Countries Archives - Page 2 of 208 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

America, Countries, Europe, Food & Wine, UK

Irish bar flagging up Ivorian green, white and gold

17th June 202617th June 2026 funtime65

And as Scotland basks in World Cup glory let’s include our Celtic cousins too and the Irish bar flagging up Ivorian Green, white and gold.

Now we’ve been here ourselves, and too often, with the world champions in waiting (that’s us) outside looking in for 28 years.

And in that decade and a half trying to immerse ourselves in the tourney through clever tie-ins.

Like adopting whichever team is playing England with some smart word play in the marketing merch.

Although worryingly one in ten Scots want England to do well, including Royalist Roy next door.

The Green, White and Verde

It is the birthright, of course, of all Celts that you get to support Ireland or Wales too if your own country miss out.

And in Ireland’s case anybody with any tangental connection.

Such as Cape Verde’s Roberto “Pico” Lopes, a Shamrock Rovers defender the Africans tapped up on LinkedIn.

After discovering he qualified through his father.

Now Ireland and the diaspora have lent their support to Cape Verde.

With the Honey Fitz bar in Astoria, New York adopting the archipelago as their team for the tourney.

And we dare say that the old family bar, the iconic Irish Cottage, in Queens too would have done the same was it still here now.

Men in the mirror

For us living in the country of the world champion heir apparents there is another Irish link, for when Scotland aren’t playing.

In the shape of Cote D’Ivoire, or the Ivory Coast, because their flag is the mirror image of Ireland’s.

Ireland’s green, white and orange represented green Irish catholicism, orange Northern protestantism and white for peace.

And the Cote D’Ivoire’s green for its grasslands, orange for its forests and white, er, for peace again.

Edinburgh and Ivory

Your best Biddy: Channeling the Ivorians

Biddy Mulligan’s in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket has gone full Ivorian.

With all Irish flags, which feature the same tricolour as the Ivory Coast in a different order, will be flipped to represent the African nation.

While Ivory Coast tunes will be played before and after matches.

And Biddy’s has also partnered with an Ivory Coast snacks company to bring food to customers ‘straight from the source’.

And have even bought in hundreds of bottle of African Guinness. with the stout selling more in Africa than any other continent.

Caribbean, Countries, Europe, Sport

Wunderbear… here’s Germany and Curacao

14th June 202614th June 2026 funtime65

Only a World Cup could bring Old Europe and the Caribbean like this together but Wunderbear… here’s Germany and Curacao.

Courtesy of Derself, who was born on a British military base.

And circumnavigated the world when her family returned from a posting in Australia.

Bringing back mementoes, as we all do, which have taken on another life as the years have rolled on.

A word from the advertisers

So meet Yorkie, here modelling a Curacao t-shirt which once adorned Derself and Der Daughterie of Derself.

And Barney Bear who despite his very Bavarian lederhosen hails from the home of German beardom, Swabia.

Now whisper it around Barney who doesn’t have the iconic button in his ear which all Steiff bears have.

He’s actually bear ein Berliner but the German capital too has a bear tradition going back 600 years.

All of which he told me at one of those hydration breaks they have brought in during halfs to sell advertising.

New alliances

World in my hands: At the German Football Museum in Dortmund

Now such is the bonhomie of a World Cup that new alliances are forged regardless of the scoreline.

Such as German football fans and Curacao supporters.

Although, in truth, the 150,000 party people of Curaçao’s connection is with the Netherlands.

Of which they are a constituent island nation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

While old alliances are renewed such as that between the Tartan Army and the samba-dancing Brazilians.

And yes, senor, we can boogie.

With the two sets of famously partying fans renewing acquaintances for a fifth time at World Cups in 50 years.

Another reason to see Amsterdam

Ride on: Can I be trusted on a bike? In Amsterdam

Now we obviously know our way around Germany but Curacao clearly takes more prep.

So if you’re not on a round-the-world boat journey, and you should, you deserve it.

Then it makes sense that you’ll fly out of Amsterdam with KLM.

Which we priced up at from £1,177pp from Edinburgh going through Tuliptown.

America, Countries, Sport

Coming down the road in our football tops

13th June 2026 funtime65

We’ll be coming down the road in our football tops in the early hours for the World Cup.

Alas, at the Law bar lock-in in North Berwickety, here east of Edinburgh, rather than our old stomping ground of Boston.

The World Cup, of course, is prime time for the sale of football tops with outlets greedy to inflate prices.

For shirts with the distributors often changing just the date on the shirt and change every 18 months.

Cry for us Argentina

One solution is replica shirts with this Scotland Tartan Army foot soldier donning his iconic retro top.

From Scotland’s ill-fated (aren’t they all?) Argentina 1978 misadventure.

With the No.15 on it in a nod to Scotland’s only shining light then, Archie Gemmill.

Back then, whisper it, the England Admiral football top was considered the height of football fashion.

So much so that some Scottish schoolboys put aside their loyalties and followed each other on their choice of shirts.

Gift that keeps on giving

Quite what red-blooded Scottish parents thought of that we can only imagine.

Of course football tops were always a safe bet to get your football-mad child for Christmas.

Even if it was the Argentina jersey instead of the vibrant orange shirt of the Netherlands team he’d adopted.

Which might explain the grumpy look in that Christmas’s photographs.

Moroccans on a roll

When it came time to make up our own decisions in life and we had the money.

We’d pick up tops on our travels… Fenerbahce and Besiktas for dad and lad in Turkey.

And the Morocco national top from a chaotic trip to Marrakech which has come out of the drawer.

Now that the African champions are in Scotland’s group along with Haiti and Brazil.

Although, naturally, it won’t be getting an outing when Scotland play Morocco in their second game in Beantown.

It’s just that sticking it back on takes me back to haggling with a Moroccan trader in Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

The Tartan Army Boys

Before everything went Pete Tong… a bit like Scotland’s World Cup story.

It’s true what they say, it’s the hope that kills you.

Still we’ll keep the faith.

So when you hear the noise of the Tartan Army Boys we’ll be coming down the road.

Countries, Culture, Deals, UK

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

11th June 202611th June 2026 funtime65

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

8th June 20268th June 2026 funtime65

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

7th June 20267th June 2026 funtime65

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

6th June 20266th June 2026 funtime65

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

5th June 20265th June 2026 funtime65

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

4th June 20264th June 2026 funtime65

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.