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Off the Beaten Track in Brighton
Posted on April 23, 2013 by Swapartment
After you’ve toured the Royal Pavilion, eaten doughnuts on the Palace Pier and shopped your socks off in the Lanes, you might be wondering what else there is to do in Brighton. Look no further. Brighton revels in its reputation for all things alternative, and the city is packed with offbeat events and experiences. Here are six ideas to plunge you into the quirkier side of Brighton life:
1. Wander around the city’s sewers.
For a truly unique experience, book a guided tour with Southern Water, whose engineers have been taking visitors around the city’s Victorian sewer system for more than fifty years. Popular with tourists and locals alike, the sewers were named, a few years ago, ‘the best place to visit in Brighton’ by local businesses. It is definitely one of the most remarkable attractions in the area and is a must-do if you prefer your sightseeing a bit on the strange side. Sensible footwear is strongly recommended.
2. Have a cup of tea and slice of cake with some local artists.
Every weekend throughout May, artists across the city open their homes to the general public. With their living rooms, kitchens and even their gardens transformed into art galleries, the Open Houses event is an ideal opportunity to browse affordable artwork while chatting to the people who created it. Whether it’s pottery or painting or sculpture that’s your passion, these events genuinely have something to appeal to everyone.
3. Do the Undercliff walk.
This is not a traditional stroll on the beach. Stretching from Brighton Marina eastwards to the town of Saltdean, the walk is on a seawall separating high chalky cliffs and crashing waves from the English Channel. While the countryside surrounding Brighton is well-renowned for its beautiful walks, this remains one of the most inspiring. You can choose to do the whole 4.5 kilometres of the walk, or turn around at any point and return the way you came. Several cafes are dotted along the way.
4. Hang out with ‘Water Gypsies’ along the River Adur.
You can find a bizarre collection of forty-odd houseboats behind a row of beach huts in Shoreham, just a few miles to the west of Brighton. Comprised of old torpedo boats, decrepit oyster catchers and vessels that look like they’ve been designed by Dr. Seuss, the houseboats are home to a close-knit community of writers, musicians, Buddhists and others who have moved there to pursue alternative lifestyles. The houseboats are rich in history, and many of the residents are happy to share their fascinating stories with passers-by.
5. Check out an Advent calendar with a difference.
If you’re visiting Brighton in December, then the Advent calendar of beach huts – yes, beach huts - is something you should really try to see. The huts, which are otherwise rarely used in the winter months, are temporarily taken over by festive installations of every description. Each night the doors of one beach hut are opened to reveal a beautiful surprise inside. In recent years, a local retailer has contributed more conventional chocolate as part of the event.
6. Sit in a comfy chair with some wine and catch an art house film.
The Duke of York’s Picture House, the oldest cinema in Britain, is as famous for its relaxed and inviting atmosphere as it is for the large cancan legs that dangle from its upstairs window. Forget popcorn and fizzy drinks; at the Duke of York’s it’s cake and beer. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, some are now even choosing to get married there.
If you explore the city with this list, you will virtually be Brightonian by the end of it. Then you can do some sunbathing on the beach, safe in the knowledge that you have earned your quirky stripes.
A Visitor's Guide to Lithuania
Posted on April 02, 2013 by Swapartment
Lithuania is a small country on the Baltic Sea with a population of around three and a half million. While it hasn’t been as popular as a tourist destination as its fellow Baltic nations, Latvia and Estonia, many who have been to all three Baltic countries have a soft spot for Lithuania in particular. From the charming medieval old town of Vilnius to the majestic castle on the lakes at Trakai, Lithuania, at the right time of the year, can be a wonderful place to visit.
Lithuania became a member of the European Union in 2004. The official language is Lithuanian, one of only two surviving members of the Baltic language group (the other being Latvian). English is quite widely spoken in more touristy areas, however Russian and Polish are also very common in many parts of the country.
When to Go
The best time of year to visit Lithuania is any time between May and late September. Summers can be quite hot, especially in Vilnius and other inland locations, but the summer months have a wonderful charm about them thanks to the generally reliable weather and the vibrant café culture.
For most people, Lithuania should be avoided during the winter months and during the big thaw that typically occurs in late March. Winters in Lithuania are usually bitterly cold with temperatures sometimes dropping to -20 and lower, and snow covering the entire country for several weeks to a couple of months.
Where to Go
Vilnius, Lithuania's charming capital city, is by far the most popular destination in the country.
It's a small and manageable city which is easily navigable by foot. There are plenty of charming, rustic side-streets and parks to stroll through when the weather is good. The Town Hall Square, Cathedral Square and Gedemino Avenue are truly beautiful areas of town.
Vilnius boasts various attractions, and most of them can be seen in a few days. The cathedral is an impressive
neo-classical structure right in the centre and, behind it, the Royal Palace, demolished in 1801, has recently been reconstructed. Leading down from there is Gedemino Prospektas, Vilnius's stunning main avenue lined with upmarket hotels, shops and restaurants.
No other town in Lithuania offers as much to tourists as Vilnius does, although Kaunas and Klaipeda, Lithuania's second and third cities both have charming old towns.
Klaipeda, Lithuania's port city, is also a short ferry ride away from the beautiful dunes of the Curonian Spit.
The Spit, known for it’s fine sandy beaches and pristine landscape, is a giant sand dune that separates the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. The 100 km long peninsula stretches from the Kaliningrad region, all the way to the town of Klaipeda.
