Sunday, December 2, 2012

5 Spanish celebrations we should adopt

The Spanish year is punctuated by regular celebrations and festivities. Thanks largely to its Roman Catholic heritage, there are plenty of local saints’ days to provide excuses for fiestas and carousing.

The Spanish sure know how to do celebrations, and here are five that language students studying Spanish courses in Spain reckon could definitely brighten up dull periods in the year back home.

Las Fallas


Las Fallas, Valencia


This impressive festival takes place each March in Valencia. It’s a week-long assault on the senses, with fireworks, fanfare and famous effigies looming and booming through the town centre. Originally a tribute to Saint Joseph the patron saint of Valencia, this is now a pyromaniac’s delight. Only the best effigy is spared the flames whilst the rest blaze through the night illuminating the revellers below.

Semana Santa and La Feria de Abril, Seville


The beautiful historic and cultural centre of Seville is home to two of the biggest celebrations of the year, which follow hard on the heels of one another. Students from language school Clic Seville in Spain have returned with enthusiastic descriptions of both.

Semana Santa (which is our Holy Week or Easter) is a week of feasting and religious processions, featuring masked parades and enormous floats carrying Roman Catholic figures.

La Feria de Abril loses all sombre pretences and sees hundreds of tents and amusement park rides announcing the arrival of Seville's Feria. Everyone gets into the spirit, dressing in traditional clothes to eat, drink and be merry, whilst dancing the nights away with frenetic flamenco.

Fiesta de San Fermin, Pamplona


Fiesta de San Fermín


Mid-July sees the northern town of Pamplona literally overrun by this festival. The Running of the Bulls was publicised globally by Ernest Hemingway and still thrills intrepid locals and tourists each year. Thousands of locals and visitors brace themselves each morning as they stand in front of a stampeding herd of bulls and sprint through the city’s streets. Olé!

La Tomatina, Buñol


The last Wednesday in August sees one of the most bizarre celebrations in Spain. In Buñol tourists and locals gather for a tomato fight reminiscent of the custard-pie battle at the end of Bugsy Malone.

This surreal spectacle is the culmination of festivities to mark Buñol's patron saint, although its significance is no doubt long lost in the annals of history. The local government sponsors the event and graciously provides more than 88,000 pounds of tomatoes as ammunition.


La Tomatina

La Candelaria


Regional differences in Spain become apparent in the way towns and cities choose to celebrate. All over Spain, parades, feasts, and carousing mark, in their own way, the anniversary of the day Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem for purification, forty days after his birth. Candles symbolise the light of purification but there the similarities between festivities ends.

In Madrid clowns dressed as Andalusian farmers bring out wooden bulls to enact hilarious mock bullfights with outlandish matadors. Everyone drinks the sangria (or bull’s blood) that results. In A Pobra de Trives, Ourense, homemade roasted sausages are cooked on bonfires and passed around.

Horses and parades are used in other towns and, bizarrely, this day of the pure is marked in Almonacid del Marquesado, Cuenca, by hundreds of devils jumping and prancing through the streets.




Useful links

The Telegraph - La Tomatina

See the chaos of the world’s biggest tomato fight in pictures

YouTube - Fiesta de San Fermin

Watch how the city celebrates on its feet as the bulls head through town

Spanish fiestas

Find out more about Spanish celebrations

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Cold Weather Solution: House Party!


Autumn and winter are very cold seasons. Snow, rain and wind seems to be one of the only things we can find on the streets. On top of all of this, the darkness falls very early. But please don’t worry about that, if you do not feel comfortable outside, prepare a flat party!

First, plan your party for when your parents are away from home. After that, call your friends and if your house is big enough, ask them to bring just one more person with them. But remember, do not let it get out of hand; don’t announce it by social networks!!

Meet with them to collect money to buy some important stuff (food, drinks, plastic plates and glasses, etc.). In these occasions the best food is ready meals and fast food; nice, easy and quick!


Later on, choose your favourite music and leave it in the computer you’re going to use. I recommend rock, pop and electro music because this tends to please anyone.

