It claims to be Europe's oldest city.- Founded 3000 years ago by the seafaring Phoenician traders in 1100BC.
- The Phoenicians called it “Gadir”, which means “enclosure" or "walled compound".
- Legend has it that the city was founded by Hercules.
- Cadiz was raided by Sir Francis Drake in 1587 when he destroyed the shipping fleet of Cadiz.
- The city has been under the control by Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors.
- Columbus set sail from the port of Cadiz for America on his second and fourth voyage.
- Cadiz was at it's height of prosperity in the 15th century.
- The city faced repeated attacks from both the British and French.
- It became a fortified town and approximately 160 watch towers were constructed in the 18th century to guard against sea borne invaders.
Saturday 10 October 2009
History Of Cadiz, Spain
Cadiz is a Spanish city that is steeped in history.
Ibiza Town & Hippy Market Of Es Cana
Ibiza is a pretty island and has more to offer than just the infamous nightlife. We visited Ibiza during our Mediterranean cruise back in October 2006 and the weather was glorious as you can see from the photographs and the scenery was very picturesque.
As well as admiring the views from Ibiza town over the Mediterranean and relaxing at a bar on the sea front, we also did an excursion to the famous Hippy Market of Es Cana, which is one of Ibiza's most popular tourist excursions.
The Hippy Market is full of stalls that sell everything from cakes to jewellery, pictures to leather items. A great place to grab a souvenir or a gift for family and friends back home.
The market has a great atmosphere and the rhythms of violins and guitars can be heard as you wander from stall to stall.
The centre of the market has a stage area for live acts to play.
Back in 2006 this was a half day excursion which cost £18.50 each and was available on a Wednesday.
If you love shopping and the hustle and bustle of a market stall then this is a great excursion.
As well as admiring the views from Ibiza town over the Mediterranean and relaxing at a bar on the sea front, we also did an excursion to the famous Hippy Market of Es Cana, which is one of Ibiza's most popular tourist excursions.The Hippy Market is full of stalls that sell everything from cakes to jewellery, pictures to leather items. A great place to grab a souvenir or a gift for family and friends back home.
The market has a great atmosphere and the rhythms of violins and guitars can be heard as you wander from stall to stall.
The centre of the market has a stage area for live acts to play.
Back in 2006 this was a half day excursion which cost £18.50 each and was available on a Wednesday.
If you love shopping and the hustle and bustle of a market stall then this is a great excursion.
Island Cruises Mediterranean Charm Cruise On Island Escape
In October 2006 we went on the Island Cruises Mediterranean Charm cruise onboard the Island Escape cruise ship.
We flew to Palma and then boarded the Island Escape cruise ship.
Ports of call included:
We flew to Palma and then boarded the Island Escape cruise ship.
Ports of call included:
- Palma,
- Ibiza Town,
- Alicante,
- Malaga,
- Cadiz and
- Gibraltar.
The Hippy Market Of Es Cana, Ibiza
The world famous Hippy Market Punta Arabí of Es Cana is one of Ibiza's most popular tourist attractions in Ibiza.
This market is open every Wednesday from April to October from 10.00am to 6.30pm on the grounds of the Club Punta Arabi. There is ample car parking and coach trips, buses and boats run from around the island to enable you to get there. Entry to the market is free and parking is 5 euros.
The Hippy Market is full of countless stalls that are located beneath the shade of pine trees along winding paths between pretty white bungalows. The stalls sell everything from cakes to jewellery, pictures to leather items, sequinned bags to cotton clothing. Many stalls sell handmade items so it is a great place to grab a souvenir or a gift for family and friends back home.
The market has a great atmosphere and the rhythms of drums, violins and guitars can be heard as you wander from stall to stall.
Whenwe were there the centre of the market had a stage area for live acts to play. Food and drink can be bought at the market so a half day or full day can be easily spent at the Hippy Market.
If you love shopping and the hustle and bustle of market then this is a great excursion.
This market is open every Wednesday from April to October from 10.00am to 6.30pm on the grounds of the Club Punta Arabi. There is ample car parking and coach trips, buses and boats run from around the island to enable you to get there. Entry to the market is free and parking is 5 euros.
