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Mais oui Nantes is looking up

2nd July 20252nd July 2025 funtime65

And while we believe nobody’s place on a pedestal is ever permanent let’s big up French public art and say mai oui Nantes is looking up.

The city we’re told has given carte blanche ‘to all manner of artists to reveal, interpret and transform the town.

Through 15 additional public art installations along the enriched permanent arts trail.

Defying gravity

Oh baby: Cerny’s Climbing Babies in Prague

Now as you will be we were stopped in our tracks especially by Ivan Argote’s Antipodos at each end of Rue Marechal-Joffre.

He says he was inspired by ‘archaic visions of people from the ends of the Earth’.

And we’re reminded here of Tomas Cerny’s iconic Babies climbing the Tower structure in Prague.

Two everyman defy gravity with one scaling a facade and another the Louis XVI column.

With the statue of Le Roi vanishing through a mirrored illusion that reflects the sky.

Prompting reflection on the presence of monarchic power in public space.

Not sure we quite understand what’s going on but we’re all for the intention behind it.

Best seen for yourself, as is the architecture for which Nantes is probably best known.

Flying Machines

Les Machines de l’ile is the western French city’s calling card.

This completely original artistic project sits at the crossroads of Jules Verne’s imagined universes, Leonardo da Vinci’s mechanical world and Nantes’ industrial history.

All on the site of the city’s former shipyards.

In the Galeries des Machines you’ll see a two-tonne Spider, a Heron with an eight-metre wingspan, a Giant Hummingbird , a Sloth, Lovebirds, a Chameleon and a Butterfly Warm all coming to life.

Then there’s the Great Elephant.

A 12 metre-tall mechanical pachyderm (no, us neither) connecting the Galerie des Machines to the Marine Worlds’ Carousel.

Which is a 360 degrees theatre and mechanical aquarium across three levels.

From the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sea.

Green for go

Sideway glance: The gravity-defying Antipodos

Now to enjoy the full city experience, and we’re noticing here too that it gives you access to the Nantes Vineyard Museum and all in its 50-site package, sign up for the Pass Nantes.

The Green Line is a 12-mile trail which can be accessed a pied, or on foot, by tramway and by bus and river ferry.

Le Voyage a Nantes runs until August 31 and Ryanair flies there from Manchester, Bournemouth and London from £14.99.

And, of course, Dublin from €50.

Bon Voyage et c’est vrai mais oui Nantes is looking up.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sport

Hungaroaring with F1 specialists Keith Prowse

27th June 202527th June 2025 funtime65

Our Magyar mates have come a long way since Communist Brabants so go Hungaroaring with F1 specialists Keith Prowse.

Formula 1 is the marquee sports watch with a titular film starring Brad Pitt with input from Lewis Hamilton the early summer hit.

And as inclusive an experience as the big screen is there is nothing like seeing the fast cars fly by in front of your eyes.

As a symbol of bougie capitalism and consumerism nothing is quite as va-va-voom as Grand Prix.

So it was a sign, though we might not have seen it then, that Communism was going off the tracks.

When Budapest became the first city behind the Iron Curtain to come over to the other side and host a Grand Prix in 1986.

Motoring Magyars

Although technically it had been at the front of the grid as early as 1936, albeit for three teams of three cars each.

That Bernie Ecclestone’s geopolitical breakthrough came at the expense of Russia.

And that could only have excited ordinary Magyars even more.

All of which has put eyeballs on the magnificent Magyar city on the Danube.

And that gets the thumbs-up from us.

After soaking up Budapest in the spring with loveholidays.

We turn to KP though when it comes to the specialist sports market and you should too.

To access their decades of experience in motorsport hospitality and event travel.

They offer ‘Ticket Only’ and expertly curated ‘Hotel & Ticket Inclusive’ packages.

For every race on the calendar with Hungary always a roaring success with sports tourists.

And the first of the three packages here that KP are offering.

And they’re doing the heavy lifting and we are showcasing.

Hungry for driving

Hungarian Grand Prix – Budapest
Set at the challenging Hungaroring circuit, this is a firm favourite among fans.

Thanks to its technical demands, intense atmosphere and dramatic on-track battles.

Ticket Only: General Admission Weekend tickets from €349pp
Hotel & Ticket Package: 3 nights from Friday 01 August 2025 in a 3* or 4* hotel with General Admission Weekend ticket from €949pps
Upgrades available to Apex 1 or 2, Podium, Paddock Club, and more

Sing for the Grand Prix

Singapore Grand Prix – Marina Bay Street Circuit
F1’s original night race delivers an electric fusion of racing and entertainment in the heart of the city.

