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Inside the United Nations in Geneva

11th June 202611th June 2026 funtime65

And you thought it was in New York, well it is, but here’s somewhere else where you don’t have to press your nose up to the glass… inside the United Nations in Geneva.

Switzerland is famous for its internationalism and neutrality so of course it embraces the whole United Nations ideal.

And is more than happy to open its doors for a new gateway into how the world works… the Portail des Nations.

Located at the entrance of the Palais des Nations (along the Alley of Flags), this immersive visitor centre invites you, we’re told, to explore the forces shaping our world.

Of course, now we’ve had our big kick-off to the football World Cup, we’ve got our own Alley of Flags along the garden fence.

Our own little effort at world unity.

Flagging up the Portail des Nations

More than a visitor centre, the Portail des Nations, which opens on Friday, June 18, is designed as a journey.

Across nearly 1,000m², interactive installations bring global challenges to life.

From climate change to human rights and global health.

A highlight of the visit: an immersive experience inspired by how the United Nations operates.

And it offers visitors insight into the mechanisms behind international decision-making.

Designed for everyone, the experience is easy to access and does not require the usual formalities associated with institutional visits.

The art of diplomacy

Whether you’re travelling solo, with family, or in a group, it’s the perfect introduction to international Geneva.

With this new landmark, the city on the lake reinforces its position as a hub of dialogue and diplomacy.

The Portail des Nations becomes a must-visit starting point.

To understand how global decisions are made and how they impact us all.

We found an EasyJet return flight from our local airport here in Edinburgh to Geneva for £200 return…

That’s assuming that the half-Scottish Donald Trump can’t get us on Air Force One.

Deals, Europe, Sport

For go-karting in Galway read Avo-Drift in Avoriaz

9th June 20269th June 2026 funtime65

Plus ca change as they say en France and for go-karting in Galway read Avo-Drift in Avoriaz aujourd-hui.

One of the highlights back in the day on holiday in Salthill on Ireland’s west coast .

And before Sky television and mobile phones and girls, was the go-karts.

And we’d spend the hard-earned Saturday work cash on cornering and pretending we were James Hunt.

Of course, I should have known then I wouldn’t be cut out to be a natural driver.

Spin me right round: Underground karting

Although I did manage to get my driving licence after I think six times.

During which I got lessons from Her Behind the Wheel which is where she has stayed, not allowing me to drive since.

And the most laidback rasta driver who would pass over anything I might be doing wrong.

Occasionally stepping on the emergency brake, but mostly waving at his ‘brothers’ out the window.

One careless driver

You can take it as red: Fiat 501 en France

A range of work cars laters, a slip on the ice in Aberdeen and a rear-end outside a football ground and a clamping and we’re more or less up to date.

Apart, of course, from the time on the French Riviera when our party were given Fiat 501s to drive.

Only I couldn’t work out the old hand gears and the tour operator insisted they drive me instead!

All of which driving mishaps behind me I was rather taken by the invitation put out here.

To discover Avo’Drift in Avoriaz on the French-Swiss border.

And despite the billing, it doesn’t down scary at all, which is more than be said for my mountain escapades.

Get the Drift

Avo’Drift, we’re told, and I checked out the pics, is a unique drifting-style driving experience.

Set inside an underground parking garage.

All transformed into a vibrant illuminated arena with neon lights and an underground atmosphere.

Participants take the wheel of electric vehicles.

All specially designed for drifting, featuring one front wheel and two rear wheels built for sliding.

All of which is meant to allow drivers to drift through corners, swing the rear out, and challenge friends in a fun and immersive setting.

Helmets and gloves are provided if necessary, and the activity is accessible to anyone over4.5ft tall.

Sessions last between eight and ten minutes.

And prices are set at €15/£13 per driver or €13.50/£12 with the Multipass discount.

Count us in

A seven-night stay at Hotel des Dromont s, arriving August 8, is priced from £643pps, sharing a double room with breakfast included. Flights and transfers extra.

We found flights with EasyJet from £194.48.

BON VOYAGE

Countries, Deals, Europe

Symi, see you, Symi 2

19th April 202619th April 2026 funtime65

And seeing we’ve got Helios the Sun God back on side we’re off Greek island hopping, so SYMI, see you, SYMI 2.