The Hippy Market is full of countless stalls that are located beneath the shade of pine trees along winding paths between pretty white bungalows. The stalls sell everything from cakes to jewellery, pictures to leather items, sequinned bags to cotton clothing. Many stalls sell handmade items so it is a great place to grab a souvenir or a gift for family and friends back home.
The market has a great atmosphere and the rhythms of drums, violins and guitars can be heard as you wander from stall to stall.
Whenwe were there the centre of the market had a stage area for live acts to play. Food and drink can be bought at the market so a half day or full day can be easily spent at the Hippy Market.
If you love shopping and the hustle and bustle of market then this is a great excursion.
Travel Insurance
There are many travel insurance companies and numerous travel insurance plans to cover all your travel needs.
Travel insurance plans can cover:
Travel insurance plans can cover:
- Annual multi trip travel.
- Single trip travel.
- Backpacker and long stay travel.
- Winter sports cover.
- Adventure /extreme sports cover.
- Golfing cover.
- Cancellation cover.
- Cover for loss of baggage or money.
- Cover for damage to baggage.
- Medical expenses cover.
- Over 65's ravel insurance.
- Breakdown insurance cover for motorists.
- Motorcycle travel insurance cover.
Friday 9 October 2009
Island Escape Cruise Ship
Back in October 2006 my husband and I went on the Island Escape Cruise Ship around the Mediterranean.
A cruise on the Island Escape cruise ship is an informal, laid back affair with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Facilities on board include:
The staff were very friendly and helpful, the food was good, the entertainment was varied and excellent, the excursions were well organised and the cabin was clean.
A cruise on the Island Escape cruise ship is an informal, laid back affair with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Facilities on board include:
- 3 bars,
- 3 restaurants,
- 1 outdoor pool,
- a gym,
- beauty salon,
- duty free shops,
- internet cafe.
The staff were very friendly and helpful, the food was good, the entertainment was varied and excellent, the excursions were well organised and the cabin was clean.
Thursday 8 October 2009
Limassol Wine Festival, Cyprus
I have a friend who lives in Cyprus who managed to get to the wine festival in Limassol this year. This is what David told me about the Limassol wine festival.
"The wine festival was a very cheap evening out and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Cyprus in early September. It was 5 euro to get in but you can drink as much wine as you want and get a free bottle to take home as well. There are fashion shows, dancing and bouzouki music and a great many stalls selling cypriot food and snacks."
Since David told me about this festival I have read that the Limassol Wine Festival is one of the largest of the festivals in Cyprus and is held every year in the municipal gardens along the sea-front near the old town of Limassol.
"The wine festival was a very cheap evening out and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Cyprus in early September. It was 5 euro to get in but you can drink as much wine as you want and get a free bottle to take home as well. There are fashion shows, dancing and bouzouki music and a great many stalls selling cypriot food and snacks."
Since David told me about this festival I have read that the Limassol Wine Festival is one of the largest of the festivals in Cyprus and is held every year in the municipal gardens along the sea-front near the old town of Limassol.
Sunday 4 October 2009
Wroxeter Roman Vineyard
Earlier this year my husband and I visited Wroxeter vineyard. The visit was a Boot's gift and what a brilliant present it turned out to be.
Wroxeter vineyard is located in Shropshire next to the Roman city and the vineyard was planted in 1991.
The gift included:
Wroxeter vineyard is located in Shropshire next to the Roman city and the vineyard was planted in 1991.
The gift included:
- a tour of the vineyard.
- an informative talk about the vineyard and the wine produced.
- a wine tasing session.
- a Roman lunch.
- a free bottle of wine.
Friday 2 October 2009
Bergen, Norway
Bergen is Norway's second largest city and is the gateway to the fjords of Western Norway. Bergen was first stop on the Norwegian cruise we took back in May 2005 and it is the perfect place to begin a cruise through the stunning fjords and glaciers.
This is a pretty city that is surrounded by mountains with the houses reaching up the lower slopes. The park is a good place to relax and take in the sights and marvel at the beautiful landscape that surrounds the city.
The fish market in the centre of the city is well worth a look. Here is can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of Bergen as you make your way through the hustle and bustle of the market place.
I have read that Bergen is one of the most attractive cities in Norway and as the houses merge into the mountainous landscape, I think I am inclined to agree.
