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A continent where you won’t have to sell a kidney to afford the cover price… world-class football in Morocco that’s just the ticket.

Hosts Morocco kick off AFCON, the Greatest Show in Africa, on Sunday against Comoros (no us neither) in Rabat.

It turns out that Comoros is an archipelago of three islands north-west of Madagascar (see every day is a schoolday).

The best bit of all for those who have tickets, and the curtain-raiser is sold out, is that you can buy one for MAD150.

Which is, wait for it, just £12 in our British pound money.

Pay it again Casablanca

And is MAD right… and you’ve still got that 150 Dinar burning a hole in your pocket.

Which if you’re around Casablanca on Monday you can pay it again and take in the Mali v Zambia match.

And still have 50 Dinar left for a roadside tagine or a Turkish tea.

Now it might be that you’re not of African heritage yourself but maybe you can pick a team from a favourite club player.

And Liverpool fans who haven’t fallen out with Mo Salah and fear he might never play for your club again.

More Mo, Mo

Well, here’s a Boxing Day special for you.

You could see the King of Egypt play for his nation against South Africa in Agadir, again for just £8.

There does seem to be a £4 premium on host nation Morocco and a higher demand.

Now once we get into the round of 16 the tickets soar to MAD150, or £12.

If your team, or the one you’ve adopted, have managed to get through to the last eight then the price of a ticket will jump again.

To a hardly credit card busting MAD200, or £16.

While the semi-finals come in at MAD300, or £24.

And bear in mind you’d be lucky to get a slice of pizza and a lager in the concourse of any American stadium for that.

Final price is tickety-boo

So your favourites get all the way to the final.

Well, at MAD400, or £32, you’d be mad not to buy a ticket now so you’re not disappointed later.

It’s clear the AFCON organisers know and appreciate football fans, more so than FIFA and next year’s World Cup,

Where Scotland fans, who remember have been waiting for 28 years to see their favourites play in the tourney, will have to fork out.

The Tartan Arny learning at the outset that they would need to pay at least £134 for the opening Haiti game.

And £198 for the glamour final Group game with Brazil.

Until fan pressure has shamed FIFA into relenting with a £45 tier ticket.

Although we’d have to do some more drilling on how availalbe they are and in what numbers.

The Sky’s the limit

Kindly our friends at Sky Sports have done the heavy lifting for us here and worked it out for us.

And even more generously they’ve given us a sample for both Scotland, as well as their favourites England, making the final.

With some tickets there at $450.

Add in too the comparative distances for fans travelling around AFCON and the FIFA World Cup and you see there’s better value there too.

With the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico stretched across 2,800 miles.

As opposed to the either 55 miles from Rabat to Casablanca or 466 miles from Fez to Agadir.

And with Ryanair flying us out from our home airport here in Edinburgh from £39 return then it’s a no-brainer.

And with the money saved you can shoot to Marrakech, the Sahara and Moroccan roll.

Countries, Europe

This skyscraper is ear-popping fun all right… but where?

6th October 2025 funtime65

It would probably not be your first answer for Europe’s highest building but this skyscraper is ear-popping fun all right… but where?

The Varso Tower in Warsaw soars above anywhere else on the continent at 1,017ft.

Because we’re not counting you Russia, which has five higher, until you start behaving.

And because we love an oul skyscraper, and our ears have only just popped from ascending the Sears Tower (Willis Tower) in Chicago, the original Skyscraper City, earlier this year.

We thought that we’d showcase Europe’s biggest, particularly as it’s just added something on top for our entertainment.

Things are looking up

And, of course, you owe it to yourself to have a party in the sky when you get right up to the top .

Of say, the Twin Towers in New York (tick), the CN Tower in Toronto (tick, tick), or the Sears Tower (tick, tick, tick)

Our Polish pals are rightly excited about its new viewing platform Highline Warsaw on the 53rd floor terrace.

As it rightly says, it elevates the capital to new heights.

We came, Warsaw, we conquered

Best bar none: And order your Polish vodka cocktail

The heart of the project lies on the 49th floor and the HighGarden, a rooftop bar and 4oosqm green terrace.

Where you can sip cocktails, with Polish vodka naturally, and take in the best views of the city.

Now visitors will also be able to enjoy an immersive experience with detailed historical reconstructions, complemented by a concept store with a photography zone.

And who are the brainboxes behind all of this we hear you ask.

