
Out and About: York City Centre
A wander around the walled city.
Read More…Travel and Lifestyle Blog
A wander around the walled city.
Read More…Have you ever seen a Tizzie Whizie or tried a Tatty Pot? More from around the Lakes.
Read More…The nitty gritty, writing the article!
Read More…More travel writing notes from a forgotten notebook – get your flights paid for, and other complimentary hospitality.
Read More…More forgotten notebooks – this time filled with notes from a travel writing course – in case you’re curious!
Read More…Musical departure gates, baggage claims chaos… Past travel shenanigans are still amusing to look back on, I wonder what new amusements and annoyances will emerge as travel opens up again…..
Read More…A couple of book reviews, one about a 10 day galavant around Tokyo, the other about an Indian rags to riches journey.
Read More…What have you witnessed from a hotel room window or balcony that has stayed in your thoughts, that you’ve never forgotten, outrageous or not?
Read More…Gift Ideas for the travel addict can quickly turn to the predictable and cliche, but with a bit of extra thought, you might just strike it lucky!
Read More…It’s amazing what a little bit of imagination and a few travel memories can do!!
Read More…When conversations with strangers lead to catching flights to India with them the same week, racing Tuk-Tuks amidst good old Indian traffic!! Have you or would you ever…?
Read More…This time we talked packing for flights, bottles of rum, house prices and baking cakes. Conversations with strangers can work more wonders than you’ll ever know!!
Read More…On the last day of a holiday, are you wishing you could stay a bit longer or raring to get to the airport? I think its probably a sad day for many – but I’m curious to hear whether you agree.
Read More…A walk in the park, St James Park, where pelicans steal the limelight and squirrels steal the nuts.
Read More…Robotic airport staff, robotic luggage, and robots that can go on holiday on your behalf!! The evolution of AI is sweeping the travel industry in its wake, especially on the back of Covid 19.
Read More…Thank you to blogger Juvie at ‘Paradigm Shifter’ for nominating Cherrylsblog.com for a One Lovely Blog Award, a lovely and much appreciated surprise!
Read More…Imagine having to shake the hands of 250 people all waiting for you on a beach, or jumping over a herd of cattle to prove your manhood. Ladies – how about having three husbands at once? Perhaps you’d be up for a nomadic tent-life in freezing cold snow storm territory. These are just a few interesting highlights from the some of the world’s lesser well known tribes and indigenous populations. Curious?
Read More…So what’s your position, do you hate going on holiday, is the agro of planning and packing all too much, or is that all part of the fun? Are you a holiday hater?
Read More…A quick message for Jamaica, just to say hi, and keep in touch!
Read More…Of all the things I could have bought in Cuba, I didn’t think a beach bar would end up on the shopping list!! Its interesting to look back at some of those forgotten holiday souvenirs, many of which I treasure all the more now!!
Read More…There’s more to Jamaican patois than ‘irie’ and ‘yeah man’. If you want to get a better grip on Jamaican patois, this funny little book gives you some common words and phrases written with a Jamaican dialect and pronunciation.
Read More…Heathrow bound? Fancy more than a mere 40 winks before or after your flight? The Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel gets a thumbs up from me. Here’s a quick look!
Read More…Push the guide books aside, here’s my first hand round up of thoughts and observations after a first and very worthwhile trip to India.
Read More…Snapshots from the iconic Indian Pink City, loved for it’s royally dressed elephants, pink palaces, chamber of mirrors, and endless shopping bazaars.
Read More…Well it’s undisputedly a fantastic work of art, one of the world’s seven wonders and perhaps the selfie capital of India, however….
Read More…The other two Indian hotels were just as lovely, delicious food, a good nights sleep and welcoming staff.
Read More…There’s far less exciting things you could do than stalk tigers on a jeep safari through India’s Ranthambore national park, taking in an array of wildlife and beautiful scenery while you’re at it. Just saying!!
Read More…I felt an almost unbelievable sense of being in an entirely new world, a world with ‘ways’ that are not to be labelled or ridiculed, but simply accepted as ‘the way’ for where we were – a different way to what I was used to seeing or experiencing.
Read More…A quick glance at a couple of Indian Hotels, The Vivanta by Taj Dwarka in Delhi and The Clarks Shiraz Hotel in Agra, near the Taj Mahal.
