Macau - Part 1

A tiny speck in the South China Sea, just an hour by ferry west of Hong Kong, Macau never fails to charm visitors with its unexpected mix of Portuguese and Chinese cultures.

A Portuguese colony from the mid-16th century until 1999, when sovereignty was transferred to mainland China, ...

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Macau – Part 2

When Morpheus opened on the famed Cotai Strip, it changed the skyline forever. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, the avant-garde monolith looks like it belongs light years in the future due to its sinuous facade encased in a mesh-like steel exoskeleton. The rooms are just as impressive, particularly ...

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Basel - Part 1

This is a charming city split down the middle by the beautiful Rhine River. Basel is one of the oldest cities in Switzerland, as well as one of the country’s most culturally and historically rich. It is a wonderful labyrinth of architectural allure with buildings, churches and castles dating back to...

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Basel - Part 2

Schloss Binningen, located just out of town, is a castle-hotel and restaurant with a storied past. It was first mentioned in 1299 as a castle with a moat, and in the 14th century it was nearly destroyed by two earthquakes, but it was reconstructed in the 15th century. Over the years, it served as an...

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Basel - Part 3

Though this is a long day tour outside the city, it’s certainly worth the trip. Jungfraujoch is considered the “Top of Europe, ” as the mountain stands 11, 353ft above sea level. It isn’t easy getting there, first you need to get to Interlaken before hopping on the old cogwheel railway and cable car...

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Barcelona - Part 1

One of Europe’s cultural capitals, Barcelona genuinely offers something for all tastes, from culture buffs to thrill seekers. It has fantastic galleries and museums, one of the world’s finest sports teams, a beach and much more, your stay in Barcelona has the potential to be action-packed.
<...

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Barcelona - Part 2

The life of one of the world’s most famous artistic talents is the central theme of one of the world’s finest museums, the Museu Picasso in Barcelona.

Famous for having co-founded the cubist movement and for his unique style, easily recognisable and renowned throughout the world to t...

Viewed 1507 times

Barcelona - Part 3

Regarded as one of Europe’s finest golf courses and located a short trip from Barcelona, the PGA Catalunya is an ideal spot to enjoy a day trip out of the city and play nine or 18 holes.

Recently voted one of the top 100 golf courses in the world, the PGA Catalunya has previously hos...

Viewed 1385 times

Istanbul - Part 1

Istanbul, just the name conjures up a mystical city. Gilded domes, glittering minarets, aristocratic pavilions and sultans’ palaces rise amidst a vibrant metropolis. An intoxicating fusion of warm spices and Middle Eastern flavours scent the air of an outstanding, contemporary culture, alive with...

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Istanbul - Part 2

Hagia Sophia is undoubtedly one of the most important and imposing religious buildings in the world. The gravity defying domed basilica remains an architectural wonder, providing the blueprint for countless Ottoman-era mosques. Sparkling with gold mosaics, Hagia Sophia is surely the ultimate, must s...

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Maharajas’ Express India

Offering one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys, The Maharajas’ Express is certainly fit for royalty. The plush, wood panelled cabins and green leather accents hark back to the golden age of rail travel.

All of the cars are named after precious stones, a charming nod to In...

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Rome''s Michelin-starred restaurants

Rome is a legendary city, which, over the course of 2, 000 years, arose from humble beginnings to become a formidable axis of political power, military might, religious authority, artistic innovation and wealth.

Today it is a breathtaking jumble of past and present, where the echoes ...

Viewed 1655 times

Seville – Part 1

Rich in culture, sizzling with energy, sleek yet startlingly sophisticated. The sultry flamenco star, that is Seville, has reinvented herself as a coveted destination in the heart of Spain’s sun baked Andalusia region, jazzing up her old world charm and traditional glamour with a cool, up market vib...

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Seville – Part 2

When you have finally had your fill of tapas and want something more, aim for Abantal. This the only Michelin starred restaurant in Seville. It reigns supreme with contemporary, cutting edge Andalusian gastronomy. Expect smooth as silk service and designer decor. If you like your oysters served on r...

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Seville – Part 3

Flamenco may have wrapped its exotic, rhythmic vibe around the world, but its spiritual home will always be Andalusia.

El Palacio Andaluz is an elegant flamenco venue in the humming heart of Seville, frequented by locals and tourists alike seeking to experience the indescribable vibr...

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Top Museums around the world - Part 2

Guggenheim Museum, New York

Marvel at one of the most Instagram able staircases in the world before absorbing a huge collection of art from the Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary eras. A visit to the Guggenheim is a unique experience unlike ...

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Top Museums around the world – Part 1

Guggenheim, Bilbao

The Guggenheim is perhaps more famous for the stunning titanium and steel building within which it’s located. The distinctive structure was designed by Frank Gehry as a tribute to Bilbao’s naval and industrial heritage. Howeve...

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About Belize - Part 1

Snuggled between Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south you will find relaxed, English speaking Belize. It is only a two-hour plane ride from the continental U. S. Venture into a land rich in natural beauty and steeped in the magic of its Maya past. Renowned for pristine waters, exo...

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About Belize - Part 2

Belmopan, Belize''s capital city, is a unique town in the Cayo District about an hour''s drive west of Belize City on the Western Highway. In addition to its government offices, Belmopan has a thriving Market Square where one can buy anything from fruits and vegetables to western hats and souvenirs....

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About Belize - Part 3

On the return trip from the Guatemalan border, a left turn at Central Farm will take you to a ferry crossing of the Belize River, a memorable experience in itself. On the other side of the river is Spanish Lookout, the largest of several Mennonite colonies in Belize. The Mennonites are responsible f...

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About Belize - Part 4

Old Belize is located along the shoreline of the picturesque Cucumber Beach Marina and boasts the only sandy beach within city limits. Here, visitors are invited to relax and sunbathe, or sit under a thatched palapa, sipping one of the many fruity drinks from special recipes. For those looking for a...

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Cambodia – A Quick Look – Part 1

The '''' Kingdom of Cambodia'''' is the official English name of the country. The English '''' Cambodia'''' is an anglicisation of the French '''' Cambodge'''' , which in turn is the French transliteration of the Khmer kampuciə. Kampuchea is the shortened alternative to the country'''' s official na...

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Cambodia – a quick look – Part 2

Belmond La Résidence D’Angkor

This was one of the first luxury hotels in Siem Reap, the tranquil, 59 suite hotel borrows from classical Khmer meets French colonial design motifs to create a garden immersed sanctuary. A saltwater pool, Kong Kea S...

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Cambodia – a quick look – Part 3

If you fancy something different then try the private island dream. Located on Krabey Island, just a short boat transfer from Sihanouville on Cambodia'''' s coastline, Six Senses Krabey Island is one of Southeast Asia'''' s finest island resorts. Uncluttered, natural and sympathetic to its tranquil ...

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Best of Cannes – Part 1

Cannes is the perfect destination for a long weekend. The resort town is, of course, best known for the Cannes Film Festival when the rich and famous flock to the French Riviera in May. The atmosphere during the festival is electric, and depending on where you stay, you can watch the stars hit the r...

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Best of Cannes – Part 2

Edge Retreats

If you’re after a quieter abode, head to the hills and stay in the utterly charming Bastide Provencal. As Brigitte Bardot’s former home, it is an exquisite sprawling chateau enveloped by fragrant lavender. It is classic French styl...

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Plan a Visit to Hong Kong - Part 1

If you’ve been wondering where your next vacation should be, you could give Hong Kong a thought. It’s a travel destination that’s sure to check all the boxes. The city is full of amazing attractions and fun activities that promise a thrilling adventure.

There has been some unrest ove...

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Plan a visit to Hong Kong - Part 2

Understanding the City’s Regions is a good plan. One of the most important things to consider when going on a trip is accommodation. Where you stay during your trip is crucial as it’ll determine how you’re going to commute to the various attraction sites. Owing to this, it’s important for any touris...

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A Short Visit to Qatar

There are more things to do and see in Qatar than you might imagine and so if you only have a short time here, plan your time wisely. Qatar has more to see than central Doha with the suburbs such as Al Wakra, Al Khor and Al Shamal all having their own treasures.

1 One of the first th...

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What to Do in Barcelona during the Day – part 1

One of Europe’s cultural capitals, Barcelona genuinely offers something for all tastes, from culture buffs to thrill seekers. It has fantastic galleries and museums, one of the world’s finest sports teams, a beach and much more, your stay in Barcelona has the potential to be action-packed.
<...

Viewed 2101 times

What to Do in Barcelona during the Day – part 2

The life of one of the world’s most famous artistic talents is the central theme of one of the world’s finest museums, the Museu Picasso in Barcelona.

Famous for having co-founded the cubist movement and for his unique style, easily recognisable and renowned throughout the world to t...

Viewed 2101 times

What to Do in Barcelona during the Day – part 3

Regarded as one of Europe’s finest golf courses and located a short trip from Barcelona, the PGA Catalunya is an ideal spot to enjoy a day trip out of the city and play nine or 18 holes.

Recently voted one of the top 100 golf courses in the world, the PGA Catalunya has previously hos...

Viewed 1988 times

Athens: a quick visit - Part 1

If you have time to just have a quick visit to Athens then it can be hard to decide what to do. There are many guide books which offer advice but it can also be like a child in a sweet shop, with so much on offer that a decision is hard to make.

Athens is so much more than the Acropo...

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Athens: a quick visit - Part 2

After you have walked through the Agora, you should continue on in a northeasterly direction. At this point you then enter the Ceramics Cemetery. This is one of the oldest cemeteries in the world, settlers around the Acropolis buried their dead here beginning in the 11th century BC.

...

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Athens: a quick visit - Part 3

Athens is to this day an archaeological dig in progress. Archaeology, incidentally, comes from the Greek word ' arcade. ' A subway system under construction in Athens has unearthed Roman baths, a Byzantine mosaic, and other treasures. So many treasures, in fact, that the subway' s main stations will...

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A Quick Trip to Ghent

Ghent is in the Flemish part of Belgium. Flemish is more closely related to the Dutch language and Belgian’s northern neighbours, The Netherlands, than it is to the French Capital of Brussels.

Many people don’t know that there are in fact three distinct parts of Belgium: the Flemish ...

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Islands with a Difference - Part 6

LAMU, KENYA

The population of about 20, 000 lives in just 80 sq km.

Recently times have been hard for Lamu. Unrest in the region provoked governments to issue ‘don’t go’ travel warnings, and travellers stayed away. However height...

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Islands with a Difference - Part 7

CAPE VERDE

This is an Atlantic archipelago but with a Portuguese twist. It has an overall area of about 4, 000 sq km onto which it has a population of about 550, 000. Ten volcanic islands make up Cape Verde but most tourists see only one of the...

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Islands with a Difference - Part 8

BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO, AUSTRALIA

They are only 50 sq km in size and have a population of exactly zero.

This is the West Coast alternative to Queensland’s Whitsundays. It’s not easy to reach the Buccaneer Archipelago. This uninha...

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Zambia - Part 1

The capital city is Lusaka, located in the south-central part of Zambia. The population is concentrated mainly around Lusaka in the south and the Copperbelt Province to the northwest, the core economic hubs of the country.

Zambia is Africa' s best-kept secret as far as safaris go. Th...

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Zambia - Part 2

Mosi-oa-Tunya

Despite it’s hard to pronounce name this park has something very special up its sleeve. That awe-inspiring wonder of the world: The Victoria Falls. Located about midway along the course of the Zambezi River, at the border between ...

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Zambia - Part 3

Lochinvar

Another national park situated on the Kafue river floodplain, this wetland and savannah dominated national park has fewer mammals but is a bird paradise.

There are a large amount of Kafue lechwe (about 30 000) living h...

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Greek Islands - Part 1

If you spend all year dreaming of sitting on a beach with your toes in the sand and a book propped on your lap – be it a prizewinner or a ‘forget it once it’s finished’, summer read – then these are the islands for you. Corfu – already a literary stalwart thanks to Gerald Durrell – is packed with se...

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Greek Islands - Part 2

Just across the water is Kimolos, where every restaurant is family-run and the coastline is filled with colourful fishermen’s houses stacked up like jewels. Stay in Messa Kastro, built around a Game of Thrones-style castle, and chill on the white sands of Prassa beach.
A block of honey-laced...

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Brussels - Prt 1

As the nerve centre of the European Union, Brussels is a truly cosmopolitan city. Once designated as the “Cultural Capital of Europe”, you’ll find that Belgium’s capital continues to live up to that accolade.

Enjoy this city’s numerous cultural attractions – a blend of the Flemish No...

Viewed 3467 times

Greek Islands - Part 1

If you spend all year dreaming of sitting on a beach with your toes in the sand and a book propped on your lap – be it a prizewinner or a ‘forget it once it’s finished’, summer read – then these are the islands for you. Corfu – already a literary stalwart thanks to Gerald Durrell – is packed with se...

Viewed 194 times

Greek Islands - Part 2

Just across the water is Kimolos, where every restaurant is family-run and the coastline is filled with colourful fishermen’s houses stacked up like jewels. Stay in Messa Kastro, built around a Game of Thrones-style castle, and chill on the white sands of Prassa beach.

A block of hon...

Viewed 180 times

Luxury Train Journeys through Spain

El Transcantabrico

Considered the closest thing to a luxury cruise ship on rails, El Transcantabrico is one of the finest long-haul trains in the world. In service for over 30 years, it is also Spain’s longest-running tourist train. No expense h...

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Tuscany

It is home to some of the country’s most romantic cities – Florence, Pisa and Siena – and the surrounding countryside is among the most visited in Italy. This central Italian region is known for its hilltop villages, cathedrals (often filled with world-class art), and rustic farm-to-table menus. But...

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Copenhagen

A cosmopolitan city teeming with café culture, world-class restaurants and history, Copenhagen is also one of the most eco-friendly cities in the world. Design, fashion and architecture are evident in on every street corner and culinary delights ensure the city’s restaurants are abuzz with activitie...

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Sydney - Part 1

A drive along Sydney’s provides the perfect start for a scenic and cruisy weekend escape to the Southern Highlands, just under two hours out from the city Centre. Featuring some of Sydney’s best artisanal products and diverse landscapes from coastal vistas to moody rainforest, there is plenty to do ...

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Islands with a Difference - Part 3

CHRISTMAS ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

This a relatively small island at around 135 sq km with a population around 3,000. This is best described as a Tropical Australian outpost but overrun with crabs.

So why stop off here? It was discover...

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Islands with a Difference - Part 4

AZORES, PORTUGAL

This group of islands has a total area of around 2, 400 sq km and within this it has a population of about 250, 00. It is an archipelago made up of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean about 1, 400 km west of mainl...

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Islands with a Difference - Part 5

SAMOSIR, INDONESIA

This interesting island within an island is only 630 sq km but has a population of around 120, 000 people.

Unlike the other islands in this series, Samosir is not at sea. This is the world’s largest island wit...

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Bangkok

Bangkok is always among the world’s top tourist destinations. The city is a true tourist paradise, proved by the growing number of travelers coming each year. Besides the city itself, Bangkok is also surrounded by many interesting provinces worth visiting. The north of Bangkok borders Nonthaburi and...

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Pattaya

Once a quiet village, Pattaya nestled on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast is today a bustling hub. Pattaya tour packages are famous for its beaches, nightlife and temples, shopping malls and resort hotels, and it lures travelers from across the globe. The place has something in store for everyone. Ther...

Viewed 3241 times

India - Goa

Did you think Goa is all about the beaches? Then you’re in for a major surprise, because from jungle treks to plantation tours, Goa has everything.

From Majorda to Amboli, Goa is the biggest surprise package when it comes to tourism. From the immaculate urban township, to the exquisi...

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India - Ooty

From nature walks in gardens that makes one wonder whether Paradise, as depicted in scriptures of various cultures, have actually been derived from such sensory experiences to relaxing over a cup of tea from the tea plantations dotting the hillside, only to realize most humbly of nature’s gifts as a...

Viewed 3171 times

India - Kerela

Located across the southern tip of India, the Kerala is one of the most picturesque and beautiful Indian states that offers ample of opportunities for enjoyment to the tourists. In fact, Kerala has been termed as one of the thirteen paradises on Earth by the National Geographic Traveler. With a vast...

Viewed 3568 times

Turkey

The name resonates with the idea of royalty, which would be quite evident once you reach this land of diverse historical richness, intriguing cuisine and beaches, and mountains to sweep you off your feet.

Turkey’s history dictates a combination of the familiar with the exotic because...

Viewed 3276 times

Cyprus Outdoor activities

Cyprus might be better known for its beaches, but there is actually an array of outdoor activities to enjoy. For those with an adventurous streak, here’s how to get your pulse racing while admiring the beautiful countryside.

Cycling

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Winter in Madrid - Part 1

We already left Autumn and we welcome a new season. A new year is starting as winter spreads its cold all around the city, as this is the coolest time of the year in Madrid gets ready with news in its events calendar and places get ready for a new season full of activities for the visitors and local...

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Winter in Madrid - Part 2

The sports calendar also becomes attractive: Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will face each other up to three times in just a month period time, as they will play on January 7th and 13th to reach the next phase on the Copa del Rey tournament, while their league calendar will allow us watch them agai...

Viewed 3013 times

Amsterdam Metropolitan Area - Part 1

THE AMSTERDAM METROPOLITAN AREA lies to the north of the Randstad and encompasses the city of Amsterdam and the Dutch provinces of North Holland and Flevoland. The area has a total population of over 2 million inhabitants. The Amsterdam Metropolitan area, is comprised of several surrounding municipa...

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Istanbul - Part 2

The magical waters of the Bosporus divide the city between the romantic ideals of Europe and the intoxicating hubbub of Asia. Along these shimmering shores mighty empires have risen and fallen, palaces have crumbled, myths born and voyages begun. With so much to see, where do you begin?

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Great Stones Way, Wiltshire - Part 1

Swindon doesn’t sound like the most adventurous starting point for a walk, but what lies beyond is worth the trip.

Summoning us due south of the Wiltshire town is arguably England’s most monumental, mystery packed landscape. This is a region that has been at the heart of the country’...

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Great Stones Way, Wiltshire - Part 2

So when’s the best time to do this walk you ask? Well, it’s possible to do the walk year-round, however, spring and summer offer the best weather and also fields full of crops and wildflowers.

If you want to do this walk without a car then Swindon is the closest train station to the ...

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Great Stones Way, Wiltshire - Part 3

Our plan for day two was STROLL AROUND IN PEWSEY. We continued south, walking across rolling farmland on the way to the Vale of Pewsey. The Alton Barnes White Horse detour is to be recommended at this point. Then continue by following a part of the medieval Wansdyke earthwork and cutting through wil...

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Islands with a Difference – Part 1

Over the years I have come across many islands for some reason I would class as different. They may be UNESCO listed dots in some of the world’s hardest to reach corners but there are also some interesting islands you’ve probably heard of but really should visit to give them a second chance.
...

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Islands with a Difference – Part 2

RAJA AMPAT, INDONESIA

This island is situated in some of the world’s best diving waters and has an area of 46, 000sq km.

Raja Ampat means Four Kings, which is deceptive seeing as more like 1, 500 islands make up this remote archi...

Viewed 2579 times

Poland: An Overview - Part 5

What should you buy

Art and antiques are good buys. You’ll find excellent antique furnishings and religious art throughout Poland, though the best pieces tend to wind up in the wide spectrum of shops and galleries in Warsaw and Kraków, and to a ...

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Poland: An Overview - Part 1

If you have travelled in Europe and not been to Poland then you have missed out in a big way. The country is currently transforming itself but can still draw on more than 1000 years of history. In this article, I will take a look at what I think are the top places to see or visit if you go to Poland...

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Poland: An Overview - Part 2

Warsaw, Poland’s largest city by far and its commercial and political capital, is not the bleak grey morass of Communist days. It may still be a little severe on the eyes in places, but it is most certainly beautiful in others, and perhaps best expresses Poland’s current crossroads. A 20-minute walk...

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Poland: An Overview - Part 3

Literacy rates are high, at a shade under 100 per cent. Poles are well educated, and young people in the larger cities speak good English much more so than German or Russian. They are up to date on fashions, trends, music and technology and they welcome visitors with unrestrained hospitality.
...

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Poland: An Overview - Part 4

SHOPPING

The demise of Communism in 1989 and the move to a free-market economy have had a dramatic impact on Poland as a shopping destination. Drab state-owned stores are a thing of the past. The pound, dollar, euro and other currencies don’t go...

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Athens - Part 1

Athens is the capital of Greece and lies at the heart of the ancient region of Attica. Flights from London take around three and a half hours ahead of GMT. Currency is the Euro and the language, Greek; however, English is widely spoken, through a few words of Greek is always appreciated by the local...

Viewed 2975 times

Athens - Part 2

Electra Metropolis is a central, modern hotel where the past is still appreciated. The restored 16th century Agia Dynamis church is literally squeezed between two columns of the building. Just a stone’s throw from the main shopping streets of Syntagma square and Plaka and within a pleasant 15-minute...

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Athens - Part 3

Electra Metropolis roof garden; this sources regional ingredients and prepares traditional dishes with a light imaginative touch. A typical meal would be tuna tartare, lamb with anthotyro, grouper with sun-dried Santorini tomatoes and round it all off with ekmek which is a custard and whipped cream ...

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Amsterdam experience - Part 1

You can very simply plan what you want to see and experience here as long as twelve months ahead. So what’s the best time of the year to visit Amsterdam? That depends on what you are looking for. Springtime is bright and colourful in Amsterdam. In summer it buzzes with all sorts of outdoor activitie...

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Amsterdam experience - Part 2

Cheese, the Dutch are really into their cheese. Archaeological digs have proven that cheese was already being made on Dutch soil thousands of years ago. Gouda cheese and other Dutch cheeses are famous for their delicious salty taste and their firm texture.

Wooden shoes or clogs are t...

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MONACO HOTEL DE PARIS

Hotel de Paris is situated in Monte Carlo, Monaco. If the walls of Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo could talk, they would be bursting with tales of glamour, love and war. Founded in 1863, the hotel is simply iconic, and now, after a four-year long renovation, it has unveiled sparkling new additions as we...

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Lake Como

A superstar on its own right, Lake Como has been cast in many iconic movies. Oceans twelve was a great excuse to include George Clooney’s lakeside villa in some of the pivotal scenes, It is worthy of a watch simply for glimpses of Italy’s most celebrated lake along with the interior of Clooney’s 18t...

Viewed 3570 times

Istanbul - Part 1

Istanbul, Gilded domes, glittering minarets, aristocratic pavilions and sultan’s palaces rise amidst a vibrant- uber-cool metropolis. An intoxicating fusion of warm spices and Middle Eastern flavours scent the air of outstanding contemporary culture, alive with all the bustling background notes of a...

Viewed 1493 times

Choose a Safari - Part 1

The safari can be one of travel’s greatest experiences. However, without careful planning you can waste a lot of money. So what’s the best way for you to do it? There are a number of options, in fact far more than I first thought when I started to plan our own trip. Do you want to go by foot, boat, ...

Viewed 3057 times

Choose a Safari - Part 4

CAMEL

Again who knew this was an option? You get to cross the plains with a plodding camel caravan. Dromedaries are well suited to a safari as they can access areas that vehicles can’t reach, while still carrying lots of supplies, allowing you ...

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Choose a Safari - Part 5

ELEPHANT-BACK

Yes, you really can take a ride into the bush on top of an elephant. African elephants are livelier than their Asian brethren, but in some spots, the animals have been trained, so you can climb aboard for a truly unique safari. Ty...

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Choose a Safari - Part 2

WALKING

A walking safari is not as uncommon as you might think and is good if you are fit as you get to walk in the bush with a guide and armed ranger. There is nothing quite like feeling the savannah beneath your feet and spotting wildlife whe...

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Choose a Safari - Part 3

When I started to look into this trip I was amazed at the number of options that were available to the more adventurous traveller. I have completed this review with all the details that I looked and have to say that there is no way I would try most of them. Still, I have put the information here so ...

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NZ Majestic Mountains and crystal clear waters - Part 1

Queenstown is in New Zealand' s 'Southern Lakes District'. It is the Southern Hemisphere' s four-season lake and alpine resort. The stunning scenery and huge range of activities are why the town of 12, 500 on the shores of Lake Wakatipu welcome more than 2 million visitors each year. Lake Wakatipu i...

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NZ Majestic Mountains and crystal clear waters - Part 2

Beyond Queenstown in the Queenstown-Lakes District are the Lakes Hawera and Wanaka and the smaller towns of Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Kingston, Wanaka, Alexandra and Cromwell. The following activities are also found in the region:

- Ben Lomond - a nearby mountain with easy access for a f...

