Stag Weekends In Leeds: Rock Harder Than Any Other European City
Hello once again people of the world - hope you are all ok! It certainly feels like a long, long time since I last updated my travel blog and indeed, the main reason for this is that for the time being at least, my backpacking days are numbered. Yes, suffice to say I'm back in good old Blighty (if you don't know this is the slang term for Britain), back at work as an office boy and basically trying to save up my pennies once again for another exciting trip around the great cities that Europe and indeed the rest of the world may have to offer.
Of course, having said this I've realised having returned from my numerous excursions in far away lands that it's all too easy to forget how many fantastic cities that the UK has to offer in terms of nightlife and hot women and none more so than Leeds - the city some say (mostly people from Leeds admittedly!) is "the pride of Yorkshire". I've been lucky enough (or possibly unlucky enough going on the state of my health after previous such occasions) to recently be invited onto the stag do of a very good friend of mine - and as you may have guessed this is set to take place "oop north" as it were in the great city of Leeds. Many people seem to go abroad for stag nights these days, but call me old fashioned - I personally don't think it’s fair to inflict a bunch of drunken English lads onto the most beautiful, historic, and cultured cities in Europe.
For those of you who aren't from England, I feel I should point out that Leeds has quickly become THE place to go out and party in the north of England over the last few years and has arguably some of the best selection of clubs to make any stag do go off with a bang. Whether your tastes are for Dance music and the famous Gatecrasher club, funk and soul at the Hi Fi club or indie and rock nights at the famous Cockpit club then there are undoubtedly very few cities in the country better to take out your mates on a stag do. The locals seem to head down to the many bars on call lane but be wary of this as they only tend to take mixed sex groups. Don't let this put you off a stag party in Leeds though. Indeed, in my experience (and having enjoyed several English stag nights of other friends in the cities of Newcastle and Nottingham), Leeds stag parties simply rock like no other.
Don't forget too that before the hardcore drinking commences you are in a perfect location to enjoy some good team outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales - from paintballing to clay pigeons you are sure to find something to get the testosterone flowing. So if one of your mates is thinking of having his big night out in the UK - why not take my advice and get involved with a massive stag party in Leeds.
Of course, having said this I've realised having returned from my numerous excursions in far away lands that it's all too easy to forget how many fantastic cities that the UK has to offer in terms of nightlife and hot women and none more so than Leeds - the city some say (mostly people from Leeds admittedly!) is "the pride of Yorkshire". I've been lucky enough (or possibly unlucky enough going on the state of my health after previous such occasions) to recently be invited onto the stag do of a very good friend of mine - and as you may have guessed this is set to take place "oop north" as it were in the great city of Leeds. Many people seem to go abroad for stag nights these days, but call me old fashioned - I personally don't think it’s fair to inflict a bunch of drunken English lads onto the most beautiful, historic, and cultured cities in Europe.
For those of you who aren't from England, I feel I should point out that Leeds has quickly become THE place to go out and party in the north of England over the last few years and has arguably some of the best selection of clubs to make any stag do go off with a bang. Whether your tastes are for Dance music and the famous Gatecrasher club, funk and soul at the Hi Fi club or indie and rock nights at the famous Cockpit club then there are undoubtedly very few cities in the country better to take out your mates on a stag do. The locals seem to head down to the many bars on call lane but be wary of this as they only tend to take mixed sex groups. Don't let this put you off a stag party in Leeds though. Indeed, in my experience (and having enjoyed several English stag nights of other friends in the cities of Newcastle and Nottingham), Leeds stag parties simply rock like no other.
Spa Shalom on Simcoe
Spa Shalom on Simcoe"Nestled in the beautiful beaches and forest of Georgina, Lake Simcoe, is an experience awaiting you at the Spa Shalom on Simcoe...the spa who loved me!
Shalom meaning we wish you health, wellness, prosperity, nothing broken and nothing missing...peace"
Hostel of the Week, December 15th to 20th 2009
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
Spruce Lake Backpackers Lodge
Spruce Lake Backpackers Lodge, outside of Gold Bridge BC in the Chilcotin Mountains."Accessible by foot, bike, horse back or float plane, Spruce Lake Park Backpackers Lodge is set in the beautiful Chilcotin Mountains. "Chilcotin" is a Native American name meaning "People of the Blue Water" and during your stay, you can explore the glacier fed lakes and streams as the First Nations, early explorers, pioneers and gold miners did.
Based from a historic lodge cabin or a walk-about tent cabin, you can take fully guided or self-guided tours and watch for bears, eagles, mountain goats, or fish, boat or canoe, see 50 million year-old fossils or admire a spectacular array of wild flowers.
Chilcotin Holidays is able to provide guides for horse back trips, arrange boat, canoe or fishing gear rentals as well as meals at Spruce Lake Park Backpackers Lodge. For more information, you can call 250-238-2274 or email adventures@chilcotinholidays.com."
