Eating in Scotland
Posted by: charlottec | August 22, 2011 | No Comments
Having spent a short holiday in Glencoe this year I was lucky enough to sample the most superb venison served with a port and redcurrant sauce at a local restaurant. Venison also figured as a starter in the form of a terrine accompanied by a juniper chutney which looked equally tempting, although I had opted for the local smoked salmon. Check some online recipes to try and cook the delicacies at home as well. Fish and shellfish also featured on the menu but for that I was headed to the restaurant that had won Scottish Seafood Restaurant of the Year in 2011, conveniently located a few miles away on Loch Leven. Oysters, clams, langoustines, scallops, lobster, and crab were available hot or cold either individually or as part of a seafood platter. For those who are not shellfish eaters a separate menu was available with meat dishes and some vegetarian recipes.
A taste of Spain
Posted by: charlottec | August 22, 2011 | No Comments
Never again will you have to wrap that special bottle of olive oil carefully and cross your fingers as you pack it into your suitcase, hoping for a gentle baggage handler. A great selection of organic olive oils are available on the website as well as glass serving cruets. There are also some very tempting gourmet vinegars, including one from Pedro Ximenez, the famous wine grower.
If you have a penchant for chorizo and jamon (the delicious Spanish cured ham) then the website will have you salivating. Cheeses and other sausages such as morcilla (the black sausage from Burgos) and butifarra (a white sausage from Catalonia) are also on sale.
If you have tasted salt cod in Spain and wondered where on earth you could find it in the UK then this website is the answer. Frozen gilthead bream, turbot, prawns and squid are some of the other seafoods available. But you will also get all the ingredients you need for your favourite Spanish vegetarian recipes.
Anyone who would like to try their hand at having a tapas party for their friends need look no further. All the favourites that you have tried in Spain are available: pardon peppers, boquerones, artichoke hearts, croquettes, sliced lomo. You name it – you’ll find it here. Check some online recipes to find out how to prepare your food just like the Spanish do.
All in all I would say that this site is the next best thing to shopping in the best of the Spanish markets. If you are unable to get there this summer, start surfing!
If you have ever been on holiday in Spain and wished you had room in your suitcase to bring home some of the wonderful food that you have seen in the shops, then I suggest you have a little look on the internet. There you will find an online company selling everything you could ever have wished for and more. For the past 15 years the owners have been scouring Spain for the best ingredients to sell online to people from all sorts of places, from Europe to the States.
Never again will you have to wrap that special bottle of olive oil carefully and cross your fingers as you pack it into your suitcase, hoping for a gentle baggage handler. A great selection of organic olive oils are available on the website as well as glass serving cruets. There are also some very tempting gourmet vinegars, including one from Pedro Ximenez, the famous wine grower.
If you have a penchant for chorizo and jamon (the delicious Spanish cured ham) then the website will have you salivating. Cheeses and other sausages such as morcilla (the black sausage from Burgos) and butifarra (a white sausage from Catalonia) are also on sale.
If you have tasted salt cod in Spain and wondered where on earth you could find it in the UK then this website is the answer. Frozen gilthead bream, turbot, prawns and squid are some of the other seafoods available. But you will also get all the ingredients you need for your favourite Spanish vegetarian recipes.
Anyone who would like to try their hand at having a tapas party for their friends need look no further. All the favourites that you have tried in Spain are available: pardon peppers, boquerones, artichoke hearts, croquettes, sliced lomo. You name it – you’ll find it here. Check some online recipes to find out how to prepare your food just like the Spanish do.
All in all I would say that this site is the next best thing to shopping in the best of the Spanish markets. If you are unable to get there this summer, start surfing!
Camping in Paris
Posted by: charlottec | August 17, 2011 | No Comments
Whereas you may have thought you could only afford a couple of nights in Paris because of the hotel costs, why not look out for cheap tents for sale and have five nights or even a week under canvas? That way you can avoid sightseeing fatigue. By all means do the museums in the morning before it gets too hot but then head back to the campsite in the afternoon for a game of boules, a read under the trees or a walk by the river.
Staying longer also means that not only can you enjoy all that Paris has to offer but also take in a day at the chateaux of Versailles or Fontainebleau or, if your kids are twisting your arm, have a day at Eurodisney?
Kids won’t be short of things to keep them amused at the average French campsite. For instance the one at the Bois de Boulogne has a children’s playground, table tennis and a games room in case of poor weather. There is also a television room but unless your kids have remarkable French this may not be of much use.
Eating out in Paris is expensive too so why not take advantage of the onsite restaurant, pizzeria and snack bar or even the take away outlet? Alternatively shop at the market and have a wonderful French picnic for a fraction of the cost of a meal in the Centre of Paris.
