Wild Junket » Europe

The Welsh Showdown: Coasteering and Cliff-Jumping

admin — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:34:48 +0000

Legs wobbly, stomach queasy, I am about to take the leap off a 15-feet tall cliff. Looking down at the churning waters, my head swirls but before I know it, I’m in the air, plunging feet first into the sea. Seconds later I resurface, only to be swept by a gratifying sense of high.

I am coasteering along the Pembrokeshire coastline of West Wales, getting a taste of the country’s wild side. It’s Day 3 of the Great the Welsh Showdown (a challenge VisitBritain had set me up with) and our group of bloggers are putting our wits and courage to the test.

What is Coasteering?

Coasteering involves scrambling around the coastline from rock to rock, navigating sea caves, clambering up to the craggy cliff tops and jumping off into the waters. Participants are given wetsuits and crash helmets and are accompanied by instructors to ensure safety. A brand new sport that pioneered in the area, coasteering is the trendiest outdoor activity in town and the Welsh coastline is said to be the place to try it.

Scaling the Pembrokeshire Coastline

Earlier that morning, we had started out from a gorgeous, quiet bay, clambering along the steep cliff surface to get to a tiny pebble beach where we would start our navigation. Our instructors from the Preseli Venture, John and Libby, guided us through the wading water, constantly watching out for the tide.

Our first element to navigate – a sea cave. The raging waters threw us around the giant cave, like a washing machine swirling its dirty laundry. We giggled and laughed like a bunch of school kids, enjoying the thrill more than anything.

Soon came the scaling and we were clambering up barnacle-studded rocks like drenched monkeys. We started out with a low cliff, belly-flopping our way into the water to make sure we were comfortable leaping off.

Higher and higher we went to plunge off from greater heights, challenging ourselves to our limits. The highest height was topped at 15 feet, where it was still safe to jump. For someone wild at heart but wimpy with heights like myself, cliff-jumping was more fun than terrifying, and more adrenaline than nerve-wrecking.

Here’s a video of me and our group of bloggers jumping off a 15-foot cliff. Check out our pre-jump screams!

Cliff Jumping in Pembrokeshire

Disclaimer: My trip was sponsored by VisitBritain but all opinions are my own.

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The Welsh Showdown: Bushcrafting

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:25:40 +0000

It’s not everyday I find myself bushcrafting in the middle of the Gower Forest in South Wales but there I was – with nothing but two chunks of wood – attempting to start a fire the way prehistoric men did. We are on our next challenge of the Welsh Showdown: the Survival of the Fittest.

This full-day Wilderness Survival Course conducted by Dryad Bushcrafting is aimed at teaching us basic skills and techniques of bushcrafting. So what is bushcrafting?

Andrew Price, the young founder and head instructor of the outfitter, tells us, “Our aim is to teach people how to live in the outdoors and using our environment for sustainable living. It does not require supernatural abilities, but a practical understanding of the basic principles and techniques of bushcraft that will enable you to adapt confidently to any environment.”

Dryad Bushcraft was started a few years ago with funding from the Welsh assembly sustainable development fund. Activities include fire lighting, fungi forage, primitive and modern traps and tracking techniques and many other subjects.

Man vs. Wild

Earlier that morning, we had driven towards Swansea, Southwest Wales to get to Gower. This particular part of Southwest Wales was designated Britain’s first area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) on the 9th of May 1956.

We started our day off with a stop at the Gower Heritage Center and a Neolithic period burial ground. After catching a glimpse into the rural Welsh lifestyle, we headed out into the woods, geared for some ‘Man vs Wild’ action.

Foraging through the thick foliage of the Gower Woods, we chance upon raspberries, meadowsweets and willow plants. Rick, our instructor, plucks a thorny leaf and chucks it into his mouth. Surprisingly, his tongue remains unscath. As we thread through the forest, Rick explains the use of each plant and how some can serve as medication or just to fill our stomachs.

Making Fire From Scratch

After a series of explanations and demonstrations, we are presented with our first task: making fire with two sticks of wood. With my knee pressed against a slab of wood, I summon up strength to rub another slice of wood against it like a saw. Teamwork plays an important factor here, as our team of three emerge as the winner with our combined efforts.

