Category: Asia

Africa, America, Asia, Canada, Caribbean, Countries, Europe, Oceania, UK

Your train is early after 200 years

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What’s this… your train is early after 200 years?

Yes, the Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham has only stolen a march on the birth of the railways.

By announcing that 2024 should be the year to mark the bicentenary of the first train journey.

On account of the creation of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Company.

Do the Locomotion

History lesson: Birthplace of railways

Only that it was not until the next year, 1825, that the first passenger train took off.

When George Stephenson’s steam-powered Locomotion No. 1 travelled 26 miles between Shildon, Darlington and Stockton.

Which is what Railway 200 have begun planning.

It is no exaggeration to say that trains transformed Britain.

And that makes it all the more galling to see the state the service is in today.

So it is understandable that Mayor Burnham should want to claim the genesis of railways.

And push for a 35-minute super train journey between Manchester and Liverpool.

On the right track

Steamin’ ahead: Channel your Casey Jones

For the full story of how Britain’s trains used to work then the train has moved on from Darlington south to York.

And so should you to the National Railway Museum, a wonderland for all Casey Joneses and their train-spotting daughters.

If trains could connect this island and expanded our work and early travel horizons.

Wild West: On the railroads

Just think what they could on a larger scale in the US, in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

America we know was built on the backs of Irish navvies.

And north, south, east and west there are towns and states celebrating how railroads were at the heart of their story.

Station to station

Man’s world: Back then in the Wild West

We all have our own romantic visions from cowboy movies of train tracks snaking through the Wild West.

All of which I saw for myself at the Colorado Railroad Museum with a nod to a far more patriarchal time.

Trains tell us so much about a society and we all have pictures in our mind of Indians hanging off trains.

Japanese crammed into theirs and eastern Europeans and mid-Asians making palaces.

Peak time: Alpine trains

Those, and the great train journeys of the world are in safe hands with, erm, oul’ Casey Jones’s recommendation, Great Rail Journeys.

Now whether you make rail journeys your centrepiece and tick off an Orient Express…

The Lake Titicaca in Peru, the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, the Darjeeling Train in India, the Indian Pacific in Australia.

Norses for courses: The Flam Railway

Or just get your tickets stamped on the way.

Whether it is up the highest rail route in Europe, the Jungfraujoch, a Bajan steam train, up the Norwegian fjords, or Amtrak it around New England.

Stephenson’s train on time

Family fare: Just the ticket

Enjoy and remember it all started in Old England with Robert Stephenson.

When 550 passengers were transported , making this the world’s first steam-powered passenger railway.

Put your back into it: A bit of fun in Barbados

From Shildon, Darlington to Stockton.

Although the opportunistic Mayor Burnham would like to assure you that your train is early after 200 years.

 

America, Asia, Europe, Ireland, UK

Every day’s a poll day around the world

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Every day’s a poll day around the world and while the UK’s political poster boys and girls will go to the recycling centre tomorrow, others will pop up elsewhere.

If you’ve got election ennui, are sick of candidates smiling down on you.

And will be glad when it’s all over then spare a thought for our neighbours across the water in Ireland.

Tomorrow, July 4, will be my first British general election in nearly 20 years and one of the very few areas where the Brits score is in how clean their elections are.

No, the parties sling more dirt than an incontinent dog at a lamp post, it’s that they curtail the amount of posters they allow on them.

In my old stomping ground of Ireland very definitive rules surrounded the erection of posters at election times.

Only that was countered by the fact that with numerous candidates returned around constituencies.

As part of the proportional representation system the lamp posts creak with the number of posters.

Poster your sell-by date

Poster boys: Irish election in Greystones

So everybody breathes a sigh of relief when it is all over and they come down and you get your vistas in your cities, towns and villages back.

Posters and ties used to erect them need to come down within 7 days of the polling date.

Local councils will remove posters left up, and they can seek the costs of doing so back from the party or individual who put them up.

And after that, individuals or parties can be fined €150 for each poster that remains on display under the littering law.

Now you don’t have to be a political geek (guilty) to feel that you’re getting something a little bit extra.

If you visit a country when an election is going on.

And this year more people are voting in elections than at any time in history.

