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Haha, you don't believe me?
Oh yes, we have got everything here in Edinburgh, and these ruins of a very curious attempt can still be seen behind the emergency exit of the library in Morningside.
Unfortunately, the owners are quite protective of the old cinema, which is not open to the public.
Entry via Springvalley Gardens;
Pics and article: blog.fempages.org/wp/?p=197
Restaurant on top floor with fabulous views of the city. The food is good too, and the lunchtime prix fixe menu is value for money. This is the place to take someone you want to impress and still have a good meal. Service is also good, and not too intruding.
Harvey Nichols, 30-34 St. Andrew Sqaure, EH2 2AD;
tel: 0131 524 8350;
www.harveynichols.com/output/Page126.asp
The city is walkable, despite the hills! The best view, after Shandon, is from Audley Place at the top of Patrick's Hill. The hill is pretty steep, but you'll be rewarded by the view north and west, as far as the County Hall and beyond. Really lovely.
The huge hotel Westin St Francis on Union Square has five outside glass elevators that afford the most amazing views of the city. And it's all free! Walk through the lobby and take an elevator to the 32nd floor. Exhilarating.
Hotel Westin St Francis, at Union Square
www.flickr.com/photos/bryceedwards/134703108/
Read more at:
www.sfcvb.org/travel_media/press.asp?rid=110&cid=5
Hotel Westin St Francis, at Union Square
See my photo: www.flickr.com/photos/bryceedwards/134703108/
Read more at www.sfcvb.org/travel_media/press.asp?rid=110&cid=5
A fantastic view of San Francisco, along with all the bridges, down to the Dumbarton, as well as much of the entire Bay Area, can be had from the top of the Oakland Hills, on the opposite side of the Bay.
You'll need a car, for this, and it's a bit out of the way, but, to get there, go east, across the Bay Bridge, and follow the signs for Highway 24. Continue about 5 miles, up and through the Caldecott Tunnel; then, take the first possible exit, get back on the freeway going west, and immediately take the exit for "Fish Ranch Road". Go to the end of the ramp, and turn rignt; then, go up to the first stop sign (four way stop), turn left, and drive about 1/4 of a mile. The road will bend to the left, and you'll find yourself looking down on one of the most stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area you'll likely encounter outside of an aircraft. At sunset it's simply gorgeous!
When you're ready to leave, just follow the road down; and, when faced with a stop sign, always turn downhill (mostly right, but there's a left at the bottom, just before you're returned to the Highway 24). Once you reach 24, just follow the signs back to the Bay Bridge, and San Francisco. You might also stop at Yerba Buena/Treasure Island for a more close up view of the skyline.
Top of the Oakland Hills on Tunnel Road.
The company Cruisin' Barcelona is run by a young couple who also cruise the streets as bike messengers. They offer personalised tours on ultra cool beach cruisers. Mahrou knows the city from A to Z and can tell you about the weirdest little ins and outs. They rent their bikes as well but it's just nice to hang out with them while cruising through the city...
tel: +34 605948469;
www.cruisingbarcelona.com
Great for dogs and humans alike. 360 degree view from this centrally located gem. Bring your walking shoes as you might be tempted to explore some more! It also overlooks the kid-friendly neighbourhood of Bernal Heights. I'll leave that up to you to check out.
1 Andover Street, San Francisco
A small park on Russian Hill with fabulous views over North Beach, Financial District and Bay Bridge. Peaceful and quiet, you'll usually share it with a few folk up from Chinatown doing their Tai Chi. Just over the hill - between Vallejo and Green (for those who know their Tales of the City) is supposed to be macondry lane - complete with wooden steps. Named after a poet.
At intersection of Vallejo St and Taylor St
One of the best views in San Francisco is to be found in the financial district, at the top of the Bank of America building (of Towering Inferno fame). Its bar/restaurant (Carnelian Room) is open to the public after three in the afternoon and has some breathtaking views of the bay.
Carnelian Room
Bank of America Building
555 California St. (Kearny St.)
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-433-7500
Miette Hot Springs is the ultimate hot springs location. The Hottest springs in the Canadian Rockies offers two hot pools for a relaxing soak and a cold pool overlooking the scenic Fiddle River Valley (if you're brave enough - it's chilly!).
Tucked away in the Fiddle Valley, the springs offer solitude and relaxation, and with many hiking trails starting from this point, it makes for a perfect location to hike and soak.
Camping and other accommodation are also available nearby. If you are looking to leave the crowds behind and soak up some nature, visit the Miette Hot Springs on your next vacation.