“Bushcraft is not a spectator sport. The emphasis is on hands-on practice and working together as a team. As you can see, team work makes every single thing you do easier and more enjoyable.” Andrew explains the aim of his bushcraft courses.

Next, we are tasked to build our own makeshift shelter using natural elements in our environment. Logs of wood and short branches are gathered and the construction begins. As a group, we discuss the basic structure of our shelter and how we would stack the logs together. Soon we are piling up wood, dried leaves and hay.

At the end of the day, we have adapted to the natural environment and become modern-day survivors. Perhaps I wouldn’t have won without the help of my team members, but I sure have learned a ton of essential knowledge in this adventure.

Stay tuned to my updates over the next few days and leave some comments to help me win the challenge! The blogger with the most number of comments wins the challenge.

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The Welsh Showdown: Learning the Language!

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:29:46 +0000

I used to think of myself as quite the linguist, not until Welsh came and threw my language skills right out the window. Day 1 of the Great Welsh Showdown and we’re already faced with a pretty darn interesting challenge: picking up the old Celtic language of Welsh.

“Shwmael!” Delyth Pollard, a local native and experienced Welsh teacher greeted us in a chirpy tone. Our group of bloggers looked at each other, puzzled and slightly amused by the word that sounded close to ‘Chinese dumpling’ in the Cantonese dialect. Little did we know that we would be having more fun giggling about quirky Welsh words later on in the day. Meaning hiya, a casual form of greeting, “Shwmael” was about to be the first and last word to enter our Welsh memory bank.

A New Language Trend in Wales

We had made our way to the Welsh capital, Cardiff, zipping here via a fast-speed train from London. Just under two hours and we were already whisked off to our language class at the Visit Wales office in Brunel House. But why a language class in Welsh for our first task? Surely there must be some interesting stuff out here in Cardiff? Surely we could get by in English?

Delyth shared with us the importance of learning Welsh in their country these days. “We were almost at the point of losing our language; there are more people who speak English than Welsh here in Wales.” Only in the last few years have people become more aware of the importance of preserving their ancient language.

“Welsh-medium schools are now mushrooming all over the country. Over 20 years ago, there were only 4 welsh-speaking schools in Cardiff, these days there are too many for me to keep tab.” Currently, 25% of the population speak Welsh and the numbers are growing.

When asked why and how this trend started, Delyth told us with pride, “We are a country and we have our own language that identifies us. It’s often mistaken as a dialect, but no it’s a language that goes way back. Now people have started to realize how we can be effectively bilingual, mastering both English and Welsh.”

Wyt ti’n siarad Cymraeg? (Do you speak Welsh?)

From “Shwmael”, we advanced along in the lesson, mastering basic greetings, numbers and even short sentences. Putting what we’d learnt to use, we exchanged greetings and practiced conversations with our partners.

A Celtic language closely related to the Irish and French, more so than English, Welsh was quite a tricky affair. Although I would hardly believe it possibly to sprout a language within two hours of learning it, we did catch some phrases here and there. Here’s a list of some memorable Welsh phrases (pick some and add them to your comments below!)

How are you? = Shwd ych chi? [pronounced as ‘should ich hee’]

Very good = Da iawn [pronounced as ‘dai yawn’]

Thanks! = Diolch [pronounched as ‘dee-ol-ugh’ with a rough, saliva-spitting sound towards the end]

Welsh language = Cymraeg [pronounced as ‘cam-rai’]

Can I have milk? = Ga i llaeth? [pronounced as ‘ga-ee-ll-aef’ with a thick, tongue hissing sound for ‘ll’]

Please? = Os gwelwch yn dda? [pronounced as ‘oss-gwell-ugh un thah’]

Goodbye! = Hoil! [pronounced the way it’s spelt]

Europe’s Longest Place Name = a town name in Northern Wales Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch [yes, seriously the town’s name is a full 163 characters. ]

*Please leave a comment below with at least two Welsh words, only those comments count! I need as many comments as possible to win today’s challenge, so pretty please?

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The Great Welsh Showdown

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:26:55 +0000

It’s a cloudy evening here in London. I’ve arrived to the capital of England ready to embark on quite an extraordinary journey. It’s not just any other press trip: With five other travel bloggers from around Asia and Australia, I’ll be taking on a four-day challenge in Wales.

