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caliconnected · 4 years ago

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8 Ways to Celebrate 420

420 is back and better than ever!

After a long year of quarantines, lockdowns, and solo smoke seshes, just about everyone is ready to go out and celebrate. And with marijuana being more ubiquitous than ever before, this year’s cannabis “Christmas” will be one for the books!

While some of us have been partaking in 420 festivities for years, the holiday still remains an elusive and mysterious event for many. For any marijuana newbies, or for those of you who are just trying to have the optimal weed day, we compiled a list of some key 420 rituals that you should highly consider for this years celebration:

1. Pick up some pot on 4/20

In the past two months alone, recreational marijuana has been legalized in four states (New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and New Mexico). That brings the total to 17 states (plus Washington D.C.) that allow adults to consume cannabis, for fun!

Remember, just 10 years ago recreational pot was illegal in the entire United States. Now, Americans all over the country have ease-of-access to marijuana.

Check out your local dispensary this 420, and you will almost surely find that there is a 420 sale as well. Many cannabis retail stores run promotions for the entire week, usually offering the lowest marijuana prices you could possibly find anywhere (the streets included).

Is weed still not legalized in your state? Take a roadtrip!

For most of America, a weed legal state is now closeby. 420 is a perfect excuse to day trip somewhere and celebrate the legit (and legal) way.

The holiday sales at dispensaries and the judgement-free culture enable you to relax, smoke, and save a little moolah. What a delightful experience it could be this 4/20 to get stoned in a city where smoking pot is normal! And just remember, don’t drive under the influence. Grab an AirBnB and chill for the day!

2. Roll up a 420 masterpiece

Whether you’re a seasoned stoner or dipping your toes into the world of weed for the first time, rolling up some pot is a staple of the 420 holiday. There are a myriad of materials and techniques when it comes to rolling, the classic joint being the standard bearer.

From artistic cross-joints to fat tulip joints, the variations are seemingly endless, especially on 420. We recommend the always-satisfying, rarely canoeing Cone Joint. Check out our blog on rolling the perfect cone joint if you need some guidance!

Another cornerstone of weed rolling is the blunt, a versatile and nuanced way to bring some holiday cheer to your celebration. Traditionally rolled with cigars, these days the blunt’s possibilities are endless, with more resourceful options such as hemp wraps. Read our blog post about blunts if you’re not sure where to get started!

3. Create tasty 420 edibles

Marijuana and food are two peas in a pod. But you’ll probably be wanting to eat more than just peas once you get the munchies. Edibles are a fantastic and versatile way to enjoy your 420 holiday. Additionally, edibles are a COVID-safe option for celebrating 420 as there are no joints or pipes to share, and no gross mouths to worry about!

From the classic brownie to salad dressing, the possibilities are endless when it comes to making edibles. THC, the main chemical in marijuana, attaches to fat cells when heated; this makes a variety of oils ideal for carrying the cannabis experience into your belly.

We recommend making some cannabis coconut oil. As one of the fattiest oils, it is ideal for making cannabis oil and has a large capacity for holding THC. That means it can get very potent, plus it's versatile.

You can use THC-infused oils in baked goods or cook on your stovetop with it. For a simple and quick concoction, just spoon a few chunks of cannabis coconut oil into your morning coffee to start your holiday right!

4. Dabble in concentrates to intensify your 420

As far as strength and purity is concerned, cannabis concentrates are considered the bee’s knees. Concentrates are far more popular in Colorado and California than elsewhere, but more and more people are discovering the joys of smoking and vaping concentrated extracts such as shatter, budder, rosin, and live resin.

While “dabbing” with a torch and oil rig (a small water pipe) is considered the main technique for consuming concentrates, there are a variety of ways to enjoy these powerful forms of marijuana. For example, you can simply smear some concentrate on top of your cannabis flower in your pipe or in a joint if it’s your first time.

And then there are always vape pens, which are back and better than ever after a period of uncertainty. Harmful chemicals like vitamin E oil and heavy metals have been found in black market vape pens, however virtually all weed-legal states now have stringent testing requirements for these pens and pre-filled cartridges that ensure their quality and purity. It’s always good to keep a vape pen nearby in case someone is taking too long to roll a blunt!