Canadian Rockies Hot Springs - Miette Hot Springs
Box 2579 Jasper, Alberta T0E 1E0
Tel: 1-800-767-1611, or
(780) 866-3939
Fax: (780) 866-2112
E-mail: hot_springs@pch.gc.ca www.explorejasper.com/sights/miettehotsprings.htm
Miette Hot Springs
61 km east of Jasper townsite
51 km west of Hinton
From Jasper, proceed east on highway 16 for 44 km to the Pocahontas Bungalows and the Miette Road junction. From Hinton, proceed west on highway 16 for 34 km to Pocahontas Bungalows and the Miette Road junction. From there, proceed south on the Miette Road. Miette Hot Springs are at the end of Miette Road, 17 km ahead.
dir.yahoo.com/Regional/Countries/Canada/Provinces_and_Territories/Alberta/Counties_and_Districts/Jasper/Recreation_and_Sports/Swimming_and_Diving/
Lake Agnes Teahouse is accessible by one of the most hiked trails in the Rockies. A four-hour, 7 km round trip from the parking lot at the spectacular Lake Louise, the hike is moderate and affords you amazing views and a feel of the Rockies. The trail is busy in tourist season around the lake but the crowds thin out the higher and farther you hike.
And the reward is a splendid cuppa at the Teahouse.
This is the best beach taverna on Rhodes, run by Philip (from the island) and his English wife, Barbara. Perfect traditional Greek menu, all freshly cooked, in a drew setting on top of the cliff above the north end of the beach
Pefkos Beach: walk along the beach to the left until you see a flight of steps;
tel: (+30) 22440 48044
email: rhodes@philosophia-pefkos.gr;
www.philosophia-pefkos.com
Cephalonia is a dream: permanently surrounded by low clouds on the horizon, you feel as if you are suspended in the air, on an island floating in heaven. The coastline is breathtaking and the northern coast is perhaps the most fantastic: sounds pretentious, but driving, walking, biking the northern coastline is a transcendental experience.
On the Purbeck peninsula is a pristine National Trust beach, a two-minute chain-ferry ride from Sandbanks. The long stretch of sand is stunning and has views of the mouth of Poole harbour, the Isle of Wight and sailboats and huge ferries coming in and out of the harbour on their way to Brittany. Bring a picnic and get there early – it’s popular but still undeveloped, thankfully.
Stunningly designed hotel by architect Ruy Ohtake. It looks like a slice of water melon replete with 'pips' for windows. It's worth a visit solely for the roof terrace. The views of São Paulo up top make you feel like you're in a South American version of Blade Runner, minus Rutger Hauer mind.
4700 Avenida Brigadeiro Luis Antonio;
tel: 11 3055 4710;
www.hotelunique.com.br
A magnificent 19th century Romanesque mansion that has been restored and is open to the public. Its grounds and gardens are amongst the finest in Melbourne. Originally owned by a series of families over the years, it is now a National Trust property. Open most days of the year with special 'free entry' days now and then (like for Mums on Mothers Day).
192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick 3185 (a short walk from Glenhuntly railway station);
Car parking outside in Hotham Street;
tel: 9523 6095;
ripponleaestate.melbourneaustralia.com.au
Nothing defines Lisbon better than its miradouros, the lovely belvederes from which to sit and gaze at the view. The Castelo de São Jorge is the best-known, but there are many more.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara:
At the top of the Elevador da Gloria, looking out across to Graça and the Castelo, it has a tiled panel detailing the view.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina:
Near the Bica funicular, this hidden-away viewpoint is worth seeking out: it has a little cafe, popular with late-night clubbers. Wonderful views over the Tagus.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol:
The 28 tram sweeps past here before plunging away towards Graça. Probably the best view over the Alfama.
Miradouro Santa Luzia:
Perhaps the loveliest one of all, round the back of the Igreja de Santa Luzia, just before you get to Largo das Portas do Sol. A pretty terrace of azulejos, hung with flowers, you'll want to sit here and gaze across the Tagus for hours.
Wherever there's a hill, go up it and you'll come to one.
This restaurant/bar at the top of the Sheraton Hotel offers an excellent view of the city by night and the cocktails are fairly inexpensive (in comparison to other European capital cities).
Rua Latino Coelho, 1;
tel: 21 312 0000;
www.sheratonlisboa.com/eng/restaurante/bar_panorama/
Ti Kwen Glo Chau (translated from Creole as tiny corner hot water) is in the village of Wotten Waven: with a bush rum in your hand, take an outdoor hot bath in a cast-iron tub and gaze at a tropical fairyland. Run by a friendly Rasta couple, it's "ital" (natural) all the way.
Nothing beats a summer's sunset than watching it along Spanish Banks. Just aim for Jericho Beach and walk along the beach until you find your perfect log.
The view stretches from the cruise ships on the horizon off to Alaska to the mountains to the city.
The atmosphere of couples and families just relaxing is unbeatable. Truly the best way to see the city's beauty.
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