Posted by Jackie Hewett on Tue 27th January 2009 at 03:09 AM, Filed in February
If you want to whisk your loved one away for a romantic break ‘a-deux’ then here are a few ideas for you to consider.
Venice Carnival
Take her (or him) to one of the masked balls at carnival time in this most romantic of cities. Best still get there by the Venice Simplon Orient Express. The Al Ponte Antico Hotel comes top of Tripadvisers list or try the wonderfully discrete Hotel Cipriani and Palazzo Vendramin.
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In the lead up to lent many German towns and cities celebrate their ‘5th season’ – or ‘foolish season’. Some historians say its original purpose was to help people get over the dark days of winter and welcome in springtime, others say it’s a feat before the fasting of lent. The festivals occur most commonly (but not exclusively) in the more Catholic South of Germany.
Typically festivities start the Thursday before Ash Wednesday and each town / city have their own unique traditions and ways of celebrating it – with different carnival chants / cries and costumes. One thing in common is that they all seem to have parades – some more children oriented, others with large floats, some wearing bells parading throughout the night. Costumes vary – in the black country region you’ll find witches and ‘Brothers Grimm’ fairytale type characters, town councillors, Vikings, white night gowns and caps and a common dressing up theme seems to be the fool in varying guises. In one town it is tradition for children to wear costumes stuffed with straw which they take out and stuff down other peoples shirts (for luck) as they walk round their parade. At some parades chocolates, sweets and flowers are thrown to the crowds.
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OK, we all know the Spaniards are a little off-centre when it comes to their festivals. I am sure you are aware of bull running (most famous on at Pamplona) and La Tomatina (perhaps the dirtiest food fight of them all). Well, here’s one that you might not have heard of before.
This one takes place in Ourense, which is in Galicia (North Wet Spain, bordering Portugal) in the run up to lent and lasts for about three weeks. However, the main action takes place in the 5 days preceding Lent when, you guessed it – the town becomes a blanket of white. Fortunately they tend not to go for the eyes – the perfect shot being anywhere between nose and chin – so keep your mouth firmly shut & I’d be tempted to wear swim goggles just in case!! Local etiquette dictates that men usually ‘attack women’ and visa versa. Know one quite knows why flour – perhaps its something to do with ash Wednesday?
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I sentence you to a luxurious and pleasant stay! A somewhat more welcome sentence than some that have been passed down through the years in this historic building!
It’s situated in the heart of one of London’s best shopping areas; just off Regent Street, so nearby Bonds Street and Oxford Street are within walking distance. As are underground stations, so as well as shopping you can take in the sites of this wonderful city.
The Hotel is in a grade II listed building, what was at one time a famous courthouse, retaining much of its original grandeur - and many quirky features!
It was known as The Great Marlborough Streets Magistrates Court, and many illustrious names have had their names up in ‘lights’ there. Including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Oscar Wilde.
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Only one hour from the centre of Amsterdam by car – so you could combine a stay with a visit to that vibrant city.
Ladies; are you looking for a treat for your other half (no, nothing like that, this is a family site)! Chaps, want to drop a few hints about an uplifting weekend away?
Then I may have the answer for you.
Hit the heady heights (this is not a place to go if you suffer from vertigo). Its silhouette dominates the skyline.
The crane is a private retreat for two. The engineering that has gone into its ‘refurbishment’ is incredible. You don’t have to scale the cranes lofty heights to get to the one and only room; the external ladders have been replaced by two modern lifts, one takes you to a platform between the cranes legs, the other zooms you up to the heart of the crane! The one and only bedroom is in the old machine room in the body of the crane – it’s now such luxurious boudoir that any up market designer hotel would be proud to show you.
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