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Aegiali of Amorgos is situated at the northern tip of the island and is its second port. The beautiful villages of Potamos, Tholaria and Langada are built on the slopes of the bay and give the area a special beauty. Aegiali, with its many wonderful beaches, is one of the best places to spend your holidays on the island.
While Grand Central station is a must see in itself there is quite a quirky feature that people should experience.
The archway outside the Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant creates a neat trick with sound. Simply stand in one corner of arch and whisper something into the wall. A friend who is standing diagonally across from you in the other corner will hear you as if you were standing next to them.
87 E 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017
grandcentralterminal.com
+1(212) 5324900
Google map: bit.ly/lzKmJE
Great pizzeria in the Greenwich Village area of Manhatten. A pizzeria since 1924 but still as popular as ever judging from the queues that can form here. Simple but superb.
Additionally there are some good pubs in this area, such as the Red Lion down the road at 151 Bleeker street.
278 Bleeker Street
(Between 6th & 7th Avenues)
Greenwich Village
New York, NY 10014
www.johnsbrickovenpizza.com/about.html
Small family owned sweetshop on Lower East Side packed with every sweet you could imagine - and as the name suggests it's not that expensive.
Sells chocolate, candies, nuts, dried fruits including halvah as well as sugar free candy.
Still there since 1937.
108 Rivington Street (around corner of Ludlow street & Rivington Street)
New York, NY 10002
Lower East Side
Open Sun-Fri 9-6, Sat 10-5
A few minutes around corner from Katz Deli.
www.economycandy.com/
I went on a holiday in August 2009 for two weeks around Ireland, staying in Kenmare and Galway. I booked accommodation at both places on www.Ireland-Selfcatering.com.
I found this website very user-friendly, the houses are exactly as described online and we received confirmation quite quickly. I would recommend using this website for your stay anywhere in Ireland.
The recently reconstructed building of the theatre is glittering with crystal and marble. The scene is decorated with hundreds of gilded hammers and sickles. Coffee in the theatre bar tastes like dishwater, dried cakes are dangerous for your teeth. You will shed a few tears at Verdi’s Aida, classically strict movements of ballet dancers in Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker will catch your breath, crowd scenes in Khachaturian’s Spartacus definitely will fascinate you. The troupe of the theatre is successfully touring around Europe, Japan, China, and Latin America. World-celebrated prima donna Maria Guleghina started her professional career at this stage. Moreover, the budget of the theatre is supported by the state, so the cost of tickets is lower than that in cinemas. By-effect: tickets are usually sold a month before a performance.
belarusopera.by/en
(017) 334-06-66, 334-10-41
Google map: tinyurl.com/yb3vyak
Bar Dolores (El Chispa) is a bar/restaurant where the speciality is fresh fish and shellfish. They will also serve you a tapas with every drink ordered in the bar.
There is a seperate area for eating if you want to get away from the noise of the lively bar.
This is another of the local haunts in a prominently Spanish part of town, they have large screens for all the major football tournaments.
I would recommend you search this one out if you want to get away from the main tourist areas, with a little research you will find this part of town has a lot going for it.
Calle San Pedro,12
29780 Nerja
Tel:(0034)952523697
Google map: tinyurl.com/y9oxa72
Value rating: *****
We were very pleasantly surprised by KuOmboko Hostel in Lusaka, Zambia. We book a private room doubled bed for only 24$/night (shared bathroom). The hostel is well-equipped: laundry facilities, a fun and lively bar (that brings in more locals than guests), a 24 hour internet cafe, safe and secure rooms, a flexible restaurant (they will get very creative to aid vegetarians), and most importantly -- a terrific, friendly, and helpful staff. The place feels secure and is somewhat clean (although prepare for lots of little creepy crawlers and bugs in the shared area). For the money, this is a terrific bet and one that won't "bite" too hard on your pocketbook...
Plot 9926, Mankanta Close, P.O.Box 33284, Lusaka, Zambia
The best way to explore the Murray. Kayaking through the still billabongs and waterways of the Murray. Surrounded by ancient tree hollows that stick out of the water which teem with birdlife. The drone of Melbourne traffic is miles away and instead your journey is accompanied by the the chatter of the birds and the raucous laughter of Kookaburras.
Moontongue eco-tours will organise an adventure to suit your ability.
The surrounding Mallee district has lots to explore. The town of Mildura with a population of 25,000 is an ideal base to explore from. Activities include wine tasting, bush camping, bush walking, top-class restaurants, Aboriginal art, Aboriginal cultral experiences.
daily direct flights to Mildura from Adelaide and Melbourne.
Moontongue tours arrange the kayaking - ring Ian on 0427 898 317 to organise. A 2 hour kayak trip will cost $35 per person.
An amazing beach. Take a picnic, you're likely to have these perfect white sands to yourself even on a summer's day. A brilliant place to let dogs, children and husbands run wild.
