Spell binding Spain

The photo to the right is of the La Sagrada Familia, church.

The photo below is taken with a view over the whole City of Barcelona.

Spain is one of the most amazing countries in the world with rich culture based on religion and customs. The country is inhabited of about 45 million people of whom 80-94% are Roman Catholics. This is the reason why local as well as national events are based on Catholicism and faith. Spain is also home to many great things to do. While in this country, you will never have to worry how to spend your days because believe it or not, Spain travel can give you total vacation experience. Such as,

Run with the bulls. If you dare and tough enough to face the challenge of running with the bulls or simply want to join the fun without actually getting face to face with the bull, Pamplona should be your destination. The festival happens every July and has already attracted visitors from all parts of the world. The celebration is offered to San Fermin, the patron saint of Pamplona. This religious and unusual celebration makes Pamplona a good destination for your Spain travel. Skiing and Mountaineering. Visit Catalunya, Aragon, and Torremolinos and Malaga in Andalucia and stay at one of the top winter resorts in Spain. Perfect time to go is during the late spring where you can have your winter sports by day and go at the beach and sunbathe in the afternoon.

Watch the Primera Liga Live. See you favorite football stars like Zidane, Raul, Roberto Carlos, Figo, Ronaldo, and David Beckham as they all play for the best football team in the UAFA Cup: Real Madrid. Cafe all Day. Treat yourself in the relaxing day at one of the cafe in Spain. The country has lots of cafes in every village, town, and city where you can spend your whole day chatting with friends or alone savoring the Spain environment.

Go to local village fiesta. Spain travel might not be complete if you haven't seen any local village fiestas. Since every town has their own patron saints to offer thanksgiving, you can never miss attending one. Fiestas normally have parades, religious activities, and parties during the night. Meet the Artists. Spain travel would introduce you to several world-renowned artists. Visit Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Barcelona beach's giant copper fish and other Gehny's contemporary structures. Know more about the art of Antoni Gaudi in his structures at Barcelona and get introduced with his unusual tile style and graceful organic curve.
(photo of a Gaudi building in Barcelona)
Take a glimpse of Diego Velazquez's art in Prado Gallery in Madrid. Diego Velazquez painted the "Old Woman Cooking Eggs" and "The Rokeby Venus". And of course, who would not recognize Pablo Picasso? See his work Guernica at the Reina Sofia. Or visit the Picasso Foundation in Malaga.Stay during the Holy Week. Spain travel is also ideal during holy week where the whole country commemorates that passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. See all the plays, activities, traditions, and the celebration of the country. If you are not a Catholic, you can still witness this activity. Eat Snails. The Snail Festival happens every snail Lleida give you a different appetite for food. Although snails are the main course, you can also drink, dance, and eat other local foods all day and all night.

Pretty Portugal

The photo to the right is of a secluded beach on the Algarve.

The photo below is of the Arc that is at the entrance to the City of Lisbon.













On the southwestern tip of continental Europe, Portugal is an old school country.

While in this country i was fortunate enough to visit Lisbon, Lagos and the Algarve (mainly due to the size of the country, which is relatively small).

Lisbon:
Lisbon is the biggest city in Portugal and is located on the Atlantic coast in middle of the country. I've been to Lisbon once before, but only for a days. So far every time I've come away with the impression of elegance. Arriving by train, your first taste of Lisbon is when you walk out of the train station directly onto the shore of the harbor. As you look to the ocean, the name San Francisco immediately comes to mind. Mountains rise up on both sides of the mouth of the harbor and then there is the bridge. Running across the mouth of bay is a bridge that looks for all intensive purposes like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. I've never had a chance to research it, but there has to be a connection. As you walk into Lisbon, everything is clean and relaxed. There are walking only streets with cafes and garden areas. Bringing to mind peace and tranquillity, there are cable cars running though the center of the city though. I can't tell you why, but Lisbon is a very low stress city on both the mind and the wallet. Yep, it is cheap and a good destination for budget travelers.