Move all furniture (or anything that makes dancing difficult) anything valuable that could be broken or stained.

And that’s it- call your friends to get to your house as soon as possible to start the party and just be concerned about enjoying your evening.

You can follow more tips on The House Party People, but do not get stuck too much!

My best advice is that if the party can be carried out in a friend’s house, it’s better than yours!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Five ways to celebrate the end of your residential IGCSE exams


Studying for any exam is tough enough but the IGCSE is widely recognised as one of the most rigorous methods of assessing the knowledge and understanding of 15-16 year olds that there is. This means it requires some serious revision.

Many schools with excellent academic reputations, particularly independent international schools, have already abandoned traditional GCSEs in favour of IGCSE exams. It is no surprise that the government’s recent response to growing criticism that GCSEs have become ‘too easy’ was to announce it will now pursue a model similar to the IGCSE.

If the IGCSE exam is tough it follows that students who have studied at a school offering residential IGCSE exams will have studied hard and therefore will know best how to celebrate when the stress and pressure is finished.

Former students of Alexander International School (www.alexandersschool.com) here offer the five best ways to celebrate the end of your exams.

1. Mementoes


Studying an IGCSE as a residential student is an intense experience but you make strong bonds with your peers and find friends for life. Several students commissioned or made mementoes to commemorate the end of their exams. These ranged from scrapbooks of collected signatures and witty aphorisms to photo collages of friends collated from everyone’s end of term pictures.

Other celebratory mementoes included specially printed t-shirts, group photos of everyone impersonating someone else in the gang and custom cups printed with ‘mug shots’ of classmates.

2. Experience days


A special day out with friends helps you spend time together while getting those thrills that revision has taken away from you. Theme parks provide plenty of adrenaline rushes and great opportunities to have a laugh at each other’s terrified looks and white knuckles.

Group bungee jumps are another option for a sharp rush of excitement, whereas overnight camping and makeover sessions or pamper days offer a more calming way to burn off that stress.

Rollercoaster ride

3. Nights out


Themed nights out were also popular, with a dress to impress code strictly adhered to and a stretch limo delivering friends to their favourite Italian restaurant for a slap-up celebratory meal and a chance to feel special. Others traded their trainers for bowling shoes and took out their pent up aggression and stress on those poor white skittles waiting at the end of the lane.

Bowling

4. Nights in


Another way to celebrate was to have a night in with a difference. Three DVDs were chosen for a marathon movie session and everyone agreed to dress as a character from one of them before arriving to enjoy a night of popcorn, pizza and pals.

5. Festivals


How fortunate that the end of exams coincides with the start of music festival time in the UK. For all those music fans out there looking for a real celebration what could be better than checking out your favourite bands, camping in a field and enjoying the sun?

Of course the British weather may not always play ball, but you will cherish those snaps of you and your classmates in mud splattered wellies forever.








Resource box

IGCSEs
Find out more about IGCSEs.


Choose from hundreds of wild day experiences to celebrate finishing your exams.

Make the celebration memorable with these personalised gifts.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Little Everyday Things to Celebrate

Why wait for milestones and events to have a celebration when we can have something to celebrate everyday? When we get buried in our daily routine, we forget the little things that make every day bearable and worth to be lived. These things should be celebrated, simply and without fuss, just to remind them to ourselves.

Every achievement is a victory

 

 

After all, we are all winners and this in itself is worth celebrating! It can help getting through a long day at work or forgetting it altogether to remind yourself of little achievements, even if you think they are meaningless. Any problem solved, whatever its importance, is a victory and can be simply celebrated with a fist in the air and a 'yes' whispered to yourself. Not much maybe, but still better than nothing. Acknowledging that you are making progress will simply help you to tackle the rest of the day.

