20 December 2022

During the Covid lockdown, my wife and I got bitten by the F1 bug, following the fantastic Netflix show “Drive to Survive”. We just had to experience a Grand Prix first-hand and where better than a night race in Singapore? As luck would have it, we were fortunate to have family there so we were treated to a weekend of a lifetime by ex-pats who know the city. Flying premium economy is certainly worth it to arrive fresh and ready to hit the ground running. Here’s what to expect from Singapore on F1 weekend; Singapore is rightly known for its superb array of cuisine. Our first lunch set the bar high. We enjoyed the renowned Dim Sum at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The F1 buzz was everywhere with many tables filled with various teams fuelling for the qualifying that evening. Excited for our first live F1 Grand Prix we arrived just as the heavens opened. It’s the tropics after all so you need to expect some rain. While we were soaked to the skin it was 28c. So, it didn’t dampen our spirit. Thankfully, the clouds parted in time for the race to start. But don’t worry, it’s not just cars. As you’d expect, Singapore does everything in style. Not only is there racing but the F1 ticket includes A-List entertainers. Two gigs in particular were the Black Eyed Peas who played before the qualifying race and Westlife. So, there’s something for everyone! Going beyond the city, we were fortunate to be with a local, who treated us to an afternoon sailing from Sentosa Island Marina. Our final day was spent enjoying some of the major city sights. Our first stop was the incredible Gardens by the Bay. Truly breath-taking. Overall we managed to pack a lot into our flying 3-night visit to Singapore. While many will visit Singapore as a stopover location we had a fantastic F1 weekend getaway. If you are interested in finding out more about a F1 trip please keep me in mind or contact me with any questions!

12 December 2022

What an amazing family trip!! After a hectic weekend camping, it was time for a more sedate second half of our 2022 family holiday. A few days on the River Shannon was just what we needed. We collected our 36ft cruiser from Carrick-on-Shannon to set off on our voyage. Feeling confident, after the initial induction, we decided to head north to Lough Key where we spent our first night on the water. Navigating the many locks proved an enjoyable experience and was loved by the kids, (aged 11 & 13 at the time). The more hands on deck the better. The relaxing pace of this trip was a far cry from my last Shannon cruise 15yrs previously. Being a lad’s stag it couldn’t have been more different. The inclement Irish weather meant we were confined to the boat where we enjoyed quality family time playing cards and board games. Something that isn’t done enough when we are at home. The next morning we came across Boda Borg right by the marina. This quality Escape Room proved quite a challenge. Especially for Dad who was shown up by the rest of the family. Restless to get on the move again we cast off and slowly made our way to the lovely marina at Drumshambo, (Yes, this is where they make the gin and it has a visitors centre). The next few days were spent going south again. Stopping along the way for snacks and of course the much-needed 99’s. A cruise, even on the Shannon can suit any group. A group of friends will have fantastic pubs and restaurants to visit. Whilst families can hire bikes and take time away from the screens and Wi-Fi. While our river adventure was in Ireland I can book your cruise on many of the world's great rivers. How about France, Germany or maybe even Canada? If you are interested in finding out more or have something else in mind, give me a call, I would be delighted to assist you in creating your dream holiday.

05 January 2023

Before the pandemic, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend a week cycling in Cuba as part of an Exodus small-group adventure tour. To say it was enjoyable would be an understatement. It was amazing. The scenery, architecture, people and landscape were all outstanding. Of course, there were some mojitos to be sampled too, (for research). Day 1 - Arrival day in Havana Day 2 - Havana cycle tour; to Playa Larga and the Bay of Pigs Day 3 - Coastal cycle ride; to Cienfuegos Day 4 - Ride from Cienfuegos to Cumanayagua; to El Nicho Waterfall Day 5 - Cycle to Playa Ancon and back; salsa class Day 6 - Cycle to Rio Seibabo; transfer to Hanabanilla Day 7 - Cycle to Manicaragua; transfer to Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara then onwards to Havana Day 8 - Sightseeing in Old Havana; transfer to the airport The level of inclusion was impressive - A high-spec mountain bike, all accommodations, knowledgeable and friendly tour leader, support vehicle and many attractions along the way. Overall I would highly recommend Cuba. I enjoyed it on two wheels. However, it could be equally amazing by a more traditional mode of transport. My recommendation is - Visit Cuba while it is still unique, call me for more inforamtion.

20 December 2022

Let me say from the start, I’m a huge fan of small-group adventures. Over the years I’ve been very lucky to have enjoyed many great trips. However, Japan stands out as one of the best. It has it all. In just an 8-day tour we packed in a massive amount. There is no way you’d get to do as much trying to DIY it. Osaka was the starting point of our tour. After meeting the tour leader, and the rest of the group, we set out to explore the city. Osaka Castle was a highlight. Very different from what we are used to in Europe. From Osaka, we travelled to Buddhist Koyasan, a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. The veggie cuisine wasn’t to my taste. But I gave it a go. The next morning we awoke early to join the monks in their prayers. Hiroshima was our next stop. The Peace Park and Memorial Museum commemorating the horrific events of 1945 was in sharp contrast to the monastery just hours before. A poignant moment during the trip. We then took a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. The ancient city of Kyoto was next on our tour. We visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, we explored the geisha district of Gion. A hot springs retreat at Hakone was a pleasant evening. We were lucky to have a clear day so we could catch a glimpse of the majestic Mt Fuji. It’s hard to pick what I enjoyed most about Japan. Perhaps it was the amazing bullet trains we used to get around or the outstanding Japanese cuisine. Overall, I think it’s just that it is so friendly and safe that makes Japan such a fantastic destination. If Japan is on your bucket list or you have something else in mind, give me a call, I would be delighted to assist you in creating your dream holiday.