Votes through the years

He’s not going away: Donald Trump in 2020

Of course the ones closest to our hearts here are in the UK and the US.

I remember well becoming engaged in the process IN 1982 when our sleepy suburb of Glasgow Hillhead was invaded.

By the British media when SDP political heavyweight Roy Jenkins carpetbagged his way into town.

In your face: Elections Northern Ireland style

And saw off the challenge of a young Labour hopeful George Galloway (wonder what happened to him?)

I’ve picked up the vibe of numerous US Presidential elections from being in Boston.

When their darling Mike Dukakis was running against George HW Bush.

Through Barack Obama‘s procession to the White House.

And then being in Washington DC to see the nodding Hillary Clinton dolls in the shops.

Under African skies: In South Africa

And in North Virginia where Trump/Pence hoardings stood in every garden.

Trump, of course, is the great survivor of modern politics but it took me by surprise to see postering for Saddam Hussain in Jordan.

While I stood in the Voting Line in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape in South Africa at the time of their election.

Pick-up at the polls

Saddam fool: Hussain is still being trumpeted in Middle East

Yes, every day’s a poll day around the world.

And so I’ll trot off to the polls tomorrow and if you’re a visitor to our country take it all in.

Because that poster that you see on the floor might not be the end for that candidate.

With the gentleman you see at the top here only going on to become Ireland’s leader, the Taoiseach.

Our old Greystones TD Simon Harris.

 

 

Asia, Countries, Deals, Food & Wine, UK

A new Westminster haunt for Sushi Sunak

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So where will Britain’s Prime Minister go to relax away from the election hustings… may we suggest a new Westminster haunt for Sushi Sunak?

We’ve all got to know a lot more about the Tory leader these past months and among the titbits is he’s a lover of Japanese food.

And coke, or cola, as he quickly corrected himself in front of a room of kids.

Sushi Rishi may be of Indian heritage but his culinary tastes stretch further east.

Big in Japan

Pinny your hopes on me: Sunak time in Japan

As we discovered when he attended the G7 summit last year in Hiroshima with his wife Akshata Murty (and we’re still trying to find a family link here).

And good sport that Rishi is he signed up for a cooking class to make okonomiyaki.

For those of us who are yet to savour its delights it’s said to be a Japanese pancake.

And so you get a heaped mound of batter, cabbage, noodles and often meat before frying on a hot plate and smother with savoury sauce.

Meaning ‘cooked as you like’ it is widely considered ‘soul food’ in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Now the Japanese restaurants like to fry it in front of the customers.

While it is also common for others to let the customers fry it themselves.

Sushi and sunshine

R&R: After a good meal

Whether Rishi has persuaded the House of Commons or his favourite private clubs to put okonomiyaki on the menu we couldn’t possibly say.

Official Secrets Act and all that.

But we dare say that he would be particularly taken by the new summer season Sushi and Sunshine menu at the Westminster institution that is St Ermin’s Hotel.

With guests and visitors dining alfresco on the revamped terrace, which overlooks the hotel’s lush courtyard.

Where you can graze on freshly rolled sushi designed by Executive Chef John Kouphou.

The exquisite menu offers a selection of Uramaki, sushi rolls with filling and nori seaweed.,

Wrapped in sushi sauce, served with wasabi, pickled gingers and soy sauce.

Tea’s out: Or Afternoon Tea

Each portion contains eight beautifully prepared rolls which include Spicy Tuna (£12), Prawn Dynamite Roll (£12), Classic California Roll (£14), Crab Uramaki (£14), St Ermin’s Vegan Class (£10), and the Executive Chef’s special Beef Uramaki (£12).

Salmon and vegetarian poke bowls are also available on the menu alongside carefully curated Asian-influenced cocktails.

And while Rishi will sipping on his coke through a straw, other guests can choose from… a selection of chosen wines, beers, and spirits, including St Ermin’s London Dry Gin. 

The gin is made from hand-picked botanicals from the hotel’s rooftop garden and honey.

All direct from the beehives and is a refreshing and uplifting alfresco drink.