Create your own celebration opportunity

 

There are no rules about what you can celebrate, so make your own! You like a certain type of food and it's now in season? Have a feast of it to welcome it. Have a dance to celebrate the win of your team, or listen to your favourite singer to mark the release of their new album. If you're happy, just say it, and why not baking a cake to celebrate? Life in itself is a celebration so don't stop celebrating every little things.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

The Best UK Events for the Winter Months



Just because it is winter does not mean that you have to stop entertaining employees and clients, especially because there is so much to do in London during these months. As long as you know what is happening in the city during the winter, you will have no problem coming up with a number of great winter activities for those within your organisation.

ATP World Tour Finals
The ATP World Tour Finals is a major tennis event that is held in November at the O2 Arena. Since the event is held indoors, you will not have any problems keeping your guests warm throughout the event. This event officially ends the ATP season, which means that many of the top players in professional tennis attend. The format of the ATP World Tour Finals is slightly different from traditional events, as only the top eight singles players and the top eight doubles teams are invited. These players then participate in a round-robin tournament, which means that you can watch the top players in the world multiple times.

Autumn Internationals
The QBE Rugby Internationals is another major event held in London during November, as a number of the top national rugby teams in the world challenge the English side. These matches, which are held at Twickenham Stadium, are considered hospitality matches, but they get ultra-competitive and are a great place to bring guests. Remember that these matches take place outside, so be sure to dress for the occasion.



London Bierfest
London Bierfest 2012 takes place during the first week of October. Although it is a little bit earlier than other winter events, it is a great place to bring employees because of its laidback atmosphere and affordable prices. This is similar to the Oktoberfest that is held in Germany, although it does include a distinct English flavour that you will not find at these events in any other country.

Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is a great place to bring your staff because there is so much to do there. Held at Hyde Park between the end of November and the first week in January, this festival features the largest outdoor ice rink in the world, markets, a Ferris wheel and all kinds of Christmas related scenery. This event is an especially memorable place if you have corporate clients visiting from another country, as they will be impressed by what the Winter Wonderland brings to London.




As you can see, London is a city with plenty to do in the winter, especially if you know where to look. Whether you want to take your guests to a sporting event or have them witness the outdoor spectacles that the residents of London already love, you can find the perfect retreat without leaving London's city limits.


The article was produced by supplier of autumn internationals 2012 tickets and hospitality - Keith Prowse.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Easy Meals for Big Parties



Throwing a successful dinner party is a major milestone of adulthood. It proves that the host has learned how to properly prepare a healthy meal. She will have cleaned and arranged her home so that her friends will be impressed by her station in life. Not everyone has the time, space and finances to host a large party, so being able to do so is a sign of high social status and career success. Even if the host is not hurting for money, she will still need to avoid spending too much money on food and drinks for her party.
 























Italian Family-style
Italian food is always a big hit at a party. Pasta is inexpensive and can be made in large amounts. Pasta can be upgraded if the host chooses a whole-grain variety and uses a unique sauce. For example, she can serve it with alfredo sauce or plain pesto. Another standard that always goes over well is a salad. A classic garden salad with Italian, ranch or vinaigrette dressing can be made in the minutes preceding the start of the party. If the host wants her salad to be the entree, she can make it more substantial with a few minor adjustments. Fruit and nuts can be added to mixtures of baby spinach leaves an other dark greens. A sweet salad can be tossed with apple cider vinegar or raspberry vinaigrette dressing. A basic Caesar salad is transformed into a full meal by simply adding chicken to it. Small pieces of cooked chicken can be placed in a dish next to the salad. This way, guests can add as much chicken as they want, and vegetarians will still be able to enjoy the salad.

Small Sandwiches
Small sandwiches are good for parties at which the guests will not be sitting down the entire time. The host can make three or four different kinds of sandwiches on different kinds of bread and cut them into quarters. The guests will be able to sample each kind. At least one type of sandwich should be meatless. Toasted bruschetta is a suitable appetizer.

Individual Desserts
Cupcakes and cookies are better than single large cakes when serving a standing group. Sticking with finger foods means that the host will not risk running out of clean silverware before everyone has finished eating. She can limit her flatware to small paper plates that she can just throw away. She should provide a few bottles of wine for her guests and advise them to bring anything else that they would like to drink.


