Author: Gill Dewar

Amazing Travel Fact Morocco

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Morocco:

Do you know where a good foam on your tea remains a habit from long ago?
 
It is believed that if sand blows into your tea it will be caught in the foam and from there it can be flicked off and you can enjoy a sand free cup of tea.
 
Interesting right – I wonder if the same applies to coffee?
 
It’s in Morocco. This is such an interesting tradition that has remained even though most of the time tea is enjoyed without the risk of desert sand blowing into it.
 

Amazing Travel Fact Mauritius

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Mauritius:

Did you know there’s a small area of sand dunes comprising sand of seven distinct colours.
 
Amazing right?
 
Mauritius – Nature has her own ways of piquing our curiosity and Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth is one of those surreal things that will make yours run wild. With its 600 million years of history, Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth is one spectacular Geo Park destination!
 
One of Mauritius’ most iconic attractions, the island’s original and premier geopark provides a unique experience for geology enthusiasts, nature lovers and those who simply want to understand more about this rare and impressive phenomenon.
 
Our 8.5-hectare park is the place to visit in Mauritius for an immersive experience blending geology, education and conservation with wonder and discovery in order to connect to the island’s fascinating natural heritage. Mauritius is part of the fascinating story of continental drifts and collisions, volcanic eruptions and other breathtaking events that led to the formation of tropical reefs and oceans, lagoons, mountain ranges and basalt cliffs. Weathered by hot and humid conditions, basalt formed from outpourings of lava that occurred during the intermediate period from 3 to 1.7 million years ago turned into gullied clay.
 
This profound and ultimate decomposition has left on-site iron and aluminium oxides. The ferric oxide has coloured the sands with shades ranging from red to brown while the aluminium oxide has produced shades ranging from blue to violet-blue.
 
The consistent separation of the different strips of coloured sand may be explained by the fact that iron and aluminium particles have a natural repelling effect on one another. The swirling patterns of the dunes have been carved out by rain over thousands of years.
 

Amazing Travel Fact Kenya

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Kenya:

Did you know that the oldest safari lodge in the world is built on stilts and is extra famous because Queen Elizabeth II visited it in 1952 as a princess and left as a queen?
 
Amazing, isn’t it?
 
Do you know where we need to travel to in order to stay at this lodge?
 
Founded in 1932, Treetops is Kenya’s oldest safari lodge, and Princess Elizabeth was in residence here when she was told of the death of her father, King George VI, prompting her ascendency to the throne. “For the first time in the history of the world,” wrote big-game hunter Jim Corbett in the Treetops logbook, “a young girl climbed into the tree as a princess and climbed down as a queen.”
 
 

Amazing Travel Fact India

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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India:

 
Did you know that there is a palace right in the middle of lake? It looks like it has one floor, but actually it has 4 more secret floors hidden under the water, which are just as beautiful.
 
Amazing, right?
 
Do you know where we need to travel in order to see this palace?
 

It is indeed the Jal Mahal. 

 
Jal Mahal is a large dimension palace designed using architectural and painting patterns of the Indian culture, as it was a few centuries ago. It is situated right in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, which is surrounded by the Aravalli hills range. The symmetrical building seems to have one floor and its reflection in the water gives visitors a spectacular view, especially in the night time. But there’s more to it.
 
The Jal Mahal palace has another 4 secret floors hidden under the water, and they are just as beautiful as the visible part of this architectural wonder.
 
However, this happened in time, as it was initially built as an establishment for those who used to hunt in the area – particularly the Raja of that time. During those days, the area was only a depression and the water level was rarely increasing, usually when it rained for several days in a row.
 
During the 18h century, the king of Amer – which is nowadays the historical region of Jaipur nearby the lake – decided to build a dam between the two surrounding hills to prevent any flood. It was then that the castle was partially covered in water. Nowadays, visitors can get to the palace using boats especially designed to match the appearance of the building. On the roof, there are various plants, including a few fully grown trees that can be seen from the shore.
 
