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Ici riders in France

29th March 202529th March 2025 funtime65

It turns out you don’t have to hit the Great Plains of the US to channel your inner cowboy they’re ici riders in France.

Because while long before the pilgrims and pioneers had ridden across the First Nations’ lands we’d been herding cows in the Old World.

And not any old equestrian either, only the rocking Romans and the cavalier Crusaders hoofed it around the known world.

These days horses are less functional more fun and we get there by all manners of mechanised modes.

Camargue cowboys

Notres amis at Le Boat is highlighting an unexpected European destination where cowboy culture thrives.

The Camargue region in the south of France is rightly proud of its expansive saltwater lagoons, golden beaches.

And wild white horses and flocks of pink flamingos.

Both of which I’ve encountered on my travels.

Although Issy, the mare who guided me around the Colorado plains was more a mild horse than a wild one.

Saddle up

The Camargue is an ideal location for a boating holiday.

With its access to explore fortress seaport cities such as Aigues-Mortes.

And that’s where you can while immerse yourself in its distinctive cowboy heritage.

Travellers can ride through the saline wetlands on horseback and discover unique wildlife along the way.

Guests can begin their Camargue cruising experiences at Le Boat’s base in Saint Gilles.

From where guests can set sail towards Aigues-Mortes.

Horsing around

Those Roy Rogers or Annie Oakleys among you will fancy the horse riding along the beach at La Grau du Roi.

Guided tours of Manade Saint Louis to witness bull sorting demonstrations by traditional Camargue cowboys.

And visits to the pink salt marshes of Salins.

Guests can also indulge in wine tastings at local sand vineyards or explore the Scamandre Nature Reserve on a guided tour.

Cruises days are here again

A seven-night self-catered cruise in the Camargue on board a Cirrus B sleeps four.

It departs from and returns to Saint Gilles on April 19, priced from £919/£230 pp (was £1,289, saving £370).

No experience is required, of boating or horses as they’re ici riders in France.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Why Wroclaw dwarfs other bigger names

24th March 202524th March 2025 funtime65

And not just because we’ve pals on the ground and Click & Go are pitching it as here’s why Wroclaw dwarfs other bigger names.

The millennium-old Polish city on the border of Czechia and Ukraine came onto our radar.

When Asia, Wojtek and their sons arrived in Ireland at the same time as us.

Pierogi and vodka

Part of the great Polish diaspora during the Celtic Tiger when fares encouraged Poles to head to the Emerald Isle.

Now as well as being introduced to the joys of pierogi dumplings. and Polish vodka.

We learned too of Wrocław’s biggest calling card.. its dwarves.

Spelling it out

Long and short of it: Dwarves everywhere

As is the way with Eastern European societies behind the Iron Curtain people found innovative ways of opposing the system.

And so in Wroclaw activists started drawing dwarves on the walls where their graffiti had been painted over by the authorities.

With the Orange Alternative Movement organising a counter-culture response to brutalist Soviet red and star architecture.

By the time the Poles had sent the Russians homeward tae think again in the 90s there was no need for subterfuge.

The 500

And the Wrowclavians decided to build up a dwarf force of wee bronze people to replace The Red Army.

Starting with Papa Krasnal in 2001 which you do the math means next year will be the 25th anniversary of the first dwarf statue.

Artist Tomasz Moczek weighed in with five more in 2005 and now there are believed to be more than 500 in the town.

Including a prison dwarf, a selfie dwarf, a computer dwarf, a Martin Luther dwarf and even a dwarf orchestra.

Click on it

Our friends at Click & Go are offering us a package to Wroclaw from €269pps.

For three nights at the 4-star Scandic Wroclaw Hotel.

With flights from Dublin to Wroclaw.

Now you can try to find all the dwarves yourself.

But better sign up for a two-hour Wroclaw: Following the dwarfs tour at £29.79.

Wroclaw is not short of historical tours while it also runs an Auschwitz excursion and food and culinarily experiences.

Plenty of reasons there then why Wroclaw dwarfs other bigger names.

America, Countries, Deals, Europe, Flying

Green for go for Paddy Day deals

13th March 202517th March 2025 funtime65

Taoiseach Micheál Martin was punching his weight in the White House in raising Ireland’s plane prowess… and here ain’t it green for go for Paddy Day deals?

The Micheál, over in Washington DC for the annual presentation of the shamrock, and The Donald did bants across court.