Viewed 2593 times

Rural Scotland - Part 1

There’s never enough time to see all of rural Scotland, but if you take the sleeper train you arrive ready for the mountains, forests and lochs on an extended break.

When wilderness was being handed out, Scotland undoubtedly got given an oversized portion. From lochs to mountains, fo...

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Rural Scotland - Part 2

The wilds of Scotland can be enjoyed year-round, though winters can be very cold and snowy especially in the mountains. Spring, May to Jun, and autumn, Sept to Oct, are good times to go to miss the crowds and the midges while still enjoying good weather.

Personally, I think that by f...

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Rural Scotland - Part 3

A day at the Lochs and the mountains

Scotland is famous as the land of the lochs and unquestionably the most famous of these is Loch Ness, home to a legendary monster. When you arrive, amid the tour buses, it may not seem like a wild place, but ...

Viewed 2688 times

Amsterdam - Part 1

Amsterdam has so much to offer that is impossible to see everything in a week, let alone a weekend. To make things a little easier for you we have divided the city into nine easy reference areas that you can look at individually. Each area has its own character and feeling with plenty to see and do....

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Amsterdam - Part 2

Area 1, Jordaan

Enjoying authentic Amsterdam in a relaxed way that is what you do in the Jordaan. In the past labourers and craftsmen used to live in the crisscross of little streets. Now you can get pleasantly lost among the local shops, antiqu...

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Amsterdam - Part 3

If you want to snap up something special, you are bound to be successful here. Contrary to the large shops in the city Centre, nothing is standard here. Expect the most easy-going atmosphere and the great amount of creativity.

The collections in the shops show that the owners are pas...

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Amsterdam - Part 4

Anyone who has been in Amsterdam will get inevitable questions about the Red light district. In the Netherlands prostitution is legal. Although not appreciated by everyone, a tour through the Red light district will certainly be an interesting experience. It can be combined well with a visit to and ...

Viewed 2652 times

Amsterdam - Part 5

Royal Palace and National Monument; for those who don’t just want to use Dam Square as a pass-through then the Palace of Dam square is open for visitors for a large part of the year. A major part of the art collection of the Oranje Nassau royal family can be seen in the rooms. The national monument ...

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Sydney - Part 1

A drive along Sydney’s provides the perfect start for a scenic and cruisy weekend escape to the Southern Highlands, just under two hours out from the city Centre. Featuring some of Sydney’s best artisanal products and diverse landscapes from coastal vistas to a moody rainforest, there is plenty to d...

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Perth- Part 1

Perth, one of the most remote cities on earth and just three hours from the buzzing beaches of Bali, this former gold rush town now attracts prospectors of a different kind with cutting edge fashion and art, plus a distillery that brews with quinoa.

There’s a refined minimal vibe to ...

Viewed 2446 times

Cambridge - Part 1

History is woven into the medieval lanes and cloistered colleges of this university town. But new arrivals are adding cocktail and coffee culture to the equation.

Most visitors to Cambridge go mad about the place. Most of those who are stuck there for a few years as students only fig...

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Cambridge - Part 2

The family’s exceptional collection of works by Ben Nicholson, David Jones, Henri-Gaudier, Joan Miro, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth among others was and still is displayed with the meticulousness and elegance of a haiku, a poem in glass, china, wood, stone and canvas. Today Kettles yard is a hous...

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Take A City Break With A Twist - Part 1

The current trend of delving into great wildernesses, and seeking out wide open and people less places can be very pleasant. However sometimes it’s fun to go where there are people. Exploring the planet is all about every side of travel so let’s embrace the frenetic, energetic, dynamic cities for a ...

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Take A City Break With A Twist - Part 2

4. Salta : Live the life of an Argentine gaucho

Often called Salta la Linda which translates to ‘Salta the beautiful’, this handsome colonial city is surrounded by Andean peaks, red rock valleys and vineyards. It’s the place to hop onto a tour l...

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Take A City Break With A Twist - Part 3

7. Coimbra : Pay a visit Portugal’s oldest university town

With its cobbled streets, superb coffee, pastries and low numbers of tourists, Coimbra is a great alternative for a Portuguese city break instead of Lisbon or Oporto. It is a riverfront...

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Thailand - Part 6

With pans under a wooden pavilion, behind rows of butterfly-peas, Thai Garden Farm is a countryside kitchen-garden. No other school imparts such a great sense of the rural origins of Thai cooking. You’ll shop in the village market, pluck herbs from chef Sons garden, grind spices and eat with your cl...

Viewed 3563 times

Thailand - Part 7

Phuket’s nine-night Vegetarian Festival depending on the Lunar cycle is a surprisingly bloody affair, extreme devotees spear themselves with knives hook as protection from spirits. For a fairy-tale-pretty Loy Krathong, with shimmering lily ponds and Candlelit Rivers, head to the ancient royal enclav...

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Thailand - Part 4

Maya Bay, on Ko Phi Phi, took star billing in The Beach and has been a tourist magnet ever since. You can spend overnight nearby and then book a sunrise cruise. This means that you will be there long before the tour groups land.

Hrabi’s rippling Limestone Mountains, tangled mangroves...

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Thailand - Part 5

For a one day trip to see if you might like to try this further there is an excellent introduction into hill-tribe hiking. Wayfers travel has an option for you to stroll through a few Karen villages, plus do a spot of river rafting to see if this might be of interest.

The remote moun...

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America’s wild spaces - Part 8

CONGAREE is in the state of South Carolina and has an area of 107sq km.

This is the place to go for wildlife watching, canoeing and hiking, it was created in 2003.

Foragers and fishermen may have appreciated it in prehistoric times, but Congaree was only granted natio...

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America’s wild spaces - Part 9

CARLSBAD CAVERNS is in the state of New Mexico and has an area of 189 sq km.

This is the place to go for spelunking and bat tours, it was created in 1930.

Carlsbad Caverns is a wet spelunking, bat tours wilderness that is hidden deep beneath the desert. It is made up ...

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America’s wild spaces - Part 10

BISCAYNE is in the state of Florida and has an area of 700 sq km.

This is the place to go for boating, snorkelling and dolphins, it was created in 1980.

Been to Florida a lot but not seen this park? That’s because 95% of Biscayne National Park is underwater, so hiking...

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America’s Wild Spaces - Part 7

GATES OF THE ARCTIC is in the state of Alaska and has an area of 34, 287 sq km.

This is the place to go for the northern lights and fishing, it was created in 1980.

There are very few facilities, no fees, no tracks and no real rules here. If you’re ready to go for the...

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Thailand - Part 1

It’s the first stop on almost every Thai trip, the charismatic but frenetic capital, hotel prices drop significantly in July, August and September, and while you might get weeks of blue skies. It is the monsoon season, so you could also arrive in heavy rains, ferocious thunderstorms, even flooding. ...

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Thailand - Part 2

Add a spit stop at the beautiful temple of Wat Arun and have lunch at the warehouse-chic contemporary Never ending summer Thai restaurant. Boats can be hailed at Sathorn pier for private hire and cost from £14 an hour. Bypass the waterside negotiation by asking your concierge to book one for you in ...

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Thailand - Part 3

Don’t turn your nose up at eating in food court malls. Most Thais prefer to escape the heat and eat indoors, so you will find masses of smart mid-priced restaurants in almost every retail hub. Try just-like-grandma-makes massaman curries at cheerful Taling Pling in Siam Paragon.

Avoi...

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America’s Wild Spaces - Part 1

This is my view on some of the best and quieter wild spaces that America has to offer. I hesitated a bit over the title because everyone has their own view on what’s best. However, I have been travel to and taking holidays around America for the last 40 years so I have seen a lot of what it has to o...

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America’s Wild Spaces - Part 2

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is located in Colorado and is 124 sq km in size. The park was created in 1999 and is best known for its spectacular lookouts and rim trails.

This park doesn’t have quite the scale of the Grand Canyon so why go. Well, the answer is the sheer 600m high wall...

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America’s Wild Spaces - Part 3

Cuyahoga Valley is in the state of Ohio and was created as a state park in 2000, it’s a great place to go for cycling, hiking and railways

The Cuyahoga Valley is Ohio’s only national park and attracts people in their droves with over two million visiting the park’s waterfalls, steep ...

Viewed 2494 times

America’s Wild Spaces - Part 4

KATMAI is in the state of Alaska

This is the place to go for bears and flightseeing and was created in 1980.

Few places beat Katmai for bear viewing. Around 2, 200 brown bears inhabit this area of steaming volcanoes, pristine lakes, wild Pacific coast and untouched tun...

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America’s Wild Spaces - Part 5

DRY TORTUGAS is in the state of Florida and has an area 262 sq km

It was created in 1992 and is good for swimming with turtles, camping and some remarkable history.

Dry Tortugas is the dominion of the sea turtle; the creature even gave the archipelago its name as Tortu...

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America’s Wild Spaces - Part 6

CANYONLANDS is in the state of Utah and has an area of 1, 366 sq km.

This is the place to go for mountain biking, 4WD-ing, rafting and was created in 1964.

The Colorado River isn’t responsible for only the Grand Canyon. In Southern Utah, this creative waterway has car...

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Sydney Harbour - Part 1

Sydney’s iconic harbour has pretty much seen it all since then Lieutenant James Cook arrived aboard the Endeavour I 1770 and named it Port Jackson. It was here that the first settlers set up camp in 1788 and the harbour has been an important part of city life ever since, used for transportation and ...

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Sydney Harbour - Part 2

Barangaroo fast ferry is the new direct service between Manly and Sydney’s newest and most exciting city precinct- Barangaroo. From the calm headland reserve to the urban energy of the retail centre. Barangaroo is a place to meet, work, dine or relax. Ferry transport specialists, Sea link, operate t...

Viewed 2763 times

Goa - Part 2

The Portuguese took their time in Goa, profiting from the spice trade for almost 500 years until they finally relinquished the colony to India in 1961. A few years later the hippies arrived. Their lifestyle involved a sarong, a spliff, a hammock, and several ideas about spirituality. Artists were al...

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Goa - Part 3

Grande Island is an epitome of beauty, flora, and fauna. The tiny emerald isle is for nature lovers as well as adventure enthusiasts.

There are water experiences for all levels here and I can tell you that the scuba diving and snorkelling which you will experience on Island will be a...

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Philadelphia - Part 1

Whether you are visiting Philadelphia for the first time, or just the first time in a while, these are top sights you will not want to miss.

One Liberty Observation deck

Ride up to the 5th floor for a panoramic view of Philadelph...

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Philadelphia - Part 2

These days Philadelphia’s footprint steps far beyond its famous cheesesteak. Three neighbourhoods, instilled with ethnic flavours and relatively low levels of gentrification, reach out to willing diners.

Port Richmond

Situated j...

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City of Thessaloniki - Part 1

Thessaloniki was founded in 315bc by Cassander, the king of ancient Macedon and named after his wife. Thessaloniki is the capital of Macedonia and the second largest city of Greece. , Thessaloniki, half-sister of Alexander the Great. It means Victory in Thessaly. It is here that the Apostle Paul fir...

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City of Thessaloniki - Part 2

If you follow the port road of Leoforos Nikis heading east along the bay you will come to the Lefkos Pyrgos, or White Tower is the symbol of the city and is close to the University area with its clubs and bars. The International Trade fairgrounds are located nearby, as is the excellent archaeology m...

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City of Thessaloniki - Part 3

Lately, the Thessaloniki Film Festival has been gaining more and more attention and attracting film-makers from all over the world. Thessaloniki has a water park, a zoo and a magic park which you can read about at Thessaloniki Amusements. It is also the home to one of the two major malls in Greece t...

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Goa - Part 1

Goa is the rebel beach escape that became trance central for a generation, these days there is a much sharper scene but one that remains defiantly independent.

Goa is a former Portuguese colony isolated in British India, now is India’s Latin Quarter. It is tolerant and they accept ma...

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Turkish Riviera

With glorious, year-round sun, turquoise waters, superb local cuisine, a rich cultural heritage and fair value. Turkey has always been high on the list of best short-haul destinations. However, as political uncertainty has eased, this year sees it back vogue with Bodrum in the Mygia Province leading...

Viewed 2788 times

Montreal Old City

Montreal is one of the few major North American cities to have preserved its historic centre.

You will discover in the historic district, once a walled city, narrow winding streets dating back to the French colony, superb public squares, beautiful Victorian buildings from the 18th an...

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Chateau de Fontainebleau

The Château de Fontainebleau can proudly claim to have been a sovereign residence for eight centuries. Capétiens, Valois, Bourbons, Bonaparte and Orléans, all members of French ruling dynasties, have lived within the walls. Kings and queens, emperors and empresses have all striven to make their own ...

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Sofia - Things To See

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria however Sofia is no grand metropolis. It’s a largely modern, youthful city, with a scattering of onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques and stubborn Red Army monuments that lend an eclectic, exotic feel

Some of the things that are worth seeing are liste...

Viewed 2671 times

Bogotá, Colombia – Part 1

The Colombian capital has had a bad reputation but after cleaning up it’s actually a colonial gem as well as offering park life and people watching.

The city is located on a high plateau at the very centre of Colombia. Bogotá is the natural gateway to this wild but wonderful country....

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Bogotá, Colombia – Part 2

Start your visit by concentrating on La Candelaria, the atmospheric old quarter, full of colonial houses built more than 300 years ago. Lose yourself in the cobbled streets and spend time people watching, particularly in Bolívar Square. This is where a statue of Simón Bolívar, the Venezuelan leader ...

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West Greece - Part 2

Voulgareli – It is a Byzantine monument of particular importance, and an excellent example of Byzantine art, dedicated to the Birth of the Virgin. The monastery was founded in 1281.

While in Voulgareli, it is also worth a visit to the monastery of St. George, which is located ten min...

Viewed 3303 times

Belgium - Treasures

Belgium, from medieval relics to Art treasures and Industrial revolution legacy. The country is full of surprises, geological marvels, artefacts, historical ruins, traditions, rituals inherited from ancestors and much more. Since 2003, UNESCO has kept a register of intangible cultural heritage and a...

Viewed 2745 times

Belgium - Cities of Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent

With its mixed cultural communities and colourful history of political division, perhaps it should not surprise us that a closer look at quiet, unassuming Belgium reveals an impact of European and global art and culture of remarkable proportions. The artistic Flemish cities, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghen...

Viewed 2952 times

France – Beaumont World War One Tour

The Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial is the largest of the five Caribou sites in France and Belgium,
Here on July 1, 1916 the 1st Battalion of the Newfoundland, regiment suffered 684 casualties, this was over 70 percent of its normal operating full strength.

It was later ...

Viewed 2596 times

Belgium - Cities of Tervuren And Overijse

Tervuren is a municipality in the Province of Flemish Brabant, in Flanders Belgium. It comprises the villages of Duisburg, Tervuren, Vossem and Moorsel. The official language of all these areas is Dutch.

For centuries people thought that Tervuren was the same place where Saint Hubert...

Viewed 3518 times

West Greece - Part 1

Syrrako has amazing architecture and is considered among the most beautiful villages in Greece. It is a village with a long history that flourished especially in the early 19th century. The picturesque village has been declared a traditional settlement and birthplace of important people of politics ...

Viewed 2841 times

Quebec City: Falls Part 1

Beautiful Montmorency Falls Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is a few minutes from Québec City. Located between the river and the cliffs, it' s one of the province' s most spectacular site.

Majestic Montmorency Falls is one of Quebec’s must-see attractions. At 83m in height, actually, 30m...

Viewed 2709 times

Why not learn to sail – Part 2

To get the most out of a sailing trip and feel involved in the experience you should, quite literally, learn the ropes. Novices should begin at the Royal Yachting Association or if you are in the US, the American Sailing Association, both have numerous schools countrywide. Taking both the RYA Compet...

Viewed 2470 times

Hamad International Airport

Hamad International airport is an architectural masterpiece where innovation and beauty combine. The airport has been designed with traveller experience in mind. The result is a world-class facility, where the concept of hospitality underpins everything. It is evident, in the 137 extra wide check-in...

Viewed 3133 times

Belgium - Beers

Belgium is famous for its mussels and the beers. They produce more than 365 kinds of beers more than the days of a year. Only a handful of beers in the country Orval, Chimay, Westvleteren, Rochefort, Westmalle and Achel can use the International Trappist Association logo that was created to protect ...

Viewed 3094 times

Why not learn to sail – Part 1

It’s amazing how often the chance to do some sailing happens when you’re travelling. So if you don’t just want to be a passenger here’s how to get started. I’ll try to look at the costs, the risks, deciding where to go, and eventually do you want to become a master of the seas.

So wh...

Viewed 2519 times

How to stop sea sickness – Part 1

Nothing ruins a journey to an island paradise like the onset of motion sickness however there are ways to help you combat this before it strikes.

Motion sickness is your body’s expression of confusion. The brain likes the signals it receives to complement each other and, when they do...

Viewed 2572 times

How to stop sea sickness – Part 2

I can tell you from personal experience that people do develop ‘sea legs’ but most journeys are too short, and holiday time too valuable to wait for that to happen. Those who experience bouts of nausea and even vomiting driven by migraine or Ménière' s disease should be aware that their remedies wor...

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How to stop sea sickness – Part 4

On or just before departure put on your pressure bands if this is your option. Just as with a ship, on an aircraft, the best place to sit is in the centre, between the wings. If you start feeling queasy the best place is to get fresh air on deck and look at the horizon. On an aircraft, try to lie ba...

Viewed 2490 times

How to stop sea sickness – Part 3

If you think or know you that you may have a problem then do not waiting until the last minute before you do something as it always better to prevent the problem rather than trying to cure it.

A year to a month before departure start your planning. If you are planning to go on a crui...

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Belize Highlights

I have been to Belize a few times both for work and as a holiday. I would recommend it as a place that can offer either a Resort style experience or a budget break, which combines world-class snorkelling and indigenous culture.

Whichever you do there are a few things you should not m...

Viewed 2805 times

Hobart, Tasmania – Part 1

Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia after Sydney. It was set up over British concerns about the presence of French explorers. The first settlement was started in 1803 as a penal colony at Risdon Cove on the eastern shores of the Derwent River. However, in 1804 it was moved to a better loca...

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Hobart, Tasmania – Part 2

Air connections are domestic only with a 1hr flight from Melbourne or 1hr 45mins from Sydney. As you will have already passed through immigration on the mainland there are no delays. Security with sniffer dogs enforces strict quarantine regulations, that means no fresh foods or animal products can b...

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Hobart, Tasmania – Part 3

As the greater Hobart area has a population of around 225, 000 people the city can be busy at times, especially at weekends and major holiday times, with all the extra visitors. Hobart is located on the estuary of the Derwent River in the state' s south-east facing out towards Antarctica. The Centra...

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Hobart, Tasmania – Part 4

Other local attractions in the area include the Cadbury factory, and if you want to go for a day trip places like Port Arthur, and the Tasman Peninsula, the Huon Valley, the Tahune Forest Air Walk or Cockle Creek which is the southernmost point reachable by car. You could also take the walk to South...

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Tresco, Isles of Scilly – Part 2

So Tresco is a dash of exotic mixed with the very much English. Its waves are the colour of the Mediterranean that beautiful mixture from duck egg to turquoise to Prussian blue, however, you will find the water is a bit chillier. It feels like a little utopia, yet still has a wild, end of England ed...

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Tresco, Isles of Scilly – Part 3

If you are looking for a more informed walking and wildlife spotting experience then join a guided walk with a Wildlife Trust ranger. This is free and is run weekly in high season you can find out the schedule on the ‘wildlifetrust’ web site. The birdwatching is good too, with many migrants using th...

Viewed 2975 times

Lake Atitlán - Part 1

Lake Atitlán has become one of the new places to go for the traveller that wants to do something different. It’s located about 50 west of Guatemala City and can be most easily reached by flying with Iberia from London Heathrow-Guatemala City via Madrid. Returns are around £550 and the journey time i...

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Lake Atitlán - Part 2

In this section, I will deal the what to expect in the way of place to stay and what to you will find in the way of food and drink. As I have already mentioned travelling by public transport is very cheap. Those who are on an ultra-low budget can use pickups and chicken buses to get around the whole...

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Antigua, Guatemala – Part 1

Tell someone that you are on your way to Antigua and they immediately have visions of sandy beaches and palm trees. Well this Antigua is a vision of dormant volcanoes and forests that have allowed Antigua to preserve its colonial flavour and lets you enjoy a cosmopolitan welcome to the land of the M...

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Antigua, Guatemala – Part 2

Getting to town from the airport will depend on how you arrange your travel. Package deals usually arrange minibuses or taxis from the airport to Antigua which is around two hours. There are also regular shuttle bus transfers from US$20. Budget watchers can take one of the refurbished US school buse...

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Antigua, Guatemala – Part 3

Antigua is packed with tourist rubbish often made in Asia. If you want to see or buy quality crafts and antiques then stop off at the Casa de Artes, which has an excellent collection of ceremonial masks, textiles and majolica ceramics. Then round off an arty morning at La Antigua Galería de Arte, wh...

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Mexico and Belize’s coast

If you know someone or can hire a small yacht then this is a journey you should do.

The trip started at lively Cancun which is nestled on the tip of the Yucatan and the ideal starting point with easy access flights from the U. S. Once on board the real journey begins. Head to the wat...

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Nevada’s ‘WildWest’

If you are dreaming of the ultimate summer adventure then head to Nevada. This is a place where opulence meets the stunning, unique, rugged wilderness.

If someone says Nevada you no doubt think about the bright lights of Las Vegas. While there are plenty of reasons to linger in this ...

Viewed 2639 times

Tresco, Isles of Scilly – Part 1

This is a little piece of Britain with just a hint of the Mediterranean. It’s here that you can head off the Cornish coast to enjoy a relaxing walk around one of the UK’s most peaceful getaways.

Tresco offers a true literal mini-break for although it is the second biggest of the Isle...

Viewed 3205 times

Taj Mahal, India – Part 1

As a lasting monument to love, the Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. However, its very popularity has meant that a crowd-free visit to this legendary site requires careful planning. If not it will be it will be like a visit to Disney on Easter Sunday.

Any trav...

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Taj Mahal, India – Part 2

The Taj Mahal is a statement in marble, an awesome architectural statement that declares the opulence and extravagance of 17th-century Mughal architecture. It’s listed by UNESCO and, in 2007, was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. This enormous mausoleum which is a mixture of graceful mina...

Viewed 3165 times

Singapore a quick visit – Part 1

Below the gleaming towers of thrusting Singapore, you can find a delicious South East Asian cultural mixing pot with what most people agree is a world beating airport

When you arrive at Singapore you can see that efficiency is the norm. Some say Singapore is too clinical but you just ...

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Singapore a quick visit – Part 2

Getting into town is again fast and efficient. The MRT or Mass Rapid Transport system includes buses and trains and is easy to understand. The trains run from Changi airport into the centre via Tanah Merah station with single fares costing around $2. If you’re planning further journeys, consider buy...

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Anchorage, Alaska – Part 1

As Alaska’s biggest city Anchorage is just over 100 years old. I hope this series of articles can help you plan a city stay and then take an expedition into the Frontier State.

It is well worth getting to know the area before you arrive so that you can plan your trip. It is surprisin...

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Singapore a quick visit – part 3

This incredible botanical display cost S$1 billion to build and, with free admission, represents the best value views in Singapore.

As the midday heat builds, hop on the MRT to Bugis Junction. You can find the best value lunch in Singapore among the dozens of stalls in the old Bugis ...

Viewed 3242 times

Anchorage, Alaska – Part 2

Of course there are other ways to arrive if not by air, If arriving by cruise ship at Whittier or Seward then there are good connections to Anchorage, including via the iconic Alaska Railroad. The train station is located on 1st Street which is is walkable from many of downtown hotels. You can just ...

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Anchorage, Alaska – Part 3

Flying is integral to the way of life in Alaska. The best way to appreciate the immense landscapes; if the weather and your budget allows, is to start with a flightseeing tour.

Mornings tend to be less bumpy than afternoons. Rust’s Flying Service offers float plane flights from Lake ...

Viewed 3112 times

Panama Canal

A contender for the eighth wonder of the world, the Panama Canal has been undergoing a major revamp, which should have coincided with its 100th birthday four years ago. However, the locks and basins were finally completed in June 2016, two years later and it can now handle larger ships.

Viewed 2883 times

Yangon, Myanmar - Part 1

The reasons to go to Yangon are many, not least the dazzling pagodas, mouth watering food and tantalising market stalls. Life in Myanmar’s fascinating former capital truly feels golden.