From the well preserved hand paintings that fill every hall and room to the stairs and the beautifully designed terrace on the roof, the Jal Mahal palace is definitely one of the greatest Indian creations that remained well preserved until the present day.
 
 

Amazing Travel Fact Alaska

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Alaska:

Did you know that there is a building in the world, that houses a whole town? The building has a post office, general store, police station, laundromat, pool, hospital and mayor’s office.
 
Amazing, right?
 
It has become a tourist attraction.
 
Do you know where we need to travel to in order to see this building? As the building is not that pretty, I included one of the country instead.
 
If you’re the ultimate homebody—Whittier, Alaska may be your dream destination.
 
Whittier started out in the mid-1950’s as a military outpost. In recent decades, civilians have begun to trickle into a former army barracks at the heart of the town called Begich Towers. Begich Towers is currently home to 75% of Whittier’s 300 permanent residents. Begich Towers serves as a cozy condominium which features a post office, general store, police station, laundromat, hospital, mayor’s office, and a heated indoor pool. Whittier’s school is connected to Begich Towers by an underground tunnel, so young residents never have to brave harsh wind and snow on their way to the classroom. Begich Towers also features a small bed and breakfast so that visitors can experience Whitter’s warm sense of community.
 
Whittier is relatively close to Anchorage, Alaska—but it is still difficult to access. Whittier is only accessible by boat, and a single drive through tunnel which periodically alternates directions. The drive through tunnel closes every night at 10:30 pm. Whittier residents who ventured to Anchorage for an evening of fun, and missed the 10:30 tunnel cut off time have been known to spend the night in their car. Most Whittier residents love the tiny town’s remote status. Whittier is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and home to majestic animals such as reindeer who live in a small enclosure just outside of Begich Towers, and humpback whales who frolic in the pristine waters of Prince William Sound.
 
 

Amazing Travel Fact England

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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England:

Did you know that the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world was built in the 11th century? A major tourist attraction today, the castle has over 1,000 rooms, more than 300 fireplaces and 78 bathrooms. It even has a palace steward who measures the place settings with a ruler before each major meal.
 
Amazing, right?
 
Do you know where we need to travel in order to visit this castle?…
 
Windsor Castle was originally built by William the Conqueror, who reigned from 1066 until his death in 1087. His original wooden castle stood on the site of the present Round Tower (“A”). The castle formed part of his defensive ring of castles surrounding London, the site chosen in part because of its easily defendable position.
 
A Royal home and fortress for over 900 years, Windsor Castle, the largest occupied castle in the world, remains a working palace today. The Queen uses the Castle both as a private home, where she usually spends the weekend, and as an official Royal residence at which she undertakes certain formal duties from Investitures to State Visits.
 
Every year The Queen takes up official residence in Windsor Castle for a month over Easter (March-April), known as Easter Court. During that time The Queen hosts occasional ‘dine and sleeps’ events for guests, including politicians and public figures and presides over Investiture ceremonies at Windsor Castle throughout the year.
 
Windsor Castle is open to the public, so we can rush over there and see for ourselves.
 

Where in the World Italy

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Italy:

Where is the famous painting displayed?

This painting is one of the masterpieces of Italian Renaissance and one of the highlights of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

The Birth of Venus by Botticelli is one of the most famous paintings of all time. One that never ceases to capture our imaginations.

Botticelli painted the Birth of Venus between 1484-85. It was commissioned by a member of the Florentine Medici family and hung in a bedroom in the Medici’s Villa of Castello, owned by the cadet branch of the Medici family since the mid-15th century. This hypothesis would seem to be born out by the orange trees in the painting, which are considered an emblem of the Medici dynasty, on account of the assonance between the family name and the name of the orange tree, which at the time was ‘mala medica’.

Known as the “Birth of Venus”, the composition actually shows the goddess of love and beauty arriving on land, on the island of Cyprus, born of the sea spray and blown there by the winds, Zephyr and, perhaps, Aura.

