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Marrakech Fashion Week it’s pure Moroccan roll

6th February 20256th February 2025 funtime65

Spring/Summer Collection stretches to a new lumberjack shirt here but at the Marrakech Fashion Week it’s pure Moroccan roll.

Where the coloured cottons hang in the air and striped djellabas we can wear at home.

And they put on a higher-end fashion to what you’ll find in Jemaa El-Fnaa.

In among the charming cobras in the square which a trader wrapped around my neck for a photo.

And I was hawked out of my dirham to buy a Morocco football top which has had a few outings at five-a-side football.

Haven in the hustle

Jemaa El-Fnaa can be a daunting experience for a first-time visitor to the Rose City.

And the bustling souk will bring you cheek by jowl with shopkeepers only too keen to lure you in for a Turkish tea.

And not allow you out until you part with said dirhams for a threadbare carpets.

The riads with their verdant courtyards are your solace and solitude from the chaos.

And Dar Darma, an 18th-century boutique in the heart of the medina, is a haven of calm.

Up on the roof

From where you can look out from the rooftop on all the madness of the hippy heaven.

And the Atlas Mountains and the adventures that await over the horizon to the Sahara Desert.

Surrounded by a swimming pool, a shaded area, a solarium and hammam.

Spice up your soup

Now at DD a breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served at the time and in the place of the guest’s choosing.

And just as a sample the riad tells us that just one of chef Maria’s specials is seasonal vegetable soup.

Served with sour cream and a hint of spices.

There’s also briouats, meat or chicken tajine with citrus fruits and honey, meat or vegetable cous cous.

To finish with fruit or creme desserts.

Africa, Countries, Cruising, Europe, Ships

MSC killing it again on their whodunit drama

15th January 202515th January 2025 funtime65

And of course we never have to leave our armchair with MSC killing it again on their whodunit drama it’s just more fun if we do.

We jumped right on board when we heard that our old cruise chums had lent their name.

Ship hot: Kate and Jack and The Good Ship Murder

And showpiece ship Virtuoso to the Shayne Ward and Catherine Tyldseley series.

Now we’re glad to say that we’ve enjoyed the pleasure of sailing with MSC.

And can vouch for the unmatched entertainment and hospitality they offer.

Although we never did see any passengers get killed.

Although The Scary One might have been tempted on more than one occasion and had me leaning over the edge too.

Hopping around the hotspots

Viewers have been hooked since on the scrapes Shayne’s crooner Jack and the ship’s First Officer get into as sailing sleuths in The Good Ship Murder.

Now it’s no reveal that the plots are thin but it never bills itself as Morse .

And is of course just an excuse for some escapism and a glimpse into the ship and the exotic destinations.

And so we have been transported at our leisure around the hotspots of Europe and North Africa, many which we’re glad to say we’ve enjoyed.

La Rochelle, the pride of south-west France, Lisbon, the gateway to the New World.

Precious Palma in Majorca, mystical Sicily, operatic Barcelona and the jewel of the Med, Malta’s Valletta.

And of course the Moroccan legend that is Casablanca where they always say ‘Sail it again’.

From Rome to Dubrovnik

We were caught out somewhat when Jack and Kate returned to the high seas in Rome.

To find out that Claire Sweeney’s ents manager Beverley was no longer on board.

And worried that someone had done her in but phew there was a Christmas episode lurking in our Catch Ups.

And in the Pearl of the Adriatic too, Dubrovnik, where we had spent our Pearl Anniversary year at the end of last year.

Ports of call

Good Ship Murder has promised us a whistle stop tour of other magical destinations over the coming winter weeks.

While we shiver back here in damp Britain and Ireland.

And we’re looking forward to some more of our favourites like the Canaries, Gozo and Athens.

And maybe they’re keeping the glorious and supernatural Norwegian fjords for the next series.

Either way we’re happy to see MSC killing it again on their whodunit drama.