All of which will become as clear in time as the Aegean we’re sailing on to the Rhodes neighbouring island on our loveholidays odyssey.

Where after an hour and a half on the water on our Sea Dreams boat Symi 2.

The pristine blue and white Captains Houses and neo-classical mansions around Gialos harbour and hills hove into view.

We dive into island life though not literally.

Dive straight in

We will leave that to the likes of the moustachioed Stathis Hatzis, the legendary naked diver who stands sentry at the bay.

Who we learn dived to retrieve and tie an Italian anchor, holding his breath for nearly four minutes.

Now did we say that Gialos is breathtaking?

Particularly from higher up, as you can see from the lens of the expert in the family.

We scale the steep steps after calamari and a kalimera and Greek salad at Trata Trawler.

And discover that the best welcome is from a friendly Simi cat we christen Simi 2 after our boat.

The best habits

Alas, the mechanical Symi 2’s hooter reminds us that we must part.

But hopefully our prayers will be answered at our next port of call, a monastery on the north end of the island.

Greek churches as we have all come to appreciate appreciate their icons and you can’t move for them here.

At the Holy Monastery of the Taxiarch Michael Panarmitis.

Again, we bump into a Greek Orthodox priest in flowing black robe.

Now he may or may not know our Archbishop Makarios back at the Alphatron Hotel in Rhodes.

But we imagine he will be waiting near the bar for his liqueur as he has been all week.

Though not necessarily for us.

The cat’s whiskers of a deal

But Socrates, the hotel cat… OK, not the only one but the one we took to first will be.

And he can have the Amphitryon because Simi belongs to Symi 2.

Your friendly neighbourhood Bandanaman is travelling with loveholidays and EasyJet from Edinburgh.

And staying at the Amphitryon City Hotel, 800m from the Old Town.

All for £1,028 for two, B&B and evening meals, for a week with airport transfers.

Countries, Deals, Europe

When it rains on the Sun God’s island

18th April 202618th April 2026 funtime65

So where to go when it rains on the Sun God’s island of Rhodes?

What we’d done to offend Zeus on Mount Olympus or whether Helios was away, we need shelter from their wrath.

And that means a visit to the Throne of Helios opposite the harbour off the Old Town.

For the 9D spectacular of the history of Rhodes, the first of its type in Europe, and a very special chariot race.

Hair-raising stuff

Spooktacular: History lesson in Throne of Helios

You literally don’t have to leave your seat for a rocky thrill ride.

Although even inside the repurposed original Rhodian cinema, 100 years old next year, you won’t be entirely dry.

As you’ll get sprayed with water from the sea.

Caught up in a battle, rocked by an earthquake and sprayed with smoke.

And bumped from the back.

All of which might illicit a scream of ‘what, I’ve just done my hair.’

Up close with Helios

The Throne of Helios is a 20-minute riproaring thrill ride which will occupy kids and big kids, rain or shine.

And for just €13 of our modern coin you’ll forget that Helios has taken a day off and believe he is actually in here.

Of course, all good things must come to an end and it’s back out into the elements.

Stone me: Larking in the Archaeological Museum

But there is immediate help at hand in Umbrella Corner, where you have a choice of brolly good specialist shops.

With your Bandanaman hooded and Medusa covering her strands with her newly acquired brolly we go to have a word with Helios.

Where he was, or perhaps his spirit still is, between the two piers where the 80m Colossus in his memory is said to have stood.

At home among the old fossils

Peering enviously at the big yachts with Russian names nyet no reprieve.

We trudge back into the Old Town for our next stop.

And a step back in time at the Archaeological Museum.

And an education, and then some, of the civilisations which have passed through Rhodos.

For the overgrown schoolboys (guilty) and schoolgirls (a group of giggly gals from my hometown of Glasgow) there are naughty bits.

Greek busts and phallises but also beautifully preserved amphoras or jugs.

And on the grander scale statues to the gods and headstones.

The ancient and the modern

It is though in the small things that we often find God’s most wondrous hand.

And it takes some comprehending that the tiniest hedgehogs and frogs from thousands of years ago are preserved so beautifully.

