Blackpool was the first municipality in the world to have electric street lights. It was around 1879 when large part of the promenade was wired. By then Blackpool was already fashionable as people enjoyed coming to the city to spend time by the sea, enjoy the beaches, the calming water and plenty of great accommodation alternatives. Today Blackpool is one of the most important location to visit in UK.
Blackpool Tower
The Blackpool Tower is the main attraction of Blackpool since its opening to the public in 1894. As other towers in the world, this is also inspired by the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris and it has an impressive height of 158 meters. Visiting the tower is a unique experience, as before the elevator guests get to watch a 4-D movie about Blackpool. From there passing through a room filled with memorabilia and old newspapers you finally get to the top, to what is now known as the famous Tower Eye. Two levels are accessible to the public: fist level with a glass wall for panoramic views over Blackpool and the sea; and the second level for those who want to feel the wind from up high. But what I personally like here is the Tower Ballroom. It dates from the end of the 19th century and it's a jewel to be admired and enjoyed. These days the Empress orchestra and the smaller Empress Dance Band perform on regular basis for all music lovers.
Blackpool Zoo
The Blackpool Zoo is the home of 1500 animals from all over the world: Asian elephants, gorillas, lemurs, giraffe etc. The pride of the zoo are the African lions and the Siberian tiger. There is even a Sea Lion Pool with Californian Sea Lions, and next to them the penguins that are so adorable. Interesting is also the fact that the Blackpool Zoo houses a Dinosaur Safari. It's a walk through area with over thirty life-size dinos, including the king - the T-Rex. What I love most in the Blackpool Zoo is the Miniature Railway. I have been always found of trains, and this found is a hidden gem in an totally unexpected place - a zoo. Very nice and a must to try out, even if you have to pay a bit extra on top of the zoo's entrance fee.
Blackpool Illuminations
I mentioned earlier that Blackpool is proud to be the first municipality in the world to have electric street lights.. So of course if you make to effort to get to Blackpool you have to experience the city by night, to get to see the Golden Mile. I am talking in fact about 7 miles of promenade between the North and the South piers of the city. You can find here everything from fortune tellers to fish bars, but the name comes from the abundance of slot machines that you could find all around this promenade. What I like about this part of Blackpool is the fact that here you can find the official Doctor Who exhibition.
Consider yourself a connoisseur of fine foods? Melbourne, perhaps more than any other Australian city, offers an array of food options that is unrivalled. Between the cafes, restaurants, and increasingly – pop-up vans, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re after, no matter what it is.
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| Image courtesy of ultrakml/ Flickr.com |
If you’re planning a trip to Melbourne and food is high on the agenda, here’s a take on what makes Melbourne such a hub for dining.
A quick history lesson
The taste and appreciation for good food is bred in Australians, with original settlers fast establishing an interest in Anglo-Celtic recipes. As cultures from Mediterranean and Asian regions migrated, a wide range of new tastes - sophisticated and delicate - began to spread, it wasn’t before too long that cuisine from China, Greece, Germany, Lebanon, Thailand, Italy, Vietnam, and beyond started having a tremendous impact.
Fast forward to today, and the historical link to food is still running strong in kitchens across Melbourne. Whether it be the big and robust tastes, or delicate and sophisticated, Australia’s heritage is locked into the culinary fabric that’s served up in thousands of tables each day.
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| Image courtesy of melburian / Flickr.com |
Seafood Heaven
Seafood is everywhere, a popular ingredient in most homes and restaurants. The famous ‘Throw another shrimp on the barbie’ didn’t come out of thin air. The Australian shrimp industry is small but known for its quality. They have a reputation for producing and distributing the best shrimp and are exported to every corner of the world. The clean ocean provides the highest quality lobsters, prawn, tuna, abalone and more, making seafood a huge part of the food culture here. You can taste this quality produce anywhere, be it some fish and chips shop on the street or a pan-fried barramundi in one of Melbourne’s outstanding seafood restaurants.
Lazy breakfast
If a good sleep-in is your thing, there are more cafes than not that cater for those who enjoy the luxury of a late breakfast. Brunch – for some, is not just an occasional treat, but a way of life, and this is pretty obvious by the amount of eateries who keep the breakfast menu going right through the day (and sometimes, beyond!).