Read More…Traffic in India is not for the faint hearted – its a bikers paradise, a barrage of beeps, the rush hour seems ceaseless, and chaos might just be the new calm.
Read More…Are you curious about India? India and colour go hand in hand, vibrant and flamboyant, cheerfully extrovert. Dull and dismal doesn’t seem to feature. The people, buildings, flowers, the food. When the sun’s out and everything twinkles and gleams, the colours are dazzling and India will certainly give your camera a run for its money!!
Read More…Taking a solo trip to India was a welcome escape from the UK’s winter weather and long month of February (even though it’s technically the shortest month, lol). India had been sky high on my bucket list for a very long time and I can honestly say it was everything I’d hoped for and more […]
Read More…One night at the Courtyard Luton Airport Hotel was very pleasant indeed, with a few ‘little things’ that made it a particularly comfortable stay. It’s the first time I’ve stayed here and I’d definitely recommend it. I arrived quite late in the night to very friendly and helpful reception staff. The next morning I had […]
Read More…Calm and quiet, untouched by mass modernisation and tourism – Malta’s sister island of Gozo is proudly held as something of a national treasure, and here’s a little snapshot….
Read More…Before heading off on your Malta holiday, here’s a few observations, tips and bits of info that might interest you or prove useful to know if you’re curious about Malta, since the guide books don’t tell you everything!!
Read More…More of Malta’s nooks and crannies!! Bugibba vs Paceville, they couldn’t be more different. One attracts a very lively, club/pub crowd whilst the other appeals more to those seeking a quieter life.
Read More…Malta’s biggest fishing village sports its most colourful boats, and turns into a mega market every Sunday, with a secret beach tucked away around it’s little corner!!
Read More…Sliema and Valletta, the siblings that couldn’t be more different, staring each other out across the harbour. Valletta could well be the Vatican’s little brother, while Sliema seems more like the Manhattan of Malta.
Read More…Interesting pies, unusual doughnuts, pastries, rabbits and octopus, with plenty of Turkish kebabs thrown in for good measure. Welcome to Malta!!
Read More…A Valletta show that leaves you staggering out of the cinema, a church with enough gold to go head to head with Buckingham Palace (no doubt) and those iconic streets of Valletta that seem to come alive at night – interested? Then read on.
Read More…It used to be the capital of Malta, and has the mood of a bygone era, or a film set. The Silent City of Mdina feels like a hidden world, and a must if visiting Malta for the first time.
Read More…The miracle bomb and Mosta Rotunda church is a popular tourist attraction when visiting Malta.
Read More…Cuban photography by Andrew Moore is a little different to your typical cuban tourist photographs of vintage cars, Varadero beaches and people smoking cigars. Moore’s cuban photography goes beneath the surface Moore captures scenes that the average tourist probably wouldn’t see unless they ventured away from the predictable tourist traps – this is what drew […]
Read More…If you’re off to Morocco for the first time you might want to note a few things, including the weather, cats, haggling and ‘Morocco belly’
Read More…On a quiet night in Tobago, I sit out on the upstairs veranda and look heavenwards into the ink black abyss above. The sky offers a sparkly shelter, with stars shimmering like jewels in the light, it’s the kind of sky that hypnotises, and locks you in a ‘starry eyed’ trance. I see a shooting […]
Read More…Pigeon point is the beach that seems to gets all the attention on the Caribbean island of Tobago.
Read More…Eleuthera is a charming island in The Bahamas, with beaches that will leave you speechless and a peacefulness that makes it hard to leave.
Read More…An early start That morning, I had breakfast with a stranger, not something that tends to happen often; maybe it happened because I was in the ‘friendlier north’ of the UK, where speaking to a stranger isn’t seen as being quite so weird. “Sorry, I nearly sat in your seat” she said. We were both […]
Read More…British summer time goes hand in hand with a trip to the seaside – and this time I found myself pottering around Margate beach in Kent. When I think of Margate, I instantly think of All 4’s ‘Location Location Location’ since ‘Kirstie and Phil’ always seem to be filming the programme in this popular home […]
Read More…This month marks the fourth birthday of Cherryl’s Blog, and I thought it was about time I said a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have taken the time to read any of my posts, leave comments, give me a like or even done me the huge honour of following the blog 🙏😊 […]
Read More…The Bahamas has a lot more to it than just beaches – including pineapple festivals, pirates, wine cellars, and snow.