Rishi’s Bee & Bee hotel

Plush: St Ermin’s

St Ermin’s Hotel is renowned too for its afternoon tea, served in the first floor mezzanine Tea Lounge, which has just completed an extensive redecoration.

Afternoon Tea is served daily in The Tea Lounge and library, 12pm-5pm.

Cost is from £43 per person or £48 per person with a glass of champagne. 

St Ermin’s rightly plays up its history, eclectic styling, rooms and suites.

As well as its enigmatic Caxton Bar and Terrace plus award winning signature restaurant, The Caxton.

The four-star deluxe St. Ermin’s Hotel which is a member of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection.

London life: With everything on your doorstep

And caters for all, with dogs welcome and even bees with resident Buckfast bee hives on the third-floor wildflower terrace.

Which gives rise to calling itself London’s only ‘Bee & Bee’ hotel.

So for the election times that we’re in, it sure sounds like a new Westminster haunt for Sushi Sunak.

St Ermin’s has kindly given us their lead in prices which are: 

So a standard double superior room from £329, family room from £459, suites from £599 and family suites from £599.

And we figure then that a stay at St Ermin’s would be nothing for the generously-off Rishi and his minted Murty wife.

 

 

 

 

Asia, Countries, Sport

The new 19th hole, Thai golf therapy off course

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It’s always been my best hole, in the bar afterwards, but that might change with the new 19th hole, Thai golf therapy off course.

I’ve spent a lifetime persisting in the belief that because I hail from Scotland, the Home of Golf, I will eventually master the game.

Only to thrash around courses from Aberdeen to Ireland to Royal Lytham to Liverpool to Cannes.

Each time playing one or two good irons to delude me into thinking I should give the Royal & Ancient game another shot.

There’s probably something in what Mark Twain said about golf being a good walk ruined.

Only I’d take it further and agree with Robin Williams’ assessment on golf… it’s torture.

Which is where eastern zen has come in to help.

Total golf

Wellness pioneer Chiva-Som Hua Hin in Thailand is expanding its menu with the launch of the Total Golf Enhancement Retreat.

Total Golf Enhancement supports guests in developing their game, as well as post-golf muscle recovery and relaxation.

Every Chiva-Som retreat begins with a Health and Wellness Consultation.

So you’ll get a golf fitness assessment, golf fitness training and a golf lesson.

All of which supports endurance, range of motion, strength and balance, as well as reducing the risk of injury.

Improvement is assessed by one of Chiva-Som’s in-house pros during your rounds, providing guests with health insights. 

The next course

Claret Jock: That year’s Champion Golfer

The golf will be links, by the sea, at nearby 18-hole Sea Pines Golf Course in Hua Hin.

For those looking to vary their golfing locations there is…

Black Mountain, a nine-hole course location and Pineapple Valley Golf Course, an award-winning 18-hole course, at an extra charge.

Now the next bit on Thailand is where Chiva-Som really scores, a 50-minute Deep Tissue Massage.

And a complimentary Aloe Body Mask to support skin recovery following a day outdoors.

Additionally, you’ll get unlimited access to the Water Therapy Suite.

All of which includes a steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi.

Food for thought

Straight to the point: Chiva-Som

Now Chiva-Som encourages rather than discourages eating that lovely Thai food.

So guests can enjoy exceptional Wellness Cuisine at the resort’s signature beachside Taste of Siam restaurant.

With veg, fruits, and other edible plants sourced from Chiva-Som’s Organic Gardens.

The retreat offers guests the choice of a daily treatment.

Water of life: R&R time

A traditional Thai Massage, Chiva-Som Signature Massage, Invigorating Massage, Relaxing Foot Massage, Oriental Scalp Massage, Hydrotherapy, a manicure or a pedicure.

In addition to the optional physical analysis on arrival, guests can undertake a complimentary skin analysis.

The inclusion of a post-stay consultation supports guests in continuing their sustainable wellbeing journey at home.

All’s well

Vegas baby: Shooting the lights out

The Total Golf Enhance Retreat is available on a five, seven, and 10-night basis.

That’s inclusive of an individual health and wellness consultation.

A complimentary treatment per night of stay, three wellness cuisine meals per night, daily fitness and leisure activities.

And unlimited use of the Water Therapy Suite as well as at least one round of golf.

