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Elves’ Graceland with Airbnb

5th December 20235th December 2023 funtime65

Well, we’re all shook up after being invited to stay at Elves’ Graceland with Airbnb but there will be no return to sender here.

And we’re all big Elves fans here, the Son and Heir and Daddy’s Little Girl both having worked as elves in his Co. Wicklow outpost.

So this invitation seems ideal for us who love, love, love Santa…

Santa’s Official Post Office in Rovaniemi, Finland, his official post office, has been listed free for guests .

Can’t wait: And there will be a costume your size

You’ll get three nights from 18-21 December and can book on Monday December at 12pm at airbnb.com/santa.

Santa’s Official Post Office is expected to receive over 30,000 letters daily.

From children and adults around the world this Christmas.

The Chief Elf speaks

Katja, Chief Elf of Santa Claus’ Main Post Office and Airbnb Host said: “The elves have been working around the clock to transform Santa Claus’ Cabin into a winter wonderland.

“We want this to be a magical and immersive experience for a family in search of the ultimate yuletide experience.

“Not only will guests get to sleep in Santa Claus’ Cabin, they’ll also get a sneak peek behind the scenes.

“Of the world’s official Santa Claus’ Post Office during our liveliest time of the year.”.

Guests will be given a crash course in ‘elfing’ by Chief Elf and Host Katja, and will work with her team.

To help sort through the letters from children and adults all around the world – cross referencing with Santa Claus’ naughty and nice list.

You’ll empty mailboxes and help the elves stamp the post with the Arctic Circle postmark before it goes to Santa Claus.

And learn about the day-to-day workings of the post office.

After tending to their elf duties, guests will be treated to traditional Finnish meals, a snowmobile activity, a trip to see the northern lights and a traditional sauna.

Cabin fever

Hang up your stocking: At the end of this giant bed

You’ll stay in Santa Claus’ Cabin out with the funky Finns, just a hop, skip and a jump away from Santa Claus’ Post Office.

The room has been given a Yuletide makeover complete with traditional Lapland decorations and a wardrobe of elf-wear, all free of charge.

And this being Santaland they’re not sure of Christmas crackers jokey guest rules.

So please ask Santa nicely before taking an elfie with him, boots off in Santa Claus’ Cabin.

Yule be sorry if you trample snow into the handwoven Lapland rugs.

Roasting chestnuts by the open fire is permitted.

And remember, an elf is always an elf: a felt hat with a jingling bell paired.

With a freshly ironed tunic is the preferred attire in the Santa Claus Village.

How to book

The exclusive stay in Finland will be available for 3 nights from 18-21 December.

Guests can request to book this stay on Monday December 11 at 12pm EET at airbnb.com/santa.

Guests will receive complimentary return flights to Rovaniemi from London Heathrow Airport via Finnair – thanks to Visit Finland.

The stay is suitable for up to two adults and two children, and will be free of charge, with breakfast and dinner included.

Amanda Cupples, General Manager of Northern Europe at Airbnb, said: “We’re thrilled that the Chief Elf has decided to share their space on Airbnb.

“And invite a family to experience this unique festive stay.

“Where they’ll help sort through Christmas letters from children worldwide.

“And participate in unforgettable adventures like snowmobile excursions, northern lights sightings and traditional saunas.”

For those who are not able to book this exclusive stay, check out Airbnb’s Arctic Category.

It is a new filter that makes it easy to discover igloos, cabins and more, in the Arctic Circle.

Countries, Ireland

Let us swim, let us swim, let us swim

4th December 20234th December 2023 funtime65

Now the weather outside is frightful but the sea is so delightful but if Ireland is your home, let us swim, let us swim, let us swim.

Brace yourself because the Irishman and woman (and dog, to be fair) loves hitting the water in the winter.

In my own wee town in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, the early morning swimmers were lauded.

Whadya see? Santa, aka John Murphy, and June Curtin of Snámhaí Sásta and her swimmers at Ladies Cove, Co. Wicklow Pic: Marc O’Sullivan

And fed and watered at the institution that is the Happy Pear with hearty soup and coffee.

For as long as I’ve going to Ireland (all my 58 years) people have been bobbing their heads up above the swell.

And we’ve been encouraged too to dive off the pier in Portnoo, Co. Donegal, my Dear Old Mum’s homestead.