With a spectacular backdrop of skyline and sound.

Ticket Only: Zone 4 Walkabout Weekend tickets from €279pp
Hotel & Ticket Package: 3 nights from Friday 03 October 2025 in a 3* hotel with Zone 4 Walkabout Weekend ticket from €582pps
Upgrades available to Marina Bay, Pit Grandstand, Champions Club, Paddock Club and more

Neon lights

Las Vegas Grand Prix – Las Vegas Strip Circuit
An adrenaline-filled night race through the bright lights of the Strip, this Grand Prix combines speed, glamour and the vibrant energy of Neon City.

Ticket Only: Sphere General Admission Weekend tickets from €795pp
Hotel & Ticket Package: 3 nights from Thursday 20 November 2025 in a 3* hotel with Sphere General Admission Weekend ticket from €1130pps
Upgrades available to West Harmon Zone, Sphere Grandstands, Main Grandstand, Skybox Main and more

And KP say that these and many more grand prix destinations and package options are available.

Although we’d get you going with Hungaroaring with F1 specialists Keith Prowse.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Star in your own Love Island on Mallorca

26th June 202526th June 2025 funtime65

Who says you can’t star in your own Love Island on Mallorca… not us nor Zafiro Hotels who are reopening their temple to the body adults-only in the Balearics.

The Zafiro Alzinar Mar will be open to those over 16+ in the tranquil seaside town of Ca’n Picafort, just moments from Playa de Muro and the S’Albufera Nature Reserve.

Well away from the preening poseurs in the Love Island villa.

In your comfort zone

Zafiro tell us that the resort has 128 reimagined suites embracing clean, contemporary aesthetics with soft island tones, sun-drenched terraces, and options for private pools.

Signature Junior Suites with Private Pools offer complete privacy and barefoot luxury, while outdoor spaces include a central swimming pool and a serene chill-out pool, designed for quiet moments.

All’s wellness

For those seeking more than just sun-lounging, the hotel’s brand-new semi-Olympic pool, state-of-the-art gym and outdoor CrossFit zone provide all the facilities for an energising break.

Daily activities include yoga, aquagym, and aerobics, all included in the Zafiro Fit & Sports programme.

While the fully renovated spa invites guests to detox with a Turkish bath, sauna, and signature treatments including deep tissue and hot stone massages.

You like a cycle, well there’s a dedicated bike station, repair workshop, and easy access to scenic coastal routes position.

Gastronomic delights

The à la carte lunches at the Sage&Olive Restaurant boast the best Mallorcan dishes and tapas, while there is an Asian-Mexican fusion buffet at the Es Mercat Restaurant.

The Wet Bar, a guest favourite, invites swimmers to sip handcrafted cocktails without ever leaving the water.

Sustainable, Local, and Authentic

You can keep this: Love Island along the road

Reflecting the global trend for slow, conscious travel, Zafiro Alzinar Mar places emphasis on local sourcing and authentic island experiences.

The hotel’s setting near the nature reserve and ancient necropolis of Son Real also allows guests to reconnect with Mallorca’s heritage.

While the nearby towns of Muro and Sa Pobla offer insights into traditional island life, far from the crowds.

Room Rates at Zafiro Alzinar Mar start at £85 per night for a double room (B&B)

The ultimate Mallorcan R&R and not a glimpse from overamorous wannabe Love Islanders.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Pipes of peace in Turkey

25th June 202525th June 2025 funtime65

Not in front of the children, but in my defence I was just smoking the pipes of peace in Turkey.

The Son and Heir was full of awe and anticipation, which gladly has never left him, when we enjoyed a lads day on a family holiday in Bodrum in Turkiye.

While Herself and the Daughterie hit the hammam we headed for the marketplace.

Where He had made his mark on the first day when we turned around to see him lifted aloft because the locals took him as one of their own.

On account of his abbreviated name Ally, for Alasdair.

By Hookah by crook

Now following the mantra of When In Rome I jumped in for a Hookah pipe in the cafe.

And crossed my legs and my fingers as my previous experience of smoking foreign objects abroad had ended badly.

When I took a ‘whitey’ and had to bolt for the toilet door in the Amsterdam brown cafe.

Which for reasons best known only to the proprietor only he could release, with a button under the counter.

