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An Edelweiss by any other Alpine name

15th January 202615th January 2026 funtime65

If a rose is a rose by any other name then surely it figures that an Edelweiss is… An Edelweiss by any other Apine name.

Now this horticultural turn isn’t because of the influence of my very own Green-fingered One or Burns Night coming up on January 25.

Although I did serenade her at our wedding with My Luve Is Like A Red, Red Rose.

But because of the news of Swiss airline Edelweiss Air‘s launch of new Glasgow-Zurich flights this summer.

A tale of the roses

Another flower of Scotland: The Jacobite Little White Rose

It got us thinking that symbols often come without borders.

As they grow across lines and are also celebrated and worn too by neighbours who can fall out and fall back in again.

Which is the case of the Scottish Jacobite Little White Rose.

While our English friends mark equally a Yorkshire red and Lancastrian white rose.

Small and white clean and bright

So it can be done, and is, in the Alps where the Edelweiss is hailed by both Austrians and Swiss.

And as we discovered from the globetrotting Daughterie and Mr Daughterie.

That the wee flower figures too on Romanian currency.

So if you thought that it was the preserve of Austria because of The Sound of Music then you would be wrong.

The Swiss too treasure the mountain flower and market it in their tourist brands.

As does Edelweiss Air which has been trading and flying us Helvetiaphiles out to Switzerland for 30 years this year.

An Alpine hand

How sweet is my valley: Switzerland for all seasons

Glasgow will be served by flights every Monday and Friday from May 29 to September 14.

And continuing the Burns theme this is how ithers see us.

Although we know already that the Swiss are fans.

From their regular visits up to Caledonia to showcase their beautiful country and to share Scots-Swiss stories.

Our Alpine amis describe Scotland’s largest city as ‘combining Victorian architecture with modern culture, a vibrant music scene, and a rich football tradition.

‘And thanks to its location, Glasgow is ideal for a city break.

‘As well as a perfect base for tours through the Scottish Highlands or in combination with Edinburgh.’

MEET YOU IN THE AIR

Countries, Europe

The hills are alive now with Salzburg Autumn

28th August 202528th August 2025 funtime65

The hills are alive now with Salzburg Autumn and these are a few of my favourite things about Bauernherbst.

Now we can’t remember the Von Trapps’ decorative hay-ball.

Which indicated that the innkeeper is offering regional produce on the menu.

Blow your own trumpet: The Austrians in traditional mode

So let’s start at the very beginning, it’s a very good place to start.

This is the 30th Bauernherbst, Salzburg’s Harvest Festival which runs until 31 October.

Picking the long straw

Where as you enter the 74 villages in the region you’ll find displays with figures made of straw depicting farm life.

And be invited to join in the parades, traditional music, dance, and bustling markets with seasonal produce.

From roasted chestnuts and hearty pumpkin dishes to freshly pressed cider and regional schnapps.

You can watch artisans weave baskets, embroider, spin yarns and carve wood.

Salzburgers in their dirndls and lederhosen dance to Austrian melodies.

And raise their steins, look into each others’ eyes and swig the official Stiegl beer barrel as it’s tapped.

Suite living

For those looking to pair the celebrations with breathtaking autumn scenery and contemporary Alpine luxury.

WIESERGUT in Hinterglemm in the Leigang region, with its 24 elegant suite is the perfect base.

Days can be spent exploring harvest festivities or hiking through forests.

Twirl power: The youngsters of the village set the lead

Before returning to the hotel’s serene spa, with its spring-fed indoor and outdoor pools, pine sauna, and steam bath.

Before feasting like a native with produce sourced locally or grown on the hotel’s own farm.

From homemade breads and jams to eggs from free-range chickens.

So the hills are alive now with Salzburg Autumn and with all major airlines serving Austria airports then you should sample Autumn in the valleys.

A sample three nights comes in at €3,906 per room next month.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Spike in volleyball and why we now dig the Alpine alternative

14th August 202514th August 2025 funtime65

It’s the versatile holiday game we can all play which explains the spike in volleyball and why we now dig the Alpine alternative.