Hostel of the Week December 6th to 13th 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
Where travel writers stay when they go on holidays
Which hotels do travel writers check into when they go on holidays? That's what Mark Hudson, a writer himself for The Sunday Times, among other publications, was keen to know, so he asked 50 of them (including myself) and published their recommendations, 'Where travel writers pay to stay', on his site 101 Holidays. I've been meaning to share this one with you for a while. If you're a regular Cool Travel Guide reader, you'll know (from this post and others) that I've been increasingly frustrated with user-generated content of the kind you get on Trip Advisor, and find myself looking more and more for recommendations by experts, so I was pleased to see Mark do this. Ah, but you say, aren't all hotel reviews in magazines and papers written by experts? Well, yes they are, but they aren't always the kind of hotels that the experts actually stay at when they have a choice. Sometimes hotels are reviewed because they're 'hot properties', newly opened, relaunched, or because an advertiser/business partner has asked for them to be reviewed. Pictured above is a detail from the sitting room at the Novecento, a hotel we stayed for pleasure, not work, when we attended the Venice Biennale in June - it's not new and not 'hot', but it has loads of charm, is in a wonderful location, and the staff are some of the best around.
Cool Travel Guide's Posting Policy
While the vast majority of comments I get on Cool Travel Guide are wonderful and warmly welcomed, I've received a few comments over the last year that have caused me to reflect upon what Cool Travel Guide is all about and what I'm prepared to post and what I'm not and to come up with a posting policy. Here it is: while I welcome comments in response to posts I've published on Cool Travel Guide and other comments that might be slightly off-topic but touch on subjects this blog covers (see this post 'What is Cool Travel Guide?' to find out what those are), there are some comments that I won't post and won't address and they are:1) spam, including friendly on-topic comments across multiple posts where it's obvious you're just leaving comments to try to sell your timeshare apartments or cheap flights. The only exception is where I know you and you are writing from a business address, but even then if you're spamming, I'm sorry I won't post your comments.
2) comments that are abusive, defamatory and obscene. If you have a problem with me or something I've written, then email me directly. But unless you identify yourself and write in a reasoned, calm and considered manner, don't expect me to answer. Life is too short and I don't have time to write to my friends, so don't think I'm going to waste my precious time answering abusive emails.
3) persistent off-topic comments, especially those across multiple posts that verge on stalking. If your comments are off-topic *and* anonymous, then there is no way I'm going to post them. Again, if there's something you want to discuss then email me directly and identify yourself. Bear in mind I'm not going to respond to people who accuse me of being an apologist for Dubai nor am I going to get into discussions about things like the human rights of construction workers there. This doesn't meant I don't care, it just means I don't care to discuss the subject with you on Cool Travel Guide.
4) comments that relate to content I've written for other publishers that has nothing to do with Cool Travel Guide content. For example, an anonymous person recently left an angry comment in relation to a review I wrote on a hotel for a Lonely Planet guidebook because their experience differed remarkably to my own. If you have a bad experience at a hotel, my advice is to complain to the hotel manager during your stay. There's nothing they can do about a noisy hotel room after you leave or if you leave an anonymous comment on Cool Travel Guide. If you've maintained your anonymity, I can't even follow it up with the hotel manager to find out what happened. Complain to the manager at the time of your stay and they can probably move you to another room or help find you alternate accommodation. If I didn't mention the noise in my review, then I obviously didn't experience it myself, but don't question and criticize my reviewing skills nor expect that I'll upload an anonymous comment that does so.
4) comments that relate to content I've written for other publishers that has nothing to do with Cool Travel Guide content. For example, an anonymous person recently left an angry comment in relation to a review I wrote on a hotel for a Lonely Planet guidebook because their experience differed remarkably to my own. If you have a bad experience at a hotel, my advice is to complain to the hotel manager during your stay. There's nothing they can do about a noisy hotel room after you leave or if you leave an anonymous comment on Cool Travel Guide. If you've maintained your anonymity, I can't even follow it up with the hotel manager to find out what happened. Complain to the manager at the time of your stay and they can probably move you to another room or help find you alternate accommodation. If I didn't mention the noise in my review, then I obviously didn't experience it myself, but don't question and criticize my reviewing skills nor expect that I'll upload an anonymous comment that does so.
HOW YOU CAN EMAIL ME: click on VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE under ABOUT ME (right column) and click on 'email' under Contact, however, I can't reiterate enough: don't expect a response unless you identify yourself honestly and provide real contact details.
What is Cool Travel Guide?
