Saturday 19 November 2011

Item 100: Working Holiday

Location: London, United Kingdom

So this list finally made it to Item 100.
 
The Working Holiday.

Yes as the last 99 items have clearly documented there were numerous weekend trips to lands of faraway  (from Oz), amazing food, in search of sunshine, Legoland, new friendships, Christmas markets, affordable fashion, cheap alcohol but there was also the experience of living in Britain through a recession.

During the struggle to get back into the workforce, there was the £7.75 an hour summer temp job to enable cash flow. The evening shifts during sales time at Harrods were followed by gruelling morning shifts the next day. Life lessons were taught by colleagues who grew up in London, ever so street-wise and with more bite than I ever had at the age of 18 growing up in Melbourne.

Exhausted after a day in heels life was on replay in the evenings - being greeted at home by the disappointment of company job freezes via rejection emails and then the assumption that I really just wasn't trying hard enough to land a professional role by my peers. There was fierce competition for every position advertised and my days off were filled scouring Internet job sites and calling recruiters hoping they could get me out of retail hell.

From job hunting to flat hunting, sometimes it's got to do with luck in the transient London society.  Finding a room in a flat-share that has the right mix of people, location, a bed that doesn't touch all three walls and a toilet that doesn't require a bucket to refill after flushing is a challenge in itself. Following on from that is stage two of the accomodation search process, waiting to get the OK from the new flatmates. Hopes are high that they 'pick me, pick me' all so I could have a home to lay my hat.

Living in London is tough. You need to suck it up, but how long can you last without being consumed by the push and shove of the city? The economy is shot, the exchange rates are dismal and the concept of taking cold showers through winter when the boiler breaks down weren't really in the picture back when I planned the overseas adventure. Daily news reports of more company employment cuts and a double-dip recession have me working longer with little extra reward except for my much-loved weekends away to the continent. 

So I ask myself as I complete my work visa extension form - is this still a holiday?

Item 100: Working Holiday? CHECK!

Wednesday 12 October 2011

Item 99: Ryokan

Ryokan Japan
Location: Wakayama, Japan 

To balance out the hustle of the city, I toured down Shirahama seaside to stay at a Ryokan -a traditional Japanese style B&B. I'm not really a spa girl myself, but having enjoyed the blue lagoon this year I was open to a bit of relaxation and the hotel offered 'round the clock access to it's private onsen spas.

I was escorted to my room where I took off my shoes and opened the sliding doors to the tatami-matted room set up with a low table and tea.

Having done a little bit of research on the onsen etiquette I was quite hesitant to head straight to the spa. I spent the afternoon watching people in the hotel wander around in slippers and yukata, hung out on the balcony to view the panorama, enjoyed a traditional dinner and hydrated in preparation of the hot-spring water.

Finally having stalled as much as I could, I went and changed into the hotel provided yukata and headed to the ladies onsen. The spas are segregated between male and female, mainly due to the reason I'd been avoiding them- you have to bath naked! I left my slippers at the entrance of the spa, chose a basket amongst the shelves in the changing room to place my belongings and then measured up the hotel provided flannel to assess which part of my body to cover. As fast as I could, I stripped down to bare all and raced to the to an open cubicle furthest from any other guests without looking left or right to shower off.

Washed down, I headed to the closest of three pools and into the 40 degree water. Hot hot hot, especially when there's no time to dip in-and-out to acclimatise to the temperature and all you have is a tiny towel behind which to hide.

Realising no one was looking, comfort began to settle in as I relaxed in the water. That was for about two minutes. 

Then I got bored.

For one, if you're in a communal bath, you don't really want to be sitting close enough to your neighbour for common chit-chat. And the temperature is actually quite high to be sweating in for an extended time, even if you hop between pools. 

I called it quits after 15 minutes. My body was revitalised (enough), by the waters and it was back to my room which had been set up with a futon for a good night's rest while I'd been away.

Item 99: Ryokan? CHECK!

Saturday 8 October 2011

Item 98: Dotonbori - Osaka

Dotonbori Glico Man
Location: Dotonbori, Osaka, Japan

Dotonbori is busy with tourists and lined with eateries including street vendours selling takoyaki (octopus balls), and the infamous fugu which is easily identified by a giant puffer fish suspended in the air. 