Regardless of which method you choose, the 420 holiday is the perfect excuse to try concentrated extracts for the first time.

5. Put your 420 records on

That skunky scent that you smelled at your favorite artist’s concert is no coincidence. Marijuana has been found to dramatically enhance music, its effects leading to a more profound and enjoyable listening experience.

Live music is a fantastic idea, and should certainly be taken advantage of if there happens to be a concert on 4/20 in your area. Artists have been struggling with the lack of performance opportunities over the last year, and 420 is a great opportunity to get high and support your local musicians.

However, even a year after the pandemic started, live shows are a rarity. If you can’t find a concert on 4/20 to attend, there are plenty of options to get your music fix while getting stoned.

For one, you can listen to an album. In this fast paced world where instant-gratification is always within reach, we tend to listen to a smattering of songs instead of delving into artists and their full albums.

420 is a great opportunity to slow down, sit back, and appreciate a full album. Go out of your comfort zone and put on music that you might not usually listen to. A few puffs of cannabis can lend you newfound respect for a new genre or artist.

And marijuana doesn’t just enhance other people’s music; it can make you sound better. Have a karaoke session with friends and enjoy the musical superpowers of weed.

Not only will you shake the usual nerves that come along with singing in front of people, but your audience (who have hopefully been partaking in cannabis as well) will likely be more impressed by your skills!

6. Create a 420 Work of Art

You have likely heard of “Sip & Paint” nights where friend groups and Tinder dates go to drink wine, paint pictures, and create purple-lipped memories.

“Paint & Puff” is the 420 version, and is arguably the superior experience. Just as weed can strengthen your musical experiences, so can it upgrade your artistic capabilities.

Grab some acrylic paints, brushes, and canvasses, roll up a few joints and throw on a YouTube painting tutorial to watch with your 420 friends and family!

There is no question that your 420 celebration will be greatly enhanced by including arts and crafts, whether it be a Paint & Puff activity or simply going to the craft store and grabbing some adult coloring books. Get creative and use the 420 holiday to unleash your inner artist!

7. Stream your perfect 420 movie

Cannabis is all about relaxing and viewing the world from a different perspective. That’s why watching a movie is an ultimate 420 activity.

And while movie theaters are opening up again, streaming a weed-friendly film is a great way to be in a comfortable environment and stay entertained.

Here are some great movies that are perfect for the 4/20 holiday. Some are marijuana-centric, others are known for their weed-enthusiast fans.

Dazed and Confused

Pineapple Express

The Big Lebowski

Bad Trip

Friday

Spirited Away

Pulp Fiction

Across the Universe

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

8. Celebrate 420 in the great outdoors

April showers bring May Flowers, but if you ask us, April (20th) flowers are far more preferable. Marveling at nature’s beauty while consuming marijuana is the perfect recipe for easing your mind and body.

Why stay inside and fill your home with marijuana smoke? Smoke that bowl outside, on an outdoor adventure with friends.

Ideal 420 outdoor activities include a hike, outdoor yoga, and camping. Just make sure that you are being cautious if you’re bringing some pot with you outdoors, especially in places where marijuana might be considered inappropriate!

Wrapping it up

Finding unique ways to integrate cannabis into your daily routine, exploring new experiences outside your comfort zone, and just having fun is what the 420 holiday is all about.

No matter how you choose to celebrate 420 this year, be sure to set some time aside to visit CaliConnected and snag some new equipment with some of our best deals of the year!

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vacationsoup · 6 years ago

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/a-guide-to-st-andrews/

A Guide to St.Andrews

Interesting Facts, Things to do, Places to See and Where to Eat in St Andrews

A seaside town north east of Edinburgh St Andrews is most famous for it’s golf courses and university.

St Andrews University occupies many of the beautiful and historic villages in St Andrews, it has seen many famous students over the years including actor John Cleese, Author, Fay Weldon and most famous of all the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who first met at University.

Founded in the early 15thcentury, St Andrews was Scotlands’ first university and the 3rdoldest university in the English-speaking world. It continues to attract students from all over the world.