Algarve:
The Algarve is the southwestern tip of Portugal and borders on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans. This is an interpretation on my part as some feel the area only covers the beaches on the Mediterranean Ocean. Regardless, the Algarve is a collection of beach towns and is without a doubt the hub of the tourist trade in this country.Algarve is the most southern province of the eleven that Portugal has been divided into. Its variety in terrain which starts at the small town of Odeceixe on the west coast, nicely tucked into the Espinhaco do Cao mountain range bordering the coast and the brave Atlantic Ocean to the west. Its shoreline runs down through Aljezur, symbolic in the Portuguese history thanks to its castle which is one of the seven that appear on the flag of Portugal. Still enjoying the different shades that the fertile valleys offer, you continue along the shoreline to Alfambra, a walled in city and well-known as a fishing village and tourist attraction. To the most western tip is the Cape of Saint Vicent and to the town of Sagres where Henry the Navegator first started his navigation school. At this point, you have come into contact with the most attractive Algarve beaches. Long soft sandy stretches which enclose secret coves at the beginning where the outline of the coast is extremely flat around the towns of Lagos but after the city of Albufeira it turns into cliffs. Not leaving the hypnotizing view of the Atlantic, and continues on to Faro, the capital of this area after having taken this title away from the city of Silves in 1577. Here in Faro you have the main gateway into this southern region when arriving at this well-prepared international airport for your holiday stay. But there is still more beach towns like Tavira, a very historic medieval town and Castro Marim another city surrounded by a protective wall. From here, the journey northward following the Guadiana River, which is the natural border between Spain and Portugal. For me one of the highlights of the Algarve is Lagos.

Lagos:
If there was ever a place i would retire to in my life (not for many, many years yet) Lagos may be that destination. Lagos is a sleepy beach community with just about anything you could want in paradise. White sand beaches, private beaches, grotto's, wine growing, a lively nightlife, modern conveniences and just about the nicest people you have ever met in your life. You can stay in a hotel while in Lagos, but this is a mistake in my opinion. Instead, go to the train station and reserve a room with a family. Families in cities all over the world do this, but Lagos is different. The family you stay with more or less adopts you as one of their own. They will haul you all over town, introduce you to other locals and generally give you a true taste of Portugal. For true travelers, nothing could be better. I loved it so much, I wanted to stay.
(below is a picture off the coastline of Lagos)

Alluring Aberdeen

The picture above is of the Aberdeen coastline.

The picture to the right is of a monument in the heart of Aberdeen.





Aberdeen, is in the heart of Scotland’s Grampian Highlands, and is an ideal destination for art, history and culture that is slightly off the beaten track. This is Scotland’s third largest city and was the inspiration for the well known Scottish folk song The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen which portrays a well worn Scottish theme: that of extreme homesickness when away from my “home native land” and celebrates the spectacular phenomenon of Aurora Borealis, other wise know as the phenomena Northern Lights. Aberdeen was established in 1179, and her fortunes were transformed by Robert Bruce’s 1319 Charter, in recognition of his gratitude to the people of Aberdeen who had sheltered him during his campaign against the English. Since 1509 when the renowned University of Aberdeen was established, Aberdeen has been an academic centre of Europe, which influences a great many of the cultural and historical activities on offer in the city and its surrounding areas. Described by Queen Elizabeth II as “my dear place in the Highlands” Balmoral Castle offers visitors guided tours of the gardens, historical exhibitions and luxury safari in the Caledonian Pine Forest, where visitors can catch glimpses of Scottish wildlife.

