•10 Must-Dos When In Amsterdam
An enticing fusion of ancient and avant-garde, Amsterdam is a beautiful city of creative legacy. Take a walk along the cobbled streets and serene canals and you can seem a million miles from the vibrant nightlife on every corner.
1. Dam Square Dam Square is the hub of the city and located on the site of the original Amstel dam. The focal point of the Square is the Royal Palace. Originally the town hall, it became regal following Louis Napoleon’s crowning in 1808.
2. Anne Frank’s House In...
•10 Must-Dos When In Barcelona
High spirits and vitality govern in abundance when in Barcelona. This infectious capital of Catalonia, and second largest city in Spain, exudes soul and energy, living life to the full. Barcelona’s verve is matched by its magnificent architecture, characterised by one man’s signature, Antonio Gaudi.
1. Las Ramblas
Running from seafront through to Placa de Catalunya, Las Ramblas is a fusion of market stalls and street entertainment. Watch out for the mime artists, though keep a hand on your...
•10 Must-Dos When In Bruges
A timeless spectacle, Bruges is a charming city full of medieval flavour. Its architectural treasures lure the eye, revealing a city of rich history. Serene canals and tight cobbled streets seize your imagination, enticing you to explore more and more.
1. Markt Square Watch the world go by in one of the Markt Square’s multitude of cafes and restaurants. A vibrant open area, relax with a coffee as the rat race scuttles around you.
2. Basilica of the Holy Blood Upon homecoming from the...
•10 Must-Dos When In Brussels
At the hub of European politics – Brussels is the cosmopolitan capital of bureaucracy. But when freed from the shackles of red tape, this compact capital of Belgium is a fascinating fusion of profound historical curiosity and contemporary living.
1. The Grand-Place Brussels’ central square is the focal point of activity for locals and tourists alike. The heaving markets are bursting with souvenir-seeking bargain hunters. Look out for the town hall (Hotel de Ville), a magnificent example of...
•10 Must-dos When In Dublin
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.
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...
•10 Must-Dos When In Monte Carlo
Home to the rich and famous, Monte Carlo exudes style and panache. The locals walk the paths with a swagger; you can smell the affluence. The town is a charming blend of chic city living and wonderful sun-kissed beaches. Monte Carlo is a compact city; the best way to explore is by foot. The narrow streets and tight alleyways are home to a fascinating array of petite shops, bars and restaurants.
1. Monte Carlo Casino Built in 1863, this architectural masterpiece overlooks the Mediterranean...
•5 Days In Amsterdam
All was still. Around one hundred people had settled in the rest room for the overnight ferry crossing from Hull to Holland. It was pitch black and the only sounds were the faint humming of the engines and the odd snorer.
All the seats had been snapped up so I found myself lying in a vacant space on the floor with a couple of mates trying to get comfortable. About five minutes had passed and I could feel myself about to drop off.
You could hear a pin drop. Then my mate farted. It began as a...
•A Cornish Pilgrimage - Falmouth
The road veers right and begins the steady climb to the heady heights of Pendennis Point. My modest car huffs and puffs as traffic files 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...
•Antarctica: Ultimate Wilderness
In the distance something stirs. A drifting polar bear searches for food on the edge of camp. Despite the presence of the huge beast, the men are in little danger. The guns take care of that. It is rare for a bear to wander so close. She must be hungry.
For the scientists and professionals who choose to live and work in this unforgiving land, Antarctica can seem a very lonely place. Perched upon a hill or mountain somewhere on this great continent, the dry air allows a clear view for...
•Avignon – Great City Of The Popes
Avignon, an enticing medieval town in southern France, is found in the region of Provence. At times referred to as city of the popes, Avignon was sanctuary for nine such men who sought reprieve from the hostilities of Rome. Once established, these illustrious men embarked on an architectural odyssey, and a distinguished town was born.
Today, Avignon is a magnet for sightseers in quest of rich history and an ambience absorbed in fervour, none more so than during the annual drama festival....
•Beckham Quits As England Captain
David Beckham has stood down as England captain following the Three Lions World Cup quarter-final defeat to Portugal.