Elevated status

Well, Magnicity is a global leader in elevated urban leisure (some of our favourite kinds).

It operates the Paris Montparnasse Observatory, the Berlin Fernseheturm (TV Tower) and the Euromast and Zalmhaven I in Rotterdam.

And the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, the former John Hancock Center,

And we found a £239 Ryanair round trip from our wee airport in Edinburgh to Warsaw.

Countries, Europe, Pilgrimage

God is a biker

23rd September 2025 funtime65

How do you know God is a biker, well, The Lord was with Joshua and his Triumph was heard throughout the land.

An old fave which has no doubt been doing the rounds, at the Blessings of the Helmets at the Marian pilgrimage in Fatima.

Now in its tenth year, some 180,000 bikers descended on the Northern Portuguese city.

To have their helmets blessed.

And to raise money and awareness for the 9,900 bikers in accidents in the country and victims of the country’s forest fires.

Pilgrims make their way to Fatima by planes, trains and automobiles, and we’d recommend Jose Madomis’s guided tour.

Which we would have seen for ourselves if only we had visited a couple of weeks later.

Our calling

It was less God’s calling, we think, rather than just space in the work calendar, which meant we visited one early September.

And met the niece of one of the Three Little Shepherds.

On her own porch and joined in the Lord’s Prayer.

This little light of mine

Now if the Lord moves in mysterious ways then pilgrims to Fatima do as well.

All with the same aim to make their own way to the main altar.

Which is what one senior citizen, and we dare say not the only one.

On her hands and her knees in supplication to Our Lady and Our Lord.

And to get the best slot for the Night-time Candle Procession.

Only the blessings are shared equally around.

Whether a Little Shepherd, a Little Biker or a Little Old Woman.

Pilgrims arrive in Fatima, as we say, by all modes of transport but we flew in with Ryanair to Lisbon.

And why not check out Portugal Centro too which Jose, our Special One, has been specially endowed with God’s favours and blessings.

Countries, Flying

Airport drinks and the Ryanair solution

25th August 202525th August 2025 funtime65

You’re sipping apple tea in dry Male in the Maldives, off your Turkish Airlines overnighter, and thinking about airport drinks and the Ryanair solution.

Well, maybe not then, as well as being dog tired despite the business class sleep on board from Istanbul, via Dublin.

And the fact that Michael O’Leary was still to formulate the idea in that massive, overactive brain of his.

But the news of a whopping 41% rise in trouble at Scottish airports, and we dare say that’s replicated in similar airports, has us agreeing.

Two drink or not to drink

The bould Michael is suggesting a two-drink limit for passengers before getting on flights.

Which might at first sound draconic but us Jocks aren’t even allowed a drink when attending football grounds to limit the risks of violence.

Airport drinking has, of course, become a custom of holidaying , helped along by the ubiquitous Weatherspoon.

Only for every happy drunk there are leary louts who kick off at the check-out desk.

When they’re told their luggage doesn’t fit and they have to pay an excess fee.

And all before they get on the plane and top up.

Thou shalt not pass

Of course, in the worst cases the yobs on tour will end up abusing the cabin crew and fellow passengers.

And even cause the plane to be diverted for an emergency landing.

All of which disruption can be allayed by following Michael’s solution.

And insisting that passengers show their boarding passes as we do in the gift shops, stationers and pharmacists.

And that way being blocked after two drinks.

Cheers to Ryanair

Let’s dance: You can enjoy yourself without being drunk

Now 19-year-old Bandanaman who drank our transatlantic flight from London to JFK dry.

With my old much-lamented party animal Toothy dry would disapprove.

But two drinks should be enough for anybody before they board their flight.

Even those who are nervous fliers and we sympathise.

Now far from wanting to be accused of being a Grinch we should surely look at this for the sake of all passengers.

Because this is the brainchild of the great promoter of budget travel.

Who has been known to give a free drink to passengers after a successful Cheltenham.

Airport drinks and the Ryanair solution, maybe we’ll all look back in the future and sigh that it was ever any other way.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Myth busting and Maltese sand between your toes

18th August 202518th August 2025 funtime65

And because you should never listen to the naysayers, some myth-busting with Maltese sand between your toes.

Because the Mediterranean island isn’t all rocks and shingle as many would have you believe.

As anyone who has kicked up the golden grains at the island’s biggest sandy beach Mellieha Bay will tell you.

On the north of the island, it boasts crystal clear waters and is ankle deep for 50m out… perfect for the kiddies.