Whether Helios had a late one he is arisen and shining now and we are ready to embrace his creation again.

Which for my goddess means a refuel at our now favourite stopping off point, Socrates Garden.

Before a shopping expedition around some very well-thumbed stall items.

Now that’s a whole different odyssey of epic proportions.’

Deal me in

Your friendly neighbourhood Bandanaman is travelling with loveholidays and EasyJet from Edinburgh.

And staying at the Amphitryon City Hotel, 800m from the Old Town.

All for £1,028 for two, B&B and evening meals, for a week with airport transfers.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Better lute than never to the Bouzouki party

17th April 202617th April 2026 funtime65

And when in Rhodes better lute than never to the Bouzouki party.

If bouzoukis strike a Greek chord with you then it’s probably because of Zorba the Greek.

Filmed in Rhodes which is where we’re billeting for the week on our loveholidays odyssey.

Its unmistakeable hook draws us into Socrates Garden in Rhodes Old Town.

Where we go full Hellenic with an oiled and olived-up Greek salad.

Although our waiters resist the temptation to smash plates.

Zorba dancing at the Amphitryon

We have a Greek night later back at the Amphitryon Hotel presumably for that.

With local group Buzuki playing for the international clientele by the pool.

And captured for posterity here by your Bandanaman even if his posterior was not.

Because somebody in the organisation took the executive decision that that was not fit for family viewing.

The Amphitryon family

The Amphitryon family were out in force to lead the dancing with one particular toddler holding court.

And for our entertainment too the band’s main and veteran bouzouki player looked like he grew up with Socrates himself.

While straight out of central casting ‘Archbishop Makarios’ with his beanie hat as a nod to modernity joining in the clapping.

While tour guide Rosa from group Travel One The Amphitryon took the mic to belt out Hellenic standards.

Before Manolis and his bar staff brought the evening to an end with complimentary ouzos, Greek medicine, for all cures.

Deal us in

Your friendly neighbourhood Bandanaman is travelling with loveholidays and EasyJet from Edinburgh.

And staying at the Amphitryon City Hotel, 800m from the Old Town.

All for £1,028 for two, B&B and evening meals, for a week with airport transfers.

YAMAS AND MEET YOU ON THE FLOOR

Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe, Ships

Wave goodbye and thanks Croatia and isle be back

19th October 202419th October 2024 funtime65

Mahmuti zbogom i Hvala Croatia i isle be back.

Or for those who aren’t fluent by now in Hravatska wave goodbye and thanks Croatia and isle be back.

Which, of course, in this idiosyncratic strip of a country of 1,423 islands means waving goodbye to a pancake machine.

Which is how we kickstart the contraption in the buffet at the Grand Park Hotel.

Playing to the balcony: The Grand Park Hotel, Dubrovnik

On our loveholidays and EasyJet odyssey in Dubrovnik.

It would, of course, be back on our kitchen worktop by now.

Had the Mother of all Dragons not packed the suitcase to the brim with olive oil from the islands.

A scoot around the Elaphiti Islands

We have, in truth, barely made an indentation on those 1,423 isles in our seven days here.

But we did bag three more, the Elaphiti Islands with Get Your Guide (from €60pp) on our last day.

And now with luscious Lokrum, just 700m from Old Town Dubrovnik already explored that makes four.

In all honesty, the Elaphiti Islands lacked the charm, or peacocks, of Lokrum.

And contrary to Pliny the Elder’s claims despite the origins of their name there are no deer on these Elaphiti Islands.

Although plenty of wee Croatian Old Dears, one of whom in Sipan fluttered her eyelids.

To draw Herself into buying her olive oil.

The cutting crew

We have come here on Triton which we pick up from the marina having been driven to the shore from our hotel.

Lorenzo, our dreadlocked polyglot Italian guide and Jakob, his barefooted Polish pal deckhand, get the party going.

We start with Abba and I am reminded of my starring part in Jimmy, Jimmy (A man after midnight) on the Bosphorus.

But word must have reached them and I am not asked to reprise it.

Jakob gives us a pep with plum Rakija chasers and Lorenzo tops us up with Dalmatian wine.

