America, Countries

Birthday state Colorado always Springs a surprise

And as they turn 150 this year we spent a day, celebrating with old friends (and new) and were reminded how Birthday state Colorado always Springs a surprise.

Now having dipped my toe in Steamboat Springs’ Old Town Hot Springs where the Ute First Nation would soak in their reviving powers.

I was intrigued to learn more about the state’s other offerings.

There are ninety-three springs in all which means the interstate competition is fierce.

It is why Glenwood Springs have travelled the world and brought back their secrets.

All so that they can add to their local knowledge in their corner of their near square-shaped state.

Of course, looks can be deceptive and Colorado is not actually square but hexahectaenneacontakaiheptagonal, 697 sides.

What’s Up Doc?

Cowboy country: Colorado

Glenwood Springs lays claim to the world’s largest hot springs pool.

One of seven such, and a 107-room Lodge for clients to luxuriate in.

And a rich history which just keeps updating since our old friends the Ute and then it was opened in 1888.

With the locals referring to the source spring as ‘Yampah’ or ‘Big Medicine’.

And with 15 minerals in the water you’ll be washed clean of body, spirit and mind.

Tranquil: Glenwood Springs

Now everybody who is anybody in these parts, and wider afield, have taken the Springs.

With ‘Doc’ Holliday, who was as known for his TB as his hot shot at the Gunfight at the OK Corral and card-playing visited Glenwood.

As a last vain bid to cure his ailment.

Although you’d hope that he had comfort in the waters.

And like all cowboys wanted, he died in his bed, and is buried in the Linwood Cemetery.

Bill and Teddy’s excellent adventures

Pay your Bill: Leave your donation at Bill’s grave

He is perhaps the greatest figure from Wild West folklore, and there have been many, Buffalo Bill Cody was a frequent visitor.

And he even dropped in five days before his death in Denver, although of course, he didn’t know that then.

Our old friend Teddy Roosevelt too championed Glenwood Springs.

And the Hotel Colorado which for a time became known as the ‘Little White House of the United States.’

Me and my Teddy: Teddy Roosevelt

It is even said that the Hotel Colorado was where the first Teddy Bear was born.

After the Prez returned to the Hotel Colorado from a hunting trip empty-handed.

And maids fashioned a cloth bear from scraps of material and presented it to his daughter who was with him.

And she named the bear Teddy.

Spring a surprise

Easy rider: In Steamboat Springs

Not that all visitors were as welcome with Al Capone and Ted Bundy making their own infamous imprints on Glenwood Springs.

You, though, and me, of course, will always be greeted warmly in Glenwood Springs and Colorado as a whole.

Dramatic: Hotel Colorado

Though perhaps not the obnoxious Aussie who was part of our party and I chased around the Springs the last time out…

But that’s a different story.

 

 

America, Countries

Take your Teddy on an RV tour of the US National Parks

And inspired by the Great Man himself the drive is on to take your Teddy on an RV tour of the US National Parks this year.

Particularly with the 120th anniversary of the establishment of the first US National Monument hoving into view next year.

Now dinner party bores will tell you that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure you can see from space.

So why then did aliens alight on the Devils Tower monolith in Wyoming in Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

Teddy’s Trail


Bear necessities: Joe Wiegand as Teddy

Now no president championed the Great American Outdoors more than its 26th, Teddy Roosevelt.

While nobody had his ear more than John Muir, the legendary Scots conservationist.

We heard first hand from the immortal Teddy at IPW, the American Travel Fair, in Chicago.

With the Great Raconteur waxing lyrical about the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library next year in North Dakota.

And alighting on a Scotlander about his own Scottish roots through his mother Martha.

Which mirrors another future NY President though Manhattan Man Teddy was quick to point out Donald Trump is a Queens Man.

Devil of a good time

Rock of ages: Devils Tower in Wyoming

Every June, the Devils Tower closes to rock climbers so that the tribes can celebrate their spiritual practices.

To truly appreciate the Tower, take the 1.3-mile Tower Trail, winding around the base for the best chance to see the rock from all sides.

Devils Tower National Monument is open for visitors year-round, and admission is $25/£19 per vehicle.

The West is best

Out of the Blue: The Denver Blue Bear

RV specialists Journeyscape have picked out The Close Encounters landmark as a topical highlight.

Of its Icons and National Parks of the Great American West by Motorhome.

The 15-day holiday costs from £2,950pp including motorhome rental (but excluding international flights). 