On arrival at Yangon airport a sign announces that you’ve reached the ‘City of Gold’, however by t...

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Yangon, Myanmar - Part 2

The population of Myanmar is just over 6 million and the language spoken is Burmese however there are around 100 tribal languages and dialects also spoken. Some English is spoken in towns and main tourist areas. If you are planning on calling back to the UK then remember that it’s GMT+6. 5 hours the...

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Yangon, Myanmar - part 3

While some things are very cheap here accommodation is not one of them. Yangon is expensive, and more importantly, price does not always reflect quality.

There are plenty of comfortable options though, no matter what your budget but its best the check them out.

At the...

Viewed 2621 times

Glasgow - Part 1

Twenty years ago Glasgow was not a place you would think of to take a city break or perhaps even visit at all unless you had to. However, the city has undergone a transformation over the last 10 years and is now a place that people want to go so let’s take a look at the art, sport and greenery of th...

Viewed 2850 times

Glasgow - Part 2

There is no best time to visit as there is something going on all year round. If you plan to take a trip out of the city then you may want to check what the normal range of weather conditions are for the time you plan.

There are a number of ways to get there. Virgin trains serve Glas...

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Glasgow - Part 3

Start your second day by blowing the cobwebs away with a walk in Kelvingrove Park, an 85-acre green space straddling the River Kelvin in the city’s West End. This side of the city has emerged as the go-to destination for everything from art and culture to food and fashion, so plan to spend the day i...

Viewed 2769 times

Quebec City - Part 1

This is the place that Europe and North America merge. Québec City’s historic streets, shops and food provide a base to then explore the wider province.

As it’s built on top of a cliff which is surrounded by ancient fortified walls and guarded by a working citadel, it’s no surprise t...

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Quebec City - Part 2

Here is some basic information before you arrive. The population is now about half a million and officially the language is bilingual French/English. However, the default is French which is more commonly spoken almost everywhere. Just like the eastern U. S. is time zone is GMT-5, but they do not hav...

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Quebec City - Part 3

After you have had your retail therapy then it’s time to spend the afternoon with some culture. Start this with a visit to the Notre Dame cathedral which will often take longer than you first think. When this is finished try browsing through the galleries in the artisan filled streets opposite and l...

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Windsor - Part 1

Just like the Royal family itself Windsor exudes pageantry but has also taken on many of the facets of modern Britain. The riverside town is a real mix of designer shops, quaint tea shops plus many of the usual chains, then it surrounded by a sprawling deer grazed parkland. It’s here that real histo...

Viewed 2651 times

Windsor - Part 2

If you want to escape most of the seven million tourists that pour into Windsor and Eton annually then head into Windsor Great Park. This was once a vast Norman hunting forest, but now this 20 sq. km green space is a mixture of formal avenues, woods and open grassland grazed by herds of deer.
...

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Windsor - Part 3

If you stay for a second day then explore some of the countryside surrounding Windsor. There are plenty of possible walks but try this 15km loop combines both pretty villages and parkland. Start in Home Park which runs alongside the Thames and is part of the Crown Estate. The park is Windsor’s main ...

Viewed 2667 times

Avignon, France - Part 1

If you fancy getting away what better than a trip to the historic and gastronomic Provençal city of Avignon. It is an easy train journey or short flight away and is ideal for that long weekend break you have been promising yourself.

While flying from the UK to Avignon can be done ver...

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Avignon, France - Part 2

The best time to go depends on what you want to do, the annual Theatre Festival means the city is heaving in July, however you attend one of the many performances. A trip in the Spring or Autumn is much better if you prefer it a bit less crowded and it is much better for sightseeing.

...

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Avignon, France - Part 3

On your second day look for a different perspective on the Palais des Papes. Try booking a secret palace tour, which permits access to areas usually of limits to visitors. However English tours used to be available only on Fridays at 3 pm, you may want to check the latest information as these things...

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Niagara Falls - Part 1

When you see many of the photos of Niagara Falls quite often the iconic Maid of the Mist boats will be somewhere in the shot. So part of this article is to tell you what happened in 2014 when they stop running from the Canadian side of Niagara.

The deafening roar of Niagara can be he...

Viewed 2718 times

Niagara Falls - Part 2

You can get a different perspective if you decide to take a different view of the area via the ‘Journey behind the Falls’ tour. A lift at the brink of Horseshoe Falls takes you down and behind the tumbling waters. This cost C$14 and really does give you a whole different view of the falls and is som...

Viewed 2786 times

Lake Constance

If you fancy an activity holiday then a cycling trip here has much to offer. First choice is when to go, my preference would be Spring/Autumn as this is the best times for biking. It is less crowded and in spring and you get to see all the wildflowers bloom. Summer is warm and good for taking lake d...

Viewed 3177 times

Qatar at a glance - Part 1

Qatar is a peninsula of 11, 521sq located halfway down the west coast of the Arabian Gulf. The capital city is situated on a calm bay halfway along the east coast of the Qatar peninsula. Its two municipalities of Doha and AL Rayyan house the majority of the population. The seven-kilometre Corniche l...

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Qatar at a glance - Part 2

The Emir is the ruler of Qatar. Rule is hereditary, with power transferred from father to son. If no son is available, power is transferred to the person whom the Emir chooses within the Al Thani family. The Emir is the head of the constitutional authorities, holding both legislative and executive p...

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Qatar at a glance - Part 3

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign affairs strives to establish and develop close direct ties with all peace-loving countries and peoples of the world. It is keen to participate actively in efforts to deal with the concerns an challenges that the Gulf region encounters.

Qatar maintains 96 e...

Viewed 2720 times

Canada: Montreal’s Notre Dame Basilica - Part 1

The history of the Notre-Dame parish is intertwined with Montreal’s own, which was founded in 1642 by French named Maissoneuve. Up until 1659, the faithful gathered in a modest wooden chapel. It was operated by the Jesuits until the Sulpicians’ arrival in Ville-Marie (Montreal) in 1657 when they too...

Viewed 2871 times

Quebec City: Falls - Part 1

Beautiful Montmorency Falls Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is a few minutes from Québec City. Located between the river and the cliffs, it' s one of the province' s most spectacular site.

Majestic Montmorency Falls is one of Quebec’s must-see attractions. At 83m in height, actually, 30m...

Viewed 2995 times

Bay of Naples - Part 1

The Mediterranean is an undisputed haven for island hopping. But while the waters off Greece and Croatia might be increasingly familiar to travellers, Italy is arguably still king when it comes to off shore escapes and nowhere is this more evident than the cluster of islands sprinkled across the Bay...

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Bay of Naples - Part 2

ISCHIA

To continue on this journey you need to travel across the bay on a hydrofoil to your next stop which is the lava formed island of Ischia. This geological wonder is an appealing mix of picturesque towns, sparkling beaches and hidden burial...

Viewed 2729 times

Santiago, Chile – Part 1

Chile is one of many places that do not figure that highly on most peoples ‘must visit’ list. However, Santiago which is set in the fertile Mapocho valley at the foot of the Andes offers a number of things for those travellers willing to make the trip. The first thing that one notices about Santiago...

Viewed 2660 times

Santiago, Chile – Part 2

The population of Chile is almost 7 million people and the main languages is Spanish, however, Mapudungun is spoken away from the major centre by the indigenous Mapuche people. The time zone is GMT-3 hours but from May to August it is -4 hours. The international dialling code is +56 and the good new...

Viewed 3609 times

Santiago - Part 3

Where you decide to stay will depend on your own personal budget. At the top end of the market, you could try The Aubrey in Bellavista which became Santiago’s first boutique hotel when it opened in 2010. It is set in a mock Tudor house formerly owned by a prominent politician, it mixes quirky design...

Viewed 2595 times

Moscow - Part 1

My visit to Moscow was made easier by being a pilot and already having the necessary documents I needed to visit Russia. My partner had a less easy experience which I will go through. It had taken me some time to set up a joint visit to this city. Mostly because of the visa process which is somewhat...

Viewed 2950 times

Moscow - Part 2

When to go can be a hard decision to make and will depend a lot on if you want to see any special events. Despite its freezing winters, you will find that you can get city breaks year round to Moscow. Temperatures often fall below zero ºC between Nov and Feb and this is also when snow and rain is co...

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Moscow - Part 3

Day two starts with a trip to the river which slices through the heart of the city. The Moscow River offers the best way to get a proper sense of the capital’s sprawling centre as it winds through the city. Capital Shipping Co runs sightseeing river cruises from the docks near Kiyevsky station and N...

Viewed 2857 times

Vietnam’s Perfume Pagoda

If you get a chance to visit Vietnam in Jan or Feb then try to join the pilgrims at the Perfume Pagoda Festival.

Buddhism has long been at the centre of Vietnamese culture and life. It is believed to have arrived from India or China some 2, 000 years ago, and has shaped the country e...

Viewed 3627 times

Merida, Yucatan

The city of Mérida, capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, was crowned American Capital of Culture for 2017. Yet its old colonial streets are so often bypassed by visitors for more popular neighbours such as Cancún and Tulum. Those who do so are missing out, but if you are going, make sure you boo...

Viewed 2858 times

City of Thessaloniki - Part 1

Thessaloniki was founded in 315bc by Cassander, the king of ancient Macedon and named after his wife. Thessaloniki is the capital of Macedonia and second largest city of Greece. , Thessaloniki, half sister of Alexander the Great. It means Victory in Thessaly. It is here that the Apostle Paul first b...

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City of Thessaloniki - Part 2

If you follow the port road of Leoforos Nikis heading east along the bay you will come to the Lefkos Pyrgos, or White Tower is the symbol of the city and is close to the University area with its clubs and bars, and the International Trade fairgrounds are located is nearby as is the excellent archaeo...

Viewed 173 times

Toronto - Part 1

Toronto is the capital of Ontario, Canada, and sits on the North-West of Lake Ontario. Currency is the Canadian dollar and the average high temperature in June is 25c and the average low is 13c.

En route from the airport, the sunbaked highway is swallowed up by rows and rows of high-...

Viewed 2708 times

Toronto - Part 2

You’d be remiss not to visit this bustling food bazaar, local chefs serve up everything from paella with pork belly and duck from a local, all organic farm to Tibetan dumplings. Toronto has the second biggest Tibetan population in the world. It’s early summer and the market, with its edible cornucop...

Viewed 2593 times

City of Tubingen

Tubingen, the little big university town. Situated in the central Baden-Wuttenberg area of Germany with 30% of the inhabitants are students.
Small steps, narrow alleys and pointed gables shape the silhouette of old Tubingen all the way to its castle. The Swabian university city with its 8700...

Viewed 624 times

Alternative Reykjavik, Iceland – Part 1

Have you already visited Gullfoss Falls, the hilltop church and Blue Lagoon, well talking to a local resident you can find an alternative way to enjoy a short stopover in the capital.

If you’ve visited Iceland before the chances are you have already ticked off all the usual sites in ...

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Alternative Reykjavik, Iceland – Part 2

Icelandair flies direct to Reykjavik from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Aberdeen. The flight time is about three hours and normally costs less than £200 return. If you are flying on to one of 16 destinations in North America that they cover you can stopover in Iceland for up...

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Alternative Reykjavik, Iceland – Part 3

Here’s what you can do as an alternative.

Start with a morning pastry at Braud & Co on Frakkastigur then head north, toward Borgarfordur. Stop at Deildartunguhver Hot Spring which is the most powerful in Iceland. Watch the water bubble, sputter and steam as its channelled off in ...

Viewed 2911 times

La Palma, The Canaries - Part 3

If you make this part of a three day trip then here are my idea for days two and three. If this is just part of a long weekend then mix and match to get the best parts that interest you.

Day Two

La Palma’s centrepiece is its colo...

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La Palma, The Canaries - Part 2

Information to plan your trip

When is it best to go? Well year round is good here because of the climate, though spring and autumn are pleasant. The Carnival held in late February is lively, particularly the Fiesta de los Indianos on Carnival Mo...

Viewed 2810 times

La Palma, The Canaries - Part 1

When you talk about The Canaries most people in Europe think about holidays but these islands are not just all about beaches. You can explore wild volcano trails, gaze at clear starry skies and enjoy a colourful capital on the island of La Palma.

Let me paint you a picture, I am sat ...

Viewed 2745 times

Pura Besakih, Bali – Part 3

As I mentioned in the first part of this article arriving on tour with a guide from outside the area can get you past a lot of the scams as you will be forewarned. If you arrive on your read on carefully.

There are really only two requirements. The first is the entry fee to the compl...

Viewed 2736 times

Pura Besakih, Bali – Part 2

PURA BESAKIH TEMPLE COMPLEX

The complex is situated on the south-west flanks of the sacred volcano Gunung Agung, which was considered by local Hindus to be the seat of the gods and the centre of the universe. Pura Besakih consists of more than 2...

Viewed 2776 times

Pura Besakih, Bali – Part 1

Bali is not a place that is exactly short of temples, but one, in particular, stands out. The island’s ‘Mother Temple’ still attracts crowds even a century after it was hit by a devastating earthquake.

Bali is probably better known for beaches and parties, but describing it as a ‘tro...

Viewed 2782 times

Dominica – Part 2

If you plan to walk this trail in Dominica then you will need the right shoes for the adventure. There are many different makes but you should be looking for a multi-activity shoe that will suit the terrain. It needs to be both lightweight while o¬ffering outstanding grip so you’ll be comfortable on...

Viewed 598 times

Tblisi

Georgia’s capital, with its winding streets, streaming Sulphur baths and art treasures galore, never fails to enchant. Neither does its unique cuisine.

Close to colossal Caucasus mountains, Tbilisi is a melting pot bubbling with European-, Soviet- and Oriental- style architecture, a ...

Viewed 3328 times

CYPRUS city of PAFOS part 7

it is linked to the very origins of monasticism in Cyprus. According to tradition, the monastery was founded around 300 AD by Agios Nicolas and Agios Eftychios, as a place of prayer and contemplation. A sacred relic which had been given to Agios Nicolas and a piece of the cloak of the Virgin Mary we...

Viewed 621 times

Dominica – Part 1

Ask most people what to expect in the Caribbean and they will often say white sands, cocktails and glorious sunshine. However while the Caribbean is justly famed for its postcard attractions, travellers to the region can discover a wild world of adventure by exploring inland, away from its beaches, ...

Viewed 587 times

Japan on a budget - Part 3

ACTIVITIES

There is one thing you can certainly count on once you are in Japan and that is that you are never going to be very far from a mountain. The ratio of upland areas compared to coastal areas is very high as you would expect from a seri...

Viewed 2990 times

Santiago de Compostela - Part 1

If you are a serious hiker then this is the place you dream about while walking Spain’s Camino de Santiago, but what to do when you finally get there?

Before you arrive the town is seen from a distance which is usually on top of Monte do Gozo, which is 3km away. The ancient city of S...

Viewed 2777 times

Santiago de Compostela - Part 2

Things you should know before you decide you want to do this

The population of the town is around 100, 00 and the official language is Spanish, though Galician is the local language that you will mostly hear. English is mostly understood, but only in tourist shops, museums and the cat...

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Santiago de Compostela - Part 3

Whether Catholic or not, the Pilgrim Mass at the cathedral, particularly the swinging of the botafumeiro which is a giant incense burner is a must. They only promise to do this at Friday’s 7. 30pm mass when it cleanses the air and your soul. After the service you can celebrate your purified soul at ...

Viewed 3188 times

Japan on a budget - Part 1

You might think that to experience Japan will mean that you need to spend a small fortune.

However with transport deals free sights and a bit of extra knowledge it can be quite affordable

A good tip is to get a prepaid smartcard, like Tokyo’s Suica and Pasmo which is s...

Viewed 546 times

Japan on a budget - Part 2

TRANSPORT

Sleek, punctual and dazzlingly fast, the shinkansen bullet train has become a symbol of Japan’s post war recovery, and it’s still the most convenient way to travel long distances. The Japan Rail Pass covers unlimited trips on the natio...

Viewed 546 times

Japan on a budget - Part 4

SIGHTSEEING

There is lots to see for free and a first step should to look for the famous temples of Kyoto, such as the golden Kinkakuji, the imposing hilltop Kiyomizu-dera, the serene Ryoanji. These can drain your money faster than expected so p...

Viewed 576 times

Japan on a budget - Part 5

ACCOMMODATION

If you put transport aside then accommodation is likely to be the thing that will put the biggest dent in your budget. It is unfortunate but the concept of last minute deals has never really caught on in Japan. So if you want the b...

Viewed 579 times

Canada: Coast to coast by train – Part 2

Halifax to Montréal

Halifax, Nova Scotia is a resonant place to begin any train journey across Canada, it also has a great Scottish heritage that is displayed in numerous places. It was the port where Cunard founded the shipping line that domi...

Viewed 3228 times

Try diving – part 1

All too often you go to some new place and then find out that diving is one of the options open to you. If this is something you have not prepared for then its no-go from that point on as this is a safety issue. So why not prepare for this before and see if diving could be something you like.
...

Viewed 3064 times

Try diving – part 2

Experience counts in the water as well, as the longer established firms are usually the ones that are better versed in helping first-timers. Also check the centre’s level of insurance and whether it’s affiliated to a dive training agency, the BSAC, PADI and SSI are common examples. All the equipment...

Viewed 2579 times

Stopovers – Part 1

When you are a long-haul airline pilot you get to see in more detail a lot of the places that only appear on many peoples trip as a stopover. So is it worth breaking your trip and spending just a little time in some of these locations? Well read on and I will give you the low down on some of them, o...

Viewed 2635 times

Stopovers – Part 2

MADRID - SPAIN

Europe’s mega hub Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is the hub for Iberia Air. As such it is a major stop en route to Africa and South America. It is only 7 miles from the walkable Spanish capital which has food, history and ar...

Viewed 2653 times

Stopovers – Part 3

ATLANTA - USA

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport is hub for Delta Airlines (and Virgin Atlantic) linking the Americas. Nearby the world’s biggest hub you can explore history and hiking trails. Georgia’s state capital is a laidback gem with new t...

Viewed 2593 times

Stopovers – Part 4

LOS ANGELES – USA

Los Angeles Airport is a major stopover en route to Central, South and North America as well as the South Pacific. It is a good stopover point as it is often part of a super long haul route from Europe

Los Angele...

Viewed 2568 times

Stopovers – Part 5

SÃO PAULO - BRAZIL

São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport is the hub for LATAM with connecting flights within South America including the gateway to Antarctica, Ushuaia. It has direct flights to the UK.

It’s a city as vibrant as Rio but the...

Viewed 2663 times

Stopovers – Part 6

HELSINKI - FINLAND

Helsinki Airport is the hub for Finnair, which offers free stopovers for up to five nights. Helsinki is not one of the most obvious stop over places but allow you to get places by providing links to parts of China (Xi’an) and ...

Viewed 2507 times

St Petersburg through the year – Part 1

Working for airlines my entire life has given me the chance to travel the world for free while working. It also allows me to choose the places I would like to revisit in my own time and also to see how locations change throughout the year. With this in mind, I thought that a look at St Petersburg th...

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St Petersburg through the year – Part 2

SPRING

Spring has set in for good when the first sun bathers gather on the beaches outside the Peter and Paul Fortress and when, in early April after the waterways have thawed, the city’s bridges open to allow ships through. To warm themselves ...

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St Petersburg through the year – Part 3

SUMMER

A lilac in flower is the real symbol that warm weather has set in and there is an air of excitement once they come into bloom. Throughout the warm months, the city is deserted at weekends when people go off to their dacha, usually situate...

Viewed 2671 times

St Petersburg through the year – Part 4

AUTUMN

City life begins to gain pace as people return from their dacha and families begin to prepare for the start of school. In September, when theatres re-open after the summer break, the city’s cultural life resumes. The Mariinskiy (Kirov) re...

Viewed 2724 times

Washington

If you say Washington most people outside of the U. S. automatically think of the capital. However those two letters, DC, and a matter of 3000 miles brings you to the other one, Washington State.

At this point asked about the state, most people can come up with few facts and even few...

Viewed 3109 times

Mount Rushmore

The towering symbol of US democracy at Mount Rushmore has just celebrated 75 controversial years just recently. If you go to see this fantastic work then don’t forget about Crazy Horse, why, read on and find out.

The figures were carved into the 1, 744m high granite cliffs to make th...

Viewed 3545 times

Sri Lanka: Trincomalee - Part 1

Delve into the backstreets of this eastern Sri Lankan city you will find a vibrant food scene, a friendly reception and Hindu temples worth lingering over.

Sitting in one of the world’s finest natural harbours, Trinco’s (as the locals say) straddles a narrow peninsula between the Ind...

Viewed 2990 times

Oman: An overview - Part 1

Visit traditional Arabia: a land of mighty mountains, marvellous marine life and a welcoming way of life that hasn’t changed for generations.

While much of the Middle East seems to have a voracious thirst for the ultra-modern, the Sultanate of Oman pleasingly bucks this trend. Sittin...

Viewed 642 times

Oman: An overview - Part 2

Heading out of the city, Oman has a vast coastline that stretches for over 3, 000km with a combination of tropical bays, golden sands and towering cliffs that sink into the sea.

It’s also one of the best places to experience one of the greatest wildlife phenomenon’s; that is nesting ...

Viewed 586 times

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is a country filled with adventure, where ancient customs and diverse ecosystems seem almost untouched by tourism.

Papua New Guinea is a seriously compelling destination for adventurous travellers. Papua New Guinea is an island that is has been splashed with colour. I...

Viewed 3270 times

Petra – A quick overview

Let’s take an alternative look at Petra. Jordan’s rose red city is more than just a standard tourist location it has a lot of hidden gems.

As the twisting Siq passageway yawns open, its towering sandstone walls slowly peel back to reveal the majestic fascia of Petra’s Treasury. It is...

Viewed 881 times

Trieste, Italy: Having a short break – Part 1

Once among the once grand cities of Europe’s Trieste has suffered a long slide into anonymity. However this once great city has an irresistible and charm; plus it seems to be on the rise again.

When the Cold War ended at the close of the 1980s, Trieste’s last claim to fame melted with...

Viewed 615 times

Trieste, Italy: Having a short break – Part 2

Basic Information

When to go? Well, year round is OK but spring and autumn are best for pleasantly warm but not baking-hot weather. The city is almost tourist free in winter and can be nice, except when the bora, a powerful wind blows. How to ge...

Viewed 793 times

Trieste, Italy: Having a short break – Part 3

Day Two: COFFEE and CULTURE

If you’ve drunk Illy coffee, then you’ve tasted Trieste. The firm has its global HQ south of the city, shipping in green beans from all over the world to blend and roast. To celebrate the city’s caffeinated connection...

Viewed 615 times

Italian Lakes: The Greenway Walks - Part 1

The Greenway, a dream walk between Colonno and Cadenabbia, it covers only 10kl but along there is a universe of fascinating views which let you breathe the soul and date back to the splendour of the past letting us dig into our origins.

The Greenway is all this in a handful of kilome...

Viewed 529 times

Italian Lakes: The Greenway Walks - Part 2

You need to follow the streets with steep steps, walking among humble houses, which are usually shaded. Doctors could say that these narrow streets do not correspond to the needs of a modern life, but luckily for poets, painters and artists, in general, this is a perfect condition for getting the lo...

Viewed 517 times

Italian Lakes: The Greenway Walks - Part 3

It was left inhabited until it was discovered in the 20th century and went under the responsibility of Brera Academy which had three houses built for artists in a Rationalist style.

TOWARDS THE JETTY OF LENNO

The bridge is on Per...

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Italian Lakes: The Greenway Walks - Part 4

You will see the 18th century Palazzo Brentano, located in Bonzanigo. Crossing the small historical centre you will arrive at Palazzo Rosati, then you will reach another bridge, this time on Bolvedro is an administrative subdivision of Tremezzo.

THE L...

Viewed 530 times

Italian Lakes: The Greenway Walks - Part 5

Suspended between a beautiful botanic park and its rooms full of works of art, the villa is outstanding as a unique place where the magic of nature was able to mingle with the wisdom and harmony of the human intelligence.

Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is one of the most charming spots o...

Viewed 581 times

Italian Lakes: The Greenway Walks - Part 6

There are about 7 different caves connected through small tunnels and stairs built at the beginning of the last century. Underground it is possible to admire small waterfalls, streams, majestic stalactites and stalagmites which fill and dominate different settings.

From a natural ope...