MEET YOU ON THE SHIP

Africa, Asia, Central America, Countries, Europe, Pilgrimage

Celebrating Jesus and a Happy Hanukkha

29th December 2024 funtime65

As Christmas and the Festival of Lights coincide only four times a century this year we’re celebrating Jesus and a Happy Hanukkah.

If the prophecies were right then it was on Kislev 25, 3757, or 5BC, that the Light of the World emerged.

Six hundred years after the Maccabi recovered Jerusalem and the Second Temple was rededicated.

Jesus being a Jew he would naturally have celebrated Hanukkah with Mary, Joseph and his siblngs.

And the Gospel of St John cites Jesus in the temple telling Jews: ‘I and the Father are one.’

Hanukkah holidays

All of which Sabbath lesson for the day brings us round to Hanukkah holidays.

Now the good news is that they last eight days, roughly the same time frame as your average family holiday.

Jewish families, and friends, have been gathering to light one additional candle in the menorah multibranched candelabra.

To replicate the actions of the Maccabi in entering the temple way back then when they made a little oil go a long, long way.

Diaspora around world

Now the Jewish diaspora has led to slight variations on the agreed customs.

So look out in your part of the world, and bear in mind that just like the Irish and the Scots Jews have enriched the whole planet.

We are grateful here to our friends at Reform Judaism for sharing some of the differences from near and far.

Which we will give you a tchotchke, or trinket of, to impress your Jewish pals.

Aleppo to Africa

Now Syrians of all shades and faiths don’t have their troubles to seek but Syrian Jews have long been resilient to the challenges.

The Jews of Aleppo descend from Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492.

They light an additional shamash (helper candle) on Hanukkah as a sign of thanks.

And in solidarity with refugees who have fled their homes in search of shelter and peace.

And for Kurds they have a take on the giving of Hanukkah gelt, but with a twist.

A week before the holiday, children lock the doors to their rooms and their parents must give them coins to get in!

More is always more in exotic Morocco and they have a ninth day where children collect leftover candles.

They then throw them on a bonfire where the grown-ups jump over them and wish for a partner or to get pregnant.

Vin and games

It’s not surprising to find French Jews blend in the country’s vintage into their customs.

With the celebrants of Avignon ending the Shabbat that falls during Hanukkah by opening a new bottle or cask of wine.

After Havdalah, the end of Shanbat, Jews travel the neighborhood to various homes, tasting the wines and toasting the holiday.

Similarly Mexicans blend in local mores to their celebrations, in their games.

And often break a dreidel-shaped piñata filled with Hanukkah trinkets and treats.

In the Promised Land

Of course, every Jew would want to be in The Promised Land for Hanukkah.

Cantor Evan Kent eulogises about Hanukkah as every pleasure is multiplied as opposed to the sacrifice of other holy days.

And particularly ‘the sufganiyot which help the atmosphere as it’s impossible to be in a bad mood while eating a jelly donut.’

And who’s to say a certain Nazarene carpenter 2,000 years ago didn’t do the same with his family.

Worth thinking about as we join in celebrating Jesus and a Happy Hanukkah.

Africa, Countries

TUInisia ten years back

23rd December 202423rd December 2024 funtime65

The biggest challenge a destination can face is rebuilding trust after a tragedy, which is why we celebrate here TUInisia ten years back.

Tunisia was a firm fixture on the tourist map in 2005 when terrorists tarnished its reputation.

When 38 people were killed outside the Marhaba Hotel on al-Soussa beach in June 2015.

Through no fault of their own the North African country’s tourist market on which they relied crashed.

And it took years, hard work and faith. before visitors started returning to Tunisia.

Missed opportunities

It is a challenge which most countries, cities, destinations have faced.

Back in the day we were discouraged from travelling through the north of Ireland during the Troubles.

But, of course, it would have taken more than young men with berets, balaclavas and bullets to stop her annual pilgrimages to her Donegal homeland.

Many’s the destination we’ve pulled back from at the last moment.

