Travel and Lifestyle Blog
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!!
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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.
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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.
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Snapshots from the iconic Indian Pink City, loved for it’s royally dressed elephants, pink palaces, chamber of mirrors, and endless shopping bazaars.
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Well it’s undisputedly a fantastic work of art, one of the world’s seven wonders and perhaps the selfie capital of India, however….
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The other two Indian hotels were just as lovely, delicious food, a good nights sleep and welcoming staff.
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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!!
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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 – ย a different way to what I was used to seeing or experiencing.
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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.
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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.
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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 […]
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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!!
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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.
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Looking for some peace and quiet? Soak up the rugged costal views of Malta’s Blue Grotto. It’s busy with boat trips in the summer, and featured in the Hollywood blockbuster, Troy.
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The old is being quickly replaced with the new in Sliema Malta, so wander it’s inner streets to capture what’s left of it’s original charm before the high-rise hotels and apartments take over completely. Malta is evolving, with Sliema leading as the modern tourist hub of Malta.
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There was a storm brewing in Malta, cooking itself up since the night before, growling with thunder, pouting grey mist and bringing back Sliema’s floods.
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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!!
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Sliema and Valletta, the siblings that couldn’t be more different, staring each other out across the harbour. Valletta could well be the Vaticanโs little brother, while Sliema seems more like the Manhattan of Malta.
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Interesting pies, unusual doughnuts, pastries, rabbits and octopus, with plenty of Turkish kebabs thrown in for good measure. Welcome to Malta!!
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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.
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Want to win a tripod to improve your travel photography? Share your funniest travel moments to enter the prize draw and you could be a winner!!
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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’
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Pigeon point is the beach that seems to gets all the attention on the Caribbean island of Tobago.
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Eleuthera is a charming island in The Bahamas, with beaches that will leave you speechless and a peacefulness that makes it hard to leave.
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Fancy a trip to Vietnam, Cambodia, and China? Sue Perkins will take you there in this book, sharing her wit and charm as she leads us through South East Asia to film a documentary.
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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 […]
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The Bahamas has a lot more to it than just beaches – including pineapple festivals, pirates, wine cellars, and snow.
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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 […]
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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!
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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!
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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!!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A pretty palace in Marrakech decorated with impressive mosaics , imposing doors, high arches and artistic ceilings.
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Women busy crushing nuts all day, a spot of wine tasting and some hand made ceramic souvenirs.
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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!
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One of the most fantastical dining experiences you’ll have in Marrakech., dark, glamorous and intense!
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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.
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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.
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Essaouira is quite literally a breath of Moroccan fresh sea air, known for its hippy vibe and grecian looking buildings.
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Over packers united!! This book is for all the travellers out there who do not travel light. It’s a quick and entertaining read from someone who does not ‘underpack’
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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.
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Let’s talk trains, bugs, migrants, rain and tea while we have a natter about Mauritius.
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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, […]
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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.
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The Coin De Mire Attitude isย 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 […]
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Next, a quick visit to one of the best sugar factories I’ve see on my travels so far,ย (well actually it wasn’t quick, itย was a pretty long visit given the size of the factory and outside grounds) an interesting tour at theย LโAventure du Sucreย (Sugar Adventure), in Pamplemousse Mauritius. You’ll learn some of the history behind […]
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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!
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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
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What a beautifully written story, a true story. The author of ‘The Amazing Story of the Man who Cycled from India to Europe for Love’ ย by Per J Andersson and uses such rich and vivid description that I felt like ‘I was there’ with the characters right from the opening chapter, absorbing the sounds, their […]
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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 […]
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Well all the guide books, blogs, reviews and word of mouth echo the same thing reallyย – ‘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 […]
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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 […]
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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.
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So you’re thinking about a holiday to Mauritius? Who can blame you, it’s a little slice of irresistible paradise. Lets start with Grand Baie, probably one of the most talked about shopping hubs for tourists. Grand Baie is very touristy, yes that much is true but it still feels very down to earth with plenty […]
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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 […]
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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.
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If you love waterfalls, you’ll love Antalya, in Turkey – Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall, Kursunlu National Park and Waterfall, and Dunden Waterfall are all worth a look while you’re in town.
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The TK Maxx of Turkey, and the roaring Manavgat waterfall are popular things to add to your travel itinerary for Antalya, Turkey.
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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.
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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 – […]
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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 […]
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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.
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A beach front Iberostar hotel in Varadero Cuba with absolutely brilliant entertainment in the theatre each night.
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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, […]
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More insights from the beautiful island and people of Cuba. Cienfuegos actually means ‘one hundred fires’. Cienfuegos is where theย revolutionary uprising against Fulgencio Batista took place.
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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 […]
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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, […]
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Day three of the Cuban Experience tour took us into some of the most scenic views I had the pleasure of seeing in Cuba. The Vinales valleys are deep, high, lush and never-ending. The Vinales region is an approximately 2hr 30 mins drive from Havana and a flourishing expanse dotted with tobacco farms. You will […]
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Before I went to Cuba I had a head full of vintage cars, cigars and salsa dancing. I’d only ever taken a superficial interest in this very unique Caribbean island – until now!!
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Now I know what a ‘tap tap’ is!!! I had no idea before reading this book. Tap Taps To Trinidad, by Zenga Longmore, is a quirky little book that tells the tales of a woman’s (largely solo) experiences of hopping around a number of caribbean islands, somewhat naively at times. She seems to have a […]
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Licking a fire lollipop and warming it up where the sun doesn’t shine…. Sal, Cape Verde talent
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A few snapshots taken while wondering around the Santa Maria, the main tourist hub in Sal, Cape Verde. SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave
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Literally on the lower end of St Lawrence Gap, Barbados with more nice blue seas and soft sand, and plenty of shade. Dover beach seemed a bit more relaxed and quieter than Accra beach (which is off a busier main road).
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The capital of Barbados, a hub of busy hustle and bustle, compared to a lot of other caribbean islands, Barbados seemed to have very big ‘town centre’ with lots of little back streets and side shops. If you’re an avid browser, you can go on and on in Bridgetown, as long as you can take […]
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Sometimes you just get a feeling about something, someone or somewhere. There is no logic to the feeling, you only know the feeling is real and strong. For me, theย grounds leading to Harrison’s Cave feltย like a scene from a James Bond film; I’m not sure which film but I could just picture Bond running around […]
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Anyone who knows anything about Barbados will be familiar with all the hype surrounding St Lawrence Gap. Party scene Clubs Bars Restaurants Nightlife Street vendors All things touristy Down to earth Affordable hotels Lively vibe Dover beach Close to Oistins and Bridgetown It justย wouldn’t beย right not to spend at least a few nights in the […]
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I think Antigua should be renamed ‘Butterfly Island’ because I have never been to a place where butterflies are swarming the air like confetti. I noticed this on the drive to the hotel and initially thought it was some sprinkling from nearby flower petals blowing in the breeze, but no ย – it was hundreds of […]
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