Culture Archives - Page 6 of 65 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Countries, Europe, Music

Party island Croatia has 1244

23rd June 202523rd June 2025 funtime65

Each has their claim to be the summer rave destination but party island Croatia has 1244.

Which, full disclosure here, we’ve just just four ticked off.

Velvet touch

So which to choose next… well, if you want to add Krk to your list you better be quick.

Not because the actual island is going anywhere.

But because the Velvet Festival on Medane Beach in Punat from June 25-29 is wrapping up.

A daily boat party, it boasts four stages and 50+ acts.

Hop to it

And what says rave more than secret parties and the Adriatic notches it up a level with island getaways.

The Garden Resort welcomes back over 170 acts for the 10th anniversary of Love International from Tisno from July 9-15.

From boat parties to secret island sets and sunrise dance floors, Love International raises the bar.

Split for the islands

While ULTRA Europe’s 11th edition bounces from stadiums to sea caves.

The party starts in Split and hops across Croatia’s glitziest islands making it into Adriatic-fuelled odyssey.

Maybe you prefer a more laid-back trippy feel featuring say beach yoga.

It’s all about Ní

So if you prefer your summers slow and your sunsets uninterrupted then the TǑC Festival from July 18-19 then it’s all about Ní.

They promised an olive groves setting and workshops.

But also tradition, sustainability and blissful idleness is to the fore.

Of course, Croatia melds its mainland and islands and Croatians are born hopping.

Dubrovnik meets Love Island

Dubrovnik is the Pearl of the Adriatic.

And the 11th-century time capsule fortress and Game of Thrones location turns into a dazzling open-air theatre for the Midsummer Scene Festival.

For English-language productions on Fort Lovrjenac until July 6.

This year, Richard Sheridan’s biting comedy The School for Scandal echoes a Love Island plot.

But with powdered wigs, vouching that scandalous summer begins here.

So even on the mainland the sea is never far away.

So if you’re looking for a party island Croatia has 1244.

Countries, Culture, Europe

Van Gogh is truly in with the bricks

22nd June 202522nd June 2025 funtime65

A famous contrarian and anti-establishment figure, now Vincent Van Gogh is truly in with the bricks.

His paintings are sold for nine figures around the world and celebrated by elites, ordinary folk and the world of arts alike.

Vincent’s work has, of course, been reproduced on everything.

From tea-towels to t-shirts, ties to swimming trunks to trousers.

And everything in between.

Ginger genius

And now the Ginger Genius has taken on in a new artistic form.

With a new installation in the definitive Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

In the frame: With Rembrandt in Amsterdam

Which should be on every visitor’s trip to the great Dutch city along with the Rijksmuseum and Rembrandt’s house.

Where everyone is invited to get in the picture as part of the living structure in the centre of the city.

It was all yellow

The new installation, the Yellow LEGO house, built from 18,109 bricks brings Vincent’s world to life.

Every detail is inspired by Van Gogh’s life in south France.

From his search for purpose to his rise as a master of colour and form.

Flower power

Blooming marvellous: Can you tell them apart?

The Van Gogh museum is hosting two special workshops this summer in collaboration with the LEGO Group:

Say It with Flowers
Design your own bouquet and discover the symbolic meaning of flowers across different cultures.

Build & Chat
Explore art and creativity through conversation – while building with LEGO bricks.

And what’s more we can have a permanent installation of our own.

Whether that be in your man cave, or more tastefully placed elsewhere in the home.

Your own Van Gogh

You’ll receive a unique Art Print for free with your purchase of the LEGO Art Sunflowers set from the online shop.

What the Great Man would make of his place in the pantheon or building blocks as an art form.

Van Gogh is truly in with the bricks.

America, Countries, Music, Sport

The L word in Chicago

18th June 202522nd June 2025 funtime65

It’s its USP, the rickety elevated trains that run through the Downtown Loop and which everyone knows as the L word in Chicago.

For a wide-eyed Scottish adolescent with American cousins my entry point to Chicago was through The Blues Brothers.

And Elwood tossing and turning in his sleep above the Plymouth Restaurant.

