Scottish Heights

This picture is of Ackergill Tower, a historic estate dating to 1476, it is situated in Sinclair's Bay in the northeast corner of the Scottish Highlands.

The charisma and aura of the European country Scotland is unknown to none. It is the land, which was a surface to numerous significant historical battles, is the mother of the cherished sport golf, and is globally appreciated for its Balmoral Castle (a vacation spot for Queen Elizabeth and her family) plus of course Scotch whisky. Scotland is blessed with a rich history, culture and scenic splendor. It is one amongst the most admired places on the globe today. Geographically, Scotland is bifurcated into three regions- Southern Uplands, Central Lowlands and Highlands. These regions adjoin different places and comprise of different landforms for instance by way of river valleys the Southern Uplands act as a link between the country's central plain and England border.

Since time memorial golf is an immensely crucial activity in Scotland. In fact the golf sport originated from this very European country. The Highlands region of Scotland nestles some of the most prominent golf courses in the world. There are around 540 golf courses in Scotland. These are variously scattered in Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Historic Heartland and Central areas of Scotland. Cycling and bike riding is another cherished pastime in Scotland. The enthusiasm for cycling is such that many tourists hire bikes to explore this divinely beautiful place. The Glencoe, Galloway region and the Isle of Skye are perfect spectacular riding places. The exclusive Scotland attractions are the Heavy and Light Athletics. Heavy Athletics includes games that demand muscle. These games are stone, weight and hammer throwing, sheaf tossing and so forth. Dancing, sprinting, running and jumping are the light athletics sports that basically require an impregnable stamina.

The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is a perfect blend of contemporary and archaic Scotland. The traditional Scotland is reflected from the ancient Edinburgh castles and buildings. While the marvelously constructed hotels, restaurants and thrilling nightlife are the emblems of present-day Scotland. Edinburgh is swarming with people every year for more than one reason. The foremost attractions are the museums of this place. The Royal Museum that houses the first cloned sheep named Dolly, the National Gallery of Scotland along with quite a few national museums are paradigmatic cases in point. Next there are the famous Edinburgh castle, the Royal Mile Street that conjoins this castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the garden of medicinal plants i.e. the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Princes Street, worldwide famous for shopping. If you want to experience the mind-boggling Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, the city of Glasgow is a place ideal for that. Apart from being a home for some of the most noteworthy Scot museums such as St. Mungo Museum Religious Life, the largely acclaimed Museum of Transport and the Scotland Street School Museum; Glasgow is endowed with ample of other lures to woo its visitors. For instance there are primitive constructions like The Pollock House, the Country Black, the Glasgow Cathedral and the Bothwel Castle. These places hold immense significance not just as tokens of an abundant history but also in incurring tourist wealth. Not to forget are Glasgow's eminent pedestrian shopping streets - Sauchiehall Street and Buchanan Street.

The best feature of Scotland is an easy access to it, April to September are the ideal months to visit Scotland. So make sure that you get your reservations done beforehand. Scotland does not accept the Euro currency. So you must get it exchanged prior to your visit, be warned that Scotland can be very cold (due to the winds) if visiting the open spaces that this delightfully landscape offers.

Traveling London through King's Cross Station

(picture above) is part of the inside of King's Cross Station.

(picture below) a outside view of King's Cross Station.



For visiting London, proximity to King's Cross is the perfect location. An intersection of six tube lines, including the Northern, Picadilly, and Circle Lines, to name a few, can get you virtually anywhere from King's Cross. King's Cross is also a train terminal, in the case that you are planning to visit the north of the UK. But let's not get off track and get back to seeing London via King's Cross. London, the cultural melting pot that it is, offers amazing and varied shops of anything you could desire. Located near the major shopping zones of London, both commercial and artisan, King's Cross is a convenient place for a shopping tour in London. The city is also a magnet for great and creative minds, as is well known by all the thinkers, writers and artists who both came to and from London. The wide range of museums and galleries reflects this intellectual breeding ground, and again, King's Cross is a skip, hop and a jump away from many of these world-class museums. Less conventional tours to start from King's Cross could include a round of the city's parks, exploring the wide web of the tube itself, or the nearby nightlife hot spots. So, whether it's shopping, rich culture, or any fun explorations that you're after, King's Cross will guide you there quickly and efficiently.

