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Countries, Europe, Music

Rainy Days and Songdays – Five Bastille Bangers

14th July 202514th July 2025 funtime65

And pour le journée qui s’en vent a return of our occasional series Rainy Days and Songdays – Five Bastille Bangers.

We’ll start en homage to the definitive chanteuse Edith Piaf at her gravestone in Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris.

And a shoosh from a pilgrim at her headstone (it’s the same in any language).

At les enchants mechants being dragged around by Pere and Mere looking for Francophile Oscar Wilde’s site.

Non, Je ne regrette rien

The cemetery is more of a town than a graveyard and has its own streets but is well worth a visit.

And be sure to leave yourself plenty of time because the gatekeeper will ring a great big bell in your ears to tell you time is up.

Mais Non, Je ne regrette rien.

Je t’aime – moi non plus

These days, of course, pre-pubescent boys can find the female form online, on TV and on any newsagent’s shelf.

But back in the day it was rarer, not saying right, but rarer.

And the least said about our gang of four post-school Riviera campers visiting a shop near the Moulin Rouge to see a certain short film the better.

Now when Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin brought out Je t’aime – moi non plus in the Seventies it caused a revolution in buttoned-up Britain.

But we still learned more French from that record than any lesson Wee Jimmy Young gave us.

Tous les visages de l’amour

And for the monlingual English-speaking world, of course, we know this classic as She.

Which the suave Charles Aznavour crooned and sent les femmes into a tizzy.

L’homme intelligent rhymed his Tous les visages de l’amour song in French as well as English.

Something the Irish National Anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann, or the Soldier’s Song, also accomplishes, more of which later.

Toi, paree de mille et un attraits/

Je ne sais jamais qui tu es/

Tu changes si souvent de visage et d’aspect.

Or She May be the face I can’t forget/A trace of pleasure or regret.

Oooh, la, la Blondie

Take a forgotten Sixties doo-wop song, turn the protaganist from female to male, make him French and you have a hit… pretentious, moi?

Mais non, Debbie Harry was keen to broaden her international appeal and pretty much created a niche with French lyrics in English songs.

And not being a linguist she does seem to have a knack for it…

Denis Denis, avec tes yeux si bleux, / Denis Denis, moi j’ai flashe a nous deux, / Denis Denis, un grand baiser d’eternite. / Denis Denis, je suis si folle de toi, / Denis Denis, oh embrasse-moi ce soir, / Denis Denis, un grand baiser d’eternite

And came back for more on Sunday Girl, sounds much more sultry and sensuous as la fille du dimanche and even more so in the full French version.

La Marseilles

Et little would Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle have known in 1792 that his peasants’ song would become the most rousing national anthem of them all.

Mais oui, there is the Stars and Stripes, the Soldier’s Song, Land of our Fathers and the Internationale.

Now we expect that the Marseillaise will be sung with gusto around the world but perhaps even more so this year.

As cette annee marks 230 years since the French Convention adopted it as the First Republic’s anthem.

While some of the songs we’ve picked here may have a Pariscentric feel, La Marseilles is truly panFrench.

With De Lisle writing it in Strasbourg, with its original title Chant de guerre pour l’Armée du Rhin.

And it being popularised by Marseillaise volunteers marching to the capital.

Whether French or not we all recognise the stirring cri de coeur so it burns my eyes to see AI want to translate it into English.

Better preserve some things for humans to create like Rainy Days and Songdays – Five Bastille Bangers.

America, Countries, Music

The stage at the Rising Star Karaoke Bar

1st July 20251st July 2025 funtime65

I was set up, not for the first time, when Bev from Glasgow took the stage at the Rising Star karaoke bar in CityWalk Orlando.

I blame our hosts Visit Orlando and our party PRs Natalie and Fiona, who kept refilling our shots glasses when our backs were turned.

Bev ‘Lady’ Lyons and I had formed a bond being the only two Scots in our international party of travel writers to the Sunshine State and were poring through the music menu.