This is a pretty city that is surrounded by mountains with the houses reaching up the lower slopes. The park is a good place to relax and take in the sights and marvel at the beautiful landscape that surrounds the city.
The fish market in the centre of the city is well worth a look. Here is can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of Bergen as you make your way through the hustle and bustle of the market place.I have read that Bergen is one of the most attractive cities in Norway and as the houses merge into the mountainous landscape, I think I am inclined to agree.
Thursday 1 October 2009
Thomson Celebration Cruise Ship
The Thomson Celebration Cruise Ship was a great cruise ship to cruise through the Norwegian fjords.
This cruise ship has 9 decks and 627 cabins and can take 1254 passengers. There are 5 bars, 2 pools and 3 restaurants to keep you fed and watered throughout the journey.
The accommodation on offer on the Thomson celebration includes:
The Celebration has many options when it comes to dining. The main dining room is the Meridian Restaurant and you can dine when you please, as there are no formal sittings. breakfast, lunch and a 6 course dinner can all be enjoyed in the Meridian Restaurant and both the food and the service is excellent. The ship also has Mistral's Restaurant if you are celebrating a special occasion. You will need to make a reservation for this restaurant and there will be extra charges involved when dining in this restaurant. For less formal dining there is the Lido Restaurant, which is a 24 hour self-service buffet with an alfresco dining area. Here they have international theme nights.
One of the dining highlights of the cruise is the Captains Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner, where you can dress up for this traditional dinner.
The entertainments crew provide an excellent selection of activities and entertainment. The Broadway Show Lounge provides West End-style productions and comedy acts to keep you entertained. The Horizons bar entertains with jazz and classical music. The Liberties bar offers a collection of entertainment such as live bands, popular game shows, karaoke (I even sang on the karaoke night!) and a late-night disco. Or pop along to the Hemingway's Casino and bar to place a few bets at the popular gaming tables or try your luck at the slot machines. The Explorers Lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy an after dinner drink.
The cruise ship has a full itinery of activities throughout the day so that if you decide not to leave the ship you can still enjoy your holiday. The cruise ship has:
We thoroughly enjoyed our Norwegian cruise on Thomson Celebration and I would definately recommend this cruise and cruise ship.
This cruise ship has 9 decks and 627 cabins and can take 1254 passengers. There are 5 bars, 2 pools and 3 restaurants to keep you fed and watered throughout the journey.
The accommodation on offer on the Thomson celebration includes:- Suites
- Deluxe Suites
- Standard Outside Cabin
- Standard Inside Cabin
The Celebration has many options when it comes to dining. The main dining room is the Meridian Restaurant and you can dine when you please, as there are no formal sittings. breakfast, lunch and a 6 course dinner can all be enjoyed in the Meridian Restaurant and both the food and the service is excellent. The ship also has Mistral's Restaurant if you are celebrating a special occasion. You will need to make a reservation for this restaurant and there will be extra charges involved when dining in this restaurant. For less formal dining there is the Lido Restaurant, which is a 24 hour self-service buffet with an alfresco dining area. Here they have international theme nights.
One of the dining highlights of the cruise is the Captains Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner, where you can dress up for this traditional dinner.
The entertainments crew provide an excellent selection of activities and entertainment. The Broadway Show Lounge provides West End-style productions and comedy acts to keep you entertained. The Horizons bar entertains with jazz and classical music. The Liberties bar offers a collection of entertainment such as live bands, popular game shows, karaoke (I even sang on the karaoke night!) and a late-night disco. Or pop along to the Hemingway's Casino and bar to place a few bets at the popular gaming tables or try your luck at the slot machines. The Explorers Lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy an after dinner drink.
The cruise ship has a full itinery of activities throughout the day so that if you decide not to leave the ship you can still enjoy your holiday. The cruise ship has:
- a cinema with recently released films.
- the spa offers massages and body treatments.
- a beauty salon.
- two swimming pools provided and there is also a wading pool for children.
- children can enjoy the teen area and a kid's zone.
- the sports deck offers badminton, basketball, carpet bowls (my husband won the carpet bowls!) and table tennis.
- a card reading room.
- a library.
- an Internet lounge.
- shops and boutiques.
We thoroughly enjoyed our Norwegian cruise on Thomson Celebration and I would definately recommend this cruise and cruise ship.
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