It was so the highlight of my last trip to LA. The location, the building itself, the art, the whole vibe of the place. Just a great, great space. The closest Melbourne comes is our new Ian Potter Gallery in Federation Square, a sort of mishmash of "shards" that, on a whole, I can't really admire, even though I get that they were trying for something interesting architecturally speaking. The gallery itself on the inside is a lovely space, however.

...Is that it has the Louvre. And, of course, Florence has the Uffizi. So I will not exactly be at a loss for brilliant art to admire in the coming months. I saw the Rodin museum last time, and the sculptures there are so clever and inspiring. And the work that goes into casting a bronze - just so time consuming and rigorous. It really gave me a new appreciation of the work that sculptors have to undertake to get the fine detail they desire. This time when I visit any galleries, I plan on paying the extra and getting the little audio guide, too, because it's so much more interesting when you have some historial and biographical detail to put the work in context.

...But I did check out quite a few churches in Paris last time, and I plan to see a lot more in Rome,Florence and Venice. There is something so incredible about the shapes they achieved with minimum technology and maximum artistry, and just the feeling of being in a place where so many people have come for comfort or celebration or prayer. And, sometimes, the very simple, older churches are just as awe inspiring...

Since I am about to entrust my life to one of these big metal things for over a full day of flying, I think I will embrace my love of the airplane, too! I must say, however, that I probably have more appreciation of a really sexy car. The new Porsche Cayman, for example. Or even my beloved Mini Cooper (sadly left behind in NZ). Sometimes, the designers get it just right and every curve and corner is a delight...

I don't have children of my own, but I know how I feel about my nephews and neice and godchild. They are precious, precious vessels. And yes, sometimes they are demons. My step mum is babysitting all three of my sister's children today. We conferred for a short while last night about how she was going to amuse them. In truth, my heart quaked for her!!! Three children, all day. Terror! But also much, much laughter and fun and madness.

My aunt is about to head off for a big trip through eastern Europe,including Moscow, Warsaw and Budapest. The Russian cathedrals are high on her list of must-sees, I know. They look absolutely amazing in photograhs. I shall have to add them to my travel list, also...

I totally agree with you on fashion. A beautifully designed dress or coat or even a shoe is a form of art. I am personally obsessed with kimonos and Japanese textiles. I have a couple of boxes full of stunning kimino silks that I plan on making into quilt covers and cushions when I once again have some spare time away from the computer. I also have a little shoe fetish that I would like to indulge soon by enrolling in a short-run course where they teach you how to make your own pair of shoes. Very cool!

...I am a complete trollop for anything Asian. I love the pagoda style of building,and the clean,elegant lines of so many Asian buildings. The stone carvings, the wood carvings, the color - just beautiful. The hidden temple we visited last time we were in Bali was so lovely. A really special day.

I saw a half ruined one in the Cotswolds somewhere when I was last in the UK. The building itself, and the gardens as well were really incredible. The world must have been a scary place when castles were essential, don't you think?

There's a theme developing here amongst us Cigar ladies... men and babies. Hmmmm.... I haven't seen the York Cathedral, but I do think that stained glass windows are beautiful. That's why I found Sainte Chappelle so awe inspiring in Paris. It's like being inside a kaleidoscope. The hours and hours of craftsmanship and effort that must have gone into creating such masterpieces is trully mind boggling.

What a list, ani -- that's wonderful.

I have to admit, I am big with VanGogh. Though his Sunflowers are what grab me -- I have a whole coffee table book of his paintings here that my niece gave me, and love it. I look through his display at the Met in NYC, and it's all Mike can do to drag me out. No other artist really touches me as much, though I do love art.

You know, though, I am not as into sculpture - probably because it's usually people and has no color...

Sam

Am officially in awe. I really must get out more. But I'm adding them all to my travel shopping list, Ani. Hope you get to Giza soon...

...You know I'm not going to argue with this one! Babies are very, very special, which is just as well, considering the amount of nappy changing and sleepless nights they generate. Those little hands and tiny fingernails. The squidgy, pudgy little arms and legs. Those short-sighted eyes blinking up at you... Must go pummel my ovaries into submission... Stay well, Mads

I agree, we can't take credit for how amazing the human body is - except for certain delicious men with hard-earned six pack abs etc! There was a six part series by the BBC called The Human Body a few years ago. Absolutely fascinating and amazing. As for historical buildings like the Mayan ruins and old Scottish castles - yes, yes, yes. I am always astonished by the intricate detail, skill, and craftsmanship that goes into these old buildings. Like the pyramids, I wonder how they did it it without all the scaffolding, cranes and concrete we seem to not be able to do without these days. And as I have just been knee deep in Regency romance reading recently, I can only be very boring and totally agree with your reading list, also!

...I have never been to. So much to see, so little airpoints to do it with! I am about to google it and have a look. Thanks for playing,Minna

Ding dong - Gerry is a hunk and a half, isn't he? And how lucky are you, hanging in Europe for five years! The monastery sounds incredible - am about to google for images. As for Jackie O - well, she was noted for her style. I'd be too nervous to have a solid gold bag on me, however, unless it came with accessory body guards...

I am becoming more and more interested in Germany the older I get. The castles, the cities - I am fascinated by Berlin, I have to admit. And my partner has some long-distant Germanic heritage, so we have the perfect excuse to venture forth. Since we will have done France and Italy this year, perhaps next year we can do France and Germany. You see the recurring theme here? Paris! Beautiful, amazing Paris...