To pick what tracks we would sing up there on the stage with the professionals.

If I’d have had my wits about me I would have sussed out that Bev might have sung before.

When she said her Karaoke go-to was The Carpenters.

Rolling down the river

But there was no mistaking that Bev was well practised in performing.

When she introduced herself to the 2,000 crowd as ‘Bev from Glasgow’.

And launched into a rendition of Proud Mary, complete with motions, that would have done well Tina Turner, well proud.

With the sounds of encore ringing out the next act was called up to sing Lady Marmalade.

Only for that someone to be your tone-deaf favourite Bandanaman who proceeded to murder the song.

Of course, the fun-loving Floridians are always there to give you a gee-up.

And the Emcee called on the audience to give me a big cheer as ‘a dude doing a girl’s song.’

Mr Brightside Bandanaman

Not put off, though, I was back for more with an equally vocally challenged colleague, Eoin, later in the week to mangle Mr Brightside.

Eoin, the then-showbiz editor of our esteemed newspaper titles did put a spin on it.

When he met Brandon Flowers on tour.

Only for The Great Man to shoot his eyes up to heaven.

Make Bev a hit

My old friend Bev, who has also made a career on the other side of showbiz as the Showbiz Lion, is equally adept front of stage as evidenced in Orlando.

And the exciting news is that she is taking her first nervous step into her own musical career.

With the release of her first single, I’m Leaving You.

She tells me that the more presaves she gets the more likelihood there is of it charting): https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bevlyons/im-leaving-you/.

And that would mean the guy who took the stage at the Rising Star Karaoke Bar after her.

Well, he might well force his way into being her support.

When we go on tour!

Countries, Music

Holidos and Don’ts how to survive a music festival

28th June 202528th June 2025 funtime65

I’ve been around the world only to get my worst sunburn, actual sun bubbles on my back, on the Scottish isle of Skye, which is why I’ve got a start here on Holidos and Don’ts how to survive a music festival.

Of course while the sun is the biggest, brightest and most brutal of adversaries if not respected.

It is by no means the only challenge for festivalgoers.

As Glastonbury newbies and those who just get overexcited will be discovering this weekend.

In my defence I had youth on my side when we watched the Skye Folk festival.

From atop a hill looking down into the shinty stadium (ask a Hebridean).

And I was in the company of some thirsty Highland and Islanders, with my old mucker and flatmate Finlay leading the charge.

And largely responsible for the call from the Tannoy.

Saying that the local (and only) supermarket had run out of booze.

Factor in water and sunscreen

Of course, the lesson from the Skye fest which, of course we ignored or forgot, was to keep plenty of water with you to match the liquor intake.

Also it’s wise if your skin is unused to the big yellow ball’s rays to slap on the sun factor.

And even if you’re of the ‘Black Irish’ ancestry that I and many in the west of Scotland share you’ll probably need 30 or higher.

These days, of course, since men are all encouraged to be metrosexual.

And I blame David (or Sir as he likes to be called no) Beckham, there’s no embarrassment in applying it on your pal.

Appy Days now

Now the Skye Folk Festival, despite its headliners of Nazareth and Runrig, isn’t in the same ball park as Glastonbury or Coachella.

So there’s no running around between stages or getting lost looking for your camp.

But if you do decide to supersize your summer gig experience.

Then just like everything else these days download the festival app.

It will do all the heavy lifting for you, bar the tents and hooks.

Pack up your troubles

Because you’ve come ‘to escape the smog’ as Joni Mitchell famously observed although she never did get to Woodstock because of it.

So don’t overpack your rucksack or car if you’ve decided to wait in a snaking traffic queue.

As far as the camping essentials you’ll need to dress for the occasion.

And so may we suggest light rainproofs, waterproof walking boots and a hat, or in my case a bandana.

I’m reliably informed, by no less a party animal as Rihanna, that they are multi-use.

Flag your tent

It’s probably wise too to mark your tent and here we’re grateful to an Italian group we met.