The St Andrew Links Golf Course has 7 separate courses, The Old Course, The New Course, The Castle Course, The Jubilee Course, The Eden Course, The Stratyrum Course and The Balgove Course. You can pre-book all courses online except for the Balgrove Course, simply turn up for the day. The Old Course., reservations for this are hard to come by and fully booked for the majority of 2019, however, they do run a ballot system, you will be informed 2 days prior to play if you have been successful, the system requires 2 players and a specific handicap. For more information visit the clubs site, they also have some special offers so it’s not as expensive as you might think. St Andrews

One of the most famous and most popular tournaments is the Alfred Dunhill Tournament, which sees professional golfers playing alongside famous amateur golfers. The 2018 tournament saw celebrities including Peter Jones from Dragons Den, Ronan Keating, Hugh Grant and Greg Kinnear so a great opportunity to do some star spotting as well a watching golf. Alfred Dunhill Links

There are many other sporting activities to try other than golf. How about Land yachting, which is a combination of sailing and motor racing, basically a buggy with a sail on top of it! Also on offer are better known water sports such as Kayaking and surfing. Blown Away

Looking for more of a thrill? Just 5 miles outside of At Andrews is a skydiving school. Tandem jumps are offered for those with no experience, a dual harness secures you to a qualified instructor. Prices from £270.00 so not a cheap day out but certainly one we think you’ll remember forever!

Sky Dive St Andrews

But there are also plenty of other things to do and see in St Andrews besides golf. A walking / food tour is a great way to learn about the historical town from a local whilst also enjoying some local food, wine, beer and whiskey on the way. Tours start at either 1pm or 5pm and with around 4 or 5 stops at different establishments. Eat Walk St Andrews

Scotland is probably most famous for whisky but many distillers have now branched out into offering gin as well. Eden Mill is located just outside St Andrews and offers both blended and single malt whisky, including a range bottled in hip flask style bottles. There is the original Eden Mills Gin, the very popular pink gin and now a Golf Gin, made using botanicals found around the coastal golf courses in the region. They also produce 8 different craft beers, so something for everyone (except Tee totallers!). Book a tour of the distillery or why not enroll in Gin School? You can make your own gin and even have it bottled with it’s own label an ideal keepsake or a great gift to take home for a friend or relative who loves gin. Eden Mill

If you are visiting St Andrews at the end of July then the town has it’s own Highland Games. St Andrews Highland Games

After all the sporting activities you might want to treat yourself to a relaxing massage or a spa day. The Kohler Water Spa at The Old Course hotel has hydrotherapy pools, an indoor pool, a roof top hot tub, a swan neck jet spray to ease those shoulder muscles, steam room, saunas and a whole range of massage options, facials and much more or simply relax on a lounger by the pool with a glass of champagne.

The Old Course Hotel Spa

Looking for a chilled day, if the weather is warm (yes it is occasionally in Scotland) then why not pack a picnic and head to West Sands Beach. This 2-mile stretch of sands is were the opening scenes of Chariots of Fire was filmed. It’s about 15 minutes walk from the town and it’s dog friendly too. West Sands Beach

A fun way to explore the city with children is to purchase a treasure trail. There are 3 different themed Treasure Trails in St Andrews, including a spy mission (for those wannabe James Bonds) and a mystery themed Trail as well as the treasure hunt. Purchase the trail for £6.99, you can either print it yourself order in advance and have a printed guide posted to you, you can even have them personalised so great for a birthday. Treasure Trails

Children of all ages will love a visit to the Aquarium. See everything from cute seals, fluffy meerkats to sharks and reptiles. Children can also feed the animals (only the cute fluffy ones, not the reptiles or sharks!). St Andrews Aquarium

For cold and wet weather days and a good dose of culture and education visit The St Andrews Museum. The Museum details the history of the town, with regular exhibitions throughout the year and it’s free to enter.

