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New Zealand: Gordonton – Sculpture of Famous Tea sage in Gordonton, NZ

It was a surprise to us to learn that there were tea sages. Here’s a sculpture of Lu Yu who performed this work way back in 733-804. Since he lived to 71, unusual back in those days, perhaps the tea is anti-aging?

New Zealand: Gordonton – Tea Worker Sculpture, New Zealand

You get an idea of the work involved in bringing tea to the table at the Zealong Tea Estate in Gordonton, NZ. Here the sculptures are getting some help from the travel media.

New Zealand: Waikato – Sculpture at Zealong Tea Estate

Along the sculpture walk at the Zealong Tea Estate in NZ, you learn that the world imbibes at least a billion cups of tea a day. It’s the world’s favorite drink (after water of course).

 

New Zealand: Gordonton – Zealong Tea Estate

You can visit the Zealong Tea Estate in New Zealand, walk the sculpture walk, take a tea tour, sip tea in the tea house of, of course, shop in the tea retail shop.

US: Seattle, WA – Seattle’s Pike’s Place Public Market

Not many public markets have quite the view as Seattle’s. It’s a warren of corridors, be prepared to get lost and have lots of yummy adventures amongst the fishmongers, produce stalls, craft stands and specialty food shops. This 108-year-old farmers’ market has become a Seattle tourist attraction which draws in more than 10 million visitors annually.

Italy, Florence: Ponte Vecchio Fountain

It makes sense that a bust/fountain on the Ponte Vecchio would be of a sculptor and goldsmith, Benvenuto Cellini. Cellini did not have any connection with the jewelry shops on the bridge, which are there today because when he was alive, butcher shops lined the bridge. The artist, in a shout out to Cellini, used motifs taken from the pedestal of Perseus, Cellini’s masterpiece. The inscription on the monument states: “To Benvenuto Cellini ­ Master ­ The Goldsmiths of Florence.”

Italy, Florence: Ponte Vecchio, Florence

The Ponte Vecchio (old bridge) is a medieval stone bridge and the only one to cross the Arno River until 1218. This one is “newer”, having been rebuilt after a flood in 1345. It’s famous because it has shops built along it, as was once was the practice. Originally it was butchers, now it’s jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.

Austria, Salzburg: Original Salzburger Mozartkugel

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Cafe-Konditorei Fürst created a treat made of marzipan, pistachios, nougat and dark chocolate and was renowned for its perfectly round shape. Each individual bonbon is put on a small wooden stick to be dipped into the chocolate.

Paul Furst opened a confectionery shop at Brodgasse 13 on Salzburg’s Alter Markt marketplace square in 1884. This shop quickly became popular with Salzburg’s fashionable crowd and the crowd loved these Salzburger Mozartkugel. You can find them all over old city in Salzburg, Austria.

Switzerland, Lucerne: Melting Chocolate Wall

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Yes, there’s chocolate shops in Switzerland. Who could resist licking that running chocolate waterfall?

Switzerland, Lucerne: Cute Swiss Army Guy

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The Swiss Army marketers sure know how to make you smile, stop, take a photo, and yes, perhaps walk in and buy something. Okay we bought a Swiss Army Knife. One of my favorite gifts has been the Swiss Army card; It’s the size of a credit card, fits in your wallet and has the necessary gadgets hidden in it.