Either through virus outbreaks in Albania from our Corfu, Sharm el sheik again through tourists or Firenze through family bereavement.

But I’m rarely put off and make a point of trying to correct missed opportunities as I did in visiting the Hollywood sign this year and hopefully tear it up in Chicago next year.

Book me in

Just swimmingly: And the kids will be sorted

Everybody has their own story of missing out and for those who had Tunisia pencilled in but pulled out and haven’t returned after that terrible event then it’s time to think again.

Because TUI have a Christmas sale just for us and you know what they say about TUI and putting the ‘u’ and ‘i’ in.

Well ain’t they in the name… TUInisia.

From today, thousands of holidays for next summer will be reduced as part of their sale.

Customers can also save up to an extra €250 off per booking and secure their holiday with a low booking deposit from just €50pp.

Marhabba marvel

Meet you in the lobby: Brighten up your visit

With Tunisia a new route, alongwith Cyprus, from Dublin then it’s worth delving deeper.

Particularly with all-inclusive holidays available from €499pp and flights, luggage, transfers and accommodation all provided.

The Hotel Marhaba Club is billed as primed for fly-and-flop holidays.

From cabaret shows and karaoke nights, to a private swathe of sand that’s scattered with sun loungers.

And little ones looked after too with their own pool, a playground, a mini-disco and activities led by the hotel’s activity team.

At €321.99pp (€642.58) which represents an almost €600 discount.

All of which will be safe as houses and a testament to the good people of Tunisia.

Or if you will, TUInisia ten years back

Africa, Food & Wine

All I do each night is braai

2nd November 20242nd November 2024 funtime65

With apologies to Take That, and in my defence it is to promote Gary Barlow’s Wine Tour: South Africa, I have ‘all I do each night is braai’ running around my head.

The braai, or barbecue, as South Africans are quick to tell you is a religion in the Rainbow Nation, only matched by rugby.

And viewers of Gary’s Wine Tour which kicks off on November 11 on ITV will see the great man chomp through boerewors and sosaties (that’s spiced sausages and skewered meat to you and me).

All against the backdrops of stunning and varied South African scenery.

Bok for good

Along the way Gary will be joined by pals from the showbiz world.

Including music producer Eliot Kennedy, Michaela Strachan, Ben Shephard, Jane McDonald and Mica Paris.

The first episode sees Gary, who boasts his own brand, dive straight in to South African viticulture.

Gary and best buddy Eliot are Bok for good (soz) for a crash course at the Spier Wine Farm in Franschhoek.

Before tucking into their braai.

Never veldt better

After a restorative wine themed spa treatment, the boys head off to try their hand at wine blending.

Before a drive up into the mountains to learn the art of pairing great food with the right tipple.

And they finish with a spectacular drive along the coast to Camps Bay.

Where they try a glass of Gary’s favourite wine in the shadow of the Twelve Apostles.

Of course, the first piece of advice South Africans will give you, and you can have this for free, is put ice in your white wine.

The rand tour

But we imagine that Gary and his SA pals will tell you that… and much, much more.

While you’ll also get a peek through the keyhole at the Kruger National Park (staying at Kruger Shalati).

And Johannesburg (where he resides at Sanctuary Mandela)

And we’ll keep you updated here with Gary and his South Africanophile pals as he progresses through the republic.

Now SA is just two hours ahead of the UK and your pound will fetch 22 SA Rand.

Flight of fancy

Get the Braai on: Port Elizabeth township

If you’re thinking of your long-haul trip for next year.

While there is increased flight capacity into Cape Town in 2025.

With Norse Atlantic flying three times weekly from Gatwick.

Triple daily flights from Heathrow (January-March) with British Airways.

And an extension of Virgin Atlantic‘s season through to the end of April.

It’s been a few years since I was last in SA and watching the sneak preview of Gary Barlow’s series.

I can honestly say all I do each night is braai hoping that I’ll be a part of you again some day.