The Great Welsh Showdown is organized by Visit Britain with the aim of reaching out to the social media travel community while showcasing the various types of activities available in Wales.

Over the course of the competition, we will take part in five challenges conducted in various corners of Wales, and end off each day with a blog or video entry. Come tomorrow, 1 September, our wits, strength and blog-writing prowess will be put to the test. To win the competition, we will have to garner the support of their readers by obtaining the most number of comments and videos views for the various tasks. So I’ll seriously need your help to beat the rest and win the Great Welsh Showdown!

Fellow travel bloggers hail from six countries around Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea and Singapore (that’s me). We’ll be getting down and dirty, dabbling in some interesting activities in Wales. Watch out for my daily updates – meanwhile, here’s a sneak peek of what we’ll be up to over the next four days.

Wyt ti’n siarad Cymraeg? (Do you speak Welsh?)

The competition kicks off in Cardiff, capital of Wales, where we’ll be attending a half-day Welsh lesson. Using our new-found knowledge of the language, we’ll be blogging about our findings, while including five words in Welsh. The blogger who receives the most number of comments from readers who comment with at least two Welsh words, will win the challenge! Hey, I’m a language freak, so I’m sure I’ll be picking up Welsh pretty fast, but I’ll be depending on you to help me beat the rest.

Wilderness Survival

The second task takes place in the coastal city of Swansea, where we’ll be learning the ways of surviving in the wilderness. We will be attending bushcraft lessons before splitting into two groups to compete against each other in survival activities, such as lighting a bonfire or setting up a shelter. After a day in the jungle, we will return to civilisation and provide survival tips on our blogs. I love getting down to basics but I’m sure not an expert in survival techniques.

Dryad Bushcraft Wales is one of the UK’s leading Bushcraft and Survival schools, and one of very few full time specialist providers of high quality practical instruction.

A Giant Leap of Faith

This is the challenge I’m most looking forward to! Moving on westward to Pembrokeshire, we will don wetsuits and scale the cliffs of the Welsh coastal line in this coasteering challenge. Coasteering is a unique adventure sport where you experience the exhilaration of sea level traversing, rock climbing, cliff jumping and swimming into sea caves. Preseli Venture can offer a range of coasteering experiences, from a half day session on our adventures days, through to a dedicated Wicked Liquid coasteering weekend.

Our bravery will be put to the test (yikes!) as we jump off the cliffs into the raging waters, all this while being videoed. The videos will be posted online and the blogger who receives the most video views will emerge as the winner of this task – so be sure to catch me in action!

The Wooly Encounter

Sheep, ubiquitous in Wales, will be the central focus of the fourth challenge. We will have their hands on making Sheep Poo Paper – like its name suggest, paper, made out of sheep excrement – at the Creative Paper Wales paper mill at the Snowdonia National Park regions. Even the name of the region sounds exotic, not to mention making paper out of sheep poo. We will complete the woolly experience by learning the ways of a farmer in gathering sheep at a farm. It all sounds like lots of fun, as long as I don’t have to be collecting sheep’s poo.

A Film of Triumph

The final challenge will require us to create a one-minute video of ourselves in Wales using the Flip MinoHD sponsored by Cisco. The video will consist of our daily challenges and I’ll be sure to sneak in some behind-the-scene moments, so stay glued for the final product right here on WildJunket.

The Prize

The overall winner will take home a grand prize of a pair of return tickets to their preferred destination to anywhere in the United Kingdom. Readers, however, will not be forgotten for their support rendered. One commenter, selected from all the commenters of the winning video of the last challenge, will stand a chance to win a Flip MinoHD video camera!

Stay tuned to my updates over the next few days and leave some comments to help me win the challenge!

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City Break: World’s Greatest Cities

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:40:27 +0000

Bright lights, skyscraping buildings and an endless flow of energy: big cities can be some of the best travel destinations. I used to be a city girl – dazed by the glitzy lights of New York and charmed by the classic English squares in London. These days, I’m more of an outdoors traveler but it’s still hard to resist the seduction of these vibrant, energetic metropolis. Here’s a list of the world’s greatest cities – from their quintessential attractions to their hedonistic nightlife.

