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 You don’t have to scale the cranes lofty heights to get to the one and only room; the external ladders have been replaced by two modern lifts, one takes you to a platform between the cranes legs, the other zooms you up to the heart of the crane!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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Posted by Guest Author on Sun 18th January 2009 at 03:18 AM, Filed in Europe
Hailed as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Tuscany is a wonderful mix of stunning architecture in quaint towns and villages, great food and glorious landscapes criss-crossed with Italian vineyards. It is therefore not surprising that many choose to explore the region through sight-seeing, walking, cycling, wine-tasting and feasting on Italian cuisine.
But Tuscany has a lot more to offer than your run of the mill activities and we’ve listed just a few:
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Posted by Jackie Hewett on Fri 16th January 2009 at 04:20 PM, Filed in Europe, February
February 13-24th
Have you ever been to Venice? No? Then do go; it’s one of the most amazing, fascinating cities in the world.
There is no best time to go, the summers are hot – and crowded, but the sun sparkling on the canals is breathtaking. Winter’s watery sunlight adds a different perspective to what you see – wrap up very warm, my last trip here was in a November, and my goodness we were glad of warm gloves and scarves. I could fully understand (though did not approve) of the wealthy, glamorous women wrapped in their fur coats!
Expensive – yes, but it’s a MUST on your list of places to see and savor.
But this is not an article to extol the art treasures and the fading beauty of it’s building. It’s to tempt you to visit in the chilly month of February to enjoy the carnival. Various festivals take place throughout the year, but the one in February is the highlight and the most famous.
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