History Of Cadiz, Spain

Cadiz is a Spanish city that is steeped in history.

• 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.

Cadiz is a beautiful city with stunning buildings and landmarks that help to tell the story of it's rich and varied historical past. A city definately worth a visit.

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.

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:

• Palma,
  
• Ibiza Town,
• Alicante,
• Malaga,
• Cadiz and
• Gibraltar.

This was a great cruise, the destinations were interesting, the cruise ship was relaxed and friendly and the weather for the end of October was very good.

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.

Travel Insurance

There are many travel insurance companies and numerous travel insurance plans to cover all your travel needs.

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.
  

Remember that it is important to declare all pre-existing medical conditions prior to taking out the travel insurance, as failure to do so may affect your ability to make a claim.

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:

• 3 bars,
• 3 restaurants,
• 1 outdoor pool,
• a gym,
• beauty salon,
• duty free shops,
• internet cafe.
  

The Island Escape cruise ship was launched in 2002 and has a crew of 500 and an occupancy of 1863.

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.

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.