Tag: https://www.tropicalsky.co.uk/

Asia, Countries, Deals

Bullet for speed in Japan

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We’ve experience, of course, of Japanese trains over 13 years in Ireland, but we won’t hold our breath that the country will get the top-grade stock, the type that’s bullet for speed in Japan.

Passengers will be quick to share with you how Iarnrod Eirann ordered in a stock of Japanese trains back in the day.

And RTE archives recalls that there was much excitement after they were shipped in to Dublin Port after a six-week journey from Asia.

And that the new rail cars were lifted by a 400-hundred tonne crane from ship to dockside.

With two land-based cranes to place the carriages on rail lines, to be linked to a locomotive and towed to the Iarnród Éireann Inchicore railway works.

With especial emphasis on the accessible toilets on board.

Only the stock that they got for their Dublin Area Regional Transport (DART) service had seats to accommodate the smaller Japanese rather than hearty Irish people.

And no toilets!

On the right track

Peak performance: Your bullet train

We digress and that digression takes us today to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Courtesy of our pals at Tropical Sky who are tempting us with a 20-day rail trail.

This immersive adventure, they promise, takes passengers across all three of the country’s main islands, Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido.

Where you’ll be able to take in the poignant history of Nagasaki and Hiroshima to the timeless temples of Kyoto.

The vibrant streets of Tokyo and the scenic beauty of Northern Japan.

With every destination seamlessly connected by one of the world’s most efficient rail systems.

The rail thing

In the pink: Blossoming Japan

And this is what you can look forward to…

  • Travel across Japan aboard its renowned rail network, including high-speed bullet trains
  • Contemplate the history of Nagasaki and Hiroshima
  • Marvel at the temples and traditions of Kyoto
  • Seek out the famous Snow Monkeys in the Japanese Alps
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Tokyo
  • Discover the charm of Sendai and Hakodate
  • Experience the unique atmosphere of Sapporo

A 19-night Japan by Rail Tour is priced from £9,449 pp based on two sharing a room.

This includes international flights, all transportation and transfers, 19 nights accommodation, 19 breakfasts, 18 lunches and 19 dinners, air-conditioned coach travel, guides and entrance fees.

Although Tropical Sky can’t tell us if they can arrange Brad Pitt to be there on our bullet train.

But if they can arrange it for anyone, they will, for us.

 

 

Caribbean, Countries, Deals

Howzat for seeing Barbados… with a Windies icon

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Howzat for seeing Barbados with a Windies icon because unlike Premier League footballers cricket legends mingle.

It is, of course, a two-way street as I found out after being introduced to Brian on Foreday Morning in Barbados’s Soca Carnival.

Only to learn after I’d left him with my slurred words ‘Do you play cricket?’ ringing in his ears.

Tthat this was the great Brian Lara.

Lesson learned, and libations parked, I was on better behaviour when I came across quickie Joel Garner and all-rounder Collis King.

Caught: With Collis King and Joel Garner

On the Barbados stand at the WTM travel fair in London.

And gave them both hearty handshakes although mine disappeared into Big Bird’s shovel hands.

Thang is that Windies cricketers are a different breed from those stuffy sportsmen we get on this island which gave the game the world.

But still hasn’t evolved from its elitist perspective.

Golfing with GG then the gee-gees

Howzat for openers: Gordon

 

Gordon Greenidge, another proud son of Barbados, has seen both sides in his life.

Born in Bim but raised in the Royal County of Berkshire,where I too did my time.

All of which we’re sure he’ll be glad to chat to you about on the pristine golf courses of Barbados and in his private box at the races.

Yes, you read that right, and you have Tropical Sky to thank for this 20th Anniversary Holiday Collection offer.

You’ll spend ten nights on the island and play an intimate round of golf.

And break bread and rum with West Indies opening batsman cricket legend Gordon.

While Peter Odle, chairman of Mango Bay Group, is offering access to his private box along with gourmet hospitality to follow up GG with the geegees.

Sandy Lane is there inside my heart

Down memory Lane: Sandy Lane

You’ll also get to ride a luxury catamaran cruise.

But word to the wise slather up with lotion if you don’t want to repeat this leathered traveller’s mistake.

While you’ll also be booked in for afternoon tea at Sandy Lane.

And Sunday lunch at celebrities’ hang-out The Cliff.

And a farewell seafood feast at the waterfront restaurant Tides.

Sands of time

Play in: The Sands

Guests stay at the stylish, all-inclusive The Sands Barbados on the south coast.

Where soft sands, swaying palms, non-motorised water sports and laid-back island living set the tone.

Complemented by smooth VIP service from fast-track arrival to the final farewell.

A 10-night Golfing Glory with Sir Gordon Greenidge and a Day at the Races trip is priced from £8,850pps.

Including international business-class flights, 1ten nights at The Sands Barbados.

All meals as per the itinerary, afternoon tea at Sandy Lane, 18 holes of golf and lunch with Sir Gordon Greenidge.

A luxury catamaran day with lunch, a day at the races with exclusive access to that private box.

Sunday lunch at The Cliff and dinner at The Tides Restaurant.