All smiles: The Donald and The Micheál. http://www.bbc.co.uk

With the President talking up Irish UFC champ Conor McGregor and his tatts.

And inviting Micheál to cite his Irish boxing dad and arranging a reunion at his own golf resort at Doonbeg. Co. Clare.

Ireland’s greatest exports

The Taoiseach was, of course, over in the US to promote Ireland and he was quick to promote its aviation industry.

With Ryanair and AerCap taking Seattle Boeings.

As a proud son of the Great Diaspora I gladly endorse that Ireland’s greatest export is, of course, its people.

And St Paddy’s Day and its promotions get bigger every year.

Ireland’s low-budget airline Ryanair is offering 20% or more on select hotels.

Book by 21 March for travel until 8 September.

The US of Aer

And if it’s North America you want then the national airline carrier is offering travel to its destinations.

Including its newest destinations, Nashville, beginning on 12 April and Indianapolis from May 3.

The Aer Lingus St Patrick’s Day Sale comes in at €249 each way as part of a return trip.

With the offer running to March 21 for travel during May, June, and September.

Ireland rocks: The Donald and The Micheál

Aer Lingus flies 16 direct routes from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to North America.

And so it’s a big thank you to Taoiseach Micheál Martin and to our Irish airline providers.

For making it green for go for Paddy Day deals.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Budapest you’ll be the ruin of me

12th March 202517th March 2025 funtime65

Four days spent in the heart of Hungary on our loveholidays and InterContinental Hotel fact-finding mission and the verdict… Budapest you’ll be the ruin of me.

We are back where we started our first night, Szimpla Kert ruin bar, and if the mood tonight is yoga mat sleepy then so are we.

On account of our red eye back to Edinburgh.

Szimpla Kert is the granddaddy of romkocsmas, or ‘simple gardens’.

Repurposed shabby chic spaces and cellars rescued after the Cold War.

Alley cats

Szimpla is more of an alleyway of social life and interaction.

Bars, concert spaces, eateries, art spaces, a library, a farmers and bicycle flea market.

Although on quieter days at the start of the week, its core business, the serving of drinks, does demand patience of a tourist.

Which means my little wine drinker is directed to The Wine Bar snug because none of the other dozen bars sell rosé.

A sign above the bar reads ‘Back in ten minutes’ which we learn is a ‘Hungarian ten minutes’, akin to Caribbean island time.

Not that we’d deny the barkeeps their quiet time seeing first hand the throngs who pass through on weekend nights.

When we catch an ambient singer and a standards foot-stomper banging out Adele and Florence Welch on International Women’s Day.

The hideaways

For first-timers of whom we count ourselves in the number the search for new adopted Hungarian beers stretches beyond Szimpla.

To a ruin bar whose front challengingly is described as being hidden behind foliage.

Now if your billet is on the Danube front you’ll be asked to build up a thirst with a half-hour walk to Potkulcs.

But to make your time work for you perhaps visit the House of Terror, the fascists and communists’ torture hub, on your way.

On a balmy night you may want to sup your Soproni IPA which comes in cheaper than the Szimpla hot spot.

But we’d recommend you to enjoy the interior and the clutter of artefacts and graffiti art inside… and the local characters.

You snooze you loos

For a ruin bar meets Paris cafe culture and it is a cafe serving breakfasts or brunches by day, we follow the Danube.

Left of our InterCon hotel. and hang another left to the Csendes Letterem.

Where we nibble on olives and tortilla chips and fill our bellies and bladders before, of course, nature calls.

Now it is part of the adventure and the mischief of ruin bar owners to funk up their loo doors and interiors.

And the Csendes Letterem proudly boasts of its success in stumping customers who end up asking where the rest rooms are?

And of course it doesn’t take much to dupe me but I’m game.

Even if Budapest you’ll be the ruin of me.

Meet you on the ut

No place like foam: Three fingers of foam

We’ve been spending four days in the Hungarian capital with loveholidays, staying in the Danube front InterContinental (£1,099 for two).

I’ve been keeping you updated between goulash, Soproni IPA, hot chocolate and Chimney Cake, history and baths on our progress.

And I’ll put it all together in a review when I shake off the red eye but meantime.

MEET YOU ON THE UT

Countries, Deals, Europe

Bath time in Budapest

11th March 202517th March 2025 funtime65

Bath time in Budapest and there is no shortage of options to take a dip.

Szechenyi Baths though is the most popular for a reason.

