ONE DAY MORE

WITH 2020 BEING A LEAP YEAR, WE ALL GET AN EXTRA DAY THIS MONTH. KATE SPRINGER IMAGINES FOUR PERFECT WAYS TO SPEND IT

In a leap year we’re given the greatest gift of all: the gift of time. This month, February will have 29 days instead of the usual 28 – but how will you choose to spend those additional 24 hours? From Rome to Perth, Seattle to Osaka, here are four dream days to make every second count.

For the naturalist 1 DESTINATION: SEATTLE

Morning: Head to the great outdoors at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge an hour’s drive south of Seattle, which plays host to an abundance of birds, beavers, seals and otters. Idyllic on a crisp, clear winter morning, the seven-kilometre Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk and Twin Barns Trail weaves through dense forest and marshy estuaries with views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier.

Afternoon: Back in town, refuel at the Pike Place Market: seafood specialities from local favourites Pike Place Chowder or Matt’s in the Market will hit the spot. Next, walk 15 minutes north to the alfresco Olympic Sculpture Garden to admire avantgarde artwork and views

of Elliott Bay. Cap off your bonus day at Holy Mountain Brewing Company’s taproom to sample the lineup of funky ales and sours, many of which

have been aged in oak barrels.

For the foodie 2 DESTINATION: OSAKA

Morning: As one of the best food cities in Japan, Osaka is the place to kuidaore – eat till you fall over. Get started early with a morning at Kuromon Market where more than 150 local vendors rustle up fresh, aromatic delights. Snack on grilled prawns, Kobe beef skewers, sashimi and oysters, or follow your nose to bubbling cauldrons of oden – a hot pot mix of fish cakes, tofu and daikon radish.

Afternoon: When in Osaka,

okonomiyaki is a must. This grilled cabbage pancake speciality is served to order on an enormous griddle, topped with Kewpie

mayo and bonito flakes.

Specialists like Chibo and Ajinoya – both near the famous Dotonbori Arcade

– regularly draw crowds. End your extra foodie day by tucking into takoyaki, fried

balls of batter filled with

octopus chunks, at nearby

Wanaka Namba, a vendor which has been in business for more than 50 years.

For the culture hound 3 DESTINATION: ROME

Morning: Spend your bonus day on the finer things. Already bursting with history, arts and stunning architecture, The Eternal City recently added the Italian Museum of Audiovisual Arts and