There are no such fears with a Hookah pipe.

Although there are the same warnings that go with cigarette smoking.

Holy smoke

My cup of tea: Wash it down with a glass of Turkish tea

Being a non-smoker I would like to think the very rare dabble when I’m in Arabic countries won’t damage this temple I call a body permanently.

And you do feel like a local sucking on the pipe and maybe playing backgammon with the locals as I did too in Jordan.

All of which reminisces came to mind as my old go-to holiday providers loveholidays put out their €500 off selected holidays.

To hundreds of destinations, until July 6, stretching from Spain to Turkiye to Miami and Thailand.

And to sweeten the deal, those who take advantage of the sale will be entered into a draw to win back the value of their holiday.

And they’ll also receive a €50 voucher to redeem against their next great getaway.

Which can go to your next trip out to the land of the whirling dervish to smoke the pipes of peace in Turkey.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sport

In a pickle you’ll love all these breaks

21st June 2025 funtime65

So if you’re in a pickle about a sporting activity holiday this summer you’ll love all these breaks.

Our interest in pickleball was pricked by the makeshift court in the conference hall of the American travel fair IPW in Chicago.

Complete with classes although anybody who has mastered tennis will take to its easier sister sport.

Tennis ticked after being tutored by no less a figure than Judy Murray in Quinta do Lago in Portugal it must be time for a new skill.

Particularly as it cuts out the most challenging aspect of tennis, the serve, with pickleball players only serving underhand.

Serving up a treat

The offshoot sport which began in the back yards of Washington State in the US is 60 years old this year.

And Solos travel providers have introduced pickleball to their roster.

With a week-long pickleball break in Portugal.

At the site of the Portuguese National Pickleball Championships.

You’ll be assigned a Solos Tour Leader.

And enjoy daily play, from fun morning sessions to extended afternoon matches, all tailored for social and competitive players.

You’ll stay at the four-star Prime Energize Hotel near Monte Gordo Beach.

With spa and wellness facilities, a beach club, and cultural excursions to nearby Tavira, Cacela Velha, and more.

A seven-night Algarve Pickleball trip, departing 1 November, costs £2,269pp on a half board basis with flights.

Anyone for tennis

If you’re old school, Solos, of course, caters handsomely for tennis fans.

With an all-inclusive week at the stylish 4* AP Adriana Beach Resort.

With an adults-only pool, a massage at the on-site spa, or stroll to the beach.

A seven-night Tennis in Western Algarve trip departs on 22 March, 2026, £1,869pp all-inclusive basis with flights.

Advantage Corfu

Evergreen Corfu is a sports nut’s ideal destination with even a cricket pitch in Corfu town.

But it is that other staple of the summer which is our focus here.

And the Grecotel Luxme Daphnila Bay Hotel.

Overlooking Dassia Bay and the Ionian Sea, there is a range of off-court activities.

From mountain biking to pedal boats.

The seven-night Corfu Tennis trip departs on 6 October, costing £1,995pp all-inclusive with flights.

Join our club

Pictures of pickle: And Solos are all over it

While for club level players Solos offers a week in Campo Internacional Maspalomas, Gran Canaria.

Staying at the Kumara Serenoa by Lopesan Hotel, you’ll enjoy five mornings of organised tennis at the Conde Jackson Maspalomas Tennis Club.

And friendly matches with your new Solos pals.

A seven-night Gran Canaria Tennis trip departs on 15 November, costing £1,795pp all-inclusive with flights.

So if you’re looking for a racquets break don’t get in a pickle you’ll love all these breaks.

Countries, Deals, Europe

See Naples and fly

9th June 20259th June 2025 funtime65

And not just because of Scotland footballer McMaradona but because of Aer Lingus’s summer sale we want to see Naples and fly.

Vidi what we’ve done there playing with the aphorism ‘See Naples and die’.

Said to have been coined by the German renaissance writer Goethe to mark the southern Italian city’s beauty.

Naples, of course, is renowned too as the home of pizza.

And, of course, the Neapolitans’ dish is as far removed from a Domino’s as two dishes with the same name can be.

Pizza napulitana

Only there’s the rub Neapolitans call their delicacy pizza napoletana or in the vernacular pizza napulitana.

Now true pizza lovers will recognise their napulitana by its soft, thin dough with high edges.

And it’s pomodorini del Piennolo del Vesuvio, tomatoes fresh off the volcanic plains to the south of Mount Vesuvius.