New York

The Big Apple is America’s pride and joy – a massive metropolis chocked full of ethnic districts, charming restaurants and attractions. New York is perhaps the most photographed and filmed city in the world, with its sprawling skyline appearing in thousands of movies and series. Even hotels in New York – like the Plaza – are world famous. When in New York, the first thing that most tourists do is climb to the top of the Empire State Building for a 360degree view; then wander through the nightlights of Times Square and mourning the loss of lives at Ground Zero.

London

London – Europe’s culture capital – is a melting pot of cultures and a modern-day testimony to European history. Packed with traditional English pubs, outdoor markets and green gardens, London is rich in character and old-world charm. Whether you are visiting the world-famous museums, or shopping along the Portobello Road Market or just drinking in the city view from your London hotel, you’ll find yourself quickly falling for London.

Paris

Sexy, romantic and aloof: Paris is dubbed the most romantic city in the world. Stroll through the city’s artery of Les Champs Elysees, get lost for hours in the prominent Musee de Louvre or climb up the Eiffel Tower and steal a kiss or two with your loved one. There are endless choices of things to do in Paris – but remember to bring your partner along!

Rome

One of the oldest cities in the world, Rome is studded with priceless monuments and valuable testimonies to history. Every street corner opens up to a majestic Roman ruin – be it the Foro Romano (Roman forum/marketplace), Fontana de Trevi or the Vatican San Pietro Basilica. There are no other cities like Rome and it’s easy to see that once you’re here. Over tens of thousands of Roman sites to visit and rows upon rows of charming restaurants to unwind in, Rome makes for a perfect city getaway.

Singapore

The economic hub of Southeast Asia is not just sky-soaring buildings and hectic commercial districts – Singapore is also filled with bouts of ethnic culture and tradition. Outside of the futuristic city center, you’ll find traditional Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, Muslim mosques and Catholic churches. In a multi-racial society like this, food is diverse and rich: sample colorful and flavorful Singaporean dishes like chilli crabs or fried oysters.

Tokyo

There are few cities in the world as futuristic, energetic and modern as Tokyo. At the busy traffic-junction of Shinjuku, over thousands of people cross each day. Neon lights fill the night skies in the technological district of Akihabara, while the crowded shopping district Shibuya is littered with cute, little boutiques. Don’t forget it’s also one of the most expensive cities in the world, so watch your pocket!

Dubai

Middle East’s cosmopolitan hub, Dubai, is not just any other metropolis. With the world’s only 6-star hotel, Burj Al Arab, rising through its sea, Dubai has a wealthy economy that is progressing so rapidly that few other cities can catch up with. But besides the sophisticated high-rises, there are plenty of traditional sights to see – like the Jumeirah Mosque and Gold Souk. A little outside of the city is the golden desert, book yourself on a camel safari and within an hour you’ll be right in the heart of the desert.

Photo credits: All flickr photos above by Stuck in Customs except London(Anirudh Koul), Singapore (Nellie Huang) and Dubai (Crazy Diamond).

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World’s 7 Most Scenic Drives

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:49:09 +0000

As much as I enjoy taking local buses and trains, one of my favorite ways of enjoying a country leisurely is driving through the countryside, soaking in the landscape and scenery. Especially in massive countries like Australia, driving from one region to another gives a real sense of he back country. A recent driving trip in Ireland allowed me to reacquaint with that love. I’d previously written about ideal driving tour destinations, now I’m going deeper to dig out the world’s 7 most scenic drives.

1. Great Ocean Road, Australia

Weaving through the Southern Ocean coastline in Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road offers sights of the scrubby landscape, craggy coastal rock formations and the surrounding Otways rainforest. The scenic drive starts from the picnic-heaven Torquay, passing through the surfers’ paradise, Bell’s Beach, and culminates at the Twelve Apostles (pictured below) – an impressive display of limestone rock stacks rising from the tumultuous waves. If you’re planning to spend your holidays in Australia, be sure to rent a car to cruise through this incredible scenic route.

Flickr photo by [mapu]

2. Milford Road, New Zealand

An essential part of NZ holidays includes the jaw-dropping scenic drive in South West New Zealand, journeying through valleys, lakes and waterfalls. Running alongside a 14-mile fjord, the drive offers views of the Tasman Sea, and the surrounding snow-peaked mountains. The route takes you through Fiordland National Park and portions of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area, one of the great wilderness areas of the southern hemisphere.

