Why expats need local friends
It is easy for expats, especially in a country that speaks another language, to form friendships with other expats. While fellow expats can be enormously supportive and fun, if you want to really understand your new home, it is also important to befriend locals in your host country. One place I am especially fond of is Turkey. It is somewhere that I quickly felt, and continue to feel, at ease. I am indebted to my Turkish friends for their help during my time in Turkey, especially at the beginning. I was young when I first fell in love with the country and I was clueless about Turkish culture and knew nothing…
Lavender of Provence
Nothing quite prepares you for the beauty of Provence in summer. If the sunshine and blue skies over dramatic hills, glittering beaches and endearing little village houses do not convince you, a visit to a Provence lavender field will. Lavender blooms between June and August and harvesting begins in mid July. Early July is the most reliable time to see the lavender at its best but the exact time depends on which region you visit. The Plateau de Valensole, north of Antibes and the Plateau de Sault, north-east of Avignon, are the two main areas for lavender. High above the warmer coastline the Plateau de Valensole is the largest lavender…
Things to do in Rhodes
There are so many Greek islands to choose from, deciding between them can pose a problem. Rhodes has history, shopping, beaches and partying, something for everyone. Here are a few things to check out if you want to make the most out of your trip to Rhodes. Rhodes Old Town History is one thing that Rhodes has by the bucketload. Having been established in the fifth century Rhodes Old Town is certainly old. This area of Rhodes offers a maze of over 200 narrow streets and lanes in which to get happily lost in. The medieval heart of Rhodes is a wonderful spot for a drink in one of the…
Getting started in the UK
From the green fields and historic country houses to the bustling, multicultural metropolis where anything goes that is London, the UK is definitely an exciting destination. Like anywhere, it can seem complicated when you arrive. Read on for my essential guide on how to get started in the UK. UK accommodation Before you start trying to sort out anything else in the UK you need to have somewhere to sleep. Finding rental accommodation is often simple enough through letting agents, which is a good option if you have moved to the UK with a selection of flatmates (make sure you have six weeks rent upfront as a deposit, your first…
Alhambra
The Alhambra is a palace, fortress and a feast of Moorish architecture. To squeeze some culture into your break on Spain’s coast get up to Granada where you will be rewarded with exotic and lavish gardens and an exquisitely decorated palace. One of Spain’s 42 UNESCO heritage sites, the Alhambra has a rich history of occupants including both Arabs and Christians (not together obviously). It consists of a palace with functional areas, living rooms and a harem, the main fortress and a residential area for subordinates. It was built perched on a hilltop and different parts seem scattered about and connected by courtyards. The history of the Alhambra The complex…
Treasure hunting in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is virtually a city within a city; there is so much going on in there. Covering an enormous area, the bazaar’s 3,000 or so shops offer the intrepid explorer an opportunity to buy almost everything imaginable. Come on in. For those who thrive on bustle and activity the bazaar will be a highlight of your trip to Istanbul. It is certainly something to be in a good mood for and not pressed for time. The shopkeepers will banter with visitors and expect their customers to bargain for goods. This is all done in good spirits and often accompanied by offers of tea and coffee that should not…
European cities – what not to miss
With so many people, cultures and influences all packed into a relatively small area, it comes as no surprise that Europe boasts some of the world’s most interesting cities. Here are some European cities not to miss. Europe offers a plethora of different towns and cities to explore and enjoy, so how did I choose just the few you see here? The simple answer is that I chose my favourites. We all have different priorities and preferences. These are the things I love about these cities, which are not necessarily capital cities incidentally. Maybe you will agree with my choices, maybe not. Let me know! Nice, France The perfect marriage…
Adventures in Colour
The world is such a colourful place and photographs are one of my favourite ways to take a little bit of that brightness home with me. So the Capture the Colour competition gave me the perfect excuse to explore my travel memories. Travel Supermarket has launched the competition (details here) and travel bloggers around the world have jumped to in the hopes of winning one of five ipad 3s or £2,000 of cash to spend on travelling. That’s pounds not dollars folks. Think how far you could get on that! So here are my coloured offerings: Red Perhaps unusually I have chosen an underwater image as my red entry. Red…
Ightham Mote
If you are looking to step back in time and visit a medieval manor house then Ightham Mote, built over 700 years ago might be just the thing. Ightham Mote was built in the 14th century and has changed very little since it’s original design. The house is made up of over 70 rooms built around a central courtyard and sits on its own little island surrounded by a square mote. Three bridges provide access. Impressive features include the great hall, chapel, solars, crypt and a tudor painted ceiling. The property also boasts the only existing Grade 1 listed dog kennel. As you wander around the property taking it all…
Chocolates in Provence
You miss out if you go to France but fail to enjoy their chocolate shops. Such is the value placed on quality chocolate that most French towns have their own chocolatier dedicated to meeting the population’s every chocolate need. The fact that chocolates have their own dedicated shops in France says something about what you can expect to find inside. Chocolate-making is a respected art-form in France and all sorts of impressive creations can be discovered inside the country’s many little chocolate-treasure-troves. Obviously being such a big fan I made sure that I paid a visit to Joel Durand’s chocolate shop when in Saint-Remy de Provence recently and I was…
