Culture Archives - Page 14 of 65 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Africa, Countries, Culture

Sidecar around the dastardly Atlas Mountains

17th June 202317th June 2023 funtime65

It conjures up the image of Dick Dastardly and Muttley, a sidecar around the dastardly Atlas Mountains.

So picture, if you will, a biblical deluge, and a Moroccan guide fasting for Ramadan.

He’s only driving a minibus around windy cliff roads with rain and the mountain falling around the vehicle.

Yes,Wacky Races had nothing on this… and now someone wants to sidecar around the Dastardly Atlas Mountains!

Now what is it about Morocco and the Moroccans?

Concierge a votre service

Our guide that day in the mountains would have nothing of us cancelling the trip to the desert because of the weather.

And we suspect, the end of the world apart, neither will the Royal Mansour Marrakech.

Because they boast a concierge service of which their royal family would be proud.

And what bigger thrill than to discover the Atlas Mountains off the beaten path aboard a vintage style sidecar?

While if you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground then they know the best centuries-old, shepherds’ paths to hike.

Right, you reach the desert, past the pleading brown-eyed kids who get pushed towards you with their little palm camels.

Weaving between remote Berber villages, mountain pastures and craggy massifs to venture over panoramic passes.

Before you feast on Moroccan culinary delights in the Agafay Desert beneath a Bedouin tent.

The big tent

And stay overnight at eco-luxe lodge La Pause to indulge in an evening of stargazing, next to tributary river with spectacular views.

Better than staring at the skies from an outdoor, open-roofed toilet, because you’ve eaten a tagine from a fly-ridden barbecue up thar mountains… but then that was just me.

The feasting doesn’t stop there – the 30^th of July commemorates the crowning of the King with the Feast of the Throne, a celebration filled with delectable feasts, fireworks displays and parades.

And how to get around… well, what about quad bikes or in a buggy, a guided hike or cycling tour, or discover the desert on horseback (I preferred a camel).

Elsewhere, watch the sun rise over the Sahara from a hot air balloon, accompanied by a champagne picnic on board.

Marvel at dancers, snake charmers, fortune-tellers, acrobats and more at the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival taking place in the city’s palaces, streets, and squares between July 2-6.

While the city’s Oasis Festival takes place between September 13 and 15.

With three days of electronic music, surf trips, yoga sessions and swimming at the base of the Atlas Mountains.

All of which adventures and peregrinations will mean that you’ll be wanting some R&R back in the Royal Mansour.

Live like a royal

Well, their specifications bills the Royal Mansour as:

Just steps from the Medina, showcasing an open-air courtyard and nearly four acres of lush gardens.

These have recently been extended to incorporate a beautiful kitchen garden Atelier d’Artiste and an elevated, private dining space.

And they encourage us to stay in private multi-story riads dotted along pink pathways. No carts; no rooms; no crowds.

And they’re not finished there…

Because the property’s crown jewel is the three-story, 2,500 square-metre Spa Royal Mansour which is accessed through a private citrus grove.

The elaborate white birdcage atrium is bathed in natural light and offers multi-day wellness programmes to soothe the body, mind, and soul.

And for the creatives there’s art therapy sessions in the Atelier d’Artiste.

Situated within a glass-panelled greenhouse surrounded by the quiet serenity of the property’s gardens.

So whether it’s pottery, photography, calligraphy or embroidery, art therapists encourage guests to reconnect with their inner selves.

And a pool day at the hotel’s 30-metre-long, 20-metre-wide pool offers serenity.

With seven, air-conditioned, private pavilions allowing poolgoers to relax and refresh.

That’s a deal

And best of all they are offering a four nights for the price of three summer offer meaning one-bedroom riads start from £1,200 per night.

And that includes breakfast, immigration fast track service + airport transfers in Marrakech.

America, Countries, Music

Where Las streets have Bono name

15th June 202315th June 2023 funtime65

Still, it’s what we’ve been looking for… Vegas, where Las streets have Bono name.

And to carry on the theme, well we will follow Bono and the boys gladly to the Venetian in Vegas.

And their new show, the launch of the Sphere at The Venetian (don’t call it a residency) in Sin City.

Now we expect that U2 know Vegas by now but is it just a coincidence that they’ve chosen my old stomping ground, the Venetian.