Camping abroad
Posted by: charlottec | August 17, 2011 | No Comments
A quick search on the internet will show just how many campsites there are within easy travelling distance of all the major cultural centres. Although you can never take reviews on sites such as Tripadvisor at face value (accusations have been flying recently of skulduggery from rivals) it is nevertheless worth having a look to see what other campers have to say.
If you are one of these campers who feel the need to take half the house with you on your camping trip, then perhaps camping abroad is not for you. With budget airlines encouraging us by means of hefty charges for checked luggage to travel light, taking camping equipment can be pricy. However, even if you end up paying for an extra hold bag it will still work out more cheaply than staying in a hotel. When booking your flights it is worth checking prices for non-budget airlines. By the time you have forked out for checking in your luggage you may well find that BA for instance is not so expensive after all. Campers heading for France can of course take the ferry or tunnel and pack the car to the roof with all that they need.
Companies such as Keycamp offer tents which are already erected which makes packing easy. Being a four bedroomed affair they are ideal for families wanting to explore a foreign city but stay away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, and at a tent sale you might find a real bargain!
Serra de Tramuntana – The other side of Mallorca
Posted by: charlottec | August 16, 2011 | No Comments
If you can drag yourself away from the jam-packed beaches, neon filled strips and sun-burnt, drunken British tourists you will find a side to Mallorca you may not expect to see.
One of the areas perhaps not at the top of many visitor’s ‘to-do’ lists is the area around the Serra de Tramuntana.
Serra de Tramuntana is a mountain range that runs across the north-west of Mallorca and home to some of the island’s best kept secrets.
Those who can make it away from the bustling hubs of Cala Ratjada and Palma De Mallorca will find a side of the island not always found in the glossy brochures back home and perhaps a glimpse back to life before the package flights arrived. Though Magaluf is technically part of the region, a short drive into the mountains and you could be a million miles away from the popular – if rather gawdy – resort.
The advantage of staying around these areas is that you will find a greater number of cheap hotels while other tourist related expenses cost a lot less than the crowded resorts further south.
Pollenca is a charming village found at the foot of the mountain range and is a great starting point for a number of walks and hikes up the nearby Puig de Pollença.
Set among lush, green mountains and orange, lemon and olive groves is the town of Sóller, with its traditional Spanish architecture andhistoric square. The nearby Port de Sóller is popular with tourists but still retains an air of exclusivity compared to the other beach resorts on the island.
The old road to the Sóller Pass is an excellent mountain bike and hiking route for those who want to get active. Just make sure you bring your best walking boots from your local walking boots sale so you don’t get blisters. The opening of a new tunnel means the old road is quieter now, meaning it is ideal for bikers. Remember though that many of the surrounding mountains are steep and rocky, so you need to be an experienced cyclist or be with an experienced guide before you set out.
The Appeal of California
Posted by: charlottec | August 16, 2011 | No Comments
California is the most populous state in the USA, and home to eight of the country’s 50 most populous cities – Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach and Oakland.
Geographically, it is very diverse. The Pacific Coast laps the west side, while the mountains of the Sierra Nevada are to the east. Drive to the southeast and you’ll find the Mojave Desert.
If you’re travelling with children, they’ll love Disneyland Park in Anaheim, which has been thrilling youngsters (and adults) since 1955.
The park has been visited by nearly 600 million people over the years, with 2009 seeing 15.9 million alone to make it the second most visited park.
Disneyland Park is divided into various lands, including New Orleans Square, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Mickey’s Toontown. To do it properly, you’ll likely want to spend a couple of days there.
In the north of the state is San Francisco, with its 50 hills served by cable cars. You can drive across Golden Gate Bridge, visit the former prison of Alcatraz or explore the fascinating neighbourhoods.
Los Angeles offers the ultra-touristy Hollywood, with its Walk of Fame and its often tacky shops. But if you want a contrast, you canblow a month’s salary in the designer boutiques on Rodeo Drive.
For a movie-related experience, you can buy maps of the stars’ homes or drive into the hills for an up-close view of the Hollywood sign. There is also the Universal Studios nearby, offering a great family day out.
Venture north east and you’ll find Lake Tahoe, a true year-round resort. During the summer the lake is a marvellous place to see by hired boat or to hike around if you’re feeling energetic (just make sure you bring your best walking boots from your local walking boots sale, while in the winter you can ski the slopes with a spectacular view of the lake.
Balkan the wrap up and a bit of Sarandë
Posted by: Evil Kristos | August 11, 2011 | Comments Off
I most definitely was the wrong place. I made a quick decision. Rather than looking for the local hostel – which I was told is quite alright – I would head straight down to Greece. A bus to Athens would not leave before 7PM but I didn’t care. I’d spend the day here and then the night on the bus. Could be worse.
