Culture Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Brush strokes across Slow Art Day

11th April 2026 funtime65

I was slow at art at school and appreciate those who can draw, so Mr Cairney here are my brush strokes across Slow Art Day.

I’ve been slow too, like many, to Slow Art Day today and was only alerted to it by our pals at Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum.

Which is, of course, a great place to start.

Spuds you like: Van Gogh’s The Potato Eaters

Because to this untrained eye there is nobody who masses quite as much paint on a canvas as Vinnie.

So that you really have to get up close and study the encrustations on the canvas.

Which means more than the 30 seconds on average that is normally spent looking at a painting.

Monkeys and their Mickeys

Now unless you’ve studied art or tailgated a guided group you might not know what to look for.

But trust yourself, and besides you’re always likely to be found out if you hang on to a tour as the Son and Heir and myself were in the Capuchin Crypt in Rome.

Handily all galleries have audio guides and plaques to direct us to the messages in the art without cheating our way on to tours.

Of course, no piece of art is the same as another unless you’re a very good counterfeiter.

But some feel easier to decipher than others.

Such as one of our favourites, Jan Breughel’s Allegory on Tulipmania at the Frans Hals’ Museum in 1640.

And not just because Breughel anthropomorphises and satirises monkeys.

And there’s one in the corner with his mickey out peeing on a tulip… but it helps.

The Bayeux Tapestry ‘swords’

It’s also come to our attention, and other puerile folks that there are 93 penises in the Bayeux Tapestry.

And you thought they were swords.

Well, that’ll take you more than 30 seconds to count them all.

Now there was probably a very good reason why Mr Cairney never took our class to the Glasgow Art Gallery.

Because we would have guffawed at the half-dressed women so beloved of the Old Masters.

Rather than wonder at the surrealist wonder that is Salvador Dali’s Christ of St John of the Cross.

Venus without her blue jeans

Now Sandro Boticelli could never have imagined that his The Birth of Venus would become the plaything of Monty Python and pop up on students’ walls.

But we dare say that Sandro had fun putting the last touches to the body of the goddess who is displayed in the Uffizi Gallery in Firenze.

And it just shows that the allure of what you can’t see is often more erotic than what you can.

Although Michelangelo’s The Boy David has to be seen in all his nubile openness.

Now, of course, fans of Venus, and who isn’t, who live up in this northern tip of the British island don’t have to go to Fireze for their fill.

With Titian capturing Venus Anadyomene drying her hair at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh.

And that only goes to show that goddesses aren’t really all that different from the rest of us.

Now whether you like your art pared back, saucy, religious, irreligious or a pile of bricks or unmade bed, then we’re all for it.

And spend as little or as long as you want, or can.

Africa, Countries, Culture

Cool in the Caftan in Marrakech

23rd March 202623rd March 2026 funtime65

It has long been the costume of choice of hippies returning from Morocco who reckoned they looked Cool in the Caftan in Marrakech.

But stood out like a thumb in the chilly north of our wee island.

There is, of course, a practical reason why North Africans and those in the Middle East wear the long flowing clothes and headgear they do.

And because they have been donning these cool clothes for centuries then they look a good deal cooler than their imitators.

It will come as little surprise to hear that the kaftan, or long robe, originated in the Ottoman Empire and spread across the Arab world.

Although it also shows up in Jewish dress and Russian too.

Flowing robes

For our purposes, of course, we let somebody else do the heavy lifting, and that somebody is the temporary exhibition at Caftan Week.

Of course, the emphasis is on the fairer sex here, and really long flowing robes are really only ever best on a woman.

And a dusky North African or Middle Eastern beauty at that.

Of course if you happen to be in the Rose City now and want to put in the prep before Caftan Week between May 7-10.

Then you should think about heading to Histoire de Caftan by Diamantine.

Which showcases textiles stacked floor to ceiling with every colour of velvet, muslin, cotton and sequin cloth.

Needle & thread walk through the souk

We’re advised to take the needle & thread walk through the ancient souks.

Now anyone who has walked through the souks will know that you’ll need to avoid vendors trying to barter with you and thrust apple teas into your hand.

The well mapped-out trail will take you to several vibrant areas of the ancient medina from tailoring to dyers souks.

