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  • My Zorbing Nightmare

    My Zorbing Nightmare

    Steve and I have a tick list of things we’d like to try, and we try to tick at least one thing off every couple of months or so (sounds like an easy task but no so much when you have kids!).

    Something on my To-Do list for a while has been zorbing. It’s been on there ever since I saw the advert that used to precede Hollyoaks, in which a group of happy, smiley, toothy (it was a toothpaste advert!) people rolled down a hill a giant inflatable ball, laughing and joking all the way.

    False bloody advertising is all I can say!

    Because I have NO IDEA how anyone can be smiling in one of those things.

    (more…)

    Becky

    April 15, 2015
    Featured Posts
  • DISCOVERING MUMBAI

    DISCOVERING MUMBAI

    Dreams do come true! As most of you know, Steve and I have been working our way around the world for a while now, hopping from one place to the next like a couple of pre-uni Gap Year teens – except with money!

    One country I had always wanted to visit was India…and here we are! After all the working and the saving, we grabbed the chance to explore the place. India is the seventh largest country by area and has around 1.2 billion people, so it’s definitely the most challenging destination Steve and I have visited so far.

    Discover. Relax. Enjoy. These are the three things I wanted to do in India particularly Mumbai. I wanted to learn a lot about this beautiful city, so before I started my adventure I made sure to list all the wonderful places to see; the best place to rest and relax; and the restaurants to discover unique Indian cuisine.

    If You Ever Visit Mumbai, Don’t Miss…

    1. Mandwa beach is a great place to relax and unwind. Because of the clear blue water and fresh sea breeze, the Mandwa beach provided a little bit of time out from the hustle and bustle of the streets and traffic. Aside from the much-needed relaxation, I was also able to see the Gateway of India, and some unique butterflies and rare birds from the nearby forest. The Mandwa beach also offers water sports like kayaking. I enjoyed the challenge of staying inside my kayak and to finish my journey with just a paddle to help me out! What a ride!

    birds
    Trying to be arty…

     

    2. Every country has something “weird” (aka unique) to offer tourists. In Mumbai India, I guess it’s a trip to Dhobi Ghat. It is a huge open-air Laundromat where washers (or Dhobis) are hard at work, making sure all the clothes from the hotels and hospitals of Mumbai are neatly washed. The place is near the Mahalaxmi train station. I watched the Dhobis do the laundry from the flyovers and it was an interesting spectacle, and one I haven’t seen elsewhere before.

    washing1

    3. I also decided to join a 4-hour bike tour. The challenge was not really the bike tour, but the waking up early!! Kidding aside, I wanted to see Mumbai with lesser cars and people and for that to happen I needed to wake up early. We were eight in the group and we ‘whooshed’ to the Marine Drive, Sassoon Dock, Crawford Market and the Mumbadevi temple. All of us enjoyed a hearty breakfast with tea at the Kailash Parbat restaurant. The guide was very friendly and the tour was really a great adventure!

     

    Steve and our lovely bike tour guide.
    Steve and our lovely bike tour guide.

    Accommodation

    Before I started my Mumbai journey, I explored the city for accommodations.  My requirements were simple (ha ha!) – relaxing, safe, friendly service and a fantastic view, and I found the perfect India luxury holiday spot!

    Everyone staying in Mumbai knows the Taj Mahal Palace. I think the clue about the quality of this hotel is in its name: the words “Taj Mahal” and “palace” convinced me in about a nanosecond to stay here. Steve and I enjoyed the wonderful view of the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea every morning because the hotel is on the waterfront of Bombay. The hotel is also a mixture of the old India and the new India. The rare objects and paintings gave a nostalgic ambiance while the new amenities added the contemporary touch. Taj Mahal Palace offers 565 rooms and 44 suites. I experienced luxury to the highest level in Taj Mahal Palace!

    Great Places to Eat

    No, you won't have to fight cats for scraps at the meat market!
    No, you won’t have to fight cats for scraps at the meat market!

    It’s not difficult to look for great restaurants in Mumbai. They are practically everywhere!  The Taj Mahal palace is proud of their Golden Dragon restaurant, and we enjoyed their great food and my eyes also feasted on their unique Chinese artifacts decorations. Another big plus for the great hotel!

    I also enjoyed real Indian cuisine in Ziya restaurant and only have great praises for the master of Indian cuisine, Chef Bhatia. I am not really a big fan of Indian food, but Chef Bhatia changed all that.

    There is only one word to describe my Mumbai experience- Unforgettable!! My dream came true, but I am sure I only scratched the surface visiting Mumbai, and there are tonnes of other great destinations for a holiday in India, but the capital was a great starting place for us!

     

    This post was written in partnership with Original Travel

    Becky

    April 15, 2015
    City Breaks, Far Away Places, Featured Posts
  • Must See Megastructures Around the World

    Must See Megastructures Around the World

    Megastructures are popping up all around the world. Some of these super constructions are a must see in your lifetime, or at least before they get replaced by the next big thing. China currently has plans to build the next tallest building in the world. There were even plans to build a dam across the Strait of Gibraltar, lowering the entire Mediterranean Sea by 200m. Read on to find out which megastructures must be seen. (more…)

    Becky

    February 24, 2015
    Far Away Places, Featured Posts
    megastructures
  • 5 of Europe’s Very Best Summer Festivals

    5 of Europe’s Very Best Summer Festivals

     

    Throughout the summer months, Europe plays host to a vast array of music festivals, showcasing artists and bands from all around the world and catering to just about all tastes. Indeed, enjoying the sunshine, music and entertainment provided at a festival can be the perfect getaway from the stresses of everyday life. (more…)

    Becky

    February 24, 2015
    Backpacking, City Breaks, Featured Posts, UK Activities
    Europe festival, music festival
  • Death by Bike in Barcelona!

    Death by Bike in Barcelona!

    This holiday was absolutely, 100%, one of my favourite city breaks ever! I was looking through my notebook from our trip to Barcelona in Easter (I keep a journal-style record of what we get up to whenever we go away – I’m a major geek!), and remembered writing about our cycling dramas quickly in our hotel in central Barcelona, about ten minutes from Las Ramblas when Steve was out getting a brew (he goes under the guise of looking for the perfect cuppa, but I am well aware he can only fully appreciate my awesomeness when he has spent a little time away from me beforehand). We had decided to hire bikes and tackle the fabulous city of Barcelona on two wheels, and I feel the experiences we had are well worth sharing…

    Why did we need to bike it?

    Steve’s only recently turned 30, but I tease him all the time about being an old man. He’s got a dodgy ankle and so to help with this,he  occasionally sees a physiotherapist, and sporadically does the recommended stretches. Can you detect the low levels of sympathy? Anyway, to save my poor wounded soldier from walking too much and the big bad pain starting in his ankle we opted for bikes to aid our exploration of the city.

    Pasty white arms on show...
    Pasty white arms on show…

    I thought, for the benefit of all you keen travellers out there, I would share my experiences and words of…er…wisdom on what to remember and expect when you’re biking in a foreign city.

    1. Remember which side the traffic is travelling on

    Sounds easy but believe me, definitely harder than you think! I know I slate Steve for his physical deterioration with age but I have to confess, my ears seem to be failing me fast (unless it’s selective deafness that occurs as a subconscious response to nagging? Maybe I should explore that?), and so, when Steve’s ahead or behind me and there’s major traffic noise, I find it pretty difficult to work out what he’s saying to me, and so it’s easier to just block him out. Bit of a mistake when he’s trying to prevent me from becoming road-kill.

    Steve being a sulky child at Park Guell because of his ankle...
    Steve being a sulky child at Park Guell because of his ankle…

    2. Avoid the road: stick to cycle paths or pavements

    How come cycling safely on roads on your home turf is easy, but it’s all too simple to forget the rules of the road when there’s a bit of sun and a few pretty buildings to distract you? Steve and I hit a street that had no cycle path and so were forced to brave the traffic on a quite busy main road. We patiently waited at the traffic lights ahead of a huge queue of traffic and, of course, the biggest bus I swear I’ve ever seen in my life. The lights changed and we sped off ahead of the traffic, desperately searching for the nearest cycle path and, in effect, salvation. I admit, I was ahead of Steven, I panicked, and I pulled into the bus lane. This might not have been the brightest of ideas but the situation certainly isn’t helped when my husband, who sees sarcasm as a way of life rather than a linguistic tool, says, “That’s a good idea, stay in the bus lane”. How the hell am I supposed to know whether he means that literally or sarcastically?!