The filmmakers depicted his room as being right next to the L tracks, named for the elevated position.

With the location now a small park in front of the restaurant.

Your inner Elwood

I channel my inner Elwood in the Palmer House Hotel these five days in Chicago.

Where I nod off every night to sleep, with the clanking train in my ears.

The L couldn’t be easier to navigate, no validating tickets here.

Just book your $2 trip (yes, you read that right) or $5 all-day ticket.

Which praise be, you can pay for too in old Earth money at the machine.

And if even that confuses those new in town there is help at hand at the information desk.

With Old Willie giving me a pass without the need for the machine.

And chewing the fat with me about Scottish white soul band The Average White Band.

An L of a ride

Let’s go round again… and that, of course, means a return to the scene of the crime from my first day here.

The Gaybourhood of North Halsted Street, Andersonville.

And it’s spiritual home the multi-bar Sidetrack where we gather on a hot and sweltering night to celebrate Pride.

In the company of Veronica Pop, Boy J and Tender Oni.

Tender, or Oni, they go by either nomenclature, is championing Drag Kings.

And wows us with an out-of-this world Bruno Mars.

While Boy J prides themself that they can survive and does a mean Bruno themself with Veronica’s Lady Gaga.

Partners in time

We watch it all from the intimate main bar with slushy cocktails in hand of course.

Before doing our own thang on the dance floor.

Where a 4ft tall pocket rocket owns the floor, announcing to everyone that it is her 30th birthday.

She has me at ‘you only look 35’ when I tell her I’m twice her age.

She only, of course, has eyes for her partner, who holds on to her protectively.

Looking out from under the peak of her Cubs baseball hat.

Halsted Street is just down the road from Wrigley Field and I join the wave of happy sports fans back to the Belmont train.

It’s cooling down, there is lightning in the sky and the Chicagoans have brought the thunder.

The L word in Chicago.

I am travelling with Aer Lingus from Edinburgh through Dublin and now back with my luggage and staying at the Palmer House Hotel.

America, Countries, Music

Sweet home ChicaGay

16th June 202516th June 2025 funtime65

If you want a break, have a Kit Kat the marketeers say so I did just that and came to the Windy City, sweet home ChicaGay.

I’ve taken a Spring Lover too although maybe not tell The Scary One back home.

We’re sat in the Kit Kat Lounge watching Kinley Preston stride the table.

As we tear into buffalo wings, onion rings and curly fries and sipping from a choice of the hundreds of cocktails.

And Miley Cyrus belts out Party in the USA on the big screens.

And we entice our entertainment in to pick us out for a teasing wink.

By flashing our dollars towards her.

But all too quickly they vanish although where scantily-clad Kinley put her George Washingtons only she knows.

Nothing as it seems

That’s magic: Justin at the Magic Lounge

But that’s the beauty of Halsted Street in the iconic Chicago of Andersonville where nothing is ever as it seems.

And so that if you need a laundromat in your travels, say if you’ve been waiting for your lost luggage to arrive from Dublin.

Then don’t be surprised, well actually be, when your host opens the wash to reveal a secret door to the Chicago Magic Lounge.

Joey Cranford’s speakeasy is a living tribute to the days of Victorian vaudeville with posters and ephemera adorning the walls and glass cases.

And he walks us through the history of magic as we sip How Houdini Died rum punches, a knowing nod to Harry’s demise.

Where the magic happens

The lounge is a living, breathing workspace and entertainment hub celebrating Chicago-style Magic.

With two theatres, eats, drinks and a card school.

We’re told Chicago-style Magic grew out of small card acts performed by the owner of a German-American restaurant.

Mine host Joey has given himself a day off today from picking our cards (well, he is the boss).

So Justin Purcell entertains our party with his sleight of hand.

Our hour flies by and alas our spin cycle is done and we are back out on Halsted Street.

Out on Halsted Street

But the gaybourhood fun doesn’t stop there as we are headed for the beating heart of Halsted Street, Sidetrack.

And meet Art, owner and protector of the Andersonville queer community for more than 40 years.