While the cheese traditionally must be mozzarella di bufala campana.

Apizza variation on a theme

Now as is the way pizza the Neapolitan diaspora took their food habits with them to the New World.

And you can enjoy as many varieties as there is food although the Neapolitans who settled down on the east coast will beg to differ.

Particularly the enclave in New Haven, Connecticut who preserved the old tradition of Apizza (pronounced Ah Beats).

With Sally’s Apizza the upper crust of pizza in New Haven and I (and Frank Sinatra) can testify to that!

Of course, you might say that travelling from Britain to New England is the long way round for Neapolitan pizza.

All roads lead to Naples

And you’d be right but who says you can’t do both.

Particularly with Aer Lingus to Boston, the capital of New England, a well-trodden path.

But, of course, Naples while not exactly on our doorstep is only three and a half hours airport to airport.

From where you can put all thoughts of home Domino’s behind you with a pan (our collective noun) of pizza parlours.

While you can eat on the go by ordering a pezzo (a slice of pizza) out of any outlet which is what the Italians do.

Set sale

The Aer Lingus offer is up to 20% off fares & bags to destinations across Europe and the UK.

It is a limited time sale until June 17, for travel from August 1 to October 22.

So get a slice of the action… well the airline did pick Pizza City out for special mention.

And you’re welcome for offering you the tagline See Naples and Fly.

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, Cruising, Deals, Europe

Monaco Grand Prix at sea

25th May 202525th May 2025 funtime65

It’s the ultimate in affluence… the Monaco Grand Prix at sea.

Because while the sporting action today is around the streets the partying is on the superyachts in the harbour.

And you too can arrive in style off shore on your eight-night ROL all-inclusive cruise for next year’s race.

You’ll fly out from London to Nice on June 1 and overnight at a 4* hotel before transferring to the Azamara Journey.

And a cruise around Italy, the Cote D’Azur and the Balearics, starting in Santa Margherita, a take-off point for trips to Cinque Terre.

And taking in the Gulf of Poets, where Byron and Shelley hung out, in Portovenere, and Firenze and Pisa.

All revved up

Before you head for Villefranche, France to join the starting grid in Monte Carlo and head back after the action.

To partying on your bells and whistles ship.

After all that wining and dining and schmoozing you’ll want an easy cruise… down to Palma, Mallorca.

Before heading back to the party port of Barcelona for your flight back to London.

So, the ideal way to make your grand entrance for the grand prix in Monaco.

Le Grand Tour

And certainly a more leisurely way to leave the party than my first grand depart from Saint-Raphael train station.

When I went AWOL in search of beer only to see the train take off with my pals shouting out of the carriage.

Naturellement, I used my initiative and hopped on the next one and a further train, ferry and overnight bus later.

I was back home in Ecosse where my pal Martin was very glad to hear me on the other end of the phone and not having to explain to my Dear Old Mum why I hadn’t come back with them.

Saving the best until last

Now your Club Oceanview cabin on the Azamara Journey comes in at £4,599 down from £5,449.

And includes return flights from London with regional and premium class flights available on request and overseas transfers.

While there is also an exclusive complimentary on board spend of up to $400 for Club Oceanview Staterooms and above.

All to make your cruise experience special with a Monaco Grand Prix at sea at its centre.

Central America, Countries, Deals, Flying

Now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin

21st May 202521st May 2025 funtime65

I’ve done the Guadalaharry ole, hung with The Three Caballeros and sung Mariachi so I reckon I’m Mex-ready now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin.

Guadalaharry’s was my first introduction to American working life.

If you discount being pressganged into moving dumpsters at the back of my aunt’s business The Irish Cottage in Queens.

A Mexican restaurant in Quincy Market in Boston back in the Eighties, I was employed as a bus boy .

And I was rewarded with a pittance and a cut of the waiters and waitresses’ tips.

And as well as clearing up the dishes and washing them I had to join the staff in celebrating customers’ birthdays.

Which involved Mariachi music and a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday ole, Happy Birthday ole, Happy Birthday from Harry’s, Happy Birthday oleeeeeeee.

Mariachi Murty

Not surprisingly the mariachi band who entertained us in Orlando years later hit their notes rather better.

And Donald Duck and the Three Caballeros at Epcot, well they have had years of practice.

While when it comes to Tex-Mex, well the San Antonians on the River Walk bandstand no doubt learned it at their mother’s knee.

And their love of Cerveza at their father’s.

