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Lighthouses – the ideal getaway

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Lighthouses have always been a rich mine for storytellers.

I remember being captivated by the poem Flannan Isle by WW Gibson.

About three lighthouse keepers in the Outer Hebrides who disappeared without trace.

It was probably because I had to learn it by rote.

Rather than put me off though it merely infused my enthusiasm to stay in a lighthouse one day.

That day has still to come. But to get you in the mood you can always visit Hook Lighthouse in Co. Wexford.

Hook. the world’s oldest operational lighthouse, at 800 years, is taking part in the National Culture Night Celebrations on Friday.

*Beacon: Hook, the world’s oldest intact operational lghthouse*

There will be free 45-minute guided tours of the medieval tower, all 115 steps, at 5.30, 6pm, 6.30 and 7pm.

Complete with historical characters.

Each of the free places must be booked in advance on www.hookheritage.ie.

And one I prepared earlier

My first morning in the Eastern Cape in South Africa was a surprise, spent doing a tour of the Port Elizabeth lighthouse where I scaled the winding steps.

And built up a thirst… they had laid out a lovely picnic and wine on the ground floor.

For a Cape Recife, Lighthouse and Grysbok Nature Reserve 4 x 4 Tour then it’s http://www.alantours.co.za. And for another tour of the Eastern Cape, read my thoughts https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/home/whats-new-pussycat/.

And one for the Donald and the Angela

Now unless you’d been stranded out on a lighthouse then you’d have known that the G7 met in Biarritz last weekend.

Which means the Donald, the Angela, the Boris and the Emmanuel.

They would, of course, have stopped to look out at the frame-setting lighthouse.

And I don’t know for sure that they didn’t visit.

The lighthouse which was built in 1834 has 248 steps.

And it is worth it when you get to the top as it provides spectacular views of Biarritz and the Basque hinterland.

You want more spectacular impressions on the French Basque Country… you’ll want to read my review of Lourdes and the Pyrenees https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/the-lourdes-prayer-pyrenees/

And visit the site

And one with spider history

I think my kids would be resilient enough for the lighthouse life.

They passed the first test when they bounced back quickly from a choppy passage across to Rathlin Island from the North coast of Antrim.

Did we tell them to lay off the fizzy drinks and the chocolate yes.

Did they listen. They’re kids, so of course not.

But by the time we got on the island and picked up our bicycles they were back on track.

You’ve got to keep it tidy. Picture Bernie Brown/Tourism Ireland

We cycled up to the West Light http://www.visitorthernireland.com which shines 23 nautical miles out to sea from a quirky upside down lighthouse built into the cliff face.

And the spider bit. Well, Robert the Bruce is said to have taken inspiration from a spider weaving a web in a cave nearby.

Whether he said ‘if at first you don’t succeed then try, try, try again’ is questionable but it is writ into Scottish legend.

What is a matter of history though is that he pushed the English out of Scotland and reasserted Scottish independence.

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Holidos and don’ts – bathrooms

31st August 201931st August 2019 funtime65

An ill-chosen bathroom can spoil what I’ll grudgingly call Paradise… as can the lazy use of the word ‘Paradise’.

I used to ban my writers from employing the word at my last newspaper although that didn’t stop some contributors.

I mean unless they had actually been to Adam and Eve’s gaff then who’s to say whose Paradise is Paradise.

It is the biggest cliche in Travel and its original meaning has become diluted by overuse.

And you know what they say: avoid cliches like the plague.

So, back to bathrooms.

There are only two things I need in a bedroom… a good bed (there’s a clue in the name of the room) and a good bathroom.

Oddly it is no longer compulsory for there to be a bath in a bathroom.

If I were to choose the favourite bathroom I have stayed in I would definitely opt for Majorca.

Long after I’d got out (probably after an hour and a half) and returned home I was waxing lyrical about it.

Can I remember the name of the hotel? No! But it had a spectacular view of the Med. Perhaps you can find it for me http://www.infomallorca.net.

And jets. You press a button and it shoots out water.

It was so good I got out, dried myself down and got back in again.

Now, you don’t need to see pictures.

But you need to see these images.

In a hot tub in Sandals Hotel in Barbados https://www.sandals.co.uk/sandals-barbados/.

*Oi, your time is up. Photo by Jonathan Andrew on Pexels.com*

With the bottle of Champagne that they leave in your room every morning.