One of the reasons I began Cool Travel Guide was to write about the things I couldn't write about in the highly prescriptive guidebooks I made my living writing. My first post 'Aleppo: no practicalities' explained my motivation and my desire to have a space where I could write whatever I wanted to write. I'm inclined to reiterate what Cool Travel Guide is about and explain my posting policy after receiving a few comments in recent months that I decided not to upload. But first of all, what is Cool Travel Guide? It's a personal travel blog written by a full-time freelance travel writer, that is essentially about the things I find cool (and not so cool) about travel, places, people and culture; about travel writing, the travel media and travel publishing; and about the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. It's a place where I can reflect upon my work as a writer, the places I get to travel to, live in and write about, and the things that affect, impact, inspire, excite and even anger me as a travel writer. Essentially, it's a space for me to write about anything and everything I want to, from hotels, restaurants, airports, planes, museums and beaches, to the actual process of research, writing, pitching, editing, and publishing. Sometimes my writing will be fairly straightforward and my content practical, while at other times my reflections might be more abstract, about the very nature of travel, and why we travel. This is partly because I've worked as an academic and began a PhD on film and travel some years ago, so I'm also interested in the theoretical side. My passion for travel was ignited at age four when my parents moved us from Sydney to Perth for a year, and it developed years later in my teens when they dragged us around the country in a caravan for five years, so occasionally I get nostalgic and reminisce, but it also means I like to ponder the journey and how we move. I moved to the United Arab Emirates with my husband Terry in 1998 to teach film, writing, production and media studies to Emirati girls at a women's university, and I've authored and updated (often with Terry) almost a dozen guidebooks and scores of stories on the country, especially on the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. That's why you'll find lots of posts on those destinations here. I love the UAE and make no apologies about that. I'm also fascinated by the media's coverage of Dubai, and how it's promoted, perceived and reported on as a destination. If you want to comment on my posts, or just write to me about any of those or other related topics, I'd love to hear from you. Really.
In print and online
There's a reason I haven't been blogging much these last few months - or rather, lots of reasons. Terry and I have been busy travelling, mainly through the Middle East - to Syria, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and Lebanon - on commissions for a number of magazines, and squeezing in some assignments at 'home' in the UAE in between. We continued to do a lot of writing for in-flight magazines, especially Gulf Air's Gulf Life and Jazeera Airways' J Magazine (as I told you last time I wrote one of these updates in October), mainly because the editors are so easy to work with, and the magazines are fun. In Gulf Life's November Heritage issue, we had a piece on Doha's stupendous Museum of Islamic Arts, and in the latest edition, December's Food issue, we've got a feature on our experience behind-the-scenes with Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire in his kitchen at Reflets, Dubai (which I blogged about here), and small pieces on Jordan's cupcake king and owner of Sugar Daddy, Fadi Jaber, Amman's heavenly mussabaha, hommous, foul and falafal place, Hashem, Kuwait's best burger joint, Slider Station (pictured), and Dubai's colossal sweet shop, Candylicious. In December's issue of J Magazine, we've got a feature on Kuwait's fabulous four women politicians and Aleppo's food biz family and their matriarch Dalal Touma, the woman behind one of the city's best restaurants, Zomorod. You'll also find Terry's lush images illustrating our stories and lots of our reviews of restaurants, cafes and shops in the magazine's Destination Guide. One of my reviews went up on i-escape, on Kangaroo Island's Southern Ocean Lodge (and you'll see a lot more of my reviews soon on the site on properties in Australia and Syria), while our review of Doha's Four Seasons hotel went up on Travel Intelligence. We've got a lot more pieces coming out in early 2010, everywhere from Asia's Connect to the Ritz Carlton magazine, and I'll let you know about those as they appear.
The affection that comes with familiarity versus the energy of an unfamiliar destination
Only two of the nine countries we visited in the last six months were new to us, places we hadn’t been before and were experiencing for the first time. Obviously, as travel writers, it’s inevitable that we end up returning to places time and time again, particularly as we develop expertise in certain places, as my husband Terry and I have with the Middle East where we've been based since 1998. But while I love the excitement and energy of the new and relish opportunities to get out of our comfort zone and go somewhere we haven't been before (there’s nothing quite like that first drive from an airport into a new city, is there?), I also enjoy returning to places we’ve been before, some times many times before. Because there is a certain affection that grows over time as you become more familiar with a place, don’t you think? The more you visit, even if you’re not exactly besotted by the destination, the more you come to develop a bundle of warm feelings for it. And when you return… well, it’s just like seeing an old friend again. Love them or hate them, you just want to hug them! What do you think? Know those feelings? Which do you prefer? The familiarity that comes with the known or the excitement of the unfamiliar?Pictured? Dubai, the closest thing I have to a home, and a place I love more and more each time I return after being away.
Are you a once-in-a-lifetime traveller or a creature of habit?