A new Mexican wave

Because after all the Lone Star state of Texas is infused with Mexican heritage.

Where the lines have been blurred over the centuries and the best compromise of all is the sobriquet Tex-Mex.

Less well known probably is that Scots and Irish, my mixed bloods, enmeshed themselves in the rows between neighbours down in this part of the world.

With a bagpiper heralding the Battle of the Alamo and Irish emigrees too fighting to the death.

Today’s Scots and Irish head to Tex-Mex territory and the motherland for Tequila and Tacos and sun, sea, sand and sangria.

But up until today’s Aer Lingus announcement of direct routes from Dublin to Cancun that has involved circuitous stop-offs.

Ireland’s national carrier will operate three times weekly on the airline’s A330-300 aircraft, operating from 6 January to 29 April.

Cancun cookin’

Of course, if you want to wander from the Caribbean beaches, the region is also home to awe-inspiring archaeological sites.

Such as El Rey, Ichkabal, Coba, Kohunlich, El Meco, Chichén Itzá, and Tulum.

All of which offer a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s rich heritage.

And because we got a taste for the enchilada back then in Guadalaharry’s we’re keen to tuck into the local fare.

And Cancun offers a wide choice from the smoky, charred richness of grilled meats to the region’s iconic zesty ceviche.

From Lobster Pizza, Queso De Bola,crispy sweet Marquesitas or freshly made Guacamole.

Friends across the water

And all this as Ireland and Mexico mark the 50th anniversary.

Of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

So it’s Areeba, Areeba from us and now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin we know what we’ll be doing in 2026.

Particularly with flights to Cancun available from €291 each way, including taxes, fees and carrier charges.

America, Countries, Deals, Flying

Steel yourself Dublin for NFL touchdown

13th May 202513th May 2025 funtime65

The hour has arrived and Ireland is ready, so steel yourself Dublin for NFL touchdown with confirmation of a regular season game this autumn at Croke Park.

The big touchdown has been 30 years in the planning and will be a homecoming of sorts for the Rooney family, owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers who are rooted in Ireland.

Long-term American Football fans speak wistfully about the Pride of Pennsylvania, the Steelers’ visit to Dublin back in 1997 for a pre-season game against the Chicago Bears.

But there will be more than a passing connection too in the Minnesota Vikings through head coach Kevin O’Connell.

The Viking Irish

Despite the moniker Minnesota boasts a large Irish community.

Dating back to three demob soldiers in 1838, who will no doubt see the historic game as an opportunity to ‘come home.’

Minnesotans will, of course, be able to avail of direct routes from Minneapolis-Saint Paul with Aer Lingus.

One of 18 transatlantic routes it operates, and with pre-clearance.

Back in the late 19th century the flow of peoples was very much going westwards.

With Archbishop John Ireland a pied piper for Irish from the eastern seaboard and further afield.

The good cleric even attempted to settle his compatriots from the Old Sod.

In an area that reflected their roots, Connemara Patch around Graceville in 1880.

The immigrants who spoke only the Irish language struggled in the new colony.

Because of the cold but they were assimilated into greater Minnesota.

Minnesota mini-Ireland

Irish life and culture is rightly celebrated to this very day.

Every August the Irish Fair of Minnesota sees Irish-Americans come out in force for the craic.

Where you can dance, drink (this is Dyland and Prince’s state), sing and even learn how to play the bodhran (see picture). And all for free.

Being Irish too they take great pride in their St Paddy’s Day festivities in March in Saint Paul which date back as far as 1851.

When 300 waved the flag, made and listened to speeches.

And, of course, the Irish need little encouragement there, and fired a salute.

More surprising perhaps is the part played in early parades by The Irish Catholic Temperance Society.

With the 1956 iteration seeing the Benevolent Society of Erin host a dinner complete with toasts of cold water.

Croker is the real thing

Move aside: Croke Park, the home of the GAA

Thankfully these days since the revival of the parades in 1967, they have replaced the uisce (water) with uisce beatha (water of life/whiskey).

And now 100,000 revellers take to the streets with the Irish Music and Dance Association hosting dancing and live music.

All of which will be on display in Dublin’s Croke Park and throughout the city on Sunday, September 28.

Win lose or draw.

So steel yourself Dublin for NFL touchdown whether it’s Pittsburgh steel or the sharpness of a Minnesota Viking.

And for visitors from these shores to Minnesota-Saint Paul will shell out only €548.25 for flights with Ireland’s national airline carrier.