Beckham was first given the captaincy by then England caretaker boss Peter Taylor in 2000 and continued in the role under the five year management of Sven-Goran Eriksson.
It was Beckham’s leadership in the final 2002 World Cup qualifying game at home to Greece at Old Trafford that will be most fondly remembered.
At the peak of his talent, Beckham single-handedly dragged...
•Can Michael Owen Restore Himself As England’s Top Man?
Michael Owen’s twisted knee and subsequent World Cup exit, coming only weeks after recuperating from a previous injury was not only a personal set-back, but also ultimately a fatal blow to England’s World Cup hopes.
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s nonsensical squad selections for the World Cup left England not only light in the striker department, but also seriously comprised our chances of a successful tournament.
With only four strikers to choose from Eriksson always knew he was playing a dangerous...
•City Breaks In New York City
When Henry Hudson arrived in 1609 few could possibly have anticipated the legacy he would leave behind. From humble beginnings, New York City has developed into the greatest metropolis on the planet.
Far from the crime ridden cesspit portrayed in films from the 1970s, New York has cleaned up its act. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised at the new found order and obedience within the present city.
Few places can compare for modern human spirit, depicted perfectly in the mass gathering of...
•City Breaks In Paris
Paris is simply the city that has it all. From its birth on the banks of the Seine in 52 BC as Julius Caesar continued his conquest of Europe, the City of Light has always commanded a captive audience.
Paris is synonymous with iconic landmarks. There’s nothing quite like watching the Eiffel Tower light up on a beautiful moonlit night, reaching out to the stars and beyond.
Many first time travellers to Paris arrive via the rather underwhelming Eurostar train terminal. But don’t let first...
•Dartmoor: England's Last Great Wilderness
Given National Park status in 1951, Dartmoor sits in the south of county Devon, southwest England, and covers an area of 365 square miles. Almost half the park is swampland, a haven for wildlife and those wishing to escape the rigours of city life.
Dartmoor Forest, owned by the Duchy of Cornwall since 1307, is a former royal hunting ground and makes up the vast majority of the region. The grass and heather moors are littered with hefty granite boulders scattered amongst the rolling hills....
•Daybreak On Lake Windermere, England
Located at the heart of Lake District National Park, Lake Windermere is England’s largest expanse of freshwater.
It is also the perfect place to welcome in a new day during the warm summer months.
It was 4:00am and my boat rocked gently below the parting night sky. The brightest stars were still faintly visible to the naked eye.
The moon’s happy face was about to greet the sun and hail another beautiful day, these two celestial chums never far from one another in the heavens.
I fixed my...
•Derwent Water: Jewel Of England’s Lake District
Perhaps what surprised me more than anything was the number of foreign tongues I heard about town. Keswick was more cosmopolitan than I had imagined. It had moved with the times, but retained many of its old values. Many well-known retailers are present, but Keswick maintains deep roots to ancient past.
As appealing as Keswick is however, it’s not the main attraction in this part of the world. That title goes to a place of stunning natural beauty which has inspired artists and poets for...
•En Route For Tibet
North of the Himalayas, in western China, lies the self-governing land of Tibet. The Tibetan Plateau is the highest populated region on the planet and stands at an average elevation of 16,000 feet. To the north lie the imposing Kunlun Shan mountains, providing a natural border.
At one of the last great outposts is the isolated Argin Shan Reserve, the largest nature reserve in China. The large herds of hooved animals present in this wilderness have led to its nickname ‘Serengeti of Asia’. The...
•England’s World Cup Dream Over
Once again England’s remarkable inability from spot kicks has cost them a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup.
The 3-1 shoot out defeat to Portugal was a repeat of the European Championship exit two years earlier when the Portuguese where on home soil.
Owen Hargreaves was the only Englishman to convert his penalty as the England curse continued.
England have now lost six of the seven penalty shootouts they have been involved in.
Contrast this to Germany, who since defeat to...
•England’s World Cup Foundation For Failure
I suspect few tears were shed as head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson left his post with the England football team.