Having turned a small gay bar which he maintained through the worst days of homophobia.

To the international multi-bar buzzing venue it is today.

It is our good fortune that today is Sunday so it’s quieter and there’s no line snaking down Halsted to get in.

So we can enjoy our Frozé and Black Cherry Buzz fruity vodka slushy without having to be cheek by jowl with fellow customers.

Happy to get Sidetracked

Although that is much of the vibe of Sidetrack which we will discover on Tuesday’s Pride evening.

In truth, it hasn’t always been easy to be out on Halsted Street, although contrary to perceptions I am straight.

Which is fine in this inclusive district which straddles the Chicago Cubs’ ballpark, Wrigley Field, the second oldest in the States.

Our guide Victor Salvo walks us through his neighbourhood stopping off at the pillars of gay American and international history,

The legacy of the global community who suffered so the party I have joined for today’s tour can enjoy.

It truly is a Sweet Home ChicaGay. And anyone, straight, queer or somebody who just wants a Spring Liver can enjoy.

And as I’ve been saying all week, I’ve been travelling with Aer Lingus.

For the American Travel Fair, IPW, and staying at the iconic Palmer House Hilton Hotel.

America, Countries, Music

Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City

8th June 20258th June 2025 funtime65

And as we count down to getting the band back together our update playlist Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City.

Now we’re reliably informed by no less a figure than Frank Sinatra.

That it would never let you down… and Chicago was his kind of town after all.

And while we will celebrate The Second City all through next week in the US at the Travel Fair and after.

Sweet home Chicago

We will also mark its edgy side too.

Which The Blues Brothers immortalised in their cat-and-mouse race.

With the police, a Country band, Neo-Nazis and Carrie Fisher… all on a mission from God.

And, of course, celebrate in our annual Broadway lunch, Roxie Hart, her slick lawyer Billy Flynn and all that jazz.

Mob handed

Elvis recognised Chicago’s gritty side and its resilience.

On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’ a poor little baby child is born. In the ghetto.

While I’ll be glad to take Frank’s advice again that if I do go down to South Chicago.

And I bump into Bad, Bad Leroy Brown to call him Sir.

No peon to Chicago can ignore the most notorious of gangsters Al Capone.

And brother what a night it really was and brother what a fight it really was.

When the cops and The Mob duked it out The Night Chicago Died.

My Kinda Town

But, of course, we all know that Chicago is alive and bustling which is why…

It’s Tuggin’ my sleeve, Chicago is
The Wrigley Building, Chicago is
The Union Stockyard, Chicago is.

And one more time… My Kind of Town.

And it’s already on my Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City playlist.

Countries, Culture, Deals, Europe

A room with a view in Firenze

6th June 2025 funtime65

It might be getting il cappello vecchio by now but every visitor owes it to themselves to demand a room with a view in Firenze.

The beauty of a classic novel, of course, is that characters are locked into that moment in say, asking for an upgrade.

Lucky them, you say, to get to stay in the Renaissance City eternally.

But then you’ll be looked after just fine too and get a view too at La Gemma.

Your Grand Tour

Now while Firenze is timeless it’s 40 years since the iconic A Room With A View dazzled us with its celebration of Tuscany.

A good reason then to channel our inner Forster and live the Grand Tour for ourselves.

Explore the iconic landmarks such as the Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore.

The enchanting Ponte Vecchio, a bridge lined with jewellery shops.

And Palazzo Strozzi, a Renaissance palace and modern art gallery.

One of the finest examples of Florentine culture is Via de’ Tornabuoni.

Which features high-end boutiques and designer ateliers.

Along with the Palazzo Spini-Ferroni, which houses the Ferragamo Museum.

La Gemma gem

Seeing A Room With A View is our entry point here a bit more about our featured hotel, La Gemma.

It’s an exquisite boutique property located within the 19th-century Palazzo Paoletti overlooking La Via Calimala.

The interior reflects the beauty of the cathedral, using a palette of vibrant greens, powder pinks, and gentle ivories.

Complemented by bold geometric patterns, opulent marbles, sumptuous textiles, and bespoke furnishings.

