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Countries, Deals, Europe

Porchewgal the foodie’s haven

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And here’s somewhere to get your teeth into… Porchewgal the foodie’s haven.

Where it’s two full three-course meals and grazing with pasteis de nata and quaffing Vinho Verde every day.

Which is probably why Cristiano Ronaldo decamped to the Gulf to hone his body.

I partly blame José, who puts on tours de force in Portugal for visitors, and the pounds.

With no carnivore or piscavore left behind.

While Quinta do Lago serves up sustenance and sports in equally oversized portions.

Fado, footie, Fatima & food

There are, of course, other resorts available, although only one for Special One José.

For whom everything and everyone came from Coimbra, including, of course José.

And here we turn to management experts Amazing Evolution will keep you sated.

Portugal savours its traditions and, of course, when it comes to food, they are a cod-fearing people.

No visit to its ancient capital, Lisbon, is complete without trying bacalhau à Brás.

The much-loved salted cod, finely shredded potatoes and egg dish.

Or enjoying that warm pastel de nata fresh from the oven from the Pastéis de Belém bakery.

Beyond the restaurants, food lovers should explore the Time Out food market.

And neighbourhoods including Mouraria, Intendente and Príncipe Real.

Where independent cafes, wine bars and traditional taverns sit side by side.

We’ve got it Infame

Amazing Locations will put you up in 1908 Lisboa Hotel which is perfectly positioned for exploring Lisbon’s thriving culinary scene.

Their restaurant Infame, has become a destination for Lisbon locals and creatives.

Serving modern Portuguese cuisine inspired by seasonal ingredients from local producers and the best cocktails and wines.

And get this… their dishes start from €15.

With rooms at 1908 from €140 per night.

Portugal’s take on a tale of two cities would, of course, be the capital and Porto.

Although Jose would have something to say about Coimbra.

Vinho Vici Verde

Hidden between Porto and the Douro Valley, Amarante is one of the north’s best-kept culinary secrets.

Set in the heart of the Vinho Verde region, at the heart of the town sits Casa da Calçada.

It is home to the Michelin-starred Largo do Paço.

Here, beautifully crafted tasting menus showcase the finest seasonal ingredients from northern Portugal.

Combining traditional flavours with contemporary techniques.

And you can learn too about that great vinho gateway Vinho Verde at one of their estates.

Or enjoy leisurely riverside cafes.

Or wander Amarante’s historic centre.

Where independent bakeries, wine shops and artisan producers celebrate the flavours of the region.

Largo do Paco’s exclusive tasting menus start from €150.

Rooms at Casa da Calcada start from €230 per night.

Porklife

If you prefer pigging out on pork then Alentejo is the region for you.

Here it’s all about timeless recipes, exceptional local produce and slow, seasonal cooking.

Signature dishes include porco preto, the region’s prized acorn-fed black pork.

And açorda alentejana, a rustic bread soup flavoured with garlic, coriander and olive oil.

While you can learn about local vintages Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez and Antão Vaz from family-owned wineries.

You’ll be based near Montemor-o-Novo at Sleep & Nature.

Monte do Vagar Restaurant showcases regional dishes filled with artisan cheeses, traditional breads, olive oils and fine wines.

Main dishes at Monte do Vagar Restaurant start from €12. Rooms start from €115 per night.

America, Countries

One hundred and fifty years of Colorado

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And they’re having a high old time today as they celebrate One hundred and fifty years of Colorado.

Although it’s known by all as the Centennial State on account of it being this day in 1776 that Ulysses Grant granted them statehood.

Now like all Coloradophiles we have been following progress of the Sesquicentenary all year.

And particularly since we gathered in my Glasgow birthplace to toast our Mid-West pals.

Now because every day is a school day here are some killer Colorado factoids which make the 38th State special.

Colorado Rocks

Now there have been many Coloradan singers of note and tributes to the state’s beauty.

From Henry John Deutschendorf Jr’s (or John Denver to you and me) Rocky Mountain High.

To Ryan Tedder and OneRepublic’s Stop And Stare at the iconic Red Rocks.

But even more ubiquitous than either is America the Beautiful, inspired by Katharine Lee Bates’ visit to Pikes Peak in 1893.

The same year as Colorado became the first state to grant women the right to vote through a popular referendum.

Here for the beer

Coloradans, of course, will be celebrating with a beer from any one of the 420 craft breweries.

And we’re lucky enough to have an insider in University of Boulder beer archaeologist Travis (no, we’re not making that up).

Now you probably know Colorado as a high old state… and not just for its liberal drugs laws.

But it also has the highest mean altitude of all the states with Denver known as The Mile High City.

