Sunday 28 June 2009

Item 48: Nice, wouldn't it be?

Location: Nice, France

Yay, a weekend out of retail hell, and early morning boarding call at Stansted Airport for an Easy Jet flight to the South of France. How luxurious.

South of France. South of France. But where?

It was the choice of bettering the devil I know this time, heading to Nice for two days and one night. (
Especially since we had left two days to book the hotel at the start of Summer).

The bus route 99 from Nice airport drove us along the Riviera, politely introducing us to the coastline of our short holiday in the small town with lovely people and a slightly uncomfortable pebble beach to lay on in the afternoon after enjoying a tasty Nicoise lunch and meander through the markets of Vieux Nice.

It was definitely a well deserved European getaway and perfect destination to start the summer season.

Item 48: Nice? CHECK!

Sunday 14 June 2009

Item 47: Ikea - Flat Pack Opera

Location: IKEA Wembley, United Kingdom

Wednesday 10 June: Tube Strike!
Luckily the Jubilee Line was up and running for the World Cup encounter at Wembley stadium. More importantly, the line passes Neasden Tube Station, a fifteen minute walk to Ikea!

For four nights, the "Flat Pack Opera" was performed in the store.
We followed the viola playing lady between the display rooms, introducing the audience to short segments of modern life played out in operatic style amongst the slick Swedish interiors. Ikea coloured blue and yellow mimes/muses ushered us to sit in the pathways to view the scene. It was a project of randomness enjoyed by some while interrupting other unsuspecting customers during their pleasant night's shopping.

But who is to complain when there's a dinner of Swedish Meatballs and a dessert of Daim cake at the end of the show? Why, it's like you're in Sweden all over again!

Item 47: Ikea? CHECK!

Friday 5 June 2009

Item 46: Iguazú Falls - reminiscing

Location: Iguazú National Park, Argentina

Argentina was more than the tango filled streets of Buenos Aires.

An overnight bus ride, or pricier internal flight, north from the capital to Puerto Iguazú paints the picture of a typical sleepy South American town.

A further 45 minute bus ride on the local service (filled with tourists), brings you to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Iguazú National Park. The visit is made even more worthwhile with a tour from Jungle Explorers who have agents all over town, from taxi drivers and hostel managers as well as inside the park, selling boat tours to the gigantically famous waterfalls.

The adventure begins by taking a truck ride around the jungle looking at greenery and foliage scaring off the possibility of seeing any wildlife that may live within its depths.

Then you board the boat and travel up-river to take in the views of the falls on the Argentine side. Watch as the boat's crew gear up from head-to-toe in waterproof pants and coats, they'll tell you quickly to put your cameras away in the waterproof bags provided. There's not much else to expect in the 30 degree temperatures but see your boat headed straight into the direction of the thunderous waterfalls! Once, twice and then what…? Again!


Enjoying the rest of the day, is not a matter of how many rainbows and butterflies you will see during your visit, nor is it seeking revenge on the coati that stole your lunch, it's a matter of whether you remembered to bring a dry change of underwear for after the tour!

Item 46: Iguazú Falls?
CHECK!