Read More…A few ideas to help you plan your Bahamas list of things to do; such as mingling with flamingos at the Adastra Gardens and Zoo, shopping in Bay Street, and wandering through the aquarium at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island.
Read More…Calm, relaxed and at peace, that’s how I feel when I’m near the sea, hearing the waves, feasting on an infinite ocean view, my mind is clearer and thoughts come to me more easily. The sea seems charged with emotion, sometimes it’s still, unassuming and beckoning, then within hours, minutes even, it develops an almighty […]
Read More…So where in the world have you been that turned out to be completely overrated? Share your views and help us avoid wasting our time – maybe!
Read More…Farewell Morocco, I’ll always have fond memories from our time together, from the Sahara to the souks, High Atlas Mountains, snake charmers, belly dancers and generous tagine!
Read More…What you need to know about Morocco before your first trip – lets examine the hype. I found most of these 22 rumours to be true!!
Read More…More Moroccan snapshots to inspire your next visit to Morocco; it’s such an interesting country, with something interesting to see or experience wherever you go.
Read More…Loved by movie makers and tourists alike; take a walk through the narrow clay community. Ait Benhaddou is home to a small number of Moroccan families and was used as the setting for a long list of big screen films.
Read More…A complete contrast from Marrakech and its crazy souks, the High Atlas Mountains take you a world away with breath taking views and a community of berber families living a different way of life.
Read More…If you’re visiting Marrakech, curious about African history and berber life with a soft spot for cosy museums crammed with lots of interesting things, you’re going to really like Maison Tiskiwin.
Read More…A pretty palace in Marrakech decorated with impressive mosaics , imposing doors, high arches and artistic ceilings.
Read More…Women busy crushing nuts all day, a spot of wine tasting and some hand made ceramic souvenirs.
Read More…Dinner in a riad will leave your belly bursting with the endless servings of food, and the goats looking down at you from Argan trees will leave you wondering how they get up and down again!
Read More…One of the most fantastical dining experiences you’ll have in Marrakech., dark, glamorous and intense!
Read More…Extreme haggling is highly likely in Marrakech, it wore me flat out – and I think the souks should come with warning signs for getting lost and suffering from haggle exhaustion.
Read More…So you want to go camping with Moroccan nomads in the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, ride camels for transport with a camp fire warm you up and the stars to keep you entertained at night. Well you can in Zagora, Morocco.
Read More…Essaouira is quite literally a breath of Moroccan fresh sea air, known for its hippy vibe and grecian looking buildings.
Read More…An open letter to Mauritius following two fabulous weeks on holiday there.
Read More…Dreamy is an understatement, Ile Aux Cerfs is on a whole new level of beach!
Read More…A few more snapshots. Mont Choisy Beach A more low key version of Flic en Flac beach. Views from the highest point on the island… Just around the corner – a craft and specialist cashmere outlet.
Read More…Let’s talk trains, bugs, migrants, rain and tea while we have a natter about Mauritius.
Read More…La Vanilla Nature Park in Mauritius, is home to all sorts of animals including crocodiles, racoons, monkeys, bats, giant tortoises and a range of tropical plant life.
Read More…The Mauritius ebony rainforest sits in he south of the island, home to the protected ebony tree, the forests are in the Chamarel region. It’s incredible to think that almost all the island used to be covered with ebony trees, before the Dutch exploited it in the 17th century. It was a cloudy, rainy day, […]
Read More…Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius is a bustling world away from the idyllic white beaches and turquoise waters we know and love. Tall office blocks, locals out shopping and working in the city is more the Port Louis scene.
Read More…The Coin De Mire Attitude is a boutique hotel set in garden style plot, just a stones throw away from a beach that offers views of Coin De Mire Island. On arrival you’ll receive a very warm and personal welcome, which extends throughout the stay as it seems the staff can’t do enough to make […]
Read More…Next, a quick visit to one of the best sugar factories I’ve see on my travels so far, (well actually it wasn’t quick, it was a pretty long visit given the size of the factory and outside grounds) an interesting tour at the L’Aventure du Sucre (Sugar Adventure), in Pamplemousse Mauritius. You’ll learn some of the history behind […]
Read More…All this sightseeing works up quite an appetite, so it’s time for some lunch, followed by a bit of rum and jam tasting in Chamarel. The jam was more my thing, I couldn’t resist coming home with a few jars – the guava jam was really really good! But after a while I realised they […]
Read More…More sightseeing in the south western region of Mauritius, enjoying the views from the popular Black River Gorges National Park, with it’s vast expanse of rainforest before taking in the wonder of the seven coloured earth, at Chamarel. Seven Coloured Earth, Chamarel. Black River Gorges National Park
Read More…A True story about love, suffering, differences and determination.