    3. Bikes don’t do escalators

    I’m not taking responsibility for this brainwave; Steve’s the sole genius behind that one. When you get towards Park Guell you’re met by uphill cycles that seem endless. However, on the up side, there are escalators dotted around the area to tackle this. These are for people, not for bikes. My only fault here is that I was the idiot who agreed, against my better judgement, to try it first. I don’t think we need to go into details on this one; lock the bikes up at the bottom and head up the escalator on foot, my friend.

    Beautiful La Sagrada Familia
    Beautiful La Sagrada Familia

    4. Chase a local

    After checking out La Sagrada Familia Steve and I were running a little behind schedule and had to make it back in time for the dinner and Flamenco show we had booked, and so were feeling the pressure to speed things up a little. Somehow on our cycle home we encountered a local, the Spanish Bradley Wiggins none the less, and decided to stalk him as far as we could in the direction of our hotel. It’s amazing how much more confident you feel when you’re following someone who knows the roads and traffic!

    5. Don’t forget to use your gears

    I’ve kind of always thought gears on bikes were just for show. Apparently, this isn’t the case, and so I feel it is my duty to pass on my new-found wisdom, just in case anyone else out there is, like me, a little bike-ignorant. You need a low gear for hills and when you’re starting off, but a higher gear when you’re speeding along. There’s probably a really technical explanation for this and way more to it, but that’s all I care to know. It gets Steve off my back when I pretend to use my gears properly, and so I now keep him regularly updated on all my gear changes.

    At the Ice Bar in Barcelona
    Chilling (literally) at the Ice Bar

    6. Avoid parking your bikes under a pile of rubbish

    OK, so we didn’t see a pile of rubbish and think, “that looks like a great place to keep our bikes”. We parked the bikes on a side street, went for dinner and a few drinks, and came back to find them totally submerged in boxes and rubbish that had toppled over from the mountain made by the nearby shops and restaurants. Steve’s face was hilarious, and became even more so when I took pictures repeatedly of him digging the bikes out rather than help him.

    Getting hammered on Las Ramblas, Barcelona
    Getting hammered on Las Ramblas, Barcelona

    7. Remember where you hired the bike from

    Is it just us who are soft enough to forget where we hired the bikes from? I know we hired them three days ago, and I know we were a bit drunk when we did, but even I was shocked at our stupidity on this one! Eventually, Steve remembered he had the receipt from the shop and so we were able to locate the shop. It was nowhere near where we’d been looking, which proved to me we were both a lot more drunk when we hired them than I remembered us being.

    To Bike, or not to Bike?

    I think that pretty much sums up my cycling experiences of Barcelona. I definitely recommend bikes to get around quickly and easily; it’s much nicer actually seeing the city rather than spending it underground negotiating a subway system that is identical to that of every other major city.

     

    Becky

    November 17, 2014
    City Breaks, Featured Posts
  • Adventures By Road: Essential Luxuries You Will Need For Your Campervan Holiday

    Adventures By Road: Essential Luxuries You Will Need For Your Campervan Holiday

    There are plenty of ways that you can explore a country when you go on holiday. It has to get said that the best way is by campervan! When you go on a coach or rail tour, you have to stick to a specific itinerary. And when you go by car, you have to find a hotel or campsite to stay at.

    But when you tour a country by campervan, you get to decide where you want to go and how long for. And the best bit? You don’t need to shell out extra money for accommodation because you’re already in it!

    458076196_bfded1d025_zImage obtained from Flickr

    Even though the colder weather is now with us, it still doesn’t mean you can’t explore the UK, Europe or beyond in a campervan. Are you thinking of getting away from it all and hitting the road in your camper? If so, this page is for you!

    One of the things that many campervan drivers seldom think about is the little luxuries they’re used to at home. Did you know there’s no reason you can’t have those same luxuries in your campervan too?

    If you’re about to plan your last-minute getaway, here are a few ideas on the luxuries you need for your home away from home:

    TV

    You might be wondering how on Earth you are going to lug a bulky CRT-style television into your campervan. After all, there is a limited amount of space in there, right? The good news is that such TVs are now a thing of the past!

    Today most people have flat-screen LCD TVs in their homes. You can lift them and carry them around under one arm, and they use far less electricity than their predecessors. The size of LCD TV you get will usually depend on how much space you’ve got to play with in your campervan.