As St Andrews is the home of golf a trip to the town should really include a visit to The Golfing Museum. Learn everything there is to know about golf since the game began over 500 years ago. Despite Scotland being the home of golf it was in fact banned in 1457, by King James II of Scotland who also banned football. British Golf Museum

St Andrews is also home to Scotland’s secret bunker, spanning the space of 2 football pitches, the bunker is located under a farmhouse and wascreated as a safe house for the government should the country get caught in a nuclear war. It housed its very own broadcasting studio, staffed by the BBC, to ensure that in the event of a nuclear strike emergency broadcasts could be transmitted. All other radio and TV channels would automatically go off-air and the emergency broadcast would inform people of the dangers. The bunker also had it’s own chapel and resident clergy throughout the cold war. The Secret Bunker

The Botanic Gardens have events for children scheduled throughout the year called Planet Botanic; activities include planting, den building, rock pooling and outdoor art. Botanic Gardens

St Andrews Castle was the official residence of Scotland’s bishops (and later archbishops) throughout the middle Ages. They were Scotland’s leading churchmen so had to be prepared to defend themselves and the property of the Church – hence their strong castle. Its scale demonstrated the power and wealth of the bishops, and it was the setting for many important events, which determined the course of Scottish history. St Andrews Castle was a bishop’s palace, a fortress and a state prison during its 450-year history.

The Cathedral was Scotlands largest medieval church. If you can face the climbto the top of the 33m tall St Rule’s Tower it is well worth it for the views over St Andrews and out to sea.

Retail Therapy

Surprising St Andrews has some really great independent shops, and not just ones that sell jumpers with diamond patterns and long socks.

For a designer fix head to Sam Brown Boutique for a great selection of womanswear, accessories and scented candles. Sam Brown

If you’re looking for tartan or cashmere head to Johnstons of Elgin for mens, womans and childrens clothing as well as luxurious throws and cushions. Johnston of Elgin

As you would imagine, a town with one of the most famous universities in the world is bound to have a good book shop, well, it has two actually.

Topping & Co is the largest independent bookshop to open in Britain in the last 30 years. Feel right at home with floor to ceiling bookshelves, a wood burning stove, free-flowing coffee and regular book signings and talks. Topping Books

For a fine selection of antiquarian and second hand books visit Bouquiniste Bouquiniste

The Sky Candle shop will ensure the scents of Scotland can be enjoyed long after the holiday ends. The Scottish collection includes Heather, Pine and Gorse scents. Skye Candles

For those with a sweet tooth, Burns is a traditional sweet shop that has been in St Andrews for over 60 years. Step back in time with real old-fashioned favourites such as Rhubarb and Custard, Strawberry Sherberts and many more. Burn Sweet Shop

For cheese lovers I.J Mellis has a great selection of artisan and farmhouse cheeses including locally made cheeses and very expensive French butter. Mellis Cheese

With so many historical buildings, ruins and its seaside location make St Andrews a great place for photography. Impress the folks back home with some really great Instagram shots by taking a 3 or 4 hour photography tour of the town. It’s also a great way to see places not on the tourist trail. St Andrews Photo Tours

Food and Drink

Just outside the town, Balgrove Larder is a must for all foodies, whether you are after some local produce to take back to your holiday home to cook up a feast, a cup of tea and a freshly baked scone, a steak supper or some beautiful flowers for your dining table, Balgrove Larder has everything you might need, even some excellent homemade ready meals if you’re feeling lazy. They also offer butchery classes if you want to indulge your inner Julia Child and learn how to French trim a rack of lamb.

The former sawmill is home to the steak barn, the menus offers a selection of their 28 day matured steaks, homemade burgers and a weekly specials menu. There is a small wine list and beers and gin from local distillery Eden Mill.

Special events are held throughout the year including an evening Christmas market, flower arranging, festive menus etc.