On our first foreign camping trip to the French Riviera post-school.

Who proud patriots that they were flew a Tricolore above their tent with a picture of national hero Paolo Rossi… this was post World Cup 1982 naturally.

Of course, at a big fest like Glasto you’ll not be the only ones from your country.

So maybe fly balloons with bandanas on… see I told you they were useful.

Your valuables

Now you’re never more vulnerable than when you’re portable so it’s doubly true.

That you apply the daily lesson of look after your valuables even more when you’re away from home.

Not that everybody should be viewed as a threat, with music festivals generally trippy places.

Full of love, peace and understanding, but just be vigilant.

Your inhibitions may be down and judgments loosened by the vibe and the drink or substances you take.

But my rule of thumb is to keep my valuables, wallet, phone, keys in my front pockets.

And I make sure I pad them regularly to see they’re still there.

I like to tell people where I am when I arrive in case of emergencies or if they need to contact me.

Make sure too that you don’t get carried away by the surge and stay close to friends.

Out of the mouths of my children

A lesson here from my own Electric Picnic festivalgoing childies who take theirs to the loo , buy your own drinks and don’t leave them out of your sight.

And padlock your tents.

But probably most importantly enjoy the craic because for the rest of us we just want to stop the world and get off.

And in time-honoured tradition, if you follow these tips.

Courtesy of Holidos and Don’ts how to survive a music festival, then you’ll live to alight another day.

Countries, Europe, Music

Party island Croatia has 1244

23rd June 202523rd June 2025 funtime65

Each has their claim to be the summer rave destination but party island Croatia has 1244.

Which, full disclosure here, we’ve just just four ticked off.

Velvet touch

So which to choose next… well, if you want to add Krk to your list you better be quick.

Not because the actual island is going anywhere.

But because the Velvet Festival on Medane Beach in Punat from June 25-29 is wrapping up.

A daily boat party, it boasts four stages and 50+ acts.

Hop to it

And what says rave more than secret parties and the Adriatic notches it up a level with island getaways.

The Garden Resort welcomes back over 170 acts for the 10th anniversary of Love International from Tisno from July 9-15.

From boat parties to secret island sets and sunrise dance floors, Love International raises the bar.

Split for the islands

While ULTRA Europe’s 11th edition bounces from stadiums to sea caves.

The party starts in Split and hops across Croatia’s glitziest islands making it into Adriatic-fuelled odyssey.

Maybe you prefer a more laid-back trippy feel featuring say beach yoga.

It’s all about Ní

So if you prefer your summers slow and your sunsets uninterrupted then the TǑC Festival from July 18-19 then it’s all about Ní.

They promised an olive groves setting and workshops.

But also tradition, sustainability and blissful idleness is to the fore.

Of course, Croatia melds its mainland and islands and Croatians are born hopping.

Dubrovnik meets Love Island

Dubrovnik is the Pearl of the Adriatic.

And the 11th-century time capsule fortress and Game of Thrones location turns into a dazzling open-air theatre for the Midsummer Scene Festival.

For English-language productions on Fort Lovrjenac until July 6.

This year, Richard Sheridan’s biting comedy The School for Scandal echoes a Love Island plot.

But with powdered wigs, vouching that scandalous summer begins here.

So even on the mainland the sea is never far away.

So if you’re looking for a party island Croatia has 1244.

America, Countries, Music, Sport

The L word in Chicago

18th June 202522nd June 2025 funtime65

It’s its USP, the rickety elevated trains that run through the Downtown Loop and which everyone knows as the L word in Chicago.

For a wide-eyed Scottish adolescent with American cousins my entry point to Chicago was through The Blues Brothers.

And Elwood tossing and turning in his sleep above the Plymouth Restaurant.

The filmmakers depicted his room as being right next to the L tracks, named for the elevated position.

With the location now a small park in front of the restaurant.

Your inner Elwood

I channel my inner Elwood in the Palmer House Hotel these five days in Chicago.