With its 15 indoor baths and three outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, a rooftop spa greenhouse and a beer spa.

It is 8am though when we arrive, Szechenyi (£20pp) opens at 7am and closes its doors at 8pm, and I’m done with beery breakfasts.

Or Brut brekkies too with that option open at my billet at the InterContinental Hotel on the Danube front.

Breadth of bathing options

With the breadth of bathing options on hand it would be easy to lose your partner… and, of course, I did.

We have a history of miscommunication as any married couple will recognise.

And we agree to meet at the outdoor pool after my sauna.

My little mermaid is no fan of the rocks and had even taken but one breath of the steam room before taking flight.

But we had shared both outdoor pools, gently warm, and warmer.

And at least half a dozen of the inner ones and jacuzzis on the right as we you enter back in from the outside.

She’s hot and she’s cold

Masochist that I am I tiptoed into the freezing cold ones.

Just as I had done in the Czechia Spa Triangle back in the day.

And almost as quickly leapt straight back out.

The baths are, of course, carefully monitored and measured to be of staggered temperatures.

So don’t be alarmed if a member of staff sticks a thermometer in near the step where you’re sat.

The temperature was certainly rising as having dipped my toe in the indoor pools and taken my sauna I repaired to our rendezvous.

Only to find that there was no sign of my little mermaid who could only be spending more time inside.

Trunks and disorderly

Now an hour in the hotter of the two pools outside surrounded by all God’s creatures, fat, slim, tattooed et al.

I took matters into my own hands.

And returned inside, my stars and stripes swimming shorts clinging to my skin, shouting Her name.

Only to find her outside, at the other outdoor pool, outside the cafe, clothed, eating a snack and drinking a coffee.

Water on the brain

Of course, had the middle lanes pool been open as we’d hoped my little mermaid would have been there eating up the laps.

As with such matters I put the misunderstanding down to water on the brain.

Now they say the human body possesses 60% water.

And after more than three hours in this H2O heaven I reckon I’m up to 80%.

Not that I’m complaining as I’ve never been so clean and reckon I won’t need another dip for the rest of the year.

After my bath time in Budapest.

Bathed and beautiful

Now our four-day loveholidays city break to the Hungarian capital, flying with Ryanair and staying at the InterContinental for two (£1,099) is drawing to a close.

And we’ll share the last knockings with you, only not now as we need our sleep with a redeye in the morning.

And no time even for a sink wash.

Countries, Deals, Europe

My Budapest hovercraft is full of eels

8th March 202517th March 2025 funtime65

The Hungarian phrasebook has been updated since Monty Python days, not that there was ever the call to hear my Budapest hovercraft is full of eels.

Because for the next four days it will be the leisurely drift of pleasure liners out of my InterContinental Hotel window onto the River Danube.

All of which gets you in the mood for a swim and that is why my little mermaid has brought me here.

Only the blue Danube is for cruising and boozing and we will indulge… for research purposes you understand.

Now if the grand old river which winds majestically through the heart of Europe is the Hungarian capital’s artery.

Dip your toe in

Then the Szechenyi Baths are its beating heart.

With its 15 indoor baths and three outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, a rooftop spa greenhouse.

And one we’ll definitely sign up for is the 45-minute beer spa.

But that is for another day.

King of the castle

Having come in on the two and a half hour Ryanair red eye from Edinburgh.

On our loveholidays city break we need a reviving shower as we like them in the InterCon.

Before crossing the Danube from our Pest base for the Buda Castle.

Not that we’re recovered enough to tackle the heights.

Up, up and away

Instead we have that funicular in our sights.

And a goulash soup on the terrace and Magyar beer… we deserve it.

All served by the friendliest Hungarians, none of whom bristle when I say my Budapest hovercraft is full of eels.

We have come to Budapest from Edinburgh with loveholidays and Ryanair staying at the Intercontinental on the Danube.

For four days for £1,099.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Tulips from Noordwijk to Haarlem

26th February 202517th March 2025 funtime65

When it’s Spring again we’ll sing again tulips from Noordwijk to Haarlem.

Because while we rightly celebrate the awesome city of Amsterdam we should also get out and enjoy the rural bulb fields.

Which we first did 35 years ago at the riot of colour that is the flower market in the Dutch capital Den Haag.

Of course, the biggest market of all is the natural landscape of the Netherlands.

Hop on Le Boat

And what better way of savouring it than in a self-driven boat along the iconic Dutch canals?