Now Diamantine, has been at the forefront of the atelier scene for 15 years.

This year’s Caftan Week is dedicated to the theme ‘Nefes El Atlas’, or ‘Breath of the Atlas’.

And pays tribute to the mountains and their culture, which has acted as a source of inspiration for local designers and fashion houses.

And the exotic Pink City is easily accessible from your local airport and we found an EasyJet return flight covering the dates of Caftan Week from £302pp for three nights.

Countries, Culture

How Ireland is taking over Greeningland

16th March 202616th March 2026 funtime65

And this is how to do it without upsetting anyone, or how Ireland is taking over Greeningland.

It’s the Irish way, just to smile politely and win over the world through charm and then put your own cultural imprint on it.

Which is exactly how the Irish have been doing it for hundreds of years.

And since 2010 how they’ve been marking St Patrick’s Day through Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative.

With sites lighting up in green for 2026 including the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Empire State Building in New York, Niagara Falls, the CN Tower in Canada.

And The National Wallace Monument in Scotland, Heidecksburg Castle in Germany, the Cibeles Fountain in Madrid, La Croisette in Cannes, the Grand Place in Brussels and the Sky Tower in Auckland.

Green for go

Of course, each new year Tourism Ireland persuades more countries to bring new landmarks to the party.

Last year it was the polar bear sculpture in Longyearbyen in Norway.

And one of our favourites The Kelpies, the largest equine statue in the world, in Falkirk.

And this year the Jelling Stones in Denmark and the Bergisel Ski Jump in Innsbruck, Austria.

A bit more about the newbies.

A high old time

The Jelling Stones being two Viking Age rune stones from the 10^th-century,

And the Bergisel Ski Jump, well, it does what it says on the tin and has been for 100 years.

So wherever you live have a word and see if the powers that be can add a touch of emerald to their sites.

Which is what they did in the Chicago River to get the party and the water flowing.

And remember that there’s nothing stopping you limin’ and wearing green.

In your own household and with your own party and you don’t have to be Irish or part of the diaspora.

MEET YOU ON THE PADDY’S DAY PARADE

America, Countries, Europe, Music

Our five fab films for Mother’s Day

15th March 202615th March 2026 funtime65

And you can put money on Jessie Buckley gushing about being a mum in her Oscars acceptance speech, and while Hamnet is a tour de force, here are our five fab films for Mother’s Day.

With a nod, of course, to the mumdoms where they ruled the roost.

Let’s start at the very beginning

The Sound of Music: And if a mother’s love is unconditional then all the more credit for women who take on another man’s children.

And seven of them at that.

But when you’re an Austrian singing Julie Andrews nun turned governess then you have all the tools for motherhood.

Maria and Captain Georg took the train from Salzburg down to Italy.

Not over the mountains because they’d have ended up in Hitler’s Lair, and then onto America.

Where Georg and Maria added to their Von Trapp brood with three more Kinder.

The mothers of all mothers

Nonnas: And let’s hear it today for the grandmothers because every Nana is a mamma.

Or in Italian culture a Nonna.

Cue this charming real-life movie, starring Vince Vaughn, about a grieving son who honours his mum by opening an Italian restaurant.

With nonnas on Staten Island, using the recipes of Mamma which has become something of a tourist stop-off in the New York borough.

Some mothers do ‘ave ’em

Throw Momma from a Train: And because sometimes our mums can be overbearing, this Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal classic has to make the list.

A homage to Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train, DeVito has his usual dark fun with the original.

With Griffiths Park, Los Angeles and Hawaii adding to the enjoyment and the plot.

Magic Mum

Harry Potter: And when you are a poor orphan child with the weight of being a boy wizard you need an adopted mum.

And where Aunt Petunia was ghastly Molly Weasley was magical.

Taking in Harry as one of her own along with her ragbag children, while also facing down Bellatrix Lestrange.

And for the best place to discover how she did it all and what magic tricks she invoked.

Then you’ll need to immerse yourself in the Wonderful World of Harry Potter at Universal Resort Orlando.

A mother in life and death

Who will love my children? And have the box of tissues at hand for this ultimate of Mother’s Day tearjerkers, again based on a true story.