Luskentyre, Isle of Harris
Google map: tinyurl.com/yhzhvxt
www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/harris/luskentyre/index.html
How about this for an authentic French meal?
A starter of goats cheese salad, a main course of steak frites (with an absolutely fabulous piece of steak) followed by a cheese platter and rounded off with a crème brûlée dessert. At the end of the meal we’ll have an espresso coffee and during the meal two glasses of pleasant local wine. Well, this was what was on offer last week at our local bistro for an unbelievable €12! This isn’t an isolated example and around our local area of the Loire Valley, just north of Saumur, we are close to at least ten restaurants, which offer us amazing lunchtime feasts. Head down to Saumur and though on the main tourist route, you can still find great lunchtime menus for less than €15.
The secret is to always go for the set Menu of the Day – ‘Le Menu du Jour’, the Dish of the Day – ‘Le Plat du Jour’ or the Workers Menu – ‘Le Menu Ouvrier’. As well as providing great value, you can be assured that the meal is prepared fresh that day. So, choose carefully and you can eat like a king. However, stray off the ‘Menu du Jour’, ‘Plat du Jour’ or ‘Menu Ouvrier’ and onto the ‘a la carte’ dishes and you will end up with a bill that is closer to 35 Euros per head once you have added in wine and coffee.
How do you uncover these great deals and have a great value and great tasting meal?
In a large town just trawl the streets and read the blackboards describing the Menu du Jour and Plat du Jour along with the prices. In more rural areas either head for the nearest village or keep your eyes open as you travel around – some of the restaurants seem to be in the middle of nowhere! When you do find an establishment, don’t judge the restaurant from the outside. Some of our favourites are nothing to look at from the outside, some even look a little run down. One local eating spot has a tobacco kiosk at the entrance end then a traditional bar and the cosy restaurant, which serves exquisite food, is hidden at the back – you’d never know unless you went inside. Discovering these places in all part of the adventure. Don’t discount the restaurants that may look like lorry stops – these can be real hidden gems offering what seems like unlimited buffet starters, cider and wine! Take a look at the number of cars parked outside – there will be a mix of tradesmen’s vans, trucks, large lorries and family cars, reflecting the mix of clientele inside. If the place is pretty full with this mix then you are on to a winner – the locals don’t patronise a poor menu!
Once inside, just stick to the ‘Menu du Jour’ – even if you are presented with the ‘a la carte’ menu. The proprietor is just chancing his or her arm to see if you will pick one of the more expensive dishes. Sometimes you will have to specifically ask about the ‘Menu du Jour’, especially in more touristy locations where the assumption is that you will choose something more expensive! When you are asked for water don’t be afraid to ask for a ‘carafe D’Eau’ or ‘eau de robinet’ (tap water) – bottled water is not mandatory and if you look around the other tables you’ll find the locals, in general doing the same.
Don’t discount some of the more exclusive restaurants, either. Those that position themselves at the upper end of the price bracket still need to bring in the lunchtime diners, so they will also offer a ‘Menu’ or ‘Plat du Jour’. One of the most expensive restaurants in Saumur can costs you an arm and a leg in the evening, but at lunchtime you can have an upmarket starter and main dish of the day for €16 Euros. The wine however, isn’t included in this price!
Eat like the French and you are benefitting from one of France’s great traditions. Whatever a person’s occupation or status a meal at lunch is an important part of the daily routine. No shorter than 1 ½ hours, lunchtime eating starts at an early age in French schools. Many primary school children will receive a starter, a main course and a dessert for school dinner, followed by ten minutes ‘repose’. Only then are they unleashed into the school yard for the remainder of lunchtime. So the pattern is set for life! To ensure this tradition doesn’t die out, in 2009 the French government reduced the rate of sales tax on certain items in the Menu du Jour. Lunchtime dining in France is big business, is widespread and a massive employer and as we can see, great value. So make the most of it and enjoy!
L'Art Obase, Mouliherne, Maine et Loire
Le Boufftard, Hommes, Indre et Loire
Les Menstrels, Saumur www.restaurant-les-menestrels.com
Some of the greatest take away pizzas in Venice are to be found here at MauMa’s. The shop is just to the right, straight across the little bridge to the east of the Campo dei Frari (in front of the Frari Church).
It has no official sign – we only found out its real name after talking to the exceedingly friendly owners, Mauro and Massimo. Their English is limited but it’s possible to get by without having Italian.
It’s a tiny place with a shutter front which, when open, houses an appetizing display of bulging calzone and pizza slices. Calzone are around three Euros and pizzas start from four Euros.
Both are very generous; with a thin, crispy crust and delightfully herby and flavourful tomato sauce.
The place is tiny with no seating so everything is to take away. Buy a soda while Massimo prepares your pizza to order before your eyes; in the light summer months you could just take it across the bridge into the campo to enjoy.
There are no official business hours (whenever the guys feel like opening up!) but it’s usually open every day except Wednesdays.