Where I nod off every night to sleep, with the clanking train in my ears.

The L couldn’t be easier to navigate, no validating tickets here.

Just book your $2 trip (yes, you read that right) or $5 all-day ticket.

Which praise be, you can pay for too in old Earth money at the machine.

And if even that confuses those new in town there is help at hand at the information desk.

With Old Willie giving me a pass without the need for the machine.

And chewing the fat with me about Scottish white soul band The Average White Band.

An L of a ride

Let’s go round again… and that, of course, means a return to the scene of the crime from my first day here.

The Gaybourhood of North Halsted Street, Andersonville.

And it’s spiritual home the multi-bar Sidetrack where we gather on a hot and sweltering night to celebrate Pride.

In the company of Veronica Pop, Boy J and Tender Oni.

Tender, or Oni, they go by either nomenclature, is championing Drag Kings.

And wows us with an out-of-this world Bruno Mars.

While Boy J prides themself that they can survive and does a mean Bruno themself with Veronica’s Lady Gaga.

Partners in time

We watch it all from the intimate main bar with slushy cocktails in hand of course.

Before doing our own thang on the dance floor.

Where a 4ft tall pocket rocket owns the floor, announcing to everyone that it is her 30th birthday.

She has me at ‘you only look 35’ when I tell her I’m twice her age.

She only, of course, has eyes for her partner, who holds on to her protectively.

Looking out from under the peak of her Cubs baseball hat.

Halsted Street is just down the road from Wrigley Field and I join the wave of happy sports fans back to the Belmont train.

It’s cooling down, there is lightning in the sky and the Chicagoans have brought the thunder.

The L word in Chicago.

I am travelling with Aer Lingus from Edinburgh through Dublin and now back with my luggage and staying at the Palmer House Hotel.

America, Countries, Music

Sweet home ChicaGay

16th June 202516th June 2025 funtime65

If you want a break, have a Kit Kat the marketeers say so I did just that and came to the Windy City, sweet home ChicaGay.

I’ve taken a Spring Lover too although maybe not tell The Scary One back home.

We’re sat in the Kit Kat Lounge watching Kinley Preston stride the table.

As we tear into buffalo wings, onion rings and curly fries and sipping from a choice of the hundreds of cocktails.

And Miley Cyrus belts out Party in the USA on the big screens.

And we entice our entertainment in to pick us out for a teasing wink.

By flashing our dollars towards her.

But all too quickly they vanish although where scantily-clad Kinley put her George Washingtons only she knows.

Nothing as it seems

That’s magic: Justin at the Magic Lounge

But that’s the beauty of Halsted Street in the iconic Chicago of Andersonville where nothing is ever as it seems.

And so that if you need a laundromat in your travels, say if you’ve been waiting for your lost luggage to arrive from Dublin.

Then don’t be surprised, well actually be, when your host opens the wash to reveal a secret door to the Chicago Magic Lounge.

Joey Cranford’s speakeasy is a living tribute to the days of Victorian vaudeville with posters and ephemera adorning the walls and glass cases.

And he walks us through the history of magic as we sip How Houdini Died rum punches, a knowing nod to Harry’s demise.

Where the magic happens

The lounge is a living, breathing workspace and entertainment hub celebrating Chicago-style Magic.

With two theatres, eats, drinks and a card school.

We’re told Chicago-style Magic grew out of small card acts performed by the owner of a German-American restaurant.

Mine host Joey has given himself a day off today from picking our cards (well, he is the boss).

So Justin Purcell entertains our party with his sleight of hand.

Our hour flies by and alas our spin cycle is done and we are back out on Halsted Street.

Out on Halsted Street

But the gaybourhood fun doesn’t stop there as we are headed for the beating heart of Halsted Street, Sidetrack.

And meet Art, owner and protector of the Andersonville queer community for more than 40 years.

Having turned a small gay bar which he maintained through the worst days of homophobia.

