Unique and Boutique Hotels and Experiences. Less Ordinary Travel and Lifestyle Blog for Independent Travellers in Europe.
2016 is guaranteed to be a different year for us, where, after five years in Asia, we will take our travels to Europe. For some of our favourite foods of Asia from the past years, check here, otherwise we’re now off to Northern Ireland, which will be our base for travel in the coming year. We […]
Nostalgia for Northern Irish Foods Read More »
There are a number of options for getting to the Harry Potter Studios in London but, for short-stay tourists like us, we found the easiest route is by bus from the Victoria Station area. This was after quite a bit of deliberation, as at £31 for return tickets, the bus is a bit of a rip
Hogwarts in the Snow (Harry Potter Studios) Read More »
This year we will spend Christmas in Northern Ireland with family and, with an inevitable stopover in London, I thought I’d make the most of the opportunity. With 50,000 points in my Platinum Elite IHG Rewards, I do just that, and I reward myself with a stay at the InterContinental London Park Lane. After two
Winter Time in the InterContinental London Park Lane Read More »
For the past two nights I’ve been staying in the Riad Star – the former home of 1930’s vaudeville star Josephine Baker in Marrakech. Baker dropped out of school at the age of 13 and lived as a street child in the slums of St. Louis, sleeping in cardboard shelters and scavenging for food in
Reliving history at the Riad Star, Marrakech Read More »
In honesty, I rarely hear much praise for Dubai, a city often dubbed fake with its shiny new facade overshadowing authenticity and its origins. Fanfan was one of those unimpressed after flying to Dubai for her first-ever travels outside of Thailand. She booked a week’s stay in Dubai only to leave three days later because
In Search of Old Dubai Read More »
Recently I was asked if I had experienced scary moments during travel… I completely drew blank. In Thailand and Southeast Asia I can find none, certainly none worth mentioning. So after giving more thought to the question I have finally come up with my most terrifying travel experience. An experience not in Asia but on
Road Trip: New York State to DC Read More »
Cute side streets. Corner Cafes. Fromageries, Boucheries, Brasseries. The authenticity of Montparnasse area of Paris is what makes it my favourite part of the city. In a convenient location for tourist attractions the area brings a happy mix of local life and affordable tourist accommodation. A short trip on the Paris Metro reaches all major attractions yet the
Escape to Montparnasse Paris Read More »
Coming from Belfast (as with most UK regional airports) there is an inevitable stopover flight on the way to Asia. For me a London stopover. I’ve passed through the city countless times; rarely venturing from airport benches to find central London. This time with Fanfan by my side I will make the effort. With 24
Stopover: London on the Circle Line Read More »
Arriving from the hospitality of Thailand to the hospitality of Rome is like walking from a massage to the boxing ring. An extreme contrast. This was Fanfan’s first trip to Europe, long in planning, starting with her dream destination Rome. Two days later we leave Rome completely disillusioned. Not the best of experiences… While I
Unwelcoming, Unfriendly Rome Read More »
Following two weeks in Europe through Rome, Paris, London and Belfast I find the perfect moment to propose to Fanfan. While the Eiffel tower or Trevi Fountain may be thought of as the perfect scene for the occasion; trust me they are not. My original intention to propose in Paris was scuppered by touristic, unromantic and
Engaged in Wicklow, Ireland Read More »
