Countries Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Where there’s a Will, there’s an Irish, you will, you will, you will

12th June 2026 funtime65

Ok, so this is a bit of a laboured Irish ink to Shakespeare country (what’s new, you say) but where there’s a Will, there’s an Irish you will, you will, you will.

Is it just me (again, probably) but I could just see Father Ted’s char lady Mrs Doyle in one of Shakespeare’s comedies?

But certainly Irish actors were the go-to for Chloe Zhao when she was casting Hamnet, the moving film around the death of the son of Will and Anne (or Agnes).

With Jessie Buckley scoring an Oscar for Best Actress opposite Irish compatriot Paul Mescal.

Stratford on the map

While all the world’s a stage and millions’ focus is centred on footballers running around the field, hopefully with a football attached, let’s not forget the other players.

The ones that put Stratford-on-Avon in the Heart of England on the map.

Our friends at Institute for Culture Travel have put together a mini-break to Shakespeare Country.

Because each of us must play our part.

Its Oxford, Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds trip departs on August 9 and will set you back €1,189pps, with a single supplement €259.

Will’s World

Cottage industry: Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

You’ll base yourself in Stratford, perfect to explore Will’s World and the heritage connected to his life and times.

Now, if you’re worried, having mugged up on Will that you’ll be put in his second best bed.

Like the fate of poor Agnes, who was bequeathed this in his last will and testament.

King of the castle: Or queen in Warwick Castle

Then don’t be… your three nights will be spent in the lush 4* Crowne Plaza Hotel.

So boiled all down you can look forward to…

Return flights from Dublin, taxes and transfers
Three nights in the 4* Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon with breakfast
Four lunches and one evening meal
Entrance to Warwick Castle
Full-day excursion to Oxford and Blenheim Palace
Visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Excursion through the scenic villages of the Cotswolds
Private transfers and local guide throughout.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Inside the United Nations in Geneva

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And you thought it was in New York, well it is, but here’s somewhere else where you don’t have to press your nose up to the glass… inside the United Nations in Geneva.

Switzerland is famous for its internationalism and neutrality so of course it embraces the whole United Nations ideal.

And is more than happy to open its doors for a new gateway into how the world works… the Portail des Nations.

Located at the entrance of the Palais des Nations (along the Alley of Flags), this immersive visitor centre invites you, we’re told, to explore the forces shaping our world.

Of course, now we’ve had our big kick-off to the football World Cup, we’ve got our own Alley of Flags along the garden fence.

Our own little effort at world unity.

Flagging up the Portail des Nations

More than a visitor centre, the Portail des Nations, which opens on Friday, June 18, is designed as a journey.

Across nearly 1,000m², interactive installations bring global challenges to life.

From climate change to human rights and global health.

A highlight of the visit: an immersive experience inspired by how the United Nations operates.

And it offers visitors insight into the mechanisms behind international decision-making.

Designed for everyone, the experience is easy to access and does not require the usual formalities associated with institutional visits.

The art of diplomacy

Whether you’re travelling solo, with family, or in a group, it’s the perfect introduction to international Geneva.

With this new landmark, the city on the lake reinforces its position as a hub of dialogue and diplomacy.

The Portail des Nations becomes a must-visit starting point.

To understand how global decisions are made and how they impact us all.

We found an EasyJet return flight from our local airport here in Edinburgh to Geneva for £200 return…

That’s assuming that the half-Scottish Donald Trump can’t get us on Air Force One.

Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe, Ships

VIVA the Danube’s Iron Gates

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They sound like something out of Game of Thrones but VIVA the Danube’s Iron Gates are all too real and more dramatic than anything in George RR Martin’s world.

The Iron Gates, for those who are not too familiar with the great river gateway of central Europe, are the natural border between Serbia and Romania.

An 83-mile route, with the last barrier, the Kazan (Great Boiler) gorge being the narrowest and most breathtaking at just 15om just beyond the Romanian city of Orsova.

The side of the gorge in Romania constitutes the Iron Gates Natural Park, and the Serbian Đerdap National Park.

And what’s more Lepenski Vir in Serbia in the gorge and on the banks of the Danube is mooted as being the oldest planned settlement in Europe at 13,000 years ago.

Long before we’d hazard those Starks and their dragons were around.

Move aside Winterfell

Now all this will naturally pull in any of us who have enjoyed the charms of the Danube.

And even more so with VIVA Cruises tempting us with a gentle amble through its waters.