And Coloradans are fond, of course, of saying that you only have to drink half as much to get twice as drunk.

Springs in the air

The Great Outdoors: Out and about in Colorado

The Centennial State is also famous for its hot springs.

With the world’s largest natural hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs.

With the two-block long pool across from the historic Hotel Colorado, a favorite stop of former president Teddy Roosevelt.

The inimitable Teddy is, of course, not alone in embracing the charms of the Coloured Red (on account of the topography) state.

Here’s Bill & Johnny

And every visitor to Colorado naturally pays homage to Buffalo Bill at his tombstone.

Where you will be expected to throw a coin on to his stone in tribute.

But Colorado too is home to The Stanley Hotel, in Estes Park.

Where a host of celebrities and heads of state that have stayed at the luxurious 1909 hostelry.

And here’s Johnny, from Stephen King’s novel The Shining, the hotel inspiring the author.

Fair is fowl

Now if you’re of a strong constitution then maybe you’re looking for something a bit more head turning.

So head to Fruita, where the town folk celebrate Mike the Headless Chicken Day.

To commemorate farmer L.A. Olsen who cut off Mike’s head on September 10, 1945 for his dinner.

Only for Mike to live for another four years without a head.

So have a high old time today as you have all year.

And here’s to the next 150 years.

America, Countries

The Universal appeal of Ozzy Osbourne

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It was always a match made in heaven (or should that be hell) and that’s the Universal appeal of Ozzy Osbourne.

So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that our old pals at Universal Orlando and Hollywood Resort have put together a homage to The Prince of Darkness.

With the people who know him best… mum Sharon and brother Jack.

Guests can anticipate a wild ride as they climb aboard the Crazy Train.

For a terrifying living horror movie trip through his disturbing world of rock and roll.

You’ll be transported through Ozzy’s outrageous and eccentric solo career.

All to the background music of Ozzy’s solo albums…

The Blizzard of Ozz, Diary of a Madman, Bark at the Moon, No More Tears, Scream and Ordinary Man.

Brum notes

The haunted house will show you where it all began, in Ozzy’s hometown of Birmingham.

Starting with “Crazy Train”, Ozzy’s most famous song, guests will travel through time from his early childhood.

To the Osbourne Asylum, inspired by his iconic album Diary of a Madman.

And embrace his personas, Madman Ozzy and Werewolf Ozzy to the Prince of Darkness.

At Universal Orlando, Halloween Horror Nights guests will venture through ancient ruins and foreboding dungeons.

Before boarding the Crazy Train for a twisted ride.

At home with Sharon & Jack

And who better to review the experience than Sharon and Jack themselves?

‘Ozzy never stopped pushing boundaries, and he loved anything that gave fans a new way to experience his music and the worlds he created,”

‘Halloween Horror Nights has done an incredible job bringing that spirit to life.

‘Walking through these haunted houses, you’ll recognise so many moments inspired by his music and imagination.

‘It’s a wonderful tribute to Ozzy, and we hope fans have as much fun experiencing it as he would have had seeing it come together.’

At Universal Orlando, Halloween Horror Nights guests will venture through ancient ruins and foreboding dungeons.

Before boarding the “Crazy Train” for a twisted ride.

Just the ticket

Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights at Universal Orlando Resort, beginning Friday, August 28 through Sunday, November 1.

And at Universal Studios Hollywood from Thursday, September 3 through Sunday, November 1.

Tickets for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are available at AttractionTickets.com.

Countries, UK

A surfur’s life for me with roadsurfer

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And here’s a vantastic offer ahead of International Dog Day next month and it’s a surfur’s life for me with roadsurfer, with the campervan providers waiving their pet fee.

For any future bookings for 48 hours if made on August 26 and 27, the usual fee around £120 per booking, regardless of trip length.

With all of this coming on the back of Booking.com research.

Which shows that half (46%) of us get anxious when leaving our dog behind on holiday.

Dog for hire

Now for us to avail of the offer in truth we’d have to borrow a dog.

Say next door’s Scottie Hamish or their cat Rufus.

We’re glad to say, of course, that the travel world has evolved in the 30 years since.

Our own wee furry fella, Celtic the Cat, made way for Son and Heir and Daughterie.

And campervan will make accommodations for pussycats too, or other pets they say.

So you don’t have to stress about where to leave your Tiddles or how much it will cost you.

Road map for pets

And as experts in the field campervan have put together a road map of tips for your pets.