Viewed 564 times

Italian Lakes: The Greenway Walks - Part 7

There are numerous, ancient amazing proofs, starting from the Romanesque churches in the city: above all, Sant’Abbondio, San Fedele and San Carpoforo, Broletto, the ancient city hall, is also of that period. At its side the Cathedral, one of the main cathedrals of Northern Italy. Moreover, Como offe...

Viewed 572 times

Italian Lakes: The Greenway Walks - Part 8

It has many valuable plants such as yews, beech trees, sequoias and a centenary exemplar of Ginko Biloba which was beloved by all the owners of villa del Grumello. In the park you can follow three paths: those dedicated to Paolo Giovio and Ugo Foscolo, and that one dedicated to Paul Celesia, which w...

Viewed 628 times

Italian Lakes: The Greenway Walks - Part 9

For those who love panoramic views, relaxation and characteristic villages, an excellent mete is represented by the Municipality of Torno.

It is a small centre overlooking the lake. On the marina’s square, where simple boats sail without unnecessary pomp, there is the parish church c...

Viewed 609 times

Nepal: Annapurna Curcuit - Part 1

The morning clouds part to reveal mountains glided in sunlight. Before me is the Annapurna range in Nepal, peaks more than anything I’ve seen. Soon I’ll be experiencing them up close. But, for now, I’m admiring them at a distance from the comfort of tiger mountain pokhara lodge. Hidden away on a hil...

Viewed 612 times

Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 44

Art and design shops

Even if you' re not planning to buy, a visit to these commercial art shops will give you a feel for Estonia' s creative trends. Estonia' s range of design products, be they in home furnishing, fashion or something more tradi...

Viewed 528 times

A1A Scenic &amp; Historical Coastal Routes Byway

If you are heading towards the northeast of Florida, St Augustine, Jacksonville or Amelia Island, from the Orlando area, the quickest way is via I4 and I95, which will take about 2 and a half hours to get to St Augustine. However, it is not the most interesting!

If you have some time...

Viewed 4775 times

St Augustine Lighthouse &amp; Jail

If you have a couple of days spare on your Orlando holiday, we can thoroughly recommend a trip to St Augustine; Florida' s oldest continuously settled town.

Start off in the holiday mood by heading up to Daytona Beach and taking the A1A route up the barrier islands. It will take a bi...

Viewed 4386 times

Florida Trip 2017 Day 9, Part 1

We had already decided yesterday that we would visit Islands of Adventure today so we were up pretty early for a holiday day and had some breakfast at the villa, some nice croissant and jam followed by lovely fresh fruit. The weather was once again sunny it looked like it would be another hot one.

Viewed 3713 times

Florida Trip 2017 Day 9, Part 2

After the Spiderman ride, Will and Karlie headed off to the Hulk roller coaster as this seems to be their number one favourite roller coaster and once again there was a long wait for it but it was getting pretty hot by now so Shirley and I sat close by in the shade and rested whilst they queued.

Viewed 3815 times

Florida Trip 2017 Day 10

Yesterday had been a very long day in the parks the weather was very hot and humid so once we were all up and had had a few coffees and breakfast we all sat around discussing what we were going to do today.

It didn’t take too long for us all agree maybe a rest day might be in order we...

Viewed 4051 times

Florida Trip 2017 Day 11

I woke up this morning feeling a little unwell, earlier in the week Will had had a stomach bug and it lasted for a few days and now it was my turn I had a little toast for breakfast but felt quite queasy and need frequents trip to the loo (yuk) so didn’t feel like doing too much

The g...

Viewed 3868 times

Florida Trip 2017 Day 12, Part 1

Now today was to be a Marathon day we had found we had a few days left on our old Disney tickets and so we decided to make our first and only visit to Disney as we had bought 2 week tickets to Universal Studios in the UK at a good price plus we had visited Disney many many times in previous years.

Viewed 3827 times

Florida Trip 2017 Day 12, Part 2

After we had finished our visit to Italy we came to the halfway point on the world showcase America, there was lots of work going on the American Adventure and so we didn’t really visit as it is being remodelled.

Next along is Japan but once again the display of the big drums being be...

Viewed 4059 times

Florida Trip 2017 Day 13

We got home pretty late the previous night as we had to catch the monorail back from the Magic Kingdom and then catch the other monorail back to Epcot to pick up the car and then drive home in the traffic, there was a problem with the monorail to Epcot and we had to wait a good thirty to forty minut...

Viewed 4011 times

Florida Trip 2017 Day 14

So after the chill out day yesterday today we had decided to visit the parks Karlie and will have made a list of rides they wanted to vast one last time before we had to fly home to the UK, the list was extensive and covered three parks.

Now three parks is going to be a long day lucki...

Viewed 3973 times

Cyprus: City of Pafos - Part 6

North- East of Pafos

Lethymnou village is 16km northeast of Pafos, a cross-in-square domed church is dating to the 12th century named Agios Kirykos and Agia Ioulitti Church, with many later additions, especially from the 15th century. It has a f...

Viewed 569 times

Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 40

The four seasons of Estonian cuisine

The spring brings rhubarb, wild garlic, sour dock, radishes and fresh goat cheese to the table. Summer favourites include fresh potatoes accompanied with a salad made of cottage cheese, tomato and cucumber, o...

Viewed 806 times

Cyprus: City of Ammochostos - Part 3

Deryneia Folk Art Museum

Deryneia Folk Art Museum is situated in a beautiful old house, which serves as a charming venue for civil marriages. Its collection consists of folk art items from past centuries.

As one of the fertile ‘...

Viewed 518 times

Cyprus: City of Ammochostos - Part 4

Avgorou village

Avgorou village is situated 20km north of Agia Napa, has many Byzantine and post Byzantine churches. The main church of the village is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. Inside the church are two double-sided 17th-century icons,...

Viewed 535 times

Cyprus: City of Pafos - Part 4

Museum of the Mycenaean colonization of Cyprus and is situated in Coral Bay, 9 km from Paphos. The archaeological site is a small settlement dating to the 12th century BC, the end of the late Bronze age. According to archaeologists, the settlement has been termed a colony of the first Achaean (Mycen...

Viewed 510 times

Cyprus: City of Pafos - Part 5

The nature trails that cross the peninsula pass through unspoiled areas of extreme physical beauty. The area is ideal for hiking, cycling, diving and swimming in crystal clear waters.

The ‘’Baths of Aphrodite’’ is an area in the Akamas between Polis and Cape Arnaouti. It derived its ...

Viewed 799 times

Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 41

Restaurants

There is an abundance of good restaurants in Tallin so what I have chosen to do is list just a few of the more interesting ones in the old town area that offer just a bit more than food. Being a small area most restaurants are at the...

Viewed 502 times

Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 42

Shopping in Tallinn

With so many cruise ship tourists inundating Tallinn, the Old Town is full of trinkets, but it is possible to find good quality stuff. Wooden goods, like butter knives and juniper-wood trivets, are a good value. Marvel at the variety of booze on sale in Tallinn’s l...

Viewed 484 times

Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 43

The broad scope of Estonian design can be seen in small galleries, design boutiques, and fashion stores. You will find many unique, handcrafted pieces from some of the most imaginative designers in Estonia. There is something for everyone: ceramic, textile and fashion, wood and furniture, jewellers ...

Viewed 564 times

Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 38

Kompressor

This is a big, open feeling beer hall, it is in all the guidebooks for its cheap, huge, and filling €5 pancakes. They are either savoury or sweet and it’s open daily 11:00-24:00, Rataskaevu 3.

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 39

Wine Bars

Veinipööning

It' s definitely worth climbing up a few flights of stairs to reach this comfortable, old-fashioned style wine bar. The aptly named wine attic is stuffed with the odds and ends you might find under the eaves...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 35

Which cafe will be your favourite continued;

Komeet

Komeet is a simple, cosy café on the 4th floor of the Solaris Centre, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding neighbourhood while sipping a cup of coffee and eat...

Viewed 760 times

Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 36

Which cafe will be your favourite continued;

Anneli Viik Handmade Chocolate Café

Handmade chocolate truffles boasting only the finest ingredients are what you will find here. Every recipe is unique, with the names of the sweets i...

Viewed 502 times

Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 37

Which cafe will be your favourite continued;

MARU

A visit to this café in the Lennusadam port is like an adventure into a fabulous marine world, as the café' s inner balcony offers a generous view of the museum' s exposition. The...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 29

Patkuli viewing platform

This is the best vantage point for viewing Tallinn' s fairy tale Town Wall and towers, St. Olav' s Church and the harbour area. It is located on the north side of Toompea hill and the platform sits very visibly on a lime...

Viewed 760 times

Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 30

Estonian History Museum - Great Guild Hall

Films and hands-on displays at this extensive museum show how Estonian-dwellers lived, fought and survived through 11, 000 years. The museum covers Estonia' s history from prehistoric times’ right up to...

Viewed 718 times

Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 31

Great Coastal Gate and Fat Margaret Tower

Guarding the north end of Pikk street, these two defensive structures provide an eye-opening glimpse into Tallinn' s maritime past.

The medieval era Great Coastal Gate, Suur Rannavärav an...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 32

TOP attractions for families in Kalamaja

Energy Discovery Centre

There’s lightning in the air at the 100-year-old power plant and modern science centre in the heart of Tallinn. Energy Disco...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 33

Beverages

Estonians have always loved to drink beer. Many microbreweries have sprung up in recent years to the delight of beer gourmands and they offer exciting products with a wide variety of tastes and styles. Fruit and berry wines are made bo...

Viewed 499 times

Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 34

Which cafe will be your favourite continued;

Pierre Chocolaterie

The historic setting of the Masters’ Courtyard adds an extra touch of charm to this little café where tempting truffles are the speciality. Visitors can sip coffee ...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 28

Vabaduse väljak (Freedom Square)

This open area at the edge of Old Town is a place of national symbolism and civic pride, as well as a favourite gathering spot.

From the last days of the Tsars and through Estonia' s first period ...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 23

Kadriorg Palace - Kadriorg Art Museum

This grand, baroque palace built for Peter the Great in 1718 now houses the Art Museum of Estonia' s foreign collection.

A trip to Tallinn isn’t a trip to Tallinn without making the time at s...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 24

The fourth-floor exhibit, called “Difficult Choices, ” is an interesting survey of Estonian art from the end of World War II until “re-independence” in 1991. Some of the works are Soviet-style, while others are by dissident artists.

Estonian art parted ways with Western Europe with t...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 25

Kadriorg Park

This vast park surrounding Kadriorg Palace is without a doubt the best place in town for relaxed strolling, pigeon feeding and life pondering.

It was set up in 1718 as part of the palace estate but has always been o...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 26

Danish King' s Garden

This open, garden-like area on the slopes of Toompea Hill happens to be the legendary birthplace of the Danish flag, according to a well-known legend. According to the story, Valdemar' s forces were losing their battle with...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 27

Museum for Puppet Arts NUKU

Visitors get a behind the scenes look at the city' s famous puppet theatre which has operated since 1952, at this mixture of fun and high tech museum. The museum outlines the theatre' s history and displays dozens of ...

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Cyprus: City of Ammochostos - Part 1

Ammochostos name means the city hidden in the sand. Famagusta, on the east coast of Cyprus, was once one of the most glamorous resorts in the Mediterranean. Its miles of pale sand and clear turquoise sea made it a destination for the Seventies jet-set, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

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Cyprus: City of Ammochostos - Part 2

The region is the main potato-producing area on the island and is known as Kokkinochoria, meaning red soil villages, thanks to their fertile red soil. The villages of this area are equally renowned for their folk poets and traditional song performers, who are regarded as the most inspired on the isl...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 15

Patkuli Viewpoint

After you have spent time just looking at the view you will want to identify what you can see. On the far left is the neoclassical facade of the executive branch of Estonia’s government enjoys. Below you, a bit of the old moat ...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 5

Toompea Castle

Perched on a limestone cliff and towering over the rest of the city, Toompea Castle has always been the seat of power in Estonia. Ever since the German Knights of the Sword first built a stone fortress here in 1227-29, every forei...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 6

Raekoja plats (Town Hall Square)

The picturesque Town Hall Square has been the undisputed hub of Old Town for the last eight centuries. Surrounded by elaborate merchant houses and, in summer, packed with café tables, it' s a natural magnet for t...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 7

St. Olav’s Church and Tower

You can make the climb to the top of Tallinn' s iconic, Gothic church which was once the tallest building in the world. It was from 1549 to 1625 to be precise, when this Gothic church was the tallest building in the W...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 8

A Walk around Tallinn

A planned walk will help you to explore the “two towns” of Tallinn while not missing out on some of the not so obvious sites. The city once consisted of two feuding medieval towns separated by a wall. The upper town on the ...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 9

Pikk Street

This literally means “Long Street, ” and is the medieval merchants’ main street. It leads from the harbour up into town and is lined with interesting buildings. Many of them were warehouses, complete with cranes on the gables.
...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 10

You should now keep going along Pikk Street. Architecture fans will enjoy several fanciful facades along here, including the boldly Art Nouveau #18 on the left, reminiscent of fellow Baltic capital Riga. Today this building houses one of Tallinn’s leading cutting edge architecture firms and also in ...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 11

On the opposite side of the Town Hall square, across from #12 in the corner, the pharmacy (Raeapteek) dates from 1422 and claims to be Europe’s oldest. With decor that goes back to medieval times, the still-operating pharmacy welcomes visitors with painted ceiling beams, English descriptions, and lo...

Viewed 824 times

Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 12

Now to start the second part of the walk which is :- THE UPPER TOWN (TOOMPEA)

Continuing on from the end of the lower town walk at the corner opposite the church, climb uphill along the steep, cobbled, Lühike Jalg , “Short Leg Lane”, which is ho...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 13

When you have finished looking around all the towers and ramparts you need to head through the hole in the wall, and head uphill into the upper town.

You can circle around the left side of the big, onion-domed church. As you walk on your left is the so-called “Danish King’s Garden. ”...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 14

Toompea Castle (Toompea Loss)

The pink palace is an 18th-century Russian addition onto the medieval Toompea Castle. Today, it’s the Estonian Parliament, Riigigoku, building, flying the Estonian flag. This is the flag of both the first 1918-1940...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 16

After the viewpoint, you descend to the lower town. Go out and left down Kohtu, past the Finnish
Embassy (on your left). Back at the Dome Church, the slanted tree points the way, left down Piiskopi, “Bishop’s Street”.

At the onion domes, turn left again and follow the old wal...

Viewed 795 times

Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 17

Town Hall (Raekoda) and Tower

This museum facing Town Hall Square is open to the general public only in the summer. It has exhibits on the town’s administration and history, along with an interesting bit on the story of limestone. The tower, the...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 18

If you’re interested in Estonia’s 20th and 21st-century history, it’s an easy five-minute walk from this square to the next sight.

The Museum of Occupations (Okupatsioonide Muuseum)

Locals insist that Estonia didn’t formally lose...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 19

The Rotermann Quarter (Rotermanni Kvartal)

Sprawling between Hotel Viru and the port, just east of the Old Town, this 19th-century industrial zone is being redeveloped into shopping, office, and living space. Characteristic old brick shells are ...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 20

ALONG THE HARBOURFRONT

Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam)

One of Tallinn’s newest and most ambitious sights is this nautical, aviation, and military museum that fills a gigantic old hangar along ...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 21

OUTER TALLINN

Song Festival Grounds (Lauluväljak)

At this open-air theatre, built in 1959 and resembling an oversized Hollywood Bowl, the Estonian nation gathers to sing. Every five years, t...

Viewed 521 times

Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 22

Kadriorg – Elegant park & fine art

Kadriorg is a quiet, leafy area within easy walking distance of Old Town. After Russian tsar Peter the Great conquered the Baltics in the early 1700s, he established an estate with a public park on this spo...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 3

Old Town – The true centre of Tallinn

Twisting cobblestone lanes and iron street lamps. Gothic spires and medieval markets. Cappuccino and Wi-Fi. This is the city' s famous Old Town. If you're looking for that mix of historic ambience and cuttin...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 4

The next few sections list some of the more important sites you may want to visit. This is then followed by a description of a walk you can take which will ensure you see all the sites.

Tallinn Town Hall

Nothing says power like t...

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Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 2

Tallinn on Mondays

Are you in Tallinn on a Monday?

It’s been said that Tallin is closed on Monday, this is not completely true, but if you are planning only a short visit then this is the day of the week you should ignore
...

Viewed 541 times

Elfreth&#39;s Alley in Philadelphia - Part 2

In the 18th century, it was often common for houses to double as businesses, with offices or shops on the first floor of a house, and the family living on the upper floors.

Because of this, the older houses along the alley have their entrances at ground level, while the house...

Viewed 772 times

Elfreth&#39;s Alley in Philadelphia - Part 3

Here are details of just five of the homes that you can see.

#123 - German born Gottleib Bechtold lived and baked out of this house from the 1830s to the early 1860s. The original ovens are still in the basement.

#122 - Benjamin Franklin would most certainly have visi...

Viewed 880 times

Auckland - Part 1

Explore New Zealand’s largest city, a place where city style and spectacular landscapes go hand in hand. Breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, outstanding food and wine, great shopping, exciting nightlife and plenty of action and adventure – you will find it all here. And with so many experiences...

Viewed 613 times

Auckland - Part 2

Explore the vibrant Viaduct Harbor, where waterside restaurants and bars sit alongside sleek superyachts.

Check out the great shopping, bars, restaurants and cafes in the nearby suburbs of Ponsoby, Parnell and Newmarket.

Find vintage buys and quirky cafes and bars on ...

Viewed 601 times

Elfreth&#39;s Alley in Philadelphia - Part 1

The history of Elfreth' s Alley in Philadelphia

If ever you get to visit Philadelphia then there are an abundance of things that will via for your attention and time. In fact, the list is so long and the time needed is so great that much smaller, and in my opinion, just as interesting...

Viewed 3603 times

Cyprus: City of Pafos - Part 2

The city of Pafos was originally a Byzantine fort which was built to protect the harbour. The fort was completely rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, but it was subsequently dismantled by the Venetians. It was again rebuilt by the Ottomans in the 16th century when they conquered the island...

Viewed 762 times

Cyprus: City of Pafos - Part 3

At Limeniotissa you can find the ruins of an early Christian Basilica. These ruins date back to the Christian period and possibly even to the beginning of the 5th century. It originally comprised three aisles divided by two rows of marble columns, a single apse, a narthex and atrium. The floors were...

Viewed 942 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 14

Places not to miss – continued,

El Badii Palace

El Badii Palace was built in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmed El Mansour and was believed to have been one of the most attractive palaces in the world. Originally having 360 rooms, a grand court yard and a pool which was ...

Viewed 800 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 15

Parks and Gardens

Marrakech’s has numerous gardens and parks, a summary of which is shown after the section below. However the most famous is probably a legacy from an expatriate French painter named Jacques Majorelle (1886–1962), who considered himself what he called a “gardenist”. H...

Viewed 854 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 16

Parks and Gardens - continued

The Beautification of Marrakech

One of the first surprises you get as you drive from the airport are that the roads lined with rose bushes and jasmine. This all part of a big initiative to transform the city into a more pleasant space with ...

Viewed 855 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 17

Ancient and Modern Architecture and styles

Moroccan Architecture has tended to be traditional for a long time but now some of the older ideas are being transferred and updated for use in new roles in building and architecture. In this section I am taking a look at some of the styles y...

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Marrakech: An overview - Part 18

Ancient and Modern Architecture and styles – continued

Carved woodwork has long been a tradition in this part of the world. While some of the same designs are used to decorate both plaster and wood, often wood is installed as a frieze and carries inscriptions in Arabic, the language i...

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Marrakech: An overview - Part 19

Hammam’s

A visit to a bath-house or hammam is one of those 'must do’s' when you visit Marrakech as it washes away the stresses and strains of daily life. You get to relax and enjoy the luxury of getting washed with black olive soap, relaxing in the heat or having hair treatments and t...

Viewed 879 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 20

Hammam’s - continued

A Guide to the process

Although hammam sounds exotic it is in fact just a simple variation on the traditional steam bath experience with a massage element, however, this part is very vigorous. In fact that might understate the whole process. After h...

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Marrakech: An overview - Part 21

Moroccan Food, Restaurants and Nightlife.

As the sub-title suggests in this section I will try to cover the food and evening entertainment you can find in Marrakech. It ranges, as it most places, from 5 star to zero star it’s fairly easy to see which from a quick look.

...

Viewed 835 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 22

Moroccan Food, Restaurants and Nightlife – continued

Pastilla is a starter as well as a main dish. It is a pillow of filo pastry with a sweet and savoury filling. This most often shredded pigeon cooked with onions. The dish will be dusted with cinnamon to give it that distinctive Moro...

Viewed 844 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 23

Moroccan Food, Restaurants and Nightlife – continued

Restaurants

If you want to have a more refined Moroccan experience over a pleasant dinner then try one of the places listed below.

Le Foundouk is a stylish restaurant which serves French and Moroccan c...

Viewed 829 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 24

Moroccan Food, Restaurants and Nightlife – continued

Nightlife

In the medina, due to its religious status, there is largely a “no liquor” rule and the nightlife is mostly outside the city walls. Drinking in Marrakech is discreet and normally takes place strictly behind ...

Viewed 908 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 25

Trips outside the city

Marrakech is a good place from which you can take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains. These tours often include a visit at a Berber village and camel rides. One of the companies offering this kind of tour also makes a visit at a Berber family' s house, where a me...

Viewed 795 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 26

Visiting the port of Essaouira

In the previous section on places you can go on a day trip I mentioned the port city of Essaouira. It is certainly possible to do Essaouira as a day trip from Marrakech. You can get an early morning CTM bus from the gare routière, a tour coach at 8:30am ...

Viewed 539 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 27

Visiting the port of Essaouira - continued

As in Marrakech, Essaouira’s medina is a labyrinth of narrow streets. It is, however, not as hard to navigate, bisected as it is by one long, straight street. This street begins at the port and runs all the way up to the north gate, the Bab D...

Viewed 894 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 28

Road trips out of Marrakech

If you are staying in Marrakech for a longer period then some of the trips that are detailed below are well worth the effort. A lot will depend on how you want to travel, the best option is in your own car but of course this will be the most expensive. The ...

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Marrakech: An overview - Part 29

Road trips out of Marrakech – continued,

South of Tahanoute, the road winds uphill to Moulay Brahim which is named after a local saint. It has a ggreen-roofedshrine dedicated to him in the middle of the village, however as it is a religious place entry to non-Muslims is forbidden. Th...

Viewed 968 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 30

Road trips out of Marrakech – continued,

After you leave the villages we just passed through then you are headed for the Tizi-n-Test Pass. Just how much you will enjoy the experience of this 6, 861-ft pass will depend on whether you are a passenger or a driver. If you’re driving then...

Viewed 813 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 31

Road trips out of Marrakech – continued,

The other main route out of Marrakech is via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass. This pass is on highway N9 which run South East over the Atlas Mountains, crossing the country’s highest pass. On the other side, it then descends down to the town of Ouarzaz...

Viewed 554 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 32

Road trips out of Marrakech – continued,

The Kasbah at Aït Benhaddou is off the main route but is on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites and is one of the best preserved of all the kasbahs in the Atlas Mountains. It is also the most famous, thanks to its popularity with visiting fi...

Viewed 599 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 33

Road trips out of Marrakech – continued,

If you want to travel about 12 miles out of Ouarzazate on the Rte de Skoura you will come across a company called North Africa Horse. They are well known for their choreography of horse and camel charges. They also arrange most of the equestri...

Viewed 878 times

Marrakech: An overview - Part 34

Road trips out of Marrakech – continued,

A road trip to the east takes you into The Valley of the Kasbahs. Here I will give just a short overview of the things you can explore on your journey.

Skoura is the first town east of Ouarzazate and is notable for a palmeraie ...

Viewed 926 times

Tallinn Old Town: In Depth - Part 1

If you have started reading this without first reading the set of articles “Tallinn – an overview” then I would recommend that you stop and read those articles first. They cover a lot of the general information that is not repeated here.

If you are looking for an in-depth look around...

Viewed 877 times

Minnesota: Ely - Part 1

Ely is one of America’s gateways, one of the last pure outdoor experience. Discover wilderness lakes and forests unchanged by the hand of man. Canoe for days without ever seeing another human being. Hide along wooded trails, where nature touches your soul, uplifts your spirit and quiets your mind. E...

Viewed 556 times

Minnesota: Ely - Part 2

The outfitters of the Ely area cherish the lakes and forests of the Boundary Waters, and are professional guides, biologists and historians who can make your Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Canada’s Quetico provincial Park experience one of your lives most rewarding. Even if you’ve never t...

