Prattling around Prague

Prague Castle is the biggest castle in the world.  Did you know that?  It’s also where the Bohemian Crown Jewels are kept, and is, in fact, a collection of buildings, not just one big stone fort topped with flags.  These buildings include a riding school, ball game hall, and something called the Powder Tower – a stumpy column topped with a conical hat which looks like a rocket that might launch at any moment.

In short, it is an interesting place indeed.

But the city has plenty else to offer, along with a plethora of Prague hotels that ensure there’s a place for people of every age and disposition to rest their head.  Charles Bridge, for example, is a romantic half-kilometre stretch that connects Prague’s east to its west, crammed with hawkers and buskers vying frantically for the patronage of tourists who swarm the attraction every day.  Completed around 1400, the bridge was commissioned by Charles IV in 1357, and has straddled the Vltava river resolutely ever since.

The Astronomical Clock that sits in Prague’s Old Town Square is a sublime example of an art that has been in existence for centuries: clock making.  The first mechanical clocks can be traced back to around 1300, while the first known mention of the term ‘clockmaker’ occurred in 1390, which, coincidently, falls shortly before Prague’s masterpiece was created.  The Astronomical Clock’s dials represent, among a variety of astronomical constellations, the sun and moon, and, rather delightfully, 12 apostolic statues make an appearance on the hour, every hour, creating a quaint spectacle that never fails to impress gaping tourists.

It’s difficult to visit Prague and miss Wenceslas Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that began life as a horse market, before being transformed into the impressive expanse we see today in the late 18th century.  An imposing horse statue presides over the square, which was named after Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia, and was, fittingly, the site of the proclamation of independence of Czechoslovakia in 1918.

And there is, of course, plenty of food and drink in Prague to sate the appetite of weary tourists and locals alike.  Be sure to try cabbage soup (sounds gruesome, tastes delightful), sirloin of beef (classic dish with a Czech twist), and a hefty helping of apple strudel (have you ever met someone who doesn’t like strudel?), as well as a selection of squidgy dumplings.  Wash the lot down with the national drink: beer (try Kozel, which is Czech for ‘he-goat’, a beverage which rather polarises opinion!).

Experience Holidays

Experience holidays are doing whatever we love to do, but doing it somewhere else. Generally they’re active holidays, not necessarily physical, and because everyone’s interests are different, Experience holidays are often tailor made or ‘special interest’ packages.

Maybe you’re a fan of Mexican food. How about a cooking tour in Oaxaca? You like to hike? Consider a trekking holiday through Nepal. How about a cycling tour of Vietnam? Shopaholics could do much worse than a dedicated shopping tour of Hong Kong, or what about a trip along Route 66 on the back of a Harley?

The possibilities are endless, so let’s get together  and plan your own personal Experience holiday.

It doesn’t have to be all go go go. Wouldn’t you love to trundle down the Canal du Midi at a sedate 4kmh, sipping champagne and watching the world drift past? Or cruise through Alaska’s iconic Inside Passage while bidding for fantastic artwork at auction on your luxury cruise ship? A more sublime experience perhaps? Think about a relaxing and renewing spa holiday in a luxury island getaway. Or a literary tour of Ireland, an escorted coach tour of Europe’s historical cities, a skiing holiday in the Rockies, or a garden tour of England’s Lake District.

Some people hanker for a villa in Tuscany, others yearn for a tent in the wilds of the Amazon, still others might choose an edgy TriBeca hotel and a week cruising New York’s galleries and museums. What about a lodge based safari in the Serengeti, or a spice tour of the souks of Morocco, a winery tour of Moldavia or a roundup on an Argentinean cattle ranch? Every experience holiday is unique and is a reflection of our own dreams and desires.

Tennyson was spot on when he said “All experience is an arch wherethrough gleams that untravelled world whose margin fades forever when I move”.

Visit Lomani Island Resort in Fiji

“Lomani” is the Fijian word for love, and you will be sure to fall in love with this idyllic Fiji Island paradise. The crystal blue waters that lap gently onto the shores of Lomani Island’s beach provide a haven for tropical marine life and vibrant corals. The island was once home to a copra plantation and thus boasts thousands of towering coconut palms, interspersed with frangipani, hibiscus and bougainvillea flowers.

With only 12 luxury suites and 5 beachfront bures in the resort, you will feel well and truly like an honoured, pampered guest. Our dedicated Fijian staff will cater to your every need, allowing you to unwind and enjoy Lomani’s peaceful atmosphere. Lomani is an adults only property, and has a year round policy of only catering to children 16 years and over.