Particularly when Le Boat is offering up £650 off any departure in 2025.

Valid on any boat except the new Liberty fleet, when booked between 26 February and 18 March 2025.

April marks the start of the boating season when the tulip comes into bloom with the centrepiece the Dutch Flower Parade.

Grand Classique

Gliding along the Dutch canals you’ll take in windmills and waterside villages.

With no experience needed, Le Boat’s self-drive cruisers can go at their own pace.

Le Boat encourages us to stop at traditional markets and soak up Dutch Easter traditions.

A seven-night self-catered stay in the Netherlands starts and finishes at Le Boat’s base in Vinkeeven.

On board a Grand Classique sleeping 10, arriving April 7, priced from £249pp/£2,049 per boat.

Which was £1,429, a saving of £2,699.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Dresden’s phoenix from the flames 80 years on

13th February 202513th February 2025 funtime65

It is unrecognisable from the embers of February 13, 1945 when Allied bombers set the jewel of Saxony on fire but look at it now… Dresden’s phoenix from the flames 80 years on.

As talk turns to reconstruction in Ukraine, and also Gaza, Dresden stands as an object lesson.

to the world of a people’s resilience and ambition to restore itself to its former glories.

Dignitaries gathered in the city’s most sacred spot, its Holy of Holies, the Frauenkirche to mark the date.

Including the British royal family’s Duke of York, who would have been nine when the bombs dropped and likely little aware even of where Dresden was.

Although we’re told that he has spent the last 30 years fostering links between the one-time enemies.

Building bridges

Perhaps the most symbolic example of building bridges (and yes, the Elbe crossings had to be reconstructed too) involved silversmith Alan Smith.

The son of one of the bomber pilots who had taken part on the raid over Dresden on the night of the 14th of February 1945.

Who we were told when we met too in the reconstructed Frauenkirche over a German travel fair.

To hear of how the orb on the top of the building was his tribute to the Dresdeners of 1945.

At Great Uncle Willie’s grave: In Flanders, Belgium

We’ve seen first hand how the fiercest foes have stretched out a hand to end enmity.

As British soldier Harry Patch did past his 100th birthday in Ieper, Flanders.

And we as nations have in a NATO which is showing signs of stress.

But which it must be remembered has ensured peace in Western Europe for 80 years.

Hand in hand

Giving praise for our peace and security that day back eight years now.

While listening to the pastor in the Frauenkirche we had no foresight of what was to come in Ukraine.

The Chookie Kent will do the Ich Bin Ein Dresdener and link arms with the human chain in Germany.

Just as hundreds do annually, standing hand in hand to form a protective ring in remembrance of those who died.

Back then on my visit to Dresden we celebrated the living.

Me and Ingrid, our tour guide whose mum had been woken that ill-fated evening when the Red Storm befell Dresden.

And we, a Brit and German embraced 72 years later, a testimony that not all enmities are everlasting.

Travel facts

Dome from home: In front of the Frauenkirche

How to get there: KLM Dublin to Dresden via Amsterdam €167 Return €157.

Where to stay: The Amedia Plaza hotel in the old city: B&B three nights €243-315 for business single in July.

America, Caribbean, Countries, Deals

Who want to be America’s 51st state

4th February 20254th February 2025 funtime65

Now Greenland and Canada certainly have something to say about it having been volunteered by The Donald but there are those out there who do want to be America’s 51st state.

Puerto Rico heads the queue of candidates for that extra star and they keep us continually updated with the many attractions on their Caribbean islands.

The commonwealth has been drawn into the American sphere of influence since the Big Country was granted authority following the Spanish-American War of 1898.

And its people have had US citizenhood since 1917.

All of which gives them various rights similar to statehood only rather simplistically it means their representatives are advisory.

While the pathway to statehood seems to have been stalled with previous referendums which have been in favour of joining the union also non-binding.

Enlightening Puerto Rico

Puerto Ricans also need US Congress and President Trump to sanction any request.

And, of course, on this matter, as in many, it is difficult to read The Donald.

With the 45th and 47th President distancing himself from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s ‘island of garbage’ comments at his rally.

Of course, we as travellers to America and the Caribbean want to know what Puerto Rico has to offer… and the answer is plenty.

Of the world’s best beaches for a start.

Now having seen the wonder that is bioluminescence in Tobago it’s well, an enlightening experience.