Suite getaway

The rooms and suites exude an air of relaxed luxury with a touch of old-school glamour with Art Deco references.

Seen in the handcrafted king-size beds, finished in muted shades of green and pink velvets.

A silk feature wall adds warmth and interest to the space.

The impeccably presented rooms are adorned with vibrant textiles, Italian bed linens, and bathrobes by Rivolta Carmignani.

The marble bathrooms, furnished by Devon & Devon, feature ceramics by Gio Ponti.

A Tuscan romance

For a truly romantic experience, choose a Room with a View overlooking the historic streets of Florence below.

La Gemma boasts many unique and elegant options, with some featuring private balconies.

Truly a room with a view in Firenze.

And we found a room for £505 per night with flights from our airport here in Edinburgh with British Airways for £533.04.

Countries, Europe, Music

Rhapsodise about La Boheme

2nd June 2025 funtime65

The Czech monks suspended sympathy for the poor consumptive heroine on stage, to coif Champagne and rhapsodise about La Boheme.

In the Prague State Opera House bar at the interval during Puccini’s masterpiece.

We’d met over Pilsener and goulash at the Strahov Monastery days before.

No stuffiness here in the Czech capital then nor in Giacomo Puccini’s homeland of Tuscany.

Where the great composer is being celebrated at the 71st iteration of his own festival.

At the Gran Teatro in Torre del Lago Puccini in the commune of Viareggio on the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli.

The people’s theatre

Toast of Prague: And the Strahov Monastery

Opera in Italy and Central Europe is very much for the people.

As we found in churches with the locals on folding chairs in Venice and Rome.

So wear your penguin suits and cocktail dresses if you will but you’ll be in the minority.

This year’s festival is a feast for the senses as you would expect.

Nights at the opera

Stage is set: And a poor consumptive femme

With La Boheme, A Gala with Anna Netrebko, Tosca, Turandot, Madama Butterfly, Manon Lescaut.

A site specific Suor Angelica in the sculpture park, chamber concerts, dance, and a tribute to Ennio Morricone.

So if you’ve got a spare 17 evenings, or even a portion of that, you can channel Puccini.

Right here where he lived and composed.

In what he called ‘the peace of my soul’ his villa.

Flyinair to Casa Puccini

It is now a museum managed by the Simonetta Puccini Foundation.

And the village has carried its most famous resident’s name since 1938.

Now Torre del Lago Puccini is easily accessible.

Just 15km from the Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa, close enough really for you to hear any Fat Lady sing.

We found a round trip from our nearest airport Edinburgh with Ryanair but it’ll doubtless apply to you too, from £92.

And if you want to show off just how bohemian you are then you can Rhapsodise about La Boheme on board.

America, Countries, Music

Happy Lafayette

27th May 202527th May 2025 funtime65

A long time ago before you was born dude when I was single and life was great I hung on Paul Simon’s every word… and learned about Happy Lafayette.

Now swap Paul’s ‘travelling salesman’ for selling travel and we’re just different sides of the same coin.

The great lyricist was sharing happy vibes about Cajun and Creole culture, zydeco music and the Louisianan locale.

And all that, long before it was named Happiest City in the USA by the Wall Street Journal’s Market.com.

Paul Simon’s jazzy paean to the Louisiana jewel popped back into this mush of a mind of mine.

Ahead of World Wellness Day on June 16.

On the back of our Louisiana pals flagging up the best places to chill.

On the trail of Simon’s Lafayette

Now, in the best traditions of American songsmiths Rhymin’ Simon gives us a mailman’s route through his hits.

You see he was standing on the corner of Lafayette after all, State of Louisiana.

Across the street from The Public/Heading down to the Lone Star Cafe.

Now through this great travelling community of ours I sought out Mr Jumbo’s advice for the aforementioned hot spots.

Only to find that our salesman was either trippin’ or being transported through the music.

From Lafayette Street, in Simon’s native New York, where these iconic venues buzz, to the Lafayette in Cajun country.

Louisiana jazz has that effect on you, it trumpets you to the heart of the Deep South.