Volleyball has its roots in the YMCA world of 1895 Holyoke, Massachusetts.

When William G Morgan, a disciple of basketball inventor James Naismith, invented a new easy to play parquet sport.

Which easily translates to the beaches of Hawaii where it is said to have taken off 20 years later.

And pools although it took the Disneyfication of the activity to propel it into a sport just 40 years ago.

Around the time of the Club 18-30 craze.

The young set in the Algarve

With all young package holidaymakers soon wading through the waters like we did on our first couples holiday in the Algarve.

The beauty of water volleyball, of course, is its inclusivity with anyone invited to join in.

With it being particularly popular as I found out, with Americans in Barbados.

Who prefer to stay in their resort rather than getting out and meeting Bajans.

Before dosing off in the back seat in the minibus home,

And involuntarily daydreaming that you’re back in the pool and trying to make that dig.

And jolting your fellow party reveller next to you and having to explain your dreamy stupor.

Courting Kitzbuhel

All of which meanderings is stirred by the news that our Alpine amis have taken to volleyball.

From 5 to 7 September, Kitzbuhel will host the Austrian Beach Volleyball Championships in the Alps for the first time.

The Kitbuhel Tennis Stadium will be transformed into the largest beach volleyball venue in the country.

Under the motto ‘BEACH. GAMS. GROSS’ top-level competition, entertainment, and the Alpine setting will come together.

Party on Austria

In addition to elite matches featuring Austria’s best beach volleyball teams, visitors can expect a diverse supporting programme.

Including free sundowner parties, camping at Lake Schwarzsee, youth training sessions, and a clear focus on community and inclusion.

A three night stay at HENRI Country House, arriving 5 September, is priced from £278pps. B&B. Flights and transfers extra.

All of which we hope explains the spike in volleyball and why we now dig the Alpine alternative.

Countries, Europe, Ireland, Oceania

Iceland & Ireland the world’s most peaceful countries

29th June 2025 funtime65

The tired gag was ‘One letter and six months’ for Europe’s outliers, but who’s had the last laugh now with Iceland & Ireland the world’s most peaceful countries.

So who says so… well us, but also Condé Nast’s Global Peace Index.

Who mark countries on lack of corruption, a functioning government, a robust economy, fair distribution of resources.

A free flow of information and good neighbourly relations.

And that’s something to bang your saucepan about which is how the Icelanders expressed their dissatisfaction outside parliament.

Now full disclosure here there is more than a letter apart in my experience of Ireland and Iceland.

As we’ve yet to take the plunge into the Blue Lagoon or the bougie boutique hotels in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Or taken the Icelandair option of stop-off to America.

Irish solution

Aussie philanthropist Steve Killelea (and he must be Irish with a name like that) describes Iceland thus:

‘One of the most stunning countries in the world, like a moonscape covered in snow.

‘It also hasn’t had an internal conflict since 1008 AD when no more than 100 people died.’

As a lesson in conflict resolution Ireland is an example with nearly 30 years of sustained peace in the North.

And you can learn the secrets of that success in the reconciliation hub that is the haven that is Glencree in Co. Wicklow.

Condé Nast describes the Land of Saints and Scholars as boasting ‘striking vistas and storybook towns’.

Lands of bliss

We’ll leave Antipodean Steve to wax lyrical on New Zealand, third on the list.

‘Because of the way it’s honoured indigenous rights, the peace treaty with the Māoris when the British arrived is held to this day.’

And we can share Steve’s admiration for another country who have integration licked, the Swiss.

Fifth on the index Switzerland scores ‘with four official languages coexisting, it takes a remarkable political system to hold that together.

‘By its very nature, it shows us how different cultures can live harmoniously and respectfully within one system.’

Taking a breather: In the Austrian Tirol

In these Alpine parts, of course, No. 4 Austria is never far apart either geographically or in life experience.

