Not a New Zealand Beach

Beautiful as the Mediterranean towns are, their beaches are crowded by New Zealand standards. At Cefalù most the beach is roped off in umbrella colour-coded sections for paying customers to swim, sunbath and is order food and drink. The proprietors take responsibility for cleaning their section of the beach and there is at least some limit on the number people around you - but obviously this is hardly an open space experience. I liked the colour splash provided by the umbrellas, especially yellow ones - I am colour-blind and yellow never lies - so I have assaulted you with some more ICMs!

Downunder, everyone is entitled to access nearly all New Zealand beaches. Māori can claim customary ownership of some sections of the coastline, but businesses cannot lay claim to sections of a beach for trade like here in Italy. The 'Queen’s chain' guarantees access for public and prevents private ownership of a 22-yard-wide strip of land along most of our coastline. This New Zealand public policy is a heritage gift from early Scottish settlers who were determined to create an egalitarian society in the antipodes where all people were free to roam, hunt and fish.

Travel is a wonderful way of being reminded of what you love about your own country.