Tag: City Break

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Seville

After just a couple of hours in Seville, I was asking myself, why had I not visited before? The city is magnificent! The architecture is pure eye candy and being October with the northern hemisphere hurtling towards bitter winter, having 30C days with bright blue skies was wonderful. Seriously considering a yearly pilgrimage.

It’s very easy to get around as the city centre is compact and flat, there are hire cycles, trams and an extensive bus service. Take the bus from the airport – it makes a couple of stops in Seville and is about 40 minutes to the final stop at Plaza de Armas. One way is 4€ and its possible to buy a return for 6€. Tickets are purchased at the airport bus stop or from the driver on board.

No visit to Seville would be complete without visiting a flamenco show or two. I prefer the more rustic performances over the glamorous touristic shows. I pre-booked a show for Friday at El Callejón del Embrujo which is very central. The dancers and band were both excellent. A glass of vino and one tapa is included in the price for 20€. Don’t opt for a dinner and show package at venues because you will get a better and more affordable meal at a restaurant nearby.

It is a must to visit Alcázar – rich in history hosting three palaces. It is breath-taking in detail. There are beautiful sculptured gardens and you are allowed to stay as long as you like. There is a restaurant is inside the gardens with peacocks strolling around the tables.

Purchase Alcázar tickets online prior to the day because you will waste hours lining up – the queue is ridiculously long and moves very slowly. I didn’t realise this and on my last day wanted to visit so the only way to avoid the queue was to join a guided tour group for 36.50€. The online tickets without a tour are less then 10€ – buy tickets from the Alcázar web site. Note that entry is free on Mondays!

I visited the ancient baths for a 3-hour session, there are five pools as well as a roof top infinity pool for after your treatment – so pack your swimmers. Access to the pools is included with a treatment – although not cheap but compared to London prices was value especially with the baths. The massage areas are separated by hanging curtains, so you do hear the whispers and movements of others. It is a very relaxing experience nonetheless.

If you like Seville then consider visiting Rome, Vienna and Bilbao.

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Athens

If you’re a history buff like me, or just like a bit of old stuff, then you’ll definitely want to add Athens, Greece to your travel bucket list. This ancient city is packed full of stunning sights, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences.

First up, let’s talk about the food. If you’re a meat lover, then you’re in for a treat. Greek food is renowned for its lamb dishes, and they did not disappoint. I had the pleasure of trying some of the most succulent and flavorful lamb I’ve ever tasted, slow-cooked to perfection with herbs and spices. Whether you’re trying a traditional gyro, souvlaki, or kleftiko, you’re in for a mouth-watering treat.

Now, onto the sights. You simply cannot visit Athens without checking out the Parthenon on Acropolis. Side note: The Acropolis is the high hill that the Parthenon was built on. This ancient temple is one of the most iconic landmarks in Greece and is a must-see for anyone visiting Athens. Below the structure, the Acropolis museum resides in parallel, many of the carvings have been preserved inside – away from environmental damage, and it is easy to see how the structure may have been in its heyday. At night, the Parthenon is lit up like a magnificent jewel.

But the Acropolis is just the beginning. Athens and the surrounding islands are full of museums and artefacts that will transport you back in time. From ancient pottery to intricate sculptures, their museums do an excellent job of showcasing the history of Greece.

One of my favourite experiences in Athens was visiting the National Archaeological Museum. I spent hours wandering the halls, marvelling at the ancient artefacts on display. From the intricately designed golden masks of Mycenae to the awe-inspiring statues of ancient gods and goddesses, the museum was a treasure trove of history and culture.

Now for the real fun, if you have time, jump on a ferry to one of the many islands. I visited the Island of Hyrda and enjoyed a beautiful Mediterranean lunch at the Ostria Restaurant, serving fresh seafood.

I hired a quad bike which was a hefty little power horse. Initially, I was quite nervous and started out like a little old granny, putt putt putting around the roads to various historic sites. By the end of the day, my confidence had grown somewhat and I was now hooning around the place with my hair trailing behind.

As someone who loves to learn about the history and different cultures, Athens was an absolute dream come true. The city is full of rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious food, and I can’t recommend it enough. So if you’re looking for your next travel destination, make sure to add Athens to your list – you won’t regret it!

I stayed with a lovely guy – Yannis through Airbnb. He is a gracious host and has two adorable cats. You can find his home here: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/2948623?source_impression_id=p3_1679402729_KDwxTFZtqEIkFAWi

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Madrid

I truly love Madrid and have visited several times. One trip I went for a week to attend Flamenco and Spanish classes. The Flamenco class every day for three hours. Some girls dance for six or more! It’s hard work.

The Flamenco school had several rooms and the class that I was in had about nine students. All stamping away in rhythm. The room had a wall of glass that would fog up and eventually start dripping from condensation. Our teacher would stand in the corner with a cane, first demonstrating the steps to take and then tapping her cane to the beat to keep us in time.

Public transport is very cheap in Madrid – it’s only a couple of Euros to get from the airport to the centre. Wear comfortable shoes because you will do a lot of walking.

One of my favourite hotels is the Vincci Capitol Hotel – the location is excellent (next to Callao metro) with modern decor. It features a roof top terrace overlooking the city with sun lounges. My bedroom was fantastic – mood lighting options included ‘relax’ and ‘awake’ as well as being adjustable. There is a beautiful bar with a view of Calle Gran Via – its easy to just watch the traffic snake through the city.

The best shopping area in Madrid is Chueca. There are several shops brimming with clothes, shoes and furniture. One a visit in 2007, I bought a side table but the shop couldn’t provide shipping so I schlepped it back myself. I’d like to mention that the table’s top is glass and I was totally expecting it to be smashed to smithereens – but was very pleasantly surprised to unwrap it unscathed.

A visit to Museum del Prado is a must – it houses an extensive collection of Goya, Diego Velázquez and Rubens. The Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando (founded in 1744) has a great collection of sculpture, modern art and a truckload of religious relics. The Royal Palace is an amazing building with over 3000 rooms! A stroll through the gardens is very relaxing.

Madrileñas speak very rapidly so you might find them to be one of the more difficult Spanish accents to understand.

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Paris

I visit Paris at least once a year. The Marais is a wonderful place to stroll around and the Musée d’Orsay is one of my favourite museums in the world.

From London, the Eurostar is the best way to get there. It used to run from Waterloo but changed to Kings Cross in 2007. And it is very reasonable to go just for a day – taking an early morning train and returning in the evening.

I have stayed in the Latin quarter which still hangs on to its bohemia roots. (Stay away from the night life on Champs-Élysées – unless you enjoy trash.)

Do visit Château de Versailles – its a train ride from centre of Paris. There is a walking hall of mirrors inside and the most beautiful Orangerie. Its quite nice to boat around the impressive man made lake.

My favourite restaurant – Chez Paul is in the Marais and was recently featured in ‘The Marvellous Mrs Maisel’ – which pissed me off a bit as now everyone knows about this hidden gem. (Be impossible to get in now.)

Coincidently, a friend of mine – Gwen (who lives in Amsterdam) texted about this amazing French restaurant she had found – my Chez Paul! I’ve been going for more then fifteen years! I even took my nephew there! And bless him, he decided to be adventurous and order the ‘moelle osseuse’ (I thought it would be mussels… er no. Tis bone marrow).

I’m still trying to work out how the French make such amazing omelettes! Always light and fluffy. Best in the World!

I was last in Paris May 2018 for my birthday. We went to see a show at Lido on Av. des Champs-Élysées – and yes do refer to my initial comment about trash on this avenue.

My next visit is May 2019 to see Anoushka Shankar.