Traditionally, of course, pioneers would reach the Wild West by wagon, stagecoach and through the grand Denver Union Station.

And we’d certainly recommend that as we would flying into Denver International Airport, in the apron of the Rockies.

The open road

Salt of the Earth: Salt Lake City

Your Journeyscape tour will take in five states, your launch pad, Colorado and taking in four of the five states under the Great American West umbrella.

That’ll be Wyoming, Montana and North and South Dakota… you’ll arrange your own private Idaho in your own time.

But for a starter Badlands National Park, Spearfish Canyon, Devils Tower, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and Salt Lake City ain’t bad, eh?

So take your Teddy on an RV tour of the US National Parks.

 

America, Countries, Deals, Flying

Denver, the Aer Mile High City

It’s America’s ear-poppin’, beer-hoppin’ out west playground and now it’s accessible through Europe’s pre-clearance capital, Dublin… it’s Denver, the Aer Mile High City.

Denver, you see, has just become the 14th direct Aer Lingus route out of Dublin.

And they celebrated it in style this week, bringing some real high-fliers over to Ireland to launch it.

With the Mayor himself, Mike Johnston, heading the delegation.

For an evening of Irish-American craic at the Banqueting Hall in College Green.

Bandanaman: And the Bandanettes In Denver

Now, the party-loving Denverites will gladly tell you.

That because it’s a mile high you only need half as much drink to get you twice as pie-eyed.

And because Denver styles itself as the Craft Beer hub of America then it helps to be prepared for the change of atmosphere.

And if that means avoiding a stop-off in London, and nothing has changed now I’ve relocated to Scotland, then all the better.

A hit of Denver

Pioneers: James Cahill, Krisha Shah and Scott Gault en route to Denver. Photograph: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Now, when you do get out to Denver and Colorado, and you will, it’ll hit you, yes, the altitude.

But also the feeling of those who have passed through here before.

The pioneers came out West to start a new life.

And to practise their religion their way, and those chasing the Gold Rush.

Fare play: Old-style Colorado train

All before mechanical birds, slugging it out instead by stagecoach and by rail.

And how Americans have always glorified their stations with Denver Union Station a living breathing, transporting museum.

And, of course, those who were here first, the Native Americans.

It fits the Bill

Buffalo stance: Buffalo Bill’s grave

With the best example of how the incomers and the indigenous population did get on visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave.

Above Lookout Mountain, near Denver.

Where you can see examples on the boards of how Bill and his Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders of the World took the trip in the other direction.

To entertain the smallest Scottish and English towns.

It’s a deal

Flying the flag: For Colorado

So, the pathways between ourselves, and I count myself as an Irish-Scot who always goes through Dublin to the States, have always existed.

And have now been enhanced from Dublin to Denver, the Aer Mile High City. 

Now your  Dublin-Denver route will operate four times weekly and is served by an Airbus A330.

Those looking to explore the ‘Mile High City’ and beyond can enjoy €100 off Economy and €200 off Business fares to the US.

In an offer that lassts until midnight 19th May. 

And is valid for travel from 1st August through 30th November.

 

America, Countries

Canyonlands a dam fine sight

It’s the water of life sustaining three states and north Mexico and anyone who’s been agrees… Canyonlands a dam fine sight.

For many the first sight of the cavernous expanse is out of Las Vegas when you view the Hoover Dam below.

And for those of us who pass over the hydroelectric works that fuel our own regions, well there’s no passing over this.

At least not without your jaw open.

Wonders will never cease

Top of the Choppers: En route to the Canyon

At the sight of the 726ft high and 1244ft long First Wonder of the Industrial World.

Where 90 years ago this year the first concrete was poured into the structure which created the Lake Mead reservoir.

And now means 16 million people are provided with water.

And believe me you’ll be grateful to Herbert Hoover for the aqua that is gold in the Mojave desert.

Water marvel

Bandan Canyon: With Tara and Tryphavana

So as well as marking that first concrete mould for the construction which was completed in 1935 why are we focusing today on the Hoover Dam.

Other than, of course, that water preservation amid the warming Earth has never been more important.

The Hoover Dam and its hinterland is a must-see on Platinum Travel’s Enchanting Canyonlands package.

Cavernous: The Colorado River

The Irish Travel specialists are offering a one-week guided tour that includes the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.

And that will also include a trip to Sedona to marvel at the towering red rocks, and we’re fans from Colorado, and explore the funky shops.

Then travel to Grand Canyon National Park, where you can board a helicopter or a fixed wing aircraft to fly above the canyon’s floor.