    Most campervan owners fit their LCD TVs onto swivel bases. That way, they can pull them out when they want to use them and then slot them back into place when they don’t. LCD TVs are pretty inexpensive these days. These days you can pick up a 24-inch model with a built-in DVD player for less than £130!

    Satellite dish

    In the UK, all TV programming is now digital. There are dozens of TV channels and radio stations one can tune into, as opposed to just five analogue TV channels in the past. But what if you don’t want to miss your favourite TV programmes on satellite TV?

    The answer is simple: fit a satellite dish and receiver to your campervan! Some people have portable ones that you just mount where you want, like on the roof for example. The only downside is you need to point the dish in the right part of the sky to receive a signal!

    That’s not a big deal because you buy satellite signal detectors from places like eBay or satellite TV shops. All you need to know are the coordinates for your chosen satellite.

    Mobile broadband wireless router

    If you want to unleash your inner geek, you could always invest in a mobile broadband wireless router! In a nutshell, they work in a similar way to your broadband or fibre routers at home. Except that you are using a SIM card and a mobile data connection, of course.

    3G mobile data connections are available in most parts of the UK and beyond. But if you can get it, I recommend getting a SIM card and router that supports 4G. If you happen to be in a 4G-enabled area, your Internet speeds will be as quick as they are at home!

    5606463561_3c8aeb2856_zImage obtained from Flickr

    But what if you’d like an easier way to get online in your campervan? An alternative is to share or “tether” the connection from your smartphone. Devices like the Apple iPhone let you share your mobile data connection by setting up a secure Wi-Fi hotspot.

    They are quick and easy to set up. The only downside is that the service may get disrupted if you have to make or receive phone calls at the same time. Not to mention your device’s battery life going down quicker than usual! Still, it’s a good solution if you want to keep the amount of gadgets you carry with you to a minimum.

    A word on insurance

    As a campervan owner, you need to be aware of the risks involved with having a lot of hi-tech gadgets in your pride and joy. Campervans are sadly a target for thieves as they know people will often take valuables with them on their travels.

    Although you’ve got insurance for your campervan, you should take out a separate policy to cover your gadgets.

    Many people organise gadget cover through their banks at a discounted rate. While others just do a Google search for reputable insurers.

    Security

    There are going to be times where you spend time away from your campervan. To ensure that it and your belongings are safe, I recommend investing in some decent security for it.

    As a bare minimum, you should have an alarm and immobiliser system fitted by a trusted car security firm. Some owners even have small, hidden safes built into their campervans. They do this to store valuables in a secure environment.

    There are other things you can do to minimise the likelihood of your campervan getting broken into:

    • Park in well-lit areas in full view of the general public;
    • Don’t leave any valuables on display;
    • Keep all doors and windows closed and locked when you’re not in your campervan;
    • Park near a CCTV security camera;
    • Avoid areas that look “seedy.”

    They are tips you would usually associate with cars, but they also apply to campervans too. The ugly truth is that campervan break-ins are on the increase. But if you’re savvy about your security and parking habits, you will be fine.

    I hope you have enjoyed reading today’s article on campervan gadgets. Stay tuned for the next instalment on our blog. Thanks for reading!

    Becky

    November 11, 2014
    Backpacking, Featured Posts
  • The Complete Travel Food Guide: What To Eat And Where To Eat It

    The Complete Travel Food Guide: What To Eat And Where To Eat It

    If you adore travel, but are a fussy eater, you’ve got a problem. When you’re traveling the world, you will find that there are loads of different cuisines to try. Some people embrace the experience of experimenting with their food, whilst others find it hard. Here to help you out is a complete guide of what to eat at some of the most-common tourist destinations.

    5845088254_3e2c729d92_zTortilla by Luca Nebuloni

    Spain

    When you visit Spain, there are loads of dishes you must try. The country is famous for its tapas, which usually comes with a glass of red wine. Try some gambas de ajillo (garlic prawns) with a slice of tortilla (spanish omelette).

    Portugal

    Despite the fact that Portugal and Spain are right next door to each other, their food style is quite different. While you are in Portugal, it is important that you try some Tripas moda do Porto (tripe served with white beans). The dish is a favourite in the country and will not disappoint.