And that they’ve read my musings on the Palazzo hotel at the Venetian on the Strip or my misadventures there.

Of course, anyone who has seen any of U2‘s shows will tell you that it will be bells and whistles.

Support acts

But we can’t help thinking that after the gig if they want to get back to the raw fun of intimate entertaining then they should check out Harrah’s.

And if they’re looking for a support act then the burlesque 70s/80s cover band The Whip-Its should be on their radar.

Back to the U2 reveal and this is what Bono and the Boys have in store for you… and your favourite Irish travel provider Cassidy have planned.

‘U2: UV Achtung Baby Live At The Sphere’ is billed as a first-of-its-kind live music experience with the world’s biggest rock band.

With pre-sale tickets snapped up, Cassidy Travel is offering a four-night hotel and ticket packages departing October 9th.

U2 will be the first act to perform at the new Sphere venue which boasts 160,000 square feet of video viewing space.

And an exterior exosphere that changes the outer appearance of the building via LED technology.

Hit the Strip

Beenie there, done that: U2 back in Vegas

You will depart on Monday October 9 and be staying at the 4* Mirage Resort and Casino for two nights and explore Vegas.

And obviously meet Elvis and Marilyn along the way.

While depending on your poison you might want to pitch and pitcher at the Topgolf driving range.

Or zip line with Slotzilla down down town although make sure you make the weight and don’t get left hanging, a la Boris Johnson, above the street below. Elvis will help you out!

The King and I: At Graceland Wedding Chapel

Then on the Wednesday you will check-in to your suite at 5* The Venetian Resort for two nights and receive your souvenir U2:UV lanyard with exclusive laminate.

And at this rate I’ll be apportioning a room in Murty Towers to the many lanyards I’ve gathered over the years.

Wednesday evening, of course, is U2’s historical performance at Sphere and we can guarantee it will be a Beautiful Day all right.

Party girls and boys

On the Thursday you’ll receive priority entry into the immersive U2:UV Fan Portal exhibit and pop-up shop at The Venetian Resort.

To browse the interactive art, band artifacts, and pick up exclusive merch items not available anywhere else! and enjoy a night out in Las Vegas.

Before you check out on the Friday.

A quick checklist

So what’s included again?

Concert + Hotel Package Inclusions: concert ticket, two-night stay at 4* Mirage Hotel and Casino (excludes daily resort fee), two-night stay at The Venetian Resort (excludes daily resort fee) and U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere souvenir lanyard with exclusive laminate

And all from under €2,000, at €1999pp in fact.

So get your best cowboy (or beanie) hat and shades on and channel your inner U2.

Because remember Vegas is where Las streets have Bono name

Countries, Ireland, Music

This Christy World

14th June 202314th June 2023 funtime65

Why could we not protect him in this Christy World, farewell North Dublin’s finest, Christy Dignam?

Christy and Aslan, whom Bono, no less, credited as a big inspiration, lived in his own crazy world.

Sing our praises: With the Scary One at the Temple Bar

And that legacy is marked every weekend in the Temple Bar in his native Dublin… and yes, we have joined in full gusto at the Bar.

When a tribute act will be asked, or instinctively just know, to belt out the Crazy World anthem.

North side splitters

I heard many of Christy’s antics and his lightfooted love life from Northside People editor Paul ‘Feathers’ Featherson.

All of which passed the time on our Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul.

Aslan, for many the hardest-working band in Ireland, have a tour taking in the whole of the island.

Next stop was Derry’s Millennium Forum, now cancelled out of respect.

Flying high: With North Dub Feathers and the gang in Istanbul

While other upcoming July dates included Wexford and the National Opera House and Kerry’s Gleneagle INEC arena.

Aslan have carried on, and who knows if they can continue without their charismatic frontman, the rich legacy of Irish touring musicians.

Who take the music to the people in small towns and townlands across the island.

And remember Christy said it himself that he had ‘travelled through so many towns.”

Touring musicians

And they and their fellow strummers and singers, fiddlers and folksters add a huge ingredient to your Irish holiday.

Because for as long as I can remember there has been a musical backdrop to my Irish vacations.

From the Irish country keeping me awake in Harkin’s Bar next door on annual Easter trips with my Dear Old Mum in Brockagh, Co. Donegal.

Through the draw of Joe Dolan on a Ring of Kerry tour.

And a Van Morrison jazz cabaret at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.

It’s all right

And there will be more, all of which helps us cope.

It is a tough enough world and one North Dublin singer just helped us forget it about for a little while.

So let’s just continue to take solace from his calming message…

In this Christy world… it’s all right.

Countries, Ireland, Music

Harry FreeStyles in Dublin

9th June 20239th June 2023 funtime65

I’ve forgiven him for holding up my last leg back from San Antonio as it comes to my attention that Harry FreeStyles in Dublin.

Hip he may be but Harry Styles, these days as big a singing superstars as there is, doesn’t mind getting in with the Great Unwashed.

Harry, you see, did that most South Dublin of things on his travels, the last time he was in the Irish capital.

He jumped into the Forty Foot at Sandycove with the masses.

Bloomin’ cold

And in so doing joined such luminaries as James Joyce, his great creation, Leopold Bloom and the landlubber that is your Bandanaman.

In my case I was out as quickly as I got in, Dublin Bay being bracing despite it being the sunniest day of the year on shore.

I had resisted the temptation to join my new compatriots for a few years in my 13 years an Irishman.

Memories of swimming off Spital in Co. Galway as a kid acting as a warning.

Trunk call

Well, Harry’s back in Ireland after the UK leg of his world tour.

And his old friends, and ours, at Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, has marked the moment.

They have only commissioned a bespoke pair of swimming shorts for Harry.

So he is primed and ready to take the plunge in style.

And they have even suggested some prime swimming spots for him to have a dip.

Ooh Bettystown

Bettystown Beach, Co. Meath: Now a favourite of my Dear Old Dad who loved a sea swim on holuday

The water here gradually gets deeper, and swimmers can wade in until they find the depth that suits them.

Take a peaceful stroll to the River Boyne at Mornington Beach and watch as ships sail into Drogheda Port.

Best of Brittas

Brittas Bay South Beach, Co. Wicklow: And if Harry likes Sandymount he’ll love Co. Wicklow, maybe as much as we do.

With 5km of powdery white sand dunes, the beach has won and maintained its Blue Flag status for many years.

Carling larger

Carlingford Lough, Louth: Billed as the adventure capital of Louth up the coast from Dublin and Wicklow.

Carlingford is known for its outdoor pursuits and locals love swimming in Carlingford Lough.

At the lake, visitors can take in epic views of Carlingford Castle and Slieve Foye before heading to Sweet Sundaes for their crepes.

Fáilte have flagged up helpful tips to follow before, during and after your swim at www.watersafety.ie which we’re sure Harry will check out.

While for more information, please visit www.discoverireland.ie.

And so keep your eyes peeled.

We know Harry FreeStyles in Dublin and now we could see him in Wicklow and Louth too.

Countries, Culture, Deals, Europe

Pride in London and Berlin

30th May 202330th May 2023 funtime65

I must be losing it, 20 minutes into the LGBTQ+ party in San Antonio and I wasn’t propositioned once… I’m persuaded to turn my attentions to Pride in London and Berlin.

Particularly as my travel provider friends in Ireland, Cassidy, have flagged up the European powerhouses for this Pride.

Pride is a life-enforcing celebration of gay rights yes, but human spirit.

And all of us are the better for it as I’ve discovered from West Hollywood through Vegas and Denver and Washington DC to Dublin and Barcelona.

Cami over to my place: With Cami in Vegas

And that’s only because I’ve not been in any of the other great cities of the world when Pride has been in full flow.

Although I’ve tried to raise a smile (or more) from the rather staid seaside town of North Berwick, east of Edinburgh, where I now live by wearing a feather boa around town.

And now because Cassidy share my love for Pride and have these packages at their fingertips join me and getting your vibe on with Pride in London and Berlin.

Let the gay Thames roll

And because my gay friends love a pun and a double entendre almost as much as I do here’s a slice of London life…

Pride Weekend Package: London

Travel 1^st July

2 Night Package

4* Britannia International

Package includes flights and accommodation.

€289pp (based on 2 people sharing)

From Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall Place, witness over 500 groups and 30,000 participants marching in the iconic Pride in London Parade.

Drop into Cassidy Travel today or contact them on 01 9695550.

Ich bin gay Berliner

As John F Kennedy would have said had he been addressing Pride in Berlin.

Pride Weekend Package: Berlin

Travel 21^st July 2023

2 Night Package

3* Mercure Hotel Berlin Mitte

Package includes flights and accommodation.

€389pp (based on 2 people sharing)

One of the largest Pride parades in Europe runs from Kurfürstendamm to the Brandenburg Gate,

It all ends with a lively concert which welcomes special guest stars and goes well into the night!

Drop into Cassidy Travel today or contact them on 01 8224000.

America, Countries, Cruising, Culture

Friday nighters’ splash in San Antonio

24th May 202324th May 2023 funtime65

So I dipped my toe in the water today on my Texas trip… and happen if I stay to the end of the week I’ll be joining the Friday nighters’ splash in San Antonio.

I got my feet wet but never my trademark Bandana with an early-morning swim in the open-deck pool at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel.

Before taking to the Riverwalk again… on foot.

Obvious you might think but weekend revellers have been known to end up in the drink.

Which we discovered on our excellent Go Rio Cruises jaunt down the San Antonio River.

Margarita time

Most of which I’ve forgotten… you’ll forgive me but booze had been taken, Margaritas in one of those plastic yard glasses.

So beloved in Sin City Vegas.

Now despite being named for a saint, San Antonio’s citizens and visitors here know how to sin with bars hugging the riverfront.

Just as well then that the river was named and blessed by a priest.

With its bridges a favourite vantage point for weddings and Jennifer Lopez and Sandra Bullock chickflicks.

Feathered chicks proliferate on the river, sleepy ducks, well you would be in this 30C heat.

And if you’re lucky you might get to see Mother Turtle and her offspring.

Or the caricature version for the kiddies.

Cruise San Antonio

The riverboat cruise is an absolute pleasure with the knowledgeable guides breezing through San Antonio history.

And pointing out buildings which were physically moved from one point to another on stilts.

This being a river then naturally it has been at the mercy of the elements.

And you’ll learn of the challenges of a flood which rose to 10ft.

It pays then to have God on your side.

And San Antonians built ornate churches by the river complete with gargoyle grotesques carved into the exterior.

Some of which look like me after a night of post-partying at IPW, the American Travel Fair, more of which later.

Fun on the water

Back at the pool: At the Westin Riverwalk

And with that I must return to dry land, another riverside bar or restaurant.

And listen to another mariachi band and keep an eye out for a floral parade which is sure to pass by.

Now taking a bend in thus here tale, much like the San Antonio river did I not set you some homework.

To tell me about a famous fortification where we will bring this party to an end tonight.

The Friday nighters’ splash in San Antonio will have to wait.

Tonight, I’ll get someone to hold my drink, I’m off to fight at the Alamo.

America, Countries, Culture, Music

San Antonio will Mex your day

23rd May 202323rd May 2023 funtime65

Whoever won, whoever lost at the Alamo know something, San Antonio will Mex your day.

With the jewel of South Texas a smiling, dancing riposte to Donald Trump’s mission of division.

The missions are a good place to start when exploring San Antonio, southern Texas where the travel world has gathered for America’s annual travel fair.

The Spanish missions which are Texas’s only UNESCO World Heritage site.

Which UNESCO tell us are an example of the interweaving of Spanish and Coahuiltecan cultures.

Footsteps of history

The missions history which includes the unforgettable Alamo is, of course, a challenging chapter of colonisation.

Which we discovered as we walked in the footprints of the first nation Native Americans, Texans and Mexicans (and Germans).

On our 300+ years of history coach tour of the San Antonio environs.

We’d got a taste of the Mexican influences in this, the seventh biggest city, in the country with 1 and a half million, at breakfast.

This being Texas where everything is bigger we’d feasted on barbecue beef, Mexican tacos and chicken and the fruits of the land.

All washed down with Texan cerveja and margarita, the latter which they made us work for.

On your bike

On a bike where they hook up the blender for you to power the mix.

All this brunch partying to extravagantly costumed and oversized-headed Mexican caricatures on a Sunday.

At the natural history and Mexican heritage Witte museum.

And you feel duty bound to beg Deo for forgiveness at any of the well-preserved churches the missions.

Alas, we are too late for the mariachi mass and have to make do instead with paying homage to the muscular friar Francis who founded the Franciscan order.

An order of discipline, devotion to Deo, poverty and great beards.

And they run in my family too through my mum’s cousins who were at the heart of the Nunraw Abbey near my new homestead North Berwick in Scotland.

And who I followed out to Medjugorje in Bosnia & Herzegovina where a Franciscan friar told us how he accidentally set his whiskers alight.

At a candle ceremony.

But I digress… and I have been going around in circles, particularly on the spectacular Riverwalk in San Antonio.

Around San Antonio

Super trooper: Buffalo Soldier Turner McGarritty

So if I deviate into Buffalo Soldiers, German towns, country, jazz and more.

I always seem to get back on course too.

Know something too though that San Antonio will Mex your day.

But maybe remind me the best way to get to the Alamo to channel my best Davey Crockett.

I should be OK as all signposts on the walk point to the famous fortification.

Countries, Music, UK

Dustin down Eurovision Liverpool

10th May 202310th May 2023 funtime65

Of course the party will be missing its biggest reveller with the elimination of Ireland but we’re still Dustin down Eurovision Liverpool.

Now there have been many turkeys over the 67 years of Eurovision.

But only one Turkey, the cult puppet and personal pal, Dustin the Turkey.

And you probably saw him taking pride of place amid the VIPs at the semi-finals.

Eurovision is, of course, the hottest ticket in town this week.

Tourist magnet

Easy Ryder: Last year’s UK entrant Sam Ryder

And it is, obviously, a tourist magnet with 100,000 visitors expected to be in Merseyside this week.

With the attendant spike in hotel rates.

One semi-final under our belts and we can see that the contestants have all got the memo about name checking The Beatles.

With the singers and dancers making the pilgrimage to The Cavern.

Hard Day’s Night Hotel

And many staying at The Hard Day’s Night Hotel, new on my radar but one I imagine could have a hard day’s night and the next morning.

And despite Liverpool beating my own home town of Glasgow to the punch it seems the perfect fit for Merseyside to get Eurovision.

Now we’ve followed The Fab Four from Liverpool, our old stomping ground, to Hamburg… and back.

And it is refreshing to see that in the past 25 years the city has rebuilt itself in their image.

So that you can enjoy The Beatles Story at the Royal Albert Dock and they are getting on board for Eurovision.

As well as the iconic Cavern Club from which tours go out into the Beatles’ Liverpool.

Ours being the Magical Mystery Tour with Jay Johnson, who’ll be Holly’s.

Musical legacy

Of course British hopes will be with Mae Muller and I Wrote A Song.

And the Liverpudlians have forgiven her for being a ‘Landiner’ and adopted her as their own.

As they did myself, a Scottish-type person, in my time there.

There has been a history of Scousers singing in Eurovision, of course, even if they couldn’t get the Beatles to enter.

Cilla Black, a huge singing star in the Sixties, came close but decided to pass on succeeding Sandie Shaw.

She thought it unlikely that the UK would back up Sandie’s win so the UK went for Cliff Richard instead.

Alas his Congratulations was misplaced and he came second, although he blamed, of all people General Franco (some truth in it mind).

We’ll pass over Jemini’s efforts, the duo getting nul points, but there were sterling performances from Prima Donna and Sonia, who both lost out to Ireland.

While it was far from Wonderful Copenhagen for Molly who was 17th in 2014.

Puppet on a string

Still this year Liverpool has two entries really through dint of them hosting on behalf of Ukraine… and they’re bound to get a big political sympathy vote.

Back to my pal Dustin the Turkey and of course he is pure Eurovision following in the legacy of barefooted Sandie Shaw who sang about a puppet on a string.

So I’m right behind him and I’m Dustin down Eurovision Liverpool. Calm down, calm down.

Countries, Culture, Europe

Leave royals in fairytales

6th May 2023 funtime65

An insight on the jamboree that is the Coronation of Charles Windsor in Britain by a German grandee beloved in these parts… leave royals in fairytales.

Of course Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, was more diplomatic.

But he did concede that in his home country people viewed far-off royal spectacles as fairytale or Hollywood.

Germany, like many of the 159 republics in the world, has emerged from monarchies.

While keeping and showcasing palaces for tourists who love a fairytale.

Gold Swan

Neuschwanstein in Bavaria falls into that category.

With the castle on a hill so dazzling Walt Disney that he copied it for Disney Castle.

King Ludwig II of Bavaria had a thing for swans as well as other pecadilloes and he put that stamp on everything around the New Swan Castle.

And most importantly in his bedstead.

But alas he was unable to avail of it all, dying before it was all finished.

And we imagine his passing was a thing of over-the-top theatrical and balletic beauty, a la a dying swan.

Of course, Neuschwanstein is far from the only once-royal palace which still draws the visitors…

More than 61 million people have visited since 1869.

And more than 1.3 million people visit annually, with as many as 6,000 per day in the summer.

Including this refugee from the Munich Beerfest who worked off his hangover by excitedly running up the hill.

Very Versailles

Versailles was the jewel in the French crown but once the people of France decided that it should be used for the state rather than some bling for their king it became a much-visited tourist spot.

While its own people can enjoy the great works of art and settings with free exhibitions and displays.

And so until October 31st, you can enjoy the musical gardens and the Great Musical Waters in the gardens and groves.

Every Saturday evening from 10 June to 23 September, Friday 14 July and Tuesday 15 August, discover the Gardens in the evening.

With the The Night Fountains Show.

While the Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery in the Small Stables is also free to you and me from 12.30pm to 6.30pm every Saturday and Sunday.

Your carriage awaits

Now if you’ve been looking through your fingers at the UK royal show today.

You’ll have witnessed the slowest vehicle in London, the royal carriage.

Guess what though… in Paris you can get up close and personal for free.

Located in the the Great Stables , the Gallery of Coaches is open every weekend afternoons from 12.30pm to 6.30pm.

Of course all of this is run by us, and not by royal decree, or when we say us it’s really the French people.

Viva La Revolution

And a reminder of who is in charge is brought home to you in the Royal Tennis court, the birthplace of French democracy.

All of which is linked to an important episode of the Revolution. Every weekend from May to October from 12:30pm to 6:30pm (last admission at 17:45).

Of course, it will be likely a long, long time before it’s Game, Set and Match for the British monarch, if at all.

But for the day that’s in it wouldn’t it be better to leave royals in fairytales and enjoy your favourite Disney film.

Countries, Culture, Europe, Food & Wine, Ireland

Joyce lived la vita bella in Trieste

21st April 202321st April 2023 funtime65

James Joyce lived la vita bella in Trieste and began charting Leopold Bloom’s course there.

Probably eating crispy frico lollipops, Toc’ in braid, Spring asparagus orzotto and soft frico bites on a roasted polenta tartlet.

While he put Dublin fare and choice words in the mouth of Leopold.

The inner organs of beasts and fowls, thick giblet soup, nutty gizzards, a stuffed roast heart, liverslices fried with crustcrumbs and fried hencods’ roes.

While most of all Joyce tells us ‘he liked grilled mutton kidneys.’

Pinocchio’s by a nose

Thankfully the good folk of Trieste had the senza to showcase their city in an Italian setting at Pinocchio’s in Temple Bar with best Italian fare.

With Friuli Venezia Giulia chef Manuel Marchetti creating pizzas especially for the occasion.

With toppings consisting of San Daniele Prosciutto and alpine smoked ricotta.

And for dessert, creamy tiramisù, a dessert born in Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Strucchi (no us neither but was gorgeous).

Grazie Ryanair

Using Joyce as an entry point Trieste presented the new Ryanair seasonal route.

Available twice weekly until 28 October, with one-way fares start from €19.99pp.

And how Giacomo Joyce as he styled himself in Trieste could have done with a low-fare airlines then.

Portrait of Trieste

Joyce had taken a circuitous route to Trieste where he penned A Portrait Of An Artist As A Young Man.

To take up a job as a tutor to a young girl Letitza, daughter of Jewish writer Ettore Schmitz.

Whom it is said he based Leopold Bloom around.

With Joyce also so smitten with Ettore’s wife Livia that he remodelled her as Anna Livia a representation of the River Liffey.

Alongside which today’s tourist hub and stag and hen central Temple Bar flows.

Vino de vici

As indeed did the Italian wine. No Leopold Bloom glass of Burgundy ecco grazie on Pudding Row.

No, Ireland’s greatest author. Si, si… it was how Joyce lived la bella vita in Italy.