Schlosshotel and ski resort Fiss, Tyrol, Austrian Alps

How to Get Luscious & Lovely Lashes for a Magical Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 02:15:00 +0000

Mastering your eye makeup is hard enough we all struggle to find the perfect shadow shade, eyeliner, and most importantly, a mascara that guarantees the ‘wow’ factor.

With all this in mind, it’s crucial to find a mascara that will enhance your lashes and really make those eyes pop. With these top five mascaras, your lashes will surely find their perfect match.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

This favorite mascara conditions your lashes as it thickens and gives you the full lash look. We’ve all dealt with those black clumps getting stuck in between our eyelashes, completing ruining the overall appearance of our eye makeup. With a lash-doubling formula, you’ll never have to settle with anything less than perfection. For all you ladies out there with sensitive eyes, Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara is hypoallergenic, contact lens safe, and washable!

Covergirl Lashblast Volume Mascara

If you’re like me and have very little eyelashes, this favorite will surely boost your ego. With Covergirl’s Lashblast Volume Mascara, you’ll have maxed out lashes in just one application. After using this mascara on my own lashes for the first time, I can only say one thing—PERFECTION! LashBlast’s patented volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush leaves you with the ultimate big-lash look. Who could ask for more?

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Sometimes your bottom lashes want a little attention too—and when it comes to mascara, these lashes never seem to reach center stage. With Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara, your bottom lashes can finally hit the spotlight. This mascara has a brush engineered for tiny tasks along with a formula that resists smears. Pair this mascara with any of the above favorites and see what fabulous outcome you can get!

M.A.C. Cosmetics False Lashes Waterproof

Speaking like a true MAC fan, I can vouch that this mascara will not disappoint. With a new waterproof formula, MAC’s False Lashes mascara features 12 hours of water, tear, and humidity- proof wear. You’ll never have to stress about your mascara smearing after a dip in the ocean or even a small set of tears!

SmartLash Eyelash Enhancer

This physician-tested, non-irritating lash enhancement gem completely transforms your lashes. If you desire a lash line that looks thick, long and full, SmartLash is the formula for you.

Honey Afternoon Tea reviewed, St Ermin’s Hotel Westminster, London

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 17:16:00 +0000

St Ermin's Hotel houses over 350,000 honey bees on the third floor terrace. Their honey is now used as a core ingredient in the Honey Afternoon Tea.

There’s a certain buzz around the regal 4* St Ermin’s Hotel new Honey Afternoon Tea.

St Ermin’s is the home of London’s only “Bee & Bee” hotel, housing over 350,000 Buckfast honey bees on the third floor terrace. The bees have been working their magic this summer and their honey has now been harvested to be used as a core ingredient in the Honey Afternoon Tea.

The entrance of St Ermin’s is rather opulent, adorned with glittering chandeliers and an ornate faux-baroque lobby. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge on the first floor.

Tea began with a glass of delicious Bianca Vigna Prosecco Frizzante, just to whet the appetite while mulling over which of the 13 teas to choose. These range from traditional English Breakfast to a selection of fruit teas.

We decided to be daring and opted for the spicy Masala Chai and Darjeeling teas, served in charming tea cups adorned with birds and flowers.

Our food arrived soon after on a tiered serving plates, and it was truly a feast for the eyes. For the savoury options, we tucked into such delights as goat’s cheese rolls with apricot chutney, almond flakes & bee pollen and Honey & mustard chicken with coleslaw.

The sweet treats comprised a gorgeous honey cheesecake with lemon & sesame praline, indulgent chocolate espresso cup and a light-as-air orange yoghurt mousse and honey sponge.

The burnt honey jelly with lavender panna cotta looked the business but was a little sweet for my taste. One highlight was the matcha sponge with yuzu & honey crème mousseline and blackberry jelly, complete with a gold-dusted blackberry.

As if five sandwiches and five sweet treats weren’t enough, we were also served a bowl of warm mini scones accompanied by clotted cream and jam. The scones were light and tasty but by this point we were both running out of room.

Incidentally:

as well as the Honey Afternoon Tea, you can also purchase a selection of four honey cocktails, all served in special bee glasses. The cocktails are available to order at the hotel’s Caxton Bar and are priced at £12 each.

Verdict:

the service was exceptional, the tea was delicious and almost every morsel tasted as good as it looked. Make sure you arrive hungry and allow several hours to enjoy the food. My only niggle was that from our cosy corner, there wasn’t much to look at and people watching opportunities were scarce.

Good to know that for every tea sold, £1 will be donated to the British Beekeeping Association throughout September.

Fact file

The St. Ermin’s’ Honey Afternoon Tea is served daily between 12pm and 6pm until the 31st of October in the Tea Lounge, Library and Terrace.

The Honey Afternoon Tea costs £29pp or £35pp with unlimited Prosecco. There is also a children’s Buzzy Bees option which is available at £15 per child.

Nearest Tube Station: St James’ Park – District & Circle Lines. St Ermin’s is less than a 2-minute walk from the station.

Schlosshotel and ski resort Fiss, Tyrol, Austrian Alps

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 16:07:00 +0000

The Schlosshotel Fiss in the Austrian Tyrol may well be an example of alpine luxury at its finest both during the ski season and the summer months.

The five-star wellness Schlosshotel Fiss in the Austrian Tyrol may well be an example of alpine luxury at its finest. It is located on a sunny plateau high above the Tyrolean Inn Valley, around 1,400 metres above sea-level and framed by the mighty 3000-metre Samnaun mountains and the Ötztal Alps which looks gorgeous all year round. And, it is the only hotel directly on the slopes in Fiss.

During the winter months Fiss comes into its own as a ski resort. The area is blessed with snow for around eight months of the year and when snowfall is lean, the 212km of ski slopes are topped up with artificial snow. Those staying at the hotel have the wonderful ski-in and ski-out access to the slopes.

Who for

All levels of skiers will love this ski resort and its stunning scenery of pristine woodlands and immaculate glaciers. The Schlosshotel Fiss has ski-in and ski-out access to the 2,820m of slopes across the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis ski region.

The resort is perfect for families even when there are big age differences between the children. An impressive 125,000 square metres is reserved exclusively for children and teenagers interested in learning how to ski or snowboard. The ski schools and kindergartens deploy state-of-the-art training methods such as the “Snow-V” which makes learning how to ski far easier.

On top of this, Shloss Hotel Fiss has a kindergarten where children are supervised and entertained all day or for just a few hours, while their parents devote their energies to winter sports or to exploring the splendid surroundings on foot.

Accommodation

The Schloss Hotel Fiss has 270 light and spacious en-suite rooms. Each room has oak floors, carved wood and golden ornaments, with plenty of local character. They are checked twice a day, by staff who extremely focused on detail and who will offer to change linens and bedding twice a day if required.

Food and Drink

For generations Fiss has been a land of farmers. When tourism developed family businesses flourished and did well serving the demand of holidaymakers while maintaining farming traditions producing meat and dairy production. The dishes on the menu introduce local specialities with international cuisine, for instance you will be able enjoy marinated Thai grass fed Fiss beef with a schnitzel or delicate sushi followed by a local veal cooked in white wine and garnished with alpine herbs and berries. Meanwhile the kids have their own menus with a hot children’s buffet and an ice cream station.

In the evenings, adults can relax in the bar over their favourite tipple, with live music soothing away the day. Or go shopping for designer goods in the hotel shop. Cigar smoker can have time out in the cigar room.

Facilities

The hotel has its own in-house ski-hire shop and cable cars just outside.

Inside, there’s the splendid 5,000sqm spa reached via a stylish wellness lounge. It’s an ideal place to soothe the muscles after a day on the slopes.

The “Aquamonte”, a mini indoor water world has a 250m long swim-in-swim-out pool and an outdoor section with two whirlpools with views over the slopes.

The positioning means that even when taking a sauna you will be looking at the stunning valley beyond. Their beer infused sauna works well at releasing muscle tensions and relaxes the mind.

This hotel is designed to be family friendly and it really shows. Its spa is divided in two areas, for children and adults, with special treatments for children such as a TuttiFrutti or chocolate peeling. There’s also an indoor children’s cinema and a games room and their own waterpark.

Resort facilities

Spacious and comfortable cable car lifts commute from valley to valley and to slopes that range from positively gentle to seriously steep. The 460-hectare skiing area is suitable for all kinds of winter sports: beginners, leisure skiers, freestylers and pros can swoop down mogul pistes, carving and racing tracks, fun areas and free-ride tracks. The 68 lift systems take them up to the summits in no time.

What’s nearby

During the winter, the slopes are just 50 yards away. However, the summer months are also a great time to visit to actually see the region in the sunshine. The Fiss is a 600-year-old village centre with distinctive architecture that retain the genuine charm of a Rhaeto-Romanic “Haufendorf” (a village made up of irregular plots of land).

It can be a joy to drive along the mountains roads in spring and summer when the green pastures are dotted with cows wearing finely crafted bells. There are also BMX parks, lake swimming and plenty of reasons to go trekking.

Is there WiFi

Yes, its free.

Price

A deluxe double room (32-35sqm) is priced from €195 per person per night; a Bernstein family suite (65sqm) is priced from €195 per person per night based on 2 people sharing.

For example: a one week stay (7 nights) is priced from €2,340 for 2 sharing a double supreme room, Schlosshotel full board, daily childcare and use of the Spa. A 6-day lift pass is from €246 per adult.

Price includes bathrobes/slippers in the room, use of the 5,000sqm Spa (Schloss Spa, Family Spa, Aqua Monte and Splash Waterworlds, Schloss Gym), exercise and outdoor activity programme with qualified instructors and guides, daily Kids’ and Teenagers’ Clubs, underground car park & valet parking, welcome drink.

Getting there

FLY: Easyjet flies from London Gatwick to Innsbruck Airport.

BEST TIME TO GO TO SKI: Open for skiing from December 7 2017 to April 15 2018.

Travel Guide 24 hours in Genoa Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 14:52:00 +0000

The birthplace of Christopher Columbus is a fascinating mix of urban life and medieval history. Get your walking shoes and check out Genoa.

Often overlooked by sun-seeking tourists in a rush to get to picturesque Portofino and pastel-painted Cinque Terre, Genoa is one of Italy’s most underrated and historically significant cities.

This former maritime power has much to boast about: birthplace of world navigator Christopher Columbus, home to the prison from which Marco Polo dictated accounts of his travels, Italy’s first football team, and inventors of pesto.

Genoa’s topography, nestled between mountains and sea, means that the city is blessed with temperate weather all year round and, with direct two hour flights from the UK, it’s the perfect escape for those in search of history, culture and hearty Italian fare, any time of the year.

This compact city is more than a gateway to the Italian Riviera, it’s a destination in its own right.

Must stay

Reacquaint yourself with the renaissance at Vecchia Genova, a Sixteenth Century palazzo located in the historic centre of Genoa, just 300m from San Lorenzo Cathedral.

Days begin with homemade brioche and organic jam breakfasts served on the terrace and end in blissful slumber in spacious, stucco-walled bedrooms.

For something a little more luxurious, treat yourself to the Grand Hotel Savoia, Genoa’s most opulent lodgings. This five star hotel was established in 1897 and has long been a favourite amongst old Italian aristocracy. Soothe your sightseeing-worn limbs in the hydro-pool on the terrace or at the on-site spa.

Must visit

Following a large-scale regeneration project in the early 1990s, the old port or Porto Antico is now an oasis of waterfront restaurants and bars, complete with a panoramic lift, a tropical rainforest biosphere and Europe’s largest Aquarium.

But, to experience Genoa at its most enchanting, wander around the tangle of narrow alleyways named “Carruggi” which unfurl behind the port and lead to impressive palaces like the Palazzo di San Giorgo, formerly one of Europe’s first banks and before that a prison for Venetian captives such as Marco Polo.