    Germany

    When you think of Germany, you likely think about sausages. There is more to German cuisine than bratwursts. One thing about German food is that it is always warm and tasty. Try the eintopf, which is a bit like an English stew or hot pot. The stew has vegetables, meat and broth. It is perfect for the winter.

    Italy

    When in Italy, you must eat the pasta. It might sound stereotypical, but you have never had real pasta until you have it in Italy. Many people think of pasta as a stodgy cheap meal. Whilst that is what the dish has become in England, it is still something of a delicacy in Italy. Try some homemade pesto and pasta at a local restaurant.

    3951757811_8bb1abda23_zPasta with pesto by Shubert Ciencia

    France

    French food is supposedly the finest cuisine in the world. When you travel to France, you have a wide variety of dishes from which to choose. Try some moules marinières (mussels) or the pot-au-feu (beef and vegetable stew). When you are in France, it is customary to eat with a glass of wine or beer. Ordering tap water will look a little odd, so make sure you opt for the house red.

    Turkey

    You rarely hear people talking about Turkish food, which is a little odd. The cuisine is moreish and delicious. It shares in many of the qualities of French and Spanish cuisine, yet few people learn how to make Turkish delicacies. If you are planning a trip to Turkey, you have a lot of things to try. Many of the dishes contain lamb, and so you may struggle if you are a fussy eater.

    Australia

    Australia does not have a wealth of fine cuisine. When you are in Australia, you might struggle to find great places to eat. The country has a mix of Asian and American-influenced dishes that you should avoid trying at all costs. The best thing about Australian cuisine is that you can try different meats. If you are a meat lover, you might want to try some crocodile meat or maybe a little bit of kangaroo.

    4068185518_51bc21ecac_zKangaroo steak by Alpha

    Saudi Arabia

    If you are traveling to Saudi Arabia, you should try some of the local cuisines. The cuisine is a bit like Turkish food. In fact, some of the dishes even overlap. If you have children with you, you might find it hard to find child-friendly dishes in the area. Much of the food is spicy and meaty. If your children are fussy, remember, pizza delivery in Saudi Arabia is quite common. Ordering a pizza for your family might be a good idea, especially if you have children.

    Mexico

    If you think you know Mexican food, you probably don’t. The Mexican style food we have here is likely to be Tex-Mex, rather than actual Mexican. There is a huge difference between the two styles of cuisine, and so you should make sure you know what you’re getting before you order. Try some cochinita pibil (roast pork stew). The meal is tasty and filling, yet not too spicy. You will find that much of the food in Mexico is spicier than you expect it to be.

    America

    If you visit America, you have to go to a typical American diner. There are many 1050’s style American diners across the country, and they are well worth trying. If you’re a fan of hamburgers and fries, you will enjoy eating in a diner. When you are ordering in America, think about the size of your meal. A medium meal in the US is the same size as a large meal in the UK. If you remember that, you should have no trouble.

    Canada

    Many people think that the cuisine in Canada is the same as the cuisine in America. That is not the case. Canadian food includes many dishes that you would never see in America. Poutine is one of the most famous dishes in the country. The dish consists of fries, gravy and cheese curds. You couldn’t call this dish a fine dining experience, but it is certainly interesting. Of course, you should also have some pancakes and maple syrup in Canada.

    Thailand

    Thai food is an acquired taste. You have probably ordered a Thai green curry from your local food delivery woking (or wherever you are) site, but that is no representation of true Thai cuisine. When you are traveling in Thailand, it is important that you try some kuay tieu (noodle soup). You can get the dish from many street vendors in the area, and it never disappoints.

    4307841317_e491e127bd_zSushi by TMAB2003

    Japan

    When in Japan, you must eat some sushi. If you’re not a fish lover, you can always try some vegetarian sushi, which is just as nice. If you are staying in Tokyo, you will find loads of high-class sushi bars from which to choose. Remember, in Japan eating is an event. You must take your time with your food and learn to love it.

    China

    Again, traditional Chinese food is quite different from Chinese takeaway food. You will not find many chicken chow mein dishes in the country. Chinese food often consists of stews and broths with spicy sauces. When you are in restaurants in the country, you should order a dish to share as the meals are large.

    This article was provided by Choco-Lush Blog.

    Becky

    November 10, 2014
    Backpacking, Far Away Places, Featured Posts
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