This post was written by the event planning experts at ezCater.com. For more informationa nd to order Frederick catering among other locations visit ezCater.com.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Four Fun Party Favour Ideas


Throwing a party can be a stressful time for anyone, even a professional party planner that does it for a living. There are simply so many details to think of: venue, food, guests, entertainment, logistics and more. It’s easy to get lost in the details and forget one of the things that have the potential to make a lasting impression on your guests and to ensure that your occasion is one that they’ll remember: thoughtful and unique party favours.

The key to crafting a successful gift is thinking about what your guests might actually want to use and then finding a way to incorporate an element or reminder of your event into the items. There is no point of giving them a keepsake item that they’re not going to be particularly excited about or keen on keeping. You also want to purchase items from a website like InkHead.com, for example, where you can buy personalized items in bulk. Trying to buy from speciality shops may be very expensive and can drive your planning costs up higher than you want them to be.

Party favours make an impact on your guests. Whether it’s a 50th birthday party, a bat mitzvah, a wedding or a child’s birthday, you can help them remember the wonderful time they had at your event by giving them a small gesture or gift when they leave. The things you select need not be excessive or elaborate though. Sometimes small yet thoughtful is better than expensive but generic.
Here are some party favour ideas for unique, memorable and thoughtful gifts to give your guests.
  • Picture frames
Personalised photo frames are a great way to thank your guest for attending your party. You can engrave them with the name and date of your event, and send guests pictures afterwards to put in their frame. In any case, a picture frame is something your guests are certain to use.


  • Engraved lighters
Everyone, even those that do not smoke, can find uses for a lighter. From campfires to candles, your guests will most certainly find ways to use their present, and each time they do, it will remind them of your memorable occasion.
  • Water bottles or mugs
Personalised water bottles or mugs will give your guests a fond memory each time they get thirsty. You can include a photo, a quote or the date and details of your party to remind your guests of what a great time they had.
  • Candles
Candles are a great gift to give your guests, as it will add a special touch to their home or apartment. With a variety of colours and styles, you can be creative and create personalised candles that are sure to please your guests.



Samantha really enjoys writing about business. If you'd like to learn more about thoughtful and unique party favors, please visit http://www.inkhead.com/

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Celebrate the Return of Autumn

After a couple of hot summer months (well, depending where you were...), the time has come for the autumn to come back and take us slowly in the winter and the festive season. Crispy cold mornings and early sunsets, nature changing colours from green to yellow and orange, warm flames in fireplace, what is not to like in the months of September, October and November? Everything seems quieter and homes are getting cosier, so let's celebrate this dramatic change of season.


Go out to the countryside



A walk on a Sunday morning in the cold countryside will do better than any exercise to make you feel better. Indeed, a bit of fresh air will get your blood circulate and will oxygenate your brain. You will be guaranteed to spend some quiet time after the agitation of the summer. Take the time to see how the nature is changing and how the wildlife is getting ready for the winter. An autumn walk has a certain charm and can be a very romantic time.


Eat seasonal



Forget the salads and other light meals you had during the summer, this is the season of pies and roast, perfect sustenance after a Sunday morning walk for example. Autumn food includes game such as venison and pheasant, as well root vegetables, mushrooms and of course pumpkins. Don't let the cold get to you, it gives you an excuse to eat richer meals than usual.

5 amazing ways to celebrate your anniversary


It’s important to always celebrate life’s special milestones, and in a relationship that means anniversaries.

Doing something special for your wedding or relationship anniversary is a great opportunity to take a break and show the special person in your life how much you appreciate them.

If you have an anniversary looming – whether it’s a paper right through to a gold – why not go the extra mile with something unique and romantic to really show your other half how much you care?

1.   Relive the honeymoon

No doubt we all loved our wedding, but it’s safe to assume that most people’s special day didn’t pass without a fair dose of planning and organisation. The stress-free part about getting married that we are all happy to relive, is in fact, the honeymoon.