Those staying 10 nights in Thailand can also benefit from an included golf lesson.

Deal us in

Five-night Total Golf Enhancement Retreats start from THB 24,000++ (£520pp per night for a double occupancy and THB 32,000++ (£670pp) per night for a single occupancy. 

It’s enough to make you get the clubs back out and give it another go.

And I do live in officially the best place to reside in Britain North Berwick, looking out over the links golf course.

Or perhaps head for your nearest golf range, and as I’ve shown in Portugal, Las Vegas and a simulator in Turkish Airways airport lounge in Istanbul.

I do a lot less damage with a net up.

So for all us golf duffers let’s take heart.

From the new 19th hole Thai golf therapy off course.

Africa, America, Asia, Countries, Europe

Northern Lights mania

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So in nearly nine years in Aberdeen, ‘the home of the Aurora Borealis’ I never saw them once but now in my little rock at the top of Europe and across the continent there is Northern Lights mania.

OK, so I was messing in science in school so don’t really follow any of the reasons for this phenomenon.

But here goes… the arrival of a Coronal Mass Ejections from the sun can cause the annulus to expand, bringing the aurora to lower latitudes.

That Aberdeen has dined out on the boast of being ‘the home of the Aurora Borealis’ is mainly due to the salesmanship of concert pianist Mary Hall.

A Brummie no less, who never set foot in the Granite City, but who wrote the song with her husband Mel for a homesick Aberdonian, Winnie Forgie, who they befriended.

Heavenly dancers

All around the world: A sky spectacular

The ‘Heavenly Dancers’ as they are known in these parts were once again celebrated when Local Hero, a Burt Lancaster movie mostly set in Aberdeenshire, just up the coast became a cult hit in the 80s.

The story being that an oil baron switched his plans to pump the North Sea for fuel in favour of building an observatory after falling in love with the area.

Those who have seen the Northern Lights say that it’ll do that to you.

Of course, while people up and down the country and across Europe are claiming to have seen the Northern Lights from their back gardens the best place to view them is in remote areas.

And in spots unaffected by street lighting.

Now while we bask on this British island and wherever you live Dark Skies resorts cater for us at other times of the year.

Tenerife star trekking

Scope it out: Tenerife

Now you’ll have seen the Tenerfenos protesting the overtourism on their island but that’s mainly in the southern hotspots.

The real jewels on the Canarian island are in the interior, the west coast and the volcanic peak in the north that is Mount Teide.

Europe’s most visited national park there is still plenty of space for us all to trek.

And as for stars, you’ll get an unspoiled view too of the milky way and Saturn’s rings from the top of Tenerife.

Night out with stars in the States

Dancer: Utah

Now when you think of a night out with the stars in the States you immediately think of Hollywood.

And yes, that was one takeaway from a week in LA LA Land.

But while there at the American Travel Fair, IPW, I was introduced to a wider galaxy of stars.

Utah really is more about the Milky Way than the Mormons with the highest concentration of International Dark-Sky Association-certified areas.

The Salt Lake State boasts 26 International Dark Sky Places within the state.

That accounts for 13% of the 200 locations around the globe formally recognized by DarkSky International.

Utah is also home to the first international Dark Sky Park, Natural Bridges National Monument.

Jordan jewels and Moroccan marvels

Of course, the desert is always a go-to for reaching for the skies.

And Wadi Rum in Jordan is designated an international Dark Sky Reserve.

Which means that you can spot stars that are over 100 times dimmer in Jordan than in your home town.

While if you find yourself inconvenienced in the Moroccan part of the Sahara Desert then what else is there to do?

Than watch the cycle of the night and day and shooting stars in Fezland while you’re shitting stars.

MEET YOU IN THE SKIES 

 

 

 

 

 

Asia, Countries, Sport

Real football star of the Maldives

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Now if the Galacticos of the Bernebeu want a few tips this real football star of the Maldives will point them in the right direction… me!

Because famously while my party snorkelled or sunbathed in the Maldives, Murtinho was off burning it up with the staff on the works pitches.

All of which came flooding back withthe news that Patina Maldives, Fari Islands are inviting budding Bellinghams to join them for a Real Madrid Foundation Clinic from July 4-August 12.