And a little birdie, Rihanna, who pops by too… although that might just have been me.

Duck your head in

You don’t have to go to Barbados for a good bath, although it IS Barbados http://www.visitbarbados.org. And this is what I thought https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/rihanna-in-barbados/ http://My Kiss with Rihanna

One of the best bath experiences I’ve had in this country is at the Powerscourt Hotel in Co. Wicklow .

Where I laid back with a malt whiskey and watched the Masters on the TV screen on the wall. http://Flowerscourt

While visitors to the North of Ireland will know all about Hastings Hotels’ schtick, their rubber ducks, among them Rory Quackilroy http://www.hastingshotels.com.

And let me tell you how good Hastings are and how my stay at the Grand Central was https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/belfastvanmorrison/

I have my collection, fronted of course by Hastings’ quackery (main picture), but it seems you have some of your own too.

Judging by these pictures below.

Rubber duckies, but Hastings are better. Pixabay on Pexels.com

Now I must go and have a soak.

It’s a good day for the ducks, but then isn’t it always?

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Holiday Snaps – Is it Pee for Prague?

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It is one of the world’s great statues and on a similar theme to the better known Manneken Pis in Brussels – the Prague statue ‘Piss’.

You’ll no doubt go to the Astronomical Clock when you’re there and it is worth it, although hellishly busy.

But you should have a ‘Piss’ stop at the statue outside the Kafka Museum near the river.

David Cerny erected (sorry, I should probably say built here) ‘Piss’ as a satirical statement against politicians in 2004.

The fountain’s basin is made of bronze and shaped like the Czech Republic.

The two mechanical men stand in the fountain, opposite one another, 6 ft 11 in tall with bronze penises, urinating.

Every country should have its own Piss statue and demand that politicians visit.

And why am I telling you this? Because Click&Go has three nights in Prague in November from €189pp http://www.clickandgo.com.

And also because I can reprise my Prague article… https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/2019/06/24/czech-it-out-2/

Corfu love island

*Refelections of Corfu. Photo by Alexander Mils on Pexels.com*

I was spoken for, but that didn’t stop the keyboard singer at the bar who was glancing our way on our honeymoon in Corfu.

The besotted newly titled Mrs M drew my attention to the singer’s attentions.

With the ouzo filling my bladder I then had cause to pass the crooner by on the way to the rest room .

Where I noticed they were still smiling at me on my way back.

At which point I needed to inform my new wife: ‘Sorry, he’s not looking at you, it’s me he likes!’

Again, I’m only telling you this as a lead-in to an offer. TUI http://www.tui.com has seven nights S/C at the 2* Ekati 2, Kavos from €399pps, departing Dublin on September 13.

Which corresponds with our 25th wedding anniversary.

I love Malta

*Bay of plenty: Valletta. Photo by ines bahr on Pexels.com*

You’d think that there was an imaginary hand of fate at play… or that the Scary One has been phoning around my Travel buddies.

Malta was where on a hot, hot day, I bent down in exhaustion and she screamed YES.

We were particularly taken by Malta’s smaller sister island of Gozo.

Now I’m going to fly a kite here and suggest that the Scary One would like to return. And fly a kite…

The second edition of the Gozo International Kite and Wind Festival will take place there form October 18-20.

Concorde Travel http://www.concordetravel.ie has seven nights B&B at the 4* Seashells Resort, Qawra for €599, depart Dublin on October 14.

Or you can depart Cork on October 17 and stay at the 4* all-inclusive Seabank Resort & Spa, Mellieha for €769.

And they’re off

*The Prancing Horse. Photo by Zachary DeBottis on Pexels.com*

It was from my Dear Old Dad that I inherited the love of sport. That said neither of us got motor racing.

Apart from commonly repeated allusion I never heard him show any interest in the sport, and I use that term loosely.

The one reference point he had was in his common jibe at my Mum’s driving: ‘Stirling Moss,’ he would shriek and laugh uproariously.

He always enjoyed his own jokes, though my sainted Mum never did see the funny side.

As Formula 1 returns after its midseason break and Lewis Hamilton has a procession to his 72nd title it’s as well to flag up a motor racing holiday thrill.

Cassidy Travel http://www.cassidytravel.ie/ (01) 6265100 has a three-night break to PortAventura World Salou. And of course Ferrari Land.

From €245pps based on a family of four you will be staying on site in the 4* PortAentura World Salou on a B&B basis.