Or off Salthill in Co. Galway. on family holidays with my cousins, the Kennedys.

For the rest of the recommendations I’ll hand you over now.

To our our friends at Failte Ireland.

Who I know have roadtested each and every one of them and know some homely pubs and cafes for your post-swim reward.

Donegal diving

Bundoran, Co. Donegal: From Rossnowlagh Beach to Tullan Strand, Bundoran is a cold-water swim and surfing haven with Bundoran Surf Co teaching you all the moves.

Enjoy a delicious coffee afterwards in Foam. You can also visit the amusements on the shores of Bundoran for a nostalgic kick!

Wexford waves

Baginbun Beach, Co. Wexford: Baginbun, outside Fethard, is a beautiful, sheltered cove with a sandy beach, perfect for enthusiastic swimmers at this time of year.

Reward yourself with a trip to the Sweathouse Sauna, which is located right on Baginbun Beach or a coffee from The Lodge Café.

From Clare to beer

Mountshannon, Co. Clare: Now Clare natives swear by the reviving qualities of the Lough Derg waters.

Head for Mountshannon Beach before indulging in a sweet treat at the Boat House Café or take a trip into the village and enjoy the cosy surrounds of The Snug.

Ya Corker

Lough Hyne, West Cork: Ireland’s first marine nature reserve and unique sea-water lake which enthusiasts say it’s a touch warmer than the open Atlantic Ocean.

And you might even catch a glimpse of the bioluminescence (you don’t have to go to Tobago then, but I would too) which appears on the lake. Stop off at O’Neill’s Coffee House.

Salt of the earth

Pop into PJ Flaherty’s for a woodfired pizza, or to Coco Café Salthill for cuppa that’s sure to soothe the soul after a chilly swim.

Ladies (and gentlemen)

Ladies Cove, Co. Wicklow: Beautifully emulated, of course, in Ruth Fitzmaurice’s book, I Found My Tribe.

Following your dip, you can pay a visit to Fad Saoil Saunas, which boasts authentic wood-burning Finnish Sauna facilities.

And Greystones’ favourite Flynn twins have a Happy Pear too in Wicklow town.

Home is the Howth

Claremont Beach, Co. Dublin:   Claremont beach is a small cove-like beach situated close to the village which is a terminus on the DART. 

Afterwards you can enjoy a range of hotspots to eat and drink such as Wrights of Howth or traditional fish and chips at Beshoff’s.

Velvet evolution

Portmarnock Beach, Co. Dublin: And here’s 8km of beach stretching all the way to Baldoyle, adjoining Malahide Beach with shallow waters promised… to jump out at your will.

Afterwards swimmers can also enjoy a warming pick me up at Honey Honey Café or from Fireman Sands Coffee Truck.

Doon by the Shore

Wild Swimming in Doon Shore at Lough Key, Co. Leitrim: And if you were enchanted by Chris O’Dowd’s coming-of-age sitcom Moone Boy.

You’ll want to know more about Leitrim in the north-west of Ireland.

And an added extra here is the Wim Hof Method workshop with Lough Allen Adventure at Drumshambo where you can learn essential skills for baring the chilly waters when swimming this winter.

Cooley waters

Cooley Peninsula, Co. Louth: Anyone for a glacial fjord at Carlingford Lough and Gyles Quay on the Cooley Peninsula.

Water lovers can avail too of kayaking at the Carlingford Adventure centre, go on a crawl.

Visit the Carlingford Castle and channel your inner giant Fionn MacCumhaill.

So, let us swim, let us swim, let us swim and, of course follow Failte Ireland’s advice and put Safety First first with https://watersafety.ie/open-water-swimming/

Countries, Europe, Sport

England here for der beer in Gelsenkirchen

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Three Lions fans will be in their element, with England here for der beer in Gelsenkirchen at Euro 24.

Engerlund will kick off their procession to becoming European champions at the Veltins-Arena against Serbia on June 16.

Oh, didn’t you know? They’ve already decided that ‘Football is coming home.’

Despite their old enmities, Ruhrland, the football heartland of Germany should be Nirvana for England supporters.

With Schalke 04’s ground a drinking arena masquerading as a football operation.

