It's amazing to think that two of my favourite places are on the opposite side of the world yet have the same name. I should be thanking the Commonwealth, the great Horatio Nelson, but I'm a Napoleon sympathiser, an Australian republican, so I'll just think it's random coincidence that the towns have the same name.

We'll start in Nelson, Canada. The town is most famous for the fact the Steve Martin film 'Roxanne' was filmed here. But there's much more than that. The streets creep up the side of a pretty steep mountain and the houses are mostly attractive late 19th century structures of wood. It also has in my opinion, the best ski hill in North America, if not the world. In summer, there's the Kootenay Lake and the mountains, and all year round an eclectic group of residents and transients.

The art community is strong and there are quite a few people living alternative lifestyles. There's a couple of nice pubs, including Mike's Place, and a garlic-devoted restaurant called The Outer Clove. Even with just on 10,000 residents, you'll always find something happening in the evenings, with plenty of live music and theatre. The scenery is picturesque, the locals wierd and friendly, and anyone reading this who has been there is probably nodding their head and smiling. It really is a great place.

The second Nelson is on the top of New Zealand's South Island. Strangely, it shares more than just a name with its Canadian counterpart. There are many similarities, including the look and feel of the place, especially the locals and the architecture. There's a very nice yellow sand beach and the Abel Tasman National Park is a short drive north. Also not far away are the Nelson Lakes and the Rainbow ski fields. Like Nelson, Canada, Nelson, New Zealand offers so many good things in one small lively area.

The art scene if thriving, and the pace of the city is slow. You'll find quiet cafes, bustling markets, birds nesting in trees along the main street, and good vegetarian restaurants.

If you get the chance, visit one Nelson or the other, or both. You won't be disappointed.