Flickr photo by jdegenhardt

3. M8, Scotland

The mountainous and craggy landscape of Scotland is often overlooked by travelers, but the country’s diverse geography is definitely worth checking out. Mountain passes that mark the transitions between the highlands and lowlands snake past steep slopes and hilltop castles. M8 is the main motorway – its secondary roads lead to interesting spots and some have bends so sharp that will send you screaming.

Photo by Stuart Pinfold

4. Pacific Highway, California

Perhaps one of the world’s most photographed route, the Pacific Highway that cuts through California meanders languidly along the shoreline. Starting from San Luis Obispo, the route brings you through hairpin bends, cliffs and oak woodlands and ends at Monterey. Some of the essential stops include Morro Bay – where a volcanic rock stands 536 feet above the bay, the Hearst Castle and the Point Lobos State Reserve to catch gray whales migrating past (December through April).

Photo by nancydowd

5. Leh-Manali Highway, India

Those who have been to the Indian Himalayas would have passed through this hugely famous route – fame for its unworldly beauty and notorious for the dangers and harshness of the terrain. The Leh-Manali Highway is a highway in India connecting the Kashmir region to the Himalayas. It crosses some of the highest mountain passes in the world and is open only for 2 months in a year (between June and mid-September) when snow does not pose too much of a threat. Travelers who have done this by bus vouch that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – nowhere else offers such raw beauty.

Photo by Wilson Loo

6. Seward Highway, Alaska

The Seward Highway is a major highway in Alaska that extends 127 miles (204 km) from Seward to Anchorage. Backdropped by majestic snow-capped mountains, the highway snakes through plundering waterfalls, verdant forests and calm lakes. Watch for the rare Beluga Whales, or mooses and bears near rapids and creeks. Wildlife and nature are abundant here, so take your time to explore the area and you’ll be generously rewarded.

7. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

The single most breathtaking drive in Europe is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road that winds around the highest mountain in the Alps (at 3,798metres above sea level). The 4,000km journey to the Arctic passes through all types of vegetation – from green meadows to dry cornfields and the eternal ice. The highlight of the route is definitely the Hohe Tauern National Park: the highest mountain and the largest glacier in Austria.

Photo by daneen_vol

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Londoner Tips for a Budget Trip

admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:13:44 +0000

This week we’ll take a break from my India journals and head back to Europe. The world’s capital, London, is the epicenter of great food, cultural enclaves and historical museums. But it’s always been notorious for its exorbitant prices and extravagant bites. This week’s sponsored post provides us with some insiders’ tips on how to save some pennies while experiencing London at its best.

London is a great city but it’s also a notoriously pricey place to be! Visitors often shell out way too much money in order to see the sights when all they really want is the authentic London experience.

A few little tips from a resident Londoner are all you need to make some serious savings, especially for longer visits:

Superhighway to Heaven

Catching the tube or train is usually stressful and always expensive! Kill two birds with one stone and get fit while travelling around the city taking in the sights as you go. Having recently undergone a major facelift, the London cycle network (now called the cycle superhighway!) has been repainted bright blue and made wider, which means safer, faster and more direct routes around the city.

You can register for the new cycle hire scheme where the first 30 minutes of every hire period is totally free… which is a pretty good reason to pedal fast!

Eat Local

Compared with the rest of England, Londoners are lucky in that it is still fairly easy to shop well and shop cheap in your local area. Avoid the large supermarket chains as they inflate their prices in the city and staff are likely to throw your items down a conveyor belt without so much of a nod in your direction.

Try the local fruit and vegetable stalls or street markets for better service and really low prices. I’m fortunate that in South East London, I have an outstanding fishmonger and local butcher who only sell free range organic meat at half the price of the supermarket. I’m normally in and out within 10 minutes and always come out with a smile on my face as well as a massive bag of meat!

Visit for Free!

Only in London can you visit some of the finest collections of Egyptian artifacts, come face to face with one of the largest and most terrifying Trex skeletons in the world and realize that Monet picked a pretty dirty pond when he choose to paint his famous “Water-Lilies”… for free! In fact most of the world class museums and galleries in London are free and well worth a look.

