Tag: culture

Troubles Tour Belfast

A “Troubled” tour of Belfast

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Belfast and The Troubles: they go hand in hand. Even more than 20 years after the Good Friday Agreement, the city’s past is still very much present behind the scenes and a lot of visitors are keen to understand what this dark period in history was about.But how do you go about learning about the Troubles in an ethical and unbiased way and what’s the best way to go on a Troubles tour of Belfast? First things first: what exactly are the Troubles? Entire books have been written Continue Reading

best things to do in maboneng

Maboneng: the trendiest neighbourhood of Johannesburg

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Let’s face it, Johannesburg doesn’t have a brilliant reputation when it comes to safety.  Stories of crime, poverty, theft and murder are the main reasons visitors travel straight from OR Tambo Airport to safer and more secure places.  And yes, you definitely have to keep your wits about you, but if you want a complete picture of South Africa, you simply can’t bypass Johannesburg! I stayed 5 days in Jozi, paid the obligatory visit to the Apartheid museum, went on a cycling tour of Continue Reading

walking in Liguria

Walking the Riviera dei Fiori

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I’m mopping up the last puddle of olive oil with a chunk of flavoursome focaccia bread. It’s become a habit over the last few days and I seriously start to wonder how many carbs is “too many”… But who would be able to resist? A warm autumn sun, stunning views and good company: this and the tempting Italian food are the perfect ingredients for a Ligurian holiday!   I’ve been invited to participate in a study called Timon Lepidus to find out if the Ligurian coast is ready for a Continue Reading

most beautiful villages in Liguria

The sleepy hinterland of the Italian Riviera

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I’ve been three times to Liguria. I never really planned to, but sometimes life has different plans for you… On my first occasion I visited the Cinque Terre, unanimously considered the highlight of the area. Fair enough I guess, five villages clinging on precariously to the cliffs with the blue waters of the Ligurian Sea below: there’s worse when it comes to scenery. But to be 100% honest, it was all a bit too touristy and I discovered much more about Liguria and its hilltop villages Continue Reading

best things to do in Chiapas Palenque

Top things to do in Chiapas: my favourite Mexican state!

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If you think Mexico is all about white sand, warm beaches and all-inclusive resorts, you’re in for a surprise! In the Chiapas region, the dense rainforest jungle is scattered with remnants of the Maya civilisation. You will find traditional villages where people still practice ancient rituals and to top it all off is the gorgeous colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Chiapas paints a very different picture of Mexico and it’s a picture you simply can’t afford to miss! Intrigued? Continue Reading

pub crawl Belfast

The best places to go on a pub crawl in Belfast

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When sidling up to the bar, have you ever wondered what the story is behind the pub you’re in? In Belfast, you should! The city is home to several pubs that date back a few centuries and have plenty of original artefacts or interesting stories to tell. Let’s go on a pub crawl and discover the best traditional pubs in Belfast! The Crown Liquor Saloon The Crown Liquor Saloon is Belfast’s most famous pub! It’s in every tourist guide and you owe it to yourself to at least Continue Reading

The most stunning palaces of old Marrakech

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Marrakech means visiting the famous Djemaa el Fna square over and over again. It also means haggling your way around the souks, but did you know that the city is home to some of the most beautiful historical palaces and religious buildings of Morocco? Follow me as I discover the most stunning palaces in Marrakech! Medersa Ali Ben Youssef Situated in the middle of the medina, this will be one of the first historical buildings you’ll come across. The medersa Ali Ben Youssef is a theological Continue Reading

Mayan ruins Yucatan Chiapas

The most spectacular Mayan ruins in Yucatan and Chiapas

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Did you know that there are over 20 Mayan sites in Mexico?  That’s right, one of the world’s biggest civilizations ever has left a huge mark on Mexico’s heritage sites! The majority of the sites can be found in the states of Yucatán and Chiapas, making it possible for travellers to go on a Mayan exploration spree without having to cover too much distance.Some of these sites can simply not be missed, like Chichen Itza or Palenque, but make sure you explore a few of the lesser known Continue Reading

what happens at a bullfight

The day Spain brought me to tears

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Tears are welling up behind my dark sunglasses. Around me people are waving white handkerchiefs and the encouraging “olés” can be heard all over La Glorieta. I knew I shouldn’t have come… What was I thinking? It all started the day before, when travelling from León to Salamanca. In the bus station my attention was drawn towards the numerous posters advertising Salamanca’s “Feria Taurina” or “bullfighting festival”. I had always been curious about this Spanish Continue Reading

places to visit in Tenerife

Tenerife: mountain ranges, pilot whales and colonial towns!

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“Tenerife? Isn’t that the place where thousands of British pensioners flock together to bake in the sun?” I am not going to spend a week eating fish and chips and listening to Brits moaning about the heat!” was my first, not so enthusiastic reaction, when my travel partner came up with the idea. It was safe to say I needed some convincing that there were actually things to do and places to visit in Tenerife. After reading up on the destination however, it turns out there’s Continue Reading