Posted by Jackie Hewett on Fri 24th August 2007 at 11:50 PM, Filed in Europe
The name Mijas describes 3 different places. Firstly it is the name given to the wealthiest area, or province in Spain, but also it refers to a costal resort (also known as La Cala / Mijas Costa) and finally Mijas Pueblo (or village). Unsurprisingly both Mijas Costa and Mijas Pueblo lie within the province of Mijas. It is Mijas Pueblo that I wish to describe.
Although I have visited Mijas Pueblo more times than I can remember, I never tire of the place. Yes, it is a bit touristy with coaches frequently bringing people on day trips from cruises, but they visit with good reason. It is a very quaint spot with white-washed buildings that have a definite Moorish influence, and fabulous costal views. It nestles in the hills (about 10 minutes drive in-land / up-hill from Fuengirola) and its elevated position means the climate is generally a couple of degrees cooler than down on the coast with a gentle sea breeze. Many of the restaurants and bars take full advantage of the panoramic views, and whilst Fuengirola may not be the most up-market resort in the Costa del Sol, it looks good from the hill-side by day or night.
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We stopped at the town of Moab between visiting Monument Valley and Arches national parks. Canyonlands National Park is also nearby so it’s a good place to stop between visiting these parks. We were only there one night but I really liked the place, primarily because of the shopping opportunities! However, it also seems to be a bit of a Mecca for outdoor activities – especially mountain biking and river rafting / kayaking. Hence it’s ‘tag’ as Utah’s adventure capital. The world renowned 9 mile Slickrock trail attracts some 110,000 mountain bikers per year.
It’s a small town with a population of around 5,000 that has a lovely community feel. Whilst many of the shops are undoubtedly aimed at tourists the quality of the goods is high and they quite a ‘hippy’ / crafty edge’ – with lots of unusual jewellery, clothes, painting and sculpture in addition to lots of sporty out-door gear. My favorite shop was the Hogan Trading Company who profess to be the largest Southwest art gallery in Utah. They have a huge stock of sculpture, furniture and lighting. I have promised myself that one day I will go back and get one of Greg Gowen’s fabulous copper ceremonial masks (http://hogantrading.com/). Moab also seemed to have just the right number of coffee / cake shops and places to mooch around for a day or two!
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Posted by Jill Bowen on Fri 10th August 2007 at 03:09 AM, Filed in September
Do you like your men clean-shaven? Or does a little bit of designer stubble turn you on? Whatever your predilection you can’t fail to be intrigued by the biennial World Beard and Moustache Championship. These hirsute men have made facial hair into an art form.
2007’s event will be held in Brighton (Sussex UK) on September 1st. You’ve left it a bit late to enter this year’s competition, but you might gain inspiration for the next championship if you go along to view these ‘works of art’.
The objectives of the event are:
• To promote a good relationship between members of moustache and beard clubs throughout the world and to foster networks in the interests of friendship, conviviality and fun.
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Posted by Guest Author on Fri 3rd August 2007 at 09:13 PM, Filed in Europe, August
Contributed by Jill Bowen
Each year the Isle of White is host to the White Air Extreme Sports Festival. This year (2007) it takes place on August 27th-September 2nd.
It’s one of the biggest water and land based extreme sports festival in Europe. What started nine years ago as a Wind and Surf based event due to the attraction of the Islands superb conditions, beaches, and of course waves, has rapidly expanded into one of the most prestigious International festivals on the calendar.
Over 40 countries now compete, with 500 competitors – world champions in 18 action sports, taking part on the beach, urban areas and land. Live music is catered for on a stage with 50 groups, there are many different sports you can try out for yourselves.
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Posted by Jill Bowen on Sun 29th July 2007 at 03:41 PM, Filed in August
A West Virginia mountaintop (Camp Washington Carver, at Clifftop in Fayette County) plays host to a five-day gathering of musicians and friends in this fun filled informal event.
Starting on 1st August and ending 5th August with most events starting at 11 am, it’s a paradise for lovers of traditional mountain music.
Over 3,000 musicians and string band lovers from around the world descend here for the fiddle and banjo contests, workshops, square dancing, camping and a ‘hymn-sing’. Over 20 countries and around 40 US states have been represented at the festival over the years. Known simply as ‘Clifftop’ throughout the music world it centres round what is called ‘old time music, which is the fiddle based sound and pre-dates blue-grass. Most visitors return after their first visit and bring friends and families to enjoy the fresh mountain air and the non-stop music.
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