Read More…Photographs from a visit to the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Pamplemousse, north of the island, and a rare glimpse of hindu worshipers in the south, by the sacred river in Grand Bassin in the south west. Hindu worshipers at the sacred river, in Grand Bassin. Ganga Asnan is the colourful hindu festival that runs through […]
Read More…Well all the guide books, blogs, reviews and word of mouth echo the same thing really – ‘when in Mauritius, Flic en Flac beach is the beach of choice’, it’s on the west coast and rated as one of the best beaches in Mauritius and a must on your list of places to go whilst […]
Read More…First stop, first impressions – beautiful, and a welcome sight after an 18 hour haul. The Veranda Grand Baie in Mauritius is set amongst lush green surroundings and giant palm trees. Rooms look like little cottages (reminiscent of the Veranda Resort & Spa in Antigua). A huge selling point with this hotel is it’s proximity […]
Read More…This small fish market on the mauritian sea front of Grand Baie caught my eye with the dazzling rainbow of colours laid out beautifully for sale, local fishermen gather here most afternoons to display and sell their day’s catch.
Read More…Sunglasses and jewelry from a car boot and sarongs from the father of Miss World…read on!!
Read More…Picture this… You fly off from London’s Heathrow and land in Peru with your crew and cameraman, heaps of luggage and technical equipment. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to trek the best part of the Amazon rainforest, via mountains and forest, using the river as your guide. You will meet and […]
Read More…Apparently, Wales consumes more oven chips than any other part of the UK, and Mount Everest was named after a welshman – interesting facts!! Here’s more from my welsh galavants this summer……. The UK’s smallest city – St David’s St David’s is more like a village but technically it’s a city because of it’s catherdral. […]
Read More…Tenby (also known as ‘little town of fishes’) is small medieval seaside resort in Pembrokeshire that just oozes candy coloured charm alongside rustic castle walls around the main town. This was the favourite stay throughout my summer Welsh galavants, and I now see precisely why people flock there for the summer holidays. Blue sea, white […]
Read More…Another Welsh must see is the grand and historic Newton House. Today Newton House and grounds are used for TV, exhibitions and weddings as well as offering scenic walks and a museum piece for admiration. The deer create a dreamy scene from the back of the house and the gardens and farmland seem to stretch […]
Read More…Thirteenth century Laugharne Castle offers yet another snippet of historic Welsh ruins and somewhat sombre scenery. SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave
Read More…When in Wales, you never get tired of castles, so here’s another magnificent beauty, Carreg Cennen Castle, in Carmarthenshire near the River Cennen. Building began around the fourth century, yet it’s ruins are incredibly well preserved, and majestic. It’s a steep walk, great for the legs and the views are worth every step. “One of the […]
Read More…The quaint St Tanwg Church was built in the fifth century and is still in use to this day. The impressive stone built church sits on the welsh sand dunes of Llandanwg beach and is better known as ‘the church in the sand’, offering worship services during the summer months. Much of the former churchyard […]
Read More…Those of us who live in the UK don’t always appreciate the beautiful country we live in. We’re often trying so hard to escape the UK for a ‘holiday’ that we neglect our own tourist attractions, yet there happens to be quite a lot on our UK door-step to admire and enjoy. Did you know? […]
Read More…Well I didn’t see any teddy bears having picnics or a house belonging to three bears, nor did red riding hood make an appearance. What I did see, was a stunning expanse of majestic trees and lush greenery while enjoying the sound of pure, simple, earthly peace, interrupted only by the subtle sounds of nature […]
Read More…Two nights by the Aberystwyth seaside gave me a well needed dose of clean welsh sea air and that lovely aroma of seaweed. Aberystwyth is a university seaside town and popular holiday destination, framed by the ruins of an impressive sea front castle, built in the 1200s over a twelve year period. Aberystwyth is a town […]
Read More…Adventure junkies, beach bums, sun seekers….whoever you are, how do you cope with the lull when there’s no trip in sight?