The Royal Blue Army may have surrendered their Bundesliga tenure at the end of last season.

But they remain the toast of German football for its Veltins beer which is piped five miles into the ground.

Toast of Ruhrland

Schalke have 15 bars/restaurants and 35 food and drink kiosks.

With the beer, and you’ll be drinking the Veltins of course coming in at €3.60 for half a litre.

With a surcharge for your cup which you then return.

Although from the looks of it on the day we visit a lot of the beer ends up on the floor.

With the soles of our shoes sticking to the stone.

With all that beer swirling around you might feel like you’re seeing things.

Like the very pitch being slid into the ground.

Munich boxfest

But that’s exactly what happens.

With Schalke maximising the space by using the ground for multi-entertainment outside match day.

Now we had hoped that our own wee Scotland would be placed here.

But instead we’re going to Munich, Cologne and Stuttgart.

Although there might be a barring order still in place from me from the Eighties.

You’re barred

When I returned lubricated from a Bayern game and tried to split up a fight between the football supporting girlfriends of two German lads.

Never a good idea, the next thing I knew I was in an ambulance to get my nose repositioned.

Before hailing a taxi and relying on the driver to work out the campsite I was staying in.

Countries, Culture, Europe

Julius Caesar tour of Rome

2nd December 20232nd December 2023 funtime65

They’re big sandals to fill but that won’t stop us. On a Julius Caesar tour of Rome.

And, yes, Brutus you can come too.

To mark the new BBC retro of the oul’ Roman emperor, Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator, we’re walking you through his life.

Was With help from those who know his story best, his friends, Romans, countrymen.

So lend me your ears, or better still your eyes, and I’ll tell you the best places to soak up Jules’ La Citta Eterna.

Do it yourself

Now there’s always an operator quick to part you with your denarii.

But we’re about letting you keep more of your hard-earned coin.

You know the ones with Caesar’s head on it, although the taxman always takes it as quickly as you make it.

So we advise you do it yourself in the Italian capital.

And take in Caesar’s Forum, the Roman Forum and the Temple of Julius Caesar.

The march of time

Now because Julius Caesar’s fascination endures there is a new old landmark.

The Roman authorities have opened up for us this year,

The Largo di Torre Argentina, where Brutus and his co-conspirators cut Caesar down to size.

It has hitherto been below street level.

And includes the remains of Pompey’s Theatre and four temples, which date back as far as the 3rd century BC.

Behind two of the temples lies the ruins of Pompey’s Curia, a hall that hosted the Senate

You’ll pay just €5 to move through a walkway at ground level and view the structures up close.

Meeow Mia

Cats, of course, pay nothing as it should be.

For the past 30 years, the fourth temple has housed a cat sanctuary.

And offers sterilisation and adoption programs for an estimated 350 cats.

So with Italy on the radar for next year we might even channel our inner Brutus on tbs Ides of March.

For our Julius Caesar tour of Rome.

Countries, Europe

The advent of the Advent calendar

1st December 20231st December 2023 funtime65

It makes sense that the biggest one is in a Black Forest town in Germany where the world witnessed the advent of the Advent calendar.

Gengenbach in Baden-Württemberg boasts the world’s largest Advent Calendar House or Das weltgrößte Adventskalenderhaus.

And has done for 20 years, commissioning its rathaus, or town hall, into service.

With the 24 windows which face the town square turned into advent squares.

With all the pomp and ceremony that involves.

Open the doors

So that if you’re in Gengenbach this month at 6pm you’ll be witness to a ceremony where the next day’s window is unveiled and illuminated.

The ceremony is led by a herald who tells a short story in verses while children sing and dance.

And maybe look out for anyone looking like Augustus Gloop… there is a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory link

The windows are decorated with a festive Christmas scene.

And we have it on good authority too that there have been Andy Warhol works.

And scenes from the Gruffalo, Harry Potter, and Scandinavian favorite Pippi Longstocking .

Nor is the Advent Calendar the end of the showmanship in Gengenbach.

Fool’s Museum gold

With the Narrenmuseum im Niggelturm, or Fools Museum, a must visit for those who have made a life out of playing the fool.

Although you’ll have to wait until April, peak time for jesters, it would seem.

Every year, on the Saturday three and a half weeks before Ash Wednesday the town is awakened by the Hemdeglunker.