Choose your church

Now if you love yourself an oul’ church then the Elaphiti Islands, and Dubrovnik in general, will be right up your ulica.

With one church for every one in the audience.

Although you imagine St Jerome the Hermit wouldn’t have shared his.

And his doors on Lopud are shut when we visit.

My little flower: Herself on the islands

Our time on the islands is alas too brief, 45 minutes each, although we do get to leaf through the botanic gardens.

But hardly enough to get lost on the steep rocky steps in Sipan which houses a positively throbbing 419 residents.

To get to yet another monastery ruins and meet another moggie.

Bare truth about departure time

Now you’d think 45 minutes would be long enough for a nudist beach.

On Kolocep which boasts just 163 inhabitants and just as many cats.

But alas it is too far out to get there and back in time for departure.

With Jakob saying Triton leaves bang on time, kit or sans kit.

In search of a dense hot chocolate

Now despite everyone on the isles seemingly working in the hospitality sector not one serves la ciocolatta di calda densa.

The thick hot chocolate, sometimes found in Dubrovnik, and always in Italia.

There is enough time on our eight-hour boat trip though for Lorenzo and Jakob to wine and dine us some more.

With no shortage of fresh fish, chicken and vegetarian fare all part of the package.

While spirits and coffee are budget prices.

Negotiating the waves

Lorenzo and I parliamo Italiano as we rise to the rhythm of the waves and the Cuban dance music.

And I feel I have made a connection when I share that I loved visiting his hometown Bergamo.

That is until I over-reach and mangle my Italian greeting.

And when I shortchange him at the end when he gets the tip bucket out our prospects of being amichi fade.

And my parting ciao falls on deaf ears without even a buona notte e sogni d’oro in return.

Still, my pancake machine the next morning at breakfast loves and understands me.

So I head for home with a wave goodbye and thanks Croatia and isle be back.

And my wee pancake machine waves back.

Countries, Deals, Flying

The Mile High Club

1st September 20241st September 2024 funtime65

In 30 years with my own jet-setter I’ve only ever been to bed with one person on a flight, and it didn’t qualify for the Mile High Club.

Now neither bald boy Brian nor I, a beardie bandanaman, would have ever have chosen each other as priority sleeping partners.

But lying next to each other on the fold down beds in Turkish Business class was, of course, a treat.

And with a full belly and a woozy head from the flowing fizz we had the sweetest dreams.

And landed refreshed and ready for the Maldives but that’s another story.

EasyJet loving

All of which daydream recollections came flooding back when learning of the overamorous pair.

Who were chucked off an EasyJet flight to the Balearics.

A case of woah, we’re going to Ibiza, all right.

Now the Mile High Club came to be known over the years as the ultimate expression of cocking a snook at authority.

And who can forget the tale of Michael Hutchence supposedly making sweet music with Kylie Minogue on his knee?

Underneath a well-placed coat.

These days, of course, cabin crew would certainly pull up such behaviour on the grounds that the seat belt light was on.

Loo love ya, baby

Cabin fever: High jinks at the National Museum of Flight

The alternative, of course, the rest room would require the dexterity of Harry Houdini.

Yesterday’s airplane loos must have been more spacious affairs.

While passengers would also have been able to enjoy that post-coital cigarette too as smoking was allowed too.

And even encouraged as you can see if you are fortunate enough to board a Concorde as we are at the National Museum of Flight, near North Berwick.

And see the dainty ashtrays provided for the great and good who went supersonic.

One can only imagine which of the famous celebs enrolled in the Mile High Club when they went transatlantic on that bird.

Suite loving with Etihad

Today it requires a little more imagination and a lot more money to get into the Mile High Club.

By either flying on your own private jet or booking a private suite.

Now we’ll leave you to do the heavy lifting here.

But we’re told that they can range from $7,000 to $12,000 for a one-way trip and can even reach up to $23,000 depending on the amenities.

And it’s probably no coincidence that it’s pitched at the dollar market.

We’re told too that Etihad’s Residence, a three-room suite, can cost around $32,000 for a trip from Abu Dhabi to New York.

Perhaps outwith our loved-up couple’s budget who’ll likely face a hefty fine and ban for their few minutes of fun.