The 11-night ‘The Danube’s Iron Gates’, sailing on VIVA TWO departs Passau on September 6.

With ports of call including Bratislava, Belgrade, Donji Milanovac, Novi Sad and an overnight in Ilok.

Then on to Aljmas, Budapest, Hainburg and Vienna, Dürnstein; and Melk.

Many of those stop-offs sounding like they’ve come straight out of Winterfell.

With prices starting from €2950, the campaign comprises a free cabin upgrade and onboard credit.

VIVA the river

In addition, a reduced single supplement of 20 per cent is available for applicable solo bookings.

The offer is valid on 65 river cruises departing in 2026, with prices listed for Emerald deck cabins.

And if you can’t extend to 11 nights on VIVA TWO then there is a seven-night Danube from Vienna, sailing on VIVA MOMENTS from €1795pp.

Or a seven-night Whispers of the Rhone, sailing on VIVA VOYAGE, departing Lyons and flowing through France, from €1695pp.

While there’s a seven-night Waterways of the North, sailing on VIVA ONE through the Low Countries from €1795pp.

Guests will receive €25pp onboard spending money on cruises of up to six nights.

And €50pp for voyages of more than seven nights in duration.

The credit can be used for shore excursions, spa treatments and in onboard retails shops.Cabin upgrades will be applied to the next higher cabin category.

Countries

They start their Soca singers young in the Caribbean

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They start their Soca singers young in the Caribbean which is why everyone has a Soca song in them by Carnival.

Our friends in Saint Lucia are putting the finishing touches to the prep for Lucian Carnival from July 1-22.

And their secret to the best party is not waiting around for the next generation because they’re already here.

In kids like Mr Personality, and he sounds like me back in my schooldays.

Remember me

Azeil Philgence, from Dugard Combined School, sauntered off with the National Primary Schools Calypso Monarch title.

With his jumpin’ rendition of Remember Me.

Mr P saw off, although we reckon every one of the kids is a winner, 21 students.

At the National Primary Schools Calypso & Soca Competition at Mindoo Phillip Park.

While Soca Storm of Ave Maria Girls’ School claimed the National Primary Schools Soca Monarch title with the song Lash Up.

With the competition divided into Calypso and Soca categories.

Child’s play

Now music class looks a whole lot more fun than singing lessons.

In this cold island of Britain in which I was reared.

Although I’d hope that our kids’ musical education has moved on from tests on Bizet’s Toriador… sorry, Mrs Bowers.

It was revealing too to hear that our pals in the West Indies still embrace the tunes our ancestors took out to the Caribbean.

Which we heard for ourselves when a teacher led her tartan-clad kindergarten kids in Coulter’s Candy and the Skye Boat Song.

At the Barbados Celtic Festival.

Just the ticket

Now Lucian Carnival is the feast of family fun, fashion, food, rum and rumba that you would expect of a Caribbean tear-up.

It’s just that we thought we’d give the kids a shout-out because doesn’t Carnival make us all feel like big kids.

Helpfully too, we stumbled on a British Airways sale.

Now for Carnival with you going out for a week it’s from £615 from Britain.

And the sale seems to be August-November from. £509.

Caribbean, Countries

Haiti and Scotland a game of two halfs

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And it is the luck of the World Cup draw which has brought us together but on one level Haiti and Scotland are a game of two halfs.

On account of the two nations being among the very few nations that are halves of an island.

In Scotland’s case it has been our fate to share our rock with England and Wales and Haiti’s to be locked on Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic.

With both Scotland and Haiti each the poorer relation.

Not though that either of us should hide our lights under a bushel.

And for readers of this here Bandanaman will be well familiar with the charms of this jutty bit of Britain through my scribblings.

But perhaps less so of Haiti.

Well. let us put that right and our perception of it as crime-ridden and destitute.

When it is a beacon for the freedoms of small nations as the first country formed from a slaves revolt ion 1804.

Haitians lead the way

Grab a chair: Women at a Vodou ceremony. Photo: Pierre Michel Jean

The Haitians and the Dominicans had a couple of gos at ruling together but have been going it alone since 1859.

Now, worryingly for Scotland who face the Haitians in Boston next Sunday at 2am, they are something of good form.

Having beaten New Zealand 4-0 in a friendly.

While they may just have a trick up their sleeve which would make football’s most recent Spygate look more like a vicar’s tea party.

Vodou child

Take it as red: Vodou Ceremony elder. Photo: Pierre Michel Jean

We refer, of course, to Vodou, a Haitian religion, which is voodoo to you and me.

