Posted by Jill Bowen on Fri 28th September 2007 at 08:51 PM, Filed in Europe
Kyrenia is an intriguing mixture of old and new with its 6000 year long history is an idyllic Mediterranean town. It’s bounded to the north by the sea, and to the south by the Fivefinger Besmark mountain range and offers some of the most magnificent scenery on the Island.
Shops selling traditional items rub shoulders with designer outlets, jewellery shops and bespoke tailors. During the day it’s a sleepy town, an easy place to while time, with holidaymakers searching for bargains, maybe being measured up for pairs of trousers or suits. A word of caution, do make sure you understand the quotation you are given for items. We had two pairs of trousers made-to-measure for which we were quoted a figure that we thought was for both pairs. When we returned to collect them it became apparent that the price was per pair of trousers. While cheap by UK standard for made to measure – not quite the bargain we were anticipating.
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Posted by Jill Bowen on Mon 17th September 2007 at 03:18 AM, Filed in Europe
The unspoilt gem.
What do you look for when choosing a holiday destination? Do you want glitz, disco’s, full on night life, crowds, designer shops? If yes, then this article is not for you.
But, if you’re looking for unspoilt countryside, beautiful beaches, a laid back slow way of life. An area that mass tourism has not yet totally spoilt? Then yes, go to Northern Cyprus before it opens up the hoards – which I’m sure will occur only too soon.
There are three main towns on Northern Cyprus, Nicosia, the divided capital; Famagusta with it’s castle and spooky ‘ghost town’, and Kyrenia. I will not deny that there is building work going on. The outer environs of Kyrenia are a patchy building site, as is part of the coastal road. Inevitable as more tourists discover the area, which, to some extent is still frozen in time.
Kyrenia Harbour:
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Posted by Jill Bowen on Fri 14th September 2007 at 03:12 AM, Filed in Europe, October
3-7th October 2007 (Annual)
The Nottingham Goose Fair goes back some 700 years. It’s amazing how some of these ancient customs in England are still going strong, getting bigger as each year passes. It’s not actually a fair full of geese; its origins are a ‘Goods Fair’, first held to enable people to stock up of goods before the onset of winter. The charter goes back to the 1160’s when Henry11 granted it with the right to hold a fair for 8 days. Various Kings added to the Charter throughout the following centuries to increase the size and status of the Fair.
The name ‘Goose Fair’ dates from 1541, originally it was held on 21st September and whenever possible, geese were sold at the Fair (but not exclusively). The geese were walked from great distances to the Fair, 20,000 of them came from the Lincolnshire Fens – first having their feet tarred to make the walk easier! In 1752 there was a change of calendar when the Gregorian calendar was adopted, the Fair was then moved to October. By the end of the 18th century the Fair had changed, and it was not purely for solely buying and selling produce. New attractions were added, including Madame Tussuad, wild animals and theatrical events.
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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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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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