Balgrove

The Seafood Restaurant is a must for a touch of luxury, amazing locally sourced seafood with stunning sea views. The restaurant is located right next to The Royal and Ancient. As well as the usual seafood platters, oysters and smoked salmon expect to find inventive dishes on the a la carte menus such as John Dory with Orkney scallop, truffle gnocchi and sweetcorn or Wild Halibut with razor clams, coco beans and verjus. All menus have locally sourced meat options and there is also an interesting vegetarian menu as well as a very reasonably price Bollinger Sunday lunch menu at £29.50 for 2 courses with a glass of Bolly. The wine list is impressive with over 35 Italian wines and 29 French Wines as well as New World Wines. The Seafood Restaurant

Champagne and Prosecco brunch specials are also on offer at Rogue, enjoy a full Scottish Breakfast (that’s with Haggis and 2 types of sausages) with either Prosecco or the champagne of choice at this establishment is Veuve Cliquot. They also have a full a la carte menu with plenty of local seafood and steaks as well as a dedicated childrens' menu. Rogue

For a touch of luxury why not have a Savoy Afternoon tea at The Fairmont Hotel. Served in the Atrium Lounge which features a 60m lighting sculpture that hangs gracefully above. Worth going just to see this which is quite an amazing work of art. Chose between the Savoy Afternoon tea and the Traditional Scottish Afternoon tea, both available with champagne as an option if you want to make it a truly special occasion. The Fairmont St Andrews

The Fairmont Hotel is a luxury 5 star hotel set in 500 acres, it enjoys a hilltop position with views out to sea and over its’ two golf courses.

For a low-key relaxed place to eat, try The St Andrews Brewing Co. Offering a selection of traditional pub style food to complement their many selections of beer, they even have a Christmas Beer as well as an Espresso Beer “A beautifully balanced porter, which starts with an espresso nose and ends with a chocolate, malt led finish” If you’re not a fan of beer they also produce three exotic sounding gins, Pink Gin, Lemongrass and Ginger and Orange, Cardamom and Tonka Bean.

St Andrews Brewing Co

Mitchells Deli is well worth a visit, whether you just want a bottle of wine and some olives, a great selection of take out meals, amazing sandwiches, afternoon tea or a relaxed meal, you will find everything here. A mixture of traditional fair mixed alongside modern day classics, such as avocado on sourdough bread or Rose Harissa spiced Chicken wraps. A childrens' menu is available and there is live music every weekend. A short wine list is available, plus local spirits and more local ale including the Drygate Disco Forklift Truck, Mango Pale Ale apparently brewed in Scotland!

Trip Advisor quotes: The Best Haggis in St Andrews” Mitchells

Eat like Royalty. The North Point Café is something of an institution in St. Andrews and supposedly the scene for the first date between Prince William and the then Kate Middleton. It has a reputation for the best pancakes in the town, as well as a great selection of cakes. It’s so well known it doesn’t even need a website.

The Saint Bar and Restaurant is the place where the young and trendy of St Andrews hang out. As with all establishments local produce is in abundance on both the menu and drinks list and they also serve Haggis. We recommend ordering the Harviestoun Schiehallion at the beginning of the evening and the far easier to pronounce, Cold Town lager towards the end! Saint Bar & Restaurant

St Andrews isn’t the place you’d probably expect to find a traditional Italian Gelato but there has been one in the town since 1908 and still belongs to the same Italian family. Expect the usual flavours plus some with a Scottish twist including Scottish Tablet and Cranachan Jannettas

Strange Scottish Foods you are likely to come across on your travels

So what is a Scottish Tablet? No it’s not an Ipad, a Scottish tablet is a medium-hard, sugary confection made from sugar, condensed milk, and butter, which is boiled to a soft-ball stage and allowed to crystallise. It is often flavoured with vanilla or whisky. Think fudge.

Cranachan is a dessert of cream and fresh raspberries mixed with Scottish oats and whisky – so slightly better for you than a tablet but not much!

Irn Bru – the Coca Cola of Scotland and a favoured hangover cure for many a Scot. Approach with caution if you spill it on the carpet it literally does not come out, don’t even ask what it does to your insides!

Haggis – the most famous food to come out of Scotland and still a mystery to many people. It is a mixture of the heart, stomach or liver of a sheep or calf; minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and cooked while traditionally encased in the animal's stomach though now often in an artificial casing instead. Traditional served with neeps and tatties (Turnips and potatoes mashed together) and gravy.

A more sophisticated dish is Balmoral chicken, a chicken breast stuffed with haggis, wrapped in bacon and served with a whiskey sauce.