And if that conjures up images of dolls of Scotland’s star footie players Shankland, McTominay, McGinn and Robertson being stabbed with pins.

Then you’ve probably been watching too many horror, or old James Bond, films.

Our friends in Haiti have helfpully given us the lowdown on how to fit in at a Vodou festival.

And recommend to attend a Rada dance (or dans).

Not least because you’re less likely to see animal sacrifice.

We fancy a springtime dans, as something unthreatening.

Held to usher in a season of abundant harvest, good luck and good health.

And the Rada dance for Erzulie Freda, the goddess of love and sensuality looks up our rue.

Or La Sirène, the mermaid goddess of good luck, fertility and material abundance.

And, of course, there’s rum

A rum do: Keep the drummers sated. PhotoL Franck Fontan

We’re advised too to bring an offering, preferably a litre, or half gallon of unrefined rum, called kleren for the drummers.

And don’t be put off if some in the congregation go into a trance.

Now if all this has piqued your interest.

Or you just want to show off when the match is on, then here’s where you can find out more about Haiti.

Haiti’s National Museum in Port-au-Prince where you’ll find the oldest, most historic Vodou drums – some dating back to the 1500s.

The Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien is on the Champs de Mars Boulevard .

And features artefacts from the revolution, and the tools they used to found modern Haitian culture.

While the Bureau of Ethnology is a museum dedicated entirely to Haitian Vodou.

How to get there

Vodou spirit: Ren Kongo. Photo: Verdy Verna

The good news is that Haiti and the Haitians are welcoming and there are lots of ways to get there.

Air France will fly you from Europe, while there are direct flights from the US.

A return flight from Florida starts at about $250m a roundtrip from New York will set you back about $400.

While a round trip from London is about $850.

Or you can to take a short flight from the Dom Rep.

Or to hop on to one of the many tourist bus companies such as Terra Bus.

Countries, Cruising

Slides rule on the MSC Asia

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Water, water, everywhere, even on board where the slides rule on the MSC Asia.

Our cruise chums at MSC are rolling out their flagship in six months.

And have taken the opportunity to unveil six standout attractions.

The ship will be officially named on 28 November 2026 in Le Havre, France.

Before launching seven-night Med itineraries from Barcelona on December 4.

A real Cliffhanger

Prom ball: MSC World Asia, World Promenade

They kick us off with the Cliffhanger, an over-water swing ride soaring 50 metres above the sea and a European first.

Before propelling us into The Spiral @ Tree of Life, the longest dry slide at sea at 81.3 metres spanning 11 decks.

All inspired by the iconic trees of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.

They’re rightly proud too of their Twin Racer and U Drop waterslides.

While they’ll show us the ropes before putting us through their two-level 6,210sqft Adventure Trail high ropes course.

Spanning 6,210 square feet and featuring Sky Rails similar to a zip line

And for boy and girl racers

Winning formula: MSC Euribia, MSC Formula Racer

For those boy and girl racers, there’s the MSC Formula Racer simulator.

And for gamers, the MSC Luna Park Arena, an interactive digital venue that’s a first for any MSC ship.

Beyond the thrills, guests can explore more than 40 bars and restaurants, seven pools, 13 hot tubs.

And the line’s widest range of MSC Yacht Club suites yet.

Med for cruise fans

All of which you can enjoy on a sample seven-nighter, setting sail on January 24.

And enjoying the charms of Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, Valletta, Barcelona and Marseille.

All from £709/€819pp.

And what about the ship being called Asia?

And these itineraries, which start from December 4, being around Europe?

Well, we’re told, that it’s to celebrate the beauty of the world’s continents and oceans and reflecting its global nature. which we can testify to.

MSC World Asia will feature subtle design elements inspired by Asia’s rich culture, art and landscapes.

And it will combine returning guest favourites with innovative new concepts.

All designed to elevate entertainment, dining and relaxation.

America, Countries

The 150th anniversary of Little Big Horn

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It is, of course, a very big year in American history but what of the First Nations and the 150th anniversary of Little Big Horn?

Away from the ubiquitous Semiquincentennial celebrations, in the Old Wild West they are marking the Sesquicentennial.

See, those conjugations and declensions you mugged up on in Latin at school did come in handy.

Now the Battle of Little Big Horn has been passed down the generations and popularised through Hollywood Western movies.

So that we all know the names and derringer-do of Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Gall and General George Custer.