Start with the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert museum (conveniently located next door to each other); not only do they showcase some fascinating exhibits, but they are both housed in beautiful buildings.

EZ Phone Home

When ET asked to phone home he probably didn’t realize how expensive it is to place international calls… So if you want to catch up with friends and family at home, avoid using your regular mobile phone service provider – even sending a text message can send your bill soaring.

Get a calling card that will enable you to make cheap international calls. Good services do not require any registration, pre-payment, accounts or credit cards – just dial the special number using a landline (or your mobile phone) followed by the international number of your loved one.

Cruise the River

If you thought London’s amazing transport system was limited to buses, tubes and trains, then think again! Seeing the sights by water offers a whole different perspective on London and is certainly an experience worth trying. The problem is most of the tourist trips are quite expensive, but never fear, a cheap alternative is the River Bus Service. Most take Oyster cards or regular cash ticket payments and you can travel as far as Hampton Court Palace in the west right over to Woolwich in the East.

Along the way you can get off and visit loads of attractions, including Westminster (for the Houses of Parliament and Winston Churchill’s War Cabinet Rooms), Greenwich (for the Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum) or maybe hop off at London bridge pier for a walk along the arty Southbank.

Pic Sources: Flickr images 1 2 3 4 5 6

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Greenery, Cliffs and Beach Towns of Ireland

admin — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:55:00 +0000

In a country like Ireland – sprawled with patchworks of greenery and rural life – a driving trip would be the best way to explore its countryside and cities, and get a real taste of the country. As a relatively small nation, driving distances from one attraction/destination to the next are usually not more than 4 hours.

Our whirlwind journey through Ireland saw us driving from Dublin, the eastern edge of Ireland to the western end, where Ashford Castle provided an amazing peek into the area’s history. Our experience in Ireland continued on from County Mayo through stunning prairies-studded County Clare. Weaving past patchworks of natural greenery, we cruised past herds of cows and sheeps, and one traditional Irish cottage after another.

Passing Limerick, we veered onto the coastal highway, meandering close to the craggy shoreline. The drive was extremely pleasant as we drank in the stunning views, with the sea breeze in our hair and clear skies above our heads.

Cliffs of Moher

Our next destination was, as everyone said it, a must-see in Ireland. So we marked it out on our map and made it a point to stop at the reputed Cliffs of Moher. Stepping close to the edge of the cliffs, we could see the cliff walls plunge straight into the crashing waves – sheer adrenaline! It was definitely one of the most impressive cliff formations I’ve seen, dropping to hundreds of meters in straight vertical cuts – almost as if the Earth had split along that exact crack line.

Ardmore, Waterford

Snaking past narrow driveways inland this time, we continued towards our final destination – Ardmore, Waterford. This quiet, isolated corner of Southeastern Ireland is secretly tucked away from the usual tourist trail. This explains why its beaches remain relatively empty and waters surprisingly pristine and clear.

Pulling in at Ardmore Beach, the rain started pouring and we spent the evening chuggin back some Irish beers at a local pub. Although it literally rained the whole time we were there, I could clearly see the allure of Ardmore: a small, historical beach town perfect for doing nothing but unwind.

Cliff House Hotel

Besides uncovering a gem of a beach town, our main purpose here was to check out the contemporary and stylish property – Cliff House Hotel. Perched above the craggy cliff tops overlooking Ardmore Bay, the 39-room boutique hotel makes seafront living a rather unique experience.

Cliff House Hotel, converted from an old traditional house, is now a Relais and Chateaux property and notably the most tastefully-designed hotel in the region. With a striking all-white exterior and state-of-the-art facilities (the in-room sound system and futuristic sinks), it is evidently on the edge of hotel technology. But at the same time, its edgy character is softened by the rustic brick-walled interior and teak furnishing. The hotel’s marine-blue, aubergine and sea green colors combined with antique wooden houseboat decor also creates a vintage cruise ship feel.

Every single room in the hotel opens up to a view of the sea. My suite – separated into the living and sleeping areas – is brightly lit by natural sunlight, giving a cheery air to the design.

The most striking feature of the hotel rooms is its impressive bathroom: decked out in blue-green mosaic tiles, stainless steel basins and a futuristic oval-shaped bathtub.