Are you a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ traveller? That is, every country you visit you consider it to be a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience and treat it as such? Do you go to a place thinking you may never get back there again so everything you do is a special adventure? Do you go with the idea that you won’t even dream of returning because there are simply too many other amazing places to explore in the world? Maybe it's more of a financial imperative? Or, do you travel thinking you are definitely going to return some day, so you take it easy, kick back, and don’t put too much pressure on the trip? And in doing so, you find you appreciate the place and the little experiences and everyday moments more? Indeed, if this is a place you end up liking a lot, you won’t have a problem returning the next year, and the next, and perhaps the one after that… so that by the time you’re 80 you could be leaning over to the diners at the next table one night to boast “my husband/wife and I have been coming here every summer for the last 30 years”, as a very contented woman told us one evening in Capri as her beloved husband sliced a ripe juicy peach for her after their meal – a habit that seemed so matter-of-fact, he’d probably been doing it for 30 years… So, which traveller are you? Do have one travel preference over another? Or do you mix it up with destinations you treat as once-in-a-lifetime experiences and favorite holiday spots you return to every year? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Ocean Island Backpacker's Inn and Suites, Victoria BC
Ocean Island Backpackers, downtown, Victoria BC"Ocean Island Backpacker's Inn and Suites is close to Chinatown, clubs, theatres, museums, restaurants, the inner harbour and so much more! We have lots of affordable daily, weekly and monthly accommodations in all shapes and sizes to suit any budget, from 6 bed dorms and mini-private rooms to spacious hotel-style rooms with private bathrooms. Nightly prices range from $19 - $28 for dorm rooms; $28 - $85 for private room.
Our inhouse licensed Cafe Lounge is open daily serving Thai and Indian curries, as well as burgers, paninis and fresh salads at ridiculously cheap prices. We also offer free wireless and cheap internet access, 24 hour staffing, large communal kitchen and dining area, parking and bike and bag storage.
Recently our 1891 heritage building has undergone a facelift and we're in the process of upgrading our communal kitchen and bathrooms making us fresher and better than ever! If you're in Victoria be sure to check us out!"
Hostel of the Week, November 30th to December 6th 2009
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
Caribou Hostel, Golden BC
Caribou Hostel, Golden BCCaribou Hostel is a family-run business in the Blaeberry Valley, 13 km NW of Golden. The six-bed hostel has a full kitchen, dining area, lounge area, bathroom, dorm room, and a barbeque on the patio. The private apartment has of a full kitchen, living room with futon, bathroom, bedroom with queen-sized bed, and a private balcony with barbeque. The hostel and private apartment are ideal for exclusive group or family rentals. The Moberly Pub, a favourite among locals and travellers, is just a four-minute walk through the backyard. Caribou Hostel provides a friendly and relaxed retreat in a quiet mountain setting.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, located 13 km from the town of Golden, is a 25-minute drive from the hostel, and Roger’s Pass is a 45-minute drive. Golden is centrally located with easy access to Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Jasper, and Glacier National Parks.
Hostel of the Week, November 24th to November 29th 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
An update from the road
Angus Adventures: Learning Through Exploration!
Angus Adventures: Learning Through Exploration!All adventures and backpackers will have an interest in this couple. Julie and Colin Angus are bold adventures, having explored and documented their travels in waterways and on land all over the world including Canada. They are presently preparing for presentations in Ottawa, Waterloo, Toronto, and Kingston. They have authored several books including the recent, "Rowed Trip: from Scotland to Syria By Oar", have produced films, have a great blog, website, and Facebook page, and do motivational public-speaking presentation among other things. They are raved about by fellow bloggers and reputable news programs alike and with good reason. Check out the links and you'll understand why.
Colin completed the first human-powered circumnavigation of the planet (43,000 km, 720 days) in 2006. Before that he led the first descent of the Yenisey River and of one of the first of the Amazon River. He is the author of four books and has produced documentaries on many of his journeys. Outside magazine named him one of the top 25 bold visionaries with world changing dreams and National Geographic Adventure awarded him Adventurer of the Year in 2007.
Julie is the first and only woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland - 10,000 km in 5 months. She has authored two books, produced two documentaries, and written for an array of magazines and newspapers. Julie has a graduate degree in molecular biology and spent five years developing treatments for medical disorders before fully focusing on adventure and exploration. She received the National Geographic Adventurer of the Year award alongside Colin and the McMaster ARCH award.
You won't regret checking them out.
Feature of the week, November 16th to 22nd, 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
The Powder Highway Ultimate Ski Bum Blow Your Mind Contest
The Powder Highway Ultimate Ski Bum Blow Your Mind Contest! Ski Bums and nonskiers alike will find this video HILARIOUS!!!! Its worth taking three minutes and thirty eight seconds to watch if you love a well-done video and a good laugh. If you are a Ski Bum, you will definitely consider entering the contest.
About the contest (as found in www.powderhighway.com):
"One lucky Ski Bum will win a 3 Month Journey along the Powder Highway [a large area of mountainous British Columbia with a great many ski areas and ski operations including Alpine Ski Resorts, Backcountry Skiing, Heli-Skiing, Nordic Skiing, and Snow-cat Skiing areas]. The winner will also get Free Lift Tickets at all of the Resorts, 15 days of Heli and Cat Skiing, Accommodation and Transportation provided. This place has long been a haven for Ski Bums from around the world. We're sharing that adventure through the experiences of one person - the Ultimate Ski Bum. No agenda, no job, just snow, mountains and a road that links it all together.
Create your own entry video (90 seconds max) that explains why you should be chosen to be the Ultimate Ski Bum. Entry submission details are below. Entries MUST have a YouTube link to your Video Entry to be eligible."