Lucille Fray faced the worst fate any mother could endure, knowing she would die and would have to leave her ten children.

Because her husband would not be able to cope… and no snide remarks here because there’s a man in the room.

Add to that the homespun, earthy setting of Iowa and that the real-life children appeared on the TV show That’s Incredible.

On the night of the film transmission back in 1983.

America, Countries, Culture, Pilgrimage

The Indian roots of Route 66

12th March 202612th March 2026 funtime65

And as we continue to follow the journey of the Mother Road on its 100th birthday it’s important to follow the tracks of the Indian roots of Route 66.

With the great American thoroughfare winding its way through more than 25 Tribal Nations.

Half of which, 1,372 miles, are native American lands

So, while we celebrate the neon diners and roadside attractions.

The American Indigenous Tourism Association is reclaiming the native American history of these lands through their A Sovereign Journey campaign.

On the right trail

We were here first: Native American women

From the Pueblos of New Mexico to the Hualapai Nation in Arizona and the 39 distinct Tribal Nations in Oklahoma.

The road is a gateway to a vibrant, modern Indigenous landscape.

With Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe), CEO of the American Indigenous Tourism Association painting another picture.

‘For too long, our stories were treated as an afterthought or a marketing gimmick. The American Indigenous Tourism Association is proud to provide the tools for travelers to journey with intention.

‘Honouring the sovereignty and resilience of the Native Nations who remain the heartbeat of the Mother Road.’

And your Indian guides

With the centre of the initiative AIT’s guidebook, American Indians and Route 66 originally published for the 90th anniversary in 2016.

This comprehensive travel guide, created in partnership with the National Park Service is funded in part by the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program.

It provides historical context on the road’s impact – both the economic opportunities and the challenges of land displacement – and offers travelers essential etiquette for visiting tribal lands.

Digital footpring

To support the centennial, AIT has launched dedicated digital resources to help travellers plan their Indigenous-focused road trip:

Dedicated Route 66 Portal: Visitors can access a wealth of historical materials, trip-planning guides, and educational resources.
Native American Travel App–Route 66 Map Initiative Designated Official Route 66 ACentennial Project: It does what it says on the tin.

While our Indian friends helpfully map out more.

Destination Native America and Route 66 Interactive Map: The Destination Native America website (DestinationNativeAmerica.com), provides an interactive map to discover Indigenous-owned businesses, cultural centres.
Route 66 Events: Discover ways to celebrate this road-tripping milestone with Only in Your State, the official publishing partner of the Route 66 Centennial.

Countries, Culture, Food & Wine, UK

The world’s oldest check tartan really is English

9th March 20269th March 2026 funtime65

Geordies are oft tagged Scots with their heads bashed in… now add to that their claim that the world’s oldest check tartan really is English.

The back story is that we’ve just spent International Women’s Day with The Scary One and her mum in their English homeland.

In Alnwick in Northumberland, only an hour and a half from our North Berwick home on Scotland’s south-east coast.

And learning about how fluid our stories are, with Northumberland having changed hands countless times in Borders skirmishes.

Which must explain how check tartan plaid first showed up in the third-century AD before more northern peoples took it on.

On track in Alnwick

It has in truth been a two-way street between Scotland and the north-east English county.

And our venture into the Alnwick institution that is the repurposed train station and now bookshop/cafe, closed after the war, Barter Books … and which reveals all.

The best story: With the Scary One and her mum

With iconic Scots Oor Wullie and The Broons showcased on the shelves and Billy Connolly to the fore.

Read all about it

On the shoulders of giants: The greats of literature

Barter Books is of course, more than a second-hand bookshop.

One of the biggest in the country and expanded since it first opened 35 years ago.

With its most notable addition its renowned buffet from a room they never even knew they had but fell upon a dozen years after first opening.

And which we sit in today by an open fireplace and historical pictures from Northumbrian yore with The Top-Hatted Station Master purveying the scene.

The rest is gravy: The famous roast beef sandwich

It is here that we sit eating our roast beef and onion gravy sandwiches, recommended as indeed Barter has been by Daughterie, and coffee stout.

Everybody screams for ice cream

And if that doesn’t fill you up you can reward yourself with ice cream, cakes or speciality coffees from Paradise, the former Stationmasters office.

We are glad to have got a table at all as Barter Buffet can become busy and visitors have been known to queue to get in.

Perhaps it is because regulars to BB, 45 miles north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, clearly linger over their food, with a good book from the shop.

Of course, in the best company, it would be rude to read although when the conversation drifted I took in the artefacts, the top-hatted lamp shades.

And the pictures of what look like Scots but are really Northumbrians in those 3rd-century black-and-white check tartans.

Wham bam Bamburgh

Now you can easily spend the whole day, and Barter is open every day but Christmas Day, but any day tripper must take in the dramatic Bamburgh Castle before heading home.

Of course, we haven’t left ourselves enough time, and anyway we must always leave ourselves another reason to return and we will.

But before we go we take in the celebrated wooden-panelled Copper Kettle cafe in the quaint village.

And high teas with pots of tea that would sate any hungry hiker and scones and jam reserves or cake treats.

Countries, Culture, Deals, Food & Wine, Ireland

If Ireland did boozy St Patrick’s Day breakfasts

1st March 20261st March 2026 funtime65

If Ireland did boozy St Paddy’s Day breakfasts… well, they do, and the Ruby Molly has promised to get the party started early.

So early, in fact, that they’re starting the night before on March 16, with what they’re billing a Pre-Parade celebration.

The action gets going with an hour of free welcome drinks between 4pm and 5pm and a Dublin feast of food.

Featuring those Irish classics Guinness, Jameson whiskey and, er William Grant.

See they do cater for their diaspora from Scotland.

While it wouldn’t be Dublin if there wasn’t a singalong.

And the Ruby Molly has Jerry Miles to entertain you while you scoff your specially curated menu inspired by Irish classics.

Tour de force

You’ll be perfectly situated for the Dublin Grand Parade, just ten minutes from the hub that is Temple Bar.

And the Guinness Storehouse within strolling distance for the best panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar, and best pint of plain.

Although family loyalties will always mean we point in the direction of the Liffeyside institution that is the Workshop bistro bar, next to the Tara Street Dart (or train) station.

While if you’re wanting some culture, or just get away from the crowds for a breather.

Then Trinity College and its Book of Kells and the National Gallery are havens of peace.

Of course, it’s no coincidence that the Ruby group dedicated their hotel to arguably Dublin’s most famous citizen, one Molly Malone.

Molly’s Dublin

As its location in Oxmanstown on the north of the river is solid market trading land.

Where you’d not be surprised to find Mrs Brown or her boys.

Once the site of an abbey, the rediscovery of parts of its vault in the 1880s, 7 feet under the street, adds to the mystical allure surrounding the hotel.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant covered market of 1892, Ruby Molly channels former market trader Anna Lawlor’s story.

A place where farmers sold their fresh produce.

Including the much-coveted strawberries that adorned the tables of Dublin’s finest hotels.

And well-endowed Dublin lasses sold their cockles and mussels, alive-oh.

Rates from €345 (16–18 March). Images and further details available on request.

Countries, Ireland, Music

Channeling your inner Traitors at Slane Castle

13th February 202613th February 2026 funtime65

Who’d lie to Derry Girls’ Sister Michael… well you can by channeling your inner Traitors at Slane Castle.

Sister Michael, or Siobhan McSweeney as she is known in some quarters is back for a second season as host of the international phenomenon that is The Traitors game show.

And participants and viewers alike have been caught up in all the shenanigans that take place in its gilded quarters.

Now the good news for us is that you don’t need to be a Traitor or a Faithful to sample what the competitors do.

Because the Co. Meath estate, 35 miles north of Dublin, is open to visitors to enjoy its charms or channel your inner game player as part of the Slane Castle Collection.

With anything from a three or five-bedroom apartment to taking out the whole castle.

Slayin’ it at Slane

Yes, you read that right, you can now play lord or lady of the manor for the first time in the Georgian demesne in the Boyne Valley.

The Retreat includes exclusive hire of three storeys of the Castle.

With six bedrooms located on both the first and second floors, sleeping up to 15 guests.

As well as reception rooms (dining room, drawing room and main hall) on the ground floor.

The ballroom and morning room event spaces can be booked as part of an additional event hire booking.