Set off on a mini-break with your loved one and get away from the daily grind. You might retrace your footsteps from all those years ago, or perhaps discover a new part of the world entirely.

This is the perfect way to celebrate for couples who love and appreciate travel. If you’re looking to find people who share your passions, online dating is a great way to help you find highly compatible people.




2.   Kick the bucket list into shape

Why not use your anniversary as an excuse to do something that the pair of you have always dreamt of? Bungee jumping, skydiving, rally car driving, taking a wine tour of New Zealand, dining at that fancy restaurant – the options really are endless. This is a great way to tailor the special day to your personal taste and really make the most it. 





3.   Do something symbolic

Obviously wedding anniversaries are all about symbolism – a beautiful reminder of your first day as a married couple. So why not create something that acts as an enduring reminder of your time together?

Planting a garden together is a practical project to share together and one that continues to be rewarding as time goes by. Inner city couples could instead opt for a herb garden, or if you have less of a green thumb, why not take a class together or learn a new skill as a pair?

4.   Dine like a star

If you like the idea of a traditional ‘dinner date’ anniversary, then why not transform the meal into one that your partner will never forget? Every city has a renowned restaurant that you’re sure to have admired from afar. Bite the bullet and book two seats for a dinner experience they will cherish.

If you’re partner does the bulk of the cooking, why not read up on a delicious recipe and surprise them with your new found culinary skills and a delicious home prepared feast?




5.   Make a romantic gesture

If you and your partner have been together for a long time, maybe it’s time to brush off the cobwebs and prove you’re still a romantic at heart.

Romantic gestures might seem a bit cheesy, but they’re a sure-fire way to show your loved one how much you care. For anyone dating in Australia, you can’t look past a romantic dinner by the beach or charter a sunrise hot-air balloon ride with champagne. 



Resource box
Great mini-break ideas that combine holidays with excellent food and wine.
Compare cheap flights for an affordable trip away








Friday, August 3, 2012

Plenty to Celebrate on the First Week of Olympics

The world have been watching plenty of sports that they would possibly never normally tend to watch; it turns out my father is now a Handball guru despite the fact that he’s never actually watched a game before this week. It just goes to demonstrate the influence of the Olympic Games and how it can hook a brand new audience into so many different sports.

London has had a lot to celebrate about; hosting the largest sporting event in the World, with public transport running smoothly and welcoming visitors from across the globe. 

Transport for London
Great Britain has a lot to celebrate; British fans have represented Team GB with so much pride & enthusiasm, whilst being great sports and supporting many athletes- not just British- such as Niger's Hamadou Djibo Issaka who received an overwhelming reception from the crowd after crossing the line 80 seconds after the winner.

The World has many reasons to celebrate; athletes have trained so hard for years and have finally been able to show their skill and athleticism to the World. All of these countries have – like The Beatles’ song – come together! We’ve watched USA’s Michael Phelps win his 20th Olympic medal (which was his 16th gold medal) and a 15 year old girl win Gold in swimming. USA and China have a lot to be proud of, as they’ve flown ahead in terms of total medals.

Michael Phelps

At times like this, it’s so nice to see the globe cheering on their nation’s top athletes with pride, passion and sportsmanship. The next week will most definitely be packed full of excitement, joy & despair. But if there’s one thing we can take out of these games, it’s the wonderful support and spirit the Olympics has carried not just in Great Britain, but around the World.

So cheer your nation.. Get behind them.. And celebrate!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

End-of-year-trip


This is one of the most exciting moments in your life. You and your mates have just finished your long degree and now it’s time to spend a vacation far from home- you deserve it!!

As you are still a student you are probably broke, so it’s important that you focus on a cheap trip without taking too much away.

A really good option is to fly to Tunisia because it’s not so expensive if you contract a holiday package from any travel agency. The most usual is that they offer you a 4-days-package, which is enough to find some relax combined with nights of guaranteed fun.

In Tunisia you will find wonderful beaches with hot temperatures, which have nothing to envy compared to the Caribbean ones. I strongly recommend the beaches from Tunis and Melloula in which you will find a wide range of different beaches: rocky, white and fine sand and wild beaches.