Check out the video for more details and a good laugh.
Feature of the Week November 10th to 15th 2009
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
Fernie Job Fair 2009
Fernie Job Expo 2009Fernie BC is the home to The Raging Elk Adventure Lodge, organizers of the Fernie Job Expo event.
The Fernie Job Expo will be held on November 12th from 10am to 3pm, across from the Raging Elk at the Fernie Community Centre, for all job seekers.
Contact the Raging Elk for more information at 1-(250)-423-6811 or email bookings@ragingelk.com. There are seasonal jobs available in many fields including hospitality, tourism, retail, industrial and construction.
Start earning money before the snow flies!!
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
www.backpackers.ca
iBackpackCanada blog
iBackpackCanada: A Backpackers Travel GuideCorbin, the author of the blog, iBackpackCanada.com, is a 20-something guy from the 'flatlands of Canada' (Saskatchewan). Corbin's family has a huge farm just North of Regina, which has cattle, a few horses, and thousands of acres of land.
After finishing high school, Corbin planned to take a year off before diving into university, which he refers to as "The Best Trap Ever". Corbin sold his Ford Ranger truck, most of his possessions, and took off for a year of Round the World Travel. Of course, he loved every minute of it, and upon arrival back home, he realized he couldn’t stop.
When Corbin got back from his travels abroad however, and after travelling around Canada for a couple of months, it occurred to him how little info there is regarding Canada for backpackers. Corbin agrees with us that the infrastructure for budget travel in Canada is there--Corbin decided however that for some reason people either have been keeping this a secret or are just too cold to bother telling people about it.
Corbin has decided to reveal these secrets of budget travel in Canada in his blog, iBackpackCanada.com.
Enjoy his blog, and if you like, email him at webmaster@ibackpackcanada.com
Feature of the Week October 29th to November 1st 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
Skweeks House, Kingston Ontario
Skweeks House, Kingston OntarioSkweeks House is a great location to explore Kingston & the 1000 Islands from. One of the newest buildings in historic Sydenham Ward, it was built in the early 1950's as a three unit apartment building. Walk, bike, drive, ski, skate, kayak or sail there's history, shopping, entertainment and scenery in all directions.
Guests are encouraged to explore Kingston's active night life with in walking distance. Sample locally brewed beer at the "Brew Pub" or Ontario wines at local night spots. Check out the range of entertainment in the theatres, cinemas and restaurants.
Skweeks House is a family oriented building (with pets). A place for restful rejuvenation after a busy day of work or play. A piano is central in the shared common room, a guest computer is provided, but no television. Books, puzzles, games, quiet socializing often pot luck style meals fill the evenings.
"Purr-fect hostel style accommodation for all seasons."
Hostel of the Week, October 19th to 25th 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
The Lake District: The Best Scenic Holiday Destination In England
Wherever I have been on my travels the first thing someone says to me when i tell them I am from is England is "Are you from London?". The answer to this I have to say is a resounding "no" - and let me tell you there is far more to the UK that is worth visiting than it's illustrious and internationally renowned capital city. Indeed, if you are a traveler young or old or are even planning a family holiday or vacation and are thinking of visiting England for the first time but are is looking for an alternative to the usual site seeing trips to the city of London, why not instead look for a more serene and scenic alternative than the hustle and bussel of the capital and instead please give some special consideration to the incredible natural beauty of the Lake District - my favorite area of the British Isles. Situated in the North West of England in the county of Cumbria, the Lake District offers unique scenery quite unique to anywhere else in Europe and is an ideal location for any traveler who loves walking, hiking, cycling, camping or any other outdoor activity as the natural landscape offers the perfect backdrop for any such pursuit.
The Lake District's main claim to fame and also a key attraction for English people and tourists alike is that it has the highest point of altitude in all of England - Scafell Pike - and offers fantastic views of the surrounding area on a clear day. Although modest in its height by even European standards (standing at 978 meters tall) Scafell is an excellent place to take a walk if you ever get the chance to visit the North of England and forms one part of the famous national 3 peaks challenge. In spite of the fact that you may find the idea of climbing a mountain a rather daunting prospect, let me tell you that the beauty of the place is that it is very accessible to anyone who is reasonably fit and mobile and requires no specialist equipment to traverse other than a decent pair of hiking boots and a rain coat if you plan to visit in the summer months. although rain is to be expected and snow is likely near the summit, the paths to the top are very clearly laid out and frequented by many people of all ages every year.
The Lake District's main claim to fame and also a key attraction for English people and tourists alike is that it has the highest point of altitude in all of England - Scafell Pike - and offers fantastic views of the surrounding area on a clear day. Although modest in its height by even European standards (standing at 978 meters tall) Scafell is an excellent place to take a walk if you ever get the chance to visit the North of England and forms one part of the famous national 3 peaks challenge. In spite of the fact that you may find the idea of climbing a mountain a rather daunting prospect, let me tell you that the beauty of the place is that it is very accessible to anyone who is reasonably fit and mobile and requires no specialist equipment to traverse other than a decent pair of hiking boots and a rain coat if you plan to visit in the summer months. although rain is to be expected and snow is likely near the summit, the paths to the top are very clearly laid out and frequented by many people of all ages every year.