Which we’d agree with too and the remarks ‘Austria’s majestic peaks, vast plains and postcard-perfect lakes are as peaceful as they look.’

Pointing too to Vienna’s top spot in the rankings in the 2024 Economist Intelligence Unit.

The ideal getaways

Now as our lives grow ever busier those who compile these listicles for us and do the heavy lifting for us are a Godsend.

Which leaves us to make our own links and ignore the simplistic jibes of those who don’t make these lists.

The ones that tell the real truth… Iceland & Ireland the world’s most peaceful countries.

Countries, Deals, Europe

The very beginning The Sound of Music at 60

7th January 20257th January 2025 funtime65

Let’s start at the very beginning The Sound of Music at 60. And Salzburg’s place in the story.

Now if you’re looking for a ray, a speck of golden sun, then the Austrian music city is the place to go.

And particularly this year as Soundies or Trappies will be gathering in even greater numbers for the Diamond Anniversary of the iconic film.

Now if you’re a solo traveller and the line ‘me the name I call myself’ has most resonance then Solos Holidays have you covered.

Melodies & Majesty in Salzburg

They are offering a Melodies & Majesty – A Salzburg Symphony tour departing on 1 June and costing £1,649pp.

And what is more majestic than a dinner and concert at Mirabell Palace where Maria and the children dance around the fountain singing Do-Re-Mi,

The Solos tour blends group experiences with free time, offering a relaxed way to explore the charm of Salzburg.

And having the security of the group behind you might stop you getting lost, miscalculating your time and having to tear back like a blue-arsed fly before your booze bus returns to the Oktoberfest in Munich.

Your Melodies & Majesty package includes return flights and transfers, airport taxes, double-room for solo use, daily breakfast and welcome drink.

And then there’s the excursions, the boat trip from St. Gilgen to St. Wolfgang.

Entrance to Fortress Hohensalzburg and a return funicular ride, guided tour of Salzburg and Salzkammergut.

That dinner and a concert at Mirabell Palace and an experienced Solos Tour Leader.

Mozart’s balls

And for an encore there’s entrance to Mozart’s birthplace.

Ein kleine local knowledge here and don’t leave Salzburg before checking out Mozart’s balls.

Now if you’ve dipped your toe into Salzburg on a day away from the slopes on your winter break then it just whets your appetite for a return.

And when better than going back. To the very beginning The Sound of Music at 60.

Solos can be contacted on 020 8951 2900.

America, Countries, Europe, UK

Scottish steak pie or other New Year dishes

1st January 20251st January 2025 funtime65

We’ll whisper it, Happy 2025, and we suggest maybe lining your tummy with Scottish steak pie or other New Year dishes.

The hearty meaty steak pie has long been the go-to for Scots on New Year’s Day.

To soak up all the booze from the night before.

Its place in the Scots’ culinary calendar is believed to have derived from its ease in preparation.

Basically bought straight from the butcher.

Of course, filling meat pies may sate those for whom the Sun is just a rumour.

But how does the rest of the world refuel on the first day of the year?

Tamales wrapped up

Well in countries where they actually grow bananas they put their leaves to good use to hold in their New Year treats.

For Mexicans it’s tamales, corn dough stuffed with meat, cheese and other delicacies and wrapped in the leaf or a corn husk.

Groups of women gather to make hundreds of the little packets, and doesn’t it always fall on them?

At this time of year in Mexico they are served with menudo.

A tripe and hominy (corn to you and me) soup, supposed to cure hangovers.

Good ole’ Southern soul food

And we’ve been that soldier, eating grits and Southern soul food in the winter (in truth, they eat it all year round).

For New Year though it’s especially Hoppin’ John, a dish of black-eyed peas (a coins symbol).

And rice with collards, like our cabbage, to represent green folding stuff and cornbread (the colour of gold).

The dish is said to bring good luck, and wealth, in the new year and dates back to Charleston, South Carolina of the 1840s.

Sylvester’s Day

Now our more traditional continental friends let us have our Hogmanay.