Later meet a local expert, who will share the history of the natural wonder.

Navajo go, go

Native life: The Navajo

For the boy (or girl) racer in you hop on an 4×4 vehicle in the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

With a Navajo and learn about their tribal heritage.

Changed days a 4×4 we hear you say although we imagine there will be Navajo tales of derring-do on horseback too.

If that’s not enough, then you can also take in the cliff-and-canyon landscape of Zion National Park in comfort.

From €3,550 including flights & full tour per-person based on two sharing.

All of which makes Canyonlands a dam fine sight.

 

America, Countries

Bye-Bye B-52s hello Idaho

And in the way that only music bands can do it’s bye-bye B-52s hello Idaho.

The New Wave pioneers are calling time on 46 years of their out there arty pop this year with a tour of the States.

All of which will go down especially well in trippy California and their homestead of Georgia although they won’t be playing Idaho.

They have once before near state capital Boisey.

Love getaway

We can get together: The B-52s

But no sleight intended, the great outdoorsy state (pop 1.5m) is the getaway state of their song and their imagination.

The B-52s are, of course, known for their escapism, their other biggest hit the impossibility catchy Love Shack.

The love getaway down the Atlanta Highway.

And I can vouch that even in their 70s now Fred, Kate and the gang can still get you up bopping.

I’ve got my jukebox money

Hurry up: I’ve got my jukebox money

As I, and others, can testify to when they brought the house down at one of our American Travel Fair lunches, in Denver.

Of course, it felt particularly apt, here in Colorado, in the shadow of the Rockies which it shares with private Idaho.

Idaho is, in truth, as dramatic and remote as in the B-52s’ imagination.

Footsteps of Lewis and Clark

Rocky mountain high: Idaho

And Lewis and Clark, of expeditionary fame.

Both of whom found it is as variable as anywhere on the great American landmass.

And take in Twin Falls where you’ll witness Shoshone Falls, dubbed as the ‘Niagara of the West’ whose waterfalls stands 45 feet taller than the eastern wonder.

Niagara of the West: Shoeshone Falls

Channel your inner trekker on the Northwest Scenic Byway to Coeur d’Alene.

Where sun and moon risings are recommended experiences on your itinerary.

The lunar thing is not by accident…

Out of this world

Over the moon: The Craters experience, Idaho

For an otherworldly experience visit Craters of the Moon National Monument.

As you drive up, you will be greeted by an ocean of lava flows – it feels like walking on the moon!

You won’t be walking of course across the Great American West… you’ll have yourself a car as big as a whale.

Something to think on when we say bye-bye B-52s, hello Idaho.

 

 

America, Asia, Countries, Food & Wine

A cup of cha for the Queen

The Queen Mum liked her gin, Princess Margaret her Champagne, Prince Charles his Cherry Brandy but we suspect it was a cup of cha for the Queen.

The QM’s drinking holes counted racecourses up and down the country, Mags the Caribbean and especially Nylon Beach in Tobago and Chuck the Isle of Lewis.

For the Queen though it was her many palaces around Britain.

And especially those where she spent most time relaxing… Windsor, Balmoral and Sandringham.

So if you want to toast her memory this weekend raise a cup with that most British tipple, tea.

And add to the 100 million drunk by Britons every day, almost as many as are queueing to see the Queen’s coffin.

The Royal cuppa

Take a seat: The Willow Tearooms

Britain’s love affair with East Indian tea began in royal circles with a hangry 7th Duchess of Bedford.

Anna’s answer was to take tea served with light snacks which became the phenomenon of afternoon tea.

The fashion took hold throughout the land and onto our doorstep in Glasgow, the Second City of the Empire.

Queen tea: And is that a tea cosy?

With the Mackintosh Tea Rooms which celebrate the high-chaired furniture and interior decorations of the Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

And that’s just the cup of tea for more modern home furnishing British institution Cath Kidston.

With Cath kindly giving us a tea-potted history of cha around the world.

Crowning glory: Cath Kidston in Southampton

Of course all the tea in China isn’t all the tea in the world but it was where we first got the taste.

When Emperor Shen Nung went for a seat under a Camellia sinensis tree in 2737 BC.

The story goes that a few leaves fell into his boiling drinking water to try the accidental infusion and tea was born.

There’s more to this tea

Tea in bed: OLCOTE in Sri Lanka

His tea rituals he mapped out in Ch’a Ching (Tea Classic), the first book about tea written during the 8th century.

Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian in its philosophy, Chinese tea ceremonies are centred around peace, mindfulness, and appreciation.

And as many as the tea leaves in a cup, their most famous ceremony is the kung fu tea ceremony, sometimes known as gong fu.

Of course the tea we all know and love in the UK is from the Jewel in the Crown.

No, not the curry house.

But where Our Little Corner of The Earth, or OLCOTE, the hotel retreat of my old Sri Lankan-Irish force of nature Tess De Kretser will pour.

Take the floor: Bewley’s in Dublin

But from Assam in India, and Ceylon, which we all know as Sri Lanka.

If the British love their tea then the Irish love their tay double.

Ya Corker: Lafayette’s in Cork

Only be sure to know which brand to order where…

So that’s Lyons in Dublin where it must be Bewley’s Oriental Cafe on Grafton Street and Barry’s in Lafayette’s in Cork.

Rockies tea

The benchmark: Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

Just like cats and dogs we’re told that you’re one or the other, tea or coffee.

Only we’re both, and even in the cwaffee-loving Oo Es of Eh, or especially, tea can be a delicacy.

As we found when we rocked up in the Rockies and discovered the links between Boulder, Colorado and Dushanbe, Tajikistan .

Another cuppa: Dushanbe

It’s 35 years since the Mid-West of America and the Mid-East of Asia hooked up.

And they built strong foundations from the off with architect Lado Shanidze leading more than 40 artisans in several cities of Tajikistan.

To create the decor for the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.

Tea for me: In Boulder

Including its hand-carved and hand-painted ceiling, tables, stools, columns, and exterior ceramic panels.

Like the best artists our Tajik pals have carved their names into the teahouse’s history.

With Manon Khaidarov and Mirpulat Mirakhmatov, who helped reassemble the tea house, in signing their names in the ceiling.

A message carved in the ceiling reads “artisans of ancient Khojand whose works are magical”.

All of which you can dwell on when you’re sipping your Chai.

Colourful ceramic

Colour me good: Engraving

Eight colorful ceramic panels, created by Victor Zabolotnikov, grace the building’s exterior and display patterns of a “Tree of Life”.

And that’s enclosed by a mihrab motif (a niche in a mosque indicating the direction of Mecca.

Did we mention the Seven Beauties? Och, you’ll just have to get out there to find out for yourself.

We have to get back in the queue… we left it to get a cup of cha for the Queen.

 

America, Asia, Countries, Oceania, South America

Joby Aviation lost in translation

And how those of us of a Scottish variety sniggered how Joby Aviation got lost in translation.

A jobby, as Glasgow’s second most famous son, Billy Connolly, revealed to the world is the contents of your bottom.

But there is nothing crap about the all-electric aircrafts for commercial use that are coming to Scotland.

Flying by the seat of your pants: The Joby

As we reported in the Daily Record the The Joby is a five-seat, piloted electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

And it has a maximum range of 150 miles and a quiet acoustic profile.

Now we imagine the new aircraft will be s***-hot but perhaps they should rebrand for Scottish fliers.

All of which has us reflecting on the brands which we have seen lost in translation.

C U Next Tuesday

We swear by it: Northern Territory

Northern Territory, Australia: And I’m indebted to the doyen of Irish travel writers Eoghan Corry for clueing me in on this historical brand gaffe.

Now everyone is an expert after the event and the same mistook visited an old, and much-respected, boss.

When he cropped a picture of an England flag for an old newspaper so the ‘S’ and the ‘Horpe’ got cut from sCunTthorpe.

Coors fails sniff test

Colorado cool: But they’re too hip for the Spanish

Golden, Colorado, USA: And the Golden nectar with the taste of the Rockies will slake your thirst like few other beers.

The Coloradans, as anyone who has been out there will tell you, have a lifestyle and language all of their own.

But it doesn’t always translate, and their ‘Turns it loose’ slogan means ‘you will suffer from diarrhoea. Sloppy!

Fly solo

Grounded: Braniff

Braniff International, North America: And one from the vaults here when Braniff ran routes.

Primarily in the midwestern and southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America and South America before expanding into Asia and Europe. 

They ran an advert in Spanish boasting of their leather seats and urging passengers to fly ″en cuero,″ or ″in leather.″

Only the similar ″en cueros″ means ″naked,″ and when pronounced on radio or television, the two terms sound identical.

In the Nip

Wide-eyed and innocent: Kinki Nippon

Kinki Nippon Tourist Company, Japan: Japan‘s second largest tourist agency hadn’t factored in the Western World’s less prudish attitudes.