Five Photographic spots in Auckland - thanks to P & O Cruises

Five photogenic spots in Auckland

by P&O Cruises on May 2, 2011 · View Comments

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is often associated with shopping, sailing and its busy skyline – but there are some stunning natural wonders in and around the city to explore.
We asked Shereen Moloney  –  Auckland resident and writer, director and producer in the New Zealand film industry for more than 20 years – to nominate her five most photogenic spots around Auckland.

1. Mt Eden crater

Photo by jemsweb, available under an Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license

Mt Eden, or Maungawhau, is one of over 50 dormant volcanos scattered across the Auckland isthmus. It is the highest, and has a great view of the entire city, including the two harbours that border Auckland – the Waitamata and Manukau harbours, the inner city, the Harbour Bridge and many of the other volcanos that dot the landscape. It’s also a valued archaeological site showing the land formations of Maori occupation over the last 1000 years. From the top you have a unique view of the huge crater left in the mountain by the last eruption 20,000–30,000 years ago, a view that’s particularly special when someone has climbed down and spelled out ‘I Love You’ with the rocks at the bottom of the crater.

2. North Head, Devonport

Photo by Daniel Ngu, available under an Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license

Just over a 10-minute ferry ride from the city, North Head is another volcano that provides sweeping views over the harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. After a walk through historic Devonport and the lovely old streets of Cheltenam, a climb up the mountain delivers views of the islands of the Gulf to the south, the city to the west, the many beaches and coves curving up the coastline to the north and a close-up view of Rangitoto, Auckland’s largest and most recent volcano, to the east. Rangitoto, Maori for ‘Bloody Sky’, formed through eruptions as recently as 600 to 700 years ago. Within North Head there is a tunnel system leading to gun emplacements built during World War II, which can be explored by torchlight.

3. War Memorial Museum, Auckland Domain

The museum is set against the sky as Auckland’s ‘Acropolis’ and is one of New Zealand’s finest heritage buildings. It was built in the neo-classicist style in 1929, high on the rim ofthe dormant Pukekawa volcano within what is now the Auckland Domain. The Domainis Auckland’s oldest park and is made up of 75 hectares of beautiful walks, duck ponds,greenhouses of exotic plants, woodland and grassy picnic areas. There are also lovely views of the harbour and the city from the museum hilltop.

4. Cable Bay vineyard

Cable Bay, Auckland, Photo by Nick Jacobs

Cable Bay vineyard on Waiheke Island is a gorgeous 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland city. The experience of sitting on the terrace of the Cable Bay wine bar at sunset, with some of New Zealand’s best wine and food, a spectacular view across the islands of the Hauraki Gulf to the sun setting behind Auckland city in the distance is one of the highlights of a visit
to Auckland. Of course, this is after a day exploring the many beautiful beaches and views that the rest of Waiheke Island has to offer.

5. Kare Kare beach

Kare Kare Beach, Auckland, Photo courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

Kare Kare is the smallest, but most perfectly formed of Auckland’s magnificent west coast beaches. While Auckland’s east coast is characterised by languid stretches of sparkling white sand and calm waters, the west coast is anything but. On the edge of the dense bush of the Waitakere Ranges, the coastline here is raw and wild, with a primeval feel, with huge, dark volcanic cliffs towering over glistening black ironsand. The water boils in from the Tasman Sea, crashing onto the beaches in spectacular surf displays. The area is very popular with Aucklanders, but swimming should be strictly in patrolled areas as there are many vicious rips. While it is about a 40-minute drive from the central city, it is well worth the effort for the adventurous.

P&O Cruises launches 2012/13 voyages

Top 10 places to visit in Australia

Australia has something for just about everyone. From simple holidays to culture filled excitement, there are all sorts of options to enjoy. Here are ten of the must see places and events around Australia that you can consider for your next holiday.

1. Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s number one travel destination in terms of number of visitors. The Sydney Opera House was completed in the 1960's. The unique design for the facility, coupled with the excellent acoustics, make this cultural icon a must see stop that even persons who are not interested in opera will enjoy.

One of the great things about Sydney is there is both culture and lots of fun activities as well. The beaches provide some of the most beautiful ocean side playgrounds in the entire world. Visitors can spend endless hours enjoying the sun and pristine sands, then enjoy tours into some of the surrounding bush areas. Later, a night out on the town is easy to manage, with an array of night spots that will accommodate just about every interest. While in town, don't forget to admire the spectacular Harbour Bridge.

2 and 3. Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef

Far North Queensland is a wonderful tropical paradise. Cairns is the main entry point and from there you can travel north or south and out to beautiful island resorts. Luxury holiday homes are a great accommodation option in this part of Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef is known as the world's largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef stretches along the Queensland coast for a distance of approximately 35 million hectares. Many varieties of fish and other forms of sea life make the Reef home, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn about and observe. As a family opportunity, the Great Barrier Reef is an activity that will fascinate even the most jaded of travelers.