To the international multi-bar buzzing venue it is today.

It is our good fortune that today is Sunday so it’s quieter and there’s no line snaking down Halsted to get in.

So we can enjoy our Frozé and Black Cherry Buzz fruity vodka slushy without having to be cheek by jowl with fellow customers.

Happy to get Sidetracked

Although that is much of the vibe of Sidetrack which we will discover on Tuesday’s Pride evening.

In truth, it hasn’t always been easy to be out on Halsted Street, although contrary to perceptions I am straight.

Which is fine in this inclusive district which straddles the Chicago Cubs’ ballpark, Wrigley Field, the second oldest in the States.

Our guide Victor Salvo walks us through his neighbourhood stopping off at the pillars of gay American and international history,

The legacy of the global community who suffered so the party I have joined for today’s tour can enjoy.

It truly is a Sweet Home ChicaGay. And anyone, straight, queer or somebody who just wants a Spring Liver can enjoy.

And as I’ve been saying all week, I’ve been travelling with Aer Lingus.

For the American Travel Fair, IPW, and staying at the iconic Palmer House Hilton Hotel.

America, Countries, Music

Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City

8th June 20258th June 2025 funtime65

And as we count down to getting the band back together our update playlist Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City.

Now we’re reliably informed by no less a figure than Frank Sinatra.

That it would never let you down… and Chicago was his kind of town after all.

And while we will celebrate The Second City all through next week in the US at the Travel Fair and after.

Sweet home Chicago

We will also mark its edgy side too.

Which The Blues Brothers immortalised in their cat-and-mouse race.

With the police, a Country band, Neo-Nazis and Carrie Fisher… all on a mission from God.

And, of course, celebrate in our annual Broadway lunch, Roxie Hart, her slick lawyer Billy Flynn and all that jazz.

Mob handed

Elvis recognised Chicago’s gritty side and its resilience.

On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’ a poor little baby child is born. In the ghetto.

While I’ll be glad to take Frank’s advice again that if I do go down to South Chicago.

And I bump into Bad, Bad Leroy Brown to call him Sir.

No peon to Chicago can ignore the most notorious of gangsters Al Capone.

And brother what a night it really was and brother what a fight it really was.

When the cops and The Mob duked it out The Night Chicago Died.

My Kinda Town

But, of course, we all know that Chicago is alive and bustling which is why…

It’s Tuggin’ my sleeve, Chicago is
The Wrigley Building, Chicago is
The Union Stockyard, Chicago is.

And one more time… My Kind of Town.

And it’s already on my Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City playlist.

Countries, Europe, Music

Rhapsodise about La Boheme

2nd June 2025 funtime65

The Czech monks suspended sympathy for the poor consumptive heroine on stage, to coif Champagne and rhapsodise about La Boheme.

In the Prague State Opera House bar at the interval during Puccini’s masterpiece.

We’d met over Pilsener and goulash at the Strahov Monastery days before.

No stuffiness here in the Czech capital then nor in Giacomo Puccini’s homeland of Tuscany.

Where the great composer is being celebrated at the 71st iteration of his own festival.

At the Gran Teatro in Torre del Lago Puccini in the commune of Viareggio on the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli.

The people’s theatre

Toast of Prague: And the Strahov Monastery

Opera in Italy and Central Europe is very much for the people.

As we found in churches with the locals on folding chairs in Venice and Rome.

So wear your penguin suits and cocktail dresses if you will but you’ll be in the minority.

This year’s festival is a feast for the senses as you would expect.

Nights at the opera

Stage is set: And a poor consumptive femme

With La Boheme, A Gala with Anna Netrebko, Tosca, Turandot, Madama Butterfly, Manon Lescaut.

A site specific Suor Angelica in the sculpture park, chamber concerts, dance, and a tribute to Ennio Morricone.

So if you’ve got a spare 17 evenings, or even a portion of that, you can channel Puccini.

Right here where he lived and composed.

In what he called ‘the peace of my soul’ his villa.