Viewed 574 times

Minnesota: Ely - Part 3

Vacationers can fulfil their vacation dreams and pick their comfort level, because our selection of resort is sure to offer something for everyone. Whether it’s a basic no-frills cabin, a luxury log cabin or even a suite, the resort offers everything. The resorts have something for all ages.
...

Viewed 604 times

Minnesota: Ely - Part 4

Artists and photographers worldwide descend on Ely each fall. The unspoiled, lush green terrain of the 1500-plus waterways of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are transformed into canvasses of vibrant gold, deep orange and ravishing red
In short, life slows down a little more as you ...

Viewed 616 times

Cyprus: City of Pafos - Part 1

The entire town of Pafos is a listed UNESCO site. Pafos was the capital of Cyprus for a long period of time in Antiquity. Today it is a charming town in the west of Cyprus. Numerous archaeological sites can be seen from the centre of the modern town down to its picturesque harbour, as well as all al...

Viewed 1084 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 47

THINGS TO DO :-- Shopping

Puerto Vallarta offers visitors a world class shopping experience. The varieties of product available for purchase are as rich and diverse as the area’s history and culture. Within the Banderas Bay area there are numero...

Viewed 933 times

Titusville

If you visit the Space Coast, or the Kennedy Space Center, and have a couple of hours to spare, anyone interested in Space and Astronomy should make a visit to the American Space Museum & Space Walk of Fame, 308 Pine Street, Titusville 32796.

Just across from the Space View Park ...

Viewed 3650 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 15

Parks and Gardens

Marrakech’s has numerous gardens and parks, a summary of which is shown after the section below. However the most famous is probably a legacy from an expatriate French painter named Jacques Majorelle (1886–1962), who considered...

Viewed 631 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 14

Places not to miss – continued,

El Badii Palace

El Badii Palace was built in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmed El Mansour and was believed to have been one of the most attractive palaces in the world. Originally having 360 rooms, ...

Viewed 634 times

Argentina: Salta an overview - Part 1

Home to some of Argentina’s best colonial architecture, this wild westerly outpost makes the perfect base for touring one of the world’s highest wine regions.

While Argentina’s north-western Salta Province beguiles visitors with its wild scenery, high-altitude vineyards and Andean tra...

Viewed 839 times

Cyprus: Nature Highlights - Part 1

According to tradition, in order to really get to know a place, you need to walk it. Cyprus at the crossroads of three continents has years of tradition and culture and a diverse landscape that you may find surprising on such a small island.

Visitors should explore the island’s natur...

Viewed 708 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 9

Places not to miss – continued,

Marrakech Souvenirs – continued

Lanterns

There are two types of lanterns: those that hang from the ceiling and those that sit on the floor. The former are known locally as fanous, th...

Viewed 946 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 10

Places not to miss – continued,

Mouassine Fountain

There are two main routes that most people take into the souks. These are either the Rue Mouassine or Rue Semarine. The Rue Mouassine runs past the Mouassine Mosque, after which ...

Viewed 840 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 11

Places not to miss – continued,

The City Walls and Gates

The city walls date from the 1120s when, under threat of attack from the Almohads of the south, the ruling Almoravid sultan, Ali Ben Youssef decided to encircle his garriso...

Viewed 907 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 12

Places not to miss – continued,

Saadian Tombs

The Royal tombs of the Saadian dynasty are beautifully decorated with domed ceilings, intricate carvings and ornate plasterwork. This is a popular sight in Marrakech, so prepare yours...

Viewed 987 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 13

Places not to miss – continued,

Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa

Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa is an old Koranic school, built in the 14th century. It is home to up to 900 students and it was one of the largest theological schools in North Afri...

Viewed 878 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 1

A mystery medieval city of that is full of drama is the best description of Marrakech. It seems to captivate anyone who steps behind the ochre-coloured walls. Once you step inside, you will be transported back in time to a place that has been stuck a point in of history. Here you will find the windi...

Viewed 859 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 2

Places not to miss

Jemaa El Fna

The name of medina’s central square means “Assembly of the Dead”. This is a reference to ancient times when the heads of executed criminals would be displayed here on spikes. Thankfully this does no...

Viewed 905 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 3

Places not to miss – continued,

The Night Market

While the day in Jemaa El Fna is something to behold what happens each evening at dusk is well worth watching. As the sun disappears over the horizon dozens of open-air kitchens st...

Viewed 1120 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 4

Places not to miss – continued,

Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret

The Koutoubia Mosque and the Minaret was built in 12th century and stands at just over70m high. It is the spiritual heart of Marrakech. Unfortunately, non-Muslims canno...

Viewed 918 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 5

Places not to miss – continued,

Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret - continued

Ruins of the Almohad Mosque

Next to the Koutoubia are the remains of an earlier mosque from 1147. The bases of the prayer hall’s columns whic...

Viewed 974 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 6

Places not to miss – continued,

The Souks

Marrakech’s earliest inhabitants made their living from trading with the Africans from the south and with the Spaniards who came from the north by sea. Luxuries like gold and ivory came f...

Viewed 952 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 7

Places not to miss – continued,

The Souks - continued

Rue Semarine

The main route into the souks is via an arch just north of Jemaa El Fna and along this perpetually busy, sun-dappled alley. Shop owners along Semar...

Viewed 984 times

An overview of Marrakech – Part 8

Places not to miss – continued,

Marrakech Souvenirs

If you are going to buy something then the following are the most popular items with visitors.

Babouches

...

Viewed 933 times

Tallinn: An overview – Part 12

Budget places to eat.

Road Food is tucked away on a tiny lane immediately behind the Town Hall Tower. You would not find it unless you know where to look, but it has some of the best low cost food in the city. It is a branch of the Olde Hansa ...

Viewed 1097 times

Luang Prapang: An overview - Part 1

The beguiling ancient royal city of South East Asia, nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is a confluence of French and Asian culture.

Why Lao’s jungle-clad jewel go crouches at the convergence of two rivers and is often the highlight of South East Asian grand tour. Perhap...

Viewed 938 times

Tallinn: An overview - Part 2

The post-communist era has been a big achievement for the town, after independence in 1991, Tallinn has westernized at an astonishing rate. The Old Town has been polished into what could almost be taken for an Old World theme park. It is a fascinating collection of towers, ramparts, facades, bars, c...

Viewed 984 times

Tallinn: An overview - Part 3

Exploring Tallinn

The vast majority of sights in Tallinn are concentrated in and around Town Hall Square and Toompea, in medieval Old Town. This small footprint makes it relatively easy to explore the whole area on foot. The myriad of winding co...

Viewed 579 times

Tallinn: An overview - Part 4

PLANNING YOUR TIME

If you are on an extended tour of Scandinavia then Tallinn is certainly worth a day. Many people find it works best as a full day side trip from a visit to Helsinki. If you do this then you can take the overnight ferry in both...

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Tallinn: An overview - Part 5

ARRIVAL IN TALLINN

Arriving by sea

Tallinn has four terminals lettered A through D, a fifth one called Linnahall which is used only by the fast Linda Line boat, and a dedicated cruise terminal. The A, B, and C Terminals are clust...

Viewed 574 times

Tallinn: An overview - Part 6

General Information to make a longer stay easier.

Estonia uses the euro and you will find ATMs, which are sometimes marked Otto, at many locations around Tallinn. Estonia is one hour ahead of continental Europe, which means it’s generally seven...

Viewed 617 times

Tallinn: An overview - Part 7

Travelling around Tallinn is fairly easy. The Old Town and surrounding areas can be explored on foot easily but you will need to use public transport or a taxi to reach some distant sights such as Kadriorg Park, Kumu Art Museum, or the Estonian Open-Air Museum. Tallinn has buses, trams, and trolley ...

Viewed 890 times

Tallinn: An overview - Part 8

Touring Tallinn

These are student-run tours that show you the real city without the correctness of official tourist agencies. They give you a real picture of what it is like to live here as a local with all the stories that you would otherwise ...

Viewed 896 times

Tallinn: An overview - Part 9

Eating in Tallinn

Tallinn’s Old Town has a wide selection of largely interchangeable and mostly tourist-oriented places to eat. The prices here are geared towards the tourist and you will pay Scandinavian prices with the average main dish costin...

Viewed 976 times

Tallinn: An overview - Part 10

Eating in the Old Town - continued

Leib, which means “Back Bread”, is just outside the walls at the harbour end of the Old Town. You enter up steps into a garden under the medieval ramparts and can sit indoors or out. The menu, which changes wit...

Viewed 596 times

Tallinn: An overview - Part 11

Tourist places near the Town Hall Square - continued

Olde Hansa is spread over three very creaky old floors. The tables have bits of old candle wax and medieval waitresses can be seen rushing around to serve the guests. It can be quite expensive...

Viewed 577 times

Visiting Marrakech – What you should know before you go - Part 9

Security and Health

No vaccinations are required for visitors entering Morocco, except for those coming from a country where yellow fever exists. However, vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and typhoid are advised. Be sure to pack a small fi...

Viewed 1017 times

Visiting Marrakech – What you should know before you go - Part 10

Shopping and Eating

Haggling is essential in the souks. If you don’t haggle, you will pay vastly more than you should have. It all revolves around the considerable difference between the price offered by the seller and the price that he will act...

Viewed 885 times

Visiting Marrakech – What you should know before you go - Part 11

Choosing somewhere to stay

Marrakech has a profusion of stylish accommodation, many of which are either riads or Maisons d’hôtes, a term that roughly translates to mean “boutique hotels”. Some of these places are so stunning, you may find it har...

Viewed 946 times

Tallinn: An overview - Part 1

Tallinn has been a well-kept secret of the Baltic for many years. This has now changed because of the advent of the many cruise lines that are now using Tallinn as a stop off point for their Baltic cruises.

Tallinn is a city that is rich in history, it' s easy to reach and has an alm...

Viewed 894 times

Visiting Marrakech – What you should know before you go - Part 4

Moving Around the City

The best way of getting around Marrakech is walking. This mainly because vehicles are not allowed in the narrows alleys of the medina. You should expect to get lost frequently, but there’s always someone who will help you...

Viewed 898 times

Visiting Marrakech – What you should know before you go - Part 5

General Information

Although it is a Muslim country for business and shopping hours much of Morocco follows a Monday to Friday working week. Business hours for banks are 8:15am–3:45pm Monday to Friday. Shops start their day a bit later but stay...

Viewed 935 times

Visiting Marrakech – What you should know before you go - Part 6

General Information - continued

The main post office is on the Place du 16 Novembre in Guéliz. It opens from 8am–4:15pm Monday– Friday and from 8:30am– noon on Saturday. There is also a post office on the south side of Jemaa El Fna with the same...

Viewed 1023 times

Visiting Marrakech – What you should know before you go - Part 7

General Information - continued

Female travellers need not worry about visiting the area. Marrakech is safe for solo female travellers, although you should expect to attract more than your fair share of attention wherever you go. However, avoid ...

Viewed 896 times

Visiting Marrakech – What you should know before you go - Part 8

Things to be careful about

Dehydration can easily creep up on you hear. Bottled water is easily available so be sure to drink lots of it. If you don’t take in enough liquids, you are liable to end up feeling quite faint or possibly worse. This i...

Viewed 867 times

Qatar: At a glance - Part 1

Qatar is a peninsula of 11, 521sq located halfway down the west coast of the Arabian Gulf. The capital city is situated on a calm bay halfway along the east coast of the Qatar peninsula. Its two municipalities of Doha and AL Rayyan house the majority of the population. The seven-kilometre Corniche l...

Viewed 918 times

Qatar: At a glance - Part 2

The Emir is the ruler of Qatar. Rule is hereditary, with power transferred from father to son. If no son is available, power is transferred to the person whom the Emir chooses within the Al Thani family. The Emir is the head of the constitutional authorities, holding both legislative and executive p...

Viewed 889 times

Qatar: At a glance - Part 3

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign affairs strives to establish and develop close direct ties with all peace-loving countries and peoples of the world. It is keen to participate actively in efforts to deal with the concerns an challenges that the Gulf region encounters.

Qatar maintains 96 e...

Viewed 838 times

Visiting Marrakech – What you should know before you go - Part 1

If you are planning a trip to Marrakech or Morocco then I suggest you read through this set of general information before you read the articles on Marrakech itself. I explain some of the terms and words in use here which are not covered in the city guide as it is assumed you now know them. There are...

Viewed 851 times

Visiting Marrakech – What you should know before you go – Part 2

The modern train station receives daily services from Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier. If you have time and money to spare, you can take the Eurostar from London to Paris, and then the daily TGV service to Algeciras in Spain. From Algeciras it’s a ferry ride to Tangier before you get on the local serv...

Viewed 985 times

Visiting Marrakech – What you should know before you go – Part 3

General information

As far as clothing is concerned be sure to take good, solid footwear as the alleys of the medina are often uneven. Clothes should be light but not revealing. Take something warm for winter evenings. Carry any necessary medic...

Viewed 926 times

Minnesota: Ely - Part 3

Vacationers can fulfil their vacation dreams and pick their comfort level, because our selection of resort is sure to offer something for everyone. Whether it’s a basic no-frills cabin, a luxury log cabin or even a suite, the resort offers everything. The resorts have something for all ages.
...

Viewed 3790 times

Minnesota: Ely - Part 4

Artists and photographers worldwide descend on Ely each fall. The unspoiled, lush green terrain of the 1500-plus waterways of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are transformed into canvasses of vibrant gold, deep orange and ravishing red
In short, life slows down a little more as you ...

Viewed 4175 times

Cyprus: Troodos places of interest - Part 3

PALAICHORI VILLAGE

As its name implies (palaio means old) this is a very old village. The village is mentioned in 13th-century documents and it is believed the King of Cyprus Henry II gave it to the Knights Templars. Even today some of the surna...

Viewed 988 times

Cyprus: Troodos places of interest - Part 4

PELENDRI VILLAGE

The church of Timios Stavros (Church of the Holy Cross)

The village of Pelendri was once the property of Jean de Lusignan, son of the Lusignan King of Cyprus, Hugh IV. There are two interesting churches in the vil...

Viewed 993 times

Cyprus: Troodos places of interest - Part 5

PANAGIA ASINOU CHURCH

The Panagia Asinou church is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a small church dedicated to the Virgin of “Phorbia”, with wall paintings dating from the 12th to the 17th century, which are considered to be some of t...

Viewed 905 times

Cyprus: Troodos places of interest - Part 6

KALOPANAGIOTIS VILLAGE

The picturesque village of Kalopanagiotis is known for its healthy sulphur springs and for its church of Agios Ioannis Lampadistis and Byzantine museum. Houses with tiled rooftops, balconies, courtyards and shady vine tree...

Viewed 1085 times

Africa's Bono Tours - Part 1

SOWETO TOWNSHIP TOUR

It sounds like a delightful African name, but the word is actually an acronym for southwestern townships. It is a sprawling township, or more accurately, a cluster of townships on the south-western flank of Johannesburg. Wi...

Viewed 566 times

Hong Kong - Part 2

The rooms overlook Victoria Harbour, constantly changing, the 1100 square km that form Hong Kong today stretch towards the Pearl River delta and along the shores of the South China Sea. The city developed thanked to its maritime trade: the area is reaming with ships today and many cruise liners drop...

Viewed 1296 times

Minnesota: Ely - Part 1

Ely is one of America’s gateaways, one of the last pure outdoor experience. Discover wilderness lakes and forests unchanged by the hand of man. Canoe for days without ever seeing another human being. Hide along wooden trails, where nature touches your soul, uplifts your spirit and quiets your mind. ...

Viewed 3978 times

Minnesota: Ely - Part 2

The outfitters of the Ely area cherish the lakes and forests of the Boundary Waters, and are professional guides, biologists and historians who can make your Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Canada’s Quetico provincial Park experience one of your lives most rewarding. Even if you’ve never t...

Viewed 3782 times

St Augustine

If you haven' t been to visit the historic City of St. Augustine, it's well worth trying to make the time on your next trip. It's about a 90 min drive from the Orlando area so it can be done in a day if you get an early start, but to do it justice it is really worth at least an overnight stay. Like ...

Viewed 3500 times

Cuba: Havana - Part 2

Beyond the hotel world, the standard of villas is shooting up. Leticia Villamontes Leyva acquired her 1920’s Petit Chateau mini-mansion in Vedado, one of the most exclusive districts in Havana, after a 12-year “permuta” the complicated bureaucratic system of house swaps Cubans had to rely on before ...

Viewed 982 times

Cuba: Havana - Part 3

Malecon 663, an incredible house on the Malecon, Havana’s iconic sea esplanade, has been transformed by percussionist with legendary salsa band Charanga Habanera and his French wife.

With its eclectic rooms, mini concept store, open bar, polished concrete floors mixing Cuban tiles, i...

Viewed 1002 times

Cuba: Havana club rums

In the heart of Cuba, alchemy is at work as the Maestros Roneros- rum masters –hone skills passed on from their forefathers. This occupation is more than a romantic window into a rich culture: its history, craftsmanship and tradition are the pillars that form the basis of Havana Club and its Iconica...

Viewed 968 times

Introduction to Estonia – Part 1

I wanted to write about some of my many visits to Tallin but to fully appreciate it you need to understand the background of Estonia. So read these articles first as it will give you a much better overview.

Estonia is one of the smallest countries in Europe' s. It offers tourists a l...

Viewed 957 times

Introduction to Estonia – Part 2

Tallin – continued;

It has very many beautiful lakes, sparklingly clear rivers and thick pine forests which you should not miss. You will also find many islands dotted with fishing communities and visited by huge flocks of migrant sea birds. Al...

Viewed 1028 times

Introduction to Estonia – Part 3

Lakes and Forests

Estonia, similar to much of the region, is a low lying country. The highest point is the summit of Suur Munamagi, which rises to just 318m above sea level. The terrain can be marshy due to the high rainfall with the heavily for...

Viewed 971 times

Introduction to Estonia – Part 4

Wildlife – continued;

Estonian lakes, rivers and forests also provide a home for beavers, flying squirrels and a handful of species including racoons, muskrat and mink, which were introduced from North America during the Soviet era, when they w...

Viewed 990 times

Introduction to Estonia – Part 5

History

The first ethnic Estonians settled in the forests of the Baltic shore around 5000 years ago, but there was little interaction between the region and the rest of Europe until medieval times. Bordered by bigger nations, Estonia was frequen...

Viewed 912 times

Introduction to Estonia – Part 6

History – continued;

The 19th century largely past by for Estonia and it remained peaceful with the Baltic German barons and landowners continuing to control the country under Russian rule. Starting in 1811 Estonian serfs and peasants were free...

Viewed 970 times

Introduction to Estonia – Part 7

Government, Politics and the Economy

Estonia' s history has given it little preparation for good government. However, the country has managed to move from a one-party state under the Soviet system to a true multiple party democratic system. Thi...

Viewed 980 times

Introduction to Estonia – Part 8

Political Parties

Since independence, Estonia has been a multi-party democracy with a vengeance. No single party has been able to command an unchallenged majority in parliament. Parliament is dominated by two major parties, the Centre Party (Ke...

Viewed 613 times

Introduction to Estonia – Part 9

The Hanseatic League

During the previous articles, I have mentioned the Hanseatic League without any explanation. As it features heavily in many of the sights and history of Tallinn, which we will talk about later, it is worth a brief overview o...

Viewed 1019 times

Portugal: Porto - Part 1

Porto is famous for its medieval heart and signature tipple, yet Portugal’s second city is also buzzing with places to eat, drink, shop and party.

Once overlooked for its showier sister Lisbon, the vibrant Portuguese metropolis of Porto is fast becoming one of Europe’s hottest city br...

Viewed 894 times

Portugal: Porto - Part 2

The Yeatman restaurant is the only eatery in the city to carry two Michelin stars. Dress smartly and indulge in one of chef Ricardo Costa’s three inspired tasting menus, which change frequently, but typically, showcase exquisitely presented Portuguese fish and regional specialities.

...

Viewed 1266 times

Cuba: Havana - Part 1

The classic American cars and crumbling colonial buildings of Cuba’s sultry capital are now being joined by a host of world-class five-stars hotels, boutique villas and tantalising restaurants.

Havana’s hot moment in the fashion sun- along with the filming of Fast& Furious 8, the...

Viewed 993 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 54

THINGS TO DO :-- Swim with Dolphins or Bungee Jump

Swimming with Dolphins

In Puerto Vallarta, there is one company that specializes in open ocean dolphin encounters via a boat based dolphin watching tour. However in Nuevo Vallarta, there are three professional facilitie...

Viewed 636 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 55

THINGS TO DO :-- Skydiving and Kayaking

SKYDIVE MEX
This company is located at Aerotron Hangar 1, which is the executive terminal of the PVR international airport in Puerto Vallarta. Here you experience the thrill of skydiving while under the close supervision of a highly exper...

Viewed 1024 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 56

THINGS TO DO :-- Water sports and Fishing

EcoTours de Mexico

This tour operator offers a sea kayaking and snorkelling combo. The tour departs in the morning from four pick-up locations: Nuevo Vallarta, Marina Vallarta, downtown Pu...

Viewed 940 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 57

THINGS TO DO :-- Golf Courses

GOLFING IN PUNTA DE MITA, NUEVO VALLARTA & PUERTO VALLARTA

There are seven world-class golf courses located in the Banderas Bay areas of Punta de Mita, Nuevo Vallarta, and Puerto Vallarta. The reg...

Viewed 583 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 58

THINGS TO DO :-- Golf Courses

Flamingos Club de Golf

Located in Nuevo Vallarta it is just 8 miles from the airport. This is the area’s first golf course and was designed by Percy Clifford in 1978. It covers more than 72 acres, wit...

Viewed 952 times

Cyprus as a tourist destination - Part 4

AYIA NAPA

Ayia Napa was once a simple fishing village that now became a popular beach and party resort with about one million tourists every year. It
is considered the vibrant Nightlife capital of Cyprus and one of the best places in the...

Viewed 991 times

France: Ramatuelle - Part 1

Ramatuelle, a small medieval village bathed in the golden light of southern France, has maintained its authentic charm and the region’s legendary hospitality. It is an ode to “slow attitude” in a bustling world.

If Saint Tropez and Ramatulle were sisters, the first would be the exube...

Viewed 639 times

France: Ramatuelle - Part 2

The new exceptional villas have been added this summer. The first, with architecture reminiscent of the beautiful mansions of the French Riviera in the 1970’s, is hidden from view behind mature trees surrounding a pool. The five rooms open onto the garden and the Mediterranean. The second is almost ...

Viewed 1432 times

Hong Kong - Part 1

The history of this Babel of Asia is marked by the opium war, which allowed the British to occupy the island in 1842, and then advance towards Kowloon and the New Territories on the 1960’s. The 20 or so Chinese fishing villages became the Crown’s new colony.

At tea time at the Penins...

Viewed 630 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 50

THINGS TO DO : Places to shop continued;

Plaza Caracol

Located in Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone, Plaza Caracol is just across from the Fiesta Americana hotel and halfway between Walmart and the giant sports park at the northern edge of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Plaza Ca...

Viewed 894 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 51

THINGS TO DO : Places to shop continued;

Old Town Farmers Market

The Old Town Farmers Market is one of the favourite weekend attractions. However it is only open from 9:30 a. m. – 2 p. m. from the first Saturday in November through the last Saturday in May. The market ...

Viewed 635 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 52

THINGS TO DO : Places to shop continued;

Mercado Huanacaxtle which is also known as:- La Cruz Sunday Market

This Sunday market is held along the La Cruz Marina boardwalk, extending from the La Cruz Mercado all the way down to Oso’s Oyster Bar. It operates on Sundays fr...

Viewed 924 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 53

THINGS TO DO :-- Visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens hours of operation are 10 am – 6 pm. During the period December to March, they are open 7 days a week for the rest of the year it is 6 days per week as they are closed Mondays. Admission is a very reasonable $...

Viewed 1005 times

Cyprus as a tourist destination - Part 1

Cyprus has long been the holiday destination of choice for tourists from all over the world. Yes, the sun and the warm beaches are major factors in deciding to visit but there are so many other reasons why you should consider a vacation in Cyprus. After going there once, you shall definitely return ...

Viewed 897 times

Cyprus as a tourist destination - Part 2

Fantastic Scenery and Adventure Holidays: Cyprus is home to some magnificent scenery. The island is a paradise for walkers and trekkers, and walking holidays can be enjoyed all year round at all season, summer or winter. There are a great variety of walks available for the tourist – from hillside pa...