Do not miss the opportunity to take a walk on the back of a camel on the hot dessert, it is quite funny!

If your holiday package doesn’t include a visit to the Termas of Saint Anthony in Cartago or the Amphitheater in Djem, ask for them because it’s definitely worthwhile.

The night life in Tunisia is quite entertaining; you will find numerous artistic and cultural spectacles. Musical gigs are habitual in cities such as Tunis, Yasmine, Hammamet or Djerba.


Monday, April 30, 2012

Celebrate your anniversary in Private Luxury in the City of Love


Going away for your anniversary is the perfect way to re-kindle romance in your relationship and to keep the fire of passion burning. It’s also a great way to spend time together away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and routine. Choosing where to stay for a romantic weekend can be challenging. It’s important to get the balance right between relaxation and romance. Choosing a hotel can be difficult, because many hotels are aimed at families and younger groups of travellers, meaning that it’s hard to get any peace and quiet on your own. Another down side to staying in a hotel is that you can sometimes be bound by rules and curfews, disrupted by housekeeping and would have to stick to pleasantries when bumping in to other guests.


One way to escape to an entirely un-disturbed break away and to still enjoy luxury surroundings is to find a house swap. Finding a property that the homeowner isn’t going to be using for a weekend or two allows you to have the entire apartment or house to yourselves as a couple. You can use the home facilities as much as you like and even cook your own romantic meals. Most luxury homes and apartments in a home swapping or house exchange scheme have romantic features like a hot tub, spa bath or beautiful views to enjoy in the privacy of your own (borrowed) home.

It’s not surprising that many couples looking to escape for a romantic break away choose Paris, the city of Love. Home exchange France is very popular, and the type of properties available to stay in for your anniversary range from city centre Penthouse apartments with views over the Eiffel Tower, to hideaway Châteaux and farm house cottages on the outskirts of the city. 




If you do choose to celebrate your anniversary in France, there is plenty of regional wine and of course Champagne to enjoy. Fresh organic ingredients for a romantic meal for two are always nearby at a farmer’s market and the Belgian neighbours make some fantastic chocolates as well.

Choosing a private house to stay in over a hotel will allow you all the flexibility you need for your romantic anniversary. If it’s a long term relationship, and you are perhaps celebrating a Silver or Gold Wedding Anniversary, then you may choose to invite the family along to stay with you too. The benefit of house swapping is that it is completely flexible. There’s no nightly fee so you can stay as long as you like within the agreed time, or leave early if you please. There’s no reason why the two of you can’t arrive a few nights ahead of the family to enjoy the luxury property to yourselves, and then enjoy the extra space with all of the family around you to celebrate later in the week.




Monday, April 23, 2012

Experience the gift of a great weekend every month


Be honest with yourself, are you making enough of your weekends? Do you make time for yourself and your loved ones or do you secretly switch on your laptop and catch up on work related stuff whilst you wait for your laundry to be finished?

More and more people seem to forget what the weekend is all about. The end of the week should be a time to unwind and do whatever you want to do.  From experience we can tell you that a weekend well spent makes the working week a lot less stressful.  Take two off days to relax and unwind and forget your daily chores to replenish yourself.  If you think you have to wait with having fun until your vacation, think again.

From now on put your thinking cap on and start to celebrate the weekend, every weekend. These tips should help you to get some great ideas.


Become an adrenaline junky

Get out of your comfort zone and try something different. Sometimes it seems people only test their limits when on holiday or abroad. As if your sense for adventure has to be kept quiet for the rest of the year. Sounds ridiculous but is very true for most of us unfortunately. So go out and find your nearest place to go zorbing, rock climbing or skydiving.  




Immerse yourself in culture

Locate a nice museum and spend a day strolling around and admiring the art, history or sculptures within. Many art galleries and museums have special events and expositions during the weekend so it might be worth to check your local newspaper or city magazine for the best tips.  After the museum, enjoy a nice stroll through the park and a delicious meal before heading to the theatre for an evening performance.