The goddess is standing on a giant scallop shell, as pure and as perfect as a pearl. She is met by a young woman, who is sometimes identified as one of the Graces or as the Hora of spring, and who holds out a cloak covered in flowers. Even the roses, blown in by the wind are a reminder of spring.

Botticelli takes his inspiration from classical statues for Venus’ modest pose, as she covers her nakedness with long, blond hair, which has reflections of light from the fact that it has been gilded; even the Winds, the pair flying in one another’s embrace, is based on an ancient work, a gem from the Hellenistic period, owned by Lorenzo the Magnificent.

Travel to Italy

 

Where in the World France

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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France:

Is this real?

It is and its in Attrap’Rêves, Allauch, France
 
Attrap’Rêves is an incredible, unusual and romantic retreat in the French countryside, which will certainly have you and your loved one bubbling over with excitement…
 
Found in the idyllic Provençal setting of Allauch, Attrap’Rêves is an unforgettable hideaway providing total immersion in this gorgeous, peaceful setting.
 
With five individually designed, totally ingenious transparent bubble domes on offer, you can both look forward to a perfectly romantic retreat below the star-studded skies of Provence.
 
Attrap’Rêves roughly translates as ‘Dream Catcher’, but you’ll quickly learn it’s not just a place for catching dreams – it’s a place for making them come true too! Whether you’re enjoying that first or fiftieth romantic escape together, celebrating a special anniversary, or even planning a wonderfully imaginative proposal, Attrap’Rêves has all the ingredients for making your visit as special as can be.
 

Where in the World South Africa

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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South Africa:

Imagine spending the night here?

Chalkley Treehouse, Sabi Sands, South Africa
 
It all began with Chalkley Treehouse, built on the site where our ancestor Guy Aubrey Chalkley once made camp in a leadwood tree. This, of course, would be the ideal place to build the ultimate tree house bedroom, and so came to be The Chalkley Treehouse.
 
The Chalkley Treehouse is a secure and lavish platform under the African skies, the romantic treehouse has all the 5-star comforts, but affords an experience as wild as the animals that roam beneath it.
 
Offering big views of remote Africa, globed by even bigger star-lit skies. Below, the stillness is punctuated by animals’ whistles, huffs, growls… carried on the breeze.
 
Each tree house offers you a complete fresh perspective on the South African bush. Sleeping under the stars in complete privacy whilst listening to the sounds of the bush is an unparalleled experience.
 

Where in the World Switzerland

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Switzerland:

An amazing train – what’s its name and where is it?
 
The Bernina Express
 
The most spectacular way to cross the Alps: the Bernina Express from Chur / St. Moritz – Valposchiavo – Tirano links up regions with different languages and cultures.
 
On the highest railway across the Alps, the Bernina Express climbs up to the glistening glaciers before descending to the palms of Italy far below.
 
The railway is unique, negotiating the 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and inclines of up to 70 per mille with ease. At the highest point on the RhB, 2,253 metres above sea level, you will find the Ospizio Bernina. Here, visitors can delight in the cultural and natural surroundings and enjoy the Alps at their most impressive. The railway line from Thusis – Valposchiavo – Tirano has UNESCO World Heritage status. Thanks to the modern panoramic cars, you will enjoy unrestricted views of the unspoilt Alpine panorama.
 
 

Where in the World Scotland

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Scotland:

This train looks like something out of a movie?

The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland
 
Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes.
 
Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!
 
West Coast Railways, operators of ‘The Jacobite’, provided the steam engine and carriages for the ‘Hogwarts Express’ as seen in the ‘Harry Potter’ films including ‘The Philosopher’s Stone’ and others in this wonderful series of films.
 
The train stops en route to Mallaig at the village of Glenfinnan. Beyond Glenfinnan are the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig. You may alight at Arisaig by request to the guard. From here, on a clear summer’s day, you can see the “Small Isles” of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. The train continues on from here passing Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films “Highlander” and “Local Hero”.
 

Where in the World Cyprus

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Cyprus:

Do you recognise this countries flag?
 
The national flag of Cyprus came into use on 16 August 1960, under the Zurich and London Agreements, whereby a constitution was drafted and Cyprus was proclaimed an independent state.
 