For the shoppers! Have an early and hearty breakfast (you will need the energy) and put yourself on the Northern Line, heading for Camden Town, where you will find open air markets selling art, crafts, clothes, accessories and much more. It's best to spend time here in the morning, as the area isn't the safest at night. After you've stocked up on original craft gifts at the market, head back to your hotel, drop them off, and back on the tube! Via the Picadilly Line, head towards Covent Garden, a famous indoor market, and the surrounding area, full of boutiques, shops, and nice cafes. This picturesque market makes a nice lunch stop, with some cozy restaurants nearby. Picadilly Circus comes next: very commercialized, with many well-known brand stores. Picadilly is a fun place to return to at night, as the lights and pubs draw partiers to them like moths to the flame! Head on to Knightsbridge to see the world famous Harrod's Department store. After this detour, it's on to Oxford Circus to join the crowded throng admiring and buying the riches of Oxford Street, which is equivalent to New York's Fifth Ave, a street of fancy department stores interspersed with chic shopping boutiques. If your spending needs are still not satiated, check out other markets, such as Portobello, or just by walking through London, you will find hidden gems of stores throughout the city. If, however, Oxford Street sums up the shopping day nicely for you, head back into the Oxford Circus tube, and the Victoria Line will conveniently take you right back to King's Cross.

For the culture seeker, you will start your day heading in the opposite direction of the shopper. Head south on the Picadilly Line to Russell Square, and just a few blocks south of the shady square is the British Museum. After your explorations, you may also enjoy Covent Garden for its history and theater, check out the listings as they may draw you back in the evening. Nearby is Trafalgar Square, home of the National Gallery. From here, continue on to Green Park, and gasp at the size and beauty of Buckingham Palace. Changing of the Guard takes place nearby, so check the season's schedule if you are interested. Slide down the Jubilee Line to Southwark, and enjoy the neighboring Tate Modern and Globe Theatre. Make your way back north of the river to Tower Hill, and explore London's Tower. Take the Circle line back to King's Cross to conclude the cultural loop.

The adventurer who wants to learn the city by randomly coming across the interesting things may enjoy traveling from park to park, always great for people watching and discovering the wide variety of London's inhabitants. Regents, Hyde, Green, and St. James Parks are the main ones, each with distinctive personalities. The Tube itself is extremely interesting, and it's worth reading the entertaining advertisements of the tube, listen to some talented and not-so-talented musicians, pick out who the tourists are and who the natives are… the tube can be really enjoyable during your voyage. Take advantage of being in this unique London sub world! King's Cross is also nearby to Leicester Square and Picadilly, both popular night out areas. Or try traveling round Circle line and seeing how many pubs you can manage to stop at… after which, see if you manage to find your way back to King's Cross on this concentric line!

King's Cross, recently made famous through Harry Potter's platform 9 ¾, is more than a fictitious train platform. It's a station that literally will get you anywhere in London (and beyond) very conveniently. If you're visiting London to shop, to learn its culture, or just to explore it for face value, King's Cross is the best starting and ending point. You will get to where you need to go quickly, and at the end of the long day, you won't have to wait long to be back at your London home, sweet home.

A Cornish Pilgrimage

(picture to the right) the view from the cottage i stayed in of a Falmouth beach Cornwall, England

(picture above)
Sun set at Falmouth Harbour Cornwall, England

The road veers right and begins the steady climb to the heady heights of Pendennis Point. My modest car huffs and puffs as traffic starts to stack up patiently behind me. A barrier to my left clouds the seascape and the temptation to peep is too immense. I stop the car and stride eagerly to the wall and peer over. The scene is impressive, revealing a small section of old Falmouth harbour. A vast warship, presumably undergoing maintenance prior to setting out to defend the shores dominates the visible harbour view.

I get back into my vehicle, as the road continues to twist and climb en route for the summit, hungry seagulls swoop overhead, and gather in ever-increasing groups as i approach the peak which has a large assembled amount of tourists. Surprisingly, parking is free, as soon as i found a space i immediately set off to take in the diverse panoramic view's at the top.

The journey to the summit merits every second. To the north lie the Falmouth docks and an abundance of vessels anticipating their next voyage on the open sea. Facing eastwards, the eye is drawn to the glut of yachts spread throughout Falmouth Bay, sailing freely in the steady sea breeze. In the distance sits the appealing little town of St Mawes, a mile or so across the water.