Eating at Cliff House Hotel is an experience that alone is worth a visit. The hotel’s House Restaurant is Ireland’s only One Star Michelin Hotel Restaurant, an honorary title that has its chef to thank for.

Martijn Kajuiter, the resident chef, whips up innovative eats that evidently retains a touch of old Ireland.

This starter (pictured on the left) is a concoction of goat cheese, chicken pate and smoked salmon. The dinner special set includes a savory main course: beef fillet accentuated with mushroom gravy. Top notch!

Disclaimer: My stay was sponsored by the Cliff House Hotel, but all opinions are my own.

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Royalty Living at the Ashford Castle Hotel

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:32:15 +0000

Ireland’s emerald green fields and stunning rural landscapes are studded with historical castles converted into charming and lavish hotels. Among them, Ashford Castle Hotel stands out for its long and significant history, warm Irish hospitality and exclusive location by Lake Cong.

I’d come to Ireland to uncover the history behind this legendary castle and take a peek at aristocratic living. Criss-crossing the busy streets of Dublin, Alberto and I were out in the Irish countryside within an hour’s drive. Endless green hills and random cottages flanked both sides of the motorway. Just over 3 hours and we were staring at the ancient Ashford Gate and meandering past the towering Redwoods surrounding the castle.

A Regal Welcome

Only after five minutes of snaking past sparkling greens did the main house of Ashford Castle appear before us. Crossing an ancient stone bridge, the medieval tower at the end of it towered over us, like a solemn greeting. Welcome to the Land of Aristocracy and Knighthood, it seemingly echoed.

We entered the castle’s main building, only to be greeted by an air of warmth and elegance. In the company of good-humored and genuinely friendly staff, I quickly eased into the casual ambiance, something I had least expected from such an exclusive, high-end property.

Most of Ashford’s staff have been around for several decades, T.J. Mulcahy, the hotel’s Deputy General Manager told me. It’s no wonder they behave like a family, and the guests, vistors of their family home. Warm hospitality aside, the staff keeps every single detail in mind, including every guest’s last name.

Historical Role in Ireland’s History

Ashford Castle has a significant role in Ireland’s history: it used to be the Guinness family’s summer residence centuries ago. The castle is thus a living testimony to the milestones and important events that have taken place in Ireland.

Its lavish Connaught Room, located in the far end of the hotel’s lobby, used to be the family’s dining room. Today, it is decorated with invaluable portrait paintings and china porcelain. The Drawing Room too is tastefully embellished with framed artworks from those days, as well as paintings and furniture dating back to the 13th century.

And that’s not just it. The intricately-crafted roof paneling and exquisite wooden furnishing in the hotel lobby are original, dating back to the 1200s. Although the main castle building was extended in the 1700s and later in the 1900s, designs and layout were kept to fit the castle’s overall aesthetics.

Suites Fit for Royalty

Back in my suite, I was astounded to find an inviting view of Lake Cong before me. The living room and sleeping area are separated by a door, and both rooms were equipped with TV and plush furnishing. Decorated with velvet upholstery, floral-patterned wall papers and carpeted flooring, the suite exudes a kind of sophistication only fit for royalty. Our bathroom, the size of my apartment room back at home, is a classic example of indulgence.

In the State Rooms, guests can snuggle in their four-poster bed, blanketed with burgundy beddings and white linen. These rooms, the best in the hotels, all look out into the expansive lake and fountain.

Award-winning Cuisine

And of course, a hotel fit for royalty has to dish up cuisine of world-class standards. Having recently nabbed the Best Chef Award 2010 (not his first time), resident chef Stephen Matz immaculately prepares modern cuisine with a traditional Irish twist.

I had the chance to sample the special dinner menu at the hotel’s in-house restaurant, George V Dining Room. As a highly-acclaimed restaurant in Ireland, George V is one of the most visited culinary establishments in the area and is reputed for its innovative flavors.