Flyinair to Casa Puccini

It is now a museum managed by the Simonetta Puccini Foundation.

And the village has carried its most famous resident’s name since 1938.

Now Torre del Lago Puccini is easily accessible.

Just 15km from the Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa, close enough really for you to hear any Fat Lady sing.

We found a round trip from our nearest airport Edinburgh with Ryanair but it’ll doubtless apply to you too, from £92.

And if you want to show off just how bohemian you are then you can Rhapsodise about La Boheme on board.

America, Countries, Music

Happy Lafayette

27th May 202527th May 2025 funtime65

A long time ago before you was born dude when I was single and life was great I hung on Paul Simon’s every word… and learned about Happy Lafayette.

Now swap Paul’s ‘travelling salesman’ for selling travel and we’re just different sides of the same coin.

The great lyricist was sharing happy vibes about Cajun and Creole culture, zydeco music and the Louisianan locale.

And all that, long before it was named Happiest City in the USA by the Wall Street Journal’s Market.com.

Paul Simon’s jazzy paean to the Louisiana jewel popped back into this mush of a mind of mine.

Ahead of World Wellness Day on June 16.

On the back of our Louisiana pals flagging up the best places to chill.

On the trail of Simon’s Lafayette

Now, in the best traditions of American songsmiths Rhymin’ Simon gives us a mailman’s route through his hits.

You see he was standing on the corner of Lafayette after all, State of Louisiana.

Across the street from The Public/Heading down to the Lone Star Cafe.

Now through this great travelling community of ours I sought out Mr Jumbo’s advice for the aforementioned hot spots.

Only to find that our salesman was either trippin’ or being transported through the music.

From Lafayette Street, in Simon’s native New York, where these iconic venues buzz, to the Lafayette in Cajun country.

Louisiana jazz has that effect on you, it trumpets you to the heart of the Deep South.

Marching in

So for Paul Simon’s Clifton Chenier, the King of the Bayou, I’ve been drinking in the sounds of Louisiana and the Sazerac.

On annual trips to the American Travel fair which will be hotfooting its way back to The Big Easy in the coming years.

Until then I’ll let myself be transported by the Louisiana delegation and their famous IPW breakfasts.

Their jambalaya, Sazeracs and the New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band marching us into the conference hall.

To run us through why you’ll come away feeling all kinds of wellness.

And those Sazeracs too will likely make you feel like you’re in Happy Lafayette.

Countries, Music

Nobody is left behind

17th May 2025 funtime65

Our travel corps are a band of brothers and sisters and nobody is left behind.

Which is why our prayers go out today for my old colleague and former Irish Travel Writer of the Year Philip Nolan who is in hospital.

Peripatetic Philip took ill in the Vatican while covering the passage of the Popes.

And is now back in Co. Wexford recuperating and readying himself for his next working assignment.

Flyin’ Ryanland

My old pal has, of course, been all around the world chronicling major events and destinations.

In his own inimitable style.

And nowhere more so than in his best-seller Ryanland.

Where Philip flew to all of the low-fare airline’s routes around Europe.

Writing in rib-tickling fashion about the Ryanair passengers he met along the way.

Much of which is familiar to all of us who have flown with the airline which transformed travel.

And allowed us to visit countries whose names we might only know from World Cups, Olympic Games and Eurovision.

Douze points Philip

Our pal Philip is synonymous among the Irish public with The Biggest Music Show on Earth.

For his acerbic pen pics on the competitors and their countries.

All, as with everything in the Nolan notebook coming from a place of love and knowledge.

From his travels to the four corners of the continent.

Often getting beyond the tourist hotspots by driving around the country.

To road test the latest model for his always entertaining Motoring Page.

Say a little prayer

I’ll be raising a glass of red to Philip tonight as I watch Eurovision.

And like the passengers on the plane to Lourdes he so joyfully celebrates in Ryanland.

Say a rosary and cheer for the safe landing and return because nobody is left behind.