Viewed 895 times

Cyprus as a tourist destination - Part 3

NICOSIA

Nicosia is the capital of the Republic of Cyprus. The old city, which is surrounded by a 16th-century wall built by the Venetians, is filled with museums and fine old churches that reveal the depth of the island’s history and culture. La...

Viewed 918 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 49

THINGS TO DO : Places to shop continued;

Mundo de Cristal

Mundo de Cristal is one of our favourite places to shop and purchase souvenirs. You can find them marked at their location on any map of the Romantic Zone. They have an am...

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CYPRUS – Troodos places of interest 1

Ten Byzantine period churches from Troodos are listed UNESCO World Heritage sites: Stavros tou Agiasmati, Panagia tou Araka, Timios Stavros at Pelendri, Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, Panagia Podithou, Panagia Asinou, Agios Ioannis Lampadistis, Panagia (Moutoulla), Archangelos Michael at Pedoulasa and S...

Viewed 951 times

Cyrpus: Troodos places of interest - Part 2

TROODOS GEOPARK

The Troodos Geopark visitor is located in the old Asbestos mine (Amiantos mine). An area with enormous historical value which now hosts an extraordinary botanical garden with information about the flora of the area, a seed bank o...

Viewed 986 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 40

THINGS TO DO :- Puerto Vallarta Food Tours

Well if you are into food then look no further you have hit the jackpot. There is no just one but two operations here competing for your business and both have something to offer. So really you owe it to yourself to check out both of them. Yo...

Viewed 592 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 41

THINGS TO DO :- Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

The warm and crystal clear waters of Banderas Bay along with its wide variety of sea life make Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico’s top diving destinations. The best time of year for diving is the summer months of June through to September; ho...

Viewed 995 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 42

THINGS TO DO :- Whale Watching Tours

Humpback whales begin arriving in Banderas Bay in the month of November. However, the official whale watching season does not start until the first few weeks of December. The season then officially ends on March 23. Whale watching is an activity th...

Viewed 648 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 43

THINGS TO DO :- Sailing & Boating

With over 500 square miles of sea the beautiful and serene Banderas Bay is a sailing dream come true. Looking across this enormous bay sailboat passengers are treated to superb panoramic views. You have spread before you gorgeous beaches and jutti...

Viewed 903 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 44

THINGS TO DO :- Canopy Zip Line Adventures

Adventurer seekers and nature lovers will enjoy the thrill of hanging mid-air while gliding from one suspended platform to another via a series of zip lines high over the jungle canopy at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. The assistance of e...

Viewed 1032 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 45

THINGS TO DO :- Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in the Puerto Vallarta area is a wonderful and exciting way to experience the Mexican countryside, the Sierra Madre Mountains, the beach, and a waterfall. Mexican cowboys have been an important part of Puerto Vallarta life for centurie...

Viewed 1057 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 46

THINGS TO DO :- Visit Las Caletas Beach

No vacation to Puerto Vallarta would be complete without a visit to Las Caletas Beach Hideaway. It is surrounded by a steep jungle-clad mountain backdrop and accessible only from the sea. This secluded, tropical retreat is perfect for everyone –...

Viewed 1085 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 48

THINGS TO DO : Places to shop continued;

Bucerias Flea Market

This is very much like this type of market all over the world; there are hidden gems but also a lot of things that you would never want. This is a Mexican version so you would expect that this market is real...

Viewed 931 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 39

Things to do in the Puerto Vallarta area:- FREE Walking Tours.

FREE CITY TOUR OF PUERTO VALLARTA

These tours happen on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 a. m. and noon and on Saturdays at 9 a. m. No reservations are needed you just turn up at the right place and time.

Viewed 962 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 26

VALLARTA ADVENTURES TOUR COMPANY & DOLPHIN SWIMS

Nuevo Vallarta is the home base of Vallarta Adventures. This is one of Mexico’s premier adventure companies and also the largest tour operator in Banderas Bay. The company was inspired by natu...

Viewed 1135 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 27

WATER SLIDES & DOLPHINS, NUEVO VALLARTA

If you like water parks then you will find that there are two beautiful water slide parks in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. When driving from Puerto Vallarta to Nuevo Vallarta, both of the water parks are loc...

Viewed 1148 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 28

Dining options

Dining options In Nuevo Vallarta are numerous as there are now more than 70 different restaurants in the area. Many restaurants such as Por Que No? , Porto Bello, Prime 159, Eddie’s Place Nopal Beach, Wine & Burger, Mariscos 8...

Viewed 1049 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 29

PUBLIC ACCESS POINTS TO THE BEACH IN NUEVO VALLARTA

Although the public can easily access Flamingos Beach from the neighbouring town of Bucerias, for any visitors to Nuevo Vallarta who are not staying in a beachfront resort or condo complex thin...

Viewed 1107 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 30

MARINA VALLARTA

The entrance to this Puerto Vallarta neighbourhood is marked by a large whale sculpture of a mother and baby whale. There is also a huge statue of the Roman god Neptune, the god of freshwater and the sea, holding a trident on top...

Viewed 1054 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 31

MARINA VALLARTA continued:-

Marina Vallarta should not be confused with the Maritime Terminal where the cruise ships dock. The Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal is located several minutes south of the Marina Vallarta neighbourhood across from th...

Viewed 1038 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 32

Hotel Zone

The Hotel Zone is the area of Puerto Vallarta where there are a lot of nice hotels, resorts and modern high rise condo buildings. It is located along the main highway through town, Francisco Medina Ascencio, which runs parallel to the...

Viewed 994 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 33

Inside the air-conditioned Galerias Vallarta Shopping Mall there are numerous business and shops such as Lacoste, Hang 10, Levis, Pepe Jeans, Undercolors of Benetton, Swarovski, Spalding, Sanrio Smiles, Quicksilver, GNC, Sally Beauty Supply, Bose, Radio Shack, a specialized bike shop, and many other...

Viewed 1118 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 34

My top 10 Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

The next few sections contain my thoughts on the top 10 restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. These are what I would call the “must visit” restaurants in the area. They were chosen as the top restaurants based ...

Viewed 1131 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 36

Top Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta continued:-

La Palapa

You will find them at 105-3 Calle Pulpito, Los Muertos Beach, Colonia Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta. The food is great and the menu includes a wide variety of dishes incl...

Viewed 1103 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 37

Top Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

Madison South at Casa Isabel

You will find them at 483 Del Bosque, Colonia Alta Vista, Puerto Vallarta.

They offer a really good range of selection including red meats which range...

Viewed 1107 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 38

Things to do in the Puerto Vallarta area:-

Vallarta Adventure’s Rhythms of the Night

Vallarta Adventure’s Rhythms of the Night tour is the one to take if you are only going to do one tour. If I am ever asked about the best tour to...

Viewed 1055 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 35

My top 10 Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta continued

River Café

You will find them at 4 Isla Río Cuale in Centro. The food is fantastic food with lots of options. River Café is known for its dinner menu, but it also has a vegetarian...

Viewed 3101 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 22

The North Zone, PUNTA DE MITA continued;

Around Punta Mita there are several stunning, secluded beaches that are only accessible by boat or foot. Punta de Mita is a perfect getaway for those individuals and families who are looking for a quiet, tranquil retreat away from the noisy bu...

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Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 23

NUEVO VALLARTA and FLAMINGOS zones

If you travel across the Jalisco state line into the neighbouring state of Nayarit you will be following a well-worn path. Many of international visitors to this area head straight for beautiful and relaxing Nu...

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Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 24

PARADISE PLAZA MALL / NAYARIT TOURISM OFFICE

Due to its rapid development and expansion over the past 20 years, Nuevo Vallarta has become a full-fledged tourist destination in its own right. This continuously growing neighbourhood has a bright ...

Viewed 943 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 25

GRAND ODYSSEY CASINO, NUEVO VALLARTA

Sharing a portion of the large and modern Centro Empresarial building with San Javier Hospital are a few businesses which include the Grand Odyssey Casino which opened its doors in May of 2013. In grand and f...

Viewed 1113 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 17

Malecon Boardwalk and Sculptures continued;

Triton and the Nereid by Carlos Espino, 1990

This is a sculpture which focuses on classical mythology and the human form. The mythical Greek figure Triton, son of sea god Poseidon, is ...

Viewed 1052 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 18

Puerto Vallarta is divided into zones and the locals will often refer to a place by the zone it is in. I have therefore decided to split this guide into zones so that you can see a particular area all at once.

I will start with the South Zone

Just to the south of the R...

Viewed 1146 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 19

The South Zone continued;

The South Zone has several remnants of Hollywood history. In and around Mismaloya in 1963, Richard Burton, Ava Gardner and Tennessee Williams filmed The Night of the Iguana. The villa they stayed at has now been turned into a boutique hotel. It only has a sm...

Viewed 1132 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 20

Now let’s move to the opposite end of the bay before we deal with the central sections.

The North Zone:

North of Nuevo Vallarta / Flamingos there are several small towns built along the coastline of Banderas Bay which include Bucerias, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta de...

Viewed 963 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 21

The North Zone continued;

LA CRUZ DE HUANACAXTLE

Two miles from Bucerias heading north-west toward Punta Mita is the residential and nautical town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Many locals refer to the town simply as “La Cruz. ” Alt...

Viewed 1057 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 16

Malecon Boardwalk and Sculptures continued;

Unicorn of Good Fortune Statue by Anibal Riebeling, 2011

This recent work, “Unicorn of Good Fortune, ” was erected on the Malecon in January 2011. Here a unicorn is depicted on top of a...

Viewed 1097 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 17

Malecon Boardwalk and Sculptures continued;

Triton and the Nereid by Carlos Espino, 1990

This is a sculpture which focuses on classical mythology and the human form. The mythical Greek figure Triton, son of sea god Poseidon, is d...

Viewed 9 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 14

Manuel Lepe Mural at the Old City Hall

Manuel Lepe is Puerto Vallarta’s most important and celebrated artist. His fame started in the 1960s when he was named Mexico’s Artist by President Echeverria. His paintings depict an innocent vision of Pue...

Viewed 1075 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 15

Malecon Boardwalk and Sculptures

One of the things to enjoy in the area is a simple stroll along Puerto Vallarta’s seawall promenade known locally as the Malecon Boardwalk. During the day the whole area comes alive with vendors, musicians, juggl...

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Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 12

There is so much to see and do in the town and surrounding area that it is difficult to know where to start. I have therefore first highlighted some of the places that I think are ‘must see’ places to go. After that I have broken the city down by the zones that are used locally so that you can see w...

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Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 13

Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe

This is possibly the city’s most recognizable landmark. This Catholic church’s steeple and crown pierce the city’s skyline and is normally featured in the numerous photos and images that represent the city of Puer...

Viewed 1159 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 7

Arriving in Puerto Vallarta continued:-

If you are just planning to stay in a resort then the most convenient mode of transport from the airport is an airport taxi, van or one of the shuttles provided by the resort. However if you plan to explore the area, especially after reading thi...

Viewed 1011 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 8

Tipping Guide for Mexico

In previous parts of this article, I have mentioned the tips a few times so I thought I would cover the subject in more detail here before we really looked at all the area can offer. Depending on your culture the subject of tips can be very emotive; all I can ...

Viewed 1076 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 9

Tipping Guide for Mexico continued:-

As you read through this guide you will find that this system extends too many areas. As you will see in a later section even all-inclusive does not include tips.

Everyday situations:-

Airport porter: $15 – $30 pesos ...

Viewed 1072 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 10

Tipping Guide for Mexico continued:-

Just as in some countries in Europe you may come across a Restroom attendant in some locations, in this case the normal amount is 5 pesos.

A service station attendant who fills your tank and cleans your windshield will expect $15 pe...

Viewed 1098 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 11

Tipping Guide for Mexico continued:-

What to tip at All-Inclusive resorts.

All-Inclusive resorts have been a big growth area for Puerto Vallarta. Over the years our family have stayed at a number around the world including some in Puerto Vallarta.

Howeve...

Viewed 1033 times

Utrecht and the surrounding area :- Part 12

Around the city and nearby:-

Oudewater

There is only one real reason to visit Oudewater in the province' s southwest and that is witchcraft. Until the 17th century the Heksenwaag, which translates to Witches’ Weigh House, in the t...

Viewed 3733 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 1

Puerto Vallarta is a beach resort city that is on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. It is at the centre of the, 5 mile wide, Banderas Bay where the states of Jalisco and Nayarit meet. The Ameca River is the dividing line between the two states. In past times it used to be a colonial port and fishing town...

Viewed 1165 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 2

History of the region

I thought that before getting into all the things that you can do around the Puerto Vallarta area that I would give you a brief summary of the history of Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta.

Banderas Bay was di...

Viewed 1177 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 5

Arriving in Puerto Vallarta continued:-

After you have cleared immigration you then head straight into the baggage claim area. If you are in need of the restrooms after your wait in the queue they can be found on the left hand side of the area just before the lobby. They are where the...

Viewed 1161 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 6

Arriving in Puerto Vallarta continued:-

When you leave the customs area and try to get through the airport you have to pass through an enclosed timeshare area. This is a fairly short area and is only about 50 feet long and at least it is fairly wide. It has a lot of very official look...

Viewed 1157 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 4

Arriving in Puerto Vallarta

Due to many factors Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular international vacation destinations for North Americans. Most of them will travel to Puerto Vallarta by plane as it is a fairly short direct flight from ...

Viewed 1177 times

Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 3

History of the region continued:-

In the mid 1800’s a young boatman from Cihuatlan who was called Guadalupe Sanchez started a business importing large amounts of salt. He obtained these from the Marias Islands and landed them onto Los Muertos Beach in Banderas Bay. His business was qu...

Viewed 1116 times

Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 12

So finally we have arrived at our destination Port Orleans on our first ever trip to Disney and indeed our very first ever trip to the USA.

We arrive at the check-in desk and are greeted by a very polite and happy receptionist not quite the same as our services at a hotel reception ba...

Viewed 3514 times

Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 13

So now we are all pretty hungry and pretty tired from a very long day and flight all the way from the United Kingdom, we step outside our air-conditioned hotel room it’s around seven in the evening and it is still so hot!

We had been abroad a number of times before but this heat and h...

Viewed 3265 times

Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 14

We headed back to the room with our little map in hand once again we knocked on the door and this time my sister and her family all came to the door dressed and ready to go, I explained that we had spoken to reception and they had recommended that downtown Disney would be very suitable for the kids ...

Viewed 3318 times

Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 15

We continued along in the river Taxi soon we could see what we assumed was Downtown Disney as we entered a large lagoon and we could see shops and lights all the way around the outside, we headed for a little landing pier that seemed close to a busy restaurant
As we got closer we could see th...

Viewed 3344 times

Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 16

So we are stood outside Fultons Crab House all pouring over the menu and time is getting on everyone’s getting tired and we need to eat, now I am a big fan of crab and there is a crabber feast with lots of different types of crab but it must be huge because it’s for two people.

My sis...

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Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 6

After watching 2 or 3 films a lot of the flight has gone and its not long before you're approaching the descent into Orlando airport we were given a quick bite to eat a muffin and coffee or tea, as this was our first long-haul flight it had seemed quite a long journey something that seems to pass qu...

Viewed 3135 times

Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 7

At last, after your long journey you have landed safely at the airport, your plane taxis along to the point at which they can attach the stand so everyone can get off and collect their luggage and passport control or more correctly immigration control.

The evitable announcement comes ...

Viewed 3061 times

Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 8

I ask my wife has she filled in the visa waiver forms correctly I always let her do this because her writing is much neater than mine, yes she says, quickly checks through it.

You wait in a big arrival areal everyone on the flight wanting to get to their Disney holiday, the first thin...

Viewed 3135 times

Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 9

So we're through the immigration area after what seems like ages were no so close to actually enjoying our holiday not still not quite there, now all we have to do is collect our cases but as this is Orlando International airport it's not quite that simple.

We find the correct carouse...

Viewed 2858 times

Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 10

At last we are finally at the front of the queue for the car hire we approach the desk with our pre-booked car hire paperwork, the salesperson looks at the paperwork and starts his sales speech, how many in your party 4 adults and 4 children Oh he says you have booked a van (like a small minibus her...

Viewed 3129 times

Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 11

We all in the van all buckled up and ready to go, I ask if we got some quarters because it said in the guidebook that Alamo gave us we will need to small change for the tolls on the road quarters and dollar bills.

Here we go my wife gives me the loose change and we drive to the exit b...

Viewed 3085 times

Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 1

It is some years ago now but I can still vividly remember our very first trip to Florida as we had never taken a holiday that was as far away as Florida we decided that as this was to be a very special trip for us that we would go with my sister and brother in law and their 2 young children, our two...

Viewed 3011 times

Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 2

Right so we have chosen the destination the hotel, the airline and the airport and even the amount of luggage that we are taking all we need now is to arrange our traveller's cheques, yes that’s right I said travellers cheques in those days everyone took travellers cheques as using a credit card was...

Viewed 3014 times

Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 3

Our boarding passes in our hand we entered the departure lounge with little fuss the security Pre 9/11 was much more relaxed your hand luggage went through the scanner and you had to walk through the metal detector but it was very much more relaxed than it is today.

Now the waiting in...

Viewed 3160 times

Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 4

We arrive at the desk as our row has been called, a quick check of our boarding cards and passports and were through and in the covered walkway to the airplane, this is where the excitement begins as this was our first transatlantic flight we were all excited to be getting onto a Jumbo Jet.
<...

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Our First Ever Visit to Florida - Part 5

The pilot throttle up the engines they make such a sound our youngest son never really liked this bit and to this day in his twenties he still doesn’t like this bit and soon after your hurling down the runway and to this day I still wonder how such a huge aircraft can get off the ground.

Viewed 3192 times

Utrecht and the surrounding area :- Part 10

Around the city and nearby:-

Kasteel de Haar is an imposing castle that was restored in a fit of nostalgia a little over a century ago. Long after its Gothic turrets had ceased to have any defensive purpose architect PJ Cuypers, of Rijksmuseum f...

Viewed 1149 times

Utrecht and the surrounding area :- Part 11

Around the city and nearby:-

Amersfoort

Beer, wool and tobacco made Amersfoort an exceedingly rich town from the 16th century onwards. It was seen as a wealthy town with still a touch of the...

Viewed 966 times

Utrecht and the surrounding area :- Part 7

Places to eat and drink around Utrecht

The wharfside restaurants on the Oudegracht are an obvious place to explore for dining options. However, they better known for its views than the quality of their food. That’s not to say you will be disappo...

Viewed 1174 times

Utrecht and the surrounding area :- Part 9

Entertainment and travelling around

TivoliVredenburg is a concert venue. It has been a fixture on the Oudegracht for decades. The Tivoli pop music hall merged into this mega concert centre in 2014. It was wrapped around the original symphony hal...

Viewed 732 times

Utrecht and the surrounding area :- Part 8

Bar, Cafes, Nightlife and shopping

’t Oude Pothuys is a typical brown café. It is located in a darkened, barrel-vaulted medieval cellar. It has a cosy pub feel and also has nightly music. These range from jam sessions by emerging bands to funk, ...

Viewed 1843 times

Casablanca - an overview - Part 8

Bars & Nightlife

For some drinks and a good night out, there are some good options, but many will not allow women to enter unaccompanied. That said, there are a few bars that welcome holidaying couples. Hotel bars are generally good venues f...

Viewed 1170 times

Casablanca - an overview - Part 9

Shopping in Casablanca

Morocco is a paradise for anyone who likes traditional handmade crafts for the home or souvenirs. The top choice is usually colourful geometric patterned carpets called kilims or shoedwi carpets that are mostly black and w...

Viewed 1578 times

Casablanca - an overview - Part 10

ACCOMMODATIONS

Whether you are planning a vacation, a special weekend or a business meeting you will find a place that appeals to you. Casablanca offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all needs with a diverse collection of hotels and gues...

Viewed 1043 times

Dunedin - An overview - Part 1

Dunedin City

Dunedin is located on the rugged east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It was officially founded in 1848 by the Free Church of Scotland and now it has become home to twenty-five thousand students at the University of Otago. The ...

Viewed 723 times

Dunedin - An overview - part 2

Places to stay and basic information

The current population of Dunedin has had an effect on the accommodation available. That is to say that you can be sure to find something to fit everyone’s needs as it has hotels, hostels or bed & breakfa...

Viewed 744 times

Utrecht and the surrounding area - Part 1

When you visit Amsterdam and the surrounding area many people forget that the small province of Utrecht is close by. Its namesake city is both lively and interesting with its tree-lined canals and medieval quarter. It has lots of bars and cafes but for those that want a quite life then you can visit...

Viewed 1088 times

Utrecht and the surrounding area - Part 2

The History of Utrecht

In the time of the Roman Empire, the river Rhine passed through what is now the present day city centre of Utrecht. At that time the Romans called it Trajectum. Over the following centuries, the town had various religious...

Viewed 1039 times

Utrecht and the surrounding area - Part 3

Places worth a visit

Domtoren:- Historic site

This is the remains of Utrecht' s original 14th-century cathedral; the tower is 112m high, with 50 bells. It' s defiantly worth climbi...

Viewed 1111 times

Utrecht and the surrounding area - Part 4

Places worth a visit

Miffy Museum

One of Utrecht’s favourite inhabitants was author and illustrator Dick Bruna. He is the creator of the cartoon rabbit Miffy, which is known as Nijntje when ...

Viewed 1308 times

Utrecht and the surrounding area :- Part 5

Places worth a visit

Aboriginal Art Museum

This is a strange location to have this focus on contemporary Australian Aboriginal art. It displays the paintings of the Central Desert and also p...

Viewed 1148 times

Utrecht and the surrounding area :- Part 6

Places to stay

Utrecht has a wide range of places to stay that cater for most tastes and wallets. These run the range from hostels to five-star hotels.

The Strowis Hostel is located in a 17th-century building which is near to the...

Viewed 1227 times

Casablanca - an overview - Part 5

DINING

Casablanca is a multi-cultural city and while many of the restaurants serve a menu consisting of only Moroccan or French food there are also Oriental, Mexican, Italian, Indian and American style places to be found here. However, remember ...

Viewed 1432 times

Casablanca - an overview - Part 6

Dining in Casablanca continued:-

ILOLI

This is a modern restaurant and at ILOLI you can have lunch or dinner in a pleasant atmosphere. This is the place you should choose to go if you feel like trying traditional Japanese food lik...

Viewed 1091 times

Casablanca - an overview - Part 7

CAFES

In Casablanca, you will find a great variety of tasty French pastries, exotic Moroccan desserts and lovely ice cream. So that means you will not find it hard to satisfy your sweet tooth and coffee craving here. The only problem is the shee...

Viewed 1253 times

Entering the USA from Canada

The majority of UK visitors to the USA will enter by air or sea, and those who are eligible for visa waiver will have completed an ESTA prior to embarking on their journey. (For details see articles on this site)

What many people do not realize, however, is that if you are entering th...

Viewed 4202 times

Niagara on the lake - Part 1

Many people visiting Niagara Falls miss the opportunity to take in the beautiful little town of Niagara-on-the-lake (the lake being Lake Ontario) which is steeped in history and was once the capital of Canada. This little town is a hidden gem and for those visiting Niagara Falls it is just a thirty ...

Viewed 3991 times

Niagara on the lake - Part 2

Alter our stop at the visitor centre it was back to strolling down the street and visiting some of the shops.

The Christmas shop was a large double fronted homage to the holiday period and we spent quite some time selecting one of a kind tree decorations, some which were souvenirs of...

Viewed 4153 times

Cyprus: Nature highlights - Part 2

Cyprus has a wonderful variety of habitats suitable for many species of animal. This is due to the variety of landscapes on the island, each with their own particular microclimate and topographical features, and the variety of terrains and geological substrates, as well as the diversity of forest an...

Viewed 1397 times

Cyprus: Nature highlights - Part 3

Walking through the trail you will see plants like golden oak, wild garlic, three colours camomile, dwarf shrub, Cyprus germander and valandia. The main species of fauna found in the area are fox, hare and hedgehog. Also you may notice endemic birds like Cyprus warbler and Cyprus wheatear, reptiles ...

Viewed 1521 times

Casablanca - an overview - Part 4

Things that are worth seeing in Casablanca:- continued

Aquaparc Tamaris

The Aquaparc Tamaris is a great place to bring the children for a whole day of fun and water activities. Here you can find pools, waterslides and all the activities you would normally think about in...

Viewed 1476 times

Cyprus: Nature highlights - Part 1

According to tradition, in order to really get to know a place, you need to walk it. Cyprus at the crossroads of three continents has years of tradition and culture and a diverse landscape that you may find surprising on such a small island.

Visitors should explore the island’s natur...