With entry to the theme park for the duration plus one day in Ferrari Land.

Flights from Dublin to Barcelona, part October 20.

I’ll drink Canarian dry

God being good, I’ll be off to trek the Canaries tomorrow. But I’ll leave you in safe hands with Mrs M.

The CaminoWays.com team is launching the latest arrival to its family of active holidays and I’m road testing it and Tenerife’s bars.

CanariaWays.com is focusing on the spectacular walking tours in the Canary Islands.

And to kick it al off they’ve got 10% off all bookings until the end of September using the CODE: CANARIAWAYS19.

And all bookings will go into a draw and two travellers will have a chance to get their holiday for free.

So let me tell you about their ten-day Walking Trip: Grand Walking Tour of Tenerife.

You’ll see the whole island, from Mount Teide National Park to Garachico and Anaga Rural Park.

The price is €1017pps, including nine nights’ accommodation with breakfast, luggage transfers and transfers to trail heads when needed.

As well as holiday pack with practical information. More details: Tenerife Grand Tour.

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Sporting weekend – Old Firm madness

31st August 201931st August 2019 funtime65

It was one of the mainstays of my childhood, so much so that I made a career out of writing about it… the Glasgow Old Firm football match.

Between Celtic and Rangers… just for those who don’t know.

The two tribes go to war on Sunday, and unfortunately that is not a euphemism.

On average one person gets killed, actually killed, not Glasgow slang, surrounding this match every time the two teams meet.

*As a cub reporter training with Reading*

Which they have been doing since 1888.

Being of the Catholic variety I grew up supporting Celtic.

And that despite my Dear Old Dad’s efforts to guide me away from them.

Not because he had not been a supporter. How could he not?

He was born within spitting distance of Celtic Park.

And his great-uncles had helped build the original stadium.

It was just that he knew the religious problems associated with Celtic, the club created by Irish monks for the poor immigrants of the East End of Glasgow.

And the Establishment Scottish Protestant club, Rangers.

Neutral stance

And so I remember there being three football tops in the sports room of our house, Clyde, Kilmarnock and Hibernian.

Alas, going to a Catholic school (yes, only in Scotland, and Northern Ireland are kids separated by their same religion) pushed me towards Celtic.

And being raised in a Catholic bubble I never met a Rangers supporter until my life took a different turn.

When I had a disagreement with my school and ended up going to the local Protestant school.

And kudos to my Dad for doing what was best for me educationally.

I have mentioned it before but the tolerance and welcome I had there was an education… in life.

And so to this weekend’s big game.

A football disease

The Old Firm is the tag given to Celtic and Rangers on account that the bigotry was seen as being in the financial interests of both.

Things have changed, and for the better, over the years.

With Rangers’ unofficial policy of not signing Catholics now 31 years in the past.

And yet, both Rangers and Celtic fans cling to their ‘traditions’ of support for the Protestant and Catholic sides of the Northern Ireland and Scottish divide.

They manifest this with flags, symbols, songs and antagonism and violence to the opposite side.

Yet it is seen as an unpalatable truism that it can never be changed.

While there have been great efforts and successes in England against racism, it is considered impossible by some that we weed out the bigots in Scotland.

An impossible problem?

There are just too many of them, we are told.

And every time these two monsters of the Scottish game meet the morbid fascination for them is raised to fever pitch.

And the commentariat wax lyrical about it being the ‘greatest derby of them all.’

I’ve been to enough of them to say categorically that it is not, for spectacle, skill or fervour.

But there will be plenty who disagree. And I welcome that.

Just maybe not mention my religion, though, and I won’t mention yours.

*And Julie didn’t care about the football scarf*

Because there are, in fact, people who support both sides who don’t.

And many of them my very good friends.

But for a better impression of my home city https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/2019/04/15/sportstraveltraveltravel/.

And for the best wee country in the world… all of the above aside…. http://www.visitscotland.com.

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A second course – it’s Dublin and Gleneagles

30th August 201930th August 2019 funtime65

The best people in the world are the Irish-Scots.

So it’s something of a surprise that nobody has had the smart idea to link the two in a twin holiday. Until now.

The Westbury Hotel in Dublin and Gleneagles in Perthshire are teaming up under the title of ‘From Capital to Countryside’.

This fabulous offer is a two-night stay in a Luxury Suite at The Westbury which is nestled between Trinity College and St Stephen’s Green.