And they began receiving requests for unusual sex tours.

Upon finding out why, the owners of Kinki Nippon Tourist Company decided to go with KNT in English-speaking countries.

Road tripped

Put the brakes on: Ford’s gaffe

Ford, Detroit, USA: Now many of us love a road trip and Henry can lay claim to changing American society with his Model T which you can see in Motor City.

Alas, again the Iberian languages caught marketers out, this time the Portuguese tongue.

Ford blundered when marketing the Pinto in Brazil, unaware that the term means male genitals in Brazilian Portuguese.

These are brand new too

Black name: The Negro licquorice

Along the road we’ve come across a Wanktunnel in Bavaria, an ISIS chocolate bar in Brussels airport and Negro licquorice in Croatia.

Share with us the brands which you’ve seen that have tickled your fancy, as it were.

Because how Joby Aviation got lost in translation is not an isolated incident.

 

 

 

America, Asia, Countries, Europe, UK

Our own world bank of foreign exchange

Over time we can all build up our own world bank of foreign exchange.

My Dear Old Dad, in his dwindling years, would count out his own chest of pesetas, escudos, drachmas, francs, lira and deutschmarks.

There are, of course, glass cases in airports where we can now donate our left-over foreign money for charity.

But if you’re resourceful, and have a winning smile (Daddy’s Little Girl), you can walk off your plane with foreign money.

And in these straitened times we need all, and every kind of legit money, from wherever it comes.

The Queen’s coin

How much? The Queen

The most trusted coins in the UK are, of course, those with the Queen’s head on it.

And a roaring trade is done too on commemorative coins of the monarch.

With this Platinum Year of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign marked by the release of a limited number of coins to mark her 75 years.

They range on the Royal Mint from the UK 50p Brilliant Uncirculated Coin at £7 for the most pressed subject.

To the gold bullion Queen’s Jubilee Sovereign Set at £1,800, but be patient they’re awaiting stock.

Pawn Stars

Money shot: Miss America meets Mr Scotland in Vegas

Now if you think that that’s extravagant in these cash-strapped times then remember that gold appreciates in value.

Not that I’m advising you to scour your jewellery box and head for the pawn shop.

Although having seen the prices of old artefacts in the most famous pawn store in the world, the Pawn Stars shop in Vegas.

My fellow Britons famously and sneeringly accuse the Americans of having no history.

But here in the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and across any number of fairs across the States specialising in music, war or whatever disproves that.

Coining it in

Bandanaman and the Bandanettes In Denver

And if you can’t afford a Confederate coin then you can always buy one of those say Buffalo Bill coins from the souvenir shop in Lookout Mountain in Colorado.

Coins have been with us since Roman days and before, the Lydians in modern-day Turkey credited with the first in 600BC.

And we always live in hope that all that digging that The Green-Fingered One does in our back garden will yield some treasure.

For now I’ll just hope that my commemorative C$2 Calgary Winter Olympics coin has appreciated in value.

Because I’m not holding out much hope for my Jordanian dinar note in our own world bank of foreign exchange.

Saddam hucksters

Do I pass as Jordanian? With Zuhair

I did dodge a bullet (maybe even literally) when I body swerved the hucksters trying to sell Saddam Hussein Iraqi notes outside Petra.

Best stick to the coin-pressing machines and the money-making exercise that is The Royal Mint Collection.

It’s about time, is it not, that that wealth dripped down to us.?

 

 

America, Countries, Europe, Ireland

It’s EaZzzzzy with Holidos and Don’ts

A redeye and no Aircoach… fear not it’s EaZzzzzy with Holidos and Don’ts.

Your globetrotting Bandanaman is hotfooting it over to his spiritual homeland of Ireland tomorrow morning.

But such are the vagaries of North Berwick, 15 miles east of Edinburgh, that there is no aircoach from outside my door.

As there was 24-7 in Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

Hubba bubba: Dublin Airport

And so I have the options of a £75 taxi from Castle Murty, asking The Scary One to give me an early morning lift.

Or grabbing the last train (hopefully it’s on as the slightest puddle causes cancellations).

And bunking for the night at the airport… I’ve ruled out the £100 hotel rates.

So the Holidos and Donts.

A site for sore eyes

It helps if you’re in any of the airports flagged up by the excellent Sleeping in Airports site.

And you’ll notice that most of their followers’ recommendations are in stopover airports in Asia.