Guests on the atoll can experience daily training sessions guided by a Real Madrid Foundation Coach.

All white on the night

Real deal: The coaches

The clinics will focus on individual and group development, mirroring the Real Madrid Academy’s methodology.

Budding footballers are invited to “Play The Real Way” – where excellence meets passion on the field.

Of course it’ll help if you’re one of those Northern European types to keep plenty of water by the pitch.

Because, in truth, you’ll likely be panting keeping up with them.

Now the football is just a part of what’s on offer out on the Maldives… and I took the Sri Lankans on too at cricket on my trip.

Sail away

Sarong but so right: In the Maldives

And Patina Maldives, Fari Islands general manager Antonio Saponara has more up his sleeve.

“We’re thrilled to unveil this season’s meticulously crafted summer lineup.

“Spanning arts, sports, culinary delights, and wellness, our tailored programmes cater to guests of every age and diverse interests. It’s a privilege to host collaborators who are at the top of various fields, guiding our guests toward realising their passions and aspirations.”

Now, I’m all at sea when it comes to maritime activities but if you start young you’ve a better chance.

And there’s a youth sailing academy pencilled in from July 14-August 15.

Expert instructors will guide younger guests in mastering the art of sailing.

From the basics of rigging a small boat and essential safety protocols to advanced manoeuvres like tacking, gybing, and docking.

Ocean front

Off Pat: Patina Maldives

And, of course, living and working among the precious atolls the Maldivians are ahead of the curve on sustainability.

So they are all over World Oceans Day & Global Wellness Day on June 8.

Guests can join Patina Maldives in honouring the connection with coral restoration workshops.

Beach meditation, ocean aerobics, and a conscious cuisine celebration, embracing the harmony between personal wellness and ocean stewardship.

For a full copy of Patina’s summer programming, visit this link.

And, of course, Patina,  you will have my details if you’re wanting to sign up a real football star of the Maldives.

Asia, Countries

Wu’s World The Japanese Tour

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We’ve all benefited from the kindness of strangers on our travels, and ahead of the return of Race Across the World we’re grateful here for the largesse of an old pal, with Wu’s World The Japanese Tour.

Like fellow Glaswegian, Scots psychiatrist Zainib Khan who appeared on the last series, I like to help visitors to my country because of the support when I’ve been away.

Poster people: Wendy Wu’s flagbearers

And, of course, the ever-giving Wendy works to that mantra too as I know only too well from her annual Chinese New Year festivities in Dublin.

And so as Race Across the World switches destinations for the Far East then Wendy takes us on board too.

After all it is her backyard.

Feast of the Far East

House of the Rising Sun: Japan

The BBC show will ask its contestants to traverse Japan, South Korea and Vietnam before ending on the Indonesian island of Lombok.

Episode one is on tonight, Wednesday, April 10.

With the contestants travelling from Sapporo in northern Japan to Nara on the main island of Honshu.

Isle be there: Japan

And as the teams journey 1,600km through Japan, it’s a real showpiece for the Land of the Rising Sun.

Wendy, as is her way, is offering us extra… with a review show Race Across the World – Take Wu every Thursday at 3pm.

With a panel of super-fans discussing the venues and which racers are whetting our appetite.

Wendy’s on a winner

Carousel: And our Chinese New Year

Wendy is also offering up to £400pp off her Journey through Japan tour following in the footsteps of the contestants as they travel from Hokkaido to southern Honshu.

Journey Through Japan is a 14-day tour from £6,690pp.

And that includes return flights, all hotels, 35 meals, guide, sightseeing, entrance fees and further transport.

 

 

Asia, Countries, Deals, Europe, UK

Reach for Sky Travel on Blue Monday

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How does it feel..? Well, today, we’re told, is the most depressing day of the year, and invented by a tour operator to get us to go and book a holiday.. so let’s reach for Sky Travel on Blue Monday.

Blue Monday originators Sky Travel, we must admit, have flown somewhat under our radar.

But we’re glad to jump on board now with their bumper deals to lift your blues.

They bill themselves under  Infinite Horizon Travel as a full-service travel agency.