Calm down, relax and unwind

Locate your nearest spa facility and book yourself a day, or an entire weekend, of pure relaxation. Visit a spa that offers beauty treatments, professional massages and holistic therapy instead of going to the local sauna for true relaxation.



Take a breath of fresh air

Enjoy the great outdoors, whether it rains or shines. Britain is home to lovely nature reserves and national parks that are worthy of a visit. Think of the gorgeous New Forest, the incredible Lake District and beautiful Dartmoor. These parks have some great recreational activities on offer such as cycling, horse riding, hiking and windsurfing. Explore the surroundings, adore the wild animals and enjoy a great home cooked meal in one of the countryside pubs these parks are rich of.   



And finally, relax

This should be the priority every single weekend. The term relaxing means something different to everyone. Some people like to sleep in whilst others like to rise early and make the most of the day. When planning how to spend your weekend always keep in mind how you want to relax. It has no use to get up early every week when that doesn’t float your boat. The purpose of the weekend is for you to unwind, relax and re-energise yourself. Motivate your friends and family to do the same by surprising them with experience gift packs instead of birthday or anniversary presents.

Friday, March 9, 2012

You two can get away to Lisbon


If want to get away but can't decide on medieval mystery or slick modern shopping why not head to Lisbon, capital city of Portugal? Situated on Europe's Atlantic coast, Lisbon has been the home port of explorers for hundreds of years but still remains an undiscovered treasure of a city, less than two and a half hours by plane from London.



When to go

Whatever the time of year, the weather in Lisbon is always likely to be warmer and sunnier than the UK. Major sites and tourist attractions, including art galleries and museums, are open all year round, but timing a visit to coincide with one of Lisbon's many religious or cultural festivals, will add extra colour and variety to a trip. Highlights include:

  • The Festa de Santo António, 12 to 13 June
Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon in 1195 and was revered in his lifetime for his compassion and his help with matchmaking and relationships. This two day feast celebrates his legacy with parades, music, dancing and fireworks, plus lots of wine and grilled sardines. Even today single women pray for Saint Anthony's help to find husbands, and newly-weds dedicate gifts in his honour.

  • Festa do Vinho, first fortnight in November
Winter visitors may find the Festival do Vinho more heart-warming. The year's young wine is toasted and drunk in vast quantities, music and folk dancing is plentiful, and handicrafts are on sale for some early Christmas shopping.



Where to stay

With a long history of hospitality to visitors, Lisbon offers a range of accommodation options within easy walking distance of the main attractions. For a short stay, visitors can splash out on the old-fashioned grandeur of the Hotel Metropole overlooking the fountains of Rossio Square.

For a short or longer term budget option, why not consider a local home stay? Shared apartment rentals in Lisbon can be booked through wimdu.co.uk, an online service putting city visitors in touch with locals offering quality-checked spare rooms to rent out. It's a great option for visitors wanting to make the most of local knowledge to enhance their stay.



What to do

While there are many options on a longer stay, for a short stay there are certain sites and activities that should be on everyone's Lisbon to do list.

The UNESCO world heritage site at Belém is approximately six kilometres west of the centre, and is worth the small effort to get there. The area is important as the place from which Vasco da Gama set sail in 1497 on his two year voyage to discover the sea route to India, thereby changing the balance of world economic and political power. The monastery built to celebrate his achievements is only one highlight of this area. At opposing ends of the human timescale, there are also the National Museum of Archaeology and the Museum of Design.

For those with a sense of irony, check out the We Hate Tourism tours.


What to eat and drink

Eating and drinking in Lisbon is what many people come to do. Making the best of its coastal location, seafood is plentiful. The influence of Indian and African spices and French cuisine can also be can also be found in many of the indoor and outdoor restaurants. So even if you have a holiday apartment to yourselves, make sure you venture out for some local dining.

Resources:

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Wonderbra Men

March 8th is International Women’s Day. A public holiday in some countries, it is a great opportunity to reflect on how much you respect, appreciate, value and treasure the women in your life.
 