Well, except maybe for big Phil Scholari who had just masterminded his third successive tournament victory against the laid-back Swede.
Eriksson has had his critics during his five-year reign with England, time and again engineering some baffling decisions to confuse not only the fans but also the players themselves.
England’s latest failure can be traced back to the day Eriksson...
•English Premiership Football 2006-07 – Aston Villa 2:0 Newcastle
Aston Villa’s renaissance under the guidance of Martin O’Neill continued at Villa Park as the home team put Newcastle to the sword.
New owner Randy Lerner made his first appearance in the directors’ box sat next to outgoing chairman Doug Ellis.
And it was smiles all round as Villa sustained their impressive start to the season against Glen Roeder’s Toon.
With major transfer activity not expected until the January transfer window, O’Neill’s initial assault on the Premiership will be...
•English Premiership Football 2006-07 – Blackburn 0:2 Chelsea
Champions Chelsea bounced back to winning ways but it was a hard fought victory against a plucky Blackburn side that mirror the fighting spirit of their manager Mark Hughes.
A second half Didier Drogba goal confirmed the win and helped to steady the ship after a less than convincing start to Chelsea’s season.
Two defeats from their first three matches, including a last minute reverse against a Middlesbrough side struggling to find their feet under the inexperienced leadership of Gareth...
•English Premiership Football 2006-2007 Preview – Chelsea’s Hat Trick?
Chelsea’s latest excursion into the transfer market has left many fans thinking this season’s title race is already a foregone conclusion.
On the face of it Chelsea appear to have signed two genuine world class stars in Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko to add to their growing number of A list players.
Ballack has been the driving force for both Bayern Munich and the German national team for several years and has always resisted the temptation to move until now.
Ukrainian Shevchenko...
•English Premiership Football Week 4 – Arsenal 1:1 Middlesbrough
Arsenal were forced to come from behind to earn a draw for the second home game in succession after a gritty Middlesbrough performance secured a point at the Emirates stadium.
James Morrison curled a beauty past Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann following a one-two with Jason Euell to give Middlesbrough the lead against the run of play.
New signing from Chelsea William Gallas was at fault for the opening goal, though too were much of the Arsenal back line.
Despite Arsenal’s early pressure...
•English Premiership Football Week 4 – West Ham United 1:1 Aston Villa
Whisper it quietly, but there are certain members within the Villa Park faithful anticipating great things under Martin O’Neill.
Without wishing to tempt fate, Aston Villa’s impressive start to the season is hopefully an indication of things to come under the often eccentric Irishman.
A combination of O’Neill’s eye for talent, in tandem with the vast wealth of new American owner Randy Lerner could be the catalyst for success Villa fans everywhere have been dreaming about.
With an almost...
•European Championship 2008 Qualifiers – Macedonia 0:1 England
Steve McClaren’s one hundred percent record as boss continued as England ground out a rather uninspiring victory in Macedonia.
The long legs of Peter Crouch were enough to send England home happy with all three points and top spot in Group E.
Until the breakthrough early in the second half, many of the two thousand England fans present in the stadium will have watched with apprehension as the team entrusted to bring a bright new post-Eriksson era failed to break down a stubborn Macedonian...
•Favourite British Scenic Drives: St Just To St Ives
The barbed Atlantic winds screamed at me relentlessly, penetrating the bones and drowning the songs of seabirds. Cape Cornwall stood defiantly in the face of the mighty Atlantic Ocean, sculptured over time by driving currents, wind and rain.
Cape Cornwall lies in the far west of county Cornwall, deep in the south-westerly reaches of England. Standing sentry against the intensity of the Atlantic, Cape Cornwall guards the town of St Just from the worst of the elements.
St Just is the last...
•France: On The Road
Paris, the city of love and a thousand other clichés, still holds a certain mystic. But no matter how many written words this great city has commanded - however familiar this town may appear - Paris will always remain an enigma, a magnet for millions of visitors from around the world.
Paris carries an enchantment that you cannot always put your finger on. We perceive Parisians as chic and stylish, forever setting the trend.