You will then fly over to Edinburgh spend three nights in the Whisky Suites the Gleneagles.

The Dublin leg

You’ll have a choice of culinary or culture.

If you’re a foodie it’s the three-hour Fab Food Trail.

Where a guide will take you around the best places to experience Irish cuisine.

You like a walk rather than a sea?

Then you can pick the walking tour which takes in the top tourist sites… and the hidden gems.

And, of course, you’ll be wined and dined at night, at the hotel’s signature restaurant WILDE.

The Scottish leg

You’ll know Gleneagles from the golf, the Ryder Cup was held here in 2014.

And this is your chance to experience it for yourself.

Gleneagles is an 850-acre estate and you’ll get the best views while lying back in the most sumptuous of suites.

Henry is your guide around the manor, and none better. He is only Gleneagles’ beloved labrador.

There is access to the Gleneagles’ Playground Planner VIP concierge service.

They will coordinate outdoor pursuits such as clay shooting, archery and falconry.

With a hunger on you by now it’s onto dinner at the new Strathearn Restaurant.

The Package

It starts from €7,080 it is a special occasion treat, but you deserve it. To book the offer call (00353) 1 679 1122.

And to get an idea of both hotels then it’s http://www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-westbury-hotel and http://www.geleneagles.com.

This is a sure fire winner… remember what happened the last time Ireland and Scotland hooked up with Gleneagles on the package.

Captain Paul McGinley’s triumphant European Ryder Cup team of 2014.

You want some more Irish and Scots… here’s https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/the-intercontinental-what-a-ledge/ , http://Flowerscourt and https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/2019/04/15/sportstraveltraveltravel/ and https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/brexit-aberdeen-a-light-in-the-north/

And my guide to Dublin https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/2019/08/26/city-delights-dublin/

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Popes on the run… Castel Sant’Angelo

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Where does a Pope go to when he is being besieged?

Thankfully, it is is not a question that we need to answer any more, and long may that continue.

And much of that is down to the Swiss Guards.

*The Great Protector: Archangel Michael*

Now they don’t look very scary with their yellow and blue jester plus-four outfits and their helmets with the feather plumage.

But believe me these guys are some of the most specially trained killing machines on Earth.

Yes, they’re armed with something far more powerful than a Swiss Army knife.

Because they know how to disarm you and cause you serious harm.

*Say a little prayer: With the Son and Heir*

And yes, they have history, and are 100% dedicated to preserve the life of their boss, Il Papa.

Let me take you back to 1527 when the troops of the Holy Roman Empire sacked Rome and Pope Clement VII had to flee for his life.

So how did he get away?

Well, the Swiss Guards bought him time and laid down their lives for him.

*The Aelian Bridge: Don’t tell the Holy Roman Empire where I am*

While he disappeared along the 2,600ft long corridor Passetto di Borgo which links the Vatican City to Castel Sant’Angelo.

That Clement knew how to get away was down to the fact that it was a tried and trusted escape route.

Used by his predecessor Pope Alexander VI in 1494.

The Castel Sant’Angelo is thus named because the Archangel Michael appeared atop the mausoleum.

He was sheathing his sword as a sign of the end of the plague of 590, you see.

The statue of the Archangel provides a beautiful backdrop for selfies.

*Chariot racing: Daddy’s Little Girl and some oul’ relic*

And indeed the best views of the Vatican are from the top of Castel Sant’Angelo.

Also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian it’s where the great Wallmaker and his family had their ashes kept as did future emperors.

Angels and Demons

You probably know the Passetto from Dan Brown books and Assassin’s Creed II.

Me, I know it from being my favourite vantage point in Rome.

And where I tried to escape for two minutes of peace on a family holiday and have myself an espresso.

They found me.

I guess I wouldn’t have been very good back when the Holy Roman Empire were on the prowl.

If you want to know more about Rome read my https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/small-roads-lead-to-rome/ and https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/2019/08/04/see-rome-on-e50/.

And here are a couple of websites to help you on your way… http://www.castelsantangelo.com and http://www.rome.info.

NEXT WEEK: Another castle

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Flyday Friday – Dubai

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The Son And Heir was always reaching out as a toddler, curious to see what the world felt like it.

And he loved his lego which he called ‘Talls’.

He’d love Legoland in Dubai Parks and Resorts then.

And you’d love Emirates’ deal for your family for €5,569 http://www.emiratesholidays.com with return flights.

