Travellia

Belgium (Oostende, Bruges, De Haan)

2007-04-08T11:38:00.000Z

In my last blog entry I described how we travelled from the UK to the Flemish coast in Belgium, via ferry, bus and tram. Our destination was Oostende, a city which is, essentially, a beach resort, but also has a large sea port. We were hoping for sunny weather so we could make use of the vast swathes of beach that Oosende has to offer, but unfortunately it was cold and gray, and thus didn't make it quite that far.

Oostende doesn't have many architectural gems, in fact most of the buildings are quite ordinary looking. However, despite the almost dull looking surroundings, it is a pleasant place to visit. We stayed in the Hote l du Parc - very basic, but adequate. It's location is convenient, being right in the centre of town, and in walking distance to the beach, marina and train station. There is also a casino close by, however we decided to avoid that and spend our money on more worthwhile things, like food and drink! Actually we ended up savouring quite a few different types of Belgian beer. We also found a good local pizza restaurant (ok, not Belgian, but tasty and inexpensive). You'll know you've found it if the English menu you're given has "hairdressers" as a pizza topping - we found it actually refers to capers. There you go.

The next day we went to Brugge (Bruges), somewhere we had wanted to visit for quite a while, being known as a "little Venice". Originally we thought of staying in Bruges, but found accommodation quite expensive. Alternatively Oostende is cheaper, and only a 20 minute train ride away. Bruges was cold, overcast, and overrun with tourists like ourselves, but we weren't disappointed with it. We explored its winding streets, looking in the various shops (some amazing chocolate displays), admiring the traditional architecture, and strolled by the canals. The town is quite compact and easily walkable on foot. It is also possible to take a horse and carriage ride through the town, or alternatively a boat tour on the canals. I did partly feel that Bruges catered a bit too much for tourists, losing some of its local charm in the process, however it is a very picturesque place and definitely well worth a visit.

The weather didn't improve the following day, but we decided we'd do some more sightseeing nevertheless. We decided to take the tram, or the Kusttram, north along the coast, all the way to Knokke, stopping at any town that took our fancy. The Kusttram day card is only 5 euros and allows unlimited travel for the day, along the entire route. The only town that really caught our eye was De Haan, the others didn't seem to look too interesting. We did get off at Knokke, walked around a bit, and went to a nice pub across the road from the train station. Apparently, according to Lonely Planet, Knokke is a beach resort for the elite, although it certainly didn't look that way to us (although we didn't explore it much either).

De Haan, on the other hand, is a pretty beach resort that hasn't been spoilt by high rise development. The colourful, quaint buildings near the beachfront give the place a magical quality. We walked along the quiet beachfront, enjoying our surroundings, realising that it would be a good place to escape to in the summer if we were ever to return. It is possible to get a direct ferry (only with a car, no foot passengers) from Ramsgate in the UK to Oostende, and from there drive along the coast to De Haan or take the tram, as we did.

Overall, we enjoyed our time in Belgium, although the weather could have been better. The Flemish coast is definitely worth visiting for a relaxing break, but ideally in the summer months, so that the vast, sandy beaches can be enjoyed to their fullest!

Calais - Dunkirk - De Panne - Oostende

2007-04-08T10:58:00.000Z

Recently we had a few days off work to do some travelling, however we had left it a bit late to book any cheap airline seats . We thought of alternative, cheap methods of going into Europe and devised a way of getting to Belgium, somewhere we had never been before.

We were prepared for a day of travelling. We took a ferry, once again, from Dover to Calais - we took the first one that was leaving, which happened to be P&O. Once in Calais, we took the bus from the port to the main train station, outside of which we waited for another bus which would take us to Dunkirk. Leaving from the front of the train station, the bus journey to Dunkirk took about 45 minutes. From what we saw of Dunkirk, it looked a bit run-down and shabby, not really what we were expecting. Admittedly, we didn't have time to explore the town fully.

We arrived at the main station in Dunkirk and the next step was to get another bus to Adinkerke/De Panne station in Belgium. After a bit of fruitless searching on the bus timetables, I eventually obtained the help of a friendly shop owner who spoke English and told me where we needed to get the bus and what time it was coming. It eventually arrived, we bought tickets, and wondered what to expect at the border control between France and Belgium. Well, we were amazed to find there is actually no border control. In fact my husband, who needs a Schengen visa to travel into Europe (which he has got), managed to get all the way into Belgium from the UK, through France, without anyone checking his passport! Quite a feat. There was, however, quite a distinct difference between France and Belgium in terms of the scenery and architecture - generally how clean and spacious Belgium looked compared to the areas we had passed through in France. Anyway, by this time we were quite tired of bus journeys, and were glad to get off the bus at De Panne train station.

However, our travelling was still not at an end. Our destination was Oostende, further along the Flemish coast, and where our hotel was booked. The next step was to catch a tram, or the "Kusttram" as it's known, that travels along the coast, stopping at each town along its way, and quite cheap too, being only 5 euros each for a day pass. Fortunately it was still daylight by the time we were on the tram, so we managed to see the towns it passed, which seemed to be mainly holiday type areas with lots of apartment buildings by the sea. After about an hour we arrived in Oostende, happy that all had gone smoothly with our travelling, but obviously quite tired.

It was an interesting, cheap way to travel to Belgium, but a very long way of doing things, and we decided that on the way back we'd take direct trains instead! This was done by catching a train from Oostende to Lille, in France, and from there another train to Calais, where we got the next ferry to Dover (Sea France). Journey complete. For those who would like a more direct route to Belgium by ferry, Transeuropa ferries operate a service from Ramsgate to Oostende, however, as far as I'm aware, no foot passengers are allowed, only cars.

(More about our time in Belgium in the next blog entry).

Ferry Trip - Dover to Calais

2007-03-06T17:01:00.000Z

Last Saturday, around lunch time, the weather happened to be sunny and bright. Debating how we could best make use of such a rare occurrence of sunshine, we concluded that it might be a good idea to take a ferry somewhere - in this case, as foot passengers, from Dover to Calais in France. Many people use this route for alcohol, cigarette and other shopping supplies, however we were going merely for the journey, to enjoy a trip on the sea and have a look at the city and port that lay on the other side of the English Channel.

We jumped in the car and made our way to the "White Cliffs of Dover", not entirely sure how long the drive would take, but Google Maps had assured us it wouldn't be over two hours. We were pleasantly surprised that we managed to reach Dover in about an hour and a half - no, not due to excessive speed but because the traffic happened to be rather light. On arrival at the ferry travel and information centre, we had the option of choosing between two ferry companies to get us to Calais: Sea France and P&O Ferries. Our decision was made based on the first ferry leaving, which happened to be Sea France. Unfortunately Sea France didn't have any ferries returning to Dover later that night, so we only purchased single, one way tickets with them to Calais, and then booked the return part of the journey with P&O - thereby getting to experience and compare both ferry operators. Our tickets to Calais cost £12 each.

A bus came to pick up all the foot passengers outside the travel centre to take us to the ferry, passing through immigration control and baggage checks along the way. Once on board the ferry, we investigated the different levels, whilst getting used to our 'sea legs'. We really liked the layout and design of Sea France, particularly its large windows, letting the sunshine in and allowing for good views. We ordered drinks from the bar and enjoyed the general ambiance. We then went to the restaurant upstairs and had some continental cheese and biscuits (we even got a roll thrown in for free). The staff on Sea France were really friendly and we'd have no hesitation in using the ferry company again.

About an hour and a half later we arrived in Calais. Unfortunately, by this time, it was already dark, so not much sightseeing to be had. There's a bus stop outside the arrivals hall, with regular buses to the town centre (only till about 7:30pm) and costs £1 per person. The bus arrived shortly and in ten to fifteen minutes we were in the centre of Calais. We didn't have much time before our return ferry, so we walked along the main street, checking out the restaurants and bars. We went into a bar that looked inviting to have a drink, and it had a good, friendly vibe. We then wandered around a bit longer until it was time to find a taxi back to the port (as the buses had stopped running for the night). Finding a taxi wasn't very easy, and we ended up going into a hotel and asking them to order us one! The taxi arrived just in time and the driver sped along to the ferry departure hall, costing around 11 Euros.

The most memorable part of the return journey, on P&O, was being able to stand on the upper deck and having a clear view of the total lunar eclipse that took place. In our view, the ferry itself isn't as comfortable and appealing as Sea France. It has all the amenities, but somehow it just wasn't the same. The return journey cost slightly more at £17 per person . If we have to make a choice between the two ferry companies again, then we will probably choose Sea France as our first option.

Despite our rather fleeting visit across the channel, we enjoyed ourselves. It felt slightly dreamy and surreal too, but that was probably due to it being a spontaneous idea. Next time we'll plan it better so that we spend more time in Calais and possibly explore its neighbouring towns. At least we now know the ferry is a stress-free and affordable way of travelling to France.

Brighton

2007-02-25T18:57:00.000Z

The city of Brighton is a popular seaside escape, particularly with London residents, being only about an hour away by train. Situated on the southern coast, almost immediately due south of London, it has quite a trendy, fun atmosphere (well, it did the day we were there anyway!).

Frequent trains leave from Victoria and London Bridge stations in London with Southern Railway and First Capital Connect. It's probably worth taking the train rather than driving, as the city often gets congested and it's difficult to find parking. Admittedly we drove to Brighton from Eastbourne and managed to find some parking, but not without some difficulty (and expense).

We began the day by walking to the Royal Pavilion, an interesting and impressive royal residence that was built in the 19th Century for the Prince Regent. The architectural structure has a definite Indian flavour and the interior is richly decorated in mainly Chinese styles. There are attractive gardens surrounding the Pavilion and we spent some time walking around these - it helped that the weather was nice and sunny too.

We then headed toward the city's main attraction, Brighton Pier, which has quite a variety of funfair rides and arcade style games, along with numerous food stalls (and even a South African food shop, we're everywhere). We didn't actually partake in any of the rides, but the fun atmosphere prevailed, despite the rain which suddenly set in. Brighton has a pebble beach which, I assume, must get extremely busy during the summer months.

After spending some time on the pier, we visited the shopping area known as The Lanes, the layout of which reflects the original fishing village that once existed there. The narrow alleys are host to many jewellery and antique shops, alongside pubs and restaurants. Vegetarians will be happy to know that there are quite a few restaurants catering to their veggie needs in the area, and we went to an Indian buffet style place, which was alright, but nothing special. North L aine is another colourful shopping and residential area situated north of The Lanes and has an arty, bohemian feel to it, with new-age hippie types seeming to be at home there.

Unfortunately we didn't get to experience the nightlife when we were there, but I am assured by friends that it is a vibrant, happening place with a large choice of clubs and different music scenes. I'm personally not very fond of the clubbing scene in London and think that, perhaps, the scene in Brighton might be friendlier and less intimidating - we'll have to check it out sometime and see how it compares.

Our day trip to Brighton was all too brief, and we decided that we definitely need to go back and spend some more time there. When this shall take place, I have no idea, but it's definitely on our list of places to re-visit in the UK - and it should be on your list too.

Eastbourne, UK

2007-02-16T13:14:00.000Z

Eastbourne is a quiet coastal town in southern England, most famous for its Victorian style beach front and pier. We have been to Eastbourne a few times to visit friends who live there, and although it's not as vibrant and popular as Brighton, it's still a relaxing place to visit. It seems to have a reputation for being more appealing to the older, retired generation, however it is still possible for the likes of us younger travellers to have a good time there.

Eastbourne is about an hour and a half train ride from London, departing from both London Bridge and Victoria mainline stations with Southern Railway. We usually drive, the route being quite scenic, however it does to tend to get quite congested at certain points along the way, making us ponder every time why we didn't take the train! There are a vast array of hotels and B&Bs in the town, most of them lining the seafront, and on one occassion we booked a room at the Langham Hotel through Lastminute. It was good value for money, being only £40 for a double room.

Eastbourne's beach is of the pebble variety, however what is nice about the seafront is that it hasn't been overdeveloped with arcade games and fun fair rides, like many other seaside resorts in the UK. The pier area therefore remains relatively free from garish amusements, and is elegant in its simplicity. Such attractions as the Carpet Gardens, a large floral display along the road near the pier, makes the vicinity visually pleasing. The seafront also has a bandstand, built in the 1930s, which is still host to concerts during the summer months.

Eastbourne's town centre has the usual high street shops along with other independent stores, and the main shopping mall is the Arndale Centre, situated by the main bus terminus. In terms of nightlife, there are a few pubs and clubs to choose from, however I think that many of the locals tend to travel to Brighton or London for some more serious clubbing venues. We ventured into Kings Nightclub when we were there and ended up having a good time (despite the overzealous cleaning staff who kept stealing our half finished drinks - just because the drinks are standing there while we're dancing, doesn't mean we're finished with them!).

To the west of the town lie areas of majestic natural beauty, namely Beachy Head and the South Downs Way, a long distance footpath. The former are majestic white cliffs that provide amazing views over the sea, it really is quite a sight to behold. We took a walk along the paths of Beachy Head, enjoying the sunshine and the view. The South Down Way is a stretch of land encompassing villages and beautiful scenery between Eastbourne and Winchester and is therefore popular with walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.

We enjoy going to Eastbourne on the odd occasion, not only to see our friends, but also to visit a seaside town that provides elements of relaxation and fun. Obviously not as high in the tourist popularity ratings as Brighton, it's still worth a visit if you're heading in that direction.

Stratford-upon-Avon

2007-02-06T22:22:00.000Z

Stratford-upon-Avon is most well known for being the birth place of William Shakespeare, and therefore host to countless tourists every year, wanting to view the sites associated with the famous Elizabethan playwright. A market town since the Middle Ages, Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in history and situated in the picturesque English midlands countryside. Having good rail and road links, the town was our destination of choice for a short weekend break from London.

We left from Marylebone station with Chiltern Railways, taking just under two and a half hours to get there. Travelling by car, along the M40, takes approximately the same amount of time and a good way of preparing a route beforehand is by visiting a site such as Google Maps and obtaining directions. National Express also offers services to Stratford-upon-Avon, taking about three hours from London. There are also numerous organised one-day bus tours from London, which usually pass through Oxford and the surrounding scenic countryside.

We only stayed one night in Stratford-upon-Avon, at a B&B called Ambleside Guest Ho use. The accommodation was clean and well-presented, and although there was nothing specifically wrong with the B&B itself, we didn't feel very welcome. In our experience, many B&Bs prefer to cater to a more mature age group rather than younger people, however it does work both ways - many young travellers feel that B&Bs are a bit too 'stuffy' and 'old' for their tastes and don't feel very comfortable staying in them. Despite all that, the Ambleside Guest House, situated opposite a park, is conveniently located and in walking distance to the town centre and the major tourist attractions in Stratford-upon-Avon. Stratford's town centre has the usual brand of high-street shops, yet still manages to retain an antiquated feel due to its traditional, old architecture.

The weather wasn't very welcoming either, being icy cold and windy, so we seemed to spend much of the weekend inside traditional pubs in the town. We did, however, manage to visit the popular sights for which the town is so famous, such as the timbered house where Shakespeare was born in 1564. There are daily tours of Shakespeare's birthplace, which is entered through the adjoining modern Visitor Centre, providing an interesting insight into the life of the playwright. Other properties relating to Shakespeare that are worth seeing include Anne Hathaway's cottage, the residence where Shakespeare's wife spent her childhood and Hall's Croft, where Shakespeare's eldest daughter lived with her husband, Dr Hall. About three miles outside of Stratford-upon-Avon lies Mary Adren's House, the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother, alongside which the Shakespeare Countryside Museum is located.

It is pleasant to walk along the banks of the River Avon, viewing the boats and swans, and generally appreciating the beautiful setting of the town. The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has three theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon, providing a range of dramatic works. The largest of the three is The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, overlooking the river. It also has a bar, restaurant and gift shop, where an extensive array of Shakesperian souvenirs can be purchased. Further along the river lies another tourist site, the ancient Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried. The church is open to visitors most of the year, and a small donation is requested to view the burial area.

Despite the cold, we enjoyed our brief visit to Stratford-upon-Avon. The town is definitely a worthwhile destination for any traveller - not only because of its historical ties with Shakespeare, but also due to its traditional charm and scenic location in the heart of the English countryside.

Whitstable, UK

2007-02-04T11:40:00.000Z

When we lived in London we enjoyed venturing out for short day trips to refresh and re-energise ourselves from the madness of the city. It was with much interest we started to hear talk from friends and colleagues of a seaside town in Kent called Whitstable, which, we were assured, was a perfect day or weekend escape from "the Big Smoke", being just under an hour and a half away by train. How right they were!

Leaving from Victoria Station, there are frequent train journeys with Southeastern Railway to Whitstable about every half an hour, with day return ticket prices starting at £18.10. Admittedly, train travel isn't cheap in the UK, and if driving isn't an option, then an alternative is to take the bus. National Express has services from London Victoria to Whistable with day returns from £12.40, taking just under two hours each way. Personally, we prefer to spend the extra money on a more comfortable and speedier train journey.

On arrival we headed toward the harbour, being about a fifteen minute walk from the train station. Whitstable is famous for its oysters, and this was evident by the many stalls on the harbour selling seafood to the bustling groups of tourists. During the summer months there is even an annual Oyster Festival that takes place. On the day we were there, various fishing vessels and boats were docked in the harbour, creating quite an atmospheric coastal setting. Cold, but sunny, we found a pub/restaurant with huge glass windows, overlooking the sea. We enjoyed half a pint, appreciating the warmth and the view.

Whitstable has a large shingle beach, with picturesque houses, restaurants and pubs lining it. As summer was coming to a close, and the weather wasn't too warm, we merely strolled along the sea front, passing colourful beach huts, piers and small fishing boats. We then made our way to the small town centre, the narrow streets host to numerous shops, including some art galleries and craft shops. After we'd had our fill of critiquing paintings and sculptures, not to mention the array of seaside souvenirs on sale, we decided to appease our hunger at a local pub, The Duke of Cumberland. It seemed to be a popular place, with a live band playing outside in the beer garden. We found a table inside, away from the crowds, and ordered a seafood platter to share, with a bottle of white wine, which turned out to be really good value for money. The seafood was excellent and fresh, and we enjoyed every bit of the meal.

In order to walk off all the food, we proceeded onward to visit Whitstable Castle, situated on a hill overlooking the town and harbour. Originally built as a manor house, the oldest parts originating from the late 18th Century, the building is surrounded by attractive gardens. Mainly used for local events and classes, the 'Castle' is worth a brief visit as a tourist attraction, however apart from admiring the exterior and its surrounds, there isn't much else to do there. Walking up the hill to get to Whitstable Castle, however, does afford some good views over the sea.

If staying for more than one day, there is a choice of accommodation in Whitstable, ranging from hotels and B&B's to self-catering cottages, however it is advisable to book early in the summer months. It should be noted that aside from local community events and a few pubs with live music acts, there is not much of a night life in this peaceful town. If that kind of scene seems more appealing, then perhaps staying in Canterbury, which is about a half hour train ride away, would be a more viable idea.

Whitstable, in essence, is a quaint coastal town, an ideal place for a quiet break. I am certainly glad that we made the journey there on the advice of others, and we, in turn, fully recommend it to those seeking a peaceful, seaside setting to escape to.

Drakensberg, South Africa

2007-01-26T14:50:00.000Z

When planning a trip to South Africa, one part of the country that should not be missed is the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, which stretches for 200 kilometres. A world heritage site, the greater proportion of this magnificent range falls in the province of Kwazulu-Natal, and is known to have the highest peaks in the country. The dramatic beauty of the Drakensberg is a well known tourist destination, with the northern and central regions being the most frequently visited.

On our last trip to the Drakensberg we decided to venture into the northern part of the region, specifically to the Royal Natal National Park. About a five hour drive from Johannesburg, the National Park has excellent walking and hiking trails in amazing surroundings. It also has accommodation facilities, including the Thendele Hutted Camp, which is where we stayed, in a small self-catering cottage. The views surrounding the camp are incredibly beautiful, as it is located at the base of the majestic Amphitheatre, a famous and distinctive feature of the mountain range that forms a soaring natural amphitheatre, five kilometres in length.

The Thendele camp is highly recommended. Specifically, we stayed in the upper camp, where the cottages are positioned in such a way that a sense of privacy is maintained. We were impressed with the friendly staff and our clean and comfortable one-bedroom cottage, including all amenities (and some which are useful, but not essential, such as satellite television and a jacuzzi bath). The highlight, however, was the porch or 'stoep' outside the cottage, where one can sit, relax and absorb the breathtaking views of the mountains. There are no restaurants in the Royal Natal National Park, however there are a few located close by, one of our favourites being the Tower of Pizza. The park does have two shops on site where one can buy basic food items and souvenirs. The nearest town to the camp is Bergville, about a half hour drive away. It should be noted that the gates to the Royal Natal National Park close at 7pm each night in the summer, therefore it is advisable to ensure you return to your cottage in time, otherwise you might be locked out!

One of the spectacular peaks that forms the Amphitheatre is known as Mont-Aux-Sources. It is also the source for three major rivers (to which its name refers), including being home to the world's second highest waterfall, the Tugela Falls. It is possible to reach the summit of Mont-Aux-Sources, however this involves climbing a daunting 100-rung chain ladder. There are an abundance of hikes and walks in the area, ranging in levels of difficulty and fitness. During our last visit we didn't attempt any of the strenuous hikes (or scary chain ladders), but rather those of the more moderate variety, including the Tugela Gorge walk.

The Tugela River runs below, and parallel, to the Tugela Gorge walk, which is surrounded by incredible scenery. Alternating between dry, savannah landscapes and cool, beautiful forests, there is an abundance of flora and fauna to be seen, including Protea bushes, South Africa's national flower. Towards the end of the hike, there are rockpools at the base of the steep, jutting rocky walls of the gorge. Eventually, by following the course of the river (and boulder hopping over the river at various sections), it is possible to reach the Tugela Falls. The hike is about 15 kilometers and takes approximately 5 hours in total. Remember to take a hat and water, as there is no natural water source to be found for about the first hour of the hike.

Other hikes and walks that we did include Devil's Hoek Valley and Fairy Glen. If you are interested in viewing San , or Bushmen, rock paintings, then a good route to take is Otto's Walk, which is an easy walk and takes approximately one hour. There is also a large amount of rock art to be viewed in the Central Drakensberg, however we didn't have time to venture into this area during our last visit. If one has the time, it is worth seeing, as it is sometimes viewed as being the most spectacular part of the mountain range. Such areas as Champagne Castle and Giant's Castle are very popular with tourists, and are host to an extensive selection of activities such as walking, hiking, fishing, rock climbing and horse riding.

South Africa is a vast country, with countless places to explore and appreciate, however the Drakensberg mountain range should definitely be one of the priorities when working out a travel itinerary. We tend to travel to South Africa at least once a year to visit family, some of whom live near the Drakensberg, so we are fortunate in having the chance to annually reacquaint ourselves with this beautiful part of the land.

Cambridge, UK

2007-01-24T12:01:00.000Z

Cambridge is best known for its university, one of the oldest in the world, and regarded by some as one of the most prestigious. Situated to the north of London, the city is a mix of antiquated and contemporary architecture, combining to create, in my opinion, a visually appealing and harmonious appearance. Many of the buildings, streets and passageways of Cambridge imbue the city with a tradional and historical atmosphere, however, as old as various parts of the city might be, it also has trendy shopping establishments and a vibrant nightlife.

By car, Cambridge takes about two hours from London. As with many other cities and towns in the UK, it is difficult to find parking in Cambridge city centre, however there are 'park and ride' services on the outskirts of the city, whereby you can park your car and get a bus into the centre. There are also frequent train services, run by First Capital Connect and One, between King's Cross and Liverpool Street stations in London, with some speedy trains arriving at Cambridge in under fifty minutes. Our usual method of getting to Cambridge is by train. The main train station is not directly in the centre of the city, but a small distance away. There are, however, regular buses from the main train station, or otherwise it's about a twenty minute walk. One of the most popular forms of transport within Cambridge itself is cycling, and it is possible to rent bikes, which is another pleasant way of viewing the city, aside from walking.

In terms of accommodation, there are numerous hotels and bed and breakfast establishments in the city and surrounds, all ranging in price. There is one youth hostel in the city centre, which is useful for the budget traveller. Another option for cheaper accommodation is the Travelodge, although this is not right in the centre and requires a bit of a walk to reach the main attractions. On our first visit to Cambridge we stayed in a traditional inn, The Old Red Lion, situated in a nearby village called Horseheath. The Inn is about a twenty minute drive away and we managed to get quite a bargain, booked through Late Rooms. The room itself was quite basic, but clean, however the restaurant served some excellent meals, so the money we saved on our accommodation was spent on food and drink instead. Even though we enjoyed our stay at the Old Red Lion, I would suggest that when visiting Cambridge for the first time, accommodation in the city itself would be a good idea.

For first timers to the city, there is a lot to be seen - not only the University Colleges, which are always the main attraction, but also museums, galleries, parks and gardens. Some of the largest, most architecturally impressive and well-known University Colleges worth visiting include Kings College, founded in 1441, best viewed from The Backs (the gardens by the River Cam), Trinity College, founded by Henry VIII in 1546, Christ's College and St Joh n's College. The latter was established in 1511 and is home to the Bridge of Sighs, a picturesque bridge over the River Cam, and a popular tourist attraction. Of course there are many colleges to explore (31 in total), each with their own unique characteristics. Not all of them are publicly accessible, and those that are have different opening times, so it is always best to check with the respective colleges when these are. Links and details about the various colleges can be found on Cambridge University's website. Cambridge University also has a botanical garden, which is situated to the south of the city, close to the train station. Home to an array of plants, gardens and greenhouses, it is a peaceful and relaxing place to visit.

The Fitzwilliam Museum, on Trumpington Street, houses an impressive collection of art and ancient artifacts and is worth a visit on any trip to Cambridge. The museum is not only dedicated to archaeological finds from the ancient world, including Egypt, Greece and Rome, but other items that are exhibited include coins and medals, armour, manuscripts, ceramics and paintings (some of which are by rather famous names, such as da Vinci, Titian and Rembrandt). Other museums include the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, host to an extensive fossils collection, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, and the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, which provides a collection of scientific instruments dating from the Middle Ages to the present. If you need a break from museums, and need something a little more creative, then perhaps the city's main arts venue would be more appealing, the Corn Exchange, which is host to various musical and theatrical productions. At the heart of the city centre is the old market place, which has a selection of stalls that we often browse through, selling various goods, from clothing and books to delectable food. This area, and the ancient streets surrounding it, are mainly pedestrian friendly, lined with a variety of shops (many of which are high-street brands), restaurants, cafes and pubs.

As we have now been to Cambridge a few times already, and have seen most of the tourist attractions, we generally visit for the ambience of the city. Walking through its winding streets lined with bicycles, appreciating the majestic architecture that forms the university, strolling along the River Cam, watching the punting that is so well known to Cambridge, and joining the students for a drink in the friendly and jovial pubs. Cambridge is a city we think highly of and always enjoy visiting. It is a beautiful city, imbued with history, but is also modern in terms of its shopping centres, recent architecture and lively music venues and nightclubs. It therefore has a bit of something for everyone, and is highly recommended as a tourist destination.

Images of King's College and Cambridge Market: www.flickr.com/photos/ripienaar

Cork, Kinsale & Blarney

2007-01-23T11:49:00.000Z

Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland, located in the south of the country. A large, active seaport, Cork has two branches of the River Lee flowing through the city, forming an island on which the city centre is built and providing it with a certain charm. Steeped in history, as it has been suggested that Cork already had a settlement in the 6th Century, the city exhibits some interesting architecture and numerous bridges. Compact in size, with friendly and helpful locals, Cork was our choice of destination for a few days break, and also included visiting nearby Kinsale and Blarney.

We managed to get cheap flights with Ryanair, although this involved an extremely early morning flight, and therefore meant we lost sleep but saved some money. The flight took about an hour to Cork's International Airport, which lies to the south of the city. On arrival, we caught a bus outside the airport to the main bus terminus in Cork city, which cost € 3.80 each, and lasted about half an hour in duration.

The weather wasn't very welcoming, being decidedly overcast, cold and windy, as we made our way up Cork's hilly, steep streets, attempting to find our B&B. We booked with Parkview Bed and Breakfast, not only for their reasonable rates, but also due to its location, being within a short walk to the city centre, bus and train stations. Situated on a hill, the B&B therefore has a panoramic view over the city (when not obscured by the cloudy weather). The room itself was large and clean, and the breakfast served by our friendly host was tasty too.

With no specific destination in mind, we walked toward the city centre, until we came to St Patrick Street, which is the main shopping street in the city. Various department stores and restaurants are housed in impressive buildings along this broad street, which eventually reaches St Patrick's Bridge. Over the bridge is St Patrick's Hill, which is quite a steep climb up, but for those willing to attempt it, the reward is a worthwhile view over the city and beyond. We traversed the rest of the city, crossing bridges and strolling amidst narrow passageways, and other larger streets such as the South Mall and Grand Parade, all lined with shops, offices, pubs and restaurants. There is also a large old English market in the city centre, with a variety of stalls, the majority selling food. Two of the most popular tourist attractions in Cork are Shandon Church and St Finbarr's Cathedral. Shandon Church, also known as St Anne's Church, is a famous landmark in the city. Built in 1722, it is possible to climb to the belfry and have a go at ringing the eight bells that are housed there. Saint Finbarre's Cathedral, an impressive Gothic structure with three spires, is located on the site where Saint Finbarr built a place of worship in the 6th Century.

As we managed to see most of Cork in one day, we decided to go to Kinsale the following morning. There are regular buses leaving from the main bus terminus in the city centre, and they take about half an hour to reach this picturesque harbour town. A popular holiday destination for locals, Kinsale is famous for its sailing activities, as well as its seafood restaurants. The town itself is quaint, with winding, cobblestone streets and colourful shop fronts, with a few historical attractions such as Desmond Castle, initially built as a custom house in 1500 but which is now a wine museum, and Charles Fort, a fort constructed in the 17th Century. We enjoyed our day in Kinsale, investigating its myriad of streets, visiting its welcoming pubs and walking along the harbour, admiring the yachts.

We also made a brief trip to Blarney, famous, of course, for its castle and the Blarney Stone situated therein. The village itself has a few shops, restaurants and pubs catering for the many tourists visiting the castle. Blarney Castle was built in approximately 1446, and the part of the castle that remains today, is actually the keep of what would have been a much larger fortress. There are also extensive gardens and trees surrounding the castle, with various paths on which to walk, providing the area with a sublime and mystical quality. Admission to Blarney Castle and its gardens costs €8 per person, and if you are not travelling on a budget and can afford it, is well worth a visit.

Despite the rainy and windy weather we experienced during our entire trip to Cork city and its surrounds, we had a good time. Experiencing new places is always interesting, no matter how much of an ardent traveller one may be. We still want to explore the rest of southern Ireland, preferably by car, to be able to see as much as possible of this beautiful land.

Cornwall, UK

2007-01-22T10:21:00.000Z

Majestic cliffs, rolling hills, vast swathes of blue sea and sandy beaches, quaint villages and castle ruins - all these,and more, combine to create the beautiful landscape known as Cornwall. Situated on the tip of the south-west peninsula of England, and located to the west of the River Tamar, Cornwall is an especially picturesque part of the country and ideal for relaxing holidays.

Steeped in history and of Celtic heritage, Cornwall can be reached by car, train, plane or bus. The main airport in Cornwall is situated in Newquay, a town popular with surfers. National Express also operates a bus service to Newquay, however, if you are leaving from London, or anywhere else in the vicinity, be prepared to spend a long time travelling, as the journey takes over seven hours. There are currently three train operators with services to Cornwall. Although it is not essential, it is useful to have a car in Cornwall, to be able to fully experience the different sights and attractions located around the region.

We stayed in a self-catering cottage in the north of Cornwall, on farmland called Trevigue. The cottage itself, Eastwood Cottage, was large and clean, with all basic amenities. Situated in an extremely scenic location with lovely views over the countryside, the cottage lies on rugged cliffs. Due to its setting, there are a variety of walks that can be done, whether its walking on cliff paths, through wooded valleys or green farmland, the surrounding scenery is always amazing. The closest village to the cottage is Crackington Haven, which also has a beach, and is about a five minute drive away. Trevigue is also well located as a base for exploring other attractions of Cornwall, including the Eden Project, Tintagel Castle and fishing villages such as Port St Isaac.

The Ed en Project is located near St Austell, consisting primarily of two huge transparent domes which contain different ecological displays, focusing on the interaction between people and their environment. It might sound a tad boring to some, but it really is very interesting and definitely worth seeing. A warm,tropical environment is created in the Humid Tropics Biome, the biggest conservatory in the world. The visitor is able to walk amidst plants, flowers and trees that are found in tropical climes, learning about their origin. The other dome, the Warm Temperate Biome, focuses on a more temperate climate and exhibits plant life from regions such as the Mediterranean, California and Southern Africa. Amidst all the different types of plants and foliage, lie sculptures and other art works, designed to make it a truly enriching and educational experience. There is also a cafe and restaurant on the site, and when we were there, during the winter, an ice-skating rink.

Close to Trevigue, on magnificent headland, lie the ancient ruins of Tintagel Castle, suggested to be the birth place of King Arthur. There is no conclusive evidence of this, however archaeological finds suggest that there was a large Celtic settlement there in the 5th and 6th centuries. It was only in 1233 that the Earl of Cornwall acquired the land and built a castle. The ruins of the castle are indeed dramatic, situated on the coastline, with spectacular views contributing to the majesty and romance of the area. There is an information centre and small exhibition on the site. In order to reach the Castle, a path runs from Tintagel village, which extends for about half a mile. There is then quite a steep climb up steps to reach the headland where the ruins lie. The village of Tintagel has a variety of restaurants, pubs, souvenir shops and tea rooms, many of which play on the theme of the Arthurian legend.

Port Isaac is a charming, historic fishing village that was used as a port from the Middle Ages to the 19th Century. With quaint cottages, shops, traditional pubs and seafood restaurants lining the narrow, winding streets, it is certainly a treat to explore. The day we were there, it was incredibly cold, but we managed to find a warm pub on the outskirts of the village, complete with roaring fireplace and beautiful views over the sea. Due to its picturesque setting, Port Isaac has been used as the setting for television shows and also a film, Saving Grace, therefore increasing its popularity with tourists. Another village which we visited, close to Trevigue, and which we found just as appealing, is Boscastle. A large, natural harbour, home to numerous fishing boats, is one of the most distinctive features of this village, also dating from the Middle Ages.

Cornwall is a magical and spectacular part of the UK, with awe-inspiring scenery and views. There is much to explore, and in terms of "getting away from it all", this has to be one of the ideal settings in which to do so. It is advisable to spend at least a few days in this beautiful part of the country, rather than a short weekend, simply to have the time to see a good portion of popular tourist attractions, whilst also being able to simply relax and enjoy the splendid surroundings.

Paris

2007-01-19T11:50:00.000Z

Regarded as the most romantic city in Europe, Paris, capital of France, is a hugely popular tourist destination. Travellers flock each year to this majestic place to view its well known landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Some find Paris matches up to the wonders printed in travel guides and seen in blockbuster romances, whereas others seem to be a little letdown and disappointed with, what is supposed to be, a magical experience. I am glad to say we are not of the latter persuasion, and we genuinely find the locals friendly and love the city.

The most comfortable way to travel to Paris from London, in our opinion, is with the Eurostar train. Departing from Waterloo Station, it takes approximately two and a half hours to reach the Gare du Nord station in Paris. During this time one can relax, enjoy a drink, have a few snacks and enjoy the smooth journey through the Channel tunnel - which is precisely what we did. Sometime this year, 2007, the Eurostar will depart from King's Cross Station in North London. Other methods of reaching Paris are via ferry from Dover, or, of course, with a flight to Charles de Gaulle airport.

We booked a hotel that was relatively central and easy to find, the Hotel des B atignolles, and although it was not very spacious, the room had a certain traditional charm. It was clean and pleasant, with large windows, which always earns extra points in our appraisals of accommodation. Located near to public transport, specifically the Rome metro station, it is also close to Moulin Rouge, and also to the beautiful area of Montmartre, probably my favourite part of Paris. Montmartre is set on a hill and therefore has amazing views over the city. With steep, narrow cobblestone streets, the area was popular with artists who lived or worked there, including many famous names such as Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh. The Basilica of the Sacré Cœur is also situated in Montmartre, a beautiful cathedral located at the highest point of the city, and well worth visiting - if not for the cathedral itself, then for the spectacular views of Paris. Montmartre is a tourist hub and there are a variety of souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes catering precisely for this. It is, therefore, also worthwhile exploring less popular routes to find genuine and cheaper places to eat and drink.

Our Paris travel guide, published by Lonely Planet, came in very handy, and we used it quite extensively. The itinerary for our first day consisted of seeing the major tourist attractions. From our hotel, we walked all the way to the Arc de Triomphe, the world famous monument commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806. After some time admiring the structure, we strolled along the busy Champs-Élysées, looking at the upmarket shops and restaurants along the way. Next, we stopped at a cafe for some French cheese and red wine, before heading to the Louvre. As I'm sure most readers are aware, the Louvre is a world famous art gallery, housing such famous works as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. The actual buildings themselves, including the glass pyramids, that make up the Louvre, are quite a sight to behold. After that cultural expedition, we decided to enjoy some of the warm, summer weather and walk along the banks of the Seine River, soaking up the holiday atmosphere. We finally reached the Notre Dame de Paris, an awe inspiring work of Gothic architecture.

As it was drawing toward late afternoon, we thought it might be a good idea to grace the Eiffel Tower with our presence, whilst the sun was setting. We stood in a long queue to gain entry by lift to the first floor of the Tower, but it was definitely worth the wait - the view was really incredible. I admired it briefly, before my fear of heights took over, and I was glad once I was on firm ground once more. By the time we had reached the ground, night had fallen and the Eiffel Tower was lit up dramatically against the dark sky. We then decided to make our way to the Latin Quarter, popular with students from Sorbonne University, crowding the winding streets filled with bookshops, bistros, bars and cafes. Whilst in the Latin Quarter we also went to view the Panthé on. Originally built as a church in the 18th Century, dedicated to St Genevieve, this dome structured building eventually became a memorial and mausoleum for some of France's most distinguished residents, including Victor Hugo and Marie Curie.

Even though most of the main attractions of Paris can be seen on foot, the metro system is useful for sights that are further afield, or perhaps to give weary legs a rest. We found the metro system, or métropolitain, quite easy to use. As we were foreign visitors to the country, we bought something called the "Paris Visite", which is a travel card valid for either 1,2,3 or 5 days unlimited travel on the city's transport network, and also gives some discounts on a few attractions.

There is so much to do and see in Paris, that it's difficult trying to accomplish it all in one weekend. There isn't much point in rushing around, trying to see as much as possible in a short space of time. We saw what we could, but at the same time enjoyed everything at a leisurely pace, which I think is the best way to do it. Make time to sit in cafes, stroll along the Seine and simply appreciate the surroundings. No doubt we will be returning to Paris at some point in the future to continue our exploration of this wonderful city.

Bath, UK

2007-01-17T15:23:00.000Z

Bath is a city situated on the River Avon in South West England. As a World Heritage Site, the town is steeped in history, and was particularly popular in the 18th Century as a spa town. The city is most well known for such landmarks as the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and its elegant crescents of Georgian architecture. A big tourist attraction, Bath is also one of our favourite cities in the UK.

Bath is easily accessible by various modes of transport. It is about a two hour drive from London, although it can sometimes be difficult to find parking in the centre of town. There is a train station in the centre of Bath, with frequent services to and from other parts of the country, including London. The closest airport is Bristol International Airport, which is about 20 miles away - one therefore needs to get the Flyer bus from the airport, which goes to Bristol Meads train station, and from there catch a train to Bath. If money isn't an issue, then an easier method is simply to get a taxi from the airport.

As with many other towns and cities we've travelled to, Bath is compact and its main attractions can be explored on foot, although there are tourist buses in operation. As is usually the case when we travel to smaller places, we never really have a specific itinerary in mind, but rather walk about the town in an aimless fashion, going down streets and passageways that might otherwise be missed if we stuck to the usual tourist routes. This is precisely what we did in Bath, appreciating the Georgian architecture surrounding us (the Royal Crescent being a fine example of this), looking in shops, stopping in bars, and, of course, not missing out on any of the sights that Bath is famous for (although we might have had a roundabout way of getting there).

Bath has naturally occurring hot springs, and was first documented as being a Roman Spa, although it is suggested that the Celts first inhabited the area. The Roman Baths are the definite 'must-see' of any trip to Bath, where one can view not only the baths themselves, which are the best preserved in the world, but also ancient artifacts found on the site. Above the Roman Baths, on ground level, is where the Pump Room is located. This grand chamber, opened almost two centuries ago, is where the wealthy and elite would converge to drink the natural mineral water. It is still possible to do so today, however it is more common to find wealthy tourists drinking tea! Another historical landmark that is impossible to miss is Bath Abbey, a great Gothic church built from 1499, although the site it is on had an even earlier, ancient history. It is still an active church, and its extensive interior can be viewed by the visitor.

During the 18th Century, Bath was quite the social hub for the elite, and an important place to be seen if climbing the societal ladder. The Bath Assembly Rooms was the place to see, and to be seen. It was host to balls and other public events, and it is these elegant Georgian rooms that are another tourist attraction in Bath, and where the Bath Museum of Costume is situated. A famous novelist who lived in Bath was Jane Austen, and two of her novels are set in Bath, making mention of the Assembly Rooms. If you are a fan of Jane Austen's works, then it is advisable to visit the Jane Austen Centre, which celebrates her writing, and particularly focuses on Bath, and her experiences of living in the town during the early 19th Century. There is also an annual Jane Austen Festival that takes place in the summer.

On our last trip to Bath, we stayed in a luxury B&B called Oldfields, booked through Laterooms. Situated on a hill, with panoramic views over Bath, it is about a ten to fifteen minute walk into the centre of town. With friendly and welcoming staff, the B&B is Victorian in style, and the rooms themselves are clean and spacious with all the amenities one needs, and more - we even had a jacuzzi bath. Unfortunately we missed the breakfast, due to sleeping late, but from other reviews it seems to be worth the effort of getting up early. I think that is the one criticism I have of Bed and Breakfast establishments in the UK - can't they serve breakfast till a later hour? People are on holiday after all and maybe want to sleep in a little, especially if local pubs and clubs have been experienced the night before. Speaking of which, Bath has a variety of such venues to suit all tastes. There is also a wide range of restaurants, cafes and traditional tea rooms to choose from (just in case you missed your breakfast). One of the most popular tea rooms in Bath is Sally Lunn's Refreshment House and Museum, located in the oldest house in Bath (circa 1483) and also famous for the Sally Lunn Bun, which I have yet to taste.

I'm sure it won't be long before we return to Bath again - it holds some very special memories for us, as it is the place where we got married. I personally think it was a rather good choice, being one of the most picturesque and elegant towns in the UK, surrounded by the spectacular Somerset and Wiltshire countryside which is definitely worth exploring as part of any trip to Bath.

Amsterdam

2007-01-17T10:26:00.000Z

We have friends who live in Amsterdam who offered us free accommodation if we happened to travel that way - it was all the luring we needed, and soon we were headed to the capital of Holland. A city of interesting historical architecture, museums, galleries, canals and parks. It is also popular for its coffee shops and vibrant nightlife, not forgetting the infamous red light district.

We booked our flights with Bmi, another budget airline, travelling from Heathrow to Amsterdam's Schipol Airport. The flight took just over an hour, and once out of passport control and reclaiming our luggage, we waited outside for a bus that would take us directly to the suburb of Amstelveen, where our friends stay. It wasn't too difficult to find and the area is conveniently located for public transport, with bus and tram links to the city centre.

The following morning, after a sumptuous continental breakfast (including lots of Dutch cheese), we made our way towards the centre of Amsterdam. Arriving at Centraal Station, we decided that we'd initially explore Amsterdam on foot, despite the city's excellent tram links. We walked in the direction of Dam Square, an open square surrounded by restaurants, pubs and shops, crowded with buskers, tourists and locals. On this particular day there was a funfair taking place in the square, which gave it quite a festive and colourful appearance. The main attraction of Dam Square is undoubtedly the Royal Palace or Koninklijk Palace, an impressive looking building that used to be home to the Dutch Royal Family. On the opposite side to the Palace is the National Memorial statue, a large obelisk shaped structure dedicated to the memory of Dutch soldiers.

We continued to stroll among the winding, cobblestone streets and passageways of Amsterdam, with no particular direction in mind. Stopping briefly at a local pub for a half pint of Heineken, we carried on walking along the sides of the beautiful canals that provide the city with such a unique and charming appearance. Another characteristic of Amsterdam are the open squares or 'pleins', two of the most popular ones being the Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, both surrounded by trendy cafes, bars and restaurants. There are also numerous markets across Amsterdam, the most well known being the Albert Cyup market, selling a variety of goods. We spent a bit of time browsing the market, before moving on. In terms of big tourist attractions in Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum is a popular spot for admirers of his works. On the same square as the Van Gogh Museum is the Rijksmuseum, displays paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer, and therefore definitely worth a visit if art is your scene. A more sombre experience is visiting the Anne Frank Museum, the house where Anne Frank was hidden and wrote her diary during the Second World War.

Since it was still relatively early in the afternoon, a spontaneous decision was made to take a little train trip outside of Amsterdam, with no specific destination in mind. We returned to Centraal Station, looked at a map of train routes, and picked a place to travel to, which turned out to be a harbour town called Hoorn. The town was established in 1357 and therefore has some interesting historical buildings, however these were slightly obscured by a huge funfair situated in the centre of the town. Taking part in the festivities, we bought tickets for the big wheel, or ferris wheel, and enjoyed the ride as we caught amazing views of the surrounding landscape from the top of the wheel. Afterwards, we wandered along the town's streets, making our way towards the beach, gazed at the sea a while, and then returned to the station to take a train back to Amsterdam.

That evening we braved the Red Light District, and walked along the streets and alleyways with countless other tourists, observing the girls displaying their wares behind windows, and being offered narcotic substances numerous times by dodgy dealers in the process. The area itself is located right by the canals and also has many restaurants, pubs and clubs in its vicinity. Personally, I didn't really enjoy investigating this part of the city. It was an interesting experience, yet I also found it to be quite dark, sad and seedy - but hey, its the Red Light District after all, that's to be expected.

The next morning we thought it might be a nice idea to hire bicycles and ride to Vondelpark, which is exactly what we did. We hired our bikes from MacBike, one of the biggest bike rental shops in Amsterdam, at Leidseplein. I had not ridden a bicycle in years and therefore felt quite nervous about it, but once I had passed the trauma of riding in the busy streets, avoiding people, cars, trams and other bicycles, and entered the park, I found it much more enjoyable. Vondelpark is the largest park in Amsterdam, and it is a beautiful area of greenery, lakes, fountains and cafes, in which to laze and people watch, cycle or rollerblade. We found an open-air cafe in which to have a drink, whilst listening to the sounds of jazz from a free concert that was being held on a stage nearby. We returned our bikes and had some pizza (not very Dutch) at one of the restaurants situated close to Leidseplein, before heading off to the airport for our return journey.

We had a good time in Amsterdam, thanks also in part to our friends who kindly hosted our stay (one of whom has an interesting blog, some of which is about life in Holland). We'd like to return to Amsterdam to explore the city further, including more of its coffeeshops and nightlife, and hopefully expand our travels to the rest of Holland as well.

Brecon Beacons, Wales

2007-01-16T10:46:00.000Z

One of the most beautiful, mountainous regions in the United Kingdom is located in mid-Wales, known as the Brecon Beacons. It is essentially a National Park, a vast area encompassing rolling green hills, mountains, forests, streams and lakes, with pastoral animals grazing amidst this splendid scenery. It is a wonderful place for such activities as hiking,walking, horse riding and also sailing on the reservoirs and lakes. There are numerous small villages and towns scattered throughout the Brecon Beacons, providing accommodation and sustenance for the visitor.

We have been to mid-Wales on a few occasions, as it is one of our favourite parts of the country to travel to for a short break. By car, it takes about an hour from Cardiff, and three hours from London, and is therefore easily accessible. The first time we went, we stayed in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, in an area called Cwmdu. We booked a Bed and Breakfast for the weekend, The Studio, which we were very impressed with. Completely separate from the main house, it comprises of a spacious double bedroom, with a small kitchenette, lounge and dining area. The large breakfast, inclusive of the price, was superb (vegetarians catered for too). The highlight of The Studio, of course, is its location. Situated under the Black Mountain Range, it is also close to the towns of Abergavenny, Brecon and Hay-on-Wye.

Located at the merging of the Usk and Honddu Rivers, Brecon is a bustling market town. It has good views of the mountain range, including Pen Y Fan, which is the highest mountain in South Wales. The narrow streets and passageways of the town are home to a variety of shops, restaurants and pubs. Local attractions include the Brecon Cathedral, museum and the Castle, Norman in origin, which overlooks the town. The Brecon and Monmouthsire Canal also runs just outside the town. Brecon is especially popular in August, when it hosts an annual Jazz Festival, so it might be difficult to find accommodation during this time.

If you are an avid bookworm, then Hay-on-Wye, also known as "the town of books", is a good place to visit. It has a vast array of bookshops (last counted at 41), selling mostly second-hand books - it is possible to spend a whole day merely browsing through reading material! Located near the the English border and situated on the River Wye, the small market town is also well known for the Hay Festival, a literary festival organised by the Guardian newspaper. The festival attracts some important authors, speakers and musicians, and it is well worth attending - if not for the lectures themselves, then merely for the fun and social atmosphere.

Another village worth mentioning is Talybont-on-Usk, which is located by the River Usk and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. The village is small and picturesque, and apart from enjoying the restaurants and pubs in the village itself, it is a great area for walking, cycling and canoeing. In Talybont-on-Usk it is also possible to hire narrowboats, an interesting way to view the surrounding scenery, whilst travelling along the canal. This is something we would very much like to do, and hopefully we'll get around to it at some point in the not too distant future.

On our second trip to Brecon, we stayed in a cosy cottage for a few days, called Cwm Irfon Lodge. Situated near Llanwrtyd Wells, known as the smallest town in Britain, the cottage has majestic views over the valley and surrounding mountains. There is a beautiful, well-maintained formal garden in front of the cottage, and beyond that lie acres of trees and fields. The River Irfon runs some way below the cottage, and it is possible to swim in the river during the summer, if the weather allows. Cwm Irfon is a wonderful place to escape to. It's ideal for walking and is highly recommended as a relaxing, peaceful place to stay in mid-Wales. The only sounds likely to be heard are the bleating of sheep and the gurgling river in the distance. Llanwryd Wells, which is approximately three miles away, has a few restaurants, pubs and shops, in which one can buy basic necessities.

Something else to consider doing when visiting the Brecon Beacons, is going on the Brecon Mountain Railway. Travelling in a vintage steam train, the railway passes through some beautiful scenery, most of which is along the length of the Taf Fechan reservoir. The main station, where tickets for the journey can be bought, is Pant Station, about three miles north of the town Merthyr Tydfil. On the return journey, the train also stops at Pontsticill Station, where there is a small cafe, a play area for children, and a few tables on benches. It is a scenic place to go for walks or have a picnic before boarding the train to go back again.

In our humble opinion, mid-Wales is certainly one of the best places to travel to in Great Britain. If the beautiful scenery of majestic mountains ,valleys , rivers and forests appeals to you, then visit the Brecon Beacons. Whether it is merely to appreciate the surroundings, visit the towns, villages and castles or perhaps take part in more energetic activities, such as hiking, sailing and horse-riding; it is an amazing part of the country to explore.

Lausanne & Lutry, Switzerland

2007-01-14T14:54:00.000Z

As stated in my previous blog entry, after our two day stay in Montreux, we went to Lausanne, also situated on Lake Geneva. Lausanne is quite a hilly city, but is quite possible to see all the sights on foot, if you don't mind a good climb now and again. Host to the International Olympic Committee, the city has an interesing array of things to do and see.

On arriving at the main train station, we made our way to our hotel, City Hotel, located near the old quarter, close to Lausanne's famous cathedral. The fifteen minute walk to our hotel was a rather steep climb upwards, including some cobblestone roads, which wasn't very enjoyable as we had to lug our suitcases behind us. The hotel itself is quite modern, but lacks a certain element of warmth, which was slightly abated by the friendly reception staff. Our room was clean and spacious, and we had a small balcony, with a view over a busy street and other buildings. We happened to be staying in this hotel during the Football World Cup, when Switzerland won a game. The noise was unbelievable - cars hooting, people screaming and shouting, there was no way we could sleep. Obviously this is not usually the case, I'm sure that the rooms are generally much quieter and are usually able to deflect most outside noise - just a warning in case anybody is thinking about staying in this hotel during a popular Swiss sporting event!

After checking into the hotel, we decided to take a walk through the old quarter, known as the Flon district, which is largely car-free, taking in all the sights surrounding us. Numerous shops, restaurants and cafes abound and there also happened to be a market on that day, which made it all the more busier. We reached the cathedral and inspected it from the outside, impressed by its gothic architecture. Our plan was to then take public transport to Ouchy, the popular, scenic waterfront development by Lake Geneva, however we ended up walking all the way instead. It was quite a long walk, but we enjoyed it nevertheless. Swiss flags were fluttering from many buildings due to the patriotric spirit induced by the World Cup. There is a small metro system in Lausanne, however when we were there the line to Ouchy was not working and a bus service replaced it. Lausanne has a good, extensive bus network, but it proved quite difficult for us to get tickets from the machines placed near the bus stops, as we had to have the correct amount of change - the ticket machines do not give any change at all.

It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon that we spent in Ouchy. We walked along the lakefront, admiring the moored yachts, with an impressive view of the Alps in the distance. At one point we sat on a low wall by the lake, sitting silently, savouring every moment. It is also possible to rent boats and pedal boats at the lakefront - it is an ideal place to enjoy such an activity. Ouchy also has good surfaces for rollerblading, something we might do next time. There are a variety of restaurants by the lakefront, and we decided to have a good meal, which consisted of a huge bowl of mussels and chips, washed down with some beer. Yes, we enjoyed that, and after our long walk, felt we deserved it. We went to have a drink at another bar/restuarant, closer to the lake. A hotel next door was having a big reception in its garden, so we had the sounds of live jazz drifting around us. Another attraction in Ouchy, which we visited the next day, is the Olympic Museum, an information centre about the Olympic Games. Set in the Parc Olympique, there are sculptures and exhibitions admist the gardens and fountains. It is a peaceful place to wander about, observing the history of the Olympics.

The next morning we decided to take short trip to Lutry, a small, medieval village also situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. We caught a bus from Lausanne's old quarter and the journey took about half an hour. We meandered along the winding, narrow cobblestone streets of the village, also known for its wine-making, appreciating the historic beauty of the place. Lutry's waterfront and marina seems to be a popular place for swimming and fishing. Alternatively it's a good spot to merely sit and appreciate the surroundings, or have a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or ice-cream stalls. Other attractions in this picturesque town are its castle and medieval church.

All too soon, our holiday had come to an end, and it was time to return home. Switzerland was definitely an excellent choice to spend our honeymoon in. It is one of our favourite counties that we've visited so far, and we can't wait to go back - I really can't recommend it enough. Next time we'd like to travel to Interlaken and Lucerne. I'm not sure when that will be, but hopefully soon.

Montreux, Switzerland

2007-01-11T17:38:00.000Z

In June last year we went to Switzerland for a few days, for our honeymoon. Switzerland is a beautiful, scenic place - the pictures you see in travel guides and postcards is exactly what you get. For our time there we went to the French side of the country, staying in Montreux and Lausanne and touring neighbouring areas.

We flew with EasyJet from Luton airport, and managed to make it in time, despite getting a flat tyre on the way there. Not the greatest start to our honeymoon, but once seated on the plane, enjoying a celebratory drink, the tyre-drama was long forgotten and we were looking forward to the rest of our trip. We arrived in Geneva and caught a train to Montreux, which took just over an hour in duration.

Montreux, well known for its annual Jazz Festival, is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, with the impressive Alps in background. This small city, situated on the "Swiss Riveria", has interesting historical architecture, boutique shops and restuarants, lining it's picturesque streets and lanes. We stayed in a hotel located near to the Montreux Casino (which, due to a lack of funds, decided not to investigate), called Hotel Helvetie. Booked through Octopus Travel, it was a good deal, bearing in mind that Switzerland is quite an expensive country to visit. What we liked best about our hotel room, was that it had a balcony where we could sit and relax, with a view of Lake Geneva in the distance - not forgetting to consume local cheese and wine at the same time. The hotel also has a roof terrace, with incredible views over Montreux, so it's worth going up there for a peek. When checking into the hotel, we were also given a "Riveria Card" which entitled us to free travel on the bus network system, 50% discount on train travel and discounts on admission prices to certain tourist attractions such as museums and theme parks. It really came in useful, and seems to be provided to all tourists staying at hotels and other holiday accommodation in the area.

Our first morning in Montreux, the weather was a little cloudy, but we decided to buy some breakfast from a local supermarket and eat it on the shores of Lake Geneva - a more impressive breakfast spot would be hard to find! Afterwards we strolled along the promenade and admired the prominently placed statue of Freddie Mercury, who was taken so much with Montreux, that he bought an apartment in the city to reside there. Apparently Montreux also hosts a Freddie Mercury Memorial Day once a year, so for any overzealous Queen fans, perhaps it might be another reason to visit the city. We then went onto explore the city streets, looking in the different shops and getting a general feel for the area.

Due to the cloudy nature of the day, we decided to delay our trip into the Alps and rather visit Castle Chillo n, a short bus ride away from the centre of Montreux. The first written reference about Castle Chillon, built in such a beautiful, scenic location, was in 1160, however it is thought to be even older than that. From the 12th Century, Chillon Castle, owned by the Counts of Savoy, was greatly expanded. The castle looks incredible from the outside, but exploring the interior of the structure is fascinating too, from the dungeon to the towers. It is highly recommended. Poetry admirers might recall that Lord Byron wrote a poem entitled "The Prisoner of Chillon", based on Bonivard, a monk, who was imprisoned in the castle. It is also possible to see Lord Byron's signature on the pillar on which Bonivard was chained in the 1530s.

The next day was bright and sunny. The market place, on the promenade, was filled with colourful stalls and we took a brief look at what was on offer before heading to the train station, for our trip to the Alps. We took the cog train to the summit of Rochers de Naye, which climbed steeply upwards, passing through various tunnels along the way, and with amazing views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. We enjoyed every minute of the hour long train trip, which also stopped at different villages, including Glion and Caux. The scenery on our journey was breathtaking. On reaching its summit at over 2000 metres above sea level, we walked along some trails, admiring the view from different angles, before the clouds set in, obscuring everything. At Rochers deNaye there is also the "Marmot's Paradise", a sanctuary where you can observe different species of marmot (believe it or not). A panoramic restaurant is also situated close by, in which one can enjoy a meal whilst appreciating the view. On the way back we decided to stop at Caux for a drink. We sat on the outside terrace of the restaurant, in the sunshine, drinking beer - the Alps around us, Lake Geneva in the distance - life was idyllic! The village is also overlooked by an impressive turreted building, which was once a luxurious hotel, but is now a conference centre.

The following morning it was time to leave Montreux and head for Lausanne. We decided to take a bus to Vevey, and from there catch a train to Lausanne. Along the way we stopped in Clarens, after noticing a sign for Paul Kruger's old place of residence. Paul Kruger, a famous South African historical figure, was exiled from his home country during the Anglo-Boer War and moved to Europe. He finally settled in Clarens, Switzerland, where he died in 1904. We went to look at the house he stayed in, from the outside, as it seems to have been turned into a luxury guest house named "Villa Kruger". After our brief sojourn in Clarens, and a stroll along the lakeside, we carried on with our journey to Lausanne - which will be the subject of my next blog entry.

The New Forest & Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

2007-01-10T14:18:00.000Z

The New Forest, situated in the south of England, is a vast area of natural woodlands, forests, fields and plains, interspersed with villages and towns. It is common to see wild ponies and horses in the the New Forest, however the deer that live in these parts seem to be more shy about making human acquaintance. Historically, the New Forest was created as a 'royal forest' in 1079 by William the Conquerer, primarily for the hunting of deer.

We have been to the New Forest on three occassions, camping each time, and simply enjoying the peaceful, natural surroundings - a total contrast from the noise (and other) pollution of London from which we were escaping. The Forestry Commission has ten campsites across the New Forest, and we have stayed twice, with friends, at the Roundhill camping site. It is a good camping ground, however it can get very busy, especially during school holidays. It is therefore advisable to book your space in advance during peak times (this applies to all the camping sites in the region). One of the only other drawbacks about this particular camping site, aside from getting rather busy and crowded, is that is has no showers. It has sinks in the communal bathrooms where you can wash yourself to a certain degree, but I think the setup would be improved a lot if there were hot showers too! There are numerous ponies that wander around the camp, some even attempting to eat the food stored in your tents, so remember to keep them tightly zipped up when you're not about. If camping isn't your scene, then there are an abundance of B&Bs and hotels to choose from.

Brockenhurst is the closest village to Roundill and a place to buy essential items that you might need whilst camping. The village itself is small, but quaint, primarily made up of shops for the locals. Of historical attraction for some is the church, St Nicholas, which is allegedly the oldest church in the New Forest. For those who are interested in cars, the National Motor Museum is situated near to the camping ground, at Beaulieu. In the same area lie the remains of an Abbey founded by King John in 1204 and also Beaulieu Palace House, set in rolling gardens and lawns.

Another town nearby is Lymington, which is a port with regular ferries across the So lent to the Isle of Wight. We spent some time there on our second trip to the New Forest, which was a rather spontaneous idea with no prior planning. We impulsively drove to the New Forest on a bank holiday weekend, no accommodation organised, and were very lucky to eventually find a spot in a camping ground near to Lymington. The market town is also well-known as a sailing resort, and it was pleasant to walk along the quay area, admiring all the yachts. The cobbled streets of Lymington are host to a variety of shops, both high-street and uniquely local, as well as restaurants and pubs. We frequented a few of the pubs, and found them to be cosy and friendly, good places to unwind.

The next morning we decided to take a ferry to the Isle of Wight and spend the day there. We went as foot passengers, leaving the car behind, costing us approximately £10 each return. Sunny and bright, we boarded the ferry and enjoyed the half hour trip to Yarmouth, the port on the Isle of Wight. Yarmouth is a picturesque harbour and town and also popular for its yachting. Other notable attractions, aside from the beauty of the town itself, is Yarmouth Castle, built in 1547, and the pier - which is purportedly the longest timber pier in England. We strolled along the streets of the town, bought some fish and chips, and sat in the sun on the marina, enjoying the sights and sounds of a busy port.

There are numerous walks and cycle routes from Yarmouth to other attractions on the Isle of Wight, however for those not so energetic there are bus service for tourists, including a 'hop-on hop-off' tour. It is also possible to hire cars to drive around and take in the sights. Due to time constraints, however, we were unable to explore the rest of the land, but promised ourselves we would return, as there is so much to do and see - and it all looks so appealing. Next time we will probably take our car on the ferry so that we have transport to get where we want to go, or alternatively we'll hire bicycles and have a cycling holiday for a change. Towards late afternoon we made our way back to Lymington to fetch our car and head toward London, feeling refreshed and recharged after our short break.

The New Forest and Isle of Wight are certainly important places that should be thought about when planning an itinary for a holiday in the UK. The New Forest is perhaps sometimes overlooked for other tourist attractions, however if one has the time to visit the area, it really should be near, or at the top of, the 'places to go' list!

Slovakia

2007-01-10T10:18:00.000Z

In May last year we went to Slovakia for the bank holiday weekend. For those who are unaware, Slovakia is situated in the heart of Europe, bordered by the Czech Repulic, Hungary, Poland, Austria and Ukraine. We had never really paid that much attention to this small Eastern European country until we saw a programme featuring it. We were amazed by the scenery, particularly the alp-like regions, and decided we had to go!

It was with great anticipation that we packed our bags into the car and headed off to Stansted airport from North London, which in retrospect was a mistake, as we got caught in one of those great congested traffic jams and ended up missing our flight! We ended up staying the first night of our holiday at a B&B in Little Dunmow, a town near Stansted Airport. As disappointing as it was, it did not deter us and we were on our way to Bratislava (capital of Slovakia) very early the following morning.

On arrival at Bratislava Airport, we bought bus tickets from the tourist information desk and caught the bus to the main train station in town where we left our luggage (safely in a 'left luggage' deposit place). We only had a brief time to spend in Bratislava as we had to get a train to Zilina (another large town toward the west) that same afternoon. After a taxi ride into the centre of Bratislava we walked about the old quarter, toward the Danube, and found it to be quite enjoyable and pleasing to the eye, with an abundance of cafes and restaurants (which, unfortunately, we did not have the time to sample).

Train travel in Slovakia is really efficient and cheap. We travelled from Bratislava to Zilina and enjoyed the scenery out of our first class window! The restaurant section on the train catered for our food and drink needs, although the choice for vegetarians is limited - not only on the train, but in most parts of the country. I was amused to see that under their vegetarian option on the train menu, they had "fried cheese with ham".

Zilina is a gateway to more hilly and mountainous regions of Slovakia, something we wish to explore in the future. For our time there, we stayed in the town itself, and walked about the town squares also adorned with open air cafes/bars/restaurants. We couldn't quite believe how cheap the meals and drinks were (compared to Western European prices) and therefore made the most of it. We stayed in Hotel Grand, and despite initially giving us the wrong room, it was a pleasant stay. The bar attached to the hotel serves a variety of cocktails, and we enjoyed listening to jazz and drinking gin martinis for just over £1 each. Far from expensive London prices.

The next day we travelled to Poprad, toward the east of the country, as we wanted to venture into the High Tatras mountains. We had booked on the Internet, through Octopus Travel, to stay in Hotel Poprad and on our arrival we were met with dismay as we had not printed our hotel 'voucher' despite having our booking reference number. Eventually we managed to get to our room. It was sparse and clean, but nothing special at all. In future, if we were to go back to Poprad itself, we would probably stay at the other hotel nearby which seemed to be friendlier and more welcoming, Hotel Satel.

Poprad is a good base from which to explore the Tatras, but the city itself does not have much to offer. We therefore took the electrical train from Poprad's main station to Stary Smokovec, the geographical centre of the High Tatras. It is a pretty town, situated in the mountains, largely comprised of hotels and restaurants catering for the many skiers that frequent the slopes. The Hotel Grand (another one) is worth a visit if looking for a good place to relax and eat. From Smokovec we also went to Tatranska Lomnica, another tourist resort, but unfortunately the cable car to the highest peak in the Tatras, Lomnicky Stit, wasn't running. Next time! The Tatras are not only well-known for skiing, but there are also numerous hikes and walks to be found.

We didn't want to, but we had to depart back to the UK the next day, and we therefore took an InterCity (IC) train all the way from Poprad to Bratislava where we caught our flight. Again, we went first class in the train, and it was very comfortable. It took over four hours for the journey, but despite a few delays, there were no problems.

I can recommend Slovakia as an interesting and enjoyable tourist destination, with friendly and helpful locals. If it's only city life you're after, you might be disappointed (although Bratislava seems to have a lot to offer). If you enjoy beautiful scenery and the outdoors then Slovakia is an ideal country to visit.

Cardiff, Wales

2007-01-09T19:34:00.000Z

As we have family that live near Cardiff, we tend to travel in that direction quite often. Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a wonderful city for travellers to explore. It is easy to reach by car, train or plane. From London it takes approximately 3 hours by car or bus along the M4 motorway. First Great Western offers train services direct from Paddington Station in London, and Cardiff also has an international airport. If you are travelling by car, however, a toll needs to be paid before crossing the Severn Bridge (currently £4.90).

Cardiff is a city that tends to have something for everyone, including historical places of interest, parks and lakes, theatre productions, good restaurants, shopping and a lively nightlife. It has been reported to be one of the fastest growing capital cities in Europe. The centre of Cardiff is quite compact, and it is possible to wander around on foot, however there are various other tourist attractions which are situated further out and therefore one would need to take a bus, train or taxi to reach them. Cardiff has a good bus network that is relatively easy to use.

The centre itself is a hub for shopping, restaurants and pubs. The main shopping thoroughfare is Queen Street, which is pedestrianised, and has all the usual high-street labels. There are various Victorian-styled arcades in the city, winding passages with a variety of shops on either side. An established market, also designed in Victorian style, is located in the heart of the city centre. St Mary's Street is where the train and bus stations are located. Most of the nightlife tends to happen in this street, also leading off into Mill Lane, where there are further clubs and upmarket bars. A lot of hen and stag parties seem to take place in Cardiff, so it can get quite rowdy and loud - but these parties tend to end up at the bigger and most popular nightclubs, so if that scene isn't what you're after, it is easy enough to escape somewhere else!

The city has its very own castle, Cardiff Castle, built on the site of a Roman fort. The exterior of the modern castle, built in the 19th Century, has all the elements of a fairytale castle, with towers and turrets. The interior is a lavish display, intricately designed rooms of different themes, and is worth seeing. If the admission price of £6.95 seems a little steep, then it is possible to pay half that to view the gardens the castle is situated in, along with the remains of the Norman keep and a military museum. Next to Cardiff Castle is Bute Park , a vast park which extends along the River Taff, and is an ideal place in which to retreat from the bustle of the city. For those who have football and rugby at heart, then a visit to the Millennium Stadium is a must see.

Another architectural attraction, and one of historic interest, is Llandaff Cathedral, which dates from 1107. Two museums worth visiting in Cardiff are the National Museum and Gallery and also St Fagans: National History Museum. The latter is an open-air museum standing in the grounds of St Fagan's Castle (which looks more like a large house), and has over 40 different buildings that have been re-erected. It's an interesting day out when the weather is good! If natural beauty is more what you're after, there are an numerous parks in and around Cardiff. One of my favourites is Roath Park and Lake, which is situated in suburbian Cardiff. It has an expanse of parkland (including a botanical garden) next to a large lake. It is possible to row boats on the lake during the summer. Worth a mention, although not strictly in Cardiff as it lies closer to Penarth, is Cosmeston Lakes Country Park. It is a huge area of lakes, woodland and gardens, and a great place to stroll about and relax. It also houses a medieval village on the site where archaelogical discoveries were made about the past community.

Cardiff Bay is the city's newest and ever-evolving waterfront development. Mermaid Quay is the main attraction, with mostly restaurants, bars and a few shops. There are also boat trips from Mermaid Quay, mostly to Penarth. Other tourist attractions at the Bay include the new Welsh Assembly Building and the Wales Millennium Centre. The latter is a recently built arts centre, the modern structure hosting such performances as musicals, ballets and operas. Another somewhat smaller arts venue on the Bay is the Norwegian Church. Formerly a church, it is now a cultural centre with a coffee shop, and hosts different art exhibitions and musical events.

Wales itself is a beautiful part of the UK to visit, and Cardiff is only an hour or two away from some further scenic spots. If the sea is what you're after, a vast sandy beach to visit is Ogmore-by-Sea, near Bridgend. The Mumbles and the Gower Peninsula (close to Swansea) are also not far off. If the hills and mountains are your preference, then northwards lie the Brecon Beacons, which shall have a separate blog entry in the future.

Koblenz & The Rhine Valley, Germany

2007-01-08T11:16:00.000Z

Continuing on from my last entry, about our long weekend trip to Germany, the final city we were to stay in was Koblenz. It is about an hour's journey from Cologne on the regional train system. Once again, we were to be staying in an Ibis hotel, however this time the location of the hotel was very central and we were able to get around and see the sights on foot.

Koblenz is located in a picturesque setting - surrounded by low mountain ranges, and where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Once we had booked into our hotel, we took a walk into the historical Old Town and wandered around its lanes and alleyways, appreciating the architecture and statues. There are also open air squares with cafes situated around the sides, creating a relaxed atmosphere. We then made our way to the Rhine promenade and strolled along the banks, enjoying the sunshine, until we ended up at the convergence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, otherwise known as "Deutsches Eck". At this spot there is also a large statue of Kaiser Wilhelm on a horse, mounted on a huge stone base, on which it is possible to climb up and obtain an excellent view of the rivers meeting. Along the promenade, there is also a good view of the old fort or castle on the opposite side of the Rhine, known as the Festung Ehrenbreitstein (built in the 1800s).

Due to it being a pleasant summer's day, we thought it would be a nice idea to spend part of it in a beer garden, two of which we had passed located next to the promenade. They were both very busy, but we found a table amidst the happy crowds. We got two rather large mugs of beer and some food, wurst for my significant other, and a big helping of potato salad for myself! Needless to say, we were feeling quite jolly as we left, and decided to stop in at another pub, in town, on the way back to the hotel. We walked through the doors and I suddenly felt like I was in some old western movie - a silent hush descended as everyone stopped their conversation, and gave us a good, hard look. Trying not to feel too self-conscious, we walked to the counter and ordered some beer. Once we sat down, conversation resumed, and everyone became friendly again. I guess we had wandered into one of the locals where not many strangers tend to tread.

The next day we wanted to do a river cruise down the Rhine, but unfortunately we didn't have enough time for it, as we had to make our way back to Weeze Airport. Instead, we decided to do a train journey between some of the towns along the Rhine. The scenery was absolutely amazing, rolling hills, vineyards, old castles - picture card perfect. We travelled on the line from Koblenz to Mainz, and we decided to stop and sightsee at Bingen am Rhein and Bacharach, both wine producing towns.

We walked along the sloping streets of Bingen's town centre, surrounded by its hilly landscape, looking at various shops. There were also large open spaces with fountains and statues, surrounded by cafes and old-style buildings. We bought a giant pretzel at one of the local bakery's to relieve our hunger, and then made our way towards the castle located at the top of the town, Burg Klopp. It is a relatively steep climb to the top, but well worth it, as the views of the town, hills and river are amazing.

Bacharach is a beautiful, ancient village with traditional German architecture, partly enclosed in medieval walls and connected by watchtowers. It's lovely just to wander around the cobbled streets, looking at the traditionally decorated houses and buildings, many adorned with hanging flower pots, with the rolling hills of the vineyards in the distance. Some more specific sites to see in Bacharach include the castle, also known as Burg Stahleck, the Church of St Peter and the ruins of another church, the Werne Kapelle. We really enjoyed our time, as brief as it was, in Bacharach and would love to return to it and explore some other towns on the 'Romantic Rhine' one day.

As we had a flight to catch back to Stansted, we caught an InterCity Express (ICE) train from Koblenz to Dusseldorf. The journey was comfortable and fast, taking just under two hours. From Dusseldorf we caught another train to Weeze, and from there shared a taxi with another fellow traveller to the airport (we were all waiting for the bus which failed to arrive). All in all, we had a great time on our first trip to Germany!

Dusseldorf & Cologne, Germany

2007-01-06T13:32:00.000Z

We have been to Germany twice so far, and each time really enjoyed it. I never knew what to expect from the country, but from our experiences there so far, it is a place we will definitely be returning to. I have a good friend who lives in northern Germany, and Ryanair will soon be flying directly from Stansted to Bremen, which means we'll be able to visit a lot more often.

The first time we went to Germany was on a bank holiday weekend. We flew to Dusseldorf, then travelled to Cologne and Koblenz (which will be a separate entry). As is common with many Ryanair flights, it is important to note that when flying to Dusseldorf you actually land quite far from the city itself. Weeze Airport, where Ryanair flies to, is actually over an hour's train or bus ride away from Dusseldorf. We landed late at night, the last bus had already left from the airport for Dusseldorf city centre, so we managed to get a taxi to the train station and were relieved to find we hadn't missed the last train! On eventually reaching Dusseldorf, hungry and tired, we made our way to our hotel, the Acora Hotel (booked through Expedia). We were pleased with the spaciousness of our room and friendly staff. It's not ideally located, as it's not right in the city centre, but it's definitely good value for money.

After eating a superb breakfast (included in the hotel price), we went to the station and caught a train into the centre of Dusseldorf to do a little sightseeing. From there we made our way toward the old town, or Aldstadt. The narrow, cobbled streets are home to a variety of shops, restaurants and pubs, and it was great just to wander aimlessly around, soaking in the atmosphere. We stopped at a pub to try some local beer, which adequately quenched the thirst, before heading to the promenade, along the banks of the Rhine River. The sun shone brightly onto all the colourful umbrellas at the open air cafe's along the Rhine. There was also a ship which had some house party happening on its decks - we were almost tempted to join in, it looked fun, but time was of the essence. We had to catch a train to Cologne, but our first brief exploration of a German town was a good one!

We arrived at Cologne after a train journey lasting about 40 minutes. On leaving the main train station in Cologne, we were awestruck at the sight before us - the Cologne Cathedral or Kölner Dom, an amazing piece of architecture which took us quite by surprise. The cathedral apparently has the largest facade and is the second-tallest Gothic structure in the world (according to Wikipedia). It's hard to miss. We stood gaping for a few minutes at the immensity of the structure, before coming down to earth and our further exploration of the city streets.

Soon after we headed for our hotel. We stayed in an Ibis hotel, known for its budget accommodation. In Cologne there are a few Ibis hotels, but we stayed at the Ibis located near the Exhibition Centre in Cologne. It is not too central, but there is public transport located nearby. We took an afternoon nap to prepare us for the nightlife of Cologne, specifically part of the C/O Pop music festival that was conveniently taking place whilst we were there, its club night. About 20 nightclubs throughout the city were taking part in the event - one ticket, for around 12 Euros, got you entry into all the clubs. A special minibus did a circuit route throughout the city, providing transport and giving clubbers the opportunity to go to each club. We had a great time - the music (mostly German electronic, e.g. Kraftwerk) was excellent, the people friendly and happy, creating a really positive clubbing experience.

After a late morning start, and thereby missing our hotel breakfast, we decided to gain some sustenance at one of the open-air cafe's in the Altstadt. I might add that vegetarians might have a hard time finding suitable food in Germany, as the majority of dishes are meat based - well, the country is famous for such things as wurst and schnitzel after all. There's always a good helping of potato salad though! Nevertheless, once we had satisfied our hunger, we strolled around the old town, taking in the picturesque beauty of the colourful, traditional houses along the narrow streets. The Aldstadt is also situated along the Rhine, giving you pleasant views of the river. There was also a market on the banks of the Rhine the day we were there, so it was nice to stroll between the different stalls and have a look at what was on offer.

It was not long before we had to be on the move again, our next stop: the city of Koblenz, which you can read about in the next entry!

Dublin, Dec 06

2007-01-05T16:04:00.000Z

We have friends who moved to Dublin last year and we decided to pay them a weekend visit, flying from Stansted on a Friday night and returning on Sunday evening. Due to the fact that we booked at least a month in advance, the flight cost about £60 for both of us, quite a good deal! Therefore, it stands to reason, that the longer you wait to book your flight, whether due to indecisiveness or apathy, the more expensive they become. If you want to save some money, book early!

We landed quite late on Friday night and caught a bus from the airport to our friend's apartment in Harold's Cross, a suburb in the southside of Dublin. After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast of oats, we were prepared for a day of sightseeing. Luckily it was a clear, sunny day - quite an accomplishment, seeing as Ireland is well-known for its rainy weather. Due to the compact size of Dublin, it is possible to see many of its sights on foot. We walked toward the town centre, part of the way alongside a canal, before reaching St Stephen's Green, a beautiful park in which to escape the bustle of city life. It is situated at the top of Grafton Street, Dublin's most popular shopping hub, and this is where we went to next. Seeing as Christmas was just around the corner, Grafton Street was thriving with crowds of people, and had quite a festive atmosphere. After pushing our way through the masses, we felt we deserved some liquid replenishment. We therefore went to the Porterhouse pub and duly had some stout, accompanied by burgers.

Feeling energised, we walked through the busy streets once more, toward Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland and also houses the Book of Kells. The university has many historic and interesting buildings, and is definitely worth a visit. We then continued along O'Connell Street, Dublin's main thoroughfare, adorned with statues and monuments. It is also home to the General Post Office, a building that is historically important to the city, as it was the headquarters for the Republican army in the uprising that took place in 1916. Another sight that you can't miss in O'Connell Street is the Spire of Dublin, a 120 metre high monument, also known as Dublin's "Monument of Light".

The next area to gain our attention was Temple Bar, recognised as Dublin's cultural quarter, and has narrow, cobbled streets. Our destination, however, was The Temple Bar pub, a traditional Irish pub popular with tourists. It was busy and cheerful, but we still managed to find a table at which we could sit, relax and enjoy our Guinness. The pub also has a large whisky collection and serves fresh oysters! The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering along some more of Dublin's city streets.

Some places we would still like to see, on our next visit to the city, include Phoenix Park, the Guinness Storehouse and a day trip to the Wicklow mountain range.

Girona, Dec 2006

2007-01-05T13:37:00.000Z

Ryanair does not fly directly to Barcelona International Airport, but either to Reus or Girona - both of which are a fair distance from Barcelona. We managed to get a cheap flight from Girona back to Stansted, and decided to stay one night in Girona to be able to have the chance to explore the town. Many travellers probably hop on a bus at Girona Airport and go straight through to Barcelona, thereby missing out on what essentially is a worthwhile and beautiful town to visit.

The train from Barcelona to Girona takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. We took a taxi from the station to our hotel, AC Palau de Bellavista, which is situated on a hill, close to the Old Town. The hotel, being recently built, is modern and comfortable. There is a free minibar in each room, with a small selection of drinks, and to its benefit, the hotel has an amazing view over the city. Before booking this hotel with Lastminute, we read some reviews on Tripadvisor, and many people complained about having walk up and down the hill to get into town. Yes, it is quite a hill, but not half as bad as made out to be (in my opinion anyway!).

Girona is a walled city, founded by the Romans, and therefore steeped in history. We began our day in Girona by sitting in the sun, near the river, and eating breakfast obtained from a local bakery. We then strolled around the Old Town - all the winding, narrow streets really appealed to me, it certainly had a medieval feel to it. We visited the ancient Cathedral, an impressive, looming monument, presiding over old Girona. The gardens and fortifications surrounding the Cathedral also provide for a scenic, historic-filled walk, with some good views of the town along the way. We then had a glimpse of the Arab baths, and from there walked toward the Jewish quarter. From the 9th Century towards the end of the 15th Century, before being expelled, Girona had a thriving Jewish community living in an area known as the "Call". We visited what remains of the Jewish quarter - a small maze of narrow streets and staircases, and also went inside the Jewish Museum, which proved to be very interesting. It is also possible to walk along the city's medieval walls, thereby obtaining panoramic views over the town, but due to lack of time we were unable to do so.

Girona has a variety of cosy, atmospheric filled cafe's and restaurants to choose from, particularly located in the old town. After all our sightseeing during the morning, we decided to have a good two-course Spanish meal, along with a jug of sangria, at a restaurant in the Jewish quarter before heading to the airport. Yes, all good things come to an end, and it was time to return to the UK.

I'm glad we decided to spend some extra time in Girona, because we ended up really enjoying it. Having an avid interest in history, our visit to this ancient, walled town ended our holiday on a happy note. So my advice to any other travellers flying to Girona airport with Ryanair, rather than travelling straight through to Barcelona, take some time and enjoy the sights that Girona has to offer.

Barcelona, Dec 2006

2007-01-04T21:15:00.000Z

Following our two day sojourn in foggy, cold Zaragoza, we caught a train to Barcelona and it wasn't long into the journey before the fog lifted to reveal a beautiful cloudless sky. We travelled along the coast for a while, and the sight of the sun shining on the blue sea immediately revived our holiday mode of mind.

On reaching Barcelona's main station, we bought a T10 (Zone 1) ticket for the metro. This ticket costs about 6.90 Euros and entitles you to ten journeys on the metro. What's useful is that this ticket can be shared between whoever you're travelling with. We took Line 3 to Liceu, the metro stop near our hotel, which was located right off Las Ramblas, the famous pedestrian boulevard and tourist hotspot.

Hotel prices in central Barcelona are obviously more expensive than you would find on the outskirts or, I assume, in other Spanish cities. We stayed in a 4 star hotel, The Ambassador. The room was quite small, but clean. Noise from the other rooms could be heard, but aside from all that, the location was perfect. We booked the hotel through Lastminute.com and all went smoothly in that respect.

Our time in Barcelona was rather brief, but we did manage to see quite a bit. We visited the harbour area, and from there took a long walk, passing through the picturesque Parc de la Ciutadella (where the Barcelona zoo is situated), to the new beach area where there is a variety of upmarket restaurants to dine from. From there we took the metro to Sagrada Familia, the amazing unfinished church designed by Gaudi, a real must-see for any Barcelona trip. From there we went to Parc Guell, also designed by Gaudi. It's an extraordinary place to visit, with uniquely designed buildings, tiling and stone structures. It also has an impressive view over the city.

We met up with a friend of mine, who lives in Barcelona, that evening. We went for a drink at one of the numerous cafe's in central Barcelona. Being a vast city, there is a variety of options for food and drink, however lunch time menu's are really good value for money, where it is possible to receive a 3 course meal for between 8-9 Euros. In terms of the nightlife, unfortunately we didn't get to experience any of it this time round, but we are looking forward to sampling it on our return, especially the jazz, lounge and electro clubs.

We rate Barcelona as one of the best cities to visit. It's a great place to explore, and of course the Gaudi architecture makes it that much more special. It's certainly at the top of our list as a city to return to and spend some more time in, and we are hoping to go again in June for the Sonar Festival. My friend has also assured us that we'll have no need for hotel lodgings, as she'll provide accommodation for us! Thanks! Next stop... Girona.

Zaragoza, Dec 06

2007-01-04T14:06:00.000Z

Spain is a popular holiday destination from the UK, and was our choice for a few days break between Christmas and New Year. Despite living in the UK for five years, we had never visited Spain, so this was a good opportunity. We were also helped along with our decision by some cheap flights heading that way, specifically to Zaragoza. Flying to Zaragoza with Ryanair, we stayed there for two nights, then headed to Barcelona for one night, and finally to Girona, also for one night. Each city will have it's own individual blog entry - this one being about Zaragoza.

We had initially thought Spain was a good idea, not only because of the flight prices, but also it's well-known for it's temperate climate, even in winter - a few degrees warmer than the UK at least. However what we did not anticipate was the freezing weather we experienced in Zaragoza, due to the fact that it lies in a valley. Temperatures easily reached below freezing whilst we were there - so if warmth is what you are after in winter, perhaps another location in Spain might me a more viable idea!

Once we arrived at Zaragoza airport, we took a taxi to our hotel (about €20). It is also possible to take a bus to the city centre from the airport, but we thought it would be easier to get a taxi, which I'm assuming it was! We stayed in a hotel in the city centre, Hotel Melia, which we booked through Expedia. It's a five star hotel, and excellent value for money. The room cost £82 total, for two nights.

Zaragoza itself is an interesting city, and despite the cold weather, we enjoyed it. Some places of interest include the Basilica of El Pilar, Spain's largest Baroque church, the Cathedral of La Seo and Palacio de la Aljafería, an 11th Century Moorish castle - definitely well worth the visit. Zaragoza is quite a compact city, and it is therefore easy to walk between the different sights. Entry to such tourist sights are cheap (between €2-3), as opposed to other European cities.

There are, of course, many cafe's all over Zaragoza from which to eat and drink , and also a few Irish pubs. Please note that if your Spanish is poor, it might be difficult to read the menu's and communicate what you would like to eat and/or drink (especially if you're a vegetarian), and English is not widely spoken or understood there. I tried to order a hot chocolate and ended up getting coffee. We tried to pay for drinks at one cafe, and ended up getting another round instead! We were fortunate that at one restuarant, the waiter, a young, friendly Spaniard, spoke English and translated the whole menu for us!

After our two days in Zaragoza we went to the train station to book tickets for our train to Barcelona, the fast train takes approximately three hours. The station itself can be confusing. It took a while for us to figure out that the station uses a ticketing system where you press a button at a machine to get a ticket with a number on, and you have to wait until your number is called. As we only had an hour before our train departed, and the ticketing system was rather slow, we eventually worked out that there was a counter open for those people travelling within two hours - we made our train with a 10 minute leeway. Whew.

To conclude, we had a good time in Zaragoza, however next time we go we'll make sure it's during warmer weather so we can appreciate it without the fog and freezing wind biting our ears!

Welcome

2007-01-04T12:13:00.001Z

Welcome to my travel blog!

We tend to be quite the travelbugs and whenever we get the chance, and have the money, we travel somewhere, anywhere. This also has something to do with the fact that we currently stay very close to Stansted Airport, in the UK, where there are lots of cheap flights to many European destinations (mostly courtesy of Ryanair).

The cost of flights is obviously an effective way in determing where we go, and we have found one particular website, Skyscanner, to be especially useful in searching and comparing flight prices. What is especially nice about this site is that a destination does not have to be specified - one is able to search for the cheapest flight to any European destination. So if you are low on cash, but not too particular about where you want to go, this is always a good option!

In terms of hotels and other places of accommodation, we tend to use the usual, well-marketed sites, such as Lastminute and Expedia . However, if you dislike searching for rooms on each individual site, the answer lies in Travelsupermarket.com which lists and compares accommodation prices from various online travel agents, finding the lowest hotel rooms available. This website also deals with flights, car hire and holidays. If you are on an even tighter budget and would prefer to stay in hostels, then Hostelworld is a good starting point.

When we are not travelling to other countries, we like to explore what we can of the United Kingdom, even if it's only a day trip to a new village or town that we haven't seen before. This blog will therefore not only focus on countries outside the UK, but the places within it too.

I have started this blog a little late, and therefore the first entries will focus on places that we've already travelled to, over the past two years. Once I am up-to-date I will continute blogging about our current travels. I hope that you will enjoy reading and gain some useful travel tips!