The flag was designed by art teacher İsmet Güney. The design of the flag deliberately employs peaceful and neutral symbols in an attempt to indicate harmony between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, an ideal that has not yet been realised.
 
The national flag features the shape of the entirety of the island, with two olive branches below (a symbol of peace between the island’s two communities) on white (another symbol of peace).
 
The olive branches signify peace between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The map on the flag is a copper-orange colour, symbolising the large deposits of copper ore on the island, from which it may have received its name.
 
 
 

Where in the World Bali

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Bali:

A hotel with an unusual floor in Bambu Indah, Ubud, Bali
 
Is a radically distinctive boutique hotel in Ubud, carefully curated by designers and long-term residents of Bali, John and Cynthia Hardy.
 
In 2005, eleven antique Javanese bridal homes were brought to Bali, restored, and decorated with the finest details.
 
Since then it’s been expanded to the riverside, where they’re pioneering a sustainable future with innovative, bespoke and luxurious bamboo structures for a truly one a kind experience.
 
Now, Bambu Indah is available to travellers from around the world seeking unique experiences while being comforted by the luxury of a natural environment and service of an intimate hotel.
Udang (‘Shrimp’) house provides one of the most unique hotel experiences you may come across. Step inside and onto the tempered glass paneled floor and watch the shrimp and fish swimming below.
 
For the moments when you’re not hovering above the shrimp pond, step outside onto the private terrace to an orchestra of frogs and crickets. Bubbling water fountains fill your ears with soothing swells. This section of Udang is perfect for cozy, lazy afternoon lounging. The roof of Udang mirrors its glass floors, allowing glimpses of pure, unfiltered sun and moonlight in.
 

Where in the World Morocco

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Morocco:

Whose flag is this?
 
The flag of Morocco
 
Red has considerable historic significance in Morocco, proclaiming the descent from royal Alaouite dynasty.
 
On November 17, 1915, Resident General Hubert Lyautey had Sultan Yusef sign a dhahir that made Morocco’s flag red with a green interlaced pentangle. The five points of the star stand for Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom, and Justice.
 
While Morocco was under French and Spanish control, the red flag with the seal in the centre remained in use, but only inland. Its use at sea was prohibited. When independence was restored in 1956, it once again became the national flag.
 
The red background on the Moroccan flag represents hardiness, bravery, strength and valour, while the green represents love, joy, wisdom, peace and hope. It also represents the colour of Islam and the pentagram represents the seal of Solomon.
 

Where in the World Japan

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Japan:

Another famous avenue of trees but where is this beauty?
 
Cedar Avenue of Nikkō, Japan
 
Stretching for 22 miles, the world’s longest tree-lined avenue dates back to the early 17th-century.
 
Despite not being a single continuous road, the Cedar Avenue of Nikkō in Japan is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest tree-lined avenue in the world.
 
Matsudaira Masatsuna, a samurai lord who served Ieyasu in his youth, began planting cryptomeria trees imported from Kii Province to honor his former master, continueing to plant them for over 20 years until his death. By 1648, about 15,000 trees had been planted along the Cedar Avenue.
 
After Masatsuna’s death, the trees were handed over to the governor of Nikkō, who tended them with the utmost care. Despite numerous discussions of lumbering, the Cedar Avenue was protected and preserved by both the government and the public. Even today, nearly 400 years after the first planting, about 12,500 trees have survived despite the road still being active. 
 

Where in the World Mauritius

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Mauritius:

Do you recognise this flag?

The national flag of Mauritius, also known as the Four Bands and Les Quatre Bandes, was adopted upon independence, March 12, 1968.

It consists of four horizontal bands of equal width, coloured (from top to bottom) red, blue, yellow, and green. The flag was recorded at the College of Arms in London on 9 January 1968.

The flag was designed by Gurudutt Moher whose contribution was recognised posthumously in March 2018 in the form of the national title Member of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.
 