Pack familiar comforts: Bring your pet’s favourite blanket, bed or toy to help them feel settled in their home on wheels.
Travel at their pace: Take advantage of the flexibility of campervan travel by stopping for walks, water breaks and playtime whenever needed.
Plan pet-friendly stops: Look ahead for dog-friendly campsites, beaches and walking routes to make the most of your adventure.
Prepare a pet travel kit: Pack essentials including food, water, bowls, a lead, poo bags, towels and any medication your pet may need.
Put safety first: Ensure your pet travels securely and never leave them unattended in a warm campervan.

Take a peak inside

Roadsurfer’s modern fleet of campervans range from compact models perfect for couples to spacious, family-friendly campers with extra comfort.

The vans feature cosy beds, indoor heating, kitchens and outdoor seating.

Each booking includes unlimited mileage, a free second driver, and of course, pets are welcome too.

Prices from £55 per night based on September 2026 travel.

Countries, Sport

The Curse of Mayo is lifted… now for other jinxes

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And hope for all superstitious suffering sports fans everywhere, the Curse of Mayo is lifted… now for other jinxes.

Mayo’s trials are legend in Ireland where they have suffered 75 years of hurt (take that Baddiel and Skinner).

Since they upset a priest officiating a funeral with their boisterous celebrations in the village of Foxford.

On the occasion of the county’s last All-Ireland title in 1951 before this week’s one.

The pastor cursed the squad that they’d win no more Gaelic Football Championships while any of them were still alive.

Mayo for Sam

Fast forward 75 years and 11 lost All-Irelands later the Yew County are All-Ireland champions again.

And you can make of it what you will.

But the last connection with the 1951 team, Dr Mick Loftus died three years ago.

Now the story of Mayo’s retribution has gone viral with the Diaspora and Mayo descendant Joe Biden’s cri de coeur.

With the ex-Prez of the Oo Es of Eh posting ‘Mayo for Sam’… the trophy named for GA titan Sam Maguire.

Gods of sport

It’s never wise to upset the gods (have you seen The Odyssey?) or God, or even the Mother of God.

Particularly in Catholic Argentina, where in 1986 manager Carlos Bilardo pledged to the Virgin of Copacabana.

That if they won the World Cup he would return to give homage.

Only he and Diego Maradona and the boys forgot all about in the excitement.

And Argentina failed to win another World Cup for 36 years.

The squad made amends in 2018 and Our Lady bestowed her blessings on her Argentinian children although she made them wait.

Until that god in human form Lionel Messi led Argentina to World Cup four years later in Qatar.

Don’t tinker with gypsies

Nor is it ever wise to trample over gypsy land…

Just ask Birmingham City, preferred team of the Peaky Blinders Shelbys, who built on gypsy land.

And had to wait 100 years for the curse to be lifted and for them to win their first major silverware.

Even after managers had put crucifixes on the floodlights and urinated at the four corners of the ground.

While fellow English clubs Leeds and Derby have also dallied with the Romany community and lived to regret it.

The Penn is mightier

Sometimes a curse can be imposed across sports as what happened when Philadelphia’s Big Four teams were cursed.;

For the hubris of city builders in 1987.

Who perhaps didn’t think that the Ghost of William Penn, the city’s founder wouldn’t notice that they erected a building taller than the peak of his hat.

On his statue atop the spire of City Hall.

A no-no in the City of Brotherly Love.

When the final beam of the Comcast Center, was raised in 2007, iron workers attached a small figurine of Billy to the beam in an attempt to break the curse.

And it seemed to work with the following year, the Phillies winnimg the 2008 World Series.

Ten years later, when the even taller Comcast Technology Center was topped out.

The iron workers did the same thing and the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl.

And in other curses

Pitching for success: Cubs’ Wrigley Field

Add to that the Curse of the Bambino (Babe Ruth’s trade from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees) and Merkle’s Boner and the Curse of the Billy Goat placed on the Chicago Cubs.

And you’ll see that there is no limit to price that can be paid for perceived indiscretions.

Though what our own Scotland did to offend the deities which ensures that our football team can never progress.

Beyond the group stages of a major football finals.

Well answers on a postcard… and yes, we all know the joke about Scotland returning home before the postcards.

Countries, Culture, Europe

Ich bin Queen Berliner

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It has been a gay magnet since the hedonistic Cabaret Thirties and for the tragic day that’s in it we say Ich bin Queen Berliner.

And reflect on making the pilgrimage to the Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism in Berlin.

Not because I’m gay, because I’m not, but rather that is not the point but because hate crime comes for us all.

Spelling it out: Remembering the gay victims of the War

As best expressed by Pastor Martin Niemoller in his testament They First Came.

Inscribed on a wall in the Hall of Witness at the New aEngland Holocaust Memorial in Boston.