First dish on the menu: crisp local lamb fillet dipped in sun-dried tomatoes. At first glance, the dish looked simple and fairly minimalistic. But one bite and my mouth was assaulted by an explosion of flavors. Not one to exaggerate, I think I almost had a food orgasm right there. The second dish whetted my appetite more, as the chicken consommé warmed my stomach in preparation for the main course. The protagonist emerged to exceed all my expectations: the thick but tender beef medallion was wrapped in a flurry of soft mashed potato and drenched in a savory sauce, a magical concoction for the carnivorous.

At George V Dining Room, the experienced supervisor, Martin Gibbons shared with me his life story. His grandfather had worked for the Guinness family, and now he is continuing his legacy by dedicating his life to the Ashford Castle. Having worked here for 36 years, his passion for the hotel and its cuisine shines through the sparkles in his eyes. Like its staff, Ashford Castle Hotel is deeply rooted to its monumental past and looks on to its bright future.

Disclaimer: My stay was sponsored by the hotel, but all opinions are my own.

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Photoblog: Still Waters of Lake Ohrid, Macedonia

admin — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:52:25 +0000

Continuing my journey through the Balkans, I crossed the border into Macedonia by land from the western end of Bulgaria. Uncovering this part of Europe was a revelation to me. Not only is it within a hop and jump from my base in Spain, the region is also largely unexplored, veering clear from the standard tourist trail. The Balkans have had a conflicted past, racial disparities and political issues; but if you’re looking to uncover an unspoiled destination, then the Balkans won’t disappoint.

Macedonia left a deep impression on me: its warm, resilient people and bounty of unspoiled nature – especially so at Lake Ohrid. The languid atmosphere and poetic setting of Lake Ohrid are reminiscent of the Greek islands, yet distinctively Macedonian. Besides the lower cost of living, the usual tourist crowds are nowhere to be seen here.

Ancient monasteries loom above the dark blue waters while narrow cobbled paths wind their way through the hilly lakeside town of Ohrid. The lake straddles between two countries: On the other edge of the lake lies Albania. On a clear day, you can even see the snow-peaked mountains that run parallel to the border.

Circling the lake, I would spot secret coves lined with stretches of pebbled beaches and turquoise clear waters, and surprisingly empty. My host, Budimir, told me tales of how his family would spend summers here, enjoying a barbeque by the lake and going snorkeling when the heat was overbearing. Although this area is frequented by Macedonians from all over the country, especially in summer, you can hardly find any other foreigner in the area.

Each morning, I woke up to to a sweeping view of the calm lake from my suite in Villa St.Kliment the Lesser. Named after the nearby Orthodox church, the villa is a charming and elegant boutique hotel poised on the hilltop of Ohrid town. My top-floor suite opened up to a breathe of fresh air, sounds of birds chirping outside and a million-dollar panorama. In the comfort of my own room, breakfast was served. Savoring the freshly-baked chocolate croissant and strawberry juice, I drank in the views ahead and dreamt of life in Ohrid.

Historical Monuments in Ohrid Town

Amongst the numerous fishing towns that line the shoreline, the town of Ohrid is said to be the most beautiful, and naturally the most popular among visitors. It’s easy to see why. The town itself is a testimony to Macedonia’s history. During my stay in Ohrid, I wandered around its hilly walkways, constantly stumbling upon well-preserved Byzantine churches, Roman amphitheatre ruins and medieval fortress. Such historical remnants are a rarity in earthquake-prone Macedonia.

The Ohrid Castle stands above the sprawling town, expect to find some of the best views of the lake here.

Perhaps the most picturesque point in Ohrid, the Jovan Kaneo Orthodox Church is perched on the water’s edge to create a poetic setting. As I sat in awe, lovelorn couples snuggled nearby while artists stood by the waterfront lost in their own thoughts.

As the last ebb of the sun fades in the distance, the water takes on a dark shade of blue. Activities around the lake start to wind down as the town puts on a coat of elegance.

Driving up to Galičica National Park

Just a 30-minute drive from Ohrid is the sprawling Galičica National Park. We left the sizzling heat of Lake Ohrid behind, climbing thousands of meters to reach the peak of Mount Galičica. Cooling temperatures welcomed us as we gained perspective of the lake from our new vantage point. Here, patches of snow were strewn around the green slopes – a starkly contrasting scene as the lakeside.

From above, the glassy waters of Lake Ohrid resembled a mirror, reflecting the image of the snow-peaked mountains on its clear surface.

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