Although their Saint Sylvester’s Eve and Day in honour of the Pope who converted Constantine boasts its own hog theme.

Austria and Germany celebrated New Year’s Eve Sylvesterabend with suckling pig for dinner.

And a decoration of little pigs made of marzipan, called marzipanschwein.

Good luck pigs, or glücksschwein, which are made of all sorts of things, are also common gifts throughout both Austria and Germany.

Now money makes the world go round as the Cabaret MC and Sally Bowles are quick to remind us.

And that’s true anywhere with Italians adorning their New Year dish with money-looking vegetables too.

Italians celebrate New Year’s Eve alongside La Festa di San Silvestro with cotechino con lenticchi.

It’s a sausage and lentil dish that is said to bring good luck with the lentils representing money and good fortune.

Now whichever food you refuel on today.

Whether Scottish steak pie or other New Year dishes we wish you a prosperous next 12 months.

And we promise to…

THRIVE IN 2025

Countries, Deals, Europe, Skiing

To ski or not to ski

14th December 202314th December 2023 funtime65

To ski or not to ski that is the question for those of us who like to slide away for a winter break.

Whether it is snowglobler in the mind… sorry we’ve started early on the Christmas sherry.

But with the ski jacket back on for the frozen north of Britain that is Scotland thoughts turn to whether to give it another outing on the piste.

Forgetting, of course, the fallings and throws of outrageous fortune (sorry, I’ll stop now) on the slopes.

EasyJet does it

Rock me Amadeus: With Mozart in Salzburg

Of course there is as always a choice with EasyJet flagging up their budget ski holidays and winter ski breaks.

The important thing, as always, is that we give ourselves a treat and a getaway.

The airline is teasing us with £27.99 one way.

While they’re indulging those who aren’t interested in skiing – or those other skiers would prefer for their own safety weren’t on the slopes.

With city breaks around Europe from £149pp.

Of course on closer inspection it’s even better than that.

We were drawn to the Austrian jewel that is Salzburg within easy train reach to the ski hub that is Soll.

With EasyJet offering a trip out to Mozart’s birth city from London Gatwick for what we’re calling a Magic Flight, for £17.99 one way.

Czech out Prague

Now there is never a bad time to take in one of Europe’s great cultural and fun cities, party-loving Prague.

And EasyJet will put you up in the Hotel Majestic Plaza close to the city centre for £300 for you and your significant other.

With the only slopes you’ll need to negotiate are the climbs up and down to the Castle Area.

And the steps up the Astronomical Clock or down the steps to their nuclear bunkers.

And don’t worry if you see what looks like babies climbing the TV tower… it’s just David Cerny’s arts masterpiece.

You, of course, will be able to take a lift up to the restaurant at the top and look down on them.

Remember now to toast each other or whoever you are with and EasyJet whatever you do.

Whether it’s to ski or not to ski or you take a city break… you deserve a great break.

Countries

Switzerland is as safe as chalets

21st February 202321st February 2023 funtime65

You know you’re secure when their knife of choice has tweezers and scissors, yes, Switzerland is as safe as chalets.

And even more so when the Swiss Army Knife you are given by their delegates at your Irish fair give you is a chocolate blade.

Of course, we’d never recommend, or expect to carry anything with us for protection abroad but it is, alas, a consideration these days.

We’ve perhaps been blessed to have stayed safe on our travels, apart from a close shave involving a barber and false guide in Marrakech.

While we have the salutary tale of a relative who was drawn into a card school in Thailand and was cleared out.

India’s top-rated gambling guide Gamblino (no, us neither) have ranked the safest places in Europe based on a number of metrics.

And our yodelling, like clockwork, friends come out on top but where else is as safe as chalets, ice houses, canal boats or crofts?

Always an Alpine hand

Slayed it: On my sled in the Australian Tirol

And the Penthouse of Europe has the best views and the most chilled people.