Outside my old Faneuil Hall stomping ground.

And the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC.

A cloak of honesty

That points to the Nazi vilification, victimisation and evisceration of homosexuals and lesbians.

Berlin wears its history in its memorials and museums but not as a hair shirt but as a cloak of honesty.

The German capital is, of course, a great learning city and a great walking one.

And you can stumble upon the memorial to the gay victims of the Third Reich.

While on your way through the city to your digs.

In the shadows

Learn how 50,000 were convicted and thousands sent to their deaths in concentration camps.

And were still criminalised after the War and that it was not until the Millennium that there sacrifice began to be acknowledged.

And 18 years ago that a lasting memorial was erected.

The kiss-off

Everyone’s doing it: Brezhnev and Honecker

In a concrete tribute with a film depicting a same sex couple kissing inside.

Which is the Berliners’ calling card to the world.

With their satirical merchandising of the Brezhnev and Honecker kiss on every stand.

Anyone can, and does kiss each other at the big Berliner Pride party at the Brandenburg Gate.

Or Christopher Street Day on July 15 and 25 over these past 47 years in commemoration of the Greenwich Village protests from 1969.

The most enabling resistance day

Christopher Day 2026 will forever be remembered for the victims of homophobia.

But the near million and maybe more, and many straights among them, will be back next year.

For the most enabling resistance day in its history.

Countries, Music, UK

Roll up for Jay and Macca’s Magical Mystery Tour

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And as recommendations go there’s some beating this… roll up for Jay and Macca’s Magical Mystery Tour.

And we won’t even ask Jay Johnson for a refund for not getting Paul McCartney to wave and greet us.

Like he did to the passengers on his bus on Hope Street in Beatles Town.

With Macca even showing the gasping tour group who he was talking to on his video call… one Ringo Starr.

With a little help from his friends

Now if you think that was just too much of a coincidence then you might be right.

Because MMT boss is only the brother of Holly Johnson, he of Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

And he knows Macca as well as he knows himself after playing him in stage production Two of Us.

A tale of Macca and John Lennon meeting in New York in 1976 in Lennon’s NY flat.

And how they almost got back together.

In my life

New tales to tell his Fab Four fans then on his tour around Liverpool.

Where they were born, strummed their first songs together and the places we all know and love from their songs.

Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields… and the stories behind them.

Now Lennon famously said that while he was born in Liverpool he grew up in Hamburg.

Where then Super Six (OK, our name), including Lennon’s pal Stuart Sutcliffe and Ringo’s predecessor Pete Best honed their act.

Jasterday

All of which you’ll learn in fuller detail in Stefanie Hempel’s Beatles-Tour.

With a ukulele set thrown in from Stef… it was George Harrison’s favourite instrument after all.

Now your Beatles odyssey should, of course, take in Abbey Road in London.

And the Dakota Building and Strawberry Fields tribute in New York.

As well as, of course, Liverpool and the Cavern Club from where you’ll pick up your Magical Mystery Tour Bus.

And insert your own Beatles-related link here.

And we’ll Get Back to you.

America, Countries, Food & Wine

Stein down by the Ohio

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And for our US friends, and one particular half-German-half Scottish American, we say Prost to 50 of years of the Oktoberfest stein down by the Ohio.

The Cincinnatians (the Germans use a Z instead of a soft ‘c’) are marking the half century of Oktoberfests in timeous fashion.

With a massive two-story clock tower inspired by a traditional glockenspiel.

Which will include a biergarten on the ground floor and a performance stage on the second.

With a Cincinnati-themed backdrop and a 31ft bell tower with a working clock.

Its five 3D-printed mechanical bells will chime electronically every hour.

Which we imagine will set the weiners running for the three-day Oktoberfest Zinzinnati unique showpiece.

Everyone’s a wiener

Just mustard: Making his way to the starter’s line

The Running of the Wieners itself marks 19 years of sausage dogs dressed in hot dog costumes.

Now if you don’t have a dachshund in your life and remember they are the most popular pet dog in the USA.

You can just cheer on the runners.

And know that there are other events you can participate in.

Everybody as you would expect in a festival which draws 500,000 Cerevisaphiles and is the largest in the USA and second biggest, after Munich, in the world, joins in.

In the Gemütlichkeit Games.

The curtain-raiser which pits media personalities and civic leaders against each other in Bavarian-style competitions.

Brewing up a storm

If you’re the active kind then there are 14k and 7k brewery runs passing by famous beermakers.

With prizes and a party for all those who take part.

While if you’re the more stationary type then the Hoisting of the Steins will be more your thing.