Little Big Horn the Sequel

Two tribes: Lakota take on the US troops

And while the silver screen, digital enhancement or AI can ever truly emulate the drama of the battlefield.

And we are not back in the 19th century to see Sitting Bull recreate the battle for Buffalo Bill’s international shows.

We can witness a recreation of the battle from 1pm on June 26-28.

At the Little Bighorn River where Sitting Bull’s Camp was between Crow Agency & Garryowen (only an hour south of Billings).

The 34th reenactment, hosted by the Real Bird Family, you’ll see Native American riders riding bareback.

Portraying warriors of the Souix, Cheyenne and Crow tribes.

And we’re promised no whites riding as braves.

Muster with Custer

You’ll see them and Cavalry riders crash across the Little Bighorn River as on June 25.

Some of the riders have been training all week with Custer’s Last Ride 8 day adventure with US Cavalry school.

You’ll witness General George Custer and his 7th US Cavalry Troopers come out of the Medicine Tail Coulee.

And clash with real Indian Braves as they both cross the Little Bighorn River.

Go Native

The great thing about spectating and remember civilians actually made a day of picnicking at Civil War battles is that you let others do the fighting.

There are Crow Native days including the Pow-Wow, Crow Parade Friday morning, Ultimate Warrior Competition, Indian Rodeo, and more.

Little Bighorn Days celebration week includes a fair, parades, carniv and this year a rodeo.

There is a Cavalry experience training course – Custer’s Last Ride from 20-28 June on site.

You’ll learn horsemanship, history, and more at http://www.uscavalryschool.com.

Hardin, Montana hosts the Custer’s Last Stand Reenactment.

On a hill west of town, about 20 miles north of the battlefield;

Check out The 8 Day Little Bighorn Cavalry Course and “Custer’s Last Ride” Adventure with the Reenactment on 20-28 June 2026.

Your great trail

Your best route if you’re a visitor is fly into Minneapolis-Saint Paul and take a two-hour flight to Billings and an hour’s drive south.

Still quicker, and without any of the danger of the combatants back in 1876.

Countries, Culture, Europe, Sport

You can be straight at Valencia’s Gay Games

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Las Fallas brings out the sniggering schoolboy in all of us which only proves you can be straight in Valencia’s Gay Games.

The 12th iteration of the GG, which dates back to 1982, will be held under the sun from June 27-July 4.

And here’s the interesting thing, straights are welcome to compete, which is as it should be.

Just like modern Modern Games are now inclusive, so are Gay Games.

All of which is in keeping with the original Olympians in Ancient Greece.

For whom brotherly love in combat was a blood bond.

Ya dancer

GG features many of the events we know and love from Olympic Games in its 39-sports roster.

But which self-respecting Gay Games could not include DanceSport, same-sex ballroom?

Or The Pink Flamingo, a playful team event combining aquatics, theatre, and comedy.

Or cheerleading… Ole Valencia.

Spectators too are included with everybody encouraged to join in the 3km International Rainbow Memorial Run.

There’s music, fashion, film and The Memorial Quilt Exhibition and countless other events.

Transvia the way to go

Our amigos at Transviasport are the go-to travel providers for the Games.

With Olympia Ronda I and II coming in at €66 and €68 a night.

Our amigos in Valencia have helpfully mapped out the best places to enjoy ourselves while we’re there.

With the gay-friendly Piccadilly Downtown Club in Ruzafa a magnet for indie, pop, rock, and disco fans.

Or Deseo 54 in the Sagunto District, for international house and pop and commercial music.

If it’s cocktails and cakes you’re after, and it always is, then Cafe de las Horas in El Carmen District.

And which combines old palatial stables with a baroque design in a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

A Fetish for fun

Hand in hand: Through Valencia’s streets

While how could the Fetish Morning’s Social Club not stop us in our tracks?

Popular after party for the LGBTI+ crowd.

Which despite its name is not a fetish club and is welcome to mixed ages.

And with that we’re away to train… for the cocktails and the dancing.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Music

Good times with CHIC in Marbella

2nd June 2026 funtime65

Leave your cares behind, these are the good times in Marbella with CHIC at the Starlite Occident Festival.

Rick Astley and John Legend will also be there and Kool & The Gang and Lenny Kravitz and rock legends Deep Purple.

And you can be too and stay at the best billet at the El Fuerte Marbella, 15 minutes from the festival site.

Stars come out at night

The only 5* in Marbella Old Town, built in 1957 and reimagined in 2023, has long been a favoured retreat for the stars.