But there are some old faves too in Europe and America.

Best for a layover

On the right track: Turkish Airlines Business Class

In Istanbul’s award-winning Turkish Airlines Business Class lounge sure but also in their rest rooms with privacy walls while they also have shower rooms.

But also in Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam where they have designated rest zones and plenty of amenities including a casino, fitness facilities, a library and a museum.

Denver too gets a shout-out probably because I spent longer there than anywhere… eight hours after being dropped off after my Wild West odyssey in Colorado.

And you’ll become an expert in putting with their 18-hole green on the balcony… and an arts aficionado with their excellent gallery.

Check it out: Munich check-in at Oktoberfest

Oh, and as for the rest the massages come highly recommended.

Munich Airport falls into the same category, and what it lacks for in ease for getting from one gate to the next when you misread your ticket it makes up for with helpful staff.

Arriving there just before the Oktoberfest you’ll find the staff dressed in Bavarian lederhosens.

And if you’re lucky then you’ll get the same Bertha who changed my ticket for a later one when I’d missed my original forwarding flight to Athens.

Dublin’s lair city

Dressed to thrill: At Dublin Airport

Now that I’ve had my accommodation taken care of by my friends in Ireland who are running the international travel network I won’t have to worry about kipping in Dublin Airport.

But there’s a sleeping pod with my name on it which I’ve bagsied in the past and no doubt will again.

And just to make sure your layover goes well a few tips.

*Lock your bags when you’re asleep and keep them wrapped around your shoulders.

*Put the alarm clock on your mobile to make sure you don’t miss the flight.

*And make sure you’re next to a plug socket just in case your mobile which has your boarding pass and Covid details and locator form on it is charged up.

See it’s EaZzzzzy with Holidos and Don’ts.

 

Africa, America, Caribbean, Countries, Europe, Food, Ireland

Pie are squared and round

Excuse the grammar but the gag doesn’t work otherwise so on today’s National Pie Day let’s say Pie are squared and round.

And we’ll pick out six pies from around the world.

All because we’re an island here of pie lovers in Britain, and Scots up and down the country have grown up on Scotch pies and beans.

Then long before American fast food pork pies were the go-to snack in England, and not just for ploughmen.

Mr American Pie

Eat your heart out Prue Leith: In Colorado

Apple Pie: National Pie Day was started in the mid-1970s by a nuclear engineer, brewer and teacher (talented man) Charlie Papazian.

It was then that he declared his own birthday, January 23, to be National Pie Day and it took on.

So now fast forward to a Can’t Bake, Won’t Bake visitor to Ginger & Bake in nearby Fort Collins under the watchful eye of the ever-patient Deb.

Say it loud and say it stout

More please: Jamie Oliver’s Steak & Guinness Pie

Beef and Guinness Pie: If you’re like me (and the Irish) and feel that drink is the food of life then read on.

You see this variation on the British steak and ale pie in Ireland naturally is enriched with Guinness and bacon and onions.

And it s on every bar menu in Ireland… and inevitably in the ubiquitous Jamie Oliver’s cookbook.

Custard with that?

Bobotie on the menu: In South Africa

Bobotie pie: It’s a different world in the one-track town of Cradock in the Eastern Cape In South Africa.

That’s where the owner of the Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor has put on a buffet of Karoo food that fuses easy.

So let me give you Bobotie pie, a curried raisin-infused Shepherd’s Pie with a savoury custard topping.

Pie Irie

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby: Cooking and baking in Barbados

Macaroni pie: And something from the Old World embraced by the new in the Caribbean.

It is known there just as pie or Bajan Pie in Barbados this is island comfort food.

This tubed pasta with creamy cheese sauce is served either as a main dish in Bim.

Or more likely to the side of their favourite chicken and fish. Irie?

Pizza and understanding

Slice of life: Pizza pie

Pizza pie: So when we first got a taste for the Italian staple on this island we would call it pizza pie.

The best pizzas which we know are in Pizza City, Naples.

But a tip here for those who might otherwise be stung dining out near the Spanish Steps or Pantheon in Rome.

Instead pick up the long miniature pezzos from stores scattered through the Eternal City.

Sweet pie

The Key to good living: Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie: Now just as many pies are sweet as are savoury.

And in the land of American pie there are as many variations as there are numbers after 3.14.

But as it’s darn tasty and the Florida Keys are on the radar.

For a long rescheduled road trip it’s Lime Key Pie for me.

And so whatever your pick it’s good to know pie are squared and round and make the world go round.