He’s the “Rogue”, the main character of Gengenbach Fasend, don’t you know, and he lives in the 118ft tower.

And on this day they go through a reenactment of a peasants uprising with the Rogue taking centre stage.

Climbing the 132 steps of the tower and taking plaudits from the mob below.

There are fireworks and poetry and masks and three weeks of carnival.

Harlequin exhibition

You having a laugh: Jesters and harlequins

The museum is open April through October, Wednesday and Saturday, 2pm to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Admission is €2.50 for adults and 1€ for children.

Mind you, the good news is that there is a Harlequin festival until December 23.

With an exhibition by renowned town artist Walter Eberhard.

Strasbourg in France is the nearest airport and is a 45-minute drive.

So you have another couple of weeks to get out to Gengenbach to see the advent of the Advent calendar.

And as confirmed Germanophiles and looking to build on our trip earlier this year further north in Ruhrland our interest is piqued.

It will put your own chocolate-fest into sharp contrast.

America, Countries, Ireland, Music, UK

Farewell Shane MacGowan, the last of the Irish Rovers

30th November 202330th November 2023 funtime65

Farewell Shane MacGowan, the last of the Irish Rovers… it was an honour to pick up your empties.

Shane probably wouldn’t remember it, he wouldn’t remember much after a slake of beer or whiskey.

But I was the glass collector the night he played the Ritzy nightclub in Aberdeen.

When he was at his most energetic and would rattle into Sally MacLennane, The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn or the Old Main Drag.

Swigging a bottle of lager before launching into his song and banging it down at the end before gargling a word of acknowledgement to me as I kept them lined up.

The Pogues’ oul rogue

Shane MacGowan was for so many of us Fiftysomething the soundtrack of our youth, the go-to artist and band to pogo to on the Union dancefloor.

And, of course, like all of the most treasured of artists, he is transgenerational.

He will be remembered most for his anthemic Christmas song Fairytale of New York with Kirsty MacColl which broke the mould of cheesy tinsel songs.

And many will see it as poignant that he should pass over to the other side as Christmas festivities get into full swing.

But it was as the lead singer of the band which fused the most unlikely bedfellows of Irish trad music and punk for which he will go down in music history as a pioneer.

Son of the oul’ sod

Of course, Shane was like me and millions, and this is where the link ends part of the great Diaspora, a son of a son (or daughter) of the sod.

Of those who had, like my Dear Old Mum and my Dad, whose own mum and his ancestors had taken the boat across to Britain.

Few because of the poor state of the economy back in the homeland could make a permanent move back to Ireland.

But they held the Irish culture, the politics, their nationalism, the song, the dance and the craic close to their hearts.

And pass it on to the new land they found themselves in which is why The Pogues became celebrated in London and across Britain.

From New York to the world

Of course, it is poignant that Fairytale of New York should be the ultimate Pogues standard as the bond formed between Ireland and America grows stronger year by year.

And underlined by American President Joe Biden who made an emotional return to the land of his fathers last year.

The unruffled ruffian with the broken glass teeth and the gravelly voice has gone and a million jukeboxes will blast out his hits across Irish bars around the world.

Farewell Shane MacGowan, the last of the Irish Rovers.

As he joins Jimmy from Sally Maclennane ‘who took the road for heaven in the morning.’

Countries, Food & Wine, Ireland, UK

Simple Irish message from festive Fermanagh

29th November 202329th November 2023 funtime65

Do we really need another Dawn French saccharine M&S Christmas advert… no, give us a simple Irish message from festive Fermanagh.

Enniskillen, in the north of Ireland, is seared into the international consciousness for an atrocity which befell the town.

On Remembrance Day 36 years go.

Which is marked now with a lasting memorial.

So it is reviving to see the market town now celebrated for its message of peace and brotherhood rather than decried for its darkest hour.

The unlikely heroes of this story are an old man who seeks companionship and shelter from the cold.

Charlie Bravo

Having placed flowers on a grave and having been ignored on the street he pops into Charlie’s Bar.

Where a dog sits himself opposite the old man and a couple at the bar follow their mutt to sit and sup with him.

And not a mince pie, turkey, stuffing, cracker or anything else that M&S are selling this Christmas, in sight.