With Penélope Cruz and Walt Disney among the famous names to have stayed within its walls.

Now in its 14^th iteration, Starlite Occident has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s most exclusive boutique festivals.

The best arenas we know are of the open-air amphitheatre.

And Occident is set within a former quarry.

Music to our ears

Beyond the music, the festival is billed as a complete lifestyle experience.

With award-winning restaurants including Tanabata, Temazo, Sandra’s Caviar Bar and Ánima.

Plus the Starlite Night Club, where DJs and special performances keep the party going into the early hours.

Highlights of the 2026 line-up include Lenny Kravitz (29 June), Gipsy Kings (3 July), Maroon 5 (7 July), Rick Astley (10 July), Anastacia (14 July), John Legend (20 July), Kool & The Gang (23 July) and Nile Rodgers & CHIC (26 August).

El of an hotel

El Fuerte Marbella’s quiet elegance is evident throughout the hotel, where each space reflects a balance of style and comfort.

The rooms and suites feature chic design with a soothing, relaxed feel, thoughtful amenities and Molton Brown products.

Take a dip in either or both of the two swimming pools set in landscaped gardens – including one reserved for adults.

An outdoor hot tub, a beach club, a gym, and inviting indoor-outdoor areas that flow seamlessly together.

For guests seeking wellness experiences, Spa by Clarins offers a subterranean haven.

With a serene, low-lit hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and six treatment rooms.

Feed your soul

El Fuerte Marbella has a strong emphasis on gastronomy, showcasing local Andalucian ingredients wherever possible.

A sumptuous breakfast buffet at Soleo Beach Club is complemented with views of the Med, and tastes, in Le Marché.

Levante takes guests on a culinary journey that combines Andalucia’s abundant pantry with global ingredients.

And, of course, for celebrity watchers, the El Puerto Deportivo hotspot is also nearby.

Make my Day

El Fuerte Marbella has introduced a brand-new Day Pass experience for 2026.

Priced from €79.50pp, the pass offers non-resident guests access to an exclusive premium sunbed by the pool.

Or the beach from 11am-7pm, plus entry to the hotel’s VIP area.

Even better, 50% of the booking value is included as credit to spend at Bar Levante.

Prices at El Fuerte Marbella start from €390 per night in a Standard Double, with breakfast included for two people.

America, Countries

Walk the Walk in LA

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The carazy residents of the City of Angels fear to tread we are oft told but not us, we walk the Walk in LA.

It’s understandable in a city that spans nearly 300 miles, which for those of us on our northern isle is Inverness to Newcastle.

That you might want to jump in the car, or take the Uber.

But it would be wrong to think that the locals are lazy as trekking is all part of the Angelenos culture.

Walk like an Angelenos

So, when in LA do what the Angelenos do, get the walking boots on and take a hike.

Better still let somebody else take you, which for us means Bikes and Hikes LA Tours.

Our LA hosts take us through Griffith Park to the Hollywood sign vantage point and a picnic.

Now for all that you will need to be driven out to many of the iconic LA sites, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills.

There will be be walking at the other end, with the most famous, of course, the Walk of Fame.

Downtown funk

But other less well-known walking tours, which again is where B&H help out.

With its Downtown LA Walking Tour which we should have availed of when we were last in the heart of the city.

B&H’s Downtown dander will take you through the historic Bunker Hill district and surrounding landmarks.

You’ll meet up at Pershing Square before heading for the Bradbury Building.

Which B&H bills as LA’s most breathtaking Victorian interior.

And a film location you’ve seen a hundred times without knowing its name.

Think Double Indemnity (ask your grandparents), Chinatown (your parents), Blade Runner or Lethal Weapon.

On the right track

There’s another surprise at your next stop, the world’s shortest railway, at 298ft, the aptly named Angels Flight.

You’ll immerse yourself in artsy LA at The Broad & MOCA, the contemporary art institutions side by side on Grand Avenue.

DTLA’s cultural mile in full force.

Take in too the Disney Concert House and Bunker Hill, once lined with Victorian mansions.

And now one of the most dramatic urban skylines in the country, just ask your guide.

In footsteps of history

Your two-hour saunter will end at the Grand Central Market where you will have no shortage of refuelling stops.

And maybe at your leisure take a step back in time to where it all started in El Pueblo de Los Angeles.

Or El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula to give it its Sunday name.

Either hop on the Metro Rail (B or D Line) for $1.75 or take a 15-minute walk.