Glistening Mosquito Bay

Things are looking up: And a hammock too

And Puerto Rico has three bioluminescent bays, Laguna Grande, Mosquito Bay and La Parguerain, making up three of the world’s bioluminescent bays.

Where you can paddle or splash in the water to produce a glow-in-the-dark effect – attributable to dinoflagellates, a microscopic organism.

With Mosquito bay named the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world by The Guinness Book of World Records.

On the island of Vieques on the east of Puerto Rico.

Where visitors can enjoy the bay from clear-bottom kayaks, or by scuba diving.

So you can marvel at the neon blue-green patterns in the glistening water below.

Frogs’ symphony

Our Puerto Rican pals point us towards Finca Victoria ($380.41/£304.71 for two for a night) to stay.

And Virgin Atlantic offering return flights from £921.

Finca Victoria is an Ayurvedic Boutique Hotel & Panchakarma Retreat Centre, sat atop one of the island’s highest points.

Where you will be serenaded by the soothing symphony of the native Coqui frogs.

Puerto Rico is a leading destination for sustainability and all cabins, houses and treehouses feature organic, biodegradable mattresses.

Over to you, Mr President

While Finca Victoria’s wellness centre we’re told is rooted in ancient Indian medicine and built upon the Hindu Ayurvedic core principles of spirituality and healing.

So maybe not such an ‘island of garbage’ then Tony Hinchcliffe and The Donald would seem to agree with us.

And remember where you read it first if he does sign off on one of his famous executive orders.

With Puerto Rico for who want to be America’s 51st state.

Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe, Ships

No Flim-Flam follow the fjords up to the Arctic

1st February 2025 funtime65

And when you imagine what’s over the Arctic then you think… no Flim-Flam follow the fjords up to the Arctic.

Not that we’d change anything about our MSC cruise in Norway.

Well, maybe the fog that descended on the day trippers on the Flam railway.

And the only way to do that is to stay on the right side of the Norse gods.

Circle with Celebrity

Of course not even the great Norwegian railways can carry you as high as the Arctic.

So to get in among the ice you’ll need to cruise there.

But while it’ll be a slow boat to the Circle you’ll have to get your skates on to avail of the Celebrity Cruises 2025 offer.

With bonus savings of up to €600 per room that ends February 3.

You’ll spend 12 days on Celebrity Apex from €2,189pp on July 5.

Departing Southampton and easing yourself into your cruise with a day at sea.

Jazzing it up

Your first port of call will be Haugesund where each summer they jazz things up with a music spectacular and a film festival.

Which will get you in the mood for Flam,

Where you can rumble 2,800ft up the wilds of Norway.

Or kayak through the calm waters of the Aurlandsfjord.

Now it’s as well to have all the deities on your side and you’ll get that opportunity on Olden.

Visiting Olden Old Church, built in 1759 on the site of the original stave church dating back to the 14th century.

Northern Lights and Midnight Suns

You’ll spend a day at sea to get to its capital Tromso.

Prime location for Northern Lights spotters and cable car vistas.

Nicknamed ‘The Paris of the North’ Tromso has an enviable culinary scene.

And we’re advised to have a pint at Mack’s Ølhallen, one of the world’s northernmost breweries.

While for culture vultures Tromso is well-served.

With the Arctic Cathedral and its stained-glass window, the Tromsø Cathedral; the Polaria and Perspective museums.

Gateway to the Arctic

By Day 8 the anticipation will be up and you’ll be transfixed when you see Honningsvag on the island of Magerøya.

Tagged the Gateway to the Arctic Circle the fishing town was rebuilt after World War II.

And it is one of the best places to experience the ‘midnight sun.’

Turning round you’ll head to Molde, ‘the town of roses’.

And hike up to the Varden Viewpoint.

And take in the scenery of the Molde Panorama and 22 snow-capped mountains and sparkling fjords.

Take to the Pulpit

Stavanger will be your last stop-off before heading back to England.

So it’s good to know you’re not overdoing it on the hike.

To Pulpit Rock, the cliff rising over 1800ft above the sea, with views of the Lysefjord and the surrounding lush terrain.

Of course, you’ll be well-served on a Celebrity cruise but there’s a further cornucopia of options on land.

Including outstanding fish and mussels, with French American, Japanese, and Indian influences found throughout the city.

Now your final day will be your last chance to unwind with the R&R on board.

Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa and taste the delicacies or brush up on your putting (where else?)

Before arriving back on English terra firma.

And tell your friends and family not to Flim-Flam follow the fjords up to the Arctic.