The rules of which even the most lubricated of Beerfest visitors will understand.

So that’ll be fair drinkum then for an Aussie/Kiwi and one Jock Top Deck crew from 1985 and 1986 reunion then.

The trick is to keep your arm fully extended and horizontal.

Munchen date: Getting ready for the Beerfest

While dropping the arm or spilling any of the beer results in immediate disqualification

And we’re with you in thinking that the hardest thing is keeping your Sam Adams (the sponsors and our favourite Boston tipple) at arm’s length without drinking it.

Tweet music

Don’t chicken out: Join the Chicken Dance

Now you won’t need to imbibe to take part in the world’s biggest chicken dance but we reckon it helps.

Komm wieder (that’ll be come again in Teuton).

Well, some 72,000 took part in the dance to the Tweets’ Birdie Song.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati returns to Cincinnati’s riverfront from September 17-20.

You can fly from London to Cincinnati from £778.69 with British Airways on September 16, returning September 20.

Now get into training and…

EIN PROSIT, EIN PROSIT, DER GEMUTLICHKEIT

Africa, Countries, Europe, Sport

Bring on the 2030 World Cup and Spain, Portugal and Morocco

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And by the time you read this it will be all over so bring on the 2030 World Cup and Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Which we would suggest, Mexico excepting, is ‘football coming home’ to the Old World.

And closer, and less expensive, for those of us who live in the tip of an island in the North of Europe.

A Nou experience

Barca legends: Messi is still everywhere

Now Spain, Portugal and Morocco are loco about their football as we have discovered first hand.

When we helicoptered over Barcelona (is there any other way?) and gasped at the sight of the Nou Camp.

Only to be told by the pilot that that was the reserve side’s ground.

While Jose, our Special One guide, in Portugal explained.

That under the dictator Salazar he ran the country by the Three Fs… Football, Fado and Fatima.

Portugal’s secular God

All of which became clearer in that Marian site when meeting the niece of one of the Little Shepherds (as you do) in the porch of her house.

And seeing that among the stands of holy relics and statues of Our Lady what stood out was…

A beach towel of Portugal’s secular God, one Cristiano Ronaldo.

Now we’ve flagged up already this year how the AFCON tournament held in Morocco was pitched.

At the kind of prices that would buy you a hot dog and a beer at the WC.

Although once Gianni Infantino gets his claws into that we expect tagines and mint teas to surge in price.

Shirt hits fan in Morocco

While you’ll have to have your wits about you when it comes to bartering.

Again which we found out to our cost when buying the oblig national football team’s shirt in Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech.

Now if you’re reading this in South America, you’ve got the consolation of having single games in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

A nod to the centenary of the first competition held in Fray Bentos land back in 1930.

All that’s left now is to pull down the 48 flag bunting from the garden fence.

Who knows who’ll be on it in four years’ time but we do know should Scotland get there then they’ll do it the hard way.

Caribbean, Countries, Sport

Gary Sobers, a Bajan legend cast in stone

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When you’re young you don’t mind approaching sporting legends but that gets lost over the years, all of which springs to mind reflecting on the life of Gary Sobers, a Bajan legend cast in stone.

Alas, the old autograph book of the players from that cricket match in Glasgow, including the great Sir Gary’s scribble, is also a thing of the past.

Windies blow in: With Jevan at the cricket

While in the haze of rum from a day out at the cricket at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown I lost the courage to approach the great man, sat in the crowd.

Or ask him his recollections of Old Anniesland or the boy who had crept through the bushes to see him.

In with the bricks

Sobers, for those of us who were lucky to see him back in the day was the OG all-rounder.

And the first to hit six sixes in a six-ball over.

You can imagine just how.

Standing by his statue outside the Bridgetown ground flashing his bat in the air.

Now passing over my own limited cricket career, best score 2, playing with the Sri Lankan staff in the Maldives.

I feel that over the years I have got in with the bricks with West Indian cricket and cricketers and Barbados.

And here in fact is the evidence on the Builders of Barbados Wall of families who have contributed to the island’s history.

The shoulders of giants

And hanging out with fellow Bajan greats Joel ‘Big Bird’ Garner and Collis King.

Although I’ll never live down asking a demure small moustachioed fellow reveller at Foreday Morning during carnival if he played a bit of cricket.

Irie, if you call what Brian Lara did on a cricket pitch, playing a little.

It was, of course, fitting that it was Sir Garfield Sobers who made Brian Lara a special presentation in Antigua.

After he surpassed his world record 365.

There won’t be a cloud safe enough from Gary’s big sixes now.

RIP Sir Gary Sobers (1936-2026).