Of course, the message that manageress Una Burns is sharing in the £700 video.

Which has garnered millions of views on X and 60,000 likes on TikTok is hospitality and companionship.

Which is, of course, the essence of Irishness.

Now, being a son of Irish hotel and bar people, with a sprinkling of weaver and shop people from this part of the world, I can vouch for that.

The bar is the ideal starting and finishing point on your tour of the Fermanagh Lakelands.

Where you can explore the waterways, caves and historic sites and go walking, kayaking and hydrobiking.

Of course, all of that will put a thirst on you and that is best slaked with a pint of plain as they say in these parts… the magical Guinness.

But Fermanagh also boasts a thriving gin industry too in a setting unmatched anywhere we’d wager.

Joe McGirr’s pride and joy Boatyard Distillery is on the banks of Lough Erne in Northern Ireland and can accessed by both boat and road.

And we know which one would be more fun.

Enniskillen native Joe learned his trade well in Edinburgh and in ten years at the Glenmorangie distillery in Tain in the Highlands.

Before adapting his new-found knowledge back home in Ireland.

Which we, of course, road tested instead pf working one autumn day in Dublin’s Temple Bar.

Of course our Christmas old man and his pals prefer a Guinness around the table.

And the doggie a bowl of water at Charlie’s.

But whatever your tipple the simple Irish message from festive Fermanagh is the Gaelic watchword Fáilte.

Countries, Culture, Europe

Give Greece her Marbles back

28th November 202328th November 2023 funtime65

And as British leader Rishi Sunak has a huffy and snubs Kyriakos Mitsotakis why won’t Britain give Greece her Marbles back?

Probably because Britain likes to keep what it finds.

Even if that finding involves chiselling Classical friezes away from the original and shipping it away from its Athenian home.

So that you can show it off in a museum along with all the other treasures you’ve purloined from around the world.

Of course Britain isn’t alone in this, it’s just that it’s done more of it than anybody else.

Mitsotakis’s moan

Mona Sassy: And the Greeks share the tude

Now Mitsotakis made a drama out of a crisis when he lyrically expressed what the separation of the Marbles, the other half is in Athens looks like to the world.

That it was akin to ‘cutting the Mona Lisa in two’ and giving one half to a foreign museum.

Now in what is tantamount to art treason and outing myself as a philistine I would tender that I’d rather have my own Tobago mill pic.

British Museum’s stance

One we stole earlier: The British Museum

The Marbles though are a different story in aesthetics, history and longevity.

Which is why the British Museum is so keen not to give them back.

Saying in its defence: ‘Around 50% of the original architectural decoration on the Parthenon is now lost.

‘Having been destroyed over many centuries in the ancient world and later.

‘It is therefore impossible to reconstruct the monument completely or reunite it with its sculptural decoration.’

Which, of course, comes as a great disappointment to our Greek friends.

As they have a spanking museum in their capital, the Acropolis Museum, to reunite the Elgin Marbles with its partner.

Destiny calling

Elgin, embarrassingly, a Scot who probably learned his devious ways from his neighbours.

Of course, in this little northern part of this septic isle we call Britain we know all about the light-fingered English.

And how they stole the Stone of Destiny upon which Scottish kings were crowned in 1296 and brought it down to England.

And despite entreaties and a smash and grab by nationalistic students to get it back our English overlords decided to keep it.

Until it was finally handed back to be be houses in Edinburgh Castle in 1996, just a few years before we got her extant parliament back.

Work like a Trojan

Now we hope that common decency will prevail over the Elgin, or Parthenon Marbles.

And that it doesn’t take until 2512 for Britain to give back its loot.

But while Rishi Sunak plays Empire Games, backed by champion of anti-returnism Lord Cameron, a different tack is called for.

And as a kiss and make-up gift to sulky Sunak perhaps a Wooden Horse is the way.

America, Asia, Countries, Europe

I do like Mondays, Cyber Mondays

27th November 2023 funtime65

Tell you why I do like Mondays, Cyber Mondays… I wanna book the whole day now.

Because that’s the way we roll now and how we’ve been doing it for 18 years now.

Since Ellen Davis of the National Retail Federation and Scott Silverman had the wheeze to put out a Shop.org release.