Female friends
Your female friends are very special whether you are a man or a woman. Men say their female friends often fulfill a more emotional role in their lives than their male mates. Not being romantically involved means that, with female friends, men often feel more able to let down their macho facade and show their vulnerability. Women are generally good listeners and can provide a valuable source of emotional support – especially in the area of relationships – while still being up for a laugh. 

 

 

 Mothers
It often isn’t until you lose your mum that you realise how special and unique your relationship with her is. It is a tricky role being a mum, especially to a son, because you naturally want the very best for your boy – and unfortunately most women leave something to be desired when viewed through the eyes of a protective mother. If your mum is very critical of your choice of women remember she only wants the best for you but she may not be the best judge of what that is – you are. 

As well as International Women’s Day, March also hosts Mothers Day on the 18th. Use this opportunity to show your mum how much she means to you.

 

 

 

Sisters
If you are lucky enough to have a sister you will know that it can be a highly emotive, volatile relationship, with sibling rivalry and competitiveness coupled with fierce loyalty and a sense of permanence – your sister will always be your sister even if you fall out and don’t talk for a while. Sisters are the ones who really understand when you talk about your past and your parents and can challenge you if they think your perception is off. Sisters know and appreciate you in ways no other women in your life ever will. They are great people to ask when you need a female perspective on your online dating profile or a new match – they won’t pull the punches but they might be less likely to be possessive of you than your close female friends.

 

 

Female colleagues
Women have different energies, skills and aptitudes to men and as such are more likely to be able to work alongside you than against you in a competitive way, appreciate the differences. 

 

Author Kathy Lette once said: “It's good to remember that women are each other's human Wonderbras – uplifting, supportive and making each other look bigger and better”. I say men can be human Wonderbras too!


Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Ideas for the perfect wedding meal

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and careful advance planning can ensure things run smoothly. You want the day to reflect your personalities as well as being a fun occasion for your guests.


One thing couples agonise over is the food. Trying to accommodate the tastes and preferences of all your family and friends can be difficult, so it’s best to keep things simple. A sit-down lunch or dinner is the typical wedding meal, but since most people have months to plan it, why not do something a bit different?

The great outdoors

There are many ways to make your special day stand out. For a summer wedding, the obvious suggestion is to go with an outdoor reception. But you can’t guarantee good weather, and particularly in the UK the climate can be temperamental. A marquee can create an interesting space in a garden party and will offer shelter if it suddenly starts to rain.
If you choose an outdoor option, a picnic on the beach is always a winner. You can spread comfortable seats out on the sand with picnic hampers for each group of chairs, equivalent to tables at an indoor venue. Food hampers are an interesting option, even if your reception is indoors. Use gingham tablecloths teamed with fresh flowers and grass around the dining room, and you can create the feel of a traditional picnic without worrying about being outside in your wedding dress.






Grub’s up

It is important to consider the dietary requirements of your guests. Most wedding venues will offer vegetarian options, but it's also worth finding out whether anyone is vegan, lactose intolerant or allergic to wheat. If you find that you have a lot of guests who will need catering for separately, a buffet may be a better option. Many people have pre-conceptions about buffets as being reminiscent of child’s birthday party, but they can be extremely sophisticated and enjoyable if you go with a good catering company and make sure you sample every dish.


The perfect cake

The cake is the ultimate treat everyone will be waiting for. A traditional iced fruitcake is always a safe choice, but if you want to be a little more inventive, there are many exciting alternatives. Cupcake or macaroon towers are popular and have the right mix of sweet-tooth appeal and decadence. For a bit of fun you could add an ice-cream sculpture or a chocolate fountain.


Personal touches

The most important thing to remember when choosing food for your wedding is that it should match the occasion in tone and style. If you have a small, intimate wedding with close friends and family, it may seem inappropriate to have a six-course sit-down meal after the ceremony. After all, your guests are not there for the food, but rather to share your special day. Something personal will go down better than a gourmet banquet.