I walked around quite but to no avail. My already poor impression of Sarandë got even worse during the course of the day. I started to seriously dislike the place. It is a beach resort, full of modern hotels, concrete and packed with people. And they still have a lot of construction going on. If this is the future of Albanian you better hurry up. New Albania sucks badly. I have nothing more to say about this Sarandë.
The wrap up then. How did I like the trip through the Balkan?
With the exception of Croatia I liked it a lot. It was chaotic, I got lost on so many occassions that I stopped counting. But that in a way was the best part. After all I did it on purpose. There is no better way experiencing a coutry. If you are lost you soon find out how people are treating you. In my opinion it tells you a more about a country than any guide book ever could. There are some minor drawbacks when you travel like a Muppet of course. It costs more and you need balls. Some people panic when they end up in a place with no directions, language skills or a place you actually want to go. I don’t. I do admit though that it is stupid and potentially dangerous. Don’t do this at home then kids. Always consult a professional idiot like me.
What’s the verdict then?
On my five finger voting scale I give 6 fingers to Albania (with the one exception Sarandë). Albania is simply astonishing. I am mildly upset I didn’t get to see the fighter plane cemetery but that is about it. I had a fantastic time, the people are extremely friendly and approachable, it is beautiful and dirt cheap. My favourite: Berat closely followed by Tirana.
Bosnia & Herzegovina comes in second with a rock solid five fingers on the Evil Kristos finger scale. Lovely country, beautiful, friendly and affordable. I like!
I didn’t see much of Montenegro so I don’t have much of an opinion. What I did get to see I liked a lot. 3 fingers. And if it wasn’t for that stupid cruise ship in Kotor probably four fingers.
Slovenia I loved. I did like when I went there a few years ago and it hasn’t changed since. For that fact alone I’d give four fingers. Ljubljana remains one of my all time favourites. Easy to eplore, good hostels, very friendly people and good value for money.
Croatia then: It is expensive, not as nice as I expected, one gets ripped off everwhere and in parts it is some sort of Disney World for Americans. I cannot think of a single reason why anyone would like to go there. The one exception I would make is Trogir. The hostel there made all the difference. The best I can give therefore is one finger and I let you dear reader pick the one I am giving.
What else? I have to admit that not bringing a guide book was tremendously stupid. And I wasn’t very lucky with the weather. A lot of rain for the month of June. That’s tough luck though; nothing I’d complain about.
Off to Greece then, the one country in Europe that is even more screwed than Ireland. Yamas!
Cheap Flights ToNew York- Tips To Save Money
Posted by: charlottec | August 11, 2011 | No Comments
TheUSAis a major power in the world andNew Yorkis one of its most popular cities.
There are many reasons to visit the Big Apple, whether for shopping, sightseeing, sports or entertainment.
Flights to New York are numerous every day from the UK, flight times can range bit never are too long. Meals, drinks and entertainment such as a funny video are available to make the flight as comfortable as possible.
Sometimes finding the best value flight can a problem. You might have a preference, depending on the area you are looking to stay, as to which airport you want to fly into. There are three main airports inNew York-NewarkInternationalAirport,JohnF.KennedyInternationalAirportandLaGuardiaAirport.
If your hotel or accommodation is located nearLaGuardiaAirport, then you should book a flight that would land here, whereas you might prefer to stay inHoboken, just across the river fromManhattan, which tends to have cheaper hotel accommodation. In this case, flying intoNewarkwould be a good option.
Sometimes in order to promote their airlines, there are various companies that give out ads in newspapers for promoting their cheap flights. Another great way through which you can get your hands on discount flights to the city ofNew Yorkis to book the tickets during the low-peak seasons.
If you’re prepared to brave the highs of August or the cold temperatures of January and February, you are more likely to find a bargain fair.
The first place to look for accommodation, flights and even car hire is Expedia, which will allow you to search through the many different options at the click of a mouse. They are constantly updating with new offers, so it can pay to visit the site a couple of times a day and see whether their latest special deals are right for you.
Blackpool Hotels – Affordable Options
Posted by: charlottec | August 11, 2011 | No Comments
Blackpoolis beautiful seaside town in the North West England that is visited by tourists all around the year due to its scenic beauty and entertainment options.
Finding the best hotels inBlackpoolis easy – you can just contact your travel agent who would be able to tell you about the best deals that you can get in your budget.
But you also do the work yourself, if you feel that you would be able to find a better deal. If, for example, you are traveling with a family then you can filter your search results on a site like expedia.co.uk to show just family rooms.
Bed and breakfasts abound inBlackpool, and it is generally possible to find a good deal even “on spec” by walking around the streets and knocking on doors.
This can be time-consuming and sometimes frustrating, though – it is generally a better idea to plan in advance.