Emirates Holidays has a five-night stay at the 5* Rixos The Palm Dubai where you’ll stay in a Premium room (half-board).

The holiday includes unlimited access to Dubai Parks.

Prices based on October 26. Family is 2+2.

Join the Aer Club

My pals at Aer Lingus have been listening and after my gentle reminder that deals be tailored for this Flyday Friday column.

And so they have their flash sale with up to 20% off marked for running out tonight at midnight.

Travel between 23 September and 24 October 2019. Book by 30 August.

I’ll be away on a trip with my old Scottish pal and award-winning writer Tom Sweeney http://www.tomsweeneytravels.blogspot.com on Sunday, among others.

*On the right tracks, Lisbon. Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com*

And he’ll be extolling the virtues of Lisbon where he was last weekend.

No doubt we will both reference the Lisbon Lions, the famed Celtic team who became the first British winners of the European Cup.

I had intended to pay my pilgrimage to the Estadio Nacional stadium where they won the cup when I visited Portugal Centro a couple of years ago.

And this is that review… https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/secret-portugal/

Alas the traffic beat my pal and guide Jose Manuel Santos http://www.madomistours.pt and we (I) didn’t get to pay our homage.

I will return, particularly with Aer Lingus flights http://www.aerlingus.ie from €39.99. Obvs among a list of other great deals.

Brussels rules

Few cities have had such a bad press as Brussels – but that’s merely because of the politicians.

Belgium is one of my favourite countries and its people one of the friendliest.

Real internationalists, on account of their place at the crossroads of the continent.

And having been occupied by all the Empires, including the British who fought for their neutrality.

And took them in when they were invaded and liberated them.

Hence they’re being few countries that welcome the much-denigrated British quite like Belgium.

I’ve just dipped my toe in Brussels, staying there and visiting the Parliament and its politicians as a cub reporter.

All expense was spared and I was put up in the Red Light district.

I will be back though and will visit the Mannekin Pis and probably on the Esky.ie deal with Ryanair http://www.ryanair.com from €26 http://www.esky.ie.

Flights October 11, depart, and return October 16.

And read my poignant visit to the World War I battlefields https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/firstworldwar-in-flanders-fields/.

MEET YOU IN THE SKIES

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Wake up, smell the flour – baking

30th August 201930th August 2019 funtime65

If I knew you were coming I’d have baked a cake… or is that just me getting my Great British Bake Off vibe on?

It used to be the case that all we wanted from a holiday was sun, sea and sand.

But these days there are more of us seeking out learning holidays.

It’s not enough to sample the beautiful and varied foods we are introduced to around the world.

*The expert: Jen of Ginger And Baker in Fort Collins, Colorado*

Now we have to learn how to make them ourselves.

I love baking… I’ll gladly watch The Scary One and Daddy’s Little Daughter, although more likely I smell the wafts.

I’m usually in the next room watching the sport on the TV.

But I surprised myself when I did bake me a cake in Colorado… or an apple pie, at least.

I probably wouldn’t have got past the dough stage without the help of chef Jen at Ginger And Baker http://www.gingerandbaker.com and http://www.colorado.com.

While Paul and Pru would deffo put me last in the list.

No Star Baker me compared with the Furies rolling, patting, preening and preparing their pies next to me.

So you want to get flour on your hands and sun on your back.

These are the guys for you… www.bookculinaryvacations.com.

They are offering five days Sourdough and Artisan Baking in Saleres in Grenada, Spain from €465.

Four days accommodation with all meals included. The vacation is available all year round except July and August.

And here is my baking adventure in Colorado… https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/2019/08/29/the-new-pioneers/

I can testify to the Irish love of food and there is a kitchenful of top chefs ready and willing to bake you beautiful things.

Catherine the Great

Why not learn from the best? Catherine Fulvio’s Ballyknocken House & Cookery School in my own county of Wicklow.

Of course they do baking courses but the one I’m flagging up here is what they are pitching as What’s the Dill for September 14.

A celebration of the herb, it’s €50pp.

You’ll get tea, lemon balm scones and blueberry and lavender jam on arrival.

Then it’s aprons on for some baking.

There’s a light lunch and some herb and edible flower butter to take home. www.ballyknocken.ie.

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Jocktails – Mimosas

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I don’t know when Buck’s Fizz became Mimosas and it is one of history’s great imponderables.

I don’t know whether they would have won Eurovision under that name?