Close to the village of Mellieha. It stretches along the Ghadira Nature Reserve.

Knights tales

If it’s history you want then, of course, this small but powerful island is associated with St Paul, Knights and beefed-up sailors.

And you can channel your Medieval chevalier in Mellieha.

At the Red Tower and its bastioned watchtower with amazing views from its turreted roof.

Where you’ll be able to gaze out over Northern Malta, Comino and Gozo.

Muscle in on Popeye Village

The archipelago has long been a favourite for movie locations.

And you can muscle in on one of our absolute favourite cartoon heroes.

In the Popeye Village, a purpose-built film set that has been converted into an attraction.

Loveholidays bill Mellieha as its top pick and offers a room for seven nights at the 4* Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa.

With flight with Ryanair, departing from Dublin on August 26 from €799pp.

Maltese crossings

Now, of course, we’re happy to carry the recommendations of the experts here.

Who point Malta lovers and those who are just waiting to get out there.

To sister islands Gozo and Comino.

Or take a ferry from Valletta to Sliema for its charming shops and local cafes.

The Blue Grotto Sea Caves on Malta’s southeast coast are perfect for the spirited.

While the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens are also worth a visit.

Offering breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour and Valletta.

So find out the real Malta and get myth busting with Maltese sand between your toes. And much else besides.

Countries, Europe

Albufairer for everybody

5th July 2025 funtime65

And because all British tourists don’t see the Med as a trash can they should welcome a new code of conduct as Albufairer for everybody.

I’m indebted here, as I always was in our years working together in Ireland, to Irish Algarve expat Caroline Smith, for the steer.

That the Albufeirians have introduced a new set of rules to keep their resort and town clean.

With the new code in place now for a fortnight there have already been several arrests made.

Not that I or my school buddies were schoolboys.

And we probably should have been lifted by the gendarmes for holding up the traffic on the French Riviera.

The naked truth

Calm down: Post-school parties in Albufeira

Boys will be boys and girls girls but we can all have a rerr terr in the Algarve without spoiling it for everyone else.

Caroline fills us in that the code of conduct had been in the pipeline for years.

But that some of the behaviours from last year were seen as excessive.

And the authorities pushed through the changes early.

With casual antisocial patterns like strolling around the streets in swimsuits/bikinis while drinking and drunk.

The last straw though was when a group of young Britons got their kit off and partied stark naked in a bar.

We didn’t find out what happened to said ravers and it may well be still going through the courts.

Another fine mess

But a warning here for anyone who might think that that’s a good ruse then be aware of these new penalties.

👉Wearing bikinis or swimwear outside beach or pool zones: fines from €300 to €1,500.

👉Drinking alcohol in the street, urinating, or defecating in public: also €300 to €1,500.

👉Nude or sexual acts in public: fines between €500 and €1,800.

👉Wild camping, sleeping rough, or spitting in public: €150 to €750.

The ba’ is burst

Good clean fun: With Cliff Richard in Faro

Again I’m guided by Caroline that such high, but merited, penalties are not already in place across the whole of the Algarve.

A word here too to the acquaintances from my past who broke the skylight.

With a football, resulting in their parents having to fork out for the damage to the owners.

Not sure what the fine these days for that type of misbehaviour would be.

But we say Parabens Algarve because your new code is Albufairer for everybody.

We found return flights from Edinburgh to Faro for August with Ryanair for a sample £186.83pp.

And you’d be surprised who you might bump into in the airport!

Countries, Flying

Holidos and Don’ts – no more boarding passes

11th April 202511th April 2025 funtime65

And the answer to all our prayers, yes the return of an old favourite feature on this site and the end of another, Holidos and Don’ts – no more boarding passes.

Boarding passes can, of course, be the bane of our lives as we pad our pockets a hundred times on the day of our departure.

And still doubt ourselves that they haven’t dropped out of our pockets or we’ve left them behind.

A lifetime of passes

Answer to our prayers: Facial recognition

Here’s a thing though, since uploading the passes to our phones and Rynair are planning on getting rid of all paper passes I’ve been getting nostalgic.

But for the Scary One and her constant spring cleaning of my War Room (I put pins in the destinations of a wall atlas) I’d still have a pile of my old passes.

With markers from everywhere from the Maldives, South Africa and Jordan to Morocco, the Caribbean and all across the States.

All of which act as mementoes which let you daydream and drift off to exotic climes.

