Tag: https://www.turkishairlines.com/

Countries, Europe, Flying

Turk the new Istanbul-Melbourne route

funtime65

Now we’re often asked the best route from Britain or Ireland to Australia.

And my own globetrotter will invariably say by ship, but here’s something new Turk the new Istanbul-Melbourne route.

You’ll know, of course, having been told it as often as I am that my peripatetic partner travelled back from Australia, where she lived as a child, to England on a ship.

And she took in New Zealand, Tahiti, the Panama Canal, Curacao and Portugal.

All of which puts my efforts since into the shade.

Cave of riches

Turkey to a tee: The TA business lounge

That said she hasn’t enjoyed the Cave of Riches that is the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge in Istanbul.

Turkey’s metropolis on the Bosphorus at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is, of course, one of the world’s great cities.

And the planet’s busiest thoroughfare, making it the perfect stop-off if you’re trying to break up your trip to Aussieland.

Where, of course, you can refuel yourself, but also take in a film, have a golf drive-in, kip down…

You name it, the multi award-winning Turkish Airlines Business Lounge who pampered us en route to the Maldives.

Do the Continental

Turkey to a tea: And a spot of lunch

TA’s new Istanbul-Singapore-Melbourne (and back route) will be its 346th destination.

And 130th country and sixth continent, all from March 15.

There will be three flights per week and as well as all the comfort you’d expect there is a flying on-board chef.

So you can recline and make the most of those Turkish specialities… and do ask for kofte meatballs.

Your captain speaking: At TA HQ

Of course turning left is always a treat but it is an absolute Godsend on long-haul travel.

And Britain and Ireland to Australia is about as long as you can get so you’ll be grateful for the comfy kip.

All worth considering when you’re heading Down Under.

And Turk the new Istanbul-Melbourne route.

 

Countries, Ireland, Music

This Christy World

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Why could we not protect him in this Christy World, farewell North Dublin’s finest, Christy Dignam?

Christy and Aslan, whom Bono, no less, credited as a big inspiration, lived in his own crazy world.

Sing our praises: With the Scary One at the Temple Bar

And that legacy is marked every weekend in the Temple Bar in his native Dublin… and yes, we have joined in full gusto at the Bar.

When a tribute act will be asked, or instinctively just know, to belt out the Crazy World anthem.

North side splitters

Raw: Christy Dignam in his prime

I heard many of Christy’s antics and his lightfooted love life from Northside People editor Paul ‘Feathers’ Featherson.

All of which passed the time on our Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul.

Aslan, for many the hardest-working band in Ireland, have a tour taking in the whole of the island.

Next stop was Derry’s Millennium Forum, now cancelled out of respect.

Flying high: With North Dub Feathers and the gang in Istanbul

While other upcoming July dates included Wexford and the National Opera House and Kerry’s Gleneagle INEC arena.

Aslan have carried on, and who knows if they can continue without their charismatic frontman, the rich legacy of Irish touring musicians.

Who take the music to the people in small towns and townlands across the island.

And remember Christy said it himself that he had ‘travelled through so many towns.”

 

Touring musicians

Hat’s the boy: Van Morrison in Belfast

And they and their fellow strummers and singers, fiddlers and folksters add a huge ingredient to your Irish holiday.

Because for as long as I can remember there has been a musical backdrop to my Irish vacations.

From the Irish country keeping me awake in Harkin’s Bar next door on annual Easter trips with my Dear Old Mum in Brockagh, Co. Donegal.

Through the draw of Joe Dolan on a Ring of Kerry tour.

And a Van Morrison jazz cabaret at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.

It’s all right

Say it with flowers: Christy’s pal Bono

And there will be more, all of which helps us cope.

It is a tough enough world and one North Dublin singer just helped us forget it about for a little while.

So let’s just continue to take solace from his calming message…

In this Christy world… it’s all right.