Posts filed under 'Weekend Breaks'
I am glad that the Ryder Cup is over because the TV at home has been owned by golf for a while now. Actually it was really exciting wasn’t it?
Well done to Europe for achieving their fifth win out of six matches! I recon if you are either in Ireland now or are planning to travel there soon, you should get caught up in the after celebrations. After all, what are pubs in Ireland for if not to celebrate great victories? Why not take advantage and do the Ultimate Irish Pub Crawl? There is certainly no shortage of them in Dublin.
Cheers everyone 
Doreen B.
September 24th, 2006
I have heard that Pisa is a boring place to visit because it does not have much to offer tourists. I cant really comment because I have not been there. However, I would love to visit Pisa because this is where they found a fleet of Ancient Roman ships buried in the mud and experts now believe that Pisa was once like Venice. They believe that this find is a good indication as to what may eventually happen to Venice.
They found about 21 ships which where all very well preserved and they date from 200BC-AD500. In 2009 the ships will have a new home. They will be housed in a new museum in Pisa’s old shipyards. The Museum of the Ancient Ships of Pisa is considered to be one of the most important in the world. This is because there is no other remains found to date, from the 1st century B.C to the 4th Century A.C that is so well preserved. Another reason for the importance of this find, is that the cargo of the ships was also found and was also well preserved. This makes it a very important Archaeological find in terms of historical facts.
I think that’s a worth while reason to visit Pisa. If you are interested in seeing the continual work at the excavation site, then you should reserve a space ahead of time. Address: Medici Arsenale, Ponte della Cittadella Pisa PI Italy. The exhibition is currently closed due to restructuring work on the arsenals and the restoration of the ships but will be open again by the end of 2006.
If you are going on a cultural holiday and want a large injection of history, Rome is the city to start off in. You could base yourself in Rome, take in the beauty of the Cathedrals and Colosseum’s and just visit Pisa for a day or two. The trains run regularly and the journey takes about 2 hours.
Sounds good to me. What do you think? Maybe you have been there and done that?? Share you story or tell us what you want to see on this blog.
Doreen B.
September 22nd, 2006
Take a trip to Iceland and save yourself some hard earned cash. With the escalating fuel prices, travel is becoming more challenging so my advice is to still go away but be more creative. Try visiting places you have not been to before, like Iceland and look specifically at booking your flights with airlines that are offering specials.
With this in mind, I thought you might want to know that Icelandair are offering some great summer deals. If you are planning a weekend away, why not check out the flights and shoot off to Iceland for a great time at great prices?
For our American readers you will have to visit for more than a weekend because your flying time is 5.5 hours whereas the British only have a 3 hour flight to endure. I just checked the Icelandair website and if you are flying from the States, you can get a flight for $999 that includes 3 nights accommodation at a smart Nordic Hotel. That’s great value for money. I say: Wow, go for it!
By Doreen B.
July 19th, 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
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
May is such a great month to travel to Athens because of the perfect weather conditions. Lots of sunshine and temperatures around 24°C. If that is were you will be this weekend, I am envious.
A weekend does not give you much time to sight see but if you take a little walk through the centre of Athens its enough to rejuvenate your sense of well being. The city offers you the luxury of been transported back in history just by being there.
While you are there you should check out the 51st Eurovision Song Contest. It is being held at the Olympic Stadium’s Indoor Hall which is part of the Athens Olympic Sports Complex. This is situated at Maroussi, northeast of Athens. The name of the street is Kifisias Avenue. The final is on Saturday 20th May.
The Eurovision Contest was established in 1956 by a French music producer in the hope that it would bring the different European countries closer together but alas, I am afraid there is very little genuine togetherness. If you have watched this contest over the years like I have, you will agree with me that the contest has done little to unite Europe. There are too many ancient grudges among the countries. They don’t seem to be able to suppress their feelings of distate for one another. Indeed, they seem to have no intention of shrugging off the past.
With all the tactical voting and down right obvious back scratching taking place as it does every year, the continent has little hope of singing from the same page. I firmly believe that every year, the outcome is sadly and seriously skewed. On the bright side, I find it very very entertaining! If I were in Athens this weekend, that’s where I would be!
What say you?
by Doreen B.
May 19th, 2006
Just keeping you in touch with some travel stuff. If you don’t already know what Ryanair is up to, we suggest you check out their latest offers on the new routes which start in October 2006.
Ryanair has announced 9 new routes. Here are your new choices: From its base in Frankfurt Hahn they are offering flights to Granada and Murcia in Spain, Trieste and Veronato in Italy, Krakow and Wroclaw in Poland, in Lithuania they are flying to Kaunus and lastly they are flying to Marrakesh and Fez in Morocco.
Check out the Ryanair site because they are also increasing the number of flights a day to London and they are offering some really really really low prices!
by Doreen B
May 5th, 2006
I mentioned yesterday in my blog that Air Berlin has started new low cost flights to Malaga. I though I would just add more information for you.