On cold, wet, dark days of which there are many in Scotland.

And when you’ve got a list of chores around the house which you need to avoid.

Face values

Find your gate: It may be further than you think

Now we have the International Civil Aviation Organisation to thank.

For this new revolution in aviation travel.

The UN body wants to create a new ‘digital travel credential’ within ‘two to three years’.

Allowing passport information stored on devices and used for travel.

And meaning that you will be able to download ‘a journey pass’ where your face will be your key.

Of course, if you’re one of those accidental tourists, of which I can count myself a paid-up member.

You’d forget your head

Then there will be other challenges.

Such as not leaving your mobile phone behind.

As I did on my MLK50 odyssey through the Deep South.

And had to have a courier chase our coach 100 miles up country to reunite man with mobile.

Or misreading my airline and going to the wrong Lufthansa gate in Munich airport.

And despite breaking the speed record across terminals.

Having to lean on the stern but generous Bertha at the counter to move my flight.

So that I could hook up with my party in Athens.

But that’s another story.

I need now to readjust for the future, it’s all part of the ever-changing landscape that is, Holidos and Don’ts – no more boarding passes.

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

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, Europe

Czech out just why Wenceslas was good

26th December 2024 funtime65

The snow isn’t lying about deep and crisp and even today in Prague but still let’s Czech out just why Wenceslas was good anyway.

And why we celebrate him this day, St Stephen’s Day, or Boxing Day, if you will.

Well, quite simply that’ll be down to his good deeds and December 26 traditionally being a giving day.

Most carol singers don’t get past the first verse but the gist is that he helps the poor man gath’ring winter fuel.

It was his USP and it’s why the Czechs, especially, love him.

As big as you get

Quite simply Wenceslas is as big as you get in Prague, alongside King Charles V of course, he of the King Charles V Bridge.

The story goes that if Prague is ever in danger the statue of King Wenceslas will come to life.

He will then raise a sleeping army and reveal a legendary sword to bring peace to the land.

Wenceslas, you see, is sleeping on a grudge, an injustice, a thousand years after being killed by his brother Boleslaus The Cruel.

So you see it’s not just your family, or mine, which has squabbles.

You can find Wenceslas these days in the mammoth St Vitus Cathedral where his remains lie and are venerated.

And, of course his statue in Wenceslas Square, the beating heart of Prague.

Velvet Revolution

You might wonder why he did not rise with his sword when the Nazis wrought carnage on the city.

Or when the Communists moved in and then in 1968 reappeared with their tanks to quell the Rising.

Wenceslaus was looking out though and not just on St Stephen’s Day but every day.

And sharpest between November 17 and 28, 1989, when Wenceslas Square became the cradle of the Velvet Revolution.

The Velvet Revolution

Writing on the wall: At the John Lennon wall

Now if you find yourself in Wenceslas Square today then lucky you.

But despite the carol, written by an Englishman, it is in fact just another day in the Czech calendar.

Although they are like the good king very giving.

There is, of course, a special day for Czechs, St Wenceslas’s Day, the country’s national day when he is celebrated, September 28.

Now, any time to visit Prague is a good time, but their national day, their Wenceslas Day could be a chance to renew my Czech connections.

And a further opportunity to Czech out just why Wenceslas was good… and toast their patron saint of beer with Pilsner Urquell.

And Ryanair with flights from Edinburgh, and likely your city, from €24.99.

Tag: http://www.ryanair.com

World-class football in Morocco that’s just the ticket

Pay it again Casablanca

More Mo, Mo

Final price is tickety-boo

The Sky’s the limit

This skyscraper is ear-popping fun all right… but where?

Things are looking up

We came, Warsaw, we conquered

Elevated status

God is a biker

Our calling

This little light of mine

Airport drinks and the Ryanair solution

Two drink or not to drink

Thou shalt not pass

Cheers to Ryanair

Myth busting and Maltese sand between your toes

Knights tales

Muscle in on Popeye Village

Maltese crossings

Albufairer for everybody

The naked truth

Another fine mess

The ba’ is burst

Holidos and Don’ts – no more boarding passes

A lifetime of passes

Face values

You’d forget your head

Green for go for Paddy Day deals

Ireland’s greatest exports

The US of Aer

My Budapest hovercraft is full of eels

Dip your toe in

King of the castle

Up, up and away

Czech out just why Wenceslas was good

As big as you get

Velvet Revolution

The Velvet Revolution