Magnificent view over there, remarks an elderly fellow standing beside me, as he points towards the yachting event and its zealous sailors. I smile in acknowledgement as he shuffles back to his car and his waiting wife. I frequently wonder if folks living here fully appreciate such magnificent surroundings or if the beauty becomes taken for granted. Coming from central England, the sea has always held fascination with me, vacations to the coast forever keenly anticipated when i was a child.

Look due south and on a clear day your eye is drawn along the magnificent, rugged coastline leading to Lizard Point, the most southerly part of Britain. As the wind howls and pounds the shoreline, a flock of seagulls unleash a harsh discordance of sound, daily rituals unperturbed by the resident tourist.

While the road twists and turns back towards sea level, my thoughts drift to the competing yachts, racing in the bay. What a wonderfully liberating sensation it must be sailing open sea. Adventorous thoughts race through my mind, but my thoughts return to the road. I'm heading back to cottage i have rented for the weekend, figure i will spend the day on the beach there as it is peaceful and a very pleasant day.

16 Things To Do In Belfast, Ireland

(top picture)
Grand Opera House, Belfast, Ireland

(second picture)
Belfast Castle, Belfast, Ireland

Belfast is filled with the charm of an old town shipping port alongside a thriving metropolis. Belfast originated centuries ago as a shipping passage through the Irish Sea, protected on one side by Ireland and the other by England. Today it is quickly gaining the reputation as being the place to go for a break, even more than Glasgow or London! Once you get here, either by boat, plane, ferry or coach you have a choice either to stay inside your bed and breakfast, or get out and see what Belfast has to offer.

Below is a list of some of the things to do while you are in the area:

(1) - Shine nightclub plays extreme techno for dancing.

(2) - Crown Liquor Saloon, is decorated in ornate, a Victorian-era pub and is full of friendly faces.

(3) - Ulster Museum displays many artifacts of early Ireland and treasures from the Spanish Armada.

(4) - W5 is a children's Museum.

(5) - Ormeau Baths Gallery a well-known contemporary art gallery, with a specialty shop inside.

(6) - Linen Hall Library – Library founded in 1788, beautiful with architecture.

(7) - Customs House is a Historic site.

(8) - Belfast Castle, take a tour of this majestic castle dating back to 1870’s. (pictured above)

(9) - St. Anne's Cathedral is a outstanding architecture; religious site.

(10) - Grand Opera House, go and see a classic or contemporary opera show. (pictured above)

(11) - Cathedral Quarter is in a upscale neighborhood, with buildings of glass and chrome, cafes and wine bars. Scenic/historic walking area.

(12) - Botanical Gardens and Palm House with a walk through gardens. (pictured below)

(13) - Belfast City Centre and Laganside Walk, a historic walking tour around the downtown area.

(14) - Harland and Wolff Shipyard, a shipyard down at the docks where the Titanic was built.

(15) - Mountains surround this city and make a beautiful place to spend a day hiking, picnicking, or horseback riding.

(16) - Have a fresh seafood dinner out on the Pier.

Belfast is the kind of get-a-way everybody needs every so often. Its quaint restaurants and pubs, old town background, and the dated architecture can't help but lend a friendly atmosphere to all who enter her. Whether you take a weekend, a week or three weeks, there is plenty for you and everyone to do. If you need a rest, you can always slip down to the beach for a relaxing afternoon walking the shoreline and soaking up the sun. But once you come to Belfast, you'll see why it is becoming the get-a-way city of Ireland.
The people of Ireland are more than welcoming and have a real sense of hospitality

Quite simply the best way to describe Ireland is to say
"Ireland where all the time in the world isn't enough"

10 Must-do's When In Dublin

(picture to the right)
Dublin Castle in Dublin, Ireland















(above picture) Donabate Strand Beach, County Dublin, Ireland.

Few places around the world lend a friendlier hand than Dublin. The Emerald Isle offers wonderful hospitality, complemented by its warm and friendly hosts. A cosmopolitan city, Dublin is rightly proud of its rich heritage, but also presents a modern face in keeping with contemporary culture.

Things to do and see in Ireland,

1. Trinity College

Housing the Book of Kells, a near two century old manuscript written by monks, Trinity College is Dublin's oldest university, built in 1592.

2. Christ Church Cathedral

Dublin's oldest building dates back nearly one thousand years to 1038. It was built courtesy of the invading Vikings, a monument to serve a powerful army.

3. Dublin Castle (top picture)

Dating back to the Norman invasion, this wonderful example of medieval architecture captures the artistic influence of the time. Magnificent painted ceilings and crystal chandeliers portray the Ireland of one thousand years ago.

4. National Gallery of Ireland

Monet and Picasso are just two of the influential artists on display in the city's largest gallery. Some 2,500 paintings give a flavour of a historic past and present.

5. Guinness Storehouse

Ireland's most famous export was once brewed in this famous old building. Since relocated, the Guinness Storehouse now delights in telling its visitors how one of the world's favourite beverages came to be.


6. Temple Bar

Contrasting Dublin's historic ancestry, Temple Bar brings the city right up to modern day with its cosmopolitan mix of bars, restaurants, shops and art galleries.

7. Smithfield Village

More eating, drinking and shopping can be found at Smithfield Village, a newly renovated development. A walk to the top of the Chimney presents magnificent, panoramic views of Dublin.

8. Grafton Street

Big name department stores trade alongside local craft shops in the busiest shopping area of Dublin. Traditional Irish gifts and souvenirs can be found more easily in the adjacent Nassau Street.

9. Pint of Guinness

No visit to Ireland would be complete without a tipple of the world famous Irish Guinness. Locals say it tastes better in its home city. Well, there's only one way to find out!

10. Irish Grand National

You can smell the money amongst the punters present at one of the great sporting events of the calendar. Join the runners and riders during the month of April to witness the Irish Grand National.

Peaks of Patagoni

Dramatic landscapes provided me with a continual camera moment throughout. It is late spring in the region and the weather was cooperative with a lot of sunshine. This however is a land where the unexpected is the norm, so i came prepared for occasional wind and rain. After a rest at the lovely Hotel Neruda and a city tour in Santiago, i flew south to Punta Arenas. There i transferred 2 hours by coach to Puerto Natales at the Patagonia steppe. I welcomed an overnight stay at the spartan but cozy Charles Darwin Hotel and a fabulous dinner of king crab and fresh salmon. The following day i sailed several hours on the cutter vessel 21 de Mayo up the fjord of Ultima Esperanza. Stopped for a hike around the fabulous Serano Glacier and a lunch on lamb at a remote cattle ranch. Later I boarded zodiac boats for a thrilling ride to the lodge located inside Torres del Paine National Park. Hosteria Pehoe is rustic for a rate of $200 per room but it lies on the edge of a turquoise glacial lake with an indescribably beautiful view. The backdrop of the spiny tall rugged mountains capped with ice was as vivid as a postcard. Three days were spent touring the park.

I was able to photograph the wildlife including guanaco's of the llama family, foxes, flamingo, sea lions, black neck swans, condors, cormorants and more. Several in the group arranged a nocturnal hike to view the elusive puma but none were spotted. Free time was provided for horse riding and boating to magnificent Grey Glacier which was a delight. Some people opted for an arduous 8 hour hike up the famous towering peaks known as The Torres, however i declined on this due to being exhausted. I then flew on to Puerto Montt and checked into the first class Hotel Gran Pacifica for four glorious nights to explore Chile's lake region. It began in Puyehue National Park with the backdrop of two spectacular and very active volcano's named Osorno and Calbuco. The afternoon was spent at the hot springs area of Aguas Calientes for a soak in the 110º crystal clear water. Here i participated in an optional canopy cable swing adventure through the treetops which was more fun than a barrel of monkeys. On the enroute back to the hotel, i visited a handicraft market with excellent buys on alpaca sweaters and blue lapis lazuli stoned jewelry.

The next day i rafted the powerful Petrohue River on class 3 and 4 white water rapids. Four people fell out of an overturned raft but wet suites provided protection for them from the frigid water and expert guides in kayaks were able to quickly retrieve all. This excursion for me was the highlight of the trip. On day 8 i enjoyed a catamaran cruise along the shores of All Saints Lake also named Emerald Lake for it's vibrant color in Peulla. The lush green forest here is set in the Andes foothills and covers 220,000 acres. Managed to photographed a succession of beautiful and powerful waterfalls cascading over volcanic boulders of the ice capped Osorno. The travel experience culminated back in Santiago with a farewell feast of seafood at a deluxe local restaurant. Prior to airport departure, i toured the Cavas del Maipo Winery. There i enjoyed a lunch of fantastic BBQ steak and imbibed on endless wine, including several vintages which rank among the nations most esteemed exports, i felt like a king at his banquette.

Ten days was sufficient here to see an eyeful, I've had my fill of salmon and lamb for a lifetime and reflect back on a journey well done. There was a wonderful group of 35 participants, most who met as strangers and returned as lifelong friends. The cost of this trip was $2397 inclusive of taxes which included round trip air from Miami and all internal flights. The $100 Chilean entry visa was extra. It was a good value and the guides throughout were excellent. I have toured a few countries now. The beauty here lies simply in the remoteness; pristine and unscarred nature in her finest glory. In Patagonia God created a perfect juxtaposition of New Zealand fjords, Switzerland's Alps and British Columbia's forests and lakes. Chile is a absolute delight on all of the human senses. It was the Incan word for land far away. I felt far removed in this narrow land that stretches to the end of the world yet was able to experience all the comforts of home. It certainly exceeded my expectations and I recommend it for any intrepid travelers list of must-see destinations of a lifetime.

Cool Canada

If you are looking for a unique and incredible travel experience then Canada is the place to go, Victoria British Columbia is called the garden city of Canada; it has a refreshing ocean climate and is the reason why flowers grow there all year long. The natural beauty it possesses attracts several million tourists from all over the globe year in and year out, it has so many wonderful features to share with the world however many people are simply unaware of where it is because of its location on the south tip of Vancouver Island (the main picture is of a place in Victoria BC) this is a shame as they are really missing out on a lovely city. I felt privileged to be able to witness it's natural beauty for myself, out of all the places in Canada (and it is a very big place, in fact it is the world's second largest country - only second to Russia) my favorite would have to be Quebec it is most famously known for having one of the best mountains in Canada for winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding (that was the main reason i came to Canada for the snowboarding). The mountain i am talking of is called Mt. Tremblant and is a busy metropolis due to it being a very popular tourist spot plus is open 365 days a year with activities for both summer and winter months, it is easily accessible due to being in a central location to most of Canada, plus the fact of the Trudeau International Airport is only a hour or two away.

The busiest time of the year is of course during the winter months and this is because of the World Class skiing and snowboarding experience you can enjoy here, there are almost 100 runs at Tremblant with plenty of lifts for easy access. You will also be able to enjoy acres upon acres of the most awesome rails, ramps, halfpipes and a superpipe, so it is a real adventure packed place (had to mention the extra add ons for the runs here). It was a real surprise for me to find this gem as i was not expecting it to have so many extra features, i could quite happily have stayed there for at least a year just playing on the pipes, ramps and rails without even hitting any of the full runs. There are plenty of other activities that you can enjoy while in Tremblant during the winter which include cross country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, skating, ice climbing, dog sledding, curling, horseback riding, helicopter tours, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, paintball and many other fun and adventurous activities. It is a highly family orientated kind of resort which was nice as there was not only serious adventure seekers but a mix of different levels of skills from beginner to expert which allowed for a comfortable atmosphere plus some real funny moments to watch with the beginner's falling over and crashing while going through there learning curve. It also had instructors that you could hire if it was your first time and of course for the children, i learnt so many more things here about boarding tricks and tips from watching and chatting to the other's on the stunt part of the runs (i was is snowboarding heaven). The picture at the top is of me on Mt. Tremblant

All the Canadians i met were very friendly and extremely open minded which was refreshing, there all so laid back i guess this is due to the size of there country as they have plenty of room to maneuver and therefore are not living on top of one another. The population of Canada is around 30 million, and this 30 million or so people live within a 10 million square kilometers of which around 800,000 square kilometers is water, Niagara Falls being part of that which is a absolutely spectacular sight to see and behold (so it has a huge land mass) full of tree's, mountains, city's, and lakes. Canada is surrounded by 3 oceans, the Arctic, the Atlantic, and the Pacific, the capital is Ottawa and the climate varies across the country; from extreme cold -32 Celsius up to a average of 26 Celsius it all depends on what time of year it is and in which part of this huge and wonderfully beautiful country you are in. I would say if you spent a whole year in Canada you would of only explored 20% of it at the most. I adored Canada and would most definitely return here one day if given the time and chance, therefore i could not say a single bad thing about it neither recommended it highly enough for anyone to go and explore for them selves.