And they offer customers (both budget-friendly and luxury) the best and most cost efficient travel options.

From flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, land arrangements, tour packages (ready made and customised) to suit their travel needs.

En route

Everything in the garden: And the wall too in Berlin

Now if you’re a fan of Berlin, Bordeaux and Malaga (and who isn’t?) then you’ll be happy to know that they’re Sky Travel’s most popular routes as is indeed, Belfast.

With flights to those destinations starting from £17-26.

Now we all of us are guided by the flash offers that sites put up and Sky Travel give us a wide range.

Hotel service

Panorama: Prague from the Castle

With an old favourite, Prague, flagged up… and the Hotel Paris.

With three sample weekend nights for the beginning of February.

All of which will set you back £456 for an adult and child, through booking.com.

A bit closer to home, if home is Britain is Bath (yes, of course you’ll find London hotels aplenty).

Go-to chain Hilton, and the Hampton by Hilton Bath City is packaged up.

As an adult and child for three nights from £453.

So you can binge on the baths and if you’ve got any sense and sensibility Jane Austen.

China mate

Light up: With Chinese culture

While to remind us that there’s not a corner of the globe that they’re not on, Sky Travel introduce us to Suzhou in China… it’s near Shanghai.

And three nights again for an adult and a child comes in at £169.

Now all that’s left is to get to the airport… see, it’s as well to Reach for Sky Travel on Blue Monday.

 

Asia, Countries, Europe

Wow, here’s a lorra lira help to plan your holiday

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Because we don’t know it all then we’re always happy to pick your brain, and wow, here’s a lorra lira help to plan your holiday.

And as there’s always room in the market for what we here call Holidos and Don’ts we’re happy to introduce you to wowtickets’ tips.

Wowtickets are a booking website and app which covers 109 countries worldwide, some even that we’ve yet to visit!

So they’ve learned a thing or two along the way and helpfully give us the lowdown as we use January to book our hols.

Fly high: Pick a destination

An oft-forgotten consideration when we pick a destination is oul’-fashioned currency exchange.

Those who’re in the Eurozone, of course and I was that traveller in 13 years from Ireland, think less of exchanges while hotfooting it around the continent.

But, of course, there are the outliers who don’t use the Euro… and we’re not just talking Britain here.

Turk some money off

Feline good: Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

Our old friends Turkey deal in Turkish lira.

And the good news is that in the last year the British pound has made 76 per cent gains on the Turkish lira.

All of which gives us more money to spend in the bazaar.

Which clearly we’re all doing with Turkey’s Antalya topping the list of most popular winter resorts for Brits.

Menorca corker

Mummy’s boy: In Menorca

Now as we’re creatures of habit by nature we will go back to favourite haunts.

And that applies as much today as it did 50 years ago when Ibiza was my parents’ go-back-to destination for our family.

But then they were ahead of their time too by branching out to quieter Menorca.

And that is what wowtickets is advising our generations too, not least to save us a few Euro.

As was clearly in my Dear Old Dad’s mind then… and he even brought a few pesetas home for his international money box.

Wowtickets point out that a three-course meal in Ibiza could cost €200 versus €20 in Menorca.

Two for one in Bulgaria

Ya dancer: Bulgaria

They also flag up the good value of Bulgaria.

And we’re reminded of our first foreign holiday with The Son and Heir.

When we met a family who saved enough money from their spring trip to Sunny Beach to be able to return in the autumn.

Cash in too on the fact that you’re a loyal customer by checking out returning discount, hotel points, air miles or promo codes.

It all makes sense

Now of wowtickets’ other tips for January planners we’d file them under the heading ‘common sense’.

And we’d add to their pointer that putting aside £200 a month will give you a decent war chest instead of maxing out your credit card.

By saying that that could be the equivalent of parking those dinners out for Netflix and Chilling at home.

Now accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes but don’t be dazzled by AI or Board if you’re not a competition eater or drinker.

You might just be giving back to the community too by finding that intimate cafe where you have your breakfast.

We know that there’s a mountain of information out there and it can seem daunting.

But know this, we here like to keep our lives as simple as possible.

And wow, here’s a lorra lira help to plan your holiday.