Your worst hotel experience?
A recent hotel stay reminded us of just how bad they can occasionally be. We checked into a respectable five star city hotel in the early evening, did some work, then went out to dinner and checked out a bar afterwards. We'd had a really exhausting day - morning shoot, long drive, flat tyre, an important appointment we almost missed. You get the picture. We rocked in from dinner around midnight, got changed, and dragged ourselves to bed, only to find the bed - the sheets, the edge of the pillows and the doona (quilt, eiderdown), well, um... damp. I took a sniff. It smelt okay, like water. No air-conditioning above the bed. Perhaps the laundromat hadn't properly dried it and it then dampened everything else? I called the front desk and explained. Half an hour later a housekeeper showed up without fresh linen. We explained again. He disappeared. He returned another 20 minutes later with fresh sheets, but no doona, no mattress protector. Bring a friend, I called out, as he disappeared, as you'll probably have to turn the mattress over too. He returned another 15 minutes later with a colleague, mattress protector, and doona. However, when they pulled off the mattress protector to turn the mattress over, we saw an enormous yellow circle. Yes! Urine! Why on earth a maid had remade a urine-soaked bed in a five star hotel that clearly wasn't full was beyond me. By 1.30am, the Night Manager had moved us. Did I ever tell you about the bed bugs story? So, what was your worst hotel experience?
Travel insights from travel experts
GO Backpackers, Edmonton Alberta
GO Backpackers, Edmonton AlbertaGO Backpackers has gone through a lot of recent changes. The hostel has a full kitchen with a cozy dining room as well as many different common areas which include a TV room and a library/games room that you can kick back and relax in!
There are internet terminals available in the lobby and free WIFI is also available in the common areas. Coin operated laundry is up and running, though the hostel provides all bedding and towels, so there is no need to bring your own. There is also hair dryers in all of the female dorms and private rooms.
The Jekyll and Hyde pub downstairs is a good way to start off an evening of fun! Every Friday, the owners get up on stage and play live music, which is a real treat. Come by and check it out!
GO Backpackers is in the heart of downtown and within walking distance of the Legislature, the Edmonton Art Gallery, City Hall, the Royal Alberta Museum and the Shaw Conference Centre as well as a variety of restaurants. Additionally, the hostel is conveniently located near the LRT (lower rail transit) which gives quick access to places such as the Commonwealth Stadium, Rexall Place and the University of Alberta.
"Come by and stay awhile at GO Backpackers! Looking forward to hosting you!"
Hostel of the Week, October 12th to 18th 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
Enjoying the Sites and Sounds of Florence - Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance
The city of Florence is the capital of the Tuscan region of Italy and a city steeped in rich history and renaissance art. Lying along the river Arno, the city is a sheer delight to behold with its fantastic buildings and architecture. Florence is without question a “must see” for any young backpacker travelling across Europe - although it may not necessarily be the first city that springs to mind when you are planning your trip. Established in the year 59BC by the famous Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, it was originally an army camp for Roman army veterans. However, it is more famous as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance during the middle ages with buildings constructed in the classical “Romanesque” style such as the Basilica Di San Miniato al Monte also helping to define the city of Florence and its architecture.
The main landmark of the city however is surely the fantastic Santa Maria del Fiore - a cathedral famed for its large dome - which remains open for visitors to the city to help them enjoy spectacular views of the city and its ornate buildings from up on high. Along the Arno is the Ponte Vecchio bridge which is also worth a visit for any tourist or traveler in Florence.
The main landmark of the city however is surely the fantastic Santa Maria del Fiore - a cathedral famed for its large dome - which remains open for visitors to the city to help them enjoy spectacular views of the city and its ornate buildings from up on high. Along the Arno is the Ponte Vecchio bridge which is also worth a visit for any tourist or traveler in Florence.
Travel experts versus 'real' travellers
Travel 'experts', whether they are travel writers, guidebook authors, travel bloggers, tour guides, travel agents, hoteliers etc, are also 'real' travellers in my mind. Yet publishers and travel sites are frequently pitting the two against each other. Sure, the travel experts sometimes get special treatment and they can rarely shut themselves off from the act of reviewing, even when they're on holidays, but the fact is that they do take holidays and do travel like 'normal' people too. I book my flights and hotels online. I have to negotiate local transport like you do. I eat as many bad meals as I do good ones, and I also get allocated my share of crappy hotel rooms too. Yet increasingly the opinions of the experts - the people who stay in hundreds of hotel rooms a year, catch scores of flights, and talk to thousands of other travel experts and travellers - that is, the people who make it their business to accumulate vast travel experience and knowledge and develop skills at discernment - seem to be increasingly undervalued and overlooked in favor of the opinions of 'real' people. One example is the hotel reviews in Budget Travel (a magazine I love, by the way), such as this one which states that "Online reviews generally praise the hotel as an affordable gem with a fun, unique theme" and "Reader Dawn recommends Franklin Feel the Sound, where she stayed in June 2009. She writes that the Franklin exceeded her expectations and was excellent value". Frankly, unless I know who these online reviewers were and have more information about them and Dawn, I don't care what they think. I want to know how much hotel experience they've had, how many hotels in Rome they've checked into and inspected, and how many hotels they've stayed at fullstop, so I can then determine what their idea of "affordable" or "unique" is, and how different their expectations may be to that of other travellers. You see, travel experts know these things. What do you think?