One of Genoa’s most splendid streets is the 250m long UNESCO protected Via Garibaldi or “Street of Kings”, a completely pedestrianised street lined with magnificent Sixteenth Century palazzi.

Two of the most illustrious palaces – Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco – are now art galleries housing works of art from old masters, including Van Dyck, Caravaggio and Veronese. Take the glass lift to the panoramic roof at Palazzo Bianco for one of the finest views in the city.

Must Eat

The Genovese will claim that focaccia, the famed Italian flatbread, was invented in this seafront city. Here it is served in thick squares veiled in a crusty surface, punctuated with dimples filled with Ligurian olive oil and salt, served with a cappuccino for breakfast. Get to café lined Piazza del’Erbe early to watch the city wake up.

One of the best local haunts for lunch is the decidedly rustic Via Sottoripa, a narrow arcade which runs parallel to the port, where tiny street stalls sell la farinata, an unleavened crepe made from chickpea flour, and friggatorie sell fried fish served in paper cones.

Genoa’s close proximity to both sea and mountains makes for a diverse regional cuisine, rich in fresh fish and seafood, as well as legumes, nuts and an abundance of olives.

Zeffrino, a stone’s throw from the house which Christopher Columbus allegedly lived in, serves fancier fare than most and has been frequented by everybody from Frank Sinatra to Pavarotti.

For a truly Genovese experience, tuck into a steaming bowl of fresh trofie pasta served with lashings of vivid green Genovese pesto.

Must drink

The Genovese have mastered the art of the aperitivo; evenings are passed unwinding with friends, clinking glasses and nibbling on tiny pastries, peanuts and crostini. Try Bar La Tantana, which sits on the on the sea front, for sunset sea-views with your Aperol Spritz.

Genova is also home to a fine selection of wine bars and, by night, chairs and tables spill out onto the pavements around popular bars on Piazza del’ Erbe, Via San Donato and Via San Bernardo. Cantine Matteotti is a local favourite, with ‘Wines of the Day’ scrawled on to blackboards and glasses accompanied by wooden trays of salame and local cheeses.

Must shop

Like Venice, Genoa’s distinguished trade history with North Africa and the Middle East has left a legacy, notably in the city’s taste for exotic luxuries like candied fruits and spices.

Pietro Romanengo lures customers in with its windows adored with tiny colourful candied fruits and rose syrup sweets and at the Drogheria Torielli spice shop, clientele queue for jars of colourful spices, jars of amber honey and aromatic herbs labelled by hand.

The arcaded Via XX September is lined with small independent Italian boutiques, though for those with their sights on loftier labels, Via Roma offers the biggest Italian and international brands. Don’t miss the historic Via Garibaldi 12, a concept store houses everything from clothes, to soap, to stationary.

Must explore

Genoa’s mild climate lends itself well to a rich variety of plant life, making it a haven for horticulturists.

Noblemen of the Nineteenth Century expressed their status and wealth in the form of sprawling villas with spectacular gardens, of which Villa Durazzo Pallavicini is one of the most romantic. Designed by Michele Canzio, a set designer at the Teatro Carlo Felici, the terraced landscape features meandering footpaths winding around palm trees and exotic flowers, neoclassical architecture and a botanical garden.

10 of the best places to see Britain’s Autumn colours

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 18:21:00 +0000

From late September and throughout October it's all abut fiery reds and golden yellows of turning leaves. Here are 10 places to enjoy Britain’s autumn.

Summer may be loosing its bloom but as it does so Autumn brings it’s own natural palette to Britain’s forests, arboretums, parks and gardens.

From late September and throughout October it’s all abut fiery reds, golden yellows and rich burgundies of turning leaves. Here are ten places to relax and enjoy Britain’s autumnal beauty at its best.

1 Faskally Wood, Perthshire, Scotland

Perthshire is known as big tree country, with around 25 species of tree including Scots pine, silver birch, hazel, ash and oak. While it’s a beautiful place to visit year-round, Faskally Wood really delivers the goods when it comes to autumnal displays.

Created as a “model forest” in the 19th century, it’s full of beautiful specimens which are pointed out on the guided trail-blaze walk in October. As night falls, the wood transforms into the Enchanted Forest with a shimmering light and music show.

2 Lime Avenue at Marbury Country Park, Cheshire, north-west England

Instagram at the ready! Capture the blonde autumn tints of magnificently symmetrical Lime Avenue – a legacy of Marbury Country Park‘s former grand estate days. The park is in the heart of Northwich Community Woodlands, which is part of the Mersey Forest.

3 New Forest, Hampshire, southern England

New Forest National Park’s ancient woodlands cover more than 50 square miles. Discover mighty redwoods planted in the late 1850s, as well as alder, beech, sweet chestnut and other varieties. Take the tall trees trail under majestic conifers on Rhinefield Ornamental Drive – it’s one of the best places to experience the vivid array of autumnal hues, which arrive in time for New Forest Walking Festival in October.

Don’t miss the huge 500 year-old Knightwood Oak on the Bolderwood Ornamental Drive near Lyndhurst, and look out for the park’s famous wild ponies, as well as pigs roaming the forest floor on the hunt for green acorns.

4 Richmond Park, London, England

Escape the city and soak up the rich colours of autumn with a walk or cycle around Richmond Park, when the leaves of the park’s ancient oak trees are tinted a deep orange. It’s a national nature reserve, the largest of London’s royal parks, and three times the size of New York’s Central Park. You’ll most likely enjoy some wildlife spotting among the autumn leaves – Richmond Park has been a deer park since 1637, and is populated with 630 freely-roaming red and fallow deer.

5 Bodnant Gardens, Colwyn Bay, Wales

Set in a stunning location overlooking Snowdonia’s Carneddau mountains, highlights of Bodnant’s woodland garden include striking sweet chestnut trees, a waterfall, and a deep valley framed by towering trees. October is the peak time to enjoy the season’s shades, celebrated on an autumn colour walk with Bodnant Garden’s resident expert.

6 Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Kent, south-east England

Known as “The Garden of England” Kent is where you can find one of world’s finest coniferous tree collections at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest.

Most of these species have been introduced from all over the world – on a walk through the forest you’ll find pines from California, Scotland and even Taiwan. During the autumn months, orange, red, purple and yellow leaves decorate the canopies and forest floor. If a footpath isn’t exciting enough, at Go Ape Bedgebury Forest adventurers can zip-line, balance and scramble their way through the tree tops instead.

7 Mount Stewart House, County Down, Northern Ireland

This stately home is framed by one of the National Trust’s most unusual gardens. The warm climate of the surrounding Strangford Lough (a large sea lake) supports exotic plants, which has led to parts of the landscaped gardens taking inspiration from the Mediterranean. In October, Mount Stewart’s guides take visitors on an autumn walk around the garden’s rusty hues.

8 Stourhead, Wiltshire, south-west England

Stourhead’s world-famous 18th-century landscaped gardens – featuring classical temples, a lake, and a domed ‘grotto’ – were described as ‘a living work of art’ when they first opened in the 1740s. The original gardeners planted sycamore, oak, beech, and Spanish chestnut trees, followed by birch, horse chestnut and ash, added a generation later alongside more exotic trees and shrubs. The trees reflecting in the lake in all their golden glory is a sight to behold, and a highlight of the free autumn colour guided garden tours in October.

9 Kew Gardens, London, England

Kew Gardens is just 20 minutes from the city centre yet you can see some of the world’s rarest plants. There are guided autumn walks and tree identification sessions around the enormous 300-acre site. Or take to the Treetop Walkway up in the canopy 18 metres above the woodland floor for great views across the gardens and the city beyond.

10 Westonbirt National Arboretum, Gloucestershire, south-west England

Carefully planted in the mid-19th century, Westonbirt National Arboretum is home to around 15,000 specimens from all over the globe. This peaceful oasis bursts with autumnal colours from late September to November, but October is arguably the best time to visit, when the Japanese maples are at their peak. There are 17 miles of paths across the 600-acre site, which is divided into three main areas: the Old Arboretum, the ancient woodland of Silk Wood, and the Downs grassland.

Restaurant Review: The Bottomless Brunch at Eneko London

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 07:42:00 +0000

Michelin starred chef Eneko Atxa may well be offering the most elegant bottomless brunch in London at his restaurant Eneko at One Aldwych.

I had heard that Michelin Starred chef Eneko Atxa had opened a restaurant called “Eneko at One Aldwych” – One Aldwych hotel. So, when I booked a table I was expecting nothing less than fine dining or more specifically fine Basque Country based bottomless brunching from Eneko.

Here’s why: the Basque Country is in the North of Spain near the Bay of Biscay and in South Western France. Grains and grapes are grown easily and the area has developed a rich culinary heritage. In fact, within this one region there are almost 40 Michelin starred restaurants. Eneko Atxa has one of them, the Azurmendi Restaurant in the town of Larrabetzu, and he has brought his culinary expertise to London.

So, it was 12.30pm, a perfect time for brunch, and I was seated on comfy red leather upholstered seating, pleasant ambient jazzy music in the background and before me lay a menu of five courses.

Mineral water was served immediately and drink orders were taken – Cava and red wine were our choices and we could have as much as we wanted for two hours.

Then came the food entertainment. I use that word deliberately because the visuals were indeed entertaining.

The first was Eneko’s take on the Traditional Talo. It was by any standards, a beautiful work of art served on a wooden board.

Corn flour bread is a staple of Basque cuisine, but here it was flash fried and served as a crispy base to a melange of heritage tomatoes with basil emulsion and decorated with summer flowers. I swear I could actually taste the sunshine that ripened the tomatoes.

The second was the Cerdito Callente. The menu describes it as a “hot dog” but it looks more like burger. The meat is Iberico ham with mushroom durrelle served in a Basque muffin.

It was served with a huge sense of humour in a pig head shaped wooden box. In any case there was nothing funny about the flavour; juicy melt-in-the-mouth meat tinged with mushroom and a curl of mushroom puree to dip it into. Quite delicious.

Then the Egg Yolk Tempura arrived. Deep friend battered eggs yolks are served on a bed of velvety creamed potato. An unusual combo made sweeter by the confit of vegetables.

For the main course you get to choose something from the Asador (A Spanish word meaning barbecue, grill or spit) charcoal-style grill. I chose the monkfish cooked with garlic and parsley and my co-bruncher chose the duck breast with the sweetest Gernia peppers.

We could have chosen the typically Basque offering of Txuleta which is an organic rib of beef from the Rhug Estate – it is grilled, sprinkled with sea salt and served with a spring onion salad – but perhaps next time. These dishes are served with haystack fried potatoes (or, if you like, call them chips).

There was a dessert on the menu too, a Torrija. This is a typical Basque sponge cake served with caramel crumble icecream. Though it was pleasant enough, I couldn’t do more than taste it as I had no more capacity left.

Of course, no bottomless brunch could be named so if there was no alcohol. The options were Cava, a Spanish red or white wine, a bloody Mary or a Kallimotxo. The latter is a traditional Basque cocktail made with red wine and cola. And you can drink as much as you want during the two-hour brunch. And I did.

Verdict: This is a pretty stylish bottomless brunch and I wager a bet that it’s probably the best in London.

When: Brunch is available on Saturday 11.30am-2.30pm and Sunday from 11.30am-3.30pm and can be booked in advance online or by calling 020 7300 0300. Walk-ins are also welcome. You can see the full brunch menu here.

Getting there: The nearest tube station is Charing Cross. Busses 6 and 9 stop nearby. Eneko at One Aldwych, One Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ

Top 5 Hotels in Brussels

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 08:06:00 +0000

Planning a trip to Brussels and looking for a place to stay? Then you are in the right place. Check out our suggestions of five top hotels in Brussels below:

1 Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo

Lavish but not too stuffy, Hotel Amigo is housed in a 16th century building that once served as a prison. These days, as one of Rocco Forte’s more high-end developments, the spectacle begins the moment you enter the hotel and walk across the magnificent polished flagstone floor.