Visiting this area last week, memories of my visit to Japan in 1999 were recalled.  Along the Ebisubashi bridge suited up men in the midst of winter came up to me and my sister with their business cards each time we crossed. With the language barrier and being our first overseas trip, we weren't really sure what to do. We were young and innocent...and blushed our way past these "suitors".

So this time during my return visit the season was warmer, I thought myself a tad bit more worldly and ready to tackle the bridge. But this time - the men weren't so well dressed and they were handing out leaflets to restaurants! Could I have been so naive to think I was getting lots of expressions of interest back in the day?

Perhaps things have changed in 11 years but I've just done a little search online and the bridge has the nickname of nampa-bashi - "pick-up bridge", so let's leave my younger self to dream a little longer.... 

Item 98: Dotonbori? CHECK!

Friday 7 October 2011

Item 97: Hong Kong - food and markets!!!

Hong Kong Gold Fish Street
Location: Hong Kong 

I finally made it back to visit as was my intention during my last stopover in Hong Kong. Not much more was planned but to eat like a machine and shop like crazy. And that I did.

During the stay, my brunches were filled with dumplings from the dim sum restaurants en-route through the city to the next shopping destination. As I caught up with friends who lived locally and had recently visited Europe, at each meal came the question, 'Why is the food so bad in London?'

Having lived in the UK for the past four years it's still hit-and-miss for me to find a randomly good eatery at a decent price. So unfortunately I had no answer for them, but took their pity as they offered me the last dumpling on the table as I wouldn't "get anything this tasty for much longer".

I also made pit-stops to the fresh fruit markets around Times Square to pick up a pomelo, dragon fruit and guava to add some tropical elements to the holiday diet. This was counterbalanced by the supermarkets that offered peanut butter Oreo's, durian ice-cream, wasabi peas and 'essential Waitrose' (London's home-brand products), that were being sold as high-end British groceries. 

As for the shopping, Hong Kong is filled with many massive malls filled with luxury labels that the population of China's booming economy can't seem to get enough of. Look at the Burberry share price during the current double-dip recession. And then match it to the hoards of day-visitors from the mainland queuing outside the giant LV store. Other malls also have the equivalent high-street brands like Zara, H&M, Uniqlo which for me, are available in London. Consequently the markets took my interest for shopping ventures.

My hotel was based on the Kowloon side of the city this visit. Nice an close to Ladies Market (which sells clothing, not 'ladies'!), where I picked up some standard black leggings for HKD$30 = £2.40! Bargain!! 

The most interesting market during the evening was at Gold Fish Street - lined with pet stores with fish bagged and ready for sale under fluorescent street lights. Tiny turtles for the same price as my leggings were also on offer as were tea-cup dogs for a much higher price, bred no-doubt to fit into the tiny apartments of the bustling city. 

A completely fulfilling visit to the city and please note, no new pets were added to my shopping list.

Item 97: Hong Kong? CHECK

Monday 12 September 2011

Item 96: Summer Barbeque - London

summer bbq
Location: London, United Kingdom

Take that London! You may be rainy and windy with temperamental bursts of sunshine, but I got a barbeque in before the end of Summer! 

After seeing the weather forecast for a 26 degree day, with a day's notice I managed to round up a good group of random friends, gather them around the mini-Weber on a Saturday evening and light up the coals to make the most of the last outdoor-eating opportunity for the season.

On the menu:
- Old English and Pork and Apple Sausages
- Organic hamburgers straight from the local butcher
- Lamb chops marinated in garlic and rosemary
- Roasted peppers
- One corn on the cob
- Mixed garden salad
- Chang's oriental noodle salad (ingredients care of the Australia shop)
- Bananas warmed on the barbie for dessert
- Apple and strawberry crumble cake
- Kelly's Cornish clotted cream ice cream 

We gambled on the English weather and came up trumps on the night. Can't wait until next Summer for the next barbie. 

Item 96: Summer Barbeque? CHECK!

Monday 5 September 2011

Item 95: Bergen, beautifully romantic

Bergen
Location: Bergen, Noway

Arriving by train in the afternoon, we made our way to one of the top hotels in Bergen. Having only eaten at the station en-route we were very excited to hear the hotel offered afternoon pancakes in the restaurant and also fruit for those who were health concious. 