Read More…The history of Cuba can’t ignore the influence of Fidel Castro. Ignacio Ramonet interviews Castro and compiles it in this book.
Read More…When in Turkey’s Antalya region, be sure to head down to the city harbour and take in the blue ocean and mountain views, as well as a spot of souvenir shopping and a boat trip if you fancy it.
Read More…The TK Maxx of Turkey, and the roaring Manavgat waterfall are popular things to add to your travel itinerary for Antalya, Turkey.
Read More…Don’t get lost, it’s a bit of a crawling one. The Manavgat market in Antalya, Turkey, is thought to be the biggest in the med, and it’s ideal for anyone who loves dirt cheap ‘designer ‘labels’ and name brand clothes.
Read More…Well actually the weather was pretty good considering it was still the latter part of the Turkish winter season (March/April). This was a very last minute Easter getaway and the sun had his hat most of the time, thankfully! It was cold and pelting down with rain in London as my plane took off – […]
Read More…One more post from Cuba before I forget! Ever been to an organic farm that’s also an art gallery and pottery production centre? Well neither had I until this lovely little trip. This family run farm in the Cuban region of Jovellanos is home to it’s owners who have recently opened it up for tourist […]
Read More…Tourist trap? Varadero might be beautifully beachy, but if you want to experience Cuba properly you need to venture away from this artificial beach strip, and explore the ‘real’ Cuba.
Read More…A beach front Iberostar hotel in Varadero Cuba with absolutely brilliant entertainment in the theatre each night.
Read More…My favourite part of my trip to Cuba were the days spent in the Cuban town of Trinidad. The pictures may not convey this but ‘what a dramatic place’ frozen in time and bursting with life, colour and charisma. The atmosphere is just fantastic, live music and vibrancy everywhere you look. I loved Trinidad instantly, […]
Read More…The Iberostar Grand Hotel Trinidad Cuba, has to be in one of the best locations in Trinidad, centrally located and surrounded by lively cobbled streets buzzing with locals and tourists alike. It’s an adults-only hotel and serves more as a city-stop type of accommodation, since there was no outdoor areas or pool – probably because you should […]
Read More…More insights from the beautiful island and people of Cuba. Cienfuegos actually means ‘one hundred fires’. Cienfuegos is where the revolutionary uprising against Fulgencio Batista took place.
Read More…Walking on water! I saw three men walking on water – it’s not brilliant but watch the hastily filmed clip! I’m not sure if he stepped on a jellyfish or what but something startled him…..in Cayo Ensenachos. I tried to rescue a Jellyfish This is the first jellyfish I’ve come face to face with, it […]
Read More…San Juan de Los Remedios is one of the oldest colonial towns in Cuba. Just mind yourself when you’re crossing the wonderfully busy roads….. The sugar mills are interesting, but the sight of those locomotive trains was show stopping; they’re just huge, mighty and seeped in history – beautiful! The roar of the steam and […]
Read More…After lunch at the Los Tainos restaurant at the Hotel Los Caneyes, Santa Clara – we were on the road again heading for the small Cuban off-shore island of Cayo Ensenachos to the Iberostar Ensenachos Hotel. It’s quite secluded, there is no nearby town to walk to – just beautiful beach and plenty of mangroves, […]
Read More…You won’t be short of taxi options in Cuba, that’s for sure. I’ve never seen so many variations in one place – talk about spoilt for choice!! There’s a taxi type for all tastes – short of a flying taxi…
Read More…The stuff the guide books don’t tell you about Cuba!
Read More…We all know Havana is the capital of Cuba, a metropolitan hub of tourists, beautiful buildings and classic vintage cars. Havana is bustling and busy with interesting sights on every turn. To go to Cuba and not visit Havana would be a crime, but there is certainly more to Cuba than Havana, so I would […]
Read More…After three nights at the Iberostar Parque Central, here are a few pictures in case you’re curious or planning a stay there yourself. The hotel is described as one of the best hotels in the centre of Havana (I guess this depends what type of scene you’re into – a modern type of look rather […]
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