Like Interlaken inspiration Brigitte and Ehrwald Presley who, while the rest of us stressed-out types shout at the world, they yodel their way through the day.

Unperturbed by the sort of things that might trouble us like crime, road troubles or natural disasters.

All of which puts the Swiss top of the list and Austria also riding high in the charts.

Ice to meet you

And in the Land of Fire and Ice too where you’ll find the friendliest guysers you’ll ever meet.

Apart maybe from the exorbitant costs.

But they say the best things in life are free.

And you lose all your inhibitions when you’re swimming in their fave icy pools with new friends.

Nordic Nirvana

And it must be something in that Nordic air, and we’ve experienced that first hand in the Norwegian fjords.

Because Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden also make it into the top ten safest places in Europe.

And the stressbuster to beat all stressbusters.

I mean you know your safe when you can take off all your clothes and sweat it out together in a sauna together.

Hello from the Low Countries

Can I be trusted on a bike? In Amsterdam

Where the crime rates are low and the approval ratings are always high.

In Luxembourg where despite its miniature size you’ll feel free as a bird surrounded by forests, gorges and the Moselle river valley.

Or the liberal Netherlands where they stay cool, cycling along canals, eating crepes or getting high in brown cafes.

A hundred thousand welcomes

With queen of Spain Teresa, Eoghan Corry and Sharon Jordan in Dublin

And it would surprise absolutely nobody to see Ireland up there as one of the safest countries in Europe.

Where you can still stop and talk to strangers in the streets of its capital Dublin and get the craic.

While out in the country, often called Real Ireland, and certainly my Dear Old Mum’s heartland of Co. Donegal there’s always a welcome in the hillside.

And quirkily where there is no rail service, getting about requires a lift from Maura.

And she’ll drop you off at Seamus’s who will take you as far as Breid who is going your way.

And so Switzerland is as safe as chalets and across Europe too.

Countries, Europe, Skiing

Aussie beer games and Tirol

3rd May 2022 funtime65

It’s probably a more restrained affair than the carnage of Aussie beer games and Tirol that I got caught up in back in the day.

But heck, Kitzbuhel in Austria has it all.

Our friends in Tirol have alerted us to the news that they have made it easier for English-speakers to learn about their picture-postcard resort.

Through the Museum Kitzbühel and its free audio guide.

In 33 chapters, it takes you through the areas of town history, winter sports and Alfongs Walde.

And from now on, English is also available to our visitors in addition to German.

All you need is a smartphone and the Hearonymus app, which can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store and Google Play Store.

Whether the Topdeck passengers of circa 1985 and 1986 make it into the annals (more likely anals) of Kitzbuhel, or its neighbour, Kirchberg history is another matter.

Das boot

Boot-iful: The Glass Boot. http://www.hopculture.com

Centred around the festivity in the party chalet was a beer game.

It involved a glass boot filled with best Austrian beer.

Among the rules was to keep the toe centred, pass in the correct direction.

And, of course, not to regurgitate when you turn the heel and hit the bubble.

Of course just to keep you lubricated between shots was the Hexengeist schnapps which you set fire to to before downing.

Schnapps to it

A strong chocolatey taste from what I can remember it was known among our circles as an F*** because that’s what you do when you drink it.

Search for ”Museum Kitzbühel” in the app and the voices of Wido Sieberer, museum director, Michael Berger-Walde, actor and grandson of Alfongs Walde, Melanie Preston and Nevena Lukic will accompany you.

Through all the exhibition areas and onto the spectacular roof terrace.

Visitors simply listen to the background, stories and anecdotes via the smartphone speakers or the headphones they have brought along.

The Museum Kitzbühel

The museum is situated in the Hinterstadt of Kitzbühel and it was first mentioned by name in the 16^th century.

Only the southwest tower dates from the time of the town’s founding around 1271.

Now, of course, when you’re in Kitzbuhel and Kirchberg you need to take part in the outdoorsy activities too.

We did, even though it was the autumn and we were moving on from the Oktoberfest.

