Archive for the ‘General’ Category

Sunshine on Rhodes

February 6th, 2012

RhodesThe Greek island of Ρόδος or Rhodes is located in the eastern Aegean Sea. It is the largest and most populated of the 12 large and 150 smaller islands in the group known as the Dodecanese islands. The islands size and population has ensured its status as the administrative centre of the island group and has been key to the history of the region. A history which is rich and extensive.

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New Year’s Eve in Prague

December 22nd, 2011

Prag

A historical twist to a widely modernised celebration provides you with an unforgettable experience found only in the incredible city of Prague.

Individuals looking for an amazing New Year’s Eve experience should look no further than the beautiful city of Prague. A scenic and archietectually breathtaking city, set in the backdrop of the centuries old castle, surrounded by sprawling cobbled lanes and magnificent walled courtyards. These are just some of the reasons that make Prague the idyllic holiday destination. Let your imagination run wild and be prepared to be taken aback by the inspiring bridges, towers and a wealth of cathedrals have helped to cement this city into the most popular destination in central Europe. The contagious and diverse energy of this city is evident in the arts, music and dining. All of these appealing features blend into an unforgettable experience that will no doubt make this New Year a one to remember. » More: New Year’s Eve in Prague

Diving in Egypt

December 21st, 2011

Underwater world in Egypt

The Red Sea in Egypt is best described as an underwater paradise and the perfect destination for all scuba diving enthusiasts. Egypt has much to offer. One of the seven wonders of the world is located here, the magical pyramids at Giza. The Valley of the Kings and Tutankhamen’s tomb are also located here, an awe-inspiring sight for anyone, not just enthusiasts of ancient history. Diving is very popular in this region and brings many tourists to Egypt every year; as a spot of natural beauty the sight is preserved and protected so that divers may enjoy it in its unspoit glory.

There are two options available for divers in Egypt and which to choose depends on whether you’re looking exclusively for a diving holiday or whether you plan to divulge in some of the other activities on offer here. For the diving enthusiast who wishes to spend their entire time in Egypt diving, liveaboard diving may be the best option. » More: Diving in Egypt

This winter, keep warm and study!

November 27th, 2011

blog.winter-summerLate October and it’s that time of year again. Halloween and a cohort of interestingly dressed monsters, skeletons and witches make their way through the streets in search of sweets. Caringly carved pumpkins, toffee apples and a briskness in the air herald the start of the winter season.

Winter is often considered to be the season of indulgence during which the fire blazes, the wooden logs crackle and those who can’t face the outdoors retreat under a cosy blanket while ensuring that there is no danger of the hot chocolate supplies running out. As Baudelaire said in his famous poem Les Fleurs du mal « when the low heavy sky weighs like a lid / Upon the spirit aching for the light ». This ‘light’ that we crave during the winter time is never as far away as it may seem. » More: This winter, keep warm and study!

Have fun in Guatemala for Carnaval

March 3rd, 2011

Fat tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday, Mardi-Gras: they all refer to the 7th tuesday before Easter, usually called Carnaval. In spanish, “carnaval” is called “carnival”.

Perhaps you knew it before thank to the podcasts about Latin America on Lengalia.com, but Guatemala doesn’t celebrate Carneval with Pancakes or King Cake but with Cascarones. Cascarones are empty eggshells that are filled with pica-pica paper confetti and then covered up with another piece of papel china and finally painted in a colorful way. Guatemalans then throw the eggshells on the head of family, friends or passers-by. There is no specific costume like princess, or Zoro or Batman…etc but Guatemalan costumes for carnaval are wonderful and really colorful. The show doesn’t look like the Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro but people walk around in roving gangs armed with plastic bag empty of flour and throw it on passers-by or all passing vehicles.

Any way, come in Guatemal for carnaval and you’ll have fun! If you want to have more information about Guatemala, go on Horizon Guatemaya website.

Book early for the best holiday park prices

February 3rd, 2011

With spring just around the corner many people are thinking of a holiday break preferably in the sun. For those who book their summer break early in March, there are great discounts available, sometimes up to 50 percent off.