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.

Asia, Countries, Europe

Flew Monday

16th January 202316th January 2023 funtime65

And hats off to the Travel PR whizzkid who rebranded January 16 as Blue Monday and help build Flew Monday.

And that’s really the gist of it as we all instinctively dig out the travel brochures when we’re feeling cold and miserable.

While Fiftysomethings might all identify Blue Monday with swaying in their university student union to New Order.

The modern iteration dates back to 2005.

The perfect formula

When Sky Travel dug up psychologist Dr. Cliff Arnall to trot out a formula.

Pointing to the third Monday in January as the gloomiest of the year… and ergo when we should all book a holiday

And, of course, we’re all happy to oblige.

Now we’d be happy to give our old friends at EasyJet ‘Flew Monday’.

But they naturally like to push their orange livery.

EasyJet is offering savings of up to £300 off package holidays.

And for those booking on Blue Monday you could win back the cost of your package holiday up to a maximum of £2,500.

Jordan’s jumping

EasyJet helpfully pick out three sample fave destinations, all of which are up there for us too.

They are offering the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Aqaba in Jordan.

On the Red Sea for March 14-18 from £640pp, flying out of London Gatwick.

From where you’ll get out on the great sea and maybe snorkel between the fishes swimming through a sunken submarine.

Crowning Croatia

If Game of Thrones is more your thing then you could spend five nights in Dubrovnik rather than bus it like your Bandanaman.

Fly out of London Gatwick on March 26 and stay at the Hotel Dubrovnik Palace from £440pp.

Magic Majorca

And if Majorca is where the magic is for you.

Then five nights out of London Gatwick at the Sentido Fido Punto Dal Mar between March 14 and 18 from £360pp.

The Big Orange Sale ends on 31st January.

You can also now book flights for summer ’23 from £34.99 one-way.

All of which makes it more Flew Monday than Blue Monday.

America, Countries, UK

To-all-o-me from Railtown Yosemite

24th February 202224th February 2022 funtime65

I see the train a comin’, a comin’ down the track.. no, not Johnny Cash but an invitation to-all-o-me from Railtown Yosemite.

Trains, of course, have always been much more than fuel-powered metal tubes transporting us from A to B.

And in the UK, they’re not even that, but more of that later.

United Tracks of America

In America trains grew the country and the navvies who hammered the tracks into the ground put those sounds to song.

The Railroad and its place in popular culture are celebrated in Railtown, Yosemite.

That’s in Tuolumne County (and that’s pronounced to-all-o-me).

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in California takes you back (as its title suggests) in time.

And for those of us who are good with dates you’ll have noticed that makes this year its 125th anniversary.

Back to the future

That Railtown 1897 is still running its steam and diesel-trains, its roundhouse, machine shop and movie paraphernalia is down to the volunteers.

When the Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger threatened to close it to save a few dimes.

And this the home of High Noon, The Virginian, Back to the Future II and Little House on the Prairie among others.

Now the accounting skills in la famille Murty went elsewhere but it strikes me that the $5 and $3 for kids admission fee probably doesn’t cover the costs.

And that Railroad 1897’s steam funnels are being fuelled through financial donations.

Fiver fever

$5 you say… well here in Britain we could take a leaf out of Railroad 1897’s book.

And yes clearly those prices are not realistic for a national transport hub.

But why does it cost from £187.70 for a return this weekend?

And particularly when Scotrail pitches it at from £40!

UK OK

And you’ll get an air return for £136.96 with EasyJet, considerably quicker and more comfortable.

And don’t get me started on on-peak and off-peak which we swallowed whole when they were introduced as Savers by Thatcher in the Eighties.

No, no, no…

But if you want to absorb yourself in the spirit of the Real Railroad yes there are volunteers and Steam Train lines across the UK.

Which is a great place to start.

The Big Country

Sign of the times: If you’re back in the 19th century

But if you want to get out to the Big Country, the Oo Es of Eh then follow my path.

I’ve alighted in Golden, Colorado (only ever used by Casey Jones and crew) at the Colorado Railroad Museum.

And I’m asking the peak-capped uniformed guard the way to-all-o-me from Railtown Yosemite.