Viewed 1204 times

Why is Puerto Vallarta a tourist destination? - Part 1

Why is Puerto Vallarta a tourist destination? - Part 1

I thought I would write a few information articles about this location and this seemed a valid question given the towns history.
If you are from Europe and not a film buff you may never have heard of Puerto Vallarta. Howev...

Viewed 4454 times

Why is Puerto Vallarta a tourist destination? - Part 2

Why is Puerto Vallarta a tourist destination? - Part 2

While the filming of the movie was still happening Richard Burton decided that he like the area and villa very much. So much so that he purchased Casa Kimberley, which had nine bedrooms and was on Zaragoza Street for £37, 000. He ...

Viewed 4749 times

The Glen Canyon Dam Arizona

The Glen Canyon Dam

Situated in the northern part of Arizona, on the outskirts of the town of Page, stands the Glen Canyon dam.

This concrete arch dam straddles the mighty Colorado River between the upper and lower River basin at Lees Ferry. The reservoir formed by the...

Viewed 5008 times

Dunedin: An overview - Part 2

Places to stay and basic information.

The current population of Dunedin has had an effect on the accommodation available. That is to say that you can be sure to find something to fit everyone’s needs as it has hotels, hostels or bed & breakfast locations. It does not matter what ...

Viewed 191 times

Dunedin: An overview - Part 3

Now that you are here how do you send your time? So here are a few suggestions:-

Take a drive along the winding road of the Otago Peninsula to Macandrew Bay. This is a small harbour front coastal settlement but is only ten kilometres from town. Have a break and look around town then c...

Viewed 1542 times

Dunedin: An overview - Part 4

Craft beers are latest thing for the drinks industry and Dunedin is home to two craft beers makers, Speight’s Ale and Emerson’s microbrewery.

Speight’s has a long history in the area as it was in 1876 that James Speight, Charles Greenslade and William Dawson set up Speight’s Brewery ...

Viewed 1223 times

Dunedin: An overview - Part 5

Places to stop for a meal or snack:-

As it’s surrounded by water and farming land Dunedin has access to the freshest seafood, meat and vegetables. It is also a short distance from oyster country, on the south coast. Try bluff oysters which are best around April. Whitebait is also a fa...

Viewed 1221 times

Dunedin: An overview - Part 6

Shopping and Entertainment:-

ID Fashion Week has put Dunedin on New Zealand’s fashion map. This one week festival is dedicated to all things fashion. It happens annually in the end of February when local designers show the international circuit what they can do.

Dunedi...

Viewed 1343 times

Casablanca: An overview - Part 1

In Casablanca you will find a mixture of cultures and periods like no other. There are architecture treasures such as the great Hassan II Mosque, which gleams with gold in the sunlight. In this large and sprawling city which is completely packed full of people you will also find the bustling Ancienn...

Viewed 1463 times

Casablanca: An overview - Part 2

BASIC INFORMATION

Mohammed V International Airport

Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport is located around 30 kilometres from the city centre.
You can easily reach the city centre by train or taxi. The taxis are stationed outside and trains can be found ...

Viewed 1499 times

Casablanca: An overview - Part 3

Things that are worth seeing in Casablanca:-

Hassan II Mosque

This is an outstanding example of a mosque and it stands on a promontory looking toward the Atlantic. It can hold over 100, 000 people either inside or on its courtyard. The minaret at 210 metres high is tall...

Viewed 1445 times

What to see and do in Agadir - Part 7

SHOPPING

Agadir will cater for your every shopping need, whether it is bartering in the souk or ambling in the air-conditioned luxury of the stores in the new town. It does not matter if you want hand crafted ceramics, leather garments, carved figurines or spices for that tagine. Just...

Viewed 1313 times

What to see and do in Agadir - Part 8

Golden Beach Apart Hotel

This place is only 5 minutes by taxi or a 15 minute walk from the city centre of Agadir. It is a 3 star apartment hotel which is located just by the beach. A swimming pool, a pizzeria and a small supermarket are just a few of the offered facilities here. The a...

Viewed 1409 times

Dunedin: An overview - Part 1

Dunedin City

Dunedin is located on the rugged east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It was officially founded in 1848 by the Free Church of Scotland and now it has become home to twenty five thousand students at the University of Otago. The students mingle with the town’s people t...

Viewed 215 times

What to see and do in Agadir - Part 2

Things to see in the Agadir area

This review is not an in depth look at what is on offer but more of a pointer to places you might want to explore. To get a taste of the hustle and bustle of old Agadir, head down to the port where you can watch the fishermen bring in the daily catch, ...

Viewed 1512 times

What to see and do in Agadir - Part 3

Things to do in the Agadir area

Golf

There are three different golf clubs in the area around Agadir. The Agadir Royal Golf Club only has 9 holes and is the oldest one which founded in 1951. The other two clubs are Les Dunes Golf Club and Le Soleil Golf Club both of whic...

Viewed 1173 times

What to see and do in Agadir - Part 4

DINING

As one of the world’s biggest suppliers of sardines, fish features heavily on the menus of Agadir’s restaurants. From freshly grilled sardines to fish tagine, the local cuisine draws its inspiration from the fruits of the sea.

There are three main areas to choos...

Viewed 1359 times

What to see and do in Agadir - Part 5

Restaurant Daffy

This hidden gem serves delicious Moroccan cuisine to reasonable prices. The Tagine, as ever, is very popular. The restaurant is located close to a mosque and therefore no alcoholic beverages are served here. However if you do it discreetly you are allowed to bring you...

Viewed 1365 times

What to see and do in Agadir - Part 6

La Fontaine

La Fontaine is located right in the city centre. It is a good place to just relax and do a spot of people watching. They have a range of snacks but do try one of their sweet pastries as it worth the trip.

Café Vienna

Chill out on the terrace ...

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What to see and do in Auckland - Part 4

THINGS TO DO continued

Potiki Adventures

This group offer a Maori Experience, with things like Flax Weaving, Native Bush Walking and a West Coast Beach trip where you venture out to the Waitakere Ranges on the West Coast of Auckland. You can take a brief bush walk and l...

Viewed 1509 times

What to see and do in Auckland - Part 3

THINGS TO DO

The 328 meter Skytower will give you breath taking panoramic views of the city from the top. After the opening ceremony in December of 2007, the ' Skywalk 360' became Auckland' s most popular attraction. SkyWalk will let you walk along a narrow walkway around the outside ...

Viewed 1345 times

What to see and do in Auckland - Part 2

Auckland is the perfect place to recharge your batteries if all you want to do is laze around. However if you are more active then you can see a variety of landscapes in a very compact area. You can experience the urban bustle of the city or just go on adventure activities. It does not matter what y...

Viewed 1437 times

What to see and do in Auckland - Part 1

THE CITY

Auckland is called the ' City of Sails' as it is surrounded by water, which helps to define its appeal. The harbour is similar to many other famous waterside cities but has its own unique charm. Auckland has a long maritime history and was the site of the 2000 & 2003 Amer...

Viewed 1629 times

Cyprus city of Paphos - Part 1

The entire town of Pafos is a listed UNESCO site. Pafos was the capital of Cyprus for a long period of time in the past. Today it is just another charming town in the west of Cyprus. Numerous archaeological sites can be seen from the centre of the modern town, right down to its picturesque harbour, ...

Viewed 417 times

What to see and do in Agadir - Part 1

Agadir is Morocco’s premiere beach resort with approximately 340 days of sunshine a year. It has six kilometres of soft white sands and is nestled among the green valleys of the Great Souss. This modern and cosmopolitan city has all the culture, thrills and luxuries you can want with the majestic An...

Viewed 1349 times

What to see and do in Auckland - Part 5

DINING

Auckland’s cuisine is inventive and incredibly diverse as it represents such a multitude of cultures because of the make up its population. The city always has a wealth of fresh seafood at its disposal due to the coastal location of Auckland. This means that there tends to be m...

Viewed 1213 times

What to see and do in Auckland - Part 6

Dining – continued

The Engine Room

The Engine Room, on Auckland’s Northcote Point, is a modern European restaurant set in a classic art deco building. The food is a blend of peasant cuisines, modern bistro and bistro classics. This restaurant was the supreme winner of t...

Viewed 1404 times

What to see and do in Auckland - Part 7

CAFES

Café culture is where you sit back and relax over a coffee or a tea and watch the world go by. This seems to be taken to a new level in Auckland´s many inviting cafés. Unique cafés are dotted around the town so you will easily find one when you are craving for a hot beverage or ...

Viewed 1457 times

What to see and do in Auckland - Part 8

BARS & NIGHTLIFE continued;

Globe

The DJ' s plays here every night and the place is popular with backpackers. They even open on a Wednesday night when many other clubs close.

Dida’s Wine & Tapas Lounge

This is located in the front...

Viewed 1320 times

What to see and do in Auckland - Part 9

What to see and do in Auckland: part 9

Victoria Park Market

Built in 1901, this was a city rubbish incinerator. It had its own electricity generating steam boilers which were heated by the rubbish burning furnace. It even had stables for horses which pulled the garbage ...

Viewed 1420 times

What to see and do in Auckland - Part 10

ACCOMMODATION

Auckland as any large city should provides a wide range of accommodation options. You will find 5 star hotels, well known chain hotels, backpacker’s hostels and cosy bed and breakfasts. Whatever your budget and preference you can be sure that there is something here for ...

Viewed 1381 times

Amsterdam - An overview part 17

Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

This perhaps one of my favourite hotels and it is located on the Dam Square right in the heart of Amsterdam. The Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky is a luxury five star conference hotel and its prime location opposite the Royal Palace makes it the first choice of many ...

Viewed 1330 times

Amsterdam: An overview - Part 18

AMSTERDAM - Outside the central city

If you are one of the many return visitors who have already seen the beautiful canals, visited the museums and already seen most of what the city has to offer then I have good news for you.
That news is; Amsterdam is bigger than you think. ...

Viewed 1378 times

Canada – Quebec City an Overview

The crown jewel of the French part of Canada is undoubtedly Québec City. It is one of North America’s oldest and most outstanding settlements. Its attractive Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a living museum of narrow cobblestone streets, 17th and 18th century houses and tall church sp...

Viewed 5333 times

Amsterdam: An overview - Part 14

SHOPPING

Shopping in Amsterdam offers a lot of choices. It does matter if you are just looking for the perfect souvenir, a unique piece of clothing or the latest designer item; Amsterdam has the perfect shop for it. There are shops of every type and if you cannot find what you want he...

Viewed 1057 times

Amsterdam: An overview - Part 15

Prinsenstraat and Herenstraat

The Prinsenstraat and Herenstraat are an excellent introduction to the essence of Amsterdam.

They cross three of the city' s best known canals and these two connected streets take you from the busy Dam Square to the quite Jordaan neighbour...

Viewed 1353 times

Amsterdam: An overview - Part 16

ACCOMMODATIONS

If you are planning a weekend getaway, a holiday or even a business trip to Amsterdam then accommodation is the least of your worries. There are nearly 400 hotels in the city and you are sure to find one in the right location that fits your budget. Hotels vary from budg...

Viewed 1265 times

Amsterdam: An overview - Part 9

House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience

A visit to House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience is an unforgettable experience as long as you do not sample too much of the product. It provides an introduction to the world of cocktails and bartending. Visitors will find out ...

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Amsterdam: An overview - Part 10

DINING

I have had plenty of time to try out a wide variety of places to eat in Amsterdam. So whether you are just looking for a quick snack, a light lunch or a romantic multi course dinner then you will find that Amsterdam can offer you all of that and more. It has grand cafés, histor...

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Amsterdam: An overview - Part 11

Moeders

This is a restaurant with a difference as you will realise the moment you take your seat at the table.

The tables are set with all kinds of different glassware, cutlery and crockery. The walls are filled with hundreds of framed and unframed pictures along with ...

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Amsterdam: An overview - Part 12

Brasserie Harkema

I have heard some negative comments from friends since we ate here but have to say our meal was good. The Brasserie Harkema is a contemporary version of a Parisian brasserie in an old tobacco factory building. It is both a warm and stylish place to enjoy what we thou...

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Amsterdam: An overview - Part 13

CAFES

Cafes and Amsterdam are synonymous. It does not matter if you want to soak up the atmosphere of a traditional Dutch brown café, lounging in a city grand café or just enjoying a summer drink on one of the city’s many terraces. Amsterdam is one of the best places to enjoy either a...

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Amsterdam: An overview - Part 8

The Rembrandt House

If you have ever wondered about what life was like for Rembrandt, then this is the place you should visit. It shows you where Holland' s most renowned artist created his masterpieces. It also shows you where some of the most dramatic events in his life took place. ...

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Cyprus: City of Larnaca - Part 4

The Larnaca salt lake is known locally as the Aliki and is one of the most important habitats in this part of the Mediterranean for water birds. Many thousands of flamingos, wild ducks and other water or shore fowl find refuge here in winter on their migratory journeys.

Archaeologica...

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Azores - Archipelago

The Azores are a place most people have heard of but never visit unless they stop there while on a cruise.

All the nine islands of the Azores Archipelago are of volcanic origin and are located roughly between 37° and 40° north latitude and 25° and 31° west longitude, with the island ...

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Amsterdam: An overview - Part 5

The Amsterdam Dungeon

This museum brings together interesting facts from Amsterdam' s history while merged them typical theatrical effects. The Amsterdam Dungeon plays up the fear factor and is very much like similar attractions you can visit in other parts of Europe. If you have nerv...

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Amsterdam: An overview - Part 6

Van Gogh Museum

After a nine month refurbishment the Van Gogh Museum has returned to its original home at the Museumplein and celebrated the 160th anniversary of the artist’s birth. The Van Gogh Museum is already the only place in the world to view Van Gogh’s most famous paintings all...

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Amsterdam: An overview - Part 7

Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum tells the story of the growth and rise of the Dutch capital. You will discover how over seven centuries of the city' s history it grew from a small settlement on the banks of the Amstel into the current city. There are two tours that can give a go...

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Germany – Swabian Mountains

If you take a trip to the Southwest of Stuttgart in Germany you will find the green and unspoiled Swabian Mountains which stretch for a total of about 125miles.

Swabia is a source of many delights with the major areas being history and geology. A big draw are the caves, with their st...

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Germany: Black Forest - Part 2

Some of the everyday local favourite dishes are Black Forest smoked ham, Rib-eye steak with crispy onions, cheesy pasta, Swabian style ravioli filled with meat, onions, spinach and finally egg noodle. Swabia is a historic region of southwestern Germany, including what is now the southern portion of ...

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Amsterdam: An overview - Part 3

Canal cruises

As I have previous said canal cruises gives ones of the best and most relaxing ways of seeing the heart of the city. As well as providing an stunning backdrop to the city' s historical centre, floating down the canals are one of the most memorable ways to discover the ci...

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Amsterdam: An overview - Part 4

Walking tours

When you have so many places of interest, so close together, this type of tour can make a lot of sense. Nowhere else will you find so many things within a single square kilometre. It is easy to join one of the many ' Mee in Mokum' walking tours. A large number of these g...

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Amsterdam: An overview - Part 1

I have been lucky enough to spend some time in many of the famous cities around the world so here are some overview guides to some of them.

Before we get started I thought it would be useful to cover some of the basics first. A large number of visitors arrive via the airport; Schipho...

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Amsterdam: An overview - Part 2

Exploring Amsterdam is something I never tire of, the characteristic canals surrounded by narrow, low and crooked 17th-century houses. Central Amsterdam is possibly one of the best kept cities in Europe, which is as it should be for a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a rich cultural life and a wid...

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Leper / Ypres - Part 1

The city of the poppy flower.

The Great War

Ypres is known, especially among the British, for its war monuments and trenches.

The Menin Gate -or Menenpoort in Flemish- in particular is one of those relics and is, aside from being very impressive and imp...

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Leper / Ypres - Part 2

Ypres is also famous for car ralllying in Belgium since 1965. It’s organized by the auto club Targa Florio. To name a few favourite drivers, the late Collin McRay, his father Jimmy McRay, Bruno Thiry, Henri Tolvoren and Freddy Looix amongst others.

Fries, Chocolate and Beer

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Canada: Montreal the old city - Part 1

Montreal is one of the few major North American cities to have preserved its historic centre where most others have given way to development.

You will find in the historic district narrow winding streets dating back to the French colony when it was a walled city. There are superb pub...

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Canada: Montreal the old city - Part 2

We stayed in the city for a month on work so had plenty of time there to enjoy as much as possible. This is not a complete guide to all you must see in Old Montreal. However if you take my advice and go on a walking tour of the area the list below includes most of the must see places as well as plen...

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Canada: Montreal the old city - Part 3

A bit further south you start to leave the older European style buildings as you walk down St. Sulpice Street, this will lead you to the Place Royale and the Archaeology and History Museum Pointe-à-Callière which is set right above the birthplace of Montreal. In spite of its display the museum is ve...

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Canada: Montmorency Falls, Parc de la Chute – Part 1

The beautiful Montmorency Falls which are within the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is just a few minutes from the downtown area of Québec City. It is located between the river and the cliffs and it is one of the province' s most special and spectacular sites.

The majestic Montmorency ...

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Canada: Montmorency Falls, Parc de la Chute – Part 2

While the park is beautiful in summer it is in the winter that it becomes spectacular. In winter, the hiking trails are only accessible on foot or if you go deeper when you have on snowshoes. It is worth the effort to go for a walk to the park' s cove and see the falls from several vantage points. A...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 55

As long as you do not mind underground places then I have saved the best till last and that is the Mammoth Cave National Park. Mammoth Cave is nine miles northwest of I-65 and is about an equal distance of 85 miles from both Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee. So depending on your locati...

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Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York – part 4

The hangar deck shows you both the equipment and the personnel side of Intrepid.

The Hangar Deck is probably where you will spend most of your time on board. The largest attraction is the 13, 000-square-foot interactive Exploreum, which was created specifically with families in mind....

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New York – Lake George

If you visit New York during winter then Lake George is a good place for a weekend winter getaway. Once the lakes freeze and the trees have a snow blanket it’s time to embrace the winter season. You will find downhill skiing and snowboarding, over 200 miles of snowmobile trails, back-country trails,...

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Cyprus: city of Larnaca - Part 5

Choirokitia is an archaeological site that has been listed by UNESCO since 1998. It is a site you can visit and is only 32km from Larnaca or 48km south of Nicosia. It is a well preserved settlement from the Neolithic Age. Artefacts from all phases of the Neolithic age can be found in the settlement....

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Cyprus: City of Larnaca - Part 6

The Agios Minas convent is situated in Kato Drys village 39km from Larnaca. The convent dates back to the 15th century with Byzantine and Gothic styles. On the North and South walls there are two large paintings of Agios Georgios and Agios Minas dated 1757.

Stavrovouni monastery is 4...

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Belgium - Ghent public art

Ghent is dotted with odd sculptures, installations, and art interventions. Some were created for art festivals and some are simply baffling. A festival called Track, which runs in September, aims to use the entire city as a gallery.

The early 17th century Drongenhof Chapel looks to b...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 54

The Cumberland Gap Visitor Centre is located on U. S. Highway 25E just southeast of Middlesboro, Kentucky and just northwest of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel and the town of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. The visitor centre has a museum that tells you all about the Gap' s role as a transportation corridor. ...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 56

The park was officially established on July 1, 1941. It covers an area of 52, 830 acres with the most important feature out of sight under the Kentucky hills. Out of sight is a limestone labyrinth that became the heartland of the national park. While the surface of Mammoth Cave National Park encompa...

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Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York – Part 1

If you happen to visit New York City there are plenty of attractions that vie for your attention. However if you like recent history, and especially aircraft, then a visit to Intrepid Museum is a must. The museum is an educational and cultural non-profit institution which is built into the aircraft ...

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Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York – Part 2

So where is it and what can you expect to see? It is located at Pier 6 on the western side of Manhattan on the Hudson River.

On board you will find a collection of more than twenty aircraft, it does change, from World War Two to the present day. One of the exhibits is still, official...

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Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York – Part 3

After your visit to the command centre there are three main areas that are open to the public. Immediately below is the flight deck and under that is the hanger deck, below these are parts of the third and gallery decks

After you make your way back to the main deck you can wander betw...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 50

During their 105 year tenure the Pleasant Hill Shakers built more than 260 structures around the property. Today there are only 34 buildings that have survived with most of these being along what was the one mile long gravel turnpike.

The Kentucky River was a vital source of income f...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 51

During our trip around Kentucky there were three State park areas that we had picked out in advance that we want to visit. I am going to deal with them all now but we actually visited them while we were doing some of the other things I have already written about on this trip.

The thr...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 52

The park and forest has become a magnet for rock climbers, who flock to the jagged faces and broken pinnacles around the Red River Gorge area. It is also popular with hikers because it has around 600 miles of trails to explore. This includes the famous 300 mile long Sheltownee Trace Trail which goes...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 53

The Cumberland Gap National Historic Park is situated at the point where Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia all meet. This natural pass provided the main route for settlers and traders crossing the Appalachians into the Midwest. It is now a National Historical Park and the 12 mile long pass is known f...

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Germany: Lake Constance - Part 2

There has been civilization living in, on and around the Lake Constance area since prehistoric times. This is part of the reason that UNESCO has classified the region’s lake dwellings, which are houses built on stilts, as a World Heritage area. You can visit them and while doing so you can take a tr...

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Germany: Swabian Mountains

If you take a trip to the Southwest of Stuttgart in Germany you will find the green and unspoiled Swabian Mountains which stretch for a total of about 125miles.

Swabia is a source of many delights with the major areas being history and geology. A big draw are the caves, with their st...

Viewed 19 times

Kentucky: a road trip through the state = Part 48

The History of Pleasant Hill

On New Year’s Day in 1805 three Shaker missionaries, John Meacham, Issachar Bates and Benjamin Seth Youngs, left the Mount Lebanon community in New York and started to walk towards Kentucky. It was in August of the same year that they came across three loc...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state = Part 49

The restoration process:-

With the Shakers gone and the buildings in private hands what was once a full thriving community was now very quiet with the Shakers all but forgotten. The buildings began to take on new functions with the Trustees’ Office opening as a restaurant. The Meeting...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 43

Covered Bridges continued :- Eastern Bridges

Greenup County which is in the north eastern part of Kentucky is home to two covered bridges. Travelling from Lexington you take the I-64 East for about two and a half hours. At the Grayson exit you turn left on to state road 1. You will fi...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 44

Covered Bridges continued :-

The bridges of Fleming County are about an hour and a half drive from Lexington and are located to the northeast. Take US 68 north through Paris, turning right at KY 36 toward Carlisle. Once there you can see three of these old covered bridges.

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 45

Covered Bridges continued :-

In Lewis, Mason and Bracken counties which are all to the north of Lexington along the Ohio River you will find some more covered bridges. If you are in Lexington then to get to the general area you need to take US 68 to the north as far as Maysville whic...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 46

The Pleasant Hill Shakers

We had heard that there was a Shaker village that was quite near our route to the Daniel Boone National forest so we decided that this would make a good place to stop on the journey as they offered accommodation as well.

We like most people ha...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 47

Academics and theology scholars have many different opinions about the followers of Mother Ann. They are not certain if they believed she was the female reincarnation or if she was just a prophet predicting that the second coming would be in a female form. Mother Ann’s vision was that God had chosen...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state- Part 39

HISTORIC PLACES IN THE BLUEGRASS REGION continued;

If you continue traveling south after your visit to Nicholasville you will come to Danville which is the home of the Constitution Square State Historic Site. This site includes a pre-1792 post office which is thought to be the first ...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state- Part 40

HISTORIC PLACES IN THE BLUEGRASS REGION continued;

If you are looking for places that commemorate the Revolutionary war then you need to go about 20 miles north of Paris to the Blue Licks Battlefield State Park. This is the site of the last Revolutionary War battle that was fought in...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state- Part 41

Covered Bridges

Kentucky' s ' Timbered Tunnels' are rare and scenic view of past times. These covered bridges are remarkable combinations of both engineering and architecture. Now days they provide a weathered reminder of earlier times and are also star attractions in scenic photos. T...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state- Part 42

Covered Bridges continued:-

Covered bridges are first seen in history in the early 1300’s in Switzerland and the around Europe up to the late 1500’s when they seemed to go out of fashion. They re-appeared in America in the 1700’s with their normal simple king-post trusses, in which th...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 38

HISTORIC PLACES IN THE BLUEGRASS REGION

History beckons from every direction in the Bluegrass Region so here is just a sample of some of the attractions that are worth visiting if you happen to be in the area. There are so many that it would be almost impossible to list them all. One ...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 34

As I mentioned in the previous article private homes aren' t Lexington' s only historical buildings. Being at the heart of some of the important times of American history there are a number of other sites in the area that are worth a visit.