As well as b&b’s, you can also book a self catering accommodation which is extremely good for students and travelers as this helps them in saving a large amount of money.
There are a large number of different options like studios, self catering apartments, cottages, hotels and resorts that can be booked according to your requirements. If you have a family, most accommodation comes with some form of entertainment in case the weather is bad, from board games to an in house act or even a funny video there will be something to pass the time until the weather is brighter. Your travel agent would be able to give you details of different hotels and the services provided by them.
Some of the best hotels that you can book inBlackpoolare Arncliffe Hotel, Vidella Hotel, Crewes Original Hotel, Collingwood Hotel, Rockcliffe Hotel, Birch House Hotel and many more.
All these hotels provide you very good services and excellent seaside views that would make your trip worthwhile. All the hotels provide guests with additional facilities that you can take according to your preferences.
Online travel agencies also have special deals for people who want to enjoy vacations inBlackpoolwith all their family members and friends. For more information, you can also take the help of Expedia.
California here we come
Posted by: charlottec | July 27, 2011 | No Comments
California has a diverse landscape combining the best the world has to offer. Given the sprawling and barren deserts found in the state you could be looking out of the window of one of the posh Dubai Hotels, yet just a few miles away you are greeted with lush pristine forests, small coastal towns and huge vibrant cities.
Los Angeles is the second largest city in the United States and boasts some sites that you can’t get anywhere else in the world.
Hollywood for example with the three main streets of Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Boulevard, and Melrose Avenue are where all the action is.
Unlike anything else you will experience, even the nicest London Hotels can’ compare with the glitz and glamour found in Tinsel town, the heart of America’s multibillion dollar movie business.
If this is not your thing then you can enjoy the more relaxed beach areas with Venice being a must see if you’re in the district with its rollerblading walkways, outside gyms and independent beach shops.
LA certainly has its own unique vibe which could not be more different from its neighbour to the north, San Francisco.
This beautiful more bohemian city sits in the stunning surroundings of the bay and with the Golden Gate Bridge it really is a picturesque setting for a holiday.
The famous Fisherman’s Wharf is very popular with tourists as you get a perfect view of the bay, once the mist has cleared in the morning.
From here you can get a ferry to take the Alcatraz tour which is well worth a visit.
To get a real taste of the city try to go off the beat and track, and enjoy one of the many bars, restaurants and cafes to take in the slower pace of life.
If you have had enough of cities, California is filled with National Parks including the dramatic landscapes of Yosemite.
El Capitan is one of the most well known features and is renowned destination for rock climbers the world over.
From the beautiful mountains down to the quite beach towns along Route One, California is the perfect holiday destination no matter what you’re in to.
Gjirokastra
Posted by: Evil Kristos | June 30, 2011 | No Comments
As you would in such situation I simply started walking. How difficult can it be? I decided to keep right. Call it a hunch. The town didn’t look like much so far but it was quite hot. I am always lucky with my little backpack adventures. Whenever I stay or drive it’s pleasant, as soon as I have to walk I arrive 12 noon and the on the hottest day of the year. Not that I’m complaining. I just wondering how this always works.
I stopped for a coffee and asked the boy that was working there if I am on the right way to the old town. He looked a little suspiciously; as if this was a trick question. What can I say? It wasn’t. I really did not have a clue. He didn’t seem convinced and was utterly useless. He told me to take a bus. As if that would help. The coffee was good though. I just kept walking.
About twenty meters further I discovered why he had looked at me as I’d asked him to do something really naughty to something small and hairy. I kind of was in the city centre already and the old town lay something 20 meters in front of me. These things happen, dont they?
I also spotted something rather interesting. On top of the hill above the old town was a massive castle. It looked mighty impressive and not that far away. May be 1000 meters? I still had this idea, I’d walk there with my backpack, look around and then head on. That worked pretty much as you would expect.
It may have been a thousand meters but altitude difference. Half way up the hill I was in bits. I don’t know how people do this for fun. It was even less enjoyable than I thought and my expectations were exceptionally low. Hill climbing with a backpack, as far as stupid ideas, is from now on pretty much on the top of my list.
An old woman saw me struggling and as it happened she rented out rooms. Since I needed a break anyways I took a look. What she had to offer wasn’t a room but a palace. She wanted 15 Euro for a night. That’s … acceptable. I liked the town so I stayed willingly.
Later that day I went up to the castle. I soon realised I never would have made it all the way with my backpack. It gets quite steep towards thee end. It is worth the walk though. The castle is massive and the view from up there is something special. I though Berat was great but this simply dwarfed it; and on more than one level. The castle is impressive, a real fortress, and the surroundings are simply breathtaking. I was speechless. No point trying to explain it. Just look at the pictures!
Gjirokastra - view from the castle
Gjirokastra - view from the castle
Gjirokastra - finally an old plane