Africa, Countries, Europe, Pilgrimage

To be a pilgrim on World Mission Sunday

20th October 202420th October 2024 funtime65

Thoughts turn back today to five years ago, and last week, in the Balkans, on what it is to be a pilgrim on World Mission Sunday.

I bookended Croatian Marian enclave Medjugorge in Bosnia & Herzegovina with Dubrovnik in Hrvatska (Croatia).

And I was reminded of the delicate balance that comes with the movement of peoples and their perspectives and accommodating each others’ differences.

And improving the lot of people who live here, often from the rubble of war and the accompanying poverty.

The real Meals

Scottish brothers Magnus and Fergus MacFarlane-Barrow effected the change that was needed in Medjugorje after family visits.

With their Mary’s Meals initiative which ensured that every child got a square meal to sharpen their minds for school.

Which they then extended around the world to the international project we see today.

Mission from God

Of course, the need never goes away and we are constantly learning of war-torn corners of the world that have been overlooked.

Such as the civil war raging in north-west Cameroon which was highlighted at my own place of worship on today’s Sabbath.

Today’s Missions face an increasingly greater challenge in a competitive charity landscape for our attentions.

Than in our forebears’ time when among the more traditional theologic countries such as Ireland missionaries were drawn widely from their number.

With one particular family, my mum’s uncle and aunt giving all six of their children to the Missions.

Oh Brother

With one Nigerian community repaying their faith by crowning our Father Donald a chief.

The Fransiscans, Father Donald’s order, persist valiantly in providing the tools, support and know-how to help the impoverished help themselves.

I hear first-hand of the four octogenarian Brothers living, working and praying in the Fransiscan monastery in Dubrovnik.

And administering medicines for the body as well as the soul with its apothecary, dating back to 1317, the third oldest in the world.

Voluntourism

It is this commitment of time that separates mission work from the growing trend for voluntourism.

All of which instant gratification charidee assuages Western World consciousness.

But which can come at a cost to local employment when Westerners can be exploited to work for free.

G force

Site of Jesus’s baptism: On the River Jordan

There is another way still, sustainable tourism where ethical travel providers bring visitors to local tradespeople.

And put profits into their industries as I saw with G Adventures out in Jordan.

Our own family line to the Fransiscans may have been paused since we lost our Father Donald.

Although there may still be hope for me with my ever-growing beard, a Franciscan monk’s trademark.

That though is the easy bit, there is much more involved to be a pilgrim on World Mission Sunday.

Africa, Countries, Food & Wine

South Africa is a rand old team to pay for

5th October 20245th October 2024 funtime65

Special delivery just in on long-haul value… South Africa is a rand old team to pay for.

We’ve been along to the post office to this week to exchange currency.

And, of course, listened intently to our postmasters on where people have been going.

And for those who like to get well away from it all, the long-haulers, that is South Africa.

That is backed up by a survey from Post Office Travel Money.

Pot of gold over the Rainbow Nation

Get the Braai on: Port Elizabeth township, South Africa

They reveal that the Rainbow Nation has beaten 31 other resorts and cities to claim top spot for the first time in six years.

Which is about how long it has been since we visited the Capes.

We’ll put the gap before Post Office customers came to their senses.

And restored SA back to its rightful top spot down to things like Covid and cost-of-living crises.

Because it seems a no-brainer that the jewel of southern Africa should be the best value.

And most rewarding of any of the options out there.

Now the natural beauty, wildlife, versatility, culture and history of South Africa speak for themselves and are entertainment on tap.

Time of your life

Table is set: And food and drink flowing

But what separates South Africa for British tourists is that it lies on a similar time range.

Just an hour ahead which means that there is no jet lag.

And, of course, they speak English, although it is fun and is recommended to try any one of the 11 other official languages.

With our favourite being Xhosa, the back-of-the-throat clicking language spoken in the Eastern Cape.

For the Post Office survey destinations were rated by ten staple items.