Behind-the-scenes in a Michelin-starred chef's kitchen and the kindness of chefs
Pictured? That's me chatting to Pierre Gagnaire.
In print and online
It's been a busy period for Terry and I, as you've gathered from the dearth of blog posts these last months. And we've got a lot of work being published to prove it, from a small 'Up Next' piece on Abu Dhabi in the September edition of National Geographic Traveler to half a dozen eco-experiences I wrote about in Rough Guide's Clean Breaks book. I saw our first edition Travellers Northern Italy guidebook for the first time in a bookshop in Dubai the other day too and got exhausted just looking at it - that was a tough trip. Although I know you don't believe me. We've always written for in-flight magazines, but we've been doing a lot more writing for them these past few months. If you're wondering why, it's because it's fun, the editors are lovely, easy to work with and respond to emails, it's nice to submit a story and see it in print a month or two later, and they pay on time. In September's Storytelling issue of Gulf Air's in-flight magazine Gulf Life, we have features on Abu Shady, Syria's last hakawati or professional storyteller and a review on the Sheraton Aleppo; while in the October issue, we have articles on Syrian sculptor Mustafa Ali; a new Damascus jazz duo comprised of opera star Rasha Razk and pianist Ghazwan Zerkli; and funky Zen bar in Damascus with its fabulous views. All feature Terry's gorgeous photos of course, as does a story on Doha Tribeca Film Festival director - he shot the stunning portrait of Amanda Palmer in the lobby of Doha's W hotel. We've got a bunch of stories in this month's issue of Jazeera's in-flight J Mag too, and in MPI's One Plus magazine a profile on Emirati Ali Al Saloom who is changing the way visitors to Abu Dhabi experience the UAE.
Envying a donkey his pace - the frenetic tempo of travel writing, part 2
So how, as travel writers, do we get ourselves into the situation I described in the last post? And is it possible to be a travel writer and avoid this frenzied pace of life? To answer the second question first, I don't think it is possible if you want to make more than a decent living out of this profession. To answer the first, the way we work now is that we go on a trip with a number of commissions up our sleeves, and then while we're on the ground we follow up more leads for stories and pitch new ideas to editors from that destination. But that doesn't mean that other requests for stories stop coming in. As wonderful as they are, most of the time they're not even related to the destination we're in, which of course complicates things. While we're on the road, an editor might email and ask "Where are you at the moment?" which usually means he/she has a hotel they want reviewed or lead they'd like us to pursue. We'd be crazy to say no. At the same time, the longer we stay in a place and the more people we meet, the more story ideas we develop. Although we worked on a dozen stories in Damascus this trip, I left with twice as many ideas that I'd love to pursue next time. Do we prefer working this way, on multiple commissions, to focusing on a guidebook and a story or two? Absolutely. For one, it pays a hell of a lot more for less work. Secondly, we're meeting way more people doing stories than we did on books because we're no longer pounding the pavements all day every day putting dots on maps and checking transport timetables. But more on that another time. One of the downsides to this frantic pace is that it leaves little time for blogging. But blogging doesn't pay the bills. And for now, I kind of like it that way. I'll tell you why another time. Now, I have a story (or three) to write.
Envying a donkey his pace - the frenetic tempo of travel writing, part 1
Our recent trip around the Middle East (see this post) wasn't meant to be that kind of trip. There was no guidebook to write. No insane photography commission for Terry to undertake. Just lots of stories and hotel reviews to research and a couple of meetings about a book we're developing. However, somehow a trip that was meant to be fairly straightforward and one we'd hoped would trundle along at a slower pace than normal - a donkey's pace was what I desired - turned into the usual frenzied adventure where we find ourselves running from one appointment to another, and working long days that extend well into the night, every day and night. And now we're frantically writing up those stories and Terry's editing and prepping images for the stories (hence the lack of time for blogging), at the same time as we're pitching more stories, doing more reviews, going on photo shoots, and prepping for the next trip - every day and night, well into the night. So how as travel writers do we get ourselves into this situation? And is it possible to avoid this frenzied life?
The Hostel Chef blog
The Hostel Chef blogNoah Witenoff (a.k.a The Hostel Chef) is a 31 year old food stylist, living in Montreal, Canada. He became interested in food after travelling around Australia. It was in youth hostels that his passion for fast delicious food was ignited and since then, his life has been all about food. This blog is designed to be a guide for backpackers staying in hostels around the world and can also be useful for people interested in fast easy recipes at home. Each entry starts with a blurb from his actual journal from 9 years ago and links to useful tips and recipes.