Lithuania's famous pilgrimage site, the Hill of Crosses is also worth the visit. It's a two-hour drive from Vilnius, located just outside the city of Siauliai, in northern Lithuania. The shrine boasts a small hill, covered with a whopping number of about 100.000 crosses, brought here by Catholic pilgrims, over the course of two hundred years.
The most popular day trip destination from Vilnius is Trakai, a charming town on the lake, about half an hour away by bus from the city. Here, visitors can explore the small island castle or take boat rides and swim in the surrounding lakes, while in the winter months, visitors can get to the castle by walking across the frozen lake even.
Getting There and Around
Lithuania, until recently, was one of the more difficult places to get to cheaply. Since joining the European Union, however, regular cheap flights now serve both Vilnius and Kaunas, although most of them are from London Stansted.
There are many international busses going to Vilnius or passing through the city. International trains are rare and within Lithuania itself, the most common way to get around is to travel by bus.
Local transport within Vilnius itself is cheap and fairly reliable, although, there is rarely any need to catch public transport within the city itself, since almost all of the tourist sites and hotels are within walking distance of each other.
Eating and Drinking
Lithuanian food is typically fairly heavy and meat oriented, with some of the most popular ingredients being potatoes, cabbage, pork, sour cream and dill. It is typically affordable and there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to choose from. Some of the most typical Lithuanian dishes include Cepelinai (heavy potato dumplings stuffed with meat and served with sour cream and bacon bits) and Saltibarsciai (cold beetroot soup). Besides the local flavors, the country also offers a vast number of good quality Italian restaurants, Steakhouses and Belgian pub fare.
When it comes to alcohol, one of the traditional favourites of the country has long been vodka, which in Lithuanian, is called "degtine". Krupnikas, a thick honey-based spirit is also popular. For light alcohol, beer is the favourite drink and Lithuania produces some world-class beers such as Kalnapilis, Svyturys and Utenos. Wine is becoming more common, with many bars being rebranded as "wine bars", although wine is typically expensive or of questionable quality.
If you want to try a typical soft-drink from the region, try gira, a refreshing fizzy drink made from black bread.
Visiting Porto E Norte
Posted on March 14, 2013 by Swapartment
Portugal's past is ever-present in modern-day Porto E Norte. The Guimaraes medieval castle is the birthplace of Portugal's first king, Dom Afonso Henriques; its impressive facade stands out amid the city's other equally stunning historic residences. Porto E Norte's fortified churches serve as evidence of a country in turmoil. These churches were built during the Romanesque period, a time of great instability in the region. The Coa Archaeological Park, meanwhile, has the world's largest collection of Paleolithic rock paintings. This World Heritage Site will give all visitors a glimpse into humanity's ancient past. And the history of the earth itself is on display in many of Porto E Norte's buildings.
Granite forms much of the bedrock in northern Portugal; in historic times, builders used this durable stone as a building material. Several churches in the area showcase granite slabs as architectural works of art - the finest examples are at the Churches of S. Pedro de Rates and S. Pedro, as well as the Church of S. Salvador de Bravaes.
The Serra do Geres protected reserve is popular with families. Teenagers can take to the waters of the Canicada reservoir for swimming and water skiing, while the younger children will enjoy a guided nature walk or a visit to a local village. Serious hikers can head to the village of Pitoes das Junias; the main road ends at the village's boundary, and the continuing trail winds through a countryside dotted with picturesque waterfalls and streams.
The Peneda-Geres National Park draws many visitors to its borders with beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Several unique species make their home in the park, including wild ponies, golden eagles and the Castro Laboreiro dog breed. Visitors to the park can bike along a former Roman road and hike through valleys and canyons. The more adventurous explorers can follow the route from Mata da Albergaria to Portela do Homem. The challenging path is marked by ‘mariolas', stone piles left by shepherds. The rewards are well worth the effort; the route leads to some of Portugal's greatest natural sights, including thundering waterfalls and scenic lookouts.
The Minho region also attracts its fair share of adventure seekers. Climbers can scale the peaks of the region's mountains to see views over the vast countryside. Canoeists and white-water rafters, meanwhile, can paddle down the area's rivers - the Minho, Lima, Cavado, Ave and Tamega - while taking in the scenery. Anglers can try their luck in these rivers, since fish are in abundant supply in the clear waters.
But perhaps the region is best known for the Douro River valley. Not only is this vine-lined waterway a scenic masterpiece, it is the birthplace of one of the world's favorite wines - port.
A World Heritage Site, the Douro vineyards combine to form one of the oldest demarcated regions in the world; the productive vineyards have been producing port since 1756.
Today, visitors to the region can tour the vineyards and sample the vintages. The Gaia wine cellars cater to couples looking for romance amid the vines.
From seafood on the coast to sausages and smoked meats in the interior, Porto E Norte is known for its rustic and comforting dishes. Traditional taverns offer informal dining menus ideal for families; the region's modern restaurants, meanwhile, cater to adults seeking an unforgettable night out.
The accommodation in Porto E Norte is just as varied as the menu. Tourists can sleep in a campground, youth hostel, or tourist apartment. Many hotels cater to families by offering special activities for the younger guests. But an overnight stay in a Pousada de Portugal is the best way to experience the region. These luxury accommodations are set up in historic castles and monasteries tucked into the picturesque countryside.
Yet no matter where he stays, no traveler to the region will stay hidden in his room for long. The cultural and natural sights of Porto E Norte are always beckoning.