heart. And of course, inspired by the beautiful, mystical, magical landscape of the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand... 

Today's Binspi: a true gem from a well-known Spanish poet, Antonio Machado. And the beautiful metaphor of the road we walk, the road we take, the road leading through life. Our life. With our own footprints. Our decisions. Our path. With all the amazing and rich experiences we gain by walking. While walking. Constantly learning from every step we take. We can and sometimes will follow others, but it is still going to be our own path. With all its beauties, responsibilities and consequences. We are in charge.

The moment she stepped on the land, to check out the place where they will be potentially living, there was no turning back. She felt home. Yet she tried to deny it. As it was so very different from everything she has ever known from before. Tried to protest against it, even semi-faked a terrible bad mood to distract the attention. Semi, because she recognised it quite soon that it was just the programming. Automatisms. Fears. Excuses. To distract. To hold back. To keep everything under control... Haha, so pathetic. And so hard to recognise.

But eventually, she listened to her feelings... She's been practising it for some time now. They emerged with a supernatural power to help her win the battle of truth over her mind. They always show up in the right moment. And they are always right...

Every year it's on the agenda for many. Bringing art and creativity right into the Centre of New Zealand. Attracting many culture loving Kiwis from all over the country, with a growing number of tourists from all around the world, the Nelson Arts Festival showcases some beautiful pieces of inspiration throughout almost 2 weeks. In a truly inspiring setting, on the lovely sunny streets of Nelson, with the magical, misty hills surrounding.

Theatre, dance, music, cabaret, circus, writers' talks, comedy, visual arts, colourful community and family events, everyone can choose. And a Masked Street Parade, with enthusiastic crowds, adults and school kids dressed up in spectacular creations, marching one after the other, on the rhythm of the percussion.