After a satisfying afternoon tea, we took the Floibanen funicular up to Mt Floyen which had a few intermediary stops along the way, signifying how high the mountain was from the town. The lookout had beautiful views of the city which were covered in sunshine. We were told that it would only take half an hour to walk back down, and as we wandered downhill, past suspecting trolls and traditional Norwegian wooden houses we wished we were as fit as the people making their way up-hill for the steep incline. 

In the evening, we took advantage of our accommodation for views of the city from the hotel's tower.  It was a gem that we hadn't realised we'd booked. The location of our hotel allowed us to tick off more things on our list very quickly.

For one, Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf was right next door so the beautiful historical waterfront was at our doorstep. Similarly, the fish market was down the road  and we were shocked to find whale meat on sale for the same price as tuna, actually we were disappointly shocked to see it on sale at all!

We found ourselves with the second day's afternoon in Bergen to spare. It was a Monday and the Art Museum was closed. It was the perfect excuse to spend some time in Juhls Silvergallery (well, it's like a museum), by the wharf treating ourselves with a small piece of art to take home to remember our wonderful time away.

Item 95: Bergen? CHECK! 

Item 94: Norway in a Nutshell... Bergen to Flåm return

Location: Flåm, Norway

I picked my friends' brains for inspiration when I planned my final bank holiday of Summer: Norway in a Nutshell round trip from Bergen. I'd seen amazing photos and heard only good things. And friends, you know your stuff! This was one of my  most revitalising short breaks since coming to London four years ago.

My travel buddies and I collected our tour tickets from Bergen train station on Saturday morning and began our first day's travel via train, bus and ferry to the town of Flåm. The entire journey was filled with steep declines down to where the valley met the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Vibrant greens were dotted with pretty little houses along the coast, covered with mist for the morning. A sense of atmosphere posed the threat of down-pour which luckily started and finished during the second half of the cruise before docking at the harbour for our one-night stay in Flåm.

With the extra time in town, we were able to enjoy its peaceful  ambiance after all the tourist buses had left. In the afternoon, we went for a two hour hike up to the ecological farm which provided views of the fjord and valley from above, along a river, past the waterfall and enjoyed a cup of apple juice from the locally grown produce on the way back down.  We arrived back in good time for a casual and tasty dinner at the Fretheim hotel cafe, one of the four restaurants open that evening (and the only one not booked out).

The next morning we woke to find a healthy sized rabbit munching on the pretty flowers outside our hostel, happy the sun had come out for our journey on the famous Flåm railway, one of the world’s steepest railway lines. Again the scenery was amazing, and the train provided commentary and a stopover at at Kjossfossen waterfall. A perfect photo opportunity as we kept a look out for the local seductive forest creature - Huldra.

The mystical spells of the stop were broken by the whistle of the train conductor and it was back on board for a short transit at Myrdal station on to a commuter train back to the city of Bergen.

Item 94: Norway in a Nutshell? CHECK!

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Item 93: Open Air Theatre - Take Two

Location: Regents Park Open Air Theatre, London.

I still recall the warm fuzzy feeling I had the week after I saw Hello Dolly at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. When I heard that this year's production, "Crazy for You" was produced by the same team I was eager to go and check it out.

Reviewers of the show have given it five stars and they have it spot on. With a clever set design, colourful 50's style costumes (my flavour of the season), and hilariously cheeky choreography this was another light-hearted way to spend a summer day out in London.

Gershwin's songs were given warmth through the performance and the happy vibes in “I Got Rhythm”, “Someone To Watch Over Me” were channelled through the strong female lead.

When the weather isn't Melbourne's four-seasons in a day crazy like it has been recently, go and get tickets for a very enjoyable afternoon.

Item 93: Open Air Theatre? CHECK!

Item 92: Dubrovnik

DubrovnikLocation: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Prior to the scars of the sailing tour down the Dalmatian coast, we spent two days enjoying the beautiful coastal city of Dubrovnik.

Amazing views of the city could be seen from the air as we approached. Even the 30 minute bus ride into town showed breathtakingly clear blue waters of the Adriatic.

We were dropped off at the Pile gate, one of the two entrances to the Old Town and joined the other tourists enjoying the shops contained within the fortified city’s smooth stone streets.

Considering the hot weather, we woke early on the first morning to get the highlight 2km walk around the city’s walls completed. Steep stairs brought us 25 meters above street-level to the perimeter that encompasses a rich history from the town’s development in the 13th century to the repairs of buildings caused by the bombings from 1991 by the Yugoslav army. It also provided a good vantage point to the Summer-time happiness of sparkling seas.