The most “basic” rooms are adorned with Belgian-inspired ceramics, artworks and fabrics and the marble bathrooms are decorated with Tin Tin (Belgium’s famous cartoon character) prints. There’s also a fitness centre, classy Italian restaurant and a bar with a fine selection of cocktails.

Located just a cobbled stone’s throw from the Grand Place, you’ll struggle to find a better location to explore the city’s historic centre. Hotel Amigo is also within easy walking distance of the antiques district of Le Sablon.

Prices start from around €237 per night and breakfast is sometimes included in the price. Prices may be much higher during peak season.

2 The Dominican

The Dominican screams luxury from every orifice, yet room prices are very reasonable. The boutique hotel is housed in a 17th century building and was once the site of a 15th century Dominican Abbey. Rooms are spacious and well furnished, with an impressive selection of amenities including fluffy bathrobes and slippers. If you stay in one of the more luxurious suites, the minibar is free of charge (sadly spirits are not included). If you fancy eating in, you can book a table at either the Courtyard bistro or Grand Lounge. There is also an excellent health and fitness centre that includes a sauna and boxing room.

The location of The Dominican is almost as good as Hotel Amigo and is less than 6 minutes’ walk to the Grand Place. The hotel is located just behind La Monnaie, on the Rue Leopold.

Prices start from just €127 per night and breakfast is sometimes included in the price.

3 Aloft Brussels Schuman

This funky hotel is located in the European quarter of Brussels and is a great place to socialise with a cocktail in hand. The loft-inspired rooms are both spacious and cosy, with high-speed wifi and a huge 42″ flat-screen TV. Bathrooms have the usual amenities and a spacious walk-in shower. What really makes this hotel shine is the entertainment: the hotel supports up and coming music talent by hosting live gigs in the W XYZ Bar. There is also a pool table and fitness centre to exercise the hangover away.

While the hotel is not in the historic centre, it is very close to Schuman station with excellent links into the centre. It will take you about 30 minutes to walk to the Grand Place and Le Sablon.

Rooms are sometimes available for under €107 per night, usually when booked last minute. In peak season, expect to pay closer to €162 per night. Breakfast costs either €6.50 or €14.50 depending on whether you choose the “Grab & Go” option or breakfast buffet.

4 AppartHotel MAS Residence

Not quite a hotel, Mas Residence is a selection of modern suites and apartments backed by hotel standard services. Located in a quiet residential area between the European Quarter and the historic centre of Brussels, the converted old townhouses are very spacious with modern décor and furnishings. There is a reception building and friendly staff are always on hand to assist you and even deliver breakfast to your door. The apartments also include fully equipped kitchens if you prefer the self-catering option.

Mas Residence is situated between Schuman and Arts-Loi metro stations. The Grand Place and Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula are a 15 to 20-minute walk to the west.

Prices per night ranges from about €64 to €216 depending on the season.

5 Vintage Hotel Brussels

Vintage Hotel Brussels is our budget choice and boasts a quirky interior and great localisation. Choose from 38 vintage-inspired rooms, each with a private bathroom, free Wifi and security safe. Rooms are clean, quiet and will be most enjoyed by those with an eye for vintage design. There is also a ‘glamping’ option, where you can choose to stay the night in a newly renovated Vintage Airstream caravan. Feeling parched? Enjoy a glass of wine at the hotel’s boutique wine bar before going out for a night on the town.

Vintage Hotel Brussels is just 50m from Avenue Louise, one of the most prestigious shopping districts in Belgium. From here, Metro no. 6 will take you to the Grand Place area in historic Brussels.

By far the cheapest option, rooms are available for as little as €54 per night and when booked in advance don’t often exceed €108 per night. A breakfast buffet is available at an additional charge.

DIY Rainbow Hair Tutorial | Without Breaking the Bank

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 07:40:00 +0000

If you’re wondering how you can create your own rainbow hair on a budget, I have just the best idea for you.

How To Get Rainbow Hair On A Budget

There’s no denying how beautiful rainbow hair looks like especially if done right and we also know how expensive it will be having it done at the salon. Now, creative as we are, of course, there are many alternatives to creating our own rainbow hair and this idea costs less than a fraction of how much you’ll spend in the salon and if you’re worried about commitment, don’t worry because this won’t last very long either. So even if you end up with a botched experiment, it’ll rinse off in a few days.

In this method, it’s best to start out with bleached hair because I’m going to use common ordinary products to color the hair and turn it into a rainbow effect, so the hair needs to be lifted to a lighter shade that will allow pigments to stick to it.

What You’ll Need:

Koolaid/Crepe Paper/Food Color

Water

Step 1: Shampoo

Shampoo hair thoroughly without conditioner, to make sure there are no oils on your hair. Oil can affect how the colors are absorbed by your hair strand, so for this color treatment, we want the best we can get since this is not a permanent color.

Step 2: Activate Colors

You can use crepe paper, kool aid, or food color to stain your hair. Either way, put colors separately in different bowls with about 1 cup of water and to activate the dyes in them. Darker colors on the crepe paper tend to work better with better color payoff than light colored ones, all the Koolaid variants have good color pay off as well, however for light colors of pink and yellow or orange, I suggest using food color to stain your hair in conjunction with the Koolaid or the crepe paper.

Step 3: Section Hair

Starting from the bottom, section your hair into about two inches per section. Clip the rest of the hair to keep them away from the ones you’re currently working on.

Step 4: Time to Color

Color the different sections in different colors, alternating each color throughout. First, grab one section and soak it in the color you want. Because this isn’t your usual hair colorant, I wouldn’t suggest trying to achieve coloring the entire section, but just the ends it should look like a balayage rainbow hair after. Soak it for a few minutes each until you see the color stain your hair.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

After you’ve colored all the sections of your hair, rinse it in cold water and dry. You can keep it down or create braids, whichever way you’d like to do it, step out into the sun and enjoy your new rainbow hair!

Travel Guide to Canary Islands, Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 02:29:00 +0000

The Canary Islands are perennial hot spots for holiday-makers. We take a look at the four firm favourites: Tenerife,Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.

Tenerife

This year-round sunny destination is the largest and most visited of the Canary Islands. It’s capital Santa Cruz is a popular cruise destination and around half a million passengers a year get a preview of the shopping, botanical gardens, plazas, art galleries and La Teresitas beach.

Some may remember Tenerife as a place for the tacky beer swilling night life but this has all changed. Playa de las America and its neighbouring resort Los Cristianod, once riddled with tourist tat is now adorned with designer labels and pretty bougainvillea flowers. Slightly more upmarket is the Costa Adeje resort, where the four and five-star hotels, chic boutiques and well-kept beaches are found.

They remain the most popular tourist traps, offering big resort neon lights and a buzzy night life, but these days its families and couples that visit attracted by wide open, sweeping soft sand beaches designed to be child-friendly and lively.

El Medani is much loved by surfers thanks to the trade winds and has some of the best beaches on the island.

If you head to the west, the tempo slows and quiet descends especially around Los Gigantes, a sheltered location thanks to the giant cliffs.

The further along the coast you head, the more authentic is the experience. Playa Sa Juan and the fishing village of Alcala offer a far more Canary experience and hostelrie is predominantly at the luxury end.

In the north by the La Orotava Valley, is where you’ll find vineyards and banana plantations and probably the most genuine Tinerfeno experience.

Fuerteventura

This is the second largest island of the archipelago after Tenerife with high rise volcanic terrain and arid plains whose barren beauty is broken up by scattered windmills and the odd cactus plant and perhaps a herd of goats.

It is blessed with 152 beaches of pale Saharan sand and with constant sunshine is ideal holiday fodder any time of the year.

The winds make the island a playground for windsurfers and a canvas for sand dunes. You can see mounting dunes and even scale them by camell at the Natural Dunes Park at Corralejo. The resort is located on the island’s northern tip and though it has theme pubs and souvenir shops you can find pavement cafes and lots of fish restaurants around the harbour and the appealing old town.

In the centre of the island is Calesta de Fuste a pupose built resort around ten minutes drive from the airport. The road cuts through a largely desolate landscape with high moutain ridges and tiny settlements punctuated with white churches and the odd clutch of palm trees.

There’s a man-made beach with shallow waters and so safe for children to wade in. Beyond the beach are some shopping centres, and a spring of restaurants and bars.

Perhaps the most dazzling beach is in the south in Sotavento. It has a tidal lagoon and a stretch of 13 miles snaking its way along the south-east coast. This is where the International Windsurfing Championships are held annually in July.

Jandia, a resort that hugs the fishing village of Morro Jable is far more sheltered and perhaps sun worshippers are better off there.

Gran Canaria

Third largest of the Canary Islands, this was a favourite of Agatha Christie who stayed in its capital Las Palmas claiming this as her favourite winter getaway. Perhaps she also enjoyed the views over the city and its Las Canteras beach from the Las Palmas cathedral, its only noteworthy building.

Yet Las Palmas is not the most popular destination among holidaymakers. Two million visitors head to Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles in the south. The first has some amazing sand dunes, a mile and a half long beach and some green pastures too – for instance there’s a golf course and botanical gardens.

Playa des Ingles may well be the largest resort in the archipelago. It is a mix of high rise hotels, shopping centres, bazaars, plenty of restaurants and a pretty promenade, the Paseo Costa Canaria. It’s not for everyone but for some it represents a fun-in-the-sun holiday.

Lanzarote

This island is defined by a volcanic landscape that offers a backdrop of rustic hues that change with every mile and with the movements of the sun.

Amid that backdrop are the resorts of Playa Blanca – a former fishing village – Puerto del Carmen and Costa Tequise all with fine beaches and hotels. But what makes this island beautiful is the visionary architecture of Cesar Manrique.

You can see his work carved into the volcanoes and throughtout the geology of the island and they form a brilliant touristic trail. Perhaps the most famous is in Nazareth, a home built by Hollywood actor Omar Sharif, that he lost during a bridge game. This amazing structure is now a museum and must be seen.

The beauty of the volcanic terrain is probably best seen at the Timanfaya Naitonal Park. The landscape of craters around the 360 or so volcano cones, may well be a copy of that on the moon. Head to La Geria west of the park for a dazzling scene of black-ash vineyards.

BlindSpot Speakeasy Cocktail Tea reviewed, St Martins Lane, London

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 21:31:00 +0000

So, it was 7pm one heady summer evening. The sun was still out and seemed to shine down on our mission. We were heading towards St Martin’s Lane to take what we knew was no ordinary tea.

First we had to find the joint. We sauntered into St Martins Lane Hotel but there was nothing to say “hidden speakeasy this way”. After quick stake-out and we uncovered a gold hand that jutted out of a white wall.

Naturally I reached for it and hey presto I opened a door. It was a sudden change of scene leaving the bright light of the reception for the dark, dimly lit demeanour that unfolded as we descended into the cellar. I loved the feeling of subterfuge that eked out of brown walls, low lighting, brown upholstered chairs and banquettes – it’s classic art deco and so so swanky.

It took a few minutes for my eyes to adjust and indeed to get comfortable on the hard chairs but there was chatter in the air mixed with a jazzy style music and the outer world was a million miles a way. I began to believe that we really were in a speakeasy joint that harked back to the 20s during prohibition in the US.

The Speakeasy tea, was not in any way, a traditional tea. There was no jam and scones and certainly no bone china.

A black mini shelving unit arrived. The selection had some savoury morsels such as quiche Lorraine, spinach and feta feuilleté, crayfish and mango brioche bun with coriander and lime which were decent enough to keep the taste buds entertained.

But it was the sweet stuff that were the stars of of this show: mini chocolates baileys cakes with coffee creams, a selection of chocolate and passion fruit macaroons, and a velvety dulce panna cotta with blackberry compote. Take a few moments to mentally savour that.

And top billing was the flight of three tea-infused cocktails.