Undoubtedly some of the best (and cheapest) pizza in Venice. I’ll definitely be going back next time I visit the city, as much to chat to the lovely owners as to sample the mouth-watering fare.
Campo dei Frari, San Polo 30125, Venice
Google map: tinyurl.com/ybmhccm
Harewood is a fantastic place, with over 300 acres of immaculately and beautifully kept gardens and grounds for visitors to stroll through with their dogs, or romp wildly through the winding paths with their children or just sit and admire the Capability Brown fashioned landscape. This is all before you explore the architectural and artistic wonders of the house. The Lascelles family (the Earls of Harewood) have been avid collectors of fine art for over 250 years and most of it is on display for the public.
To keep the children amused there is a fantastic adventure playground, apparently spread over three acres - the kids love it, along with the bird garden, containing of all things penguins and flamingos.
Harewood's enduring appeal is its beauty, the wide range of experiences for young and old, all backed up with a magnificent events calendar.
Locals should take advantage of its membership - the Harewood card - which allows free entry throughout the year making it amazingly good value, the literature claims families can save upto £700 per annum on days out with the card!
Harewood House
Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG
www.harewood.org
tel: 0113 218 10 10
Harewood House is 7 miles from Leeds and Harrogate, catch the number 36 bus, which drops outside the gate. Harewood lets you in half price with a valid bus ticket or if you are on a bicycle.
Well it's holiday booking time again and as we've already booked ours at this place I don't mind telling you about it now. This is a really lovely get away from it all yurt place. They have three yurts well apart from each other - Tim, the owner makes the yurts himself, beautiful construction. Extremely peaceful, right at edge of Bodmin Moor but easy to reach the pub (walking) and onsite there's nothing better than chilling in a chair and looking at the view. No cars on site, but they will give a lift down to the yurts with stuff in a Land Rover - it's a higgledypiggledy track, oaks and flowers. The yurts have raised wooden floors so no hint of damp, lovely and comfortable -and really clean (they suupply linen as well) double beds, futons for extra people. There is a woodburning stove in the yurt so really cosy, all cooking facilities on a gas stove and the bathroom yurt is fantastic. Just all in all a lovely slow place to stay with friendly owners in fantastic countryside. Very green too - I would say minimal impact and footprint - you can also get local organic meat and they produce eggs and veg during the summer. They'll also pick you up from station if you're on a mission.
Greyheyes, St. Breward, Cornwall PL30 4LP 01208 850670
cornishyurtholidays.co.uk/ecoslow
Bodmin Parkway
Google map: tinyurl.com/yedt3g2
Genuine Flamenco at Casa de la Memoria, well worth a visit, great guitar playing, dancing and singing all without the touristy food and drink.
As a family we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it's a must if you visit this fantastic city.
Calle Ximenez de Enciso, 28, Santa Cruz district.
www.casadelamemoria.es/
+34 954 560 670
Google map: tinyurl.com/y8kqt6k
Avoid the touristy tapas bars near Giralda. Poor service and greasy food and ice cold red wine.
Try the tapas where you see lots of the local people and you are sure of finding excellent food and wine.
Two we found were fantastic, one the other side of the Cathedral on Calle Santo Tomas near the Archivo de Indias. And the other called Cinco Jotas, Calle Castelar in the Arenal district.
Both serving delicious tapas, look and see what the locals are eating and drinking and point to the waiter, you can't go wrong.
Cinco Jotas, Calle Castelar 1, 41001, Sevilla
+34 954 210 763
www.mesoncincojotas.com/index_english.htm
Google map: tinyurl.com/y8zpl23
Go to Horno de San Buenaventura for breakfast.
We stayed in a hotel nearby where the breakfast was 20 euros each. As a family of four we decided to explore an alternative and found this great place. Great food, great value and the best coffee we have had in Spain.
The cost for the four of us was only about 16 euros.
Avenida la Constitución 16. Sevilla, 41002
Teléfono.: 95.422.18.19
Google map: tinyurl.com/ycumrpp
If you don't want to queue for hours book your Colosseum ticket before you go, on line.
We arrived at the Colosseum and found a long snake of a queue. For ticket holders you can head for a different ticket office with no queue.
This is highly recommended especially if you have children.
A day trip to fantastic Siena and an excellent lunch at this osteria. It made our day.
Great Italian food, great Italian wine and great atmosphere.
Arrive early or book as this is a popular restaurant.
We had to wait a half hour for a table, but it was definitely worth it.
Via del Porrione 33, Siena, Italy
0577/48-013
Google map: tinyurl.com/y8dhz2j
What great Italian food and service at this Trattoria situated in a small back street.
Just ask the owner Carlo what is the special today, relax and take your time sampling the excellent food and wine.
This is a must for anybody who likes fresh genuine Italian food.
Vicolo del Popolo, 9, 05018 Orvieto, Italy
0763343916
Google map: tinyurl.com/y9vaxed
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