Other pastimes enjoyed in the city during our visit included street music from the Dubrovnik Festival performers, lazing on the over-crowded Polce beach and copious amounts of ice-cream. Thanks to the lady that said, “It’s OK” when I tried to pay the 10 kuna for my scoop of blood orange in a cone. With my affinity to ice-cream, how could anything top that on my holiday?

Item 92: Dubrovnik? CHECK!

Monday 22 August 2011

Item 91: Travel Talk Tour Croatia - Cabin Fever!

Travel Talk CabinLocation: Dalmation Coast, Croatia

Cramped into a cabin with three others, the distance between the two bunk beds the length of my forearm - (wrist to elbow), I'm surprised I only threw up three times on the ship during my week-long sailing tour down the Dalmatian coast.

I've never slept in such poorly ventilated conditions in 30-plus degree heat. With one fully opening window having a diameter no wider than 40cm, the dream "7 nights in above deck single, double and triple cabins in A category private boats with ensuite facilities and air-conditioning," advertised in the Travel Talk brochure had squeezed its way out through the tiny hole the moment our four petite bodies tried to fit into QUAD the room at the same time.

And that was even before we tried to get our packs unloaded.

There was an air-conditioner in the room, don't get me wrong. It just didn't work (read, has never worked).

Toilet with broken seat There was also an en-suite. Considering the size of the toilet/shower room I guess we should be thankful that only one item of clothing was lost down the loo during the week when trying to change in the facility. Especially adding to the fact that the toilet seat was broken for the duration of the tour. This posed to us slight difficulties while hovering above the bowl as the boat was rocking at sea. Even more so when the electricity generator for the ship turned off and you needed to relieve yourself in the pitch darkness of the enclosed room.

To my three roomies, thanks for the company and support during the week away - I don't think I could have managed such uncomfortably cramped and sweaty conditions with a better group of friends.

The dips in the sea and the coastline of Croatia were beautiful, our tour guide was warm and professional, the food was edible in the stuffy saloon packed with 22 other sticky bodies side by side, and if this trip wasn't hindered by the dread of having to go back to the room to change/sleep/shower/pee each day it would have been one of the loveliest summer vacations.

Right now, my mind is still rocking on the ship and I can't gauge focus on the screen so I should just write the day off.

Item 91: Travel Talk Tour? CHECK!

Sunday 7 August 2011

Item 90: Stockholm - Hej hej

StockholmLocation: Stockholm, Sweden

Yes, there is a budget airline that has flights for under 100 quid to Stockholm....well 1hr 20mins from the city of Stockholm actually.

Overcoming the hurdle of getting into town, it was a relief to have two days of consistent sun as we soaked up the culture in the Swedish archipelago. Day one was museum day. Firstly to Vasamuseet – The Vasa Museum, to view the spectacular ship that only sailed for 20 minutes before sinking in the Baltic Sea on its maiden voyage. Devastating to the country at the time, but for us it was a rare opportunity to see a well persevered 17th century ship in it's (almost) original form.

Next on the list was Skansen Open Air Museum, conveniently located very close by. An ethnographic experience that I would describe as the Swedish equivalent of Sovereign Hill, we wandered the afternoon amongst recreated Sami villages in search of the traditional town bakery. The highlight was the zoo, home to native Nordic animals and very cute baby lynxes with the experience only diminished by stupid British tourists taunting the mother lynx by dangling their Sports Direct hoddies into the enclosure.

With the sun setting late in the evening we made the most of the extended day by taking a sight seeing boat tour around the islands, happy to see the locals enjoying their afternoon swim or cruise in the city's clean waters.

Day two had us up early to visit the old town, Gamla Stan, of the capital. Cobblestone paths directed us to the Royal Palace. We watched the changing of the guard and joined the 11am English tour of the Royal apartments which was very informative and detailed changes triggered from historic wars between Poland and Russia, then took us to the reception rooms of recent Swedish royal weddings.

Being in the home of H&M and Cos, we finished the afternoon with a spot of shopping for Scandinavian design before traipsing back through to the central station to get the Flygbussarna back to the airport.

Item 90: Stockholm? CHECK!

Sunday 17 July 2011

Item 89: Greenwich Market - Sika Boutique

Location: Greenwich Market, London

Revisiting the markets from four years ago, the intriguing odds-and-ends on sale have now been overtaken by stalls thrifting standard imports from south-east Asia at ridiculous margins.

Luckily my favourite little find - Greenwich Market - is still bustling with a good selection of locally made food, fascinator stands and handy crafts contained in an under cover square. I've crossed the city of London a number of times to visit, via Thames ferry to approach Cutty Sark by river level and also DLR on weekends when the train line has been free of weekend engineering work.

Tucked in the corner of the square is Sika Boutique (Cherry Picked) run by the lovely Phyllis Taylor whose designs flatter everyone looking for something unique and not on the standard high-street, sold at a resonable price. Each time I've visited the store, one of my girlfriends or I have made a purchase. The dresses are tailored with a 1950's flare and made in Ghana, using their local materials and prints.

I attended a wedding recently and needed a dress in the style of 'Sunday Best'. I fell in love with one of the designs but the problem was it was a bit 'black' for a happy occasion. The lovely ladies at the store offered to have it made for me and helped me pick out navy waxed cotton and complementary lace from their samples book. Confidence I wouldn't show up in the same outfit as anyone else, it was really refreshing to find friendly service and the team even raced the dress from Ghana to London the weekend before the event so everything went well for me on the day - and I wasn't even the bride.

I can not recommend this store enough, and it's no surprise their success has them moving to a nearby location next month.

Let's hope that the weekend transportation challenge of getting to Greenwich Market remains that extra barrier for entry so it can maintain it's niche products and friendly store owners for a little bit longer.

Item 89: Greenwich Market?
CHECK!

Monday 4 July 2011

Item 88: Chin Chin Laboratorists

Location: 49-50 Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF

Hello Summer! And what better way to celebrate than with an ice-cream.

In the craziness of Camden Market, a very well mannered queue was formed outside the Chin Chin Laboratorists - ''London's first nitro ice-cream parlour".

We patiently joined the end of the slow moving line and peeked through the windows to glimpse past the engrossed patrons as they watched liquid nitrogen being poured into the mixing bowls to create their made-to-order ice-creams. Three flavours are offered each day: Valrhona chocolate, Vanilla and the weekly special.

Like children, our excitement rose as it became 'our turn' to order directly from the shop's owner Ahrash Akbari-Kalhur, standing behind the electric mixers with his industrial safety glove and glasses. We selected the special flavour 'Tea and birthday cake', as he explained to us how the cake and earl grey tea was infused overnight and there was less sugar and bubbles whipped into it compared to your stock-standard ice-cream to provide a smoother and 'healthier' option - ignoring the sauces and intriguing toppings that were to be added later.

Such friendly and patient customer service is rare in London and he captivated our attention as we watched the science experiment being demonstrated in front of our eyes.

As our feet tingled with a slight chill from the over-flow of liquid nitrogen from under the counter, we selected raspberry sauce and grilled white chocolate to complement our afternoon treat.

What a delicious highlight to a weekend in London, and what better anti-aging cream than ice-cream!

Item 88: Chin Chin Laboratorists? CHECK!

Wednesday 29 June 2011

Item 87: Glastonbury Festival

Glastonbury TowerLocation: Worthy Farm, Pilton

It was a well run project, getting tickets to Glastonbury last October. After prior registration on the website, we teamed up in groups of six and woke early on a Sunday morning to log on to seetickets in the hope that one of us would get through the system and put a deposit down for the rest for the group. After two hours, there was success and we had our places booked for Glastonbury 2011!

Being one of the golden ticket holders for the sold-out event, as the weekend approached and packing lists arrived in my inbox stating that I pack copious amounts of babywipes to cover the no-shower for five day expedition, I was a little apprehensive that the mud would get the better of me. My trusty wellies got me through the snow, but would it cope with the mud?

The efficient cattle-call of National Express coach service transported us from London Victoria to Glastonbury in under four hours. We disembarked and made way to the festival entrance. It was a long muddy walk! The packing list overlooked the handy term 'light' as we walked through the trenches to find our camp site for the weekend.

And this was just the start. Flicking through the festival programme, I was overwhelmed by what was on offer. One of my friends calls Glastonbury the 'happiest place on earth'. And it very well could be.

Yes, the headlines were Beyonce, U2, Coldplay, Paul Simon and it would be amazing just to see one of them let alone catch them all in a single weekend. Jessie J - with her broken ankle sat graciously on the Other stage to sing for her fans and highlighted that all the artists wanted to be there, as did the rest of us.

Taking over an hour to get from one side of the festival to the other, there's something on offer for everyone.

Late at night Shangri-La opens up the clubs until the early mornings for people who want to see the sunrise from the other side. There's a circus, acoustic tent, Glastonbury university, craft area and you'd lose a few kilos trying to cover it all in four days. But this was the best part, wandering for hours with a sense of discovery at each turn to find something so random it made the effort of walking through the sticky mud all worth it.

As for my wellies, they were the unfortunate fatality of the weekend and had to be retired to one of the wellie graveyards with the many other pairs that didn't make it through. RIP.

Item 87: Glastonbury Festival?
CHECK!

Sunday 19 June 2011

Item 86: Udderbelly Festival - Wil Anderson

Location: Jubilee Gardens, Southbank, London

In what is a magical set-up of an up-turned cow along the southbank of London, I went along to the Udderbelly Festival on a drizzly Friday evening to see, who was once my favourite breakfast talk-show host, Wil Anderson. I'd seen him at the Melbourne Comedy Festival in the year before I left Australia and was keen to have another enjoyable night out.

Entering the tent via a decked path illuminated by lanterns and fairy lights, the venue has been noted down as somewhere to hang out with a glass of Pimms, if summer does arrive in London this year.

As the show was free seating, I arrived 15 minutes before the start and my ears were pierced with the Australian accent left, right and centre. But, that should have been a given as Wil is a well-loved comedian from home.

Although I admit I expected the same substance and quality that I saw in his "Wil of God" performance, which generally leads to disappointment I came out of the night wondering if it was the same person I'd seen five years ago. In addition, maybe my tastes have changed since moving to London and seeing a number of other comedians on the circuit. There were moments of laughter and it wasn't as bad as one heckler bluntly laid out, 'You're boring the crap out of me mate'.

With many other shows planned in the tent including another personal favourite, the 'Fitzrovia Radio Hour', I'd definitely recommend that udderbelly is well worth a visit this summer.

Item 86: Udderbelly Festival? CHECK!

Wednesday 8 June 2011

Item 85: Blue Lagoon

Blue LagoonLocation: Blue Lagoon, Keflavík, Iceland

During our weekend in Reykjavík, we were spun many an old wives tale on the discovery and healing powers of the elusive Blue Lagoon.

Even still, with the smell after each shower in the hotel we hoped that the tourist price of EUR 30 meant that the establishment afforded do something about the rotten egg smell of the country's hot water system, even though its pools are made from the run-off from the local geothermal power station.

Located in Keflavík, our visit was en-route back to the airport. Crazy hoards of buses entered the premises through the protective valley of lava fields. We were given an automated wrist band that worked as our the locker key for the change rooms. A quick pre-shower and then out into the bite of the fresh Icelandic air, straight into the rejuvenating powers of the 39°C waters.

Wading through chest deep cloudy blue reflective water, we located pockets of extra warmth and enjoyed a morning of relaxation at the spa. Steam rooms, sauna, intensive waterfall shoulder massage and a do-it-yourself face mask of Silica mud from the side of the pool completed our beauty regime before we headed back to the airport bound for London - very refreshed.

Item 85: Blue Lagoon? CHECK!

Wednesday 1 June 2011

Item 84: Reykjavik - Golden Circle Tour

Golden Circle Tour <span class=Location: Reykjavik, Iceland

The second ash cloud that hovered over London in the week leading up to the last May bank holiday posed little threat to my fellow travel companions and I as we embarked on our long weekend to the capital of Iceland - Reykjavik.

Arriving at midnight, the skies remained the colour of dusk and the rude 5:30am beaming sunlight through our hotel room window only indicated that this is summer in the nordics - very long days, the exact opposite of the to the winter seasons where it's common to have almost 24 hours of darkness during winter. Reminder: pack eye mask!

As I travelled with a big group this holiday, we were lucky enough to book a private tour bus for ourselves. Off we went following the path of The Golden Circle to travel to one of Europe´s largest waterfalls - the Gullfoss. En-route we were let off the bus to visit Thingvellir, site of the World´s first Parliament. Unlike what is common in cities this meeting place was held outdoors so it's a natural site with cliffs and valleys - no controversial architectural buildings in sight.

The highlight of the route took us to the geothermal fields of Haukadalur to get up close to the geysirs. Erupting every 10 minutes, we waited surrounded by the subtle smell of steam and sulphur to watch the activity. For those of us who remember high-school chemistry, sulphur has the more familiar smell of rotten eggs.

It was a worthwhile day trip, taking almost seven hours for the return journey to view some very spectacular landscapes.

Item 84: Reykjavik - Golden Circle Tour? CHECK!

Friday 27 May 2011

Item 83: Madrid - Girls' Weekend

Location: Madrid, Spain


Madrid, Madrid, Madrid! Uno, dos, tres. Yes, the weekend just gone was my third visit to the Spanish capital.


The fantastic 25 degree weather was perfect for soaking up the sun and culture in one weekend.


This time around it was a girls' weekend and we'd arranged a flamenco dance class at a local studio. With worn down floorboards and flowers in our hair it was an hour of alternative fun and tests of coordination. Feet tapping, hands clapping, heads turning and then the introduction of a fan was almost too much for our sun-stroked heads.


In the evening, to follow in the same spirit, we were recommended to head to Villa Rosa (Plaza de Santa Ana, 19, 28012 Madrid, Spain), by our teacher as the live flamenco show there was free unlike the other tourist traps in town. With a cover charge of 3 euros per head, we ordered some additional tapas and sangria while watching some very skilful dancing, in comparison to our fan-waving from earlier that day.


After the performance, we walked through the city centre, past stag groups in the streets to the nightclub Joy. The 18 euro cover charge, which included one drink, allowed us to get away from the riff-raff on the street. We were introduced to 'free-pour' spirits where a G&T came as a long glass of gin complemented by a side order of bottled tonic water. Inside they played popular western music from the years that I luckily was familiar. It was the first night in a long time I'd been out until closing time and what better city to do this in than Madrid!


Item: 83: Madrid? CHECK!

Wednesday 27 April 2011

Item 82: Legoland Windsor

Legoland WindsorLocation: Legoland Windsor, United Kingdom

I saw my flatmate's box of Cornflakes offering 2 for 1 entry to Legoland and what better time to visit than mid-week, now that the kids are back in school and my out of office is set on my work email account.


Although we queued for entry with the most number of prams I have seen at one time, this meant that most of the young visitors did not meet the height requirements (1.3m), for the 'scary' rides - shorter queues for me!

We played it safe by going on the Vikings' River Splash first so we could dry out through the rest of the day. As the sign said, "You will get wet".

Adrenalin pumping, we then went on the Jolly Rocker (pirate ship), Dragon's Apprentice (baby roller coaster) and moved into the Knight's Kingdom for the 'The Dragon' (bigger roller coaster). Unfortunately for me, it was then time for a tiny power spew. Oh dear, Legoland may be for the younger kids but the big kids, with obviously weak stomachs, still feel the punch.

I was fascinated at each turn through the park to find the level of intricacy of the Lego sculputures. Flamingos, tigers, dragons, workmen and when entering 'Miniland' I found amazing reconstructions of famous architecture from places I'd visited in Europe. Even more so, Legoland was well into the spirit of this week's Royal Wedding, with mini-Buckingham Palace surrounded by Lego men and women crowding its gates to get a glimpse of the newly married Lego couple.


Item 82: Legoland Windsor? CHECK!

Sunday 24 April 2011

Item 81: Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens Palm HouseLocation: Kew Gardens, London

With a 'heat-wave' passing through the UK, the manicured flower beds of Kew Gardens charge an entry of £13.90 and welcome you to enjoy the equivalent of most other London parks. More positively the pricing barrier weeds out the drunken chavs in their bikini's trying to soak up the bonus summer waves of April.

Inside there's the tree top walk which is a disappointing rusty circuit on a raised landing in the middle of the complex, with less than spectacular views.

There's also a depleting Japanese pagoda, with children running circles around, but a good focal point from afar and complementing the cherry blossom trees that line the pathway. The Palm House is a green house containing plants from exotic places including Australia. It's contructed of iron and glass and the insides remind me of rusty bathroom pipes.

Nonetheless, with the weather lifting the spirits of the sun deprived Londoners, a whole day roaming through the greenery listening to the aeroplanes fly pass on their way to Heathrow Airport, it's a day all about the 'serenity'.

Item 81: Kew Gardens? CHECK!

Monday 28 March 2011

Item 80: V&A Friday Late


There was literally a red carpet welcome on Friday night as I walked into the V&A Friday Late: The Play-House. Slightly embarrassing but it got everyone into the spirit of things as the rehearsed crowd screamed and cheered you into the the building.

During the last Friday of each month the museum hosts a themed evening and I made it along to get involved in the activities on show. Busy with activity around the Cromwell street entrance, drinks were served in the foyer and a theatrical performance on a temporary stage beamed through the growing number of attendees.

As soon as I entered the Sackler centre, which was abuzz with creativity from 'Fire The Inventor' group, I was caught up in the evening and itched immediately to start making something. With lots of odds and ends of offer, I quickly grabbed a piece of automata and started building my contraption. Compiled without glue, my machine fitted nicely together with the mish-mash of inventions made by other visitors that night. And with the crank of the wheel, mechanical theatre was made.

Addictive fun, and childhood relived with feathers, pipe-cleaners and sparkly things it was another Friday night well spent.

Item 80: V&A Friday Late? CHECK!

Wednesday 16 March 2011

Item 79: Brussels and Brugge

Location: Brussels and Brugge, Belgium

With a need for a cruisey holiday, I found a really good deal via the Eurostar website with a two night stay in a five star hotel. The plan was to laze about and eat mussels in Brussels. In the middle of winter, comfort food was definitely required.

A nice and easy check-in at Kings Cross St Pancras and on to my beloved train to take me across the English Channel, popping out the other end at Brussels Midi.

Having been to Brussels before, it was nice to find the city very familiar. I spent a day exploring the main city, saying 'hello' again to the Mannekin Pis and savouring my first waffle of the tour.

The city itself was covered in snow, so an indoor visit to the Belgian Comic Strip Center to find Tin Tin and Papa Smurf waiting for me was really heartwarming. I love finding childhood heroes in foreign countries.

With time on my hands, I hopped onto a train to Brugge for a day trip to walk around the Burg and the city hall. There I ate a giant pot of mussels in a local haunt off the main street and wandered the village along the canals, window shopping at the brightly lit chocolate displays.

A most casual visit to the continent but a two hour journey on my favourite mode of travel in Europe, this short break was just what I needed.

Item 79: Brussels and Brugge? CHECK!

Thursday 3 March 2011

Item 78: Tromso - chasing Northen Lights

Location: Tromso, Norway

March may be the optimum time to see the NORTHERN LIGHTS, the Auroa Borealis, the dancing lady of the night, but I went to chase them in December 2010.

I booked flights to Tromso, which was researched as an ideal destination to begin my Arctic adventure. With day light hours between 11-2, it was amazing that the people were, as my postcard home read 'really really nice', to the point where my travel companion suggested that I go and date a Norwegian. Ever so friendly and helpful, our ad-hoc adventures were driven by the one purpose - to see the lights.

The first night we joined a tour which started from the town's cathedral at 6pm where we hopped in a van, rugged up in the snow suits and travelled to the islands as our guide radio-ed in to see if his accompliaces could see the lights from their positions. We stopped at a spot with low cloud cover, lit a fire and huddled around with 'special' viking drinks - blackcurrent flavoured as we gazed above. At midnight, with conversation amongst the group waning, we got back into the van where we were dropped off at our B&B which the guide described as the cheapest hotel in town with the best view.

In the dusk of day on our second day, we visited the Polaria and watched the documentaries of the Artic landscapes and wild life. But with our time shortening and no sights of the lights, we decided to make the most of being quaint and friendly town and we booked places for a one hour dog sledding tour with
Lyngsford Adventure. Again, rugging up in the hired snowsuits were were taken inside the Sami tipi and served reindeer stew around an open fire.

After dinner, stepping out of the tent we looked up and there she was, Miss Auroa.... but not as we had seen in pictures. She was white and didn't feel like dancing, almost camouflaged as midnight clouds. But, convincingly the tour guide told us she was out, as we hopped into our sleds and the happy dogs took us on a tour of the open plains under the night sky.

It may not have been the lights that we'd seen in photos before our trip, but the town of Tromso was so welcoming and peaceful that I'm planning the next adventure to chase the lights.

Item 78: Tromso? CHECK!