The cocktails had amusing names: “Giggle Water” made with Bombay sapphire gin, English summer tea, rosé champagne, peach syrup. The second, “Have the Bee'”, had an unexpected kick. It was a blend of bacardi carta d’oro rum, pineapple spicy mix, and darjeeling syrup. The third, the erroneously named “Teatotaller”, was a fizzy number which came with chamomile-infused grey goose vodka, lemon sherbet and a white vermouth syrup.

Incidentally: The offering can be changed to suit dietary needs. My tea mate is a vegetarian and so the crayfish brioche was replaced by an avocado and hallumi wrap. I am allergic to peach so the peach syrup in the Giggle Water was replaced with strawberry syrup.

Verdict: The speakeasy theme was fun and the tea had some flavoursome tidbits. I also enjoyed the flavours of the cocktails but I would have liked a little more than just a taste. The good news is that for others as insatiable as myself, there is a very well tended bar.

Fact File:The Speakeasy Cocktail Tea is served Sunday to Thursday from 7pm – 9pm in BlindSpot at St Martins Lane. £35 per person.

Norway 680-mile road trip from Stavanger to Trondheim in 2 days

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 16:45:00 +0000

I took to the roads behind the wheel of a Mazda-CX3 on a mad-cap adventure chasing Norway's midnight sun over bridges, through tunnels and via ferries.

I knew it would be a nutty exploit driving 1,100-kilometres (around 684 miles) in two days along Norway‘s coastal road. So why did I do it?

Well, it wasn’t for the weather. It drizzled most of the time with the sun taking a sneaky tantalising peak through the clouds every so often. The elements teased right through to sundown at 11pm – a late sunset is a a quirk of Norway’s daylight cycle during the summer months.

It wasn’t a boozy trip either as a humble pint of beer knocks you back £12 and with just over 5 million people in a space as large as the UK, the nightlife was not exactly heaving.

And forget about the romance of negotiating winding roads at speed – the 80km/h (50 miles) limit is strictly adhered to and without any specific fine range, a speeding fine could empty the bank coffers.

Yet there are some compelling reasons: the roads are utterly superb – a sure sign of the expense and attention paid to the infrastructure – the scenery of fjords, waterfalls, mountains and lavish greenery is exceptional and with 6 road-ferry combo experiences peppered throughout the road trip from Stavanger to Trondheim, you get to see different perspectives of the scenery from the water.

So, I picked up my 2-wheel drive Mazda CX-3 in Stavanger the evening before – a car which for a mildly nervous driver like myself – seemed solid enough to steer me through some hair-pin strewn mountain roads and narrow tunnels.

With so much daylight I explored Stavanger that first evening. It’s a handsome town with a pretty harbour, wavy streets lined with white clapperboard homes. There’s a pretty lake too replete with swans, seagulls, ducks and some loitering sparrows that broke out into a frenzy at the mere hint of any bread being thrown their way.

In the morning I awoke with the birds around 5am for an early 6am start for the first leg of the trip to Loen. I braved the drizzle and got into the car with a trusty breakfast pack in hand, which I learned was a highly-prized provision since there was not a single eatery along the way other than at the odd petrol station and possibly at campervan resorts.

The ferry crossings were regular and efficient and my early start meant being able to avoid the deluge of campervans and inevitable queues that hit the road slightly later in the day.

The roads were incredibly smooth and I passed miles and miles of rocky or lavish emerald green terrain and mountains rising into low hanging clouds. It was haunting yet beautiful all at once.

At Etne it was a slow crawl at just 40kms with a road climbing up to at a 10 per cent incline taking in a mountain tunnel only to find that at the other side the elevation had dropped. My ears popped several times and before they could unpop there was another tunnel and yet another which finally deposited me into a valley where a smog had moved in. And just as I adjusted to light at the end of one tunnel another appeared. This was becoming hard work.

Langfoss and Latefoss waterfalls

Then as easily as a baby’s smile disarms you, the dramatic Langfoss waterfall, the fifth-highest waterfall in Norway did the same. I came upon it on E134 by the ÅkrafjordIt and could feel the wind created by its incredible force ruffle my hair as its massive volume of water 2,000ft fell into the Akrafjorden.

Further on route 13 at Odda, the twin falls of Latefoss waterfall are an intriguing spectacle with two falls dropping 165m simultaneously into a rapid stream. Imagine the noise and the spray. The area is ripe for exploring, and hiking with plenty of trails. If only I’d had more time.

But there was still lots more road and tunnels to cover. And though I wasn’t a fan of these amazing feats of engineering, the Laerdal tunnel was altogether a different thing altogether.

Laerdal tunnel

The Laerdal tunnel connects Lærdal and Aurland in Sogn og Fjordaneis. It is a staggering 24.5 kilometres (around 15 miles) and is one of the world’s longest road tunnels. It saw 2.5 million cubic metres of rock being excavated costing $125 million over the fives years it took to build.

It could have been an extremely monotonous drive and to stop the inevitable dropping off at the wheel they built three massive, brightly-lit chambers into the tunnel which appeared every six kilometres. It is also the first tunnel in the world first to be equipped with an air treatment plant meaning drivers really can breathe easy.

Hoven Skylift

Finally, after 10 hours I arrived in Loen. Sure I was tired but it was only 4pm and the newly opened Hoven Skylift at Nordfjord was winking at me. A surprisingly stable cable car transported me from the fjord to the top of Mt. Hoven (1011 m) in only 5 minutes, and is one of the steepest cable cars in the world. The views are of course spectacular. Here’s a photo I took from the Hoven restaurant at the top.

The next day I had to wake up before the birds at 4am knowing that I had an 11-hour drive to navigate. And I wanted to catch the 4.45am ferry so as not to get caught in campervan chaos.

At this part of the route I also had to consider that the cruise ships land at the truly beautiful UNESCO protected Geirangerfjord port and once that happens, 2,000 or so tourists will beat a path, just like me, to Trollstigen for the ride of their life. I had to stay ahead.

Troll Path

The serpentine road that snakes its way down Trollstigen mountain which is part of the Interdalen valley is stunning. When I say stunning, what I actually mean is heart thumping, head spinning and nerve shattering. And more that that, there are waterfalls galore, streams everywhere and if that wasn’t enough water, it was raining. And foggy. And sensational.

To calm nerves I stopped at the Troll cafe, where they sold – you guessed it anything troll related.

But there was more.

Atlanterhavsvegen – The Atlantic Highway

A little more driving and I got to the gorgeous Atlantic Highway. It connects Averøy with the mainland via a series of small islands and islets spanned by several viaducts and eight bridges over 8274 meters (just over five miles).

And soon it was a big dip of 1,000ft below the Atlantic through one of the world’s deepest sea tunnels. I had to hand over 60kr (£6) for the privilege of another ear popping tunnel adventure and the dips and rises were measurable.

A few miles later and I’m in the city of Trondheim located on the Trondheim Fjord. It is a lovely harbour town with an impressive rose-hued cathedral and colourful clapperboard houses on stilts that stand on the harbour water.

The city has plenty of bars and restaurants and by now I felt a well deserved a reassuringly expensive beer coming on.

Centuries Ago, New Zealand’s Giant Black Swans Were Repealed and Replaced

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 16:09:00 +0000

The all-black swans that glide across New Zealand’s wetlands today are only a lame replacement for the bulky beasts that lived there in the past, scientists have discovered.

When humans first arrived in New Zealand in the thirteenth century, they found it swimming in black swans. But quickly, it seems, they hunted the birds to extinction. By the time Europeans arrived in the late eighteenth century, the swans were gone. But black swans had lived in Australia all along, and these birds were eventually reintroduced to New Zealand—either intentionally, by humans, or by flying themselves over.

Researchers have assumed that the black swans of the past were the same species that lives there today. Their period of extinction was just a blip in their long-term residency of New Zealand, the story went. But analysis by Nicolas Rawlence of the University of Otago and his colleagues uncovered a different tale.

The researchers took DNA samples from 47 modern black swans. They also gathered ancient DNA from black swan fossils in museum and university collections, dating from 1280 to 1800. The fossils had come from across New Zealand and the Chatham Islands.

The DNA showed that modern black swans and ancient ones weren’t the same bird at all. The ancient New Zealand black swans had been their own species, living and evolving on the islands apart from their Australian relatives.

Analysis of the birds’ skeletons showed that island life had given the New Zealand swans a distinct look. They had long, sturdy legs, with proportionately shorter wings. And they were 20 to 32 percent heavier than modern black swans (the ancient ones weighed as much as 10 kilograms, or 22 pounds).

Biololists have an idea called the “island rule” that says animals on islands evolve weirdly: small species tend to get huge, while big ones shrink (giant rodents, dwarf hippos). The researchers say the black swan fit this pattern. On the New Zealand islands, where it had no land-based predators, the black swan bulked up. It would have had a hard time getting off the ground, the researchers say, and was likely on its way to becoming flightless.

The authors call the extinct black swan the Poūwa. This is the name of a bird from Moriori legend that seems to have been the giant black swan—not just a legend after all.

20 Things You Didn't Know About ... Yoga

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 16:00:00 +0000

The yoga practiced by most practitioners today has little in common with the ancient tradition, but that doesn’t mean you should throw away your mat and leggings.

1. Yoga today is a mainstream fitness activity; 1 in 5 American adults participates in what most people believe is an ancient practice. Surprise: The yoga you’re going to the mat for isn’t that old.

2. What we generally think of as yoga began in late 19th century India, when leaders of an anti-colonialism movement sought to rally their countrymen to their cause.

3. Some of these men saw yoga, then more of a philosophy, as a non-sectarian, indigenous symbol of India that transcended divisions of religion and language: a handy tool to have when you’re trying to unify a nation.

4. These Victorian-era gurus, notably Swami Vivekananda, spread their version of yoga worldwide as a proudly Indian way to achieve a higher level of understanding through contemplation.

5. Modern postural yoga, the practice of actually holding poses, originated with early 20th century guru Krishnamacharya, who taught a mix of gymnastic and wrestling moves, Western calisthenics and hatha yoga, a medieval practice all but lost in India for centuries.

6. It’s in hatha yoga, beginning about the 10th century, that an emphasis on controlling breath and maintaining certain postures arose. But it has little in common with doing a sun salutation at your local gym for tighter abs; medieval hatha yoga’s goals included divination and attaining immortality.

7. What’s really ancient about yoga? The word itself. Around the 15th century B.C., key Sanskrit writings use it to mean an animal’s yoke and also an entire war chariot, yoke and all.

8. Early on, due to the association with chariots used only for fighting, yoga also meant warlike, and people believed a charioteer killed in battle was taken up to the heavens in a divine yoga. Swing low, sweet chariot, indeed.

9. In Sanskrit, yoga has numerous other meanings, including a constellation of stars, the quality of industriousness and even a fraud.

10. We’re not saying there’s anything fraudulent about many of the mental and physical health benefits claimed by practitioners of modern yoga, however.

11. Studies have shown, for example, that postural yoga, along with the practice’s other components, controlled breath and meditation, can regulate blood pressure, heart rate and respiration.

12. Yoga may be especially helpful to seniors hoping to avoid a fall. In a 2016 meta-analysis of six studies involving individuals over the age of 60, participants showed small improvements in balance and moderate mobility gains after going through postural yoga programs.

13. The practice may even help asthmatics breathe easy. In 2014, a meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials investigating yoga’s effects on asthma found that it appeared to alleviate the chronic inflammatory airway condition better than conventional care.

14. Don’t swap your inhaler for yoga pants just yet, though. The same 2014 study stressed additional research was needed to rule out bias and to understand the mechanism behind yoga’s apparent benefit.

15. A 2016 pilot study of women who described themselves as “psychologically distressed” provided a clue to how yoga works on a molecular level. After eight weeks of instruction, participants had lower levels of certain immune system biomarkers linked to stress.

16. While the researchers emphasized the study sample was too small to draw firm conclusions, it appears yoga may modulate the body’s epigenetic response, which turns certain genes on or off, affecting physical as well as mental health.

17. In a 2014 study, women with treatment-resistant PTSD improved significantly during and after a 10-week yoga program.

18. In fact, by the end of the study, half of the participants no longer met the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. The researchers believe that practicing yoga may have given the women greater body awareness, which is linked to improved emotional regulation.

19. A study published earlier this year found that self-reported physical health quality was higher among people who practiced yoga in a school or studio setting rather than alone at home.

20. That same study found participants also reported better mental health if they practiced yoga in a group setting. So for maximum benefit, don’t yoga-go it alone.

Rome bans snacking by fountains and late night drinking in its piazzas

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 16:55:00 +0000

Eating and drinking ban by Rome fountains lasts until October 31. And if you are inclined to flout the ban you will be fined up to €240.

Last June Rome banned eating and drinking by 40 of its fountains to minimise the mess made by gelato-eating tourists. Getting in them, sitting on them, giving pets a drink and throwing things into the water has also been banned. Money is the exception and so you can still throw coins into the Trevi Fountain, a tradition that ensures you will return to the city.

Fountains chosen are those considered to have historical significance such as Piazza del Popolo, Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Barberini, as well as the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. The aim is to protect the historical, artistic and archaeological capital of Rome and to preserve standards of decorum.

The ban lasts until October 31. And if you are inclined to flout the ban you will be fined up to €240.

But there’s more. The mayor, Virginia Raggi, wants to ban al fresco cocktail drinking in the city. “We don’t want the Roman summer evenings to be ruined by episodes linked to excessive consumption of alcohol,” the mayor said in a video statement.

You will have to abstain from imbibing your favourite tipple on Rome’s streets and piazzas from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. throughout the summer through to October 31st. All of the city’s districts (excluding Ottavia) are affected, and bars in the restricted areas like Monti, Trastevere, and San Lorenzo will have to stop serving drinks at 2 a.m.

Ignoring the ban means risking €150 fine.

Cruise on the Li River, China’s Artistic Masterpiece

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 16:23:00 +0000

Guilin in southern China’s Guangxi province has long been South China’s most popular travel destination, acclaimed for its scenery of winding jade waters flanked by lurching Karst Mountains. The iconic views are so revered by artists that Li River landscapes adorn China’s delegation at the United Nations and even her 20 yuan banknote.

Indeed, when Bill Clinton came here, he remarked: “There’s nowhere like Guilin. It reminds me of traditional Chinese paintings.”

But what is the best way to explore the Li River, and where do you start?

One wintery weekend in December, we reached Guilin by high-speed train from Hong Kong, then wrapped up and took to the Li River in search of an elusive ideal of Chinese landscape beauty.

Cruise on the Li River

The most popular way to enjoy the river scenery is to join the crowds on tourist boats from Guilin to the backpacker retreat of Yangshuo. Ours came with a talkative guide who introduced highlights along the route as we took four or five hours to drift toward the backpacker nirvana of Yangshuo.

The river waters at year’s end looked brown and swollen. Once the boats got underway, we watched the passing scene from tables in the lower deck cabin while a basic lunch of spicy tofu and potato threads was served. The best views, however, were from within the maelstrom of photographers on the upper deck.

Over the course of our journey a fantastic Karst landscape unfolded, reflected in the Li River’s limpid green waters. The outer-skin of the limestone peaks have been washed away through millennia of water erosion, leaving a fairytale landscape of allusion. So otherworldly is the scenery that this stretch of river was chosen as the location for the Wookie planet in the film Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

Many of the strange peaks along the way had names which our guide delighted in revealing. Low on a cliff near the first bend of the river past the town of Yangdi leapt a large stone fish – the Li Fish. The fish with its reddish hue was only fleetingly visible from our big tourist barge, but the smaller crafts cast their lines close to it. Further on, Divine Pen Peak, an outcrop suggestive of an ink pen jutted out from verdant green on the west bank of the river.

The biggest scenic hit with local tourists on this stretch of the river seemed to be Nine Horse Picture Hill. This 100 meter high cliff, thanks to a combination of weathering and rock strata, supposedly resembles a painting of nine horses. Our guide challenged us to identify the nine, although in the end we only managed about four. The snorting steed at the top was easily harnessed, but some others demanded giving free rein to our imagination.

For us though, the best scenery of our cruise came slightly before the Nine-Horse Picture Hill when a bend in the river opened broad vistas. A range of hills ran across the horizon, green and embroidered with saddle-like twin peaks. Besides these hills, the exposed white limestone of the Nine-Horse Picture Hill presented a satisfying contrast.

The most familiar section of the Li River, Yellow Cloth Shoal which features on the back of the 20 yuan note, lies just around the large turn that the river takes at the historic market town of Xingping. The banknote shows a cormorant fisherman on the river with Yellow Cloth Shoal behind it. The shoal’s name comes from a maize-yellow flagstone, long and wide, whose reflection spreads itself on the river, like a yellow cloth. The reflections vary with the weather, broken by drops of rain on wet days, limpid and clear under sun. The best angle to see the reflection is when the boat turns at the Mahuang Sandbar and the inverted peaks float in the water with shadows around.

Xingping

Xingping was one of several ancient river towns that we passed during our cruise, including Daxu and Fuli. The Guilin area’s position as an historic highway between China’s central plains and the south has left a tangible legacy.

The next day we returned to explore Xingping on foot and found a cluster of historic buildings in the town center, including Wushu Temple, which dates back 1800 years and is now a local history museum. Just round the corner, we stumbled upon another charming temple of Qing dynasty (1644-1911) vintage, devoted to Guan Yu, the God of War. Xingping’s centerpiece though was the broad waterfront with its beautiful views of the Li and Yi rivers

Yangshuo

Our boat finally came to a rest at the idyllic and laid-back county town Yangshuo, where we alighted at the wharf to run a course of bee keepers touting local honey. Our river journey had ended far too quickly. Perhaps a better choice if you have the time would be to hike a stretch of the river, soaking up the immensity of the landscape and the charm of the villages and rural scenes.

How to Reach Guilin

Guilin in southern China is served by Guilin International Airport and the city can also be conveniently reached by high-speed rail from either Shenzhen (next to Hong Kong) or Guangzhou. The journey takes 3.5 hours.

Li River Cruises

Boats with English speaking guides embark daily at 10 am from Zhujiang Pier, a 40-minute drive from downtown Guilin. Tickets can be scored at Guilin travel agents and hotels for RMB420, including a free shuttle bus to the pier, which picks up from various places around town. Alternatively make your way to the pier by taxi for about RMB100 and buy tickets.

Curry-Poached Chicken with Rice and Scallions

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 14:29:00 +0000

Curry-Poached Chicken With Rice And Scallions

The chicken method shouldn’t vary, but you can change up the curry to fit your mood. We went with an Indian curry here, but a Japanese or Thai curry would also work well.

Coarsely chop 4 scallions and transfer to a medium pot. Add chicken, garlic, ginger, curry powder, 2½ tsp. salt, and 4 cups water. Slowly bring to a bare simmer over medium heat. Once liquid begins to simmer, reduce heat to low and cook until juices run clear when thickest part of chicken is pierced, 10–12 minutes.

Meanwhile, thinly slice remaining scallions. Whisk orange juice and lime juice in a small bowl; season with salt and 8 turns of a pepper mill, or about ¾ tsp. (you want a lot of pepper!).

Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let cool slightly. Strain poaching liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl. Cut chicken crosswise into thin slices.

Divide rice and chicken among bowls and top with sliced scallions. Spoon poaching liquid and some of the citrus juice over chicken and rice before serving.

Do Ahead: Chicken can be poached 2 days ahead. Let chicken and curry cool separately. Wrap chicken and transfer curry to an airtight container; chill.

4 SERVINGS

8 scallions (about 1 bunch), divided

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 2¼ pounds)

3 garlic cloves, smashed

1 3-inch piece ginger, peeled, smashed to pieces, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons mild curry powder

1 tablespoon Diamond Crystal or 1¾ teaspoons Morton kosher salt, divided, plus more

Juice from 1 orange (about ¼ cup)

Juice from 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)

Freshly ground black pepper

Warm jasmine rice (for serving)

These Are the 5 Best Burgers in New York City. Full Stop.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 11:19:00 +0000

Last week, an editor sent an email out in our office. It posed an innocent, simple question: What's the best burger in New York City? The answers were anything but simple or innocent. Words were had. Opinions were bashed. Allegiances were formed. It got intense, and very quickly, it became apparent that we all have insanely passionate opinions about burgers.

But if you're going to have convictions about a food in New York City, a burger is a good place to start. The bun. The patty. The toppings. The cheese. There are so many things to consider, so many places to go wrong or right. And after talking through just about every imaginable detail, we landed on the five best burgers in New York City (plus a bonus for all you burger-loving fiends out there). These are the BA-certified best burgers in our city, not in a particular order:

The Happiest Hour: The Happiest Burger

"They should call this place the Happiest 3 Minutes and 47 Seconds, because that's how long this burger lasts when it's in front of me," advises video producer Matt Duckor, who has taken down quite a few of these babies. "It's the perfect restaurant take on a fast food burger—a pair of thin griddled patties, mustard-spiked Russian dressing, and shredded iceberg lettuce on a toasted Martin's Potato Roll." And that, friends is the truth. Doesn't hurt to order a frozen margarita too. You know, for the full experience.

J.G. Melon's: Cheeseburger

Just like the green checkered tablecloths and melon-covered walls, the griddle at J.G Melon's Upper East Side institution, coated in years of seasoning, is a thing of pure beauty. "That burger is a classic. When I think about a burger, the J.G. burger is what comes to mind," says editor-in-chief Adam Rapoport. "It's fried 'til crisp and perfectly greasy on that flat-top griddle and blanketed in melted American cheese, and sandwiched between squishy toasted hamburger buns. The pickles and onion it's served with are all it needs. And cottage fries. And maybe a vodka soda."

Prime Meats: The 5 oz. Burger

At lunch and brunch, you can find the 5oz. burger at Prime Meats. If you're here for dinner, you've missed it. "The thing about most burgers is that they're too much burger. A meatball-like patty, or a double-stacked one, often makes me want to crawl home and nap," admits features editor Kurt Soller. "That's why five ounces is the right amount, bar none—enough beef to satisfy my craving without overwhelming my limbic system, and a perfect proportion to condiments, cheese, and bun."

Salvation Burger: The Classic

The term "in-house" gets thrown around a lot, but the only place it really deserves to be used is when describing Salvation Burger's classic burger. The American cheese. The bun. The dry-aging, butchering, and grinding of the meat. The pickles. The sauce. All in-house. The result is a singularity. "They've mastered the art of the cheese melt," says deputy editor Andrew Knowlton. "That thing is draped in a blanket of insane cheese. Eating that burger is like doing it under the covers." Also, if someone could get in touch with April Bloomfield for that American cheese recipe, we'd sure as hell appreciate it.

4 Charles Prime Rib: American Cheeseburger

"As a Chicagoan, it was very affirming to hear New Yorkers go bananas for the burger at 4 Charles Prime Rib, which is essentially the same as the one served at Au Cheval in my hometown," says senior projects editor Julia Kramer. "The formula is simple: lightly toasted bun, pickles, onions, layers of the meltiest of all cheeses (American, obvs). The double stack of patties takes it ever-so-slightly over the top, without venturing into the territory of excess." And as tempting as excess is, we're pretty much perfect right here.

Bonus Round! Long Island Bar: The L.I. Burger

The L.I. Burger inspires passion. We want to say more, but senior food editor Andy Baraghani hits it all right here (which we've condensed because he actually wrote three paragraphs about this specific burger): "This is one of the truly great burgers anywhere. The buns have the perfect amount of squishiness. The patties are thin and doubled up. The American cheese is made in-house. The fancy sauce is perfect and the only sauce I want on my burger. The pickles have good crunch, not too thick or thin, with great tang. And if you want it, there's a bacon wheel. It's a round piece of American bacon that covers the burger perfectly. This burger is classic. It's not fussy. It's restrained perfection. The burger makes this bar."

Now that we have burgers on the mind...

How to Apply Fake Eyelashes Fast & Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 11:08:00 +0000

How to Apply Fake Eyelashes Without A Fuzz

Not everyone is born with long and thick lashes. But hey, there’s no shame in faking it ladies! Falsies or fake eyelashes are one of my most favorite beauty products because it makes my eyes pop and instantly give my eyes drama. If you’re wondering how I mastered applying fake eyelashes, then I’ll be honest with you. It did take me a couple of tries to really get the hang of it, but don’t you worry…I got your back! Check out these step-by-step guide on how to apply fake eyelashes in the easiest way possible!

What You’ll Need:

Scrumptious Creme False Lashes 107

Tweezers

Lash glue

Cotton buds

Small scissors

Step 1: Lift the eyelash bands from their packaging.

Before I start with the first step, I want to let you know that you can use a different brand for false eyelashes. However, I highly recommend the Creme Lashes 107 from Scrumptious. These babies are made from 100% Remy hair. It’s super lightweight, feels natural, looks natural, and affordable too! This pair of falsies never fails to make my eyes look gorgeous!

Back to our tutorial now. The first step is to open your fake eyelashes package. Using your tweezers, slowly and gently remove a pair of fake eyelashes from its pack. Be patient! You don’t want to end up with broken or poorly bent lashes. After you pull one out, you can leave it atop its packaging.

Measure the eyelashes by putting them closely on your lashline. The falsies should be attached where your lashes start to be visible (not all the way to the tear ducts). Using the scissors, cut where it should start and end.

Step 2: Apply the lash glue.

Fake eyelashes have a sticky feel on the edges. But even the strongest lashes have the tendency to fall off! I remember the time when the bride, who hired my services, experienced an embarrassing moment. Just when she’s ready to kiss her groom, the eyelashes fell off! I was so ashamed. It’s a good thing only a few noticed, and they chose to keep quiet to avoid ruining the bride’s moment completely.

Thus, I highly recommend you use an eyelash glue. In this tutorial, Revlon was used, and I suggest the same brand. The tutorial has two variations of this glue: clear and black (or dark). You’ll learn the difference of the two later.

These two types of eyelash glue, however, work the same way. Using the applicator, coat the edges of the fake eyelashes with the glue. If you find the applicator difficult to use, or it gets lost, you can use a Q-tip instead.

Step 3: Dry the glue.

Don’t attach the lashes immediately! Wait for a few seconds. If you’re using the clear glue, it will turn blue. That’s your cue the lashes are ready to be attached. Don’t worry about the color. It fades quickly once the lashes are attached. You can also try touching it to see if the glue is ready. If it feels tacky, you can attach the lashes.

As an alternative, use the black eyelash glue

Do you know you can also learn how to apply fake eyelashes using a dark eyelash glue? The process is incredibly simple and exactly the same as when you’re using the clear glue. The biggest difference? You won’t see a blue line. To ensure the glue has settled well, wait for about 10 seconds before attaching the eyelashes.

Step 4: Apply your mascara.

Here’s a question. When should you apply the mascara: before or after you’ve attached the fake eyelashes? It all depends on your preference. Personally, I want to place the mascara before I attach the fake lashes. It’s much harder to apply the mascara once the false lashes are already attached. Plus, I really don’t like removing mascara off my falsies. By the way, if you want to make your own mascara, I have a good recipe for you!

Step 5: Attach the lashes.

This may be the trickiest part in applying the fake eyelashes, but I know you’ll get the hang of it quickly. To attach the lashes, use the tweezers to pick them up and lay them flat between the eyes and near the lash line. Do not place them on top of your real eyelashes! You’ll end up plucking your own lashes once you remove the fake ones.

After laying them flat, adjust the placement of the lashes using your tweezers before you begin to push them toward the eyelash line and squeeze them for a tighter hold.

Step 6: Pat the eyelashes.

Do the finishing touches by patting the eyelashes. You can also brush the eyelashes to improve or help them retain their shape. At this point, you can choose to reapply your mascara for a more seamless look.

You’re done!

Travel Guide : 24 Hours in Lisbon

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 19:26:00 +0000

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon, has experienced a renaissance in recent years. Ryan Levitt suggests his 'must-sees' in this 'must-visit' city.

Lisbon, the largest and the capital city of Portugal, is one of Europe’s secret jewels. It may not get the press of its larger Spanish neighbours, but it’s quickly rising in the ranks of ‘must-visit’ destinations by travellers who know a bargain when they see one.

It has amazing architecture – Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums – as well as lovely narrow back street lanes.

The city’s landscape and history comprise an historical ‘Age of Discovery’ that brought countless treasures from the New World, emotive ‘fado’ music, bountiful seafood delights and late-night hotspots where you can dance ’til dawn… Lisbon has it all, and at a fraction of the cost of any other major European capital.

So save those Euros and splurge on five-star finery you would never be able to afford anywhere else.

Must Stay

Finding affordable accommodation is easy in Lisbon. In fact, the city is fantastic for bargain hunters who are looking for five-star quality at no-star prices. The finest hotel in town is arguably the Hotel Avenida Palace, conveniently situated just off the Avenida da Liberdade with convenient access to Baixa, the Barrio Alto and Chiado. Rooms start from €163 for a double room per night based on double occupancy.

The city is famous for its seafood. The humble sardine is a symbol of Portugal and devoured hungrily by one and all. Often served as a bar snack, you can enjoy a plate at pretty much any bar or restaurant. A favourite place to tuck in for many a local and tourist is Solmar in Baixa, a simple beer hall with a massive menu of seafood options to choose from. Don’t expect anything fancy – but do expect great food and a chatty atmosphere. For the famous piri-piri chicken, then the best place to go is Bonjardim (Travessa de Santo Antão 7). Choose a portion of chicken grilled over charcoal and served with chips. It puts Nando’s to shame.

Must Take

Don’t forget to take a very comfortable pair of walking shoes with you when visiting Lisbon. The city was built on a series of steep hills – ideal when a growing town is trying to protect itself against invaders but not so good for modern-day tourists with tender toes. Those with mobility issues may find the slick cobbles and sharp gradients tricky to handle. Trainers or shoes with grippy soles and walking aids (if required) are advised.

Must Visit

At the height of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, King Manuel I built the Jerónimos Monastery (Praça do Império, Belem) to commemorate the voyage of Vasco de Gama and give thanks for his success. Today, the complex is celebrated as one of the finest examples of European Gothic architecture on the planet and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage monument. Take time to contemplate the cloisters and the tilework telling the Biblical story of Joseph.

Must Buy

When it comes to souvenirs, you can’t go wrong with food. Lisbon is famed for its delicious custard tarts known as Pastéis de Nata. These sweet egg pastries are served in almost every café in the city, but locals believe the best ones come from the Casa Pastéis de Belém, located in the waterfront suburb of Belém to the west of the city centre. Try them when they are warm from the oven and covered with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Must Explore

There is no main location to explore in Lisbon – everything is worth a wander. Rather, it’s how you do it that will make your stay interesting. Tram 28 is both a symbol of the city and an amazing way to see all the sights. It begins its journey at Praça Martim Moniz and winds its way through all the key neighbourhoods, including Alfama, Barrio Alto, Mouraria and Graça for less than €4 per person. Don’t waste your money on expensive double-decker bus tours when you can see the sights for a fraction of the cost in an authentic antique streetcar. Just watch out for pickpockets as they are notorious on this route.

Must Shop

If you love to shop, then the district of Chiado is the one for you. Named after the square around which the neighbourhood formed, Chiado is the midway point between downtown (Baixa) and the nightlife and club scene of Barrio Alto. Here is where you will find a plethora of one-off boutiques packed with Portuguese specialties.

Highlights include Luvaria Ulisses for butter-soft gloves in an array of colours (Rua do Carmo 87A), Paris em Lisboa (Rua Garrett 77) for fine linens and bedding and A Vida Portuguesa (Rua Anchieta 11), the ultimate Portuguese purveyor offering a curated selection of Portugal’s finest products including soaps from Porto, embroidery work, basketry and more. If you have time for one shop during your stay, make this the one.

Must See The View

The neighbourhood of Alfama is one of Lisbon’s most atmospheric, dotted with intimate bars, restaurants and boutiques. Enjoy a day wandering the labyrinthine streets – just keep heading uphill to reach your final destination, the Castelo de São Jorge. The castle was built by the Moors to protect the city from Christian crusaders. Today, it offers commanding views of the city and the Tagus River. At one time, the castle was also the royal palace for the Portuguese Royal family, however the construction of a new palace on the banks of the Targus (where the Praça do Comércio now stands) in the 16th-Century combined with earthquake damage caused the building to lose favour and it was transformed into army barracks and a prison. Spend time wandering the grounds before heading inside the structure itself.

Travel Guide: 24 Hours in Andorra

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 23:37:00 +0000

Andorra is indisputably one of Europe’s best kept secrets, with mountains and lakes, historic buildings and museums, and quaint villages.

If you have never been to Andorra, and perhaps can’t even place it on a map, you’ve missed a trick. It’s time to improve your geography, and to add another country to your list.

Andorra is one of Europe’s micro-states, tucked into the border between France and Spain. Part of Europe but not the EU, it was traditionally considered as a tax haven, but in recent years the economy has diversified away from agriculture and banking to embrace major developments in tourism.

Mountains and lakes, historic buildings and museums, quaint villages and year-round opportunities for outdoor activities abound, and with easy access via airports in Barcelona and Toulouse, Andorra is indisputably one of Europe’s best kept secrets. On arrival all you need to do is sit back, with a glass of duty free champagne in hand, and plan what you want to do.

Must visit

You come to Andorra for the mountains. The country has a stunning mountainous landscape – the average elevation is 1,996m – and whilst skiers and snowboarders flock here in the winter to make use of the snow, the natural geography makes it a superb summertime destination too.

Once the snow melts, the ski slopes of Grandvalira become the highest golf course in Europe; the Soldeu Bike Park has more than 100 km of free-ride, cross-country, endure and slope style routes; you can camp by the side of glacier-fed streams; and there are numerous walking trails, all with picturesque picnic stops.

There are 13 Via Ferrata routes, which combine trekking and rock climbing, and for an unforgettable experience, you can even scramble these routes at night! Beginners should try the Creu de Noral or Sugudet from Ordino; but if you’re a serious climber and want something to get your teeth into, the Canal del Grau from Canillo is said to be fiendishly difficult.

Must eat

Andorra was, until very recently, a predominantly agrarian society, and so locally-sourced meats and vegetables feature highly on most restaurant menus. The cuisine is akin to that in neighbouring Catalonia, but possibly a little more hearty. At L’Enoteca, a traditional restaurant in Andorra La Vella, the capital of Andorra, typically Andorran dishes on the menu include duck breast with pear and Muscat reduction, pork cheeks with crayfish, and Iberian pork in spices.

Although rarely exported, Andorra also produces some of its own wines. The wineries to look out for are Borda Sabaté 1944, Casa Auvinyà, and Celler Mas Berenguer. Remember that there’s no duty on alcohol in Andorra, so you can afford to drink unusually fine wines.

Must chill

Andorra’s geography means that thermal springs naturally occur across the country, and people have certainly bathed in them for hundreds of years.

In Andorra La Vella you’ll find Caldea, which is the largest thermal bath complex in Europe. The water comes up from below the ground at a 68ºC, and then is cooled to a variety of temperatures for the different pools. In addition to jacuzzis and saunas, there are also bubble beds and warm marble slates, Indo-Roman baths, and a divine-smelling pool with fresh grapefruits bobbing about on the surface.

The baths are open late into the evening, making Caldea the perfect place to retreat to soothe your tired muscles and warm up your extremities after a long day skiing on the piste or climbing mountains.

Must see

In and around Canillo are a dozen historic religious sites, which collectively form the Canillo Cultural Circuit. You can see them all by car or, if you have time, it is well worth walking between them, as though you were a pilgrim.

Highlights of the circuit include the Church of Sant Joan de Caselles, a Romanesque church dating from the 11th century; the Creu dels set braços, a strange seven-armed cross whose eighth, missing arm is said to represent a local boy stolen by the devil; and the Basilica Sanctuary of Nostra Senyora de Meritxell, with open cloisters, an ancient chapel, and sculptures of Andorra’s seven patron saints.

Must stay

It used to be that you had to head to the Arctic Circle to stay in an ice hotel, but now you have the chance in the Pyrenees too.

The Iglu Hotel at Grau Roig is rebuilt from fresh snow each season, and though the temperatures can fall to -20ºC, there’s a sauna and open-topped jacuzzi to warm your cockles, not to mention extraordinary thermal sleeping bags. The only way to reach the hotel after dark is riding in the back of a piste basher (an experience which is itself worth the price of the hotel), and once at this ice palace you’ll be treated to a gourmet dinner and wine. A couple of private rooms are available, but part of the fun of it is bunking in with friends.

Lean Belly Breakthrough

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 07:37:00 +0000

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The Tour de France

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 22:05:00 +0000

This summer the world’s most famous cycle race pedals off from Dusseldorf on 1 July. For the next three weeks, elite cyclists will compete stage by stage as they loop around Germany, Belgium, and France. Glory awaits whoever crosses the finishing line first in Paris on 23 July. All those who come behind can at least say they completed the gruelling 104th Tour de France.

The Tour de France itself is open only to professional cyclists, but that’s not to say that you can’t get a taste of the action. You can bike the same route, or follow stage by stage as a spectator. Here are the highlights you can expect to see if you follow the route, plus our practical tips to make it happen.

Dusseldorf

The very first stage of this year’s Tour de France starts and ends in the German city of Dusseldorf. It’s a flat 13 km time trial through the city streets, mostly along the banks of the Rhine and therefore wonderfully flat. You can follow a similar route on a guided bike tour of the city, or meander your own way through the Old and New Towns. The parks and tree-lined promenade by the riverside are particularly pretty, and a great way to ease yourself into cycling, especially if you’re not terribly fit.

Liège

Stage 2 of the Tour de France is a long distance stage: 203 km from Dusseldorf across the border to Liège in Belgium. There are two short climbs along the way, and you’ll see a great deal of western Germany’s countryside as you cycle.

Though this section of the route is not overly arduous, you will be spending a lot of hours in the saddle. It’s essential you wear the right shorts or tights to avoid chafing. Jack Wolfskin’s Gravity Flex Tights are stretchy and breathable, and importantly are also waterproof — helpful for the unpredictable weather in Northern Europe!

When you arrive into Liège, don’t be deceived by the first industrial appearances. Climb the Montagne de Bueren steps for a rewarding city view, and treat yourself to a well-earned beer at the top.

Troyes

Cycling and drinking wine may not always go together, but there are few things more pleasurable in life than biking through French vineyards. The organisers of the Tour de France know that well, and so Stage 7 runs 213 km through the vineyards of Burgundy from Troyes to Nuits-Saint-Georges. Champagne and Rosé des Riceys are just two of the local specialities: you can also keep your energy levels up with Troyes andouillette, Chaource cheese, and Prunelle de Troyes, a particularly potent prune-based liquor.

Bergerac

Competitors in the Tour de France take a much-needed rest day in the Dordogne before starting on Stage 10, the 178 km leg from Perigueux to Bergerac. The terrain here is a little hillier, but the rewards for visitors are ample: the famous cave paintings of Lascaux, truffles and foie gras for the foodies, and the attractions of Bergerac.

Bergerac’s Old Town looks as if it was made for tourism. The timber framed houses are medieval, there are lively markets in the squares, and you can wander along the bank of the Dordogne River down to the historic quay.

Rodez

By the time you reach Stage 14 (182 km), you’ll need to raise your game. The hills here might look photogenic, but as they rise higher and higher, your legs will start to burn.

Be grateful that you’re on a modern, lightweight bicycle. The first time that British riders competed in the Tour de France was in 1955, and their equipment and clothing looked very different indeed. The Wearwell Cycle Company, who sponsored riders in that first British team, have relaunched their collection in 2017, combining a hint of 1950s vintage style with the latest materials and designs. You can look the part whilst riding in complete comfort.

When you do get to Rodez at the end of the stage, inevitably you’ll be exhausted. Once you’ve recovered, do allow some time for sightseeing, however. Rodez’s cathedral is a masterpiece of gothic architecture; there’s an excellent circular walking tour around the Old Town; and the local park, Domaine de Combelles, covers 300 acres.

Salon-de-Provence

The longest stage of the tour, Stage 19, runs through the lavender fields and olive groves of Provence. It might look utterly idyllic but it’s tough on the legs, especially in the first part of the day. Even the pros are hard-pushed to complete the 223 km in under 17 hours.

You are heading for Salon-de-Provence. This year is the first time that the Tour de France has ever been through, though the town is a regular feature in other long distance road races such as the Paris-Nice Peloton. Come here to visit the 12th century Château de l’Empéri and the tomb of Nostradamus in the Saint-Laurent Collegiate Church. If your trip coincides with the Du son au Balcon festival in August, you’ll also hear the central square pulsing as DJs mix the latest tracks from the balcony of the town hall.

Paris

Everyone’s heard of the Maillot Jaune — the yellow jersey — of the Tour de France, and on the final race day, that’s what is on everyone’s mind. It’s considered bad form for other riders to don that colour shirt, but if you want to feel like a winner on your own bicycle ride, by all means flash some canary yellow.

The 21st and final stage of the Tour de France is from Montgeron through Paris to the Champs-Élysées. It’s a 103 km ride and when the roads are cleared for the race, classed as a sprint. If you’re competing with the Parisian traffic, however, your pace will inevitably be curtailed.

It’s in Paris that the excitement of the race builds to a peak, and where as a spectator you’ll find the best vantage points. Arrive in good time if you want a spot on the Quai d’Orsay or Pont Alexandre III; you stand a better chance in the grounds of the Grand Palais where there’s rather more room.

Watching the race reach its triumphal end on the Champs-Élysées is an emotional sight. And that’s even more true if you’ve cycled all — or even part — of the way yourself. Make time this summer for the Tour de France, the greatest cycle race of them all.

What is there to see and do in Turin, Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 22:33:00 +0000

Turin is a stylish city, more compact than Milan, but with glorious baroque palaces occupying its spacious piazzas and wide boulevards.

With direct flights from the UK, taking around two hours, Turin is a convenient destination for a long weekend. Originally laid out by the Romans, the streets still follow the same grid pattern, and the centre is compact enough to explore on foot.
This was a Royal city, first the capital of the Kingdom of Savoy and then, briefly Italy’s first capital, before becoming an industrial powerhouse in the 20th century. These days the factories are silent and the pedestrianised centre is full of museums, galleries, cafes and restaurants.

Grand Cafes

Baratti Milano (c) Rupert Parker

Showing the influence of Hapsburg Empire, the city is endowed with ornate historical cafés similar to those in Vienna. Their interiors are a riot of gilded upholstery, chandeliers, wooden panels and long mirrors. Ava Gardener and James Stewart were regulars at the Café Torino and Baratti & Milano is famous for its thick hot chocolate. Café Mulassano invented the Tramezzino in 1926, the Italian take on a crustless triangular sandwich and they still serve around 40 varieties at around 4€ each.

Ice Cream Parlours

Gelateria Pepino (c) Rupert Parker

Gelateria Pepino was founded in 1884 by an ice cream maker from Naples but the present shop dates from 1929. The grandfather of the present owner, Edoardo Cavagnino, came up with the idea of putting gelato on a stick in 1935 but it was sloppy and difficult to eat. He solved the problem by coating it with chocolate to keep it cool and the first Pinguino or Penguin went on sale in 1939. It originally sold for one Italian Lira, the price of a cinema ticket, and claims to be the world’s first choc ice. Of course it was a tremendous success and they are still making it today in five different flavours.

Markets

Porta Palazzo Market (c) Xadhoomx

If you really want to get an idea of the quality of the region’s produce, then you won’t be disappointed at the Porta Palazzo Market, located in Piazza della Repubblica. With over 800 stalls, it’s one of the largest open air markets in Europe and is open Monday to Saturday. There are also three market halls dedicated to fish, meat, cheese and bread and a farmers’ market with around 100 stalls selling fresh produce.

Car Museum

Turin Car Museum (c) Rupert Parker

Nearby is the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile with over 200 vehicles from Italy and the rest of the world on display. The museum dates from 1932 but was extensively refurbished in 2011 and is imaginatively laid out on three floors, using sound and light to enhance the experience. It’s a journey through the history of the automobile, from the earliest models to cars of the future. Don’t miss the 1892 Peugeot and a 1980 Ferrari 308. There are also sections dealing with car design and environmental issues.

Palazzo Reale

Armoury in the Palazzo Reale (c) Rupert Parker

The elegant 17th century facade of the Palazzo Reale and the splendour of its numerous, richly furnished rooms, reflect luxurious life at court and centuries of history of the House of Savoy. Don’t miss the Armeria Reale, the Royal Armoury, with a long gallery of armoured knights sitting on full sized stuffed horses, including King Carlo Alberto’s favourite animal. Adjoining the Reale is the chapel where the Shroud is kept, but it was closed for repairs when I visited.

Egyptian Museum

Egyptian Museum(c) Tim Adams

The Museo Egizio has the largest collection of Egyptian artefacts outside Cairo. King Charles Emmanuel III started acquiring objects in 1753, but it was King Carlo Felice who established the present museum in its 17th century Palazzo. There are three floors exhibiting over six thousand objects. Highlights include a granite statue of Rameses II and the 3500 year old Ellesija Temple, saved from Nile flooding and moved here in 1966. The Tomb of Kha is the museum’s centrepiece, containing sarcophagi, statues, furniture and food for the afterlife, including salted meat and bowls with remains of tamarind and grapes.

Cinema Museum

Mole Antonelliana (c) Rupert Parker

The pagoda-like spire of the Mole Antonelliana stands out on the Turin skyline and it was originally built as synagogue in the 19th century. These days it houses the Museo Nazionale del Cinema with over 7,000 films in the library, a collection of 150,000 posters and various bits of cinema history, including Marilyn Monroe’s bodice. Five floors document the story of the movies and themed exhibitions include Love and Death and Horror and Fantasy, all with film sets, photographs, designs and sketches. Take the glass lift up 87m to the top of the spire for great views of the city, the river and the Alps.

FIAT Factory

Racetrack on the roof of FIAT Factory (c) Rupert Parker

At the end of the metro, in the suburb of Lingotto, is the massive former FIAT factory, now tastefully converted by Italian architect Renzo Piano into a complex of shops, cinemas, restaurants and hotels. There’s also the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli, a small gallery housing a selection of pictures from the private collection of Fiat founders, the Agnelli family. You’ll find 25 gems from the likes of Canaletto, Picasso, Dali and Matisse plus temporary exhibitions. From here you can access the rooftop and walk around the 2.5km car test track, made famous as a location for the Italian Job with Michael Caine.
Just across the street, in another disused factory, an extraordinary food hall opened in 2007. Eataly now has branches all over the world and the concept is part supermarket, part farmer’s market and part wine cellar. They offer the best local produce and there’s a whole section devoted to Slow Food. It’s not just a shop as there are also restaurants and cafes serving dishes of the day at reasonable prices.

Fact File

STAY: Grand Hotel Sitea is in the centre of Turin. Prices for a double room and breakfast start from £129.
The stylish Hotel NH Torino Lingotto Congress in the converted Fiat factory, serves excellent food. Prices are around £120 including breakfast.

EAT: Porto di Savona is one the city’s oldest restaurants and serves typical Torino fare.
Pastificio Defilippis is a shop and restaurant, offering every shape and size of pasta.
FLY: EasyJet flies direct to Turin from Gatwick and Luton. Fares start at £29.99 one way.
Torino has information about the city.
MORE: Piemonte has information about the region
SEE THE SIGHTS: A Torino+Piemonte Card, from the tourist office in Piazza Castello, gives free entry to the most important museums. €35 for 2 days.

Ski Guide: La Plagne, France

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 22:27:00 +0000

La Plagne is a collection of 11 villages in the Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps. It is part of the Paradiski area, which includes both La Plagne and Les Arcs, and it neighbours the Three Valleys and Espace Killy. Each of the villages has a different feel, from the traditional Plagne Village to the 1960s modernism of Plagne Aime 2000, which faces out onto Mont Blanc (4,808m), the highest peak in the Alps.

About La Plagne

The La Plagne resort has more than 200km of well maintained piste spread across 128 runs and accessed via 95 ski lifts. The runs include low-level tree lined runs into Montchavin and Montalbert, as well as high, snow-sure skiing on the Bellcote Glacier. The Most of the lifts are turbo chairs or gondolas, meaning the queues are generally low. Snow cannons throughout the resort help maintain the runs, though by late afternoon those back into the resort can be fairly cut up.

The great selling point of La Plagne for anyone other than beginners is the link to Les Arcs. The massive Vanoise Express gondola connects the two resorts, and ski passes valid across both ski areas are available. This one lift gives rise to the Paradiski ski area, allowing access to over 400km of piste. Les Arcs continues La Plagne’s trend of offering excellent, well maintained pistes across a variety of terrain. At 3,226m, the Aiguille Rouge gives stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the run to Villaroger is probably the longest in resort, with a descent of 2km and a run length of 7km.

Ski Runs

The vast majority of La Plagne’s 128 runs are red and blue, and 70% of them start at heights above 2,000m. There are 19 black runs for advanced skiers, and the resort’s runs cross two separate glaciers. The views at altitude are extraordinary: an Alpine panorama is all around you, and the highest peaks soar to well over 3,400m.

Plagne Villages: Beginner skiers should head to Plagne Villages as from here you can access a cat’s cradle of blue runs linking Plagne Bellecote, Plagne Soleil, and Plagne Centre. These are ideal runs on which to practice your carving as except for at the end of the day, they don’t tend to be too busy, and you can ski significant distances. Several of the routes are tree lined, and hence particularly picturesque, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars along the way where you stop for a rest and a beer.

Roche de Mio: Roche de Mio at Plagne Bellecote is at a height of 2,700m and accessible via a gondola. From the top there’s a super long blue which runs down to Col de Forcle, but those with more confidence will want to pick up the red Inversens and then connect onto the black Crozats for a truly thrilling ride. The Roche de Mio also gives access to the Glacier de la Chiaupe and its medley of black and red challenges.

Belle Plagne: At Belle Plagne you will find two ski parks. Col de Forcle is best suited to beginners, but at Le Grand Park the four routes, 20 rails, tables, airbag, and boardercross course will keep even skiers and snowboarders at the top of their game occupied for hours.

Why go there?

Skiing in La Plagne, France

Guaranteed snow: Snowfall in Europe has been particularly poor this winter, leaving many ski resorts with sparse snow cover. La Plagne is a notable exception: more than 100 slopes are still open mid March, the snow is at least 2m deep at the top, and skiing is possible well into April. Ski cannons guarantee snow on all the main runs.

Variety of runs: With 95 lifts and 128 runs, La Plagne has a huge variety of slopes, including lots of beautiful blues and reds for beginner and intermediate skiers. There are a few good black runs for advanced skiers, and an increasing number of un-pisted reds and blacks. The options for off piste skiing, including through forests and in wide bowls on the glacier, are numerous. And if you do find yourself having skied all 128, La Plagne connects directly to Les Arcs via the massive Vanoise Express gondola, giving you access to another 200km of runs.

Olympic bobsledding: For adrenalin junkies, there is the terrifying bobsled run, built for the 1992 Winter Olympics. This offers visitors a once in a lifetime chance to ride an Olympic track in a real sled. It’s thrilling, but your heart will be in your mouth throughout the ride.

Après-ski: La Plagne draws a crowd who like to ski hard by day and party hard by night. Many of the restaurants on the mountain become fully fledged clubs come late afternoon, the perfect spot for Moet and ski! You don’t have to worry about getting back to your village at the end of the day. A network of free gondolas and buses covers the whole resort, so as long as you can get back to one of them, you can always get home.

Accommodation

A typical chalet bedroom in La Plagne courtesy of Alpoholics

There’s a large variety of accommodation across the resort, including hotels, self catered apartments, and catered chalets. Alpoholics is a small British company which owns five chalets across La Plagne. The chalets are run by a team of Brits, all of whom are friendly, laid back, and happy to share recommendations for pistes, powder, and places to eat. Their chalets all have private hot tubs, and other facilities include saunas, games rooms, and cinemas, depending on the chalet.

How to get there

Easyjet flies direct from London Gatwick to Geneva for under £200 return. It’s then a 3-4 hour transfer by road to Geneva, though its quicker if you get the train as it stops at the base of the mountain. Other airport options a similar distance away from the resort include Lyon, Grenoble, and Chamberry.

What is there to see and do in Miami, Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 22:22:00 +0000

The area makes for a gorgeous ramble along two miles of pristine beaches, passing appealing pastel hued Art Deco architecture that sparkle in the sunshine mingled with wave after wave of seafront restaurants and loud, neon lit nightclubs that light up after sundown.

And as Miami turned 100 in 2015 you could say it has history. It emerged onto the party scene as recently as the mid-90’s when several Art Deco hotels were restored and remodeled. In came Madonna, Demi Moore and Ricki Martin who fell in love with Miami. And of course everyone else followed. And stayed. Was this city really created out of a swamp a mere century ago?

Art Deco and Ocean Road on South Beach

Miami beach, Florida (c) erikaalvesm0

Ocean Road has amazing restaurants and cafes with music blasting out of every outlet. Many have live music like Katrina and Oceans Ten. As you pass it’s a a bit like having the radio change channel with every step. This is a long stretch and Thursday to Sunday, it seems everyone is out enjoying the evening air, and nightlife.

But probably its most interesting quality is its architecture. There are plenty of Art Deco examples, but there is also the Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern (MiMo) architecture that appeared on the streets in the 1950s.

To explore, start at 728 Ocean Drive where now stands the 1950s inspired Johnnie Rockets hamburger bar. Originally it was the location for Irene Marie Models, a model agency – the first in Florida. They were pivotal in bringing the beautiful people to South Beach.

What’s more, this spot between two art deco hotels – the Beacon and the Colony – also has a claim to fame as the location of the Sun Ray Apartments where Al Pacino’s chainsaw scene in the 1983 film Scarface took place.

If you make it to 1250 Ocean Drive you will see the retro-futiristic facade of the Carlyle, where The Birdcage was filmed. On the way you will pass Gianni Versace’s former villa, Casa Casuarina and its stylish and unmissibable black and gold tipped gates. The eminent fashion designer was shot and killed in front of it in 1997 at point blank range while returning from buying a newspaper at the 24/7 News Cafe opposite.

The property has since been turned into a luxury 10-bedroom boutique hotel and restaurant called The Villa by Barton G. Inside is a spa and glamorous mosaic-tiled swimming pool designed by Versace with much Italian flare.

But be warned: You may find that when walking the length of Ocean Drive the buzzy restaurants and cafes are too much of a distraction to keep walking.

SoFi – South of Fifth

For a change of scene and for a much quieter ambience head for 5th Street. You will find a lovely triangular enclave called SoFi (South of Fifth) – it starts at Fifth to the end of the island at the 17-acre beautifully landscaped South Pointe Park.

You may find a photo shoot happening or at least glamourous people milling around. If you want more of that you could go to Nikki Beach restaurant for brunch. There is no doubting the sumptuous and appetising food served, yet it’s hard to eat when toned, tanned bodies pass you on their way to nearby sunbeds.

If you are with the kids try breakfast at The Big Pink, very retro, very pink, family-style restaurant with hefty portions that are easy on the pocket.

Wynwood and the Miami Design District

Graffiti art in the Design District, Miami (c) marcelovalente

Once a rundown area the walls of Wynwood is very much the haunt of hipsters thanks to property developer Tony Goldman who had a vision of “museum of the streets”. More than 50 artists have transformed 80,000 square feet of walls into artworks and words like “edgy” and “artsy” are often thrown at it. There are plenty of art galleries too (70 at the last count) but don’t miss the contemporary art of the Rubell Family collection with works by Andy Warhol and Keith Haring.

Separated by 1-95 highway overpass is the Miami Design District. This is where designer shops, high end restaurants, art galleries all converge to offer a stylish day out.

Lincoln Road

This is quite an extraordinary outdoor mile-long shopping and chilling out area. It’s a complete contrast to the rest of Miami offering 60 high end shops in the futuristic architecture. Big names include the likes of Tom Ford, Fenci and Marc Jacobs. There’s even a triple story Hermes as well as six home design stores. Gucci has recently come on board and so has the high-end Cuban restaurant by Emilio and Gloria Estefan. There’s also the Romero Britton gallery which is a celebration of Miami’s home grown artists.

Plenty of dining options on Lincoln Road from a casual drink or full-blown dinner. Or even some cafe culture with the chance to people-watch along the long tropical styled broadwalk. Try the Meat Market has become a hotspot offering sizzling steakhouse style dishes and a energy to match. Or if sushi is more your bag this offers alfresco dining and an indoor lounge where you can dine to the backdrop of a mural by California-based street artists Aaron de la Cruz.

Little Havana

The Cuban legacy is very much part of Miami’s DNA. Places like El Titan de Bronze still roll cigars by hand every day and locals play dominoes at Domino Park. You’ll soon get into the swing of it all especially on Calle Ocho (Southwest Eighth Street) on the main drag when all your senses become alert to the myriad Cuban experiences; the stucco houses, the street art, the sounds Samba music that escape from music stores and restaurants, rum is easy to come by, fruit markets energise the air with citrus aromas and food around these parts is pretty rustic and includes a repertoire of chicken, rice and platanos – fried sweet bananas.

Whether or not you choose to explore, the beauty of Miami is that you can just be and enjoy the cosmopolitan vibe and a wonderful beach lifestyle surrounded by as much beauty as a city can muster.

Taking the kids?

Ditch the Art Deco hotels as you may find their rooms a tad small. So check out Ritz-Carlton South Beach at One Lincoln Road as it has a great kid’s facility called Ritz Kids. Part of the offering is a choice of full or half-day supervision on the beach and poolside activities for children from 5 to 12.

There’s also family-focused Loews Miami Beach Hotel at 1601 Collins Avenue where children are the focus.

Fun things to do include Watson Island and the tropical zoo called Jungle Island where you can enjoy the beauty of tropical birds, wild cats and monkeys and plenty of close-up experiences.

There’s also the Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park at 1725 NE 135th Street in North Miami. There are two playgrounds, 22 acres of nature trails and supervised horse back riding all day long.

Best time to go

The busiest time is from November to April. This is when Americans holiday here. During the day temperatures hover min the mid 20s°C, though the odd chill should be expected.
Summer months see temperatures rise to around 30°C but tend to be more humid. In fact this is low season and hotel rates tumble – the best bargains can be had in August and September.

Get there in December for the Miami Beach Art Basel art fair. It’s North America’s biggest and buzziest.

Getting there

Virgin Atlantic has direct flights from London Heathrow to Miami from £445 return. Flight time is approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes