Culture Archives - Page 3 of 56 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Africa, America, Countries, Culture, Europe, UK

Living art in leading hotels

5th October 2023 funtime65

I might well have been in a time warp seeing Oscar Wilde getting arrested in Cadogan Hotel in London’s Knightsbridge but then that’s living art in leading hotels for you.

Oscar, as we know don’t we, had rooms at the hotel around the corner from his marital home…

And his next abode would be less fancy, a cell in Reading Gaol.

It was all there in glorious colour as I descended the stairs for my breakfast.

And I flirted with being arrested too after arguing about the price of the food with the staff worried I’d do a runner.

Leading the way

Now not all hotels have such history but clearly the more prestigious have and our friends at the The Leading Hotels of The Word’s have compiled the hotels with the best artwork ahead of art week next week.

The collection offers a variety of hotels which house numerous contemporary and traditional pieces including one with similar lineage, we assume. L’oscar in London.

While the Dolder Grand in Zurich is home to around 100 works of art by 90 renowned artists.

And Le Negresco in Nice has a collection of artwork spanning over five centuries.

Hôtel Swexan takes influences from Texas and Switzerland, whereas The Saxon stays true to its South African roots.

Dodder around the Dolder

Dolder Grand, Zurich: Around one hundred works of art by ninety celebrated artists are on display throughout the hotel with most accessible to all guests.

With others reserved for hotel guests on particular floors.

The diverse mix of artists includes Ferdinand Hodler, Urs Fischer and Max Bill.

While at the entrance to the ‘The Restaurant’ lies “Femmes métamorphosées – Les sept arts” by Salvador Dalí.

And “Le Monde” by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, can be seen en route to the hotel spa.

L’Oscar goes to…

L’Oscar, London: And that’s not the only connection with the effervescent spirit of Oscar Wilde vividly captured in the portraits that adorn the walls in this central London hotel.

While there is a prized picture here of Frank Cadogan Cowper and his “Venetian Ladies Listening to the Serenade”.

Equally enchanting is the original 1861 painting by Jules Joseph Lefebvre, “Diva Vittoria Colonna”, a work of art that radiates grace and timeless elegance.

Oil paintings of Virginia Woolf further enrich the ambiance with a sense of literary history.

Nice decor

Le Negresco, Nice: It feels much like entering a museum.

One in which artists’ Picasso, Dali and Chagall were regulars.

A Baccarat chandelier with over 16,000 crystals hangs in the Royal Lounge, commissioned and in later years gifted by Czar Nicholas II.

Modern sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle are juxtaposed with historic works from Louis XIII’s reign, including a portrait of King Louis XIV.

Swanky Swexan

Hotel Swexan, Dallas: The Swiss/Texas art story of Hôtel Swexan began over a century ago.

With the first of what is now four generations of the Barbier-Mueller family art collection.

The hotel’s Samurai Art Collection is also the largest of its kind in the world outside of Japan.

With more than 1.5 million visitors worldwide.

In addition, Hermès scarves designed by Aline Honoré for the family’s Samurai Collection are on display throughout the hotel.

Saxon call

Saxon Hotels, Villas & Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa: The collection has been selected from both established and emerging artists from across Africa, Europe and the East.

The hotel also offers guests suggested itineraries.

With an art focus that encourage them to explore whilst visiting the city of Johannesburg.

This includes visiting well-known South African art galleries.

Along with giving them the chance to meet with local artists in person.

Countries, Culture, Ireland

The story of Ireland

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It’s the story of Ireland, their story, written by those who were there and left it here for us in books, plays, films and the land.

With Paul Lynch and Paul Murray upholding the tradition of Irish storytelling with Booker prize nods, Fáilte Ireland have mapped out the nation’s literary landmarks.

And it is by visiting those places beloved and referenced in the literary giants’ works that we get inside their minds and see their souls.

Some that no matter how much inspection still take some untangling, but it’s still fun to try.

The Joyce of Dublin

James Joyce remains the most universally-acclaimed Irish writer and proudest promoter of Dublin of any of them.

Joyce sets the first chapter of Ulysses around the old Martello tower of Sandycove, half an hour from the city, where Joyce once lived.

Joyceans can climb the winding stairs of the James Joyce Tower and Museum and read letters, photographs, rare editions and personal possessions.

Before, of course, you head into Dublin and relive Leopold Bloom’s day.

And then check out the original manuscript of Ulysses and much more such as Samuel Beckett artefacts at the Museum of Literature Ireland.

Super Yeats

Poet WB Yeats, shares with Joyce and Beckett the accolade of a Nobel Prize for Literature and he has left his mark.

From Sandymount in leafy South Dublin to his beloved west coast.

The building named for him in Sligo where you can take in a permanent gallery.’

And the ‘Stand where he stood’ tours which combine poetry, drama, history and the landscape of Sligo.

The Tree of Life

Now our antecedent authors were so aware of their own genius that they literally carved their names into the country’s furniture.

At the Autograph Tree and Coole Park Visitor Centre & Gardens, Gort Co. Galway.

And so the greats of the Irish Literary Revival at the start of the last century, Shaw, Synge, John, Hyde, Russell, Yeats, O’Casey and Lady Gregory.

Ulster says yes

Seamus Heaney too reached the pinnacle of the literary world as a Nobel Prize winner and the best place to feel his spirit is in his beloved Ulster.

Donegal is the same landscape that inspired Seamus Heaney.

And a stay in The Song House, previously The Poet’s House Teach na nAmhrán, will likely release the poetry in you.

Heaney’s fellow Ulsterman Patrick Kavanagh is hailed the island over and his statue on a bench by the Grand Canal in Dublin is a personal favourite spot.

But for Kavanagh fans there is more, much more than Raglan Road which you can discover.

Up those country roads at the Patrick Kavanagh Centre, Co. Monaghan.

The Kavanagh Trail follows Paddy’s footsteps down winding lanes and through his beloved back fields.

While a guided tour is available, booked in advance.

Peig it

Of course, for all the charms of Nobel Prize winners and the masters of the Irish Revival the one author every Irish schoolboy and schoolgirl knows is Peig Sayers.

Peig’s story of her life is a staple of the Irish school curricular and shorthand for everyone who has been through the system (take a bow my two) when they meet anywhere in the world.

Writers Wall in Dingle Town, Co. Kerry, pays tribute to authors from the Chorcha Dhuibhne Gaeltacht and Blasket Islands.

It features quotes from the famous Irish language writers of that region

While you can also take a detour to Listowel, ‘the Literary Capital of Ireland’ to visit Kerry Writers’ Museum.

So wherever you go in the island you can see the story of Ireland in its landmarks… and that’s what they wanted.

America, Countries, Music

Don I love you so and Nashville

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People ask me why, well maybe not but stick with me because Don I love you so and Nashville.

We’re delighted to hear that the home of country music is to honour The Don on their Music City Walk Of Fame next month.

To go alongside his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the 2,700th recipient of such a glittering prize.

Producer John Waters will become the 2,763rd tomorrow although I can’t say right now which number I’ll be.

While the Hollywood Boulevard markings have stood out in our conscience for walks of fame they proliferate now… and more of that later.

The Music City

But it is only right to focus on The Don as he is honoured in Music City Nashville which prides itself as a musical crossover hub.

Now if some people only know The Don for his anthem American Pie then they’ll miss his country roots.

What we shouldn’t miss, of course, is that The Don’s heritage is a Scottish one.

Celtic folk, Scottish and Irish infuses country music and the offshoots.

And so those who have delved further into The Don’s back catalogue will know yeThe Don knew his Old Country standards.

With his rendition of Mountains of Mourne spreading that way and beyond its origins.

Yes, Don I love you so and Nashville.

And Don, of course, joins a stellar list which randomly in alphabetical order includes…

And in Music City the Music himself Buddy Holly under his band, The Crickets.

The Don will be joined in the naming ceremony by Darius Rucker (Wagon Wheel), Duane Eddy (Peter Gunn) and music executive Joe Galante.

Footsteps of legends

Of course we can walk in the footsteps of the legends by getting out there to Nashville.

With British Airways offering return flights from £499 return.

Countries, Ireland, Music

Give Irish Country a twirl

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Its roots go back to when the biggest acts skipped Ireland when the locals opted to give Irish Country a twirl.

There were outliers, of course, and the unique Johnny Cash embraced Ireland, and why wouldn’t you?

To the point that he scribed Forty Shades of Green after looking down on Ireland’s patchwork fields from a plane.

The Irish are coming

But when Country’s grandees stayed away an Irish cottage industry of soundalikes flourished.

Tyrone’s Philomena Begley, Dublin’s own Dickie Rock and the Miami Showband.

And Big Tom and the Mainliners from Ireland’s Nashville in Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan.

And, of course, the Donegal O’Donnell siblings Daniel, or Wee Daniel as he’s known, and Margo.

Irish Country was the soundtrack of my youth visiting my grandparents with my Dear Old Mum in Brockagh, Co. Donegal.

Where we would rent the holiday home next to Harkin’s Bar where Country acts would belt out the acts nightly.

Through the wall and into my bedroom.

Harvey’s cream

The tradition of Irish Country continues to this day.

And drop in anywhere in the country, even on the wrong weekend, as we did in Monaghan, and you’ll learn why.

Ulster, the nine counties which includes the six of Northern Ireland, and Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan in the Republic, is a hotbed of Country music.

And 4* Harvey’s Point, near Donegal town by Lough Eske, Mecca with Irish Country great Tommy Fleming the stand-out draw in a stellar Cabaret season.

Friend to the stars

Sligo’s own has shared stages with Kenny Rogers, Phil Coulter and Elaine Page and you could get up and personal to Tommy.

In a Cabaret setting, and having experienced the strains of Van Morrison at the Europa Hotel with my tatties, I’d recommend it.

So why not give Irish Country a twirl?

Harvey’s swanky noise-insulated bedrooms will ensure that the music won’t come through the walls.

But then you’ll probably be up partying all night anyway.

Deal us in

Tommy is part of the Cabaret season, performing on Saturday, January 23.

Doors open at 6.45 pm with dinner at 7.30pm sharp.

5 Course Dinner & Entertainment €70.

Two-night stay in a Palatial Suite with brekkie by the Lakeside each morning.

Executive suites from €329pps.

America, Countries, Music

Daniel O’Donnell Live in New York

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What’s got grey hair, 100 legs and no teeth? Daniel O’Donnell Live in New York. Or anywhere really!

Daniel O’Donnell’s popularity in his native Ireland can be summed up by a gas boiler advert.

Which Wee Daniel improbably is trying to sell an Oul Biddy.

She is thrilled to have her hero visit her house which is of course Daniel memorabilia.

And naturally pours him his favourite tipple, a cup of tea out of her Daniel O’Donnell teapot.

Only for Wee Daniel’s No.1 fan to be left aghast when he suggests she should replace the gas boiler.

And she asks him to leave before drawing her Daniel O’Donnell curtains behind her.

You get then that fans of Danny Boy take him and his music and concerts very seriously.

And think nothing of travelling the four corners of the Earth to see him.

And this is where our old friends at Cassidy Travel come in.

Daniel takes New York

The Irish travel providers have a four-night package to see Donegal’s favourite son in the Big Apple from December 9 at the NYCB Theatre.

You’ll get those four nights in Manhattan with direct flights, four nights in Manhattan and concert tickets from €1199pps.

And if Wee Daniel isn’t our cup of tea (and we’d suggest to whisper that in Ireland, and particularly Donegal) then they have tickets for another international sensation.

Bocelli’s Big Apple

Opera master Andrea Bocelli is playing Madison Square Garden this December and you can be part of it all with Cassidys.

They’ll give you a four-night package for the gig on December 13, staying in Manhattan.

And, yes, you’ll get direct flights and concert tickets and all from €1399pps… before it’s time to say goodbye (soz)

So that’s Daniel O’Donnell Live in New York. Or Andre Bocelli… so good Cassidy named it twice the offer.

America, Countries, Music

King for the day in Memphis

14th August 2023 funtime65

For Dutchie it was his first paying gig and few better places than BB’s Blues Club, he was what he‘d always wanted to be… King for the day in Memphis.

You don’t, of course, have to possess the guitar-playing abilities of Dutchie to fulfil your musical dreams in Memphis.

Or be asked by Muriel to do a little number at ‘the Hollywood’ to be rockin’ in Memphis.

You just ideally need the services of insiders who know the town.

Like, say our friends at Irish travel providers Cassidy.

Anyone for Tennessee

Memphis, and Tennessee as a whole, has indeed been richly blessed for music.

Maybe that’s down to the gospel choirs or their antithesis, the devil’s drinking dens that spawned the likes of Robert Johnson.

Who famously sold his soul to the Devil so he could play perfect Blues guitar.

But Memphis, adopted home of WC Handy, BB, Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes and actual birthplace of JT, Justin Timberlake, is the gift that keeps on giving.

I got rhythm

As are Cassidy’s, who again bring us another package ‘Rhythms of the South, which is music to our ears, a four-nighter from €1,529 with flights from Dublin.

You’ll travel out on December 2 and get to stay four nights at the 3* Holiday Inn Nashville.

And three nights at the 4* Doubletree Hotel Memphis.

A night at the Opry

Now in a state so richly blessed for music as Tennessee there’s naturally a friendly rivalry.

As to which is considered the most musical city.

Of course, you can always settle that debate by just claiming it, as has Nashville.

By putting it in your marketing… Nashville Music City.

Because Nashville, home of the Grand Ole Opry and country music has become more, much more than that.

Nashville boasts 150 live venues, many of them Honky Tonk bars.

Where you can hear the best With more country, rock’n’roll, jazz, bluegrass, folk, and Americana.

Tale of two Southern cities

Ten feet off of Beale: Walkin’ in Memphis

Now should you be curious to know the difference between Memphis and Nashville and that’s the journalist in me.

Then my old friend Tennessean Heather, from our unforgettable Tennessee and Mississippi trip to trace Martin Luther King’s last days, helpfully explained.

If you want to meet someone in music in Memphis you just go up and introduce yourself.

In Tennessee you get your people to talk to their people and then you’re up and running.

Heather, is, of course a Memphian, and the best representative a city could want.

I was lucky enough to be introduced to their people, the Nashville delegation.

When they visited Dublin and partied with us.

And yes, they offered to introduce me to their people and come out to their city.

Which doggone I couldn’t at that time because I was jet setting off somewhere else.

Of course good ole Southern folk never forget y’all so we will get over.

Made of New Orleans

So whether you want to be King for the day in Memphis or Cash in in Nashville then just put yourself forward (Dutchie did) and let Cassidy do the rest.

And if you’ve the time complete your Southern musical odyssey down in ole New Orleans, home of jazz.

Cassidy offers aUSA Food Tour of Nashville, Memphis & New Orleans

Tastes and Sounds of the South is a ten-days/ five cities/nine nights/nine breakfasts/four dinners bonanza.

They promise jazz, soul food, country music, and a whole lot of rock’n’roll.

Showcasing the rich culture of Memphis, Nashville, Natchez, and New Orleans, plus a trip to Graceland.

From €3,000pps, flights not included.

And when you do get to New Orleans say hi to me to jazz great Kermit Ruffles.

And remind him of how we rocked the San Antonio River Walk.

Countries, Ireland, Music

Nothing compares to Bray

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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam Sinéad in your final resting place in Co. Wicklow… in her case nothing compares to Bray.

The Irish, and the world, say their final farewells to the pop powerhouse today in the seaside resort south of Dublin.

It is a town Sinéad O’Connor and our family had in common and one she shared with mine and yours.

Because first and foremost Sinéad was a mother and would welcome all the young people of Bray.

And neighbouring towns such as our old stomping ground over the Bray Head, Greystones, to her home.

And in the case of my own daughter it would be a full wrap-around cuddle.

Sinéad’s people

Sinéad loved the people of Bray where she lived for 15 years and they loved her back.

And despite her fame she got to live her life as any singer in a smalltown in Ireland would, celebrated for herself but never smothered.

It is poignant then that Sinéad’s final procession starts at the Harbour Bar, one of Bray’s great institutions.

With its warren of rooms, recreated Irish cottage living room among them with artefacts and curious cats.

Sinead will then head along the seafront, a lyrical backdrop for someone so ethereal.

Bray Seafront retains its olde resort feel with its shingle beach, promenade, amusement arcades and authentic bars and restaurants.

A modern addition to the charms which bring Dublin day trippers south SEA LIFE Bray Aquarium will occupy even the most active kiddies.

Head up to the fields

For the more active then continue your walk upwards and over Bray Head.

Stare downwards and you’ll see Bray and its front and your back and the Irish sea and its bird life all around.

While on occasion you might even see a lonely goat above you so yodelaye to your heart content.

The Southern Cross is the peak of your walk with its crucifix which reminds you of ancient Ireland’s connections with the land.

Mother Earth is there too in all its glory with Bray commemorating Sinead with lettering marked into the land.

A train runs through a tunnel built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel carrying passengers to the DART’s terminus.

Stones of destiny

Take a 45-minute trip from Dublin’s Tara Street station, near O’Connell Street.

And bookend your day trip with a Guinness at the Beach House in the newly repurposed harbour.

Mark too the murals on Bray Station commemorating those who have added to Bray and Irish life.

A space is open for the spiritual voice of Ireland.

So as we reflect on how all the flowers in your back yard died mama when you went away Sinead.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam Sinéad and nothing compares to Bray.

America, Countries, Music

Aloha, Elvis Week is coming

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Aloha, Elvis Week is coming… so put on your blue suede shoes.

Of course every week should be Elvis Week but Graceland throws a special party for the King every August from the 9th-17th.

And this year’s celebration is timely with it being 55 years since his iconic TV comeback special (August 14).

And half a century since his Aloha From Hawaii via satellite (August 16).

When folks from all around the globe got to see Elvis which would have included a Howiya from Alloa.

Whadya mean that’s a gratuitous Scottish reference… well, this is my site.

And besides Elvis did have Scottish roots while the only time he visited the UK he stopped off at Prestwick Airport.

A pilgrim’s tale

Baby, we love ya: Elvis, Priscilla and Lisa Marie

Now Elvis was taken from us 46 years ago on August 16.

And all who loved him and his music flocked to his house Graceland, Memphis in his adopted state of Tennessee.

Including the impersonators who have been spending a lifetime channeling him and will be competing against him in Elvis Week.

In truth, we all of us, have been making, or planning to make that pilgrimage ever since.

Elvis’s little girl

This year is a particularly poignant one for the Presley family… and that includes us.

Because Lisa Marie has now taken her place for eternity in the Meditation Garden close to Elvis.

Elvis’s only daughter would oft share a particular memory of her dad and it’s on the audio loop around Graceland.

That the family and guests in the dining room would hear Elvis clinking his jewellery before they’d see him.

Elvis always singing

You can hear Elvis still when you visit Graceland with his songs ringing out as they would have done then.

Elvis did in fact sing right up until the end, Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain and Unchained Melody.

In the Piano Room which you can visit and conjure up his spirit.

There will be no shortage of special guests paying homage to the King this month.

With performances and recollections from a wide array of artists from Jay Osmond to Dennis Quaid.

The Candlelight Vigil

While there will be a celebration of Lisa Marie (August 15), held ahead of the Candlelight Vigil.

Jerry Schilling, along with other special guests to be announced will remember her.

Through music, their own personal stories, photos, and videos.

For those of us who can’t get there you can catch it all on a Virtual Elvis Week.

They are offering three packages… an Elvis Super Fan pass for ¢225, Elvis Fan Package for $130 and an Elvis Tribute Pass for the same price.

So, Aloha, Elvis Week is Coming. So get ready, swivel that pelvis, pout that lip and rock-a-hula baby.

Countries, Europe, Music, UK

Nice one Wirral

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Nice one Wirral as they say in these parts, but what more can we tell you about the Mersey peninsula where the Open Golf Championship is being played?

And where we spent our first night on Merseyside, in New Brighton, ahead of a year working in Liverpool, where I also penned a golf column.

It was while there that I got a call one day from friends at Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, to tell me that a golf legend had shown up.

And whether I wanted to interview the legendary Gary Player, who was completing a round for a Japanese television show.

Twas ahead of the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia, and we spoke of his fellow South African Ernie Els’s chances.

Gary was in good company in the peninsula, a magnet for sporting celebrities with Liverpool footballer and golf fanatic Ian Rush owning half of the Wirral.

New Brighton new wave

Beacon of hope: Old New Brighton lighthouse

And so back to New Brighton, where we started this Wirral odyssey.

And a reinvented holiday resort for those from the big city and further afield.

New Brighton has touches of the Brighton on the south coast, tower, ballroom and pier.

And an artsy Victorian Quarter with New Brighton priding itself on its street art.

Quick on the draw: New Brighton’s street art

While the 800-seat Floral Pavilion on the prom regularly hosts comedy shows, performances, pantomimes and plays.

And if you’re lucky you might see local comedians John Bishop and Jason Mumford.

Prize guy: with the Claret Jug in Belfast

While there’s everything from mermaids to military history and tunnels on the Hidden Wirral Myths & Legends Tours.

For the Three Gen day troupers.

And New Brighton is just for starters.

Sunlight of our life

For those who want to go back in time then Port Sunlight is a living heirloom.

And a reminder that there was a day when employers looked after their staff, in and out of work.

With Lord Lever setting up a village for his workers at his soap factory, Lever Brothers, which eventually became Unilever… the lucky suds.

And also enlightening them and us, or Sunenlightening if you will, in the arts through the Lady Lever Art Gallery

While Port Sunlight also boasts pop musical history which you can learn about in the Port Sunlight Museum and Garden Village.

And how the Fab Four, with Ringo Starr newly ensconced, played their first gig together.

While fans of Peaky Blinders will recognise the village as Auntie Polly’s home.

So if the commentary around the Open Golf Championship at Hoylake has piqued your interest in the Wirral.

Why not make it a day trip from Liverpool or better still stay there.

Polly, put the kettle on: Polly’s home in Port Sunlight

You will want to do both anyway as you’ll be boarding the Ferry across the Mersey of course.

So Nice One Wirral and remember…

People around every cornerSeem to smile and sayWe don’t care what your name is, boyWe’ll never turn you away.

Countries, Music, UK

Musical Thames

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They’re the musical Thames we live in, played out in London’s West End, and brought to you by Keith Browse Attractions,

And Mamma Mia (see what we’ve done there) does Keith have some all-singin’, all-dancin’ treats in store for us.

Keith will get you into the Skopelos spirit (ours is an ouso efcharisto).

With dinner at Nikos Taverna and, of course, two nights hotel accommodation for travel in September from €379pps.

Which, of course, leads us nicely into the show they’re all talking about this year, Abba Voyage.

Keith will give you two nights in a central London hotel from €365pps.

Give in to Temptation

Now, everybody loves Motown too, right?

And no, it’s not just my imagination running away with me.

It’s many a moon ago but I well remember catching the legendary combo in a cabaret in Ibiza on a Western Med cruise.

The next best thing is the musical, Ain’t Too Proud following their journey.

Hamilton’s a rap

One odyssey we all go back again for is Hamilton the Musical, whose home, of course, is New York.

But as a half-Scot, by his own admission, a Hamilton production in Britain is a coming home of sorts.

Although for those of a Scottish variety then we’ll be looking put for Miranda’s masterpiece coming north.

Keith pairs the London show with two nights in a nearby hotel, from €309pps.