So that would be a cup of filter coffee, a 330ml bottle of local lager, a 330ml bottle of cola, a 175ml glass of wine and a cocktail for drinks.

While the staples also include a small chocolate bar, a 1.5l bottle of supermarket mineral water, a 200ml bottle of suncream, a 50ml tube/bottle of insect repellent.

And a three-course evening meal for two adults including a bottle of house wine.

And remember that to go truly native then you need to drink your wine with ice cubes in it.

While every self-respecting South African pines for a braai, or barbecue.

Now Cape Town comes out on top with this basket costing £55.59.

Where the price is right

For Asianophiles Tokyo and Hoi Ann in Vietnam come in second and third.

While we are heartened to see that St James in Barbados sits in a respectable 26th with their basket costing £141.29… without the rum!

Of course we would urge not to penny pinch on holiday and not to be put off your dream destinations for a few dollars more.

And if the Post Office basket of staples does cost £163 in New York, £164 in Costa Rica and £165 in Sydney don’t let that be your dealbreaker.

You can always economise when you get home.

That said we’ll always jump on the chance to big up the Rainbow Nation.

And are glad to confirm South Africa is a rand old team to pay for.

Africa, Countries

Holidos & Don’ts Mpox and safe travel in Africa

24th August 202424th August 2024 funtime65

And because we’re a public service too here we’ve drawn in the experts for Holidos & Don’ts Mpox and safe travel in Africa.

Andre Van Kets, founder of Discover Africa answers your questions and debunks the myths.

How is it spread

The Mpox virus (Monkeypox) is in the same family of viruses as smallpox.

Although Mpox is generally less severe.

It is spread through close contact with an infected person or animal, including skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets, or skin lesions.

It can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces, bedding, clothing, or towels.

Symptoms of Mpox can include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.

New strand Clade 1b is spreading in east Democratic Republic of Congo and 13 other African countries, primarily in “sexual networks”.

Over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths have been reported in the DRC in 2024 alone.

Most recently, Sweden, Taiwan and Pakistan have reported mpox cases.

Window into another world: Bergamo stays strong

And as I found out when I visited Bergamo where Covid entered Europe trade is how it is carried.

Andre advises: ‘Not all of the area is a high-risk zone.’

‘Regional tour operators are committed to maintaining high safety standards.

‘And are actively collaborating with local authorities to monitor the mpox situation.

‘And help curb its spread, as revealed by the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association.’

More of us are taking in the joys of Africa through the surge in ‘experience economy’.

Similarly, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control emphasised the risk of transmission across Europe remains low.

The ECDC recommends travellers visiting affected regions to consider vaccination.

Burning questions

Will there be another lockdown? Mpox has not reached the global severity of Covid but it remains a concern.

And Covid spreads through respiratory droplets, making it more contagious in public settings.

Severity and Mortality: Covid has caused millions of deaths worldwide due to its severe respiratory effects.

Mpox, while uncomfortable and sometimes severe, has a lower mortality rate.

Public Health Response: Mpox has been managed through targeted interventions, without the need for wide restrictions.

Andre tells us: “To minimise your risk while enjoying a safari, consider the following health precautions…

Consult a Travel Clinic: Visit a healthcare provider who can advise on vaccinations, preventive measures, and travel info.

Pack a Medical Kit: Include essential items like hand sanitisers, face masks, insect repellent, and first-aid supplies.

Monitor Local Health Alerts: Stay updated on any mpox outbreaks in the countries or regions you plan to visit.

Speak to a Travel Expert: Discover Africa’s travel experts are based in the continent, and have first-hand experience of top safari destinations.

‘They are able to help you plan the safest itinerary suited to your tastes, and help you avoid any health concerns.

‘For more detailed information and personalised travel plans, visit their siter for expert guidance on planning your ultimate safari in Africa.’