But there is more to this country than just its capital. France is...
•In Pursuit Of Miller's Landscape
I have always been a great admirer of the artist John Miller. His simplistic coastal landscapes are a wonderful escape from the rigours of city life in Birmingham.
But what of the subjects of his work? Were they just figments of his imagination or did these places actually exist?
Since buying my first print 'Estuary', his worlds have always seemed a beautiful Utopia, scenes of unrivalled natural beauty, somewhere I wanted to be.
Eventually I discovered his work portrayed much of the...
•Italy: The Art Of Good Living
Most people’s perception of Italy is that of style, a country whose taste for the good life is matched only by its panache. The food is full of flavour, created with a desire to serve nothing but the best.
Variety is the spice of life; kitchens all over the country try to outwit one another with new recipes, each one tastier than their neighbours.
But what drives the Italian people is their passion, their zest for life. Nowhere else is life lived with so much enthusiasm.
The boys cruise by...
•It’s Time To End The Reign Of The Football Cheats
It’s Germany 2006, another World Cup and another outrageous exhibition of diving, gamesmanship and just downright cheating.
The time has come to call a halt on this scandalous behavior and restore the image of the beautiful game.
Sepp Blatter ordered referees to come down hard and keep the lid on unruly players. The problem is the cheats have seen this as an opportunity to take advantage of the hard-line approach.
By diving and conning the referee they know they can get even more of their...
•I’m A Villa Fan And I’m Scared!
It’s fair to say that the past twenty-five years of following Aston Villa Football Club has come with its fair share of ups and downs.
But I can honestly say I have never looked forward to a new football season with such an overwhelming feeling of pessimism.
I was fortunate enough to be born just in time to appreciate the glory years of the early eighties. The team built by Ron Saunders and then nurtured by Tony Barton brought much joy and happiness to at least half the city of Birmingham....
•Journey To Ullswater
Ullswater lies in the northwest of England, amidst the charm of Lake District National Park. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the Lake District has inspired many a young poet and artist. But in the eyes of many, Ullswater is the jewel in the crown.
My journey began on the shores of Lake Windermere, England’s biggest expanse of water. Winter was merging into spring and a crisp breeze ran across the shoreline. A distinct smell of dinner drifted from the restaurant built over the water....
•Lake Windermere – Lake District National Park
“Are we there yet?” pleads my three-year-old son from the rear of the car. I’ve returned to the Lake District for the first time since my school trip to Patterdale, back in the early eighties. I’m curious as to what I can recall of the place after all these years, however, the sands of time and copious quantities of alcohol play havoc with the old grey matter.
I’ve already decided our next appointment with the lakes will be headquartered at Windermere, hub of the region. As a base it’s...
•Landscapes Of England: Brean
As a child I can remember thinking of Brean as the most boring place on earth. The bright lights of Blackpool were much more exiting. Countless arcades and video games would ebb away your time, as well as your money. The possibilities were endless.
Age helps you appreciate the finer details in life. Suddenly Brean had become a beautiful stretch of coastline boasting windswept sand dunes and several miles of golden sands.
So the funfair may have grown and its visitors gotten younger, but...
•Landscapes Of England: Hayle
The sea roars, whipped into a frenzy by the Atlantic winds racing across the bay. The waves look good today, surfers will be out for sure. Come rain or shine, these boys are dedicated.
You can taste the salty spray as it draws you towards the water. The familiar smell of seaweed was home. I knew I was back.
The Cornish town of Hayle sits in the far southwest corner of England, near the midpoint of St Ives bay. It lies approximately 10 miles north of Penzance and is part of the Heritage Coast...
•Landscapes Of Scotland: Glencoe
Glencoe’s spring sky looked bleak; wrathful clouds glared, threatening imminent showers. Columns of light penetrated the cloud, stood as sentinels guarding entrance to the sweeping valley. The scent of springtime was in the air; a new harvest was approaching.
Animals all around were preparing their nests for new siblings and a busy summer. The echoes of songbirds and their merry tunes sang throughout the valley; the season of courtship was upon us.
A crisp breeze was a reminder of a recent...
•Lisbon: Portrait Of Portugal
Lisbon is a relaxed city, full of friendly folk who make the effort to stop and talk. But their city was falling into decay and renovation became a priority.
Recent years has seen Lisbon begin to clean up its act. Hosting the 2004 European Football Championships focused the city and brought about an exiting new era.
For years Lisbon sat awash with building sites and rubble, eager to regain its status as one of the major calling ports of Europe.
Downtown Lisbon was stuck in a time warp....
•London Hotel Breaks - The Halkin 5* (Belgravia)
The 5 star Halkin hotel is located in the heart of Belgravia, approximately 100 metres from Hyde Park Corner tube station. Boasting a total of 41 rooms, the Halkin is the epitome of comfort and luxurious living. En suite facilities are magnificent, huge baths soothe and relax, perfect for contemplating the events of the day and recharging those batteries.
The hotel is within easy reach of Knightsbridge and an abundance of designer shops, restaurants, in fact just about anything that takes...
•London Hotel Breaks – Grange Holborn Hotel 5* (Holborn)
Contemporary design reflecting one of the world’s most fashionable cities – the Grange Holborn Hotel contrasts some of London’s more traditional accommodations. The modern architecture and décor mirror a city eager to keep its standards, striving to remain the benchmark. Your stay at the Grange Holborn Hotel will be one of luxury. Service is exquisite and obliges your every need.
Situated where West End greets the city, the hotel is ideally placed for shopping adventures in Oxford Street, or...
•Memories Of Barcelona
It was just soddin’ typical I had the seat with the broken air blower. Beads of sweat ran down my face as the temperature approached 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside. The smell of body odour had got progressively worse from the moment we departed for the Catalonian capital of Barcelona.
To be honest, I was one of the main culprits; my shirt had stuck to my back and needed constant peeling to allow some air circulation around my body.
“We’ll be stopping in about ten minutes at the Nou Camp....
•Memories Of Disneyland Paris
The harness forced me rigid in my seat. The pressure across my chest momentarily took my breath away. Fixed in position the only things I could move were my hands and feet. My heart raced at least twice its normal rate as we inched towards the starting point.
Anxiety began to swell inside me; I could feel my stomach turning. A deep fear within was urging me to escape and free myself from this unknown. As apprehension hit the zenith, loud rock music started blasting from two speakers concealed...
•Peace
I prayed for love and peace on earth Undying calm to ease the fear A tranquil and halcyon birth And sanctuary for those held dear
I prayed for solace, peace of mind An end to war and butchery For peaceful means to show the blind To honour faith and make them see
And past an age of bleak despair About this nightmare, I awoke And slowly I became aware The Lord had heard, and then He spoke
And God said love, and be as one To tolerate, and turn the cheek Abide the grief, it will...
•Rome: A Brief History
Rome has been synonymous with mythology since the birth of civilisation. Few places around the world conjure such colourful legends. Since the dawn of time itself, Rome has appeared to have had a say in almost everything that has occurred.
The Roman Empire had a huge influence on the course of European art and culture. Lasting impressions of Roman architecture have survived right up to the present day, from the ruins of the Colosseum at the epicentre of Rome itself, to far western corners of...
•Sort The Tickets Out FIFA
Once again loyal fans from around the world descend on a major football tournament to support and encourage their teams to glory.
Year on year they turn up in their thousands only for the majority of them to return home early and disappointed following defeat and another broken dream.
So why do the footballing authorities continue to give priority to corporations and members of the public with no vested interest in either team?
The inevitable result is thousands of true supporters are...
•Spain: Bullfights And Sangria
A cocktail of bullfighting, flamenco and sangria, Spain is a country blessed with rich history and culture. Add beautiful beaches and warm climate, and it’s evident why Spain is the world’s second most visited country.
The demise of Franco opened Spain to a curious world. A booming tourist industry allowed the country to grow, revealing its history and way of life to an interested planet.
Each town revels in its individual brand of architecture, none more so than Barcelona, bearing the...
•St Ives: A Town On Canvas
One of my favourite places in England sits in the far south-westerly reaches of the country, amongst the myths and legends of Cornish past. St Ives is a beautiful little harbour town, largely unspoilt by commercialisation. Resting at the northern tip of the A3074 (off the A30) in western Cornwall, St Ives is not easily accessible for the majority of the country but is well worth the effort.
A vast myriad of narrow paths and cobbled streets remind of days gone by and offer great contrast to...
•Standing On The Shores Of Loch Ness
Locked in the vaults of Scottish legend lies an enigmatic stretch of water famous the world over. Within the wells of Celtic folklore, the mystery of Loch Ness has baffled scientists for decades.
Loch Ness sits in the north of Scotland, near the town of Inverness. It forms part of a series of lochs running from the Irish Sea on the east coast, over to the North Sea on the western shoreline, almost dividing the country in half.
Loch Ness is the deepest body of water in the United Kingdom....
•Stonehenge Sunrise
Amid the enigma and bewilderment that enshrouds a small part of Salisbury in England’s green and pleasant land, I stood in awe to witness one of the great wonders of the world.
Before me stood five thousand years of history, a mystery dating back to the ancient Druids and cultures long since lost to the passages of time.
Silhouetted against the pre-dawn sky, Stonehenge stood proud in the gloom, its pillars united as one structure, forged from the hand of man five millennia ago.
If only it...
•The Ancient Sites Of Rome
For 3,000 years Rome has stood at the forefront of civilisation. The might of the Roman Empire brought great wealth and prosperity to the city and its allies. Rome became a treasure trove of extravagant architecture and monuments.
As fortune smiled down on Rome, their riches established communities endowed with ornamental landmarks, many of which stand to this day.
At the core of the once mighty Empire, The Roman Forum was the heart and soul of government. Originally a cemetery, the Forum...
•The Canadian Rockies: Trail Of The Grizzly
Over and over the huge grizzly bear stabs her powerful paw into the mountain river, fishing for her breakfast in the chilly, shallow water. A cool, crisp mountain breeze drifts through the valley; moist morning dew blankets the ground. The soothing sound of running water plays continuously as the sun scales the mountain peaks and illuminates the dawn sky.
There can be few places on earth with the raw, natural beauty displayed throughout the Rocky Mountains. Vast forests race up the huge grey,...
•The Grand Canyon: Life In The Gorge
An eagle swoops overhead, its vast wingspan silhouetted against the morning sun. A trained eye surveys the land below, anticipating any sudden movement.
Deep in the canyon beneath, the Colorado River runs its relentless course through Grand Canyon National Park, carved through the ages by this vein flowing through Arizona. As the sun climbs the morning sky, flooding the valley with light, the ground temperature rises and the creatures of the valley begin their daily quest for survival.
The...
•The Hidden Tourist Attractions Of Rome
Countless words have illustrated the Colosseum, and its fearless gladiators; the Pantheon, and its gateway to the gods; and the Roman Forum, once heart of the mighty Roman Empire. But what of the hidden tourist attractions of Rome and those that receive fewer column inches?
For a taste of the macabre try the Capuchin Crypt, the original haunted house. Ghoulishly decorated with the bones of long dead monks, the Crypt is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Those monks privileged enough to...
•The Lighthouse Hotel, Llandudno, United Kingdom
Providing panoramic views across the Irish Sea, the Lighthouse hotel is a wonderful maritime relic offering accommodation of a rather unusual nature.
Built in 1862, the Lighthouse warned the passing ships of the dangers of the North Wales coastline, offering safe passage for many a brave seaman.
These days the Lighthouse is more interested in its guests than the passing sailors, converted during its lifetime from a great beacon into a guesthouse.
The hotel resides on the rugged North Wales...
•The Streets Of London
I sat and watched from my seat in a street café on London’s Oxford Street as a young man pleaded for loose change from passers by.
Most pretended to be oblivious to the young man’s plight and continued their way along one of London’s busiest and thriving shopping streets.
Several minutes passed before an elegantly dressed woman took pity on the youth. Digging deep into her pockets she produced a couple of coins and offered them to the poor guy.
As I sipped my coffee and observed the...
•Traveller's Journal: Snowdonia National Park - Day 1
The road branched right into a trail named on the map as Llanberis Pass. In my experience anything labelled as a Pass meant spectacular scenery and a tinge of excitement stirred within me.
What began as a gentle shower was now a torrential downpour. As I progressed through the valley the walls rose steeply and threatened to engulf me. At one point they rise almost vertically to nearly two thousand feet. It's easy to find a sense of claustrophobia surrounded by these imposing mountainous...
•Traveller's Journal: Snowdonia National Park - Day 2
The Royal Victoria Hotel sits at the head of Llanberis Pass, near the foot of Mount Snowdon. Its elevated position provides wonderful views over Llanberis village, reminiscent of a wise old headmaster appraising his class.
Sandwiched between the two lakes of Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris, the hotel is an excellent base for exploring the wild terrain of Snowdonia.
I awoke to another gloomy day. The rain had continued through the night and showed little sign of letting up. Apparently Llanberis...
•Traveller's Journal: Snowdonia National Park - Day 3
I cannot recall the moment I discovered my fear of heights. I can remember falling from the top of a bunk bed once whilst on holiday as my sister slept on the bottom. I don't think that was the defining moment, though I'm sure it played some part in developing my phobia.
But one thing was for certain. I knew I couldn't come to Llanberis without a journey on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. "Did you go on the mountain train?" they would ask.
"Er, no," I would reply rather meekly.
"Why ever...
•Traveller's Journal: Snowdonia National Park - Day 4
For the first time this week Llanberis awoke bathed in sunshine. The gorgeous weather had stirred more than most from their beds at the Royal Victoria Hotel. The breakfast room was buzzing with activity.
Despite my early start I still could not catch a seat in the conservatory and the magnificent views of the village. Once more I took my table with the four walls for company and tucked into some hearty cereals. I skipped the traditional English breakfast. Though nice, it can get a little...
•Traveller's Journal: Snowdonia National Park - Day 5
If there was one thing I had noticed from my travels around Wales it was the extensive use of the Welsh language. The people of Wales are extremely proud of their country and rightly so. The language helps Wales keep its identity. Many are resentful of English domination and prefer the idea of more independence.
But one thing was for sure. No one could deny the natural beauty of their country and the warmth of its people. The A4086 to Betws-y-Coed may have been slow progress through the...
•Traveller’s Tales From The Cornish Coast Of Britain
They say the light is clearer in Cornwall, washed of impurities by the barbed Atlantic winds. Free of pollution, the small village of Mousehole draws artists from all corners of England. Amateurs and professionals alike delight in capturing the character and make-up of this beautiful Cornish community.
I took the B3315 south from Penzance and headed for Mousehole. The road stretched along the coast, a narrow passage of twists and turns and steep inclines. Tall trees lined the steep banks,...
•Traveller’s Tales From The English Coast
A placid air had swept through town and once again the bay was a picture of calm. Children played upon the shore as the gentle waves lapped about the beach. Gulls swooped overhead, their merry chatter a sure sign that spring was in the air and warmer times here for all.
Across the bay a narrow strip of sand had defied the tide and stood as dry land. Hundreds of seabirds took refuge, safe from predators. A whole community chatted amongst themselves, discussing the options for lunch. The clouds...
•Travels Through Cyprus
The old goat herder stands before his flock. Stick in hand, he bears the look of experience. His beaten old hat keeps the sun off his unshaven face.
His weathered trousers have seen better days and wear a belt, crudely tied around his waist. His braces are actually two of the elastic straps you use to tie your luggage to the car's roof rack.
As the sun beats down on the plains of Agia Marina he herds his goats to pastures new and another day of contentment.
When your country has suffered...
•Travels Through Lake Garda, Italy
“Your bill sir,” the waiter whispered with a gentle murmur of broken English. He spoke with a smile. He either expected a tip or had just broken wind. The consequences of the latter were too grim to bear so I settled up quickly and retreated to the waterfront.
Lake Garda glistened in the moonlight, perfectly still but for the faint ripples from passing boats. Illuminations danced like fireflies upon the open water, enticing you into the lake to view the town from a different perspective....
•Travels Through St. Ives, England
A little old man stands at the edge of the harbour. He always stands when he works. In his left hand is a photograph, a commission to keep him busy for the next few days.
He holds his brush in his right hand, masterfully transforming the canvas in front of him into someone's dream painting, an image to take pride of place on their lounge wall.
Every other stab of the brush he stops and takes a step back, checking his judgement. Behind him lie several pieces of previous work, portraits of...
•Travels Through Sydney, Australia
In 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip sailed his ship into Sydney Cove and one of the great cities of the world was born.
Today Sydney is home to over four million Aussies who love to bathe in the glorious sunshine and surf on the open waters that break upon its wonderful beaches.
Sydney Harbour is irresistible. Its famous bridge dominates the view, a magnificent feat of engineering.
But for sheer elegance, the Sydney Opera House takes centre stage with its unique appearance and over 2,500 shows...
•Travels Through Yorkshire, England
“Of course, the castle is haunted you know,” teased the waitress as she served up tea and scones.
In Knaresborough everything stops for tea and scones, but only when topped with a healthy lashing of fresh cream and raspberry jam.
“They say the ghosts of several family members walk the halls of Allerton Castle,” she continued in a tone that suggested she had told this story before and obviously enjoyed it.
Her manner was exemplary. Her advancing years were of little consequence to her...
•UEFA Champions League Group A – Chelsea 2:0 Werder Bremen
Jose Mourinho these days is a man under pressure.
Following two fruitless years in Europe the Chelsea boss knows it is the Champions League that club owner Roman Abramovich craves the most.
Failure to deliver in this year’s competition could prove fatal for the ‘Special One’.
The start of this season has seen a somewhat more humble Mourinho, gone for the moment the brash arrogance that has accompanied the man ever since his arrival fresh from guiding Porto to Champions League glory....
•Venice: The Floating City
For a millennium, Venice has provided inspiration for artists and writers. This coveted city is made up of 118 islands linked by 453 bridges. Each corner of town exhibits individual architectural magnificence, the city combining as one to form a spectacular theatrical stage set.
Beautiful churches adorn the banks of the Grand Canal as she snakes her way through the city. This main artery is at the centre of a myriad of canals running throughout the town.
The lifeblood of Venice is its...
•Vienna: City Of The Arts
On the banks of the Danube, Vienna and its population of over 2 million people bask proudly in their cultural heritage. Vienna’s love affair with the arts stretches back centuries and helped make it today, Austria’s number one tourist attraction.
A romantic imperial city, Vienna bears the hallmarks of a capital steeped in history, beautifully contrasted by its modern infrastructure.
A city of music, Vienna was home to some of history’s greatest composers. Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and...
•Visit The Sand And Surf Of Watergate Bay
The coastal road from Newquay snaked its way eastwards atop the high, craggy cliffs sculpted by the relentless Atlantic Ocean. Suddenly the road dipped and wound steeply towards sea level. Cars were parked everywhere; almost all had surfboards strapped to their roofs. This was Watergate Bay.
I turned into a car park and waited at the entrance. Just to my right a small, open camper van laid dormant. It had certainly seen better days and judging from the bodywork wouldn’t travel very far. Well,...
•Weekend City Breaks In London – The Carlton Tower Hotel 5* (Knightsbridge)
Boasting 220 sumptuous en suite bedrooms, many of which overlook the exquisite gardens of Cadogan Place, the Carlton Tower hotel effortlessly embodies panache and flair. Served by two excellent restaurants and accompanying bar, the Carlton Tower is the ideal base from which to explore London past and present. The hotel offers an accomplished Health Club, adorned with excellent facilities including a fully equipped gym and swimming pool.
Situated at the hub of Knightsbridge, the Carlton Tower...
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