Travel Stuff
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Buyer Beware
Occasionally, it’s nice to treat yourself. The problem is, of course, that treats are like an addiction. One that keeps saying “go on, you deserve a bit more”. And I fully realise that this is presenting you with middle aged, middle class nonsense,. But having sampled the advantages of Premum Economy on my last big…
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The Beast Arrives
So far on this trip, it’s been decidedly cold – but also sunny. Bright days usually mean me spending extended hours outdoors, making then most of the sights. But today, it’s turned cloudy, and with it, the weather front known as the “Beast from the East” is pelting its full windchill over this part of…
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“Merci”, not “Dank U”
Brussels Midi Station isn’t the nicest place to arrive. For starters, it’s huge – combining training, metro, tram and bus services. That makes finding the exit difficult enough – never mind the correct exit closest to my hotel. “To be honest I wouldn’t have recommended you stay in that neighbourhood,” says Jack, being completely open…
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A Tourist Trap(pist)
Having learned about the patron saint of beer earlier in the day, it seemed fitting to find out exactly what all the fuss is about. I have to confess, I’m normally a real ale kind of guy – and I mostly enjoy lighter, weaker beers. So the menu board at Le Trappiste presents something of a challenge.…
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Frozen canals, some horses and a nunnery.
Bruges looks stunning in the morning sunshine. The TV news is full of how the UK is failing to cope with a dusting of light snow and slightly cold weather. Here, the air temperature is -1c, but the windchill makes it -6c, which means some fairly brisk walking, since the option of a canal trip…
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A train, a tower and some beer.
My only previous knowledge of Bruges involved an Irishman falling from a tower, a dwarf high on ketamine and a gangster shooting blindly in the town’s square. It was quite a sight, condensed into 85 minutes of a film which seemed to mainly feature Colin Farrell’s eyebrows. And although I’d already decided this wasn’t going…
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Access most areas
There’s no doubt that almost everyone in Budapest – and every building – is finely tuned to the tourist economy. If there are a few Forints to be made on top of admission prices, they’re there for the taking. But it’s also refreshing to see that some public places remain just that, such as the…
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Craft and Culture
Eastern Europe used to have a reputation of selling ultra cheap beer – and because of favourable exchange rates, and non-Euro currencies, it made places like Prague, Bratislava and Budapest increasingly attractive to booed up Brits on stag and hen parties. It ruined reputations in both directions. However, many visitors these days have become more…
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Round the (Danube) Bend
The glorious Danube (or Duna in these parts) looks less blue than a sort of grey. But its importance in connecting several countries over the centuries can’t be understated. It was first used by Celts, until they were chased out by the Romans in the first century AD – perhaps one reason why Budapest is littered…
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A pile of pretty bricks
There are many cures for a hangover, and after a late finish a combination of good weather and Budapest’s stunning buildings are a sight for sore eyes. They know how to do design here, and the winding Danube provides the perfect canvass for the Parliament. When it was created in 1896 – at a time…
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