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| Image courtesy of ultrakml/ Flickr.com |
Notable mentions for breakfasts:
- Don Vincenzo, Fitzroy. They possibly have the best Salmon Florentine known to man. Big call, but we dare you to prove us wrong!
- Three Bags Full, Abbotsford. This hugely popular eating joint fills up quickly and often has you waiting outside for your name to be called just to get a seat, but this is for good reason – they rule the roost! This quirky place is divided up into three main sections: a large modern and vibey space that leads into a more intimate bridging room that finally opens up into an amazing bustling space, complete with interesting industrial décor and a large communal table made from a reclaimed bowling alley.
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| Image courtesy Nagarjun/Flicr.com |
Exceptional selection of Wines
Outside of the excellent dining experience in Melbourne, you’re in for a treat when it comes to the wine. Australia is one the five largest exporters of wine in the world. With regions such as Yarra Valley, King Valley and King Valley, you can easily spend a weekend checking out the grapes of Melbourne!
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| Image courtesy of limaoscarjuliet/ Flickr.com |
Coffee, of course
If there’s one thing Melbourne does well, it’s coffee. There are too many places too mention here, and the fact is there’s good coffee everywhere you go. A good starting point is the breakfast paces already mentioned, as they all do fantastic coffee.
Melbourne is one stunning and diverse city. It’s a brilliant place to live, but also there’s plenty on offer for those wanting a great weekend experience. Pack your bags and get ready to indulge the senses!
Sharm el Sheikh is one of the most cosmopolitan resorts Egypt has on offer and with its idyllic beaches and beautiful weather, is the perfect holiday destination at any time of the year. Located between the stunning Sinai mountain range and the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea there’s plenty to see and do, so here are my top 5 things to do during your holiday in Sharm el Sheikh.
Diving
Sharm el Sheikh has a world-renowned reputation amongst scuba-divers and snorkelers. The crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea offer excellent visibility and a wide-range of exotic sea-life can be explored. The Ras Mohamed National Park is a particular favourite with experienced divers, as it is home to literally thousands of fish species and varieties of coral. The Straits of Tiran also offer divers a rich and rewarding diving experience with plenty of indigenous wildlife to explore.
Diving is a passion all over Sharm el Sheikh, and there are a number of diving schools which cater for divers of all abilities. Beginners are taken to specific sites which provide ideal conditions in which to learn the basics; many of these sites are close to shore. Divers are given their own guide, and they usually team up with other beginners. There are also plenty of opportunities for advanced divers to test their skills. Many diving centres host trips by boat to some of the area's best locations; Shark's Bay is a particular favourite. Egyptian regulations stipulate that all solo divers must present valid diving certification before being allowed to book advanced trips.
Shopping
The shopping opportunities in Sharm el Sheikh are unlike anything that will be found in any of the major European holiday resorts. The Old Market is reminiscent of several marketplaces in various top Hollywood movies. A wide range of market stalls offer a number of locally-produced goods for sale. Visitors can explore a multitude of items for sale such as rugs, clothing and genuine Egyptian jewellery. Those who are confident in haggling with stall-owners should expect to grab some amazing bargains while having an enormous amount of fun.
Cultural and Religious Excursions
Sharm el Sheikh is located in the heart of a deeply significant religious region of the world. Mount Sinai is mentioned countless times in the Quran, the Torah and the Bible. There are regular trips to the mountain which can be booked in advance. The mountain was the location of Moses' acceptance of the Ten Commandments, and it holds enormous significance for many people. Many visitors choose to combine a trip to Mount Sinai with an adventurous trip into the African desert. A traditional Bedouin settlement provides tourists with a true flavour of traditional Egyptian life. The famous St Katherine's Monastery is also a popular destination with visitors as it is located close the main descent of Mount Sinai.
Vibrant Nightlife
Sharm el Sheikh has a vast array of lively bars and clubs that make the resort a viable alternative to the famous holiday resorts of Spain. Visitors should be aware, however, that the legal age for consumption of alcohol in Egypt is twenty-one. For those looking for some outdoor fun many of the beaches feature parties, barbecues and spectacular fire-breathing shows. The resort's beaches are fun places to be during most evenings, as they also host belly-dancing shows, live music and a number of party games. There are also some very exclusive casinos in the many private holiday resorts of Sharm el Sheikh.
Parasailing
Parasailing is an activity which involves gliding through the air with a parachute while being pulled by a boat. There are many different services in the resort that offer tuition and all of the equipment required to get started. People can enjoy a unique view of the beautiful Egyptian coastline; Naama Bay is a very popular location for parasailing. Visitors who wish to try this breathtaking activity should check for services which allow several people to ride together. There is nothing more romantic than flying through the skies with a partner.
A cheap holiday to Sharm el Sheikh does not have to be a substandard affair. There are some fantastic resorts, hotels and holiday homes which can all be booked online for very reasonable prices. Further savings can be achieved by booking excursions and activities at the same time as the main holiday package.
There are many cities around Europe that are great to visit in the spring, summer and autumn, but some of them lose their appeal in the wintertime. It’s not always great fun to sight-see when your fingers feel like they might get frostbite, and even worse if you are somewhere when it’s cold and raining.
But while you can’t always guarantee that it won’t rain where you’re headed, there are some places that actually seem even more attractive under cold crisp skies and one of them is Prague. And of course, with so many last minute deals on flights and holidays you can leave booking a trip until a few days before you want to go, enabling you to check whether you’re in for some good or bad weather.
Prague is the capital and the largest city in the Czech Republic. When you see the historic centre of Prague for the first time, you’ll realise immediately why it has been given UNESCO world heritage status (since 1992).
It’s a charming centre full of old and beautiful buildings. The city has the river Vltava running through it, so there are several beautiful bridges that span the river including the most famous one, the Charles Bridge.
There are so many things to see in Prague you should read up on what you want to include on your visit there. If you’re a Beatles fan, don’t miss out on seeing the Lennon Wall. Near the Charles Bridge, this is a graffiti filled wall that’s a homage to John Lennon. The Charles Bridge is over 600m long and almost 10 metres wide, so it’s a great place to wander along, appreciate the views of the city in either direction as well as the thirty baroque statues that are placed along the bridge. It’s a beautiful bridge at any time of day, but there’s something magical about it when the lamps are lit and it’s dusk.
Of course, there’s a huge range of accommodation to choose from in Prague. Staying in the old town is more expensive, and though they’re often quaint, the budget city centre hotels can sometimes feel like you’re sleeping in a broom cupboard! Staying a little further out of town, in the business district, you’ll often get better value for money and extra facilities.
Photos via Flickr Creative Commons
Paris is a romantic and magical destination at anytime of year, but at Christmas the city radiates with a festive glow unmatched by almost any other European city. Shop windows fill with chocolates and other mouthwatering treats and the city’s legendarily harassed and busy residents have even been known to stop and even crack a smile.
So if you’ve got a weekend to spare before the big day then a trip to Paris is the way to start your festive season with a bang. And to make it even better here’s a few suggestions for the best things to see and do during your time in la belle France!
Christmas Window Displays
That’s not to say the department stores of Opéra aren’t worth a visit, or at least worth peering into from the outside. Paris’ two main department stores - the opulent Galeries Lafayette and the slightly more pedestrian (but still very impressive) Printemps - spend all year coming up with ever more inventive, intricate and complex window displays, which are generally unveiled at the end of November each year. These are truly works of art (indeed well known modern artists have collaborated on them in the past) and are generally surrounded by a gaggle of (suitably impressed) tourists. If you’ve got the time then pop up to the roof of either department store (Printemps’ terrace has the better view but can be a nightmare to find) and take in the vistas of the city; if you’re looking for an ‘I’ve been in Paris’ Facebook photo then this could be the place to take it!
Christmas Markets
Yes, ok, starting off a guide to Christmas in Paris by mentioning a quintessentially German concept might seem a strange thing to do, but the Marché Noël at La Défense is worth breaking the rules for. The market is made up of around 300 wooden huts spread amongst the skyscrapers of Europe’s largest business district offering Glühwein, stocking fillers and warm and hearty food making the market well worth a wander. More conventional Christmas shopping needs can also be taken care of in the gigantic Les Quatre Temps shopping centre which is also situated in the area. While it lacks in individuality it most definitely makes up for in it scale and convenience. Plus it never gets anywhere near as busy as the department stores around Opéra or the boutiques of the Champs-Élysées.
Other Tips
If you’re visiting after Christmas and looking to hit the sales then keep in mind that sale dates in France are officially regulated and 2013’s winter sales won’t start until January 9th. The first day of the sales is usually mad and unless shopping is your sport, probably best avoided. The officially enforced end date of the sales means that, unlike in the UK, discounts will get deep towards the end of the sale period since the products have to be shifted before a set date.
Got tips of your own? Then leave us a comment with your advice for the best Christmas activities in Paris, or any other cities you might love at Christmas time!
Show off your knowledge of the local cuisine in Beijing next time you plan on bringing a friend. Even if you have limited knowledge from your own experiences you can show a friend how the locals eat with a little cheat sheet on where to go. Here's just a taste of what Beijing has to offer and where the locals come back to again and again.
Quanjude, Peking Duck
There is perhaps no place in the world who serves up a Peking Duck like Quanjude. Established in 1864, it is definitely a favorite of tourists, but the locals are proud of this legendary restaurant. Its flagship restaurant is located on Qianmen Street in the Chongwen District with many other branches throughout Beijing. Quanjude has served many dignitaries from more than 200 countries.
Mr. Shi's, Dumplings
For the best in dumplings and a favorite among locals is Mr. Shi's. You can order your dumplings either boiled or pan-fried and choose from vegetarian, pork, or shrimp fillings. Mr. Shi's is always packed with locals for the good food and good prices. You can fill up fast on the cheap and will find yourself coming back again and again. This is a great place to show a friend how to eat like a local without breaking the bank.
Street Food, Baozi on Xinzhongjie
Locals flock to street vendors for some of the best, and cheapest, food in Beijing. From lamb kabobs to squiggly scorpions and starfish on a stick, there is much to choose from for the adventurous palate. You might want to start out with something less challenging for breakfast, such as baozi, a bun filled with pork, vegetables, and other tasty delights. One of the most popular stands for baozi can be found on Xinzhongjie.
Street Food, Donghuamen Night Market, Northwest of Wangfujing Street
For lunch and dinner, take your unsuspecting friend to the Donghuamen night market for more exotic fare. Though the market is a local favorite, it does get busy with a lot of curious tourists. Here you can find foods tailored to the Western palate and a wide variety of foods representing the many cultures of China. The lamb kabobs and pita bread stuffed with meat that are sure to please. If you're more adventurous, you can try squid, grasshoppers, and those squiggly scorpions and starfish.
There is plenty for the sweet tooth at the Donghuamen Night Market such as fried pancakes, bananas, and a big favorite among the locals, tang hu lu. This super sweet treat is comprised of several hawthorne fruits on a stick which are coated in thick and sticky caramel. You'll spend a good amount of time working through the caramel and ultimately trying to get it out of your teeth, but it's worth the trouble. It's a great way to get that lasting taste of scorpion out of your mouth.
Now you can confidently show your friend around Beijing and pride yourself in showing him how the locals eat as though you've lived there for years. Along the way, you'll surely come to know the best of Beijing.
Excellent spots to take a walk, grab a bite, or enjoy music and theater with a view.
French philosopher Michel de Certeau wrote beautifully about the eerie power of standing above a city and gazing down at it from a great height in his seminal essay ‘Walking in the City’.
In it, Certeau begins atop the Empire State Building and notices how this position is one of great privilege: to see the city from above, not from the streets: to be exclusive and above the normal urban project. A view from above is for the big spenders, the rich; a view from the streets is for the citizen, the local.
Yet does this tale of New York apply elsewhere? Catching a glimpse of London from above can be an equally rare pleasure – but there are more opportunities to do so than one might initially think.
Many central London hotels have some excellent views around the city’s busiest buildings – we recommend the cluster of hotels around Hyde Park and the Park Plaza complexes around Westminster Bridge, Waterloo and the South Bank. We’ve picked out some of the best places to get a great view of London on foot – and up high with a bite to eat.
Big spenders and high flyers: dining with a view
Whilst dining at some of London’s high restaurants can be pricey, there are some excellent spots which have lovely bars too and are in fact much better for popping up around 6.30-7pm to catch the autumn sunset and have an aperitif.
Bang central is Paramount at Centre Point, a very ugly building on Tottenham Court Road, whose top floor boasts this lovely bar and stunning views around the whole city. There’s also a restaurant run by Searcy’s atop the National Portrait Gallery just off Trafalgar Square; from a table here you’ll see all the delights of old central London, from the National Gallery and Houses of Parliament to the new London Eye.
East
In the east, the Gherkin also had a panoramic bar/restaurant run by Searcy’s, giving great views from east to west, and further east and south towards Canary Wharf. The sense of eerie exclusivity will really come to the fore in this area.
Southbank
The classic choice is to go up the Oxo Tower on the Southbank, offering stunning views across the St Paul’s, as well as all along the river.
Walks with spectacular vistas
My personal favourite is to walk the city; this is a wonderful thing to do on a clear day, especially a week day if you are on holiday and can take the time off. Top tips are mostly in the north, allowing you to bow down over the rest of the city; furthest north is the towering Victorian delight of Alexandra Palace – itself an amazing structure which offers stunning views across the whole expanse of the capital. A little closer in, you’ll want to wander up Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath (a great spot for any kind of long lazy walk in London). Best for sunsets and late at night is Primrose Hill as the day winds down, overlooking the Regent’s Canal, Camden and the glittering lights of the city.
Long days of sightseeing in London deserve good nights of first class entertainment. Whether you’re staying at one of the cheap hostal or have a suite at the Ritz, after a busy day you deserve to let your hair down in style. London has been a home to every cultural phenomenon and in the recent years one certainly started to sparkle and seduce - I’m talking about the art of burlesque. Originally a cabaret act intended to mock and ridicule, burlesque evolved into a fun but sensual dance art form and world class celebrities such as Dita Von Teese definitely helped to popularise it. Embracing the retro pin up style of the 1940s and 1950s, burlesque is storming the city!
If you’re in town in November, Chaz Royal, a producer of award wining burlesque shows and founder of The London Burlesque Festival, will be hosting a 10 Year Anniversary Celebration. To celebrate a decade in business the winners of World Burlesque 2012 Games, such as Eliza Delite, will take to stage to entertain and tease in a truly decadent fashion. The festival itself takes place in April and also has its spot at Edinburgh Fringe - I’d highly recommend pencilling those dates in your next year’s calendar.
Don’t despair if you miss the celebration or the festival - London is buzzing with burlesque performances on weekly basis. Bohemian Café de Paris every Sunday gives its stage to the Wam Bam Club - a weekly explosive mixture of comedy and burlesque. Wam Bam Club is one of the longest running cabaret nights in London and many of the 15 acts are residents well acquainted with the audience. Wam Bam stages boylesque acts as well, still a rarity among the ladies. The entertainment, complete with a three course meal, will certainly make for an unforgettable experience.
Majority of burlesque shows take place in the very heart of the City or around Mayfair, however should you fancy a more alternative option, Proud Cabaret in Camden comes to the rescue. Located in Stables Market in the old Horse Hospital, the venue brings extravagant glamour to the North of London. With their newest offering ’50 Shades Of Cabaret’, a burlesque and dinner show, this supper club is not to be missed. However for a more intimate experience head to the up and coming Stoke Newington, where at The White Rabbit on a Friday every month you’re invited to go ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’ - a new and exciting night, promoting fresh burlesque talent in the city. The venue itself is kooky and cosy and the intimacy will let you experience burlesque as if you were in a real Parisian cafe.
Burlesque will certainly add some glamour, sparkle and good laughs to your night time entertainment. If the shows themselves were not enough to make you come back - there are plenty of burlesque and boylesque academies, encouraging you to come in and try the art form yourself. Who knows, you might be the star of the next year’s London Burlesque Festival!
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