And the Conyngham family will cater for breakfasts as well as half to full board once the accommodation is booked.

The castle also has a 60-seater restaurant (Gandon Room).

And 20-seater bar (Browne’s Bar) on the lower ground floor as well as its own nightclub in the basement.

The stage is set

Now if Slane or the Conyngham family rang a bell with you long before its Traitors iteration then we’re not surprised.

As Slane has long been associated with big music festivals.

With it being 45 years this year since Irish rock pioneers Thin Lizzy played in the castle grounds.

With one Hazel O’Connor supporting Phil Lynott and his pals.

In the years since a who’s who of musicians have made Slane Castle a must-play venue.

Including the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, David Bowie, Guns N’ Roses, Robbie Williams and of course U2 who have played Slane three times.

There have also been iconic sets from Madonna, Oasis, Bon Jovi, Eminem, the Foo Fighters and Harry Styles.

While this summer you can see Country superstar Luke Combs on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19.

With local favourites The Script among the support acts.

A Celtic connection

Now if you’ve Scottish and Irish blood running through you you will be in good company.

As so do the Conynghams are of similar Caledonian and Donegal stock as ourselves.

Which is probably why they turned on the taps and let the whiskey flow at their distillery and invited us down to partake.

All of which, in music and Slane Castle folklore remains in Slane Castle.

Caribbean, Countries, Food & Wine, Music

Dub jammin’ with Celtic reggae

11th February 202611th February 2026 funtime65

It’s one love that Jamaicans and the Irish share which is why we brought our evening of travel networking to a bass jumpin’ climax Dub jammin’ with Celtic reggae.

Two islands forged in struggles against the British Empire it was natural that the Godfather of Reggae Bob Marley should gravitate towards Ireland.

And play his last outdoor concert at Dalymount Park in Dublin in the summer of 1980.

The One Love or An Afternoon in the Park gig on July 6 of that year.

I’m all right, Jack: A pirate of the Caribbean

When he braved his failing health to play before a packed stadium, generously charged as little as I£7 to see a global superstar.

Back in the day when any superstar would bodyswerve Ireland in favour of Britain.

The Irish, of course, never forget and Bob remains such a hero today that the Bohemians football club commemorated the concert with a special football shirt of the Great Man.

Let’s get together

Whisper it but our tickets were even cheaper for our celebration of all things Bob, Reggae and Jamaica.

With a home-grown Celtic Reggae band at the Botanical Garden Opium at the end of our annual Meet the Media networking travel fair.

And don’t worry, nothing that strong was inhaled!

Jamaica has become a growing market, for the reasons of kindred links, love of music, drink, partying and sun… well, OK, only one of the two islands has that.

And, of course, we have road tested the Caribbean and its Celtic roots for you and can vouch that we’re all brothers by another mother or sisters by a different mister.

Now having chewed the fat, or the jerk chicken, with our friends at Tropical Sky and toasted their 20 years in business with Appleton rum.

We got the skinny too on the best offers out there.

Isle sign up for a couples break

And were taken especially by the Couples trips particularly as I went Single Pringle without my partygoer back in the day while she ducked out to stay home with the kids!

And so Couples Tower Isle is an idyllic five-star all-inclusive seven-nighter from £1,629pp including flights.

With a stunning private island just a 100 yards boat ride away.

Now because only the best do for Herself Couples Tower Isle looks just about suitable.

With its four swimming pools, three Jacuzzis and a large beachfront.

We’re gonna jam it with you: The Great Man

The Oasis Spa Villas offers a private sun terrace, a personal plunge pool, and unlimited spa services customised for you by the spa concierge.

And there are complimentary excursions including Dunns River Falls, Sunset Catamaran Cruise and a trip to Margaritaville.

Unlimited scuba diving for certified divers or a beginner’s course with introductory dive.

Yes, or Irie, as they say in these parts, dive into Jamaica, pick up their distinctive vibe and recognise it in your Scots and Irish Celtic roots.

Countries, Culture, Deals, Europe

Tiaras for tear-ups on the Tenerife carnival

30th January 2026 funtime65

I’ve been known to tart up for an oul’ fiesta so think nothing of donning tiaras for tear-ups on the Tenerife carnival.

The Canary Island might not immediately strike you as being Carnival Central.

And most wouldn’t pick it out as the second biggest in the world after Rio.

But once you get under the skin of Tenerife and it has many layers.

You’ll see the island has many, varied and colourful costumes.

I mean where else will you see Jesus kitted out in a skirt on a cross… and not just at carnival?

Float on

Tinerfenos and Tenerifophiles are gearing up for next month’s Carnival.

In truth they have been since the last float was broken down and tiara hung up last year.

As have island specialists Spring Group Hotels.

Which boasts half a dozen beachfront and city-side hotels across Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos.

Just 50 minutes from Santa Cruz.

Reign with my parade

The action gets underway on the Wednesday, February 11 with the Carnival Queen Gala.

After a night of revelry, guests can retreat to the boutique Sir Anthony Hotel.

With its ocean-view rooms and private plunge pools.

The Opening Parade (Cabalgata Anunciadora) is on the Friday.

Guests at Spring Hotel Vulcano can toast the day from the UP! rooftop terrace or unwind by the pool.

And try the pilates, yoga, meditation, and spa treatments.

Super trouper

Ready for Ritmo y Armonía Parade the next day.

Glad you asked… well, it’s high-energy Latin dance troupes along the seafront.

Mediterranean Palace offers children (those who insist on coming along) the Club Mare Kids while you relax by the pool.

Or unwind in the spa and saltwater pool.

After giving worship at your kilted Jesus Mass you’ll be cleansed for the Daytime Carnaval.

The Apoteosis

Guests staying at Spring Hotel Bitácoracan continue the Carnival energy in the south on the UP! rooftop terrace.

A new week and the fun keeps coming on Carnaval Monday.

Wellness is the order of the day at Arona Gran Hotel or if you’re the active type hire a bike to take a spin along the coast.

All to give you energy for Tuesday’s Coso Apoteosis (Grand Parade/Main Parade).

With its fantastic floats, comparsas, music, and fireworks.

Before setting off your day with a rooftop sunset at the Spring Hotel.

Sardines and other fishy tales

The scales of it: The Burial of the Sardine

Well into the ways of the locals you’ll be exercised by now at what to do with your sardines!

Don’t be… the islanders host the Burial of the Sardine on the Wednesday.

A playful, theatrical farewell blending theatre, satire and tradition.

Back in the south, carry on the party in the Piramide de Arona at the Mare Nostrum Resort (beside Cleopatra Palace).

Then it’s back to your Spring hotel for downtime.

The Festival of Rondallas & Children’s Carnival Parade spans the next two days.

There’s still a weekend to go and we won’t take any flagging now.

Take it all out on Piñata Weekend on the Saturday and Sunday.

While for the more grown up there is the Exhibition and Parade of Vintage Cars.

Take a plunge

Seven nights Half Board at 5* Hotel Sir Anthony departing London Stansted on 11 February 2026.

Superior Double room with Sea View and Private Plunge Pool from £2,305pps with Jet2holidays.

Seven nights B&B at Spring Hotel Vulcano departing London Stansted on 11 February.

Standard room. From £1,113pps* with Jet2holidays.

Seven nights B&B at 5* Mediterranean Palace departing London Stansted on 11 February.

Standard Twin room. From £1,082pps* with Jet2holidays.

Expansive: But not expensive at the Cleopatra

Seven nights B&B at 4* Cleopatra Palace Hotel departing London Stansted on 15 February.

Standard Twin room with Pool View. From £1,197pps* with Jet2holidays.

Seven nights B&B at 4* Spring Arona Gran Hotel & Spa, Los Cristianos, Tenerife, departing London Stansted on 11 February.

Twin room with Side Sea View. From £1,122pps* with Jet2holidays.

Seven nights Half Board Plus at Spring Hotel Bitácora, Playa de las Américas, departing London Stansted on 11 February.

Sharing a Standard room. From £1,131pps* with Jet2holidays.

T&Cs

●All prices correct at time of writing and include Jet2holidays’ promotional offer (January payday offer of £100pp off all holidays, plus an extra £100 off per booking).

Prices include 22kg checked baggage per person, 10kg hand luggage per person,