Entitled ‘Cyber Monday’ Quickly Becoming One of the Biggest Online Shopping Days of the Year’.

It’s a fixture on the calendar now just like Black Friday.

Now where Shop.org led others have followed and because we know you can surf for yourself.

I loveholidays

We’re honing in on one of our own go-to online travel behemoths, only the award-winning loveholidays.com.

Who revealed their plans for worldwide domination.

Through an expanded long-haul arm at a high-powered, well-lubricated travel professional lunch in Dublin.

Loveholidays kicked it all off with their Black Friday promo blending through this week until midnight on Thursday.

Holidaymakers can secure up to 30% off selected hotels.

Deal us in

Some of the best deals on offer include a seven-night summer 2024 break to Costa Dorada.

Starting from as little as €42 per person per night.

And a seven-night winter sun break to the Algarve for just €28 per person per night.

Meanwhile, highlights from holiday hotspots Tenerife and Lanzarote include deals from €410 and €465pp during spring.

For those looking to explore further, there are long-haul discounts including New York, Florida and Dubai.

Customers have the flexibility to secure their holiday with deposits starting from just €25pp and convenient pay-monthly plans.

Long haul of fame

The Big Apple, you say… yes, the 4* Hotel Arlo, SoHo, five nights from February 23.

That’s €562pp (€112pp/pn) room only, flights departing from Dublin with Aer Lingus.

The Sunshine State too?

Yes, The Avanti Resort, International Drive.

Seven nights from January 16,€520pp (€74pp/pn), room only, flights departing from Dublin with American Airlines.

Or Dubai?

Loveholidays have the 5* JA The Resort – JA Beach Hotel, Jebel Ali.

That’s five nights from September 6, €831pp (€196pp/pn) €996pp B&B, with direct flights with Turkish Airlines, departing from Dublin.

Countries, UK

Doctor Who Knew tours

26th November 202326th November 2023 funtime65

And because of the explosion of COMICON and the Big Bang Theory there is real interest in Britain’s Time Lord… so here’s what we call our Doctor Who Knew Tours.

Which, in true Doctor Who style, has two incarnations, the London years and the rebranded Russell T Davies Cardiff years.

Sheldon’s spot: Big Bang magic in Anaheim

All adding up to 60 of our Earth years.

Now there are as many tours or more as there have been Doctors.

London chilling

Let us out: David Tennant and Catherine Tate

Jump into the Virgin Experience Days tour for two which is £30 for a two and a half hour jaunt.

And will follow in the footsteps of the Doctors from William Hartnell through to Peter Capaldi.

And include sites used in classic episodes.

Such as The Invasion and Remembrance of the Daleks, and Rose, The Shakespeare Code and The Bells of Saint John.

Or the Doctor Who Tour London, again a two-and-a-half-hour experience.

Starting out near London Bridge Station and ending by Waterloo Station.

And run by Whovians who take you behind the scenes.

The Great Shakes

While Britmovietours start outside London Bridge Station where you’ll see the Great Intelligence Base from The Bells of St John’s.

And you can take in The Globe Theatre as seen in The Shakespeare Code with David Tennant.

While Britmovietours also flag up their Cardiff itinerary.

With over 30 memorable scenes from more than 20 episodes.

So where will you visit?

Well, only the site of Donna Noble’s ill-fated wedding, Rose Tyler’s workplace, the theatre in which Charles Dickens meets an alien threat.

The deserted street where the Tenth Doctor and Astrid meet a newspaper seller named Wilfred, and many more.

Cardiff reincarnation

Then there’s the £30 two-hour Doctor Who Cardiff City Walking Tour for Two.

Red Letter Days tell us that they’ll show us as well as the staples, also the place where Danny Pink met his end.

And the National Museum of Wales which has hosted myriad memorable scenes.

While they’ll also walk us through how Cardiff was morphed into ancient Pompeii and 1970s New York.

Time travel to the Eighties

Of course, I’ll be asking too if their Tardis can land in the Woodville Bar, Cathays in 1987.

And I can exterminate the local who in first night of a year in the Welsh capital turned on me in the loos.

And cursed me out for my Scottishness and ‘cheating Wales out of two World Cups’ and Christening me something rhyming with runt.

Now that would be an addition to any Doctor Who Knew tours.