Hope you enjoy!
Feature of the Week, October 6th to 11th, 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
Enjoying The Beauty of Venice
Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and physically unique cities in the entire world, the great city of Venice located in Northern Italy presents a travel destination quite like no other for any young backpacker travelling around Europe. Venice is of course most famous for its numerous rivers and canals that help to clearly define the unique and intriguing natural characteristics of this Italian Adriatic jewel.
The city itself is built upon 118 small islands that sit proudly amongst this intense intertwined network of waterways. When you picture the perfect ideal of Venice in your mind you always think of images of romantic boat trips on summer evenings - and travelling serenely along the waterways of the city by the numerous traditional gondolas that can be hired is surely a must have experience for any tourist or backpacker visiting the city and is also a great way of taking in the city's incredible architecture.
Indeed, it is these enduring images and traditions that not surprisingly have continued to make Venice a very popular holiday destination for young couples travelling around Europe.
The city itself is built upon 118 small islands that sit proudly amongst this intense intertwined network of waterways. When you picture the perfect ideal of Venice in your mind you always think of images of romantic boat trips on summer evenings - and travelling serenely along the waterways of the city by the numerous traditional gondolas that can be hired is surely a must have experience for any tourist or backpacker visiting the city and is also a great way of taking in the city's incredible architecture.
Indeed, it is these enduring images and traditions that not surprisingly have continued to make Venice a very popular holiday destination for young couples travelling around Europe.
The Black Rooster Roadhouse and Hostel
The Black Rooster Roadhouse and Hostel"Black Rooster Roadhouse is a traveler's paradise: comfortable lodging at an affordable price.
We are minutes walk from downtown, college, hospital, golf and swimming. Our high standard accommodation and uniquely designed building is sure to please.
Besides dorm beds at $25.00 per night, we also host hotel style rooms, family rooms, and furnished apartments.
All guests have access to free Wi-Fi and computer access, in-room phones and TV, availability to kitchen including complementary coffee and tea, and access to the ping-pong table, patio and BBQ. We are a smoke-free building.
Come stay with us!"
Hostel of the Week Sept. 28th to Oct. 4th, 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
European Hostel Meeting in Catania, March 21st to 23rd 2010
Hostels of Sicily: Home of the 9th European Hostel MeetingIn 2010 the European Hostel Meeting comes to Italy in the stunning baroque city of Catania on the island of Sicily. The meeting promises to be one of the biggest hostel conferences ever seen and a large supporting programme of tours and discounts around Sicily is being organised as well as many events in Catania itself.
More information from Robert at info@hostelsofsicily.com or visit Hostels of Sicily: Home of the 9th European Hostel Meeting
Feature of the Week, September 25th to September 28th, 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
Backpackers Hostels Canada Photos Page
Backpackers Hostels Canada photos page
Check out our photos page for a great sense of the variety of hostels in Canada through photos. We are continually building on the photos page so check back again in the future. Each week we add a new hostel montage to the list from another Canadian hostel!
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
Desk update from Abu Dhabi: month #45 on the road but whose counting?
We're back in the UAE and after a couple of days in Dubai (pictured*), we're chained to desks once again in Abu Dhabi - not our desks, but our friends', at their colossal home in the new part of the capital, off the island. The closest thing to a 'home' for us still being in storage in Dubai. A 'desk update' in publishing-speak suggests a guidebook update by phone and email. It's what publishers commission authors or in-house staff to do when they're not inclined to spend the money to send writers on the road. From what we're hearing, it's happening increasingly of late. But we won't have that. Aside from the fact that we still don't have a 'home' to speak of - this week marks our 45th month living out of our suitcases! - travelling is why we do what we do. Why on earth a travel writer would want to write something from a desk without having been to a place we'll never know. We've well and truly researched the stories and reviews we're currently writing up, having spent the last six weeks on the road travelling around Syria, Qatar and Kuwait. But we're paying for it now. We're tired. Chronically tired. My feet are wrecked. We've both been fighting off the flu for a couple of weeks although poor Terry has finally lost his battle. As we write, we're talking to publishers and potential sponsors about future projects - in Thailand, Syria, and the Arabian Peninsula - and in the interim we're considering trips to Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, Iran, and possibly Kathmandu. We're also contemplating an opportunity that could keep us on the road even longer if it comes off, but more on that in the near future... for now, deadlines await. So what have you been up to and where are you going next?* the pic is of the view from our room at Jumeirah Emirates Towers where we stayed recently; Terry had photographed the hotel and we'd done site inspections so many times over the years, but never checked in. Now we've stayed, we know why it consistently wins awards for being Dubai's best business hotel. While the rooms are a bit dated in terms of their style, they're impressively appointed, the lobby has always been one of the city's buzziest, and the towers and adjoining Boulevard are home to some of my favorite restaurants and bars, including Vu's, Noodle House and The Agency.