The civil ensign (for private vessels) and government ensign (for state vessels) are red and blue flags, respectively, each with the national flag in the canton and the coat of arms of Mauritius in the fly.
The naval ensign (used by coast guard vessels) is an unusual design consisting of red, white, and blue vertical stripes of unequal widths defaced by a central anchor/key emblem.

Travel to Mauritius

 

 
 

Where in the World Peru

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Peru:

A very famous train on its way to a very famous place?
 
Be swept away by old-world charm as Hiram Bingham journeys through the Peruvian highlands.
 
Gleaming wood-panelled interiors and brass finishes evoke classic 1920’s parlour cars, while vibrant colours and nature-inspired motifs reveal a distinctly Peruvian soul.
 
Savour classic local flavours and gourmet cuisine as the train meanders through the breath-taking Sacred Valley. Celebrate the South American spirit with a lively dance as musicians play in the Bar Car. Marvel at the fertile lands and soaring mountains between Cusco and Machu Picchu.
 
Bring the lost art of the pioneer to life with a thrilling rail adventure through the heart of the Inca Empire on Hiram Bingham.
 

Where in the World Turkey

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Turkey:

Love this destination – who has tried to recreate this?
 
Cappadocia, a semi-arid region in central Turkey, is known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys,” tall, cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Monks Valley, Göreme and elsewhere. Other notables sites include Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls by troglodytes (cave dwellers) and later used as refuges by early Christians. The 100m-deep Ihlara Canyon houses numerous rock-face churches.
 
The Sultan Cave Suites became Instagram famous after a roof top sunrise photo from the hotel went viral so its fitting that its terrace is now one of the ultimate Instagram spots in Cappadocia and deservedly so.
 
The roof terrace boasts, arguably, the best view of the hot air balloons rising over Goreme and the Cappadocia Valleys.
 
As the sun rises over Cappadocia the colourful balloons dance over the hotel in every direction and the views are truly breath-taking.
 

Where in the World France

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world, Amazing Facts.

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France:

Is this actually a house?
 
Yes its the Palais Bulles (“Bubble Palace”), Théoule-sur-Mer, near Cannes
 
IN A CREATIVE INDUSTRY, YOU have to be surrounded by environments that inspire you constantly. Resting on rocky cliffs above the Mediterranean, fashion designer Pierre Cardin’s bubble house is the perfect eccentric home to inspire his avant garde work.
 
25 years ago, Cardin was hunting for a summer home that would fit his style; both chic and space-age. In Cannes, he found a partially constructed home that caught his fancy. Designed by architect Antti Lovag, an equally legendary man in his field, the bubble house was being built for a French businessman, who died midway through construction. After the death of the first owner, Cardin swooped in and completed the work.
 
Domed inside and out, the curved structure resembles a bunch of space-age grapes, or a series of submarine pods. Combined with the bright blue skies above Cannes and the intermittent palm tree, the house loses its abstract appearance and gives way to unadulterated high fashion and the lifestyles of the upper class.
 
Although the luscious pale-blue of the pool looks too appealing to pass up a trip to Cannes, don’t book your ticket quite yet. The bubble house was famous for hosting events and festivals, but the host is a few months from 90 years old and parties at the bubble house were as exclusive as Cardin’s clothing lines.
 
 

Where in the World Netherlands

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world, Amazing Facts.

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The Netherlands:

Is this actually a bridge? Where in the world could it be?
 
Its Mozesbrug (Moses Bridge), Halsteren, Netherlands
 
Invisible bridge parts the waters, invoking biblical images and preserving the ominous feel of an ancient moat.
 
The bridge, made completely out of waterproof wood, lies like a trench and disappears into the landscape, but from the vantage point of above or either end, the bridge parts the waters, reminiscent of the prophet it named after.
 
In the case that you are lacking the faith to walk down into and under the water line, the RO&AD architects who designed the bridge assure that flooding would not be an issue.
 
The height of the water is controlled by adjustable dams at both sides of the moat, ensuring that when the water rises, it reaches the dams before the bridge, which also includes a pump just in case the dams overflow.
 
 

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