Africa, Countries

Life is slow for Jonathan Tortoise on St Helena

22nd August 202422nd August 2024 funtime65

He predated Queen Victoria and the abolition of slavery in the UK and is still going strong… but then life is slow for Jonathan Tortoise on St Helena.

JT, as we’ll presumptuously call him, is closing in at half a mile an hour on his 192nd birthday at the end of the year.

When the good islanders of the second remotest habitable settlement in the world after Tristan da Cunha will treat him to a birthday feast.

Of cabbage, lettuce, apples, bananas, guavas and maybe the secret of eternal life, monkey’s ears herbs.

Now my own little nutritionist at home has been trying to get me off my morning diet of bagels and tea so JT’s diet might be the way.

Two world wars, a Moon landing and Taylor Swift

Hop on board: But JT is an old boy now, so it’s no longer allowed

Of course, having lived such a long life JT, observers have naturally chronicled everything that he would have seen.

The industrial revolution, two world wars, the rise and fall of communism, Man walking on the Moon and Taylor Swift.

Although living on a tiny British outcrop 3329 miles west of South Africa he probably only heard of such seismic events.

JT is, in truth, more interested in his tortoise buddies on the isle and one in particular Fredericka.

Who legend has it was only discovered to be male years later leading to suggestions that JT is gay.

That’s just not croquet

Now it would be a mistake to think that JT might be slowing up and is past his shell-life because he is 192.

But the old rogue still likes to cause mischief, particularly disrupting the tennis and croquet games on the island.

Now you would think with a tortoise at the age of 192 the clock must be ticking.

Going through hoops: On the croquet field

And that we’ll need to get out there to see JT while we can.

And that is what we were planning back in 2021 and mark the bicentenary of Napoleon Bonaparte’s death on the British colony.

Only for Covid to close down travel around the world.

Of course, the virus thankfully could not touch the indestructible JT.

St Helena’s biggest celeb

And now that we have all come out the other side we’ve all got the chance again to come out and meet St Helena’s biggest celebrity.

So if you want to take in the ultimate in slow tourism then he’s not going anywhere.

Life is slow for Jonathan Tortoise on St Helena.

Africa, Countries, UK

Britain will be hotter than the Sahara so head-dress up

10th August 202410th August 2024 funtime65

It’s a favourite tabloid fall-back for warm weather, look for a sunspot comparison… and this weekend Britain will be hotter than the Sahara so head-dress up.

The meteorologists and the headline writers have swooped upon Dhakla in Moroccco this week for their reference point.

With Morocco 29C and East Anglia in England 30C on Monday.

Heads we win: Our G Adventures trip in Jordan

Now while Sahara dwellers and Arabs generally are noted for their keffiyehs the Essex and East Anglians go bare-headed.

Of course, as a confirmed bandana-wearer I’d always advise covering your head in the heat.

And that, of course, is the origins of the keffiyeh.

Though, of course, in the Arabs’ case their head-dress became a buttress against the winds and sandstorms.

Keffiyah, my lord

These days the keffiyahs are sold to tourists across North Africa and the Middle East.

And despite the cultural appropriation campaigners trying to stop our fun the traders don’t mind our coin.

And your friendly G Adventures guide will even show you how as happened in Jordan.

So just like the bandana, you fold the keffiyeh into a triangle and drape it over your forehead.

Wrap the shorter end under your chin and wrap the longer end across your face.

So that it covers your nose and mouth.

Pull it up and over the top of your head, meeting the end of the other side.

And tie both ends together.

Get ahead, wear a hat

Just like my St Lucian pal Jerry ‘The Big Dipper’ rocked in the Wadi Rum desert.

And I have done wearing a Mr Benn collection of headgear around the world.

From cowboy hats and Davey Crocket raccoon skins to French berets and Soviet bearskins.

And yes you’re welcome too to don an oversized Paddy’s Day tall green felt hat or Scottish Tam O Shanter.

Although that might be a bit hot here in the coming days.

When Britain will be hotter than the Sahara so head-dress up.