Air Berlin is the third largest low-cost airline in Europe. On May 2nd 2006 they launched flights from Belfast City Airport to 7 new destinations around Europe. This will be run from Stansted Airport in London as Air Berlins base is at Stansted. These will be scheduled flights leaving every morning and evening on week days and a flight on Saturday and Sunday as well.
Air Berlin intends providing this service for both business people and holiday clients. The cost is said to be from £19 one way from Belfast to Stansted and £29 from Stansted to most European destinations. The destinations include; Northern Ireland, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hanover, Leipzig, Munster/Osnabruck, Nuremberg, Paderborn and Vienna.
The best thing about this low-cost airline is that you still get full service. They offer free food and drinks, air miles, baggage transfers for connecting flights and flight flexibility. You can book directly with Air Berlin online or you can use the travel agents or book by phone: 0870 738 88 80. One of my biggest problems with flying low cost is that you have to either buy food before you board or you are stuck with the food they offer (very limited choice I might add) and the prices are extortionate.
What say you?
by Doreen B.
May 4th, 2006
Tallinn has become a very popular destination for British boys about to get married. The latest thing to now is to have your stag party in Tallinn. I guess a big draw card is the cheap beer available in the city. Tallinn has seen an increase in tourism of about 30% in the last two years so that tells you something about this previously quiet little Baltic city. Getting to Tallinn is easy as Estonia Airlines fly direct from London Gatwick to Tallinn Airport. However, we suggest you shop around for cheaper options because other airlines are now cashing in on the cities increased popularity as a weekend break from the UK.
The only thing that saddens me though is that the beer swirling Brits are now extending the bad name of the British people further across Europe. It is only a small portion of the British population that has carried this reputation to Europe and around the globe, but I fear our reputation as a decent nation is fast slipping away.
Why can’t these party people behave in a way that reflects the real Brit? Most Brits are interested in culture, art, music, architecture and history. But that’s just my opinion or perhaps not? One needs to start asking serious questions when restaurants and bars start refusing to let stag party Brits in and are happy to loose the much needed turnover in this part of the world.
Maybe some of us nice decent folk should start visiting Tallinn. There is a good range of Accommodation and tons to do besides get drunk and throw our name away. We can at least try to rescue our reputation. There is a lot more to do than drink and create havoc in this beautiful city. For example, you could take a trip to the Tallinn Zoo (Paldiski Maantee 145), or you could visit their Amusement park (Kopli Bay - Paldiski Maantee 100), the Botanical Gardens (Kloostrimetsa Tee 52), Kadriorg Palace and Art Museum (Weizenbergi Street 37), The Old Town and perhaps the Estonian Open Air Museum (Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12).
See what I mean? To top it all the food is great and the beer is cheap. Enjoy the culture, the people and the city with style and poise and save our good name. There is no need to get legless, rowdy and cheapening our good name. How does that sound?
Give me your views on this blog please. I want to know what you think.
by Doreen B
April 26th, 2006
If you are going to Madrid during the summer months, 02 July-05 September 2006 is the Summer City Festival. The Festival lasts for 2 months and creates a vibrant atmosphere through music, dance, zarzuelas (Spanish musicals), theatre and bullfighting. If you want the taste of real Spain this is the place to be - skip the beach for a change. Naturally all the football fanatics will want to visit the Real Madrid club, which you can do even if there is no match on at the time.
For me the the bullfighting is tops. Madrid’s bullring can hold 25.000 people. Even though the sport has become so controversial, it remains an integral part of the Spanish people and their culture. Experience authentic Spain by watching a Sunday afternoon corrida (bullfight) at La Plaza de las Ventas in Calle Alcala. The season runs from March to October and daily fights are held during the festive season from May to September.
To gather your wits about you after watching a pulse racing, Adrenalin surging bullfight, you should treat yourself to something more relaxing but still upbeat like the Flamenco at Corral de la Moreria. They cater mostly for the tourist industry and it is a well recognised and respected Flamenco nightclub. You can enjoy another true Spanish tradition with first rate, passionate performances from the Spanish dancers.
If you are only spending a weekend in Madrid, you should have enough time to enjoy the above. If you plan on being there longer, Madrid will keep you well entertained. It is one of Europe’s liveliest capitals and boast some of the best museums Europe has to offer. You can also Hire a Car and visit some of the nearby towns named World Heritage Cities by UNESCO, like Alcala de Henares which is 30km from Madrid, Toledo is located 85km away and Aranjuez is 47km from Madrid. There is also ample Accommodation in Madrid ranging from 5 star hotels to budget and backpackers type Accommodation.
Just a word of caution though. Madrid is incredibly hot during the month of August. We have a place on the Spanish coast south of Madrid and our Spanish neighbors, who live in Madrid, are always there during August. They never spend the month of August at home because it is too hot. It may be advisable to avoid August in Madrid.
by Doreen B
April 21st, 2006
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