Marching in

So for Paul Simon’s Clifton Chenier, the King of the Bayou, I’ve been drinking in the sounds of Louisiana and the Sazerac.

On annual trips to the American Travel fair which will be hotfooting its way back to The Big Easy in the coming years.

Until then I’ll let myself be transported by the Louisiana delegation and their famous IPW breakfasts.

Their jambalaya, Sazeracs and the New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band marching us into the conference hall.

To run us through why you’ll come away feeling all kinds of wellness.

And those Sazeracs too will likely make you feel like you’re in Happy Lafayette.

Countries, Music

Nobody is left behind

17th May 2025 funtime65

Our travel corps are a band of brothers and sisters and nobody is left behind.

Which is why our prayers go out today for my old colleague and former Irish Travel Writer of the Year Philip Nolan who is in hospital.

Peripatetic Philip took ill in the Vatican while covering the passage of the Popes.

And is now back in Co. Wexford recuperating and readying himself for his next working assignment.

Flyin’ Ryanland

My old pal has, of course, been all around the world chronicling major events and destinations.

In his own inimitable style.

And nowhere more so than in his best-seller Ryanland.

Where Philip flew to all of the low-fare airline’s routes around Europe.

Writing in rib-tickling fashion about the Ryanair passengers he met along the way.

Much of which is familiar to all of us who have flown with the airline which transformed travel.

And allowed us to visit countries whose names we might only know from World Cups, Olympic Games and Eurovision.

Douze points Philip

Our pal Philip is synonymous among the Irish public with The Biggest Music Show on Earth.

For his acerbic pen pics on the competitors and their countries.

All, as with everything in the Nolan notebook coming from a place of love and knowledge.

From his travels to the four corners of the continent.

Often getting beyond the tourist hotspots by driving around the country.

To road test the latest model for his always entertaining Motoring Page.

Say a little prayer

I’ll be raising a glass of red to Philip tonight as I watch Eurovision.

And like the passengers on the plane to Lourdes he so joyfully celebrates in Ryanland.

Say a rosary and cheer for the safe landing and return because nobody is left behind.

Countries, Europe, Ireland, Music

Dustin down my Eurovision past

16th May 202516th May 2025 funtime65

And with the glitterball up and the party in full flow I’ve been Dustin down my Eurovision past.

And showing everyone who is piling around the house my photo of The Turkey in my Big Book of Celebs.

The Eurovision circus has rolled into Basel in Switzerland this week and hoteliers and hospitality providers have been gleefully counting their francs.

There is a premium, of course, whenever a major event turfs up at any city as any conurbation that Taylor Swift graced with her presence last year will know.

And a cost too to the state broadcaster and the country to putting on the Greatest Music Show on Earth.

Which is why the common consensus in Ireland is that the contest’s most successful country (alongwith Sweden now) wouldn’t want to host it again.

Host with the most

And cynics say that is the reason why Ireland’s contenders haven’t maybe been up to the standards.

Of Dana, Johnny Logan, Linda Martin, Niamh Kavanagh, Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan, and Eimear Quinn.

Dustin’s big moment before he met Yours Truly in a newspaper office in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 was in Belgrade.

When he trilled out Irelande Douze Pointe and alas didn’t manage to persuade the judges to agree.

Not that Eurovision gave him the bird altogether inviting him back for a special appearance at the Liverpool-hosted Ukraine event two years ago.

Feathers fly

Dustin, of course, has never let his feathers be clipped throughout his 36-year musical, and political, career.

And he has duetted with greats of the Irish scene in Chris de Burgh as Christy Burger for Patricia the Stripper.

And paired up with Ronnie Drew and the Saw Doctors for Spanish Lady and Bob Geldof for Rat Trap.

While his political ambitions have seen him compete as Dustin Hoffman in the 1997 Irish Presidential Elections.

And championing the Fianna Fowl and Poultry Party with policies such as ensuring every young person gets a date with a Spice Girl or Pussycat Doll.

All stories I’ll impress our guests when I’m Dustin down my Eurovision past between songs in the final.