There are many companies online such as Eurocamp, Haven and Butlins that offer amazing holiday destinations in the UK as well as comfortable campsites on the Mediterranean or Adriatic Sea. The best locations and best prices go to the guests who apply first, so as soon as your mind turns towards summer fun is the time to book your place. » More: Book early for the best holiday park prices

Investigation into Airport Disruption

January 10th, 2011

The British Aviation Authority (BAA) is carrying out an official investigation into what went wrong at Heathrow where hundreds of planes were grounded over the busy Christmas period. The report is set to be released at the end of March 2011. Thousands of passengers were left with cancelled flights, forced to sleep in airport terminals and left hundreds of pounds out of pocket due to the adverse weather conditions. The BAA has been severly criticised for its planning strategies during this period and a panel of experts from various airports in the UK will be looking into the investigation.

As a result, Sir Richard Branson, owner of Virgin Atlantic has announced today that he will be witholding payments to airport operator BAA until the official report has been released at the end of March. Claiming that the BAA’s disorganisation has cost the company millions of pounds. Other airlines have been equally as critical of the BAA’s capability to deal with the adverse weather conditions and the length of time it evetually took to clear planes for take off and landing. Last week, British Airways announced that the extended closure of airports across the UK has cost the company over 50 million pounds.

Melting snow causes havoc in Germany

January 7th, 2011

After the chaotic Christmas freeze in Germany where many towns and cities battled with never-ending snow fall and sub zero temperatures; it seems as though temperatures are finally getting milder across the country and the build up of snow is finally melting. However, due to records amounts of snow across the country, the winter thaw has caused major flooding across all parts of Germany. Rivers in many areas have burst their banks causing various towns and cities to be affected. In the West of the country the Rhine has overflowed causing problems in both Bonn and Cologne. Rivers have reportedly not yet reached their peak in Cologne but further flooding is predicted to carry on until late Tuesday.

The worst affected river appears to be the River Mosel, which flows through towns such as Koblenz, Cochem and Trier. Reports say that up to 30 villages in the wine-growing region south of Koblenz have been majorly affected with experts predicting water levels to reach 7.7m by Monday afternoon.

Experts are blaming this flash flooding on high levels of snow fall throughout December followed by a sudden increase in temperature at the beginning of 2011 causing such a rapid thaw.

Black arts Festival in Senegal

December 7th, 2010

The World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures in Senegal is billed as the biggest celebration of black identity in the world. A dozen of music performances from local and international artists are just some of the highlights. Music in Senegal has a really important signification: indeed it was launched in 1960 by some Senegal musicians to celebrate the country’s independence from the French influence through Jazz and salsa.

Senegal’s cultural explosion in the post-independence years was obviously linked to the country head of the state Leopold Sedahr Sengor who strongly promoted local music. The first World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures was held in 1966 on his initiative in Dakar gathering musicians from all around the continent.

Beginning on the 11th December has a specific theme this year about the « African Renaissance, cultural diversity and African unity ». This festival in 2010 is trying to promote a new image of Senegal as a liberated, proudly, creative and optimistic country. This year Brazil, America, Senegalese and African stars are invited in order to show a melting pot culture and a multicultural dialog. This festival is going to be free and a lot of educational activities are organized to make the Young’ sensitive.

If you want to take part to this festival, you can stay in an holiday village.

Can environmentally friendly ever really be luxury?

August 6th, 2009

All of you regular readers have probably twigged by now that I’m a huge fan of anything eco-friendly. So I was quite interested when I read about a new website offering eco-friendly luxury retreats. Eco Luxury is a collaboration of environmentally friendly retreats across the world “who are committed to reduce their impact on nature, on surrounding people and culture preservation, the re-investment in training and focus on local procurement whilst offering the HIGHEST level of luxury in hospitality”. They have projects in Australia, Belize and Tanzania, to name just a few. So I had a look at their website with their mission and vision etc etc and it all looks good. And then I had a look at the accommodation……. luxury tents. Now I don’t mind a bit of camping every now and then, but when it comes to luxury, the last thing I think of is a tent. Maybe I am just a snob, but if I’m going on holiday to a luxury resort, I don’t want to stay in a tent. A nice wooden cabin, yes. Tent, no. So if there any of you out there who can afford to stay in a luxury tent, this sounds like the best place to book your eco-friendly holiday!