At the Transylvania University, on Broadway...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 35

If you have managed to work your way through all the other articles in this trip then at this point I feel I must own up to a slight use of artistic licence.

Kentucky is quite a small state which is what made this trip possible without investing too many weeks of our time; however so...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 36

If you are in the Lexington area then Kentucky' s official ‘Craft Capital’ is only 40 miles south at Berea. Berea has a long standing tradition as a centre of craftsmanship and this earned it the designation by the Kentucky State Legislature.

The reason that Berea has this crafts tra...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 37

As you travel around the state you will come across many craft and art workshops some are in towns and others have been set up in the barns of old farms. You just need to keep an eye out as your drive around as you may come across a real gem. The next few sections will give you some pointers to plac...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 28

While the farms listed below may not have a resident Kentucky Derby winner they do each have their own unique history, local crafted barns and landscaping.

Lane' s End Farm:- This farm has been compared in a number of places to a national park. During the off season you can take a to...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 29

There are two other horse related places in the area that are worth talking about. Also if you’re not really into thoroughbreds but still like horses then these may even be a better option for you.

The first is The Kentucky Horse Park; it' s not just a park but a working horse farm a...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 30

If you have been reading through this set of articles in sequence you might remember, that in part 25, I gave a list of some of the other things you might want to do. Well we actual did them and over the next sections of this article I will give you some more details on the historic homes, arts and ...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 31

Lexington is a fairly compact area for a city and a walk around the historic homes that are open will show a variety of architectural styles, as well as the stories of some of Lexington' s most influential families and individuals. Depending on when you read this you may also have the opportunity to...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 32

The next house on the list is the Hunt-Morgan House. This brick built house at 201 North Mill Street has several claims to fame. It was originally built in 1814 for the first person to become a millionaire west of the Alleghenies. That was a hemp merchant called John Wesley Hunt and one of his desce...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 33

The Latrobe House is the one that I mentioned earlier in that it is currently in the middle of a full restoration. Depending on when you are reading this it may still be happening as there seems to be a lot of work that needs doing. There' s no furniture, and in fact, some of the walls have been tor...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 26

Spectacular horse farms have been part of the Bluegrass Region since it was first settled, and so have horse farm visitors. There are about 450 horse farms in the region with about 150 in Lexington/Fayette County. They' re all working farms which means you should never just ' drop by' , but quite a ...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 27

Now if you are really into thoroughbred horses then you might want to arrange something more special. Most of the living Kentucky Derby Winners are retired to Bluegrass farms in the area. So what I have listed here are the farms and studs of living Derby winners that allow tourists. If you w...

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Germany: Lake Constance

Known as the Bodensee in German, Lake Constance is one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes. To the South are the snow-tipped Swiss Alps, on the North side, in Southwest Germany are orchards, vineyards and photogenic villages. Only 40 miles, the lake is one big natural playground: cycle around it, swim ...

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Germany: The Black Forest - Part 1

The area is famous of its cuckoo clocks and special cake, the Black Forest has always been-and still is-romantic. A range of low mountains, rising from 3, 000-5, 000 feet the Black Forest is pine-tree green rather than black, with clean clear lakes, lush valleys and rushing streams.

...

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Germany: City of Heidelberg

Romantic is the only way to describe Heidelberg. It is a photographer’s delight, from the 18th century Alte Brucke, the red sandstone bridge on the Neckar River, to the Castle that dominates the city. Built as a medieval fort and then converted into a residential Renaissance palace, this is a must-s...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 23

The second day of this part of the trip saw us heading to Lawrenceburg which is just down the Bluegrass Parkway. Here you can join a tour at the Four Roses Distillery. You’re sure to enjoy the story behind this brand and the unique Spanish Mission style architecture of the buildings. Walk through th...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 24

The previous day of our trip had taken us towards the edge of the Bourbon producing area as we headed to Lexington where we planned to have a look at some places that had produced so many winners. We are not particularly horse people but it would be a shame to be so close to this area and not explor...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 25

Before we set of exploring we read up on a brief history of the area in the hotels library. It seems that when European settlers arrived on the scene, the Bluegrass Region was in use as a hunting ground for many different Native American tribes. A famous person that most people will have heard of is...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 20.

We decided that the best place to start our tour was to choose a smaller distillery with a more personal tour rather than go in a large group. This offered us the chance to interact with someone involved in the whole process and not just listen to a guide giving a standard tour. We felt that with th...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 21

When master distiller Drew Kulsveen gets you to walk from the bright sunshine of a Kentucky day into the darkness of one of his storage barns, or rick houses as they are known locally, he asks a single question, “Can you smell that? ”

Inside the dusty and what seems to be dim light i...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 22

Once you have a basic understanding of the processes involved in Bourbon production you can take the various tours and enjoy the tasting without the need to follow everything the guides are saying.

As we were in Bardstown, after visiting the Willett Distillery, then the next ...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 15

Kentucky – a road trip through the state:- part 15

It is now time to start the part of the tour which looks at one of the two things that the state produces that has made it famous. The first is horses which we will see later but some would say that the second is more important and th...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 18

Kentucky – a road trip through the state:- part 18

In 1880 The Kentucky Distillers' Association was formed when 32 distillers met at the Galt House in Louisville. The original aim of the organisation was to protect our signature spirit from “needless and obstructive laws and regulatio...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 19

Kentucky – a road trip through the state part 19.

Now we get to the part that our palettes have been waiting for, a trip around some of the local distilleries. Just as it takes time for Kentucky Bourbon to reach perfection, you will also want to plan accordingly to get the most out o...

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Belgium cities at the coast - Part 2

Belgium cities at the coast part2

Nieuwpoort claims to have the biggest yacht port in Northern Europe, with more than 2, 000 moorings. There’s the World War One memorial statue of King Albert I as well, with a visitor centre to mark the anniversary of the start of war from October 201...

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Belgium city of Hasselt

Hasselt, tucked between the Albert Canal and the A13 motorway on the mid-east side of Belgium, is something of an ambiguous city. It' s called the capital of Belgian Limburg. It has an exquisite medieval street-plan, but most of its medieval charm seems to have gone absent without leave.

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Belgium city of Tongeren

Tongeren the oldest city in Belgium. When a town promotes itself as the oldest in Belgium, it’s tempting to wonder how much evidence of this claim is still visible.

Visit Tongeren, and its credentials are right in front of you: city walls that date from the first century; a Roman arc...

Viewed 1691 times

Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 16

Kentucky – a road trip through the state:- part 16

Over the next three parts of this article I have tried to cover some of the more important things that have happened which have affected the way the Bourbon industry has grown and matured, just like the product itself.

...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 17

Kentucky – a road trip through the state:- part 17

It’s now standard practice to char the inside of the oak barrels that the spirit matures in but when did it start? The earliest record of this charring of a barrel can be found in a letter from a general store in Lexington to the Dist...

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Monument Valley Part 1

Standing on the border of Arizona and Utah lies Monument Valley, and although you may never have visited the area, you are sure to have seen the familiar llandscape in films or on television.

Monument Valley was a favorite setting of famous Western film director John Ford and it was ...

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Monument Valley Part 2

The entrance fee to the park is $20. 00 per car with up to four passengers, additional passengers are $6 per person and children under 6 go free.

For the price of your admission you have the option of taking the seventeen mile self guided scenic drive using your own vehicle. This tou...

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Monument Valley Part 3

Continued from Part 2

Before you decide to embark on the self guided tour, a word to the wise. The roads are unpaved and extremely rough, your car suspension is sure to suffer! In dry weather they are very, very, dusty and your car, and it' s interior if you open the windows, will soo...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 9

Kentucky – a road trip through the state:- part 9

The previous article told you something about the history of the jail, so now it’s time to move to the current day. There is a large amount to do in the surrounding area so this is one place that you will want to ensure you have plenty...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 10

Kentucky – a road trip through the state:- part 10

During our walks around Bardstown and trips around the area we found three places that we would consider staying in should we ever return to the area. So if you are planning a trip after reading this then you should defiantly check ou...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 11

Kentucky – a road trip through the state:- part 11

The final place with a difference you might want to stay is not in Bardstown but is located nearby close to historic Bloomfield. This is not just a bed and breakfast but is the Springhill Winery & Plantation.

The o...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 12

Kentucky – a road trip through the state:- part 12

As I mentioned in some early articles a large number of the interesting places that you will want to stay in the Bardstown area only offer bed and breakfast. You will need to find somewhere for an evening meal and here I have a few su...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 13

Kentucky – a road trip through the state:- part 13

If any of you reading this article have read any of my other ramblings about trips to U. S. cities you will know that one of the things we like to do walk around the old historic districts. Actually to be more precise we particularly ...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 14

Kentucky – a road trip through the state:- part 14

Before we go on to the serious part of this trip, the distillery tours, I thought I would mention two other places that are local and provide an interesting day out between them if their content appeals to you.

The fir...

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Automated Passenger Control Booths at MCO

The self service kiosks or automated passenger control booths, APC for short, were introduced at Orlando International Airport in the last two or three years and certainly seem to have speeded up the transit through immigration. In order to use the the APC , travelers must be in possession of an app...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 5

Kentucky – a road trip through the state:- part 5

While you are in town then a trip out to Old Louisville is something you must consider. If you like old homes and fabulous architecture, this is a tour you will not want to miss. This is now one of the largest preserved districts of Vi...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 6

Kentucky – a road trip through the state:- part 6

After spending a few days in Louisville we headed out on the reason for this trip which was a tour of some of the interesting place that Kentucky has to offer. The first section of the trip was to head East on Highway 60 to our next ba...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 7

Kentucky – a road trip through the state:- part 7

Owensboro is pretty much the centre of the Bluegrass music industry and was the reason we wanted to include this town as a stop off on our trip. Bluegrass was never really a big part of the music industry until the last few decades whe...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 8

Kentucky – a road trip through the state:- part 8

The next part of the trip was one that I personally had been looking forward to. It was only a short trip of about 100 miles from our stop off at Owensboro as we headed east to Bardstown on the Kentucky Parkway. Established in 1780, Ba...

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A visit to Salt Lake City - Part 1

Situated in the northern part of the state of Utah, Salt Lake City is probably most famous for being the home to the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, having been founded in 1847 by its then US leader, Brigham Young.
In more recent times, many will recall, ...

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A visit to Salt Lake City - Part 2

Our next stop was at The Salt Lake Tabernacle, also known as The Mormon Tabernacle, and other than The Temple this is probably the most widely known building in Temple Square.

The Tabernacle is home to the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and we were told that the acoustics are s...

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A visit to Salt Lake City - Part 3

By now it was approaching mid afternoon and it was time we became selective about our sight seeing or else, due to time constraints we were going to miss out on things we really wanted to see.

Being Sunday, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building which houses the Family Search Center and ...

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A visit to Salt Lake City - Part 4

On our second day in Salt Lake City we were keen to visit the Family Search Center and the Family History Library.

The Family Search Center is situated in the Joseph Smith Memorial building which can be found on the south east corner of Temple Square. This is a beautiful building hou...

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A visit to Salt Lake City - Part 5.

The final stop on today' s itinerary was the Utah State Capitol building, which is open Monday - Friday 7am until 8pm and Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 8am until 6pm. You can take a guided tour without a reservation and the tours last for just under an hour. Simply enter by the east doors and m...

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Fueling up in Orlando

When collecting your car at MCO (or any other inbound airport )it will have a full tank of fuel. This may be included in your rental package ( when hiring through US CarHire the gold inclusive option includes a full tank of fuel) or, if not included, you have the option of paying for the fuel and br...

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Belgium: Cities at the coast - Part 1

BELGIUM cities at the coast (part 1)

The Belgian coast stretches over 67 kilometres between France and the Netherlands. Ten communities each other with their own character offer every visitor something to taste.

Even if you are staying for a weekend, or spending a day ...

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Germany: City of Mannheim

The Rhine and Neckar rivers meet at Southwest Germany’s second largest city, where tradition is matched with innovation. The grid like street pattern dates back four centuries, the handsome 250-year old Schloss Manheim (Palace) is one of the country’s largest Baroque complexes, with a Knight’s Hall ...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 1

Every few years we like to pick a state or region of the U. S. and go on a road trip with only a little planning. What I mean by this is that we pick out some of the places we want to go but do not have a set itinerary apart from the first and last days where we will book a hotel ahead. We always do...

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Kentucky: A road trip through the state - Part 2

As we stayed a few days in Louisville at both the start and end of our trip we had time to check out a few different types of restaurant. Listed below are some places that we tried and were recommended to us.

Proof on Main is a culinary challenge and may not be to everyone’s taste. I...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 3

There are two museums in the Louisville area that you really should visit even if you have no interest in either of the sports they represent. They are as different as it’s possible to get but each in its own way offers a unique insight into the history of the sports and the people involved.
...

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Kentucky: a road trip through the state - Part 4

There are a number of different types of trip you can take on the Ohio river while you are in Louisville, but whether it’s afternoon or evening you should really only been looking to go on the ‘The Belle’.

The Belle of Louisville is the oldest operating Mississippi River style steamb...

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Cyprus - City of Larnaca - Part 2

The bust of Athenian general Kimon, who led 200 triremes in 450 BC to liberate Cyprus from Persian rule can be seen on the palm lined seaside promenade called “phoinikoudes”. He perished during the siege of Kition. The marble bust of Zenon at the city centre honours the philosopher, who was born in ...

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Cyprus - City of Larnaca - Part 3

Local museum-mosques and churches

MUNICIPAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY . The museum displays large collections of local reptiles, rare insects, birds, animals as well as fossils and marine life species from Cyprus and neighbouring countries. Of particular interest are the collections o...

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Germany: City of Baden - Part 1

Baden is a city in Southwest Germany of Elegance and Sophistication. It is a five star resort city on the edge of Black Forest . Bad means baths, is the old fashion term for spa and the hot. Healing mineral waters here have been popular for 2, 000 years. In what looks like a small palace is the hist...

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Germany: City of Baden - Part 2

One of Europe’s most famous spa resorts is elegant Baden where you can soak in the purest water, in two luxurious spas: the historic Friedrischsbad, with its 16-stage cleansing treatment, and the contemporary Caracalla Spa. There are also treatment for beauty and relaxation.

In South...

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Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has undergone some major changesin the last few years, starting with the airport which now features six rush roofs instead of one! And this is just one example. Charming holiday resorts have sprung up, while the originals have taken care to remain in tune with the times. The r...

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Germany - Munich beer festival

Welcome to the world of beer, sausages, girls in traditional dresses, , lederhosen and the worst German songs you’ve ever heard.

Every year many beer drinkers find their way to Munich to take part of the biggest and best known beer festival ‘Oktoberfest’. It lasts approximately two w...

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Spain: City of Barcelona - Part 1

Barcelona, a city that never sleeps, but sometimes passes out. There live amazing people, it has delicious food, beautiful architecture, a lot of culture, a Sunny beach, … It has everything. It’s my favorite city in the world!

HIGHLIGHTS

Bike Tour :The best way to exp...

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Spain: City of Barcelona - Part 2

SPANISH FOOD

There are so many good places to eat in Barcelona but please avoid the touristic restaurants and bars close to the Ramblas. They are expensive and not that good.

– La Bodega Biarritz: my number 1 favorite place to eat. This small and cosy tapas bar has del...

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Spain: City of Barcelona - Part 3

- El bosque de las hadas: The forest of the fairies. Enter this place and you feel like you’re in a fairytale. The authentic decoration in this bar and atmosphere makes you feel magical.

– La Terrazza: An outdoor club with an open rooftop on the mountain of Montjuic. Dance all night ...

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European driving laws - Clear or convoluted?

European driving laws - Clear or convoluted?

Every year drivers from the UK make over 30 million visits to other European countries. Quite a few of those trips involve using their own car on an unfamiliar autoroute, autostrada or autobahn. Now we all know about the European Union' s ...

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Tunisia – A quick overview

Tunisia lies just across the Mediterranean Sea from the European mainland. It successfully combines the Mediterranean influence with a long history of Arabic inhabitants to blend it into a fascinating place. The country contains both the northern most part of the Saharan desert and the Eastern end o...

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The Little White House Key West

When visiting Key West Harry Trumans Little White House ( not to be confused with Roosevelts Little White House in Georgia) is well worth a couple of hours of your time.

Situated on Front Street the museum is close to the centre of Key West and easily accessible.

The ...

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Travelling to Orlando with young children

Many people ask me what the right age is to travel to Florida. Where there is never going to be a right or wrong answer to this question (due to different people’s perspective). All I would tell people is there are ways you can ensure children don’t get too tired, are kept busy and have the best pos...

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France - a short tour through the Champagne area

France - a short tour through the Champagne area

Visit the cathedral of Reims, you can perfectly explore the city on foot. In the cathedral they provide guided tours into the clocktower etc.

Palace of Tau. Well worth a visit, Reims was the ' coronation city' of all th...

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Cyprus city of Larnaca - Part 1

Cyprus city of Larnaca - Part 1

Larnaca is known for its palm tree seafront and is home to country’s primary airport, Larnaca International Airport.

Larnaca may pride itself for its contribution to the island’s rich cultural heritage. Built on the site where ancient Ki...

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Germany city of Stuttgart - Part 1

Germany city of Stuttgart - Part 1

Stuttgart, the city in Southwest Germany, the city of the world famous cars, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz! ! ! ! Stuttgart is the 6th largest city in Germany, belongs to the Baden Wurttemberg region.

Here are a few words about the histor...

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Germany city of Stuttgart - Part 2

Germany city of Stuttgart - Part 2

The Stuttgart State Theatre is the largest theatre of its kind in Europe. The beautiful 100 year old building with its impressive columns and excellent acoustic. Is home to opera, drama, and ballet. Voted Opera house of the Year six times, it also at...

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The West Coast of the Southern Alps - Part 2

The West Coast of the Southern Alps - Part 2

The Westport Karamea Buller area- is well known for its rich coal mining history in addition to its abundant unique natural attractions and its warm, mild weather. Take a detour and visit the noisy bluster of the seal colony at Cape Foulwin...

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France city of Troyes - Part 1

France city of Troyes - Part 1

Troyes is located in the North Central France, on the Seine River about 150km (93m) from Paris. Located in the Champagne region of Northern France. It is well known one of the Romantic city’s of France.

Troyes the city of romance, with it...

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France city of Troyes - Part 2

France city of Troyes - Part 2

The Saint Panteleon district is just a short walk past inspiring facades rising like cliff faces from the street below, under the watchful eye of menacing gargoyles. The two stone benches beneath the trees opposite the main entrance to the church are the...

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Queenstown - Majestic Mountains and crystal clear waters - Part 1

Queenstown - Majestic Mountains and crystal clear waters - Part 1

Queenstown is in New Zealand' s ' Southern Lakes District' . It is the Southern Hemisphere' s four season lake and alpine resort. The stunning scenery and huge range of activities are why the town of 12, 500 on the shor...

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Queenstown - Majestic Mountains and crystal clear waters - Part 2

Queenstown - Majestic Mountains and crystal clear waters - Part 2

Beyond Queenstown in the Queenstown-Lakes District are the Lakes Hawera and Wanaka and the smaller towns of Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Kingston, Wanaka, Alexandra and Cromwell. The following activities are also found in the ...

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A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 5

A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 5

After walking through the centre of the village the next thing I would do is have a walk around the outside of the defensive walls. A stroll around the city should not take more than half an hour even stopping off for photos, as the village perime...

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A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 6

A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 6

After you exit the church there are other points of interest at the top of the hill. They are the Chapel of the White Penitents, the quaint Town Hall and a museum in a village house that dates to the 1500s. This has a collection of dioramas which ...

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A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 7

A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 7

Once you have finished with your visit of the Old Town there is a further option if you are a fan of modern art. In this case I would definitely recommend a visit to the Maeght Foundation. This avant-garde building houses one of the most famous mo...

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A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 8

A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 8

For the final part of this series I thought I would try to cover the hotels and restaurants and other places you can eat or drink.

As I mentioned earlier in this series nothing in this town is low cost and you are paying for the lo...

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A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 1

A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 1

I have been lucky enough to have a job that requires me to spend a month on the French Rivera for part of the early summer. As you can imagine this has let me explore most of the surrounding countryside in my time off. So I thought that I would wr...

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A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 2

A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 2

St. Paul de Vence is located inland and about 18 miles from both Nice and Cannes which is just a 15 minute drive from the coast. Its location means that you get a great view of the village as you approach from either the La Colle road to the east ...

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A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 3

A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 3

When you look at a map of St. Paul de Vence you can straight away see that it has been built on the top of an egg shaped hill. The streets follow the oval shape of the hill going all round the city walls. The next street is higher up the hill foll...

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A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 4

A visit to St. Paul de Vence - Part 4

The forth part of this series will take us into the town to start exploring the streets and shops.

You start your visit from the square with a short walk up a small incline and enter through the solid and imposing 14th century Port...

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Tuscany - The Basics - Part 10

Tuscany - The Basics - Part 10 cont.

Drinking

Most drinking in Italy is essentially an accompaniment for some other activity such as a meal; you do not find much drinking for its own sake. You will find people of all ages sitting around in bars or cafés and they will s...

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Tuscany - The Basics - Part 11

Tuscany - The Basics - Part 11 cont.

Tea and soft drinks

If you are a Tea drinker then you should remember that hot tea / tè caldo comes with lemon / con limone as standard. If you want milk in your tea then you need to ask for con latte. If it is ...

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Tuscany - The Basics - Part 12

Tuscany - The Basics - Part 12 cont.

Festivals

The whole of Italy has a large range of local festivals and Tuscany has its fair share. Saints’ days are one of the most common excuses for some kind of holiday or parade. Again many cities, small towns and villages have t...

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Belgium city of Gent - Part 1

Belgium city of Gent - Part 1

Gent is a city located in the Flemish Region of Belgium . It is the capital and largest city of the east Flanders province and is Belgium' s second largest municipality by number of inhabitants. Today it is a busy city with a port and a university.
...

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Belgium city of Gent - Part 2

Belgium city of Gent - Part 2

The foot of the 14th century belfry adjoins the entrance to the more ornate 15th century Cloth Hall. Behind St Bavos cathedral from the 13th and 14th centures. It’s 15th century tower is a little spindly for its 80 meters. It used to be closely surrounded...

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Belgium city of Gent - Part 3

Belgium city of Gent - Part 3

Ghent is a paradise for veggie lovers. Since, proportionally, Gent city has more vegetarian restaurants than say Paris or London. They call themselves the veggie capital of Europe. A title they should be proud of! Discover the veggie restaurants and their...

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Tuscany - The Basics - Part 1

Tuscany - The Basics - Part 1

Tuscany – the Basics could also easily be titled ‘Italy the basics’ as most of what I have tried to include here applies throughout the country. I should, of course, add a health warning at this point. No; not about the country but about this article. We ...

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Tuscany - The Basics - Part 2

Tuscany - The Basics - Part 2 cont.

If you book well in advance you can sometimes find fares for as little as £45 return for off-peak flights, however these low prices always seem to apply to very early morning or very late evening flights. If you go for a more reasonable flight time...

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Tuscany - The Basics - Part 3

Tuscany - The Basics - Part 3 cont.

Getting around Tuscany once you have arrived will depend a lot on what you want to see, how much time you have and how much local colour you want to view.

By train

Italian State Railways, Trenitalia run the tra...

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Tuscany - The Basics - Part 4

Tuscany - The Basics - Part 4 cont.

Getting around the Tuscan region by car

Planning on having the availability of a car for any trip to this region will be a major advantage. The amount of time you will save cannot be understated. It will cost more than public transpo...

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Tuscany - The Basics - Part 5

Tuscany - The Basics - Part 5 cont.

Accommodation

Accommodation is a large cost in any visit to Tuscany. This is a popular place and demand for rooms is high, generally prices seem to rise on an annual basis. Inexpensive and/or cheap are not words that you associate wi...

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Tuscany - The Basics - Part 6

Tuscany - The Basics - Part 6 cont.

Self-catering

The high price of accommodation in a hotel in large parts of Tuscany can make self-catering seem to be an attractive proposition. There are many package companies that offer self-catering, but as with Florida, there ar...

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Tuscany - The Basics - Part 7

Tuscany - The Basics - Part 7 cont.

Fresh takeaway food

There are options for takeaway food but not as many as you might find in the UK. You can find slices of pizza pizza al taglioor, pizza rustica just about everywhere, however you buy it by weight, an etto...