And so to the Jocktail… Champagne and orange juice is one of the easiest Jocktails to make.

Heck there’s a case to be made for just calling it Champagne with a mixer!

*It’s the one in the middle: Photo by GEORGE DESIPRIS on Pexels.com*

Now the only difference between the two that I can see is in the measurements.

The Buck’s Fizz is two parts Champagne to one part orange juice while Mimosas are equal measures.

The Buck’s Fizz is the invention of a barman, Malachy McGarry (Irish anybody?) in Buck’s club in London in 1921.

As an excuse to drink early.

*And I’ve adorned this one. Photo by Sabel Blanco on Pexels.com*

As well as giving us Buck’s Fizz, the bould Malachy was immortalised in PG Wodehouse’s books.

And may I say again that while Cocktail Hour is 6 o’clock nobody stated that it had to be 6pm.

Now clearly I am on more than nodding terms with oul’ Bucks and La Mimosa from any number of breakfast receptions.

But I hazard to say that I drank my own weight in Mimosas in Cannes a few years ago.

*Don’t drink and drive. This was just for the photo shot*

I stayed at the near-titled same, Mimozas, a real bargain resort for families http://www.mimozas-resort-cannes.mandelieu-la-napoule.hotelescotedazur.com/en/.

And check out my review https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/the-boat-dazur/

It is just up the road from the charming town of Mandelieu La Napoule.

The Mimosa Festival http://www.mandelieu.com is a celebration of the flower which is a ball of sweet-smelling and warming sun.

*My drinking buddy: Jacinta from* http://www.travelbiz.ie

And let me tell you that Cannes can leave you empty-pocketed.

How much for a Cannes cocktail?

We went to a swanky hotel rooftop bar for an Aperol Spritz.

It cost me €16.50 – most of it was ice.

And I reckon I could make the same at home, and stronger, for under €1.

That reminds me that will be my Jocktail for next week… and maybe I’ll treat the Scary One tonight.

Also visit http://www.atout-france.fr.

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Hungry and Thursday – Dutch delicacies

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There’s more to Dutch food than just tulips!

Come again?

Yes, the tulip as well as being the most beautiful flower in God’s garden also kept the people of the Netherlands alive during the Second World War.

When the desperate Dutch beset by famine in the Hongerwinter of 1944-45 started boiling the tulip bulbs to stay alive.

*How bazaar: The converted mosque in Amsterdam*

I’m talking crepe am I?

Well, no.

You can find out all about the tulip, how it was the flower of nobility, cost as much as a townhouse and was the subject of fevered speculation.

Leading to the first financial bubble. Visit the Amsterdam Tulip Museum yourself to find out more http://www.amsterdamtulipmuseum.com.

*Tuck in: The balcony is a convivial place to eat in De Bazaar*

It’s next door to the Cheese Museum http://www.cheesemuseumamsterdam.com on Prinsengracht.

Now, I know the Dutch didn’t invent cheese, or the tulips (they come from Turkey and are thus named after the Turkish word for turban).

But they do have the best.

I recall myself and The Scary One cycling out to Edam only to find it was their half day.

But we did manage to stock up on cheese, a garlic one a particular favourite.

*Did you really think I’d go for the veggie option?*

The Netherlands are a real treat for comfort food eaters. Their crepes are as delicious as they are varied.

But watch out what colour of cafe you go into – my crepe on that particular trip made me feel a little too giddy of head.

While I discovered at the Netherlands v Greece game in Rotterdam that they put mayonnaise on their chips…

Chips and a football game… well, a girl has to be spoiled.

Thankfully she did wax lyrical about the Middle Eastern meal I took her to when we returned to the Netherlands after a 29-year absence.

*Raw deal: I skipped the meat the next night but look at that cheese*

In De Pijp’s De Bazaar restaurant, a converted mosque http://www.hotelbazaar.nl.

A Tepsi Boregi vegetarian dish with baked non-leavened Yufka dough filled with fat cheese.

Served with salad, garlic and yogurt-flavour haydari dip, olives, walnuts and fresh mixed herbs and coriander and mint flavours.

I’m a bit more predictable and went for a fish dish.

But heck, I’ve done enough work here… you’ll need to read it for yourself https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/pictures-of-amsterdam/

And George and Amal’s hotel… https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/the-dylan-by-george/.

Equally I should recommend here one of the best city cards http://www.iamsterdam.com.