Slip slidin’ away

Heart and Soll: With The Scary One in Soll

And that meant the tobogganing which, of course, I took an alternative way of negotiating…

On my back, sans my board…

And, yes, once the beer and schnapps and whisky wore off, it hurt like hell.

Particularly writhing around the bunk bend of the booze bus which also accommodated a kitchen downstairs.

I have, of course, been back since those days of Aussie beer games and Tirol.

With the Scary One skiing and sliding in Soll in the wintertime.

And on a walking trek in Ehrwald with the speedy superannuated.

And still on my back

With Top Flight for Schools where tobogganing was again on the schedule.

And despite the roll-on of years, yes, you guessed it.

I went down on my back and side, and went back again for more.

America, Countries, Europe, Music, UK

Rainy Days and Songdays Carols

20th December 2021 funtime65

Woah, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, in excelsis deo (wherever that is), it’s Rainy Days and Songdays Carols.

And particularly with the choir of carol singers from the high street in our town now having dissipated.

But church services go on unabated and the original spirit of Christmas sometimes sneaks past Mariah Carey and Michael Buble.

And so a celebration of carols, their origins and the destinations with which they’re associated.

Stille Nacht

Or Silent Night which originates in Oberndorf bei Salzburg.

No, not that Salzburg of Mozart and The Sound of Music in Austria but the small city north of Salzburg.

It does though have it’s own blessed place in music as the birthplace of one of our favourite carols.

Mohr and Grober may not be as recognisable as Gilbert & Sullivan, Rodgers & Hammerstein, King & Goffin, Lennon & McCartney or John and Taupin.

But the assistant priest, and the schoolmaster and organist certainly hit on one with this classic on the Christmas Eve of 1818.

It travelled around the world and got the ultimate seal of approval when Bing Crosby sold 10 million copies in 1935.

Feliz Natal

In her working clothes: With the Scary One again

Feliz Natal as they say in Portugal.

Or O Come all ye Faithful (except they say it in Portuguese) and not this southern US draw… though Carrie on Ms Underwood.

We have King John IV to thank for it becoming Anglicised (the Portuguese are England’s most enduring ally).

The clue to King Johin IV’s musicality is in the moniker he was given King John The Musician.

His works (he is also said to have written a setting for a Good Friday standard Crux Fidelis) alas were destroyed in the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755.

Of course Portugal is full of secrets just waiting to be discovered.

Crowning Bethlehem

Talking of secrets, I’ve just been watching the original Jesus.

Well the blockbuster televisual one, anyway, Robert Powell retracing Our Lord’s steps on the Smithsonian channel.

And spoiler here.. he may not have been born there but rather his childhood home Nazareth.

The song would be very different, or would it be? Nazareth scans too.

The carol we so love, is actually an American construct.

With it written by Phillips Brook, an Episcopalian minister, then a rector in Philadelphia, and later of Boston, in the 19th century.

And sung beautifully here by The King himself.

Ding Dong Merrily On High

Sounds very English village hall, but mais non, Ding Dong Merrily On High is a French Joyeux Noel, ditty.

The tune was originally recorded in the 16th century by Dijon‘s finest Jehan Tabourot in his study of French Renaissance social dance called Orchésographie.

Ca va, English composer and campanologist George Ratcliffe Woodward updated it with the old ding dong that we all enjoy.

Now randomly we can’t think of anyone better to sing or rather trill it than Roger ‘The Whistler’ Whittaker.

Deep pan crisp and even

OK, we’ll get the old Christmas Cracker joker out first.

What pizza does Good King Wenceslas like?

Deep pan crisp and even.

Whether the Good King first looked out on the Feast of Stephen and the snow laid round about deep and crisp and even we don’t know.

But Wenceslas Square in Prague is usually packed at this time of year, and on most days.

It might be different this year with Covid which is all the more reason to toast our Czech friends with an Urquell. Na Zdravi.

Take it away Bing…

Merry Christmas and sing along to yourself with your Rainy Days and Songdays Carols.