4. Brisbane

While visiting along the Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane is the place to go when you need a taste of the big city. Located in Queensland, the city is known for spectacular night spots that offer a little something for everyone, as well as a range of cuisine that is considered to be the best in Australia by many visitors.

5. Melbourne

Considered by many to be the emotional heart of Australia, Melbourne offers a mix of modern architecture and amenities along with some of the most beautiful examples of Victorian architecture in the world. Shopping and food that ranges from fine cuisine to guilty pleasures can easily be found at Federation Square and the New Quay.

6. The Great Ocean Road

No visit to Australia is complete without enjoying the view from the Great Ocean Road. Running for over two hundred miles along the coastline in the area of Victoria, the view is breathtaking any time of the year. There are plenty of interesting local restaurants to try along the way, as well as several great places to stop and enjoy a beer. The Great Ocean Road is a wonderful drive over a weekend or stay a little longer at a holiday rental property.

7. The Red Centre including Uluru-Tjuta National Park

Found in the Northern Territory, the Red Centre is considered to be the physical center spot of Australia. Tourists will enjoy viewing the Ayers Rock, which is also known as Uluru. Viewing Uluru is considered to be an ideal activity at sunrise and sunset, when the range of colors across the red rock seem to waver and change in fascinating patterns.

Uluru-Tjuta National Park is an area that functions as both a wildlife preserve and a national park. Along with the Ayers Rock, the part also encompasses such sites as Alice Springs and the Olgas.

8. Canberra

Canberra is the Capital of Australia and a fascinating place to see. Visit Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Library, National Archives which feature old movies, records, books and artifacts as well as the War Memorial. Four days is Canberra is adequate to see most of the attractions.

9. Adelaide

Considered to be the doorway into the Outback, Adelaide is a thriving city that includes some of the most prestigious vineyards in the country. There are a number of places around the city that are ideal for getting away from it all for a few days, as well as enjoying a night life that is low key but very active.

10. Tasmania

Tasmania offers breathtaking scenery, hiking and camping. Just off the coast, the main land you can reach Tasmania by car ferry or by short flight. Hobart is a stunning town on the Derwent river and features colonial architecture. The local food produce is deliciously fresh and restaurants reasonably priced.

Strangest Town names in Australia

FANCY getting stranded in Dismal Swamp, or making a stopover in Tittybong? How about spending a night in Pussycat Flat, or straining to reach Bust-Me-Gall Hill? Well the good news is you won't have to travel far to visit any of these places. These are just some of the quirky, unique and downright unusual towns in Australia.

There's the notoriously dangerous Hell's Gates on the West Coast of Tasmania, and Xantippe in Western Australia, the only town in the country starting with an X.

For an action-packed escape you might want to stop by Diehard in New South Wales - you may even bump into  Bruce Willis while you're there.

If you're hungry, amble down to the Territory's Tortilla Flats, Tasmania's Egg and Bacon Bay or Milkshake Hills.

Repetition is also a regular feature in town titles, with Wagga Wagga, Bong Bong, Grong Grong, Walla Walla and Goonoo Goonoo all in NSW, Bubble Bubble Springs in the Northern Territory, and the likes of Vite Vite in Victoria.

You can't go past some of the tongue-twisting delights like Jimcumbilly in NSW, D'Entrecasteaux Channel in Tassie, Ubobo in Queensland and Victoria's Manangatang and Upotipotpon.
Tourism New South Wale's Lauren O'Neil says: "Woolloomooloo seems to catch everyone, and you'll find plenty of British backpackers looking for 'Cooh-gee', instead of 'Cudg-gee'.

If symbolism is your thing, why not check out Uki in NSW, which means 'fern with edible roots' in the Aboriginal dialect of the area, Ozenkadnook in South Australia, which means 'very fat kangaroo', or NSW's Binnaway, which is derived from a word meaning 'peppermint tree wollybutt'.
Or you could just resort to toilet humour with the likes of Dunnedoo, Diapur, Mount Buggery, Burrumbuttock, Poowong and Fannie Bay.

According to Tourism Tasmania's Marianne Miles, Break-Me-Neck Hill "was named after an exclamation uttered by a wagoner during his first experience of the hill.”

The origin of the name of the Northern Territory's Humpty Doo is unknown, but Tourism Northern Territory's Liz McCouaig has three theories: that it's from an Aboriginal term 'Umdidu', which meant a popular resting place; from "a colloquialism to describe everything done wrong or upside down"; or that it's derived from the term "umpty", which was "the Army slang term used for the dash when reading Morse Code".

(courtesy of Escape.com.au)