Ralph Johns kicked off the global venturing with a fascinating exploration of cycling patterns and opportunities in Tokyo, one of the densest urban centres in the World. Juxtaposed against the bustle and energy of this talk Paul Murphy demonstrated the importance of ‘Observation Landscapes ‘with the tranquil symmetry of Kyoto’s public Garden spaces. Julia Wick exported us SW to Penang’s funky coloured heritage and their Think City initiatives, before Orson Waldock dived deep into an intriguing journey through multiple activations of the Cambodian street network.

Jeremy Gershen slowed the tempo of the evening with a casual stroll back through time along the El Malecon waterfront promenade in Cuba, and revealed the Cuban's nocturnal Park obsession with free wi-fi internet sites. Helen Mellsop’s exploration of Barcelona canvassed 3 stunning Parks, including Mies van de Rohe 1929 Pavilion and Patrick Blanc’s green wall at Caixa Forum. Meg Back bravely jumped in at the last minute to cover a vacated talking slot with a dreamy collection of professional snaps of life across rural Samoa before we were eloquently transported back in time to the primordial landscapes and ecosystems of Madagascar. The devastation of a once majestic and eye-catching baobab vista and it’s over-population of lemurs was a thought-provoking end to a  very stimulating 2 hr talk fest.

Many thanks to all the Speakers who contributed time and their captivating imagery for us all to experience, and thanks also to the Student & Committee Members of the NZILA who helped with set up and shut down.