Graham Reid

Lucio pauses mid-stride as he passes my table and then – perhaps because he can recognise the colour and bouquet, or maybe he cheated and peaked at my order – says enthusiastically, “Ah, but you are drinking a wine from my region, Liguria”.

He claps his hands gently then stares at me for a moment.

What happens next is beyond cheating and peaking: “But you are my friend from New Zealand,” he says as if we have known each other a lifetime.

I had only been to Lucio Galletto's restaurant in Sydney's Paddington once before and that had been at least six months previous. Either Lucio had a remarkable memory or I stood out in a crowd, because on that occasion I had been with a large group of artists and gallery patrons.

Read more: http://www.elsewhere.co.nz/travelstories/3772/sydney-australia-family-friends-and-fine-dining/

Frances Garland

Twenty years ago my son set off for his big OE. From Egypt he sent me a postcard with the only words - 'diarrhoea - gotta go'!!!!!

Remembering these words and taking no chances, I equipped myself with the appropriate medication and boarded motor coach no 16 - Mercedes Benz of Arabia, no Lawrence in sight. Started our three hour police-escorted convoy towards the famous Pyramids of Giza.

The night train from Paris to Venice was about to leave when I heard the noise in the corridor outside my sleeper: loud American voices and the banging of baggage against the carriage walls.

A woman carrying a small child and a large suitcase, and an older woman who was obviously her mother, appeared at my door. The older woman was also laden with luggage. They hauled their heavy cases inside and only then spotted me sitting in the corner.

They were alarmed.

This was a six-bed sleeper and they assumed they would have it to themselves...

It was rather strange to see all the cows painted yellow and decorated with flowers. It was very entertaining, but we did wonder how the animals felt being painted yellow.

For you Beach Boy fans, have a look at Graham Reid's site: