Scots are very proud of their national costume and not embarrassed at all to wear a kilt to weddings and social events. I saw it for myself.

I must admit, the kilt wasn’t a very attractive item for me until I’ve been to Edinburgh. There I’ve noticed that it has a special history and a unique pattern based on the clan which wears it. For example, if someone is called Sinclair, then they should rent or buy a tartan kilt named Sinclair. The same thing happens with: Campbell, MacDonald, Fraser MacLeod, Mackay, Mackenzie, etc. It’s really interesting to see all the details and differences that appear between textures and colors.  I’ve seen lots of them at  The Tartan Weaving Mill, the building which used to be the Castle Hill reservoir, the main water supply for the occupants of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle area.

The mill is surprisingly large inside with five stores to explore. Now run by Geoffrey Tailor Kiltmaker, the mill exhibition shows the whole process involved in tartan production from shearing sheep, to making a kilt. There are working rooms and the atmosphere of a busy factory. Visitors can be fitted for and photographed wearing full Highland Dress outfit and experience the fascinating history of Scotland’s National Dress, the admission is free.

Sometimes, when traveling, something unexpected and often funny happens. Even if I didn’t travel all that much – I still have many places left to see – I do have some funny stories.

How many degrees?

I was in Vienna with my husband. One day, in the hotel we were staying at some new people arrived (where were they from doesn’t matter). We were just getting back from a walk and we were getting the key from the reception when we heard one of these new people’s discussion with the receptionist (a great helping guy).
- Does it make tea?
- Yes, it does!
- Is it hot? Boiling?
- Yes.
- Degrees?
- Excuse me?
- Degrees. How many degrees!
- It’s very hot.
- Yes, but is it 100 degrees?
- I don’t know for sure, but if it is boiling, then it should be…

Yup… that person was asking how many degrees the boiling water from the tea machine had…

The look on the receptionist’s face was priceless. But he was very polite, and that look was just for a second – and only for the two of us (we were hardly trying not to laugh)

Look at her! How she is shuffling her legs!

Another funny moment was also in Austria’s capital. We were getting back to the hotel after a full day. We were going from a station of U4 (U-Bahn – underground/subway) to another one of another line (U2) and then getting out, very close to the hotel. As we were walking, and not necessarily very fast, someone behind us was really shuffling her feet. And not only that, but she wore slippers – so you can imagine that on that looooong passage between the two subway lines, the noise was amplified and very clear. As we were approaching the escalators to go to the surface, I said – not very loud, but it was an eco and each sound was very clearly heard by anyone – I said to my husband in our language, Romanian:
- Oh, Lord. How she is shuffling her legs!
- Indeed so! Andrei replies.

The woman stared at us for a brief moment. She didn’t say anything – she just went in front of us, like 3-4 stairs. When we got off the escalators… surprise-surprise. She was NOT shuffling her legs anymore.

Yup. She understood Romanian! And she did listen to us.
I have to admit it was a funny situation. I also have to add that I didn’t use a harsh or a disgusted tone. And she took our observation – indirect observation! – into consideration.

There probably were other funny moments in my travels, but right now only these two come to my mind. But I would love to find out funny moments and stories from all of you, fellow travelers.

So I’m thinking about turning this into a tag – The Funniest Travel Moment – and I’m inviting you, tagged here or not – to share a funny story on your blogs. To start the tag I’m inviting, and I really hope they’ll honor my invitation: Keith – Velvet Escape, Gray – Solo Friendly, Michael – Easy Hiker, Abby – The Jungle Princess, Simon – Wild about travel, Ayngelina – Bacon is magic and Jeremy - Budget Travel Adventures. I really hope you’ll want to have some fun answering and passing along this tag:). I also think we could use #travelfun as hashtag on Twitter.

I’m also inviting anyone who wishes to take this tag to answer it – consider it an open invitation. Or you can tell me your funniest moment in a comment here .

Sardinia is a great part of the world and it has a lot to offer to any traveler. Many people come hear to spend some relaxing time and find great places to see. What awaits you here? Find out from a very compact and interesting free e-book by CharmingItaly.com on Top 10 Sardinian Places.

The clear waters, the many islands available, some included even in UNESCO World Heritage, caves and great weather, all draw people year after year. But who knows all the islands? Who knows all the places worth a visit in Sardinia?

CharmingItaly.com offers a free e-book on Top 10 Sardinian Places. It is available here and the only request it to sign up to their newsletter – which is also very interesting.

From the e-book you’ll find out about great caves, places reachable by boat, great islands to choose from when planning your vacation here. It is a simple, with accent on images, with compact and relevant information e-book.

Oh, yes, and after you’ll finish it you’ll want to search the internet for a good offer to go visit at least one of those places!

Andrea Petroni, from VoloGratis.org, recently got married and had an interesting idea for a honeymoon: to try and have it for free in exchange for providing online visibility for those interested in offering him and his wife services during the honeymoon.

They launched the project Wedding Tour 2012 – the first sponsored honeymoon ever.

It isn’t a surprise that they managed to get many and interesting sponsors ranging from hotels to coffee shops, from car rental companies to restaurants.

They created a Pinterest board, a Facebook page and, of course, the couple offers visibility on the official website and, as they say, on magazines, TV and radio shows.

It is an interesting idea and, let’s say it clearly, it is a win-win situation: the sponsors are offering free services in exchange for free promotion. Of course, for the couple it means that they will have to be very active online and on all media. But they seem to enjoy it and therefore it is a good thing they come up with this honeymoon idea as they can enjoy the places they want for free.

They will start their honeymoon on 23rd July in Rome so for all of you interested in their itinerary and adventures start following them online! (The official blog is in Italian, but they are featuring an English version through Google Translate.)

Have fun and a happy life together, you guys!

England’s Riviera is world renowned for its beauty. The 300 miles of coast – all accessible on foot – hold plentiful attractions for sightseers of all ages and interests. From an imposing Tate gallery to exhilarating surf, there is something to stimulate your body and your mind in this beautiful stretch of coastline. This helpful guide will help you decide what to see and do in the cosy county of Cornwall, which has inspired artists and writers for centuries.

photo by john47kent

Less than two miles from Land’s End, and right at the toe-end of Cornwall, Sennen beach is a surfer’s mecca. The promontory gets as many waves as the more exposed North Coast beaches, and has the bonus of catching the southerly swells that wrap around the coast from the channel. Adventurous souls brave the Cowloes reef, located about 100 metres offshore though it’s also a good beach for novices on the board, as the waves are regular but forgiving – and you can hire a board on the beach.
On the negative side it does get pretty busy in the summer.

Bustling Fowey (pronounced “foy” to rhyme with “joy”) is an historic town and working seaport. Ferries run between Fowey and the village of Polruan and Bodinnick on the other side of the river and the natural harbour is a haven for yachtsmen. Fowey port is also a major export route for china clay and a popular destination for several cruise liners, so the occasional large ship sometimes dominates this small harbour town. Yet Fowey is idyllic enough to have inspired the many writers who have lived there, including Daphne Du Maurier, Kenneth Grahame, Leo Walmsley and Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch. The forts and blockhouses dotted around the countryside are a reminder of the romantic seafaring past of smugglers, pirates and explorers who came from these shores.

Porthmeor beach, just north of St Ives, is close enough to the town to be a bustling seaside resort, but sheltered enough to feel like a cosy cove. If you’re more into culture than sandcastles then don’t miss the Tate Gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, just a short walk away from the beach. Bronze, stone and wood sculptures are on display in the Trewyn studios – Hepworth’s former Cornwall home – and the surrounding gardens.

‘Finding Trewyn Studio was a sort of magic’, wrote Barbara Hepworth. ‘Here was a studio, a yard and garden where I could work in open air and space.’ The artist designed the garden herself, with help from her friend Priaulx Rainier, the composer. Some of her most prolific and creative periods of work took place in these very walls and grounds.

The sea air and beautiful views have inspired many artists through the years. There is something about Cornwall’s quality of life, dramatic climate and beautiful scenery that feeds the soul. If you are looking for property, houses for sale in Cornwall are surprisingly good value – with 300 miles of coast to explore, seafront homes are not hard to come by.

Vanessa is a writer who loves the beach and recently purchased a flat in Cornwall with breathtaking sea views. In her spare time she likes to surf and walk her two dogs along the coast.

There is only one problem if you are visiting the Sunshine Coast – you may never want to leave. The exceptional weather, the perfect beaches for sunbathing, the turquoise water for surfing, the dolphins, the fishing, the orange skyline during sunrise, the vineyards, the Glasshouse Mountains and more is just too much for the traveler to let go off. The place is definitely a proof that God has picked the correct spot and made it into one fishing haven. It is located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean; it houses waterways, estuaries, creeks, rivers and made it into a wonderful place for a perfect holiday in the land Down Under.

You might be thinking at this point that since all there is to do is fishing, it is not a good idea to take a family along with you. Dear reader, you are mistaken.  Sunshine coast is like one of those places where there is something for everybody. The theme park in Palmview offers plenty of excitement for all ages. Visit the Australia Zoo made famous by Steve Irwin, with shows running daily, feed the giant turtles; interact with other exotic animals from this part of the world. Witness the grandeur of what lies beyond the coast of Australia- sharks, sea lions, rays, turtles, crabs, weedy sea dragons, feeding, sessions, sea lion shows, and diving opportunities for all in the Underwater World – a great entertainment for the entire family.

If you have a weakness for some adrenalin rush, we have some good news for you. Fraser Island and Moreton Island are the world’s largest sand islands and what better way to explore them than taking a 4WD tour. How about some whale and dolphin watching? Go snorkeling, swimming, in the inviting waters. Scuba diving and snorkeling is pretty common here. Not a problem if you are not a pro at it, you could take a training here.  Try booking a charter for some thrilling action in offshore fishing. Come back to the land and BBQ your catch for dinner. You may be try your hand at kayaking at the beautiful Noosa River.

Fraser island

Sunshine Coast is also a great choice for your honeymoon. Wine tasting tour in the many vineyards is a must try. Carry a bottle or two back. A ride on the scenic rail station from Gympie to Imbil is something you would really enjoy. Get down at any of the stops, go shopping, have a pleasant lunch at the local bistro. And to crank it up a notch, go boating at dusk, or a romantic dinner cruise.

Now if you are still not convinced to travel this part of Australia, we have more to offer and hopefully this time we will win. Plan for a fishing trip – this is going to be one of the best trips you’ve ever had. From barramundi, sailfish, marlins, tunas, snapper, King George Whiting, salmon, halibut, cobia, codfish, crabs and more! There are also fishing and crabbing tours for the family and kids.

And the best of it all- the Sunshine Coast is fit to visit any time of the year! You could take a flight or avail the rail service from Brisbane and reach this wonderful location and look forward to having a grand time. See you soon!

Brisbane river

John Anderson is an ardent outdoor enthusiast who has a special interest in fishing and boating. He hails from Australia and has travelled to almost all the wonderful places in the country for one of kind experiences. He is also a proficient author of several outdoor articles on travel with a bias towards boating and fishing.

Residence of the dukes of Sforzesco dynasty in Milan, Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco in Italian) is a Renaissance palace that has an impressive history and that is today host to several museums and art collections.

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) in Milan, Italy

On the ground floor of the Ducal Courtyard you’ll find the Museum of Ancient Art; you can also visit Pinacoteca (there is a small fee here) – on display 230 works of art, which include masterpieces by famous Italian painters such as Mantegna, Antonello da Messina, Foppa, Cesare da Sesto, Procaccini, Cerano, and many others. There is also an exhibit of 15th – 21st century furnishings and Wooden Sculpture and, on the first and second floors of the Rocchetta you’ll find collections of Applied Arts and the museum of Musical Instruments. The underground level of the Ducal Courtyard hosts the Egyptian Section of the Archaeological Museum and Sala Viscontea. With a free admittance, you can also visit the Iconography of the City and Castle of Milan in Castello Sforzesco, “Achille Bertarelli” Print Collection Reading Room. The collections and pieces of art exhibited here are renewed.

Visiting Sforza Castle is a must for any traveler in Milan. It is a lovely place, a calming one. You’ll be able to take some interesting photos, walk through this places filled with history, learn about the important moments in the castle’s history and admire the collections hosted here.

The castle has a great official website, one that allows you to have also a virtual tour – of course being there beats any such tour, but it is a great opportunity for anyone in the world to visit the palace online. You’ll find as well all about the castle’s history.

I’m inviting you in a visit through more photos taken by my husband.

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) in Milan, Italy 2

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) in Milan, Italy 3

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) in Milan, Italy 4

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) in Milan, Italy 5

And some photos from a dear friend:

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) in Milan, Italy 6

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) in Milan, Italy 7

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) in Milan, Italy 8

Have you visited this castle? How did you find it?

In October 2012 JW Marriott Marquis Dubai will open its doors to guests. The hotel will have 1,608-room and a height of 355 meters (1,164 feet) thus being the tallest dedicated hotel building in the world (just 26 meters (85 feet) shorter than the Empire State Building in New York).

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai will open in two phases, in the first stage 807 rooms and numerous restaurants and lounges will be open for public. The hotel is targeting the lucrative and increasingly important MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) market, which currently does not have a hotel of sufficient scale to host such large groups.

The hotel will also have two ballrooms, 24 meeting rooms and a total of 5,100 square meters of event space. Given the fact that Dubai is presently consolidating its position among the leading tourism markets around the world, and just registered a strong increase in passenger numbers it is clear that investments in this part of the world still have the potential of being profitable. Moreover, the whole area makes efforts to keep and consolidate its position among leading tourism destinations around the world by offering great attractions for leisure and business travelers.

JW Mariott stands for luxury and excellent hotels and from the description JW Marriott Marquis Dubai will be another great hotel offering wonderful accommodation for those in Dubai wanting high quality services.

photo source

So, I’ve traveled to Glasgow these days and I’ve been at an orchid fair. I personally don’t really love orchids, but I was pretty curious to see how the event looked like.

Hundreds of orchids were on display and for sale in the beautiful setting of The Kibble Palace in the Glasgow Botanical Garden from Saturday to Sunday. It was on the Great Western Road in Glasgow so I combined it with a day looking at the botanical treasures in this wonderful parkland and greenhouses.

Here I’ve met some representatives of the Scottish Orchid Society and they were really nice. Too bad I couldn’t travel with an orchid in my luggage:P

How do you like the flowers and the photos?

Orchid fair in Glasgow 1

Orchid fair in Glasgow 2

Orchid fair in Glasgow 3

Orchid fair in Glasgow 4

Orchid fair in Glasgow 5

Orchid fair in Glasgow 6

Orchid fair in Glasgow 7

I love flowers! I loved them since I was a little girl and we had many flowers in our garden. Now I’m looking forward to seeing our house finished to start arranging and decorating my own garden. Until then however, I’m enjoying other people’s gardens and flowers and I’m inviting you today in a different trip: one in our godparents’ garden. Here are some photos of some of their flowers.

Which is your favorite? (click on each photo for a larger view)

lilly

cactus

cactus 2

cactus 3

purple flower 2

red flower

red flower detail

white flower

white flower detail

yellow lilly

yellow lilly bug 2

yellow lilly bug

red rose

yellow rose

yellow rose bug