Archive for June, 2006
There is no doubt that London is a fantastic place to visit. With so much to see and do it’s hard to know where to start. The thing about London is that it actually has very few English people living there anymore. Now there’s nothing wrong with vibrant cosmopolitan cities, they are a lot of fun and you can find just about anything you want, but if you want a truly English experience may I suggest taking a day trip to Oxford.
It’s easy to get to, not very far and buses run from Victoria Station every 15 mins! If you’re on a budget try booking the Megabus in advance, it’s a lot cheaper. It’ll take you no longer than two hours to reach one of the most wonderful cities in the world. Known as the City of Dreaming Spires it has one of the most beautiful and impressive skylines in the country. Everyone who comes to Oxford falls in love with it and just about everyone who has lived there goes back at some stage in their lives. Quite simply, it’s enchanting.
Summer is the best time to visit because the sunshine transforms the city into something magical. Ok, so it’ll be very busy with all the tourists but it’s a lot smaller than London and so easier to navigate. The city comes alive in summer and one of the best activies, and an absolute must for all visitors, is punting. There’s nothing like slowly drifting down the river on a lazy Sunday afternoon, feeding the ducks, basking in the sun and making fun of those who are silly enough to punt on the Cambridge side of the boat! Can you tell I’m Oxfordian?
You can even take Harry Potter tours around the city to see the famous buildings where some of the scenes were filmed. Christ Church is one of the more well known locations and also one of the most impressive buildings in Oxford. In fact, I remember the first time I went to Oxford. I got lost mainly because I couldn’t take my eyes off of the majestic old buildings. I actually walked into people because I was looking up so much! I’d suggest bringing lots of film or an extra memory card for your camera.
Oxford is a good place for cultural activies. The Ashmolean Museum is the obvious place to start but if you want something really fascinating you should visit the Pitt Rivers museum. It has a huge collection of all sorts of things including actual shrunken heads and weapons from all over the world. Tip: always open the drawers because you can find all sorts of little treasures in there. There’s also the Botanical Gardens and all the University colleges to wander around. Another tip: Oxford University is NOT in one place, it’s all over the city. Oxford is practically made up of the university buildings.
There are bus tours, walking tours and a little ride through Oxford University’s history known as the Oxford Story. Oxford has so much history, in fact, that you’ll never be able to remember it all. I’ve been on that bus tour at least four times now and I still can’t remember half of what I learned! So buy a book before you trapse back down to London. It’ll keep you entertained during the journey.
If you’re visiting London and you have the time I definitely recommend visiting Oxford. Not only do you get two city breaks in one holiday but I’m willing to bet that you’ll fall so in love with Oxford you’ll be back for more.
Sam Bam.
June 27th, 2006
These days it seems like everyone’s been on a safari. You go to Africa, you stay in some bush-tastic holiday resort and get lugged around in a battered truck all day looking for the Big Five. Big deal. If you’re looking for something a little different, a safari with a bit of edge, then I would suggest giving Botswna Odyssey a go.
This is a company that promises to take you on a wildlife adventure you’ll never forget! During November large herds of both zebra and wildebeest migrate through Botswana so this is where all the action is. Where there is big prey there will be big predators and this is the main focus of the safari. You’re given front row seats to nature’s most gruesome show: survival of the fittest.
Tanzania Odyssey has already been going for a few years now and, based on their success, Botswana Odyssey is now offering tailor-made safaris for those of you who are looking for a real African adventure. They have a special introductory offer called Best of Botswana which starts in a cliff-top camp and ends in the Okavango Delta where, as I understand it, most of the action takes place.
Now I don’t know about anyone else but I would love to give that a go. The last safari I went on I was too young to remember…aside from the fact that we had cold chicken for lunch and got chased by an elephant! I’m sure it’s much more dramatic in my tiny-child imagination, so the chance to see the wildlife battle for survival up-close would be awesome. You even get to wonder around the bush with Kwe bushmen!
Botswana is one of the most desirable locations in Africa for all would-be safari goers so this company is offering visitors a unique experience; one that is not likely to be anything like your neighbour’s/friend’s/sister’s boyfriend’s mom’s safari holiday!
The introductory package is for six days between November and April. If you think you’ve got the guts then you should call Botswana Odyssey on +44 20 7171 8780.
So go on! I can’t afford to splash out on African safaris right now so I’m relying on the lovely visitors to this site to give me all the feedback I can handle. Please let us know what you think or any experiences you may have had because I’ll be travelling through you!
Sam Bam.
June 27th, 2006
I’ve just come across the cutest little graphic novella that I thought may be of intrest to anyone looking for a fun way to discover Barcelona. We’re all familiar with the phenomenon of “storied traditions”. It starts with a good novel and ends with a massive tourist migration to places mentioned in the book. Charles Dickens tours around London are still very popular but the most recent (and quite possibly the most staggering) is the Da Vinci Code. There’s a chapel in Scotland that has reported an increase of up to 100,000 visitors thanks to Dan Brown’s controversial book.
So I was flipping through this very nice travel magazine called Conde Nast Treveler, when I stumbled upon “The Case of the Missing Angulas” by Tom Downey. It’s a simple detective tale about a P.I. investigating some missing crates of angulas…obviously. He finds himself a friendly guide and they trapse through some of the cities best restaurants and bars in search of clues. Not a bad way to conduct an investigation!
Now anyone who appreciates European delicacies will know that this dish of baby eels is a favourite in many parts of both Spain and France. It may not be something you’de want to try if you’re a bit squeamish but if you like food then this one is definitely for you. As the story progresses you’re taken on a tour of bars and restaurants frequented by locals and not well known among tourists. It also mentions which wines to try and what sort of food you can expect; you’re even given some tips about the service.
“The Case of the Missing Angulas” is nowhere near the level of the above mentioned novels but it’s a fun and quirky way to get some tips on where to eat and drink. It’s particularly useful for anyone looking to go to Barcelona on a weekend break because it’s concise and actually does take place over a weekend. So when you’re out sightseeing you’ll know exactly where to go for lunch and dinner.
Hands up anyone who has booked a weekend break abroad, bought a nice big guide book like Lonely Planet and then suffered a panic attack because you suddenly realise you can’t possibly fit everything in? Yup, my hand is up! I strongly recommend reading it, it’s a gem.
So go forth and discover, don’t forget to try the angulas and don’t forget to tell us about it if you do. I’m sure I’m not the only one who is dying to know what it tastes like without actually having to put it in my mouth!
By Sam Bam.
June 24th, 2006
Looking for unspoiled Spain? Then head for the Balearic Island of Mallorca (Majorca) and on to a little village north west of the Island called Deia. There you will encounter beauty that has escaped the masses of tourists and rampant ongoing building that has become all too familiar in most of Spain and the Balearic Islands.
Deia is a super little village. It is famous for its arty visitors like the English poet, Robert Graves and Chopin. If you are arty and looking for inspiration, this is the spot for you. For accommodation, try the La Residencia if you can afford it. It is a bit posh but without all the airs and graces.
If you are looking for lots of sandy beaches, then Deia is not the place for you. The village does have a beach you can enjoy but Deia is the spot to hit if you want piece, beauty and inspiration. You still get the sun, sea and sangria but without all the rowdy over crowded bars, beaches and restaurants.
Let us know what you think of Indigo Guide?
by Doreen B.
June 20th, 2006
Hello out there
Below is an email sent to Indigo Guide. I thought this might benefit someone else out there so I am posting it. Let us know if you want more information and please let us know what you think of La Brande below?
(email as follows)
Dear Indigo Guide
We are a new ecotourist business with a woodland & wildlife holiday course programme commencing in France this year.
Would you be kind enough to view our site and let us know whether we are eligible for representation on your website?
Our website is www.labrande.com
Many thanks,
La Brande Holiday Courses in France
June 16th, 2006
An African Safari is a brilliant way to get away from it all and most people want the experience but they still want the modern day conveniences they have in everyday life. Most Safari’s will cater to your modern day needs and keep you happily entertained with the natural beauty of the bush, desert and wildlife. Only a handful have kept things simple - the way it was back then.
Botswana is usually associated with luxury Safari’s but for some people, luxury is best left for their everyday city lifestyle. What they really want is the real thing or old style safari. If that is what you are looking for, then read on. …..
If you are interested in exploring the more traditional type safari that people enjoyed in the early 60’s in Africa, then we suggest you consider Jack’s Camp in Botswana. It is one of Africa’s best kept secrets!
Jack’s Camp is in the remote corner of Botswana and oozes with the old colonial style charm. It offers a truly magical traditional safari experience. You can enjoy silence and solitude in the vast open spaces of the Kalahari Desert with not trace or a whiff of commercial influence in sight. You will be housed in tents made in the 1940’s and sleep on iron beds with worn out old Persian rugs to put your feet on in the morning. You will have the privilege of a real bushman as your tracker and escort.
It all sounds too good to be true and oh so romantic! What better way to enjoy a break from the big city lights, than to feast your eyes on flocks of flamingos, and thousands of wildebeest, zebra, cheetahs, hyenas and lions.
Jack’s Camp Office is in Francistown, Botswana. From Maun, Botswana you can take a 50 minute charter transfer. You can call Jack’s Camp Office on: + 267 21-2277 or Fax: + 267 21-3458.
It sounds wild and wonderful. Let us know what you think?
By Doreen. B
June 5th, 2006