Coimbra is a former capital of Portugal and is an important university city with a vibrant student vibe. As with many Portuguese cities (Lisbon and Porto come to mind), Coimbra is built on a hill and it is a good workout to walk up to the top of the hill where the university and museums … More 2 DAYS IN // Coimbra, Portugal
The capital of Wales is perfect for a city break. We spent 3 days/2 nights in the city and it was terrific. We visited in late September and most of the pedestrianised streets had outdoor and indoor dining. The city is compact and eminently walkable. We visited during Freshers’ week and the city had a … More 3 DAYS IN // Cardiff, Wales
Portugal’s “Venice of the North” is a charming city in the north of Portugal, famous for its canals, bridges, Art Nouveau buildings, Santa Joana and Ovos Moles. We visited in August, staying for two nights, and thoroughly enjoyed the time spent there. Aveiro is on the same train line as Coimbra and Porto. A visit … More 2 DAYS IN // Aveiro, Portugal
A “Staycation” in the time of Covid. As the UK cautiously moves out of Lockdown, the Staycation has become popular especially given the fantastic weather we have had through most of the lockdown. We decided to visit Shanklin on the Isle of Wight. Shanklin is a pretty village with thatched-roofed cottages, gift shops, tea shops, … More 3 DAYS IN // Shanklin, Isle of Wight
On Monday 23rd March we went into an initial three-week lockdown. Our youngest, Alice, had come to visit us, so decided to stay during the lockdown rather than return to her flat in London. Sue was due to fly out to Germany as part of the Amersham A Cappella choir to represent the UK as … More Lockdown (first 6 weeks) // Prestwood, UK
Lisbon is one of our favourite cities to visit. We like it so much we bought a small apartment in Estoril many years ago, which has easy access in to the heart of Lisbon. This post is aimed at the return visitor or those who are spending more than a long weekend in Lisbon. First … More Revisited // Lisbon, Portugal
Sandals Ocho Rios is one of the older Sandals resorts. It is also one of the cheaper Sandals resorts in the Caribbean. We booked for seven days (four people, two rooms) and we were very much looking forward to visiting after our great experience with Sandals at St Lucia the year before. Our first impressions … More 7 DAYS IN // Ocho Rios
Levico Terme is in Northern Italy. It is one of those wonderful lakes and mountains destinations that few people have heard about and is quite simply charming. More German than Italian, it is relaxed, has things to do and a beautiful lake sitting like a jewel at the bottom of the hill from the town … More 5 DAYS IN // Levico Terme, Italy
Porto is Portugal’s second city. More down to earth than Lisbon. Not as affluent or as spread out, but vibrant, colourful and just as interesting. The Portuguese love of building cities on steep hills is in evidence here as in Lisbon. A big difference from Lisbon is that the River Douro is integral to the … More 3 DAYS IN // Porto, Portugal (2 and a half really)
Global Gary 