Another ancestral home continuously inhabited for over 400 years is Haddo House. Visitors can enjoy Gordon family ancestral portraits, memorabilia, the old stables and traditional Scottish tea room. Opera, ballets and plays are presented from May to October.
The NorthEast Falconry Centre offers a uniquely close experience with Scotland’s birds of prey. Introduction to Falconry, outside demonstrations and walks with hawks are just some of the exciting and educational activities on offer. Aberdeen Art Galleries and Museums comprises Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Lord Provost’s house and The Tollbooth in one site, and offers a varied programme of events and exhibitions. The Art Gallery hosts collections dating back to the 18th century of fine art, and the Maritime museum exults in the region’s proud seafaring traditions. The Tollbooth is made up of 17th century cells, and the Lord Provost’s House portrays the elegance and ritual of upper class Highland living. Aberdeen offers a whole host of recreational activities to enjoy. From parks to museums, traveller's will never be bored while in Aberdeen. Storybook Glen in Royal Teeside is a magical adventure land set over 28 acres where kids and adults can see their favourite fairy-tales and nursery rhymes come to life, and wonder at the natural beauty of waterfalls, brooks and flora.
The Gordon Highlanders Museum celebrates the history and culture of over two centuries of one of Scotland’s greatest kilted regiments, the Gordon Highlanders.

Known as the “jewel in the crown” of the city’s fantastic parks, The David Welch Winter Gardens boasts a Tropical House featuring flora from South and Central America, an Acrid House which creates desert conditions for exotic cacti to flourish, and a Corridor of Perfumes which celebrates the variety of perfumes from different plant species. A visit to the Lighthouse and Harbour Master is a don’t-miss to learn about Scotland’s marine history, and find out what ships will be arriving in the port and when. The world’s sixth oldest golf club, The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club may be able to lay claim to being the site of the invention of the game of golf. Today the club retains the old world elegance of a gentlemen’s club, and boasts a healthy membership of both local and overseas golf enthusiasts who enjoy the stunning Balgowie Course, which has played host to many major tournaments. There are a number of fine locations to dine at while in Aberdeen. No matter what a visitor’s preferences are, Aberdeen offers something to appeal to everyone’s tastes. The Stage Door Restaurant is the destination for a step-back-in-time dining experience. Situated in the old Aberdeen Union & Music Hall, the restaurant is furnished in art deco style with many of the original architectural features surviving, and serves inimitable and innovative seafood delights. For the best fish and chips in the UK, The Ashvale cannot be beaten for traditional fare. The Square boasts great value high quality dining, including Gluten free options, an extensive kids’ menu and even regular visitors can experience variety thanks to the menu that changes every three months. Italian Deli Delight is a relaxed cafe by day and buzzing restaurant by night, serving up mouth-watering Italian cuisine at all times.

Aberdeen offers accommodation to suit every taste and budget.
The Lemon Tree is known as the world’s only all year round festival, presenting a constant programme of theatre, dance and musical spectaculars, and national touring West End theatre is also on offer at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Cinema is also well represented, with a UGC and local Belmont Theatre. For clubbing to international DJs, Ministry is the best bet, or DeNiros is a local clubbing option, playing Top 40 and House music. World class shopping is available at St Nicholas Centres and in the historical district around Union Street. The Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre hosts international touring music acts and sporting events. Aberdeen is truly the jewel of the Highlands, offering world class dining, nightlife and cultural and historical attractions to satisfy visitors of all ages and interests. The architecture of Aberdeen is distinctive and visually stunning, carved as it is from silver granite, creating a cityscape unrivalled in its beauty. Aberdeen boasts a cosmopolitan diversity, having been a premier Northern European trading port for many generations, enjoying centuries of established links with Scandinavian traders and Asian merchants. Nestled in the craggy landscape of the North East Highlands, and set against the romantically bleak North Sea, Aberdeen offers breathtaking views that have more in common with Scandinavian countries than the British Isles, and culture and history resplendent in maritime tradition Celtic heritage. The oil capital of Europe is also home to a thriving nightlife and theatre scene, just one in many contradictions that make up this intriguing ancient city.

If you visit Scotland, then Aberdeen is a absolute must see.

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"