Porridge is of course another famous dish from Scotland and one that is very popular around the world as a healthy breakfast option, however, be aware, in Scotland they often make it with cream and sometimes butter so not as healthy as you might think.

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itsiotrecords-blog · 8 years ago

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http://ift.tt/2sql0CK

Unknown to most people, the unexplored regions of the world offer destinations that are unique for vacations. These unique spots not only promise unsullied scenery but they also offer unusual vacation experiences for those who seek to get away from the run-of-the-mill escapades on mediocre beaches and hotels. Check out our 25 unusual places to take a vacation and make it a point to do something different on your next planed escapade.

#1 Seagaia Ocean Dome The Seagaia Ocean Dome, was the world’s largest Polynesia-themed indoor waterpark, located in Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan. The Ocean Dome, which was a part of the Sheraton Seagaia Resort, measured 300 metres in length and 100 metres in width, and was listed in the Guinness Book Of World Records. It sported a fake flame-spitting volcano, artificial sand and the world’s largest retractable roof, which provided a permanently blue sky even on a rainy day. Unfortunately it closed in 1997.

#2 Alnwick Poison Garden The Alnwick Garden is a complex of formal gardens adjacent to Alnwick Castle in England. One of the more interesting attractions here is the poison garden and the signs on the front gate seem to give a fairly concise description of what you can expect.

#3 727 Fuselage Home-Costa Verde Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just step off the plane and walk right unto the beach without worrying about luggage or security? The 727 Fuselage Home makes this desire a reality…well almost. This unique hotel located within the coastal rainforest of Costa Rica overlooking the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park near Quepos, is a retrofitted Boeing 727. Originally designed to carry 150 cramped passengers, the jet is now home to luxurious beds, incredible vistas, and easy beach access.

#4 Giraffe Manor A one of a kind hotel nestled in a suburb in Nairobi, Kenya, the Giraffe Manor is a small lodge that is home to some of the most endangered Rothschild giraffes in Kenya. It is known today for being a small, private hotel that opens its doors to guests who want to experience feeding giraffes either from their own breakfast tables or through the front door or windows of their rented rooms.

#5 Boot and Breakfast The Boot and Breakfast is a unique hotel designed as a giant pair of boots. Understandably, when it first opened in 2001 the locals considered the partners to be slightly crazy, but after several years of business and many happy visitors they are rightly taking their place as local celebrities.

#6 Desert Nomad House If you have ever felt the urge to just get away from it all, this is the perfect unusual place for you. Rick Joy’s “Desert Nomad House” is located in the Tucson desert right besides…nothing, absolutely nothing (for the exception of the Saguaro cacti). The simple design consists of a rusted steel box housing a 780 square foot bathroom; a living room , kitchen, and dining area; and a 440 square foot bedroom with a 200 square foot office. This is the epitome of a tranquil get away.

#7 Your own Fiji Island Picture this: Crystal clear blue waters, tropical floral scented breeze, soothing shore echoing the sound of the sea, clear blue skies that transform into a brilliant display of celestial lights at night, and best of all no one around. That’s right, no screaming children, obnoxious people, not even an annoying dog. This is the luxury of spending a day or two in your own, rented private Fiji Island. Depending on the island a night can cost around $2,500.

#8 Panda Inn Panda Inn is a chain of restaurants that originated in Sichuan, China and features basically everything panda related. Even the staff is dressed in panda suits!

#9 Metroplis, Illinois If you are a die hard fan of Superman, than you know of his hometown Metropolis. But did you know that the city actually exists? Metropolis, Illinois is the only city in the world dedicated to Superman (complete with a gigantic superman statue). If you really want to get into the Superman hype, the best time to go is in June when the locals put on a festival called “The Superman Celebration” which attracts book collectors and fans from all over the United States. To be fair, the real Metropolis is not the gigantic Super City depicted in the comics. Rather, it resembles more of a small town (think Smallville).

#10 Izu Islands A group of volcanic islands that includes about a dozen islets, Izu Islands extends southeast from the Izu Peninsula and is characterized by the unique flavor of each of its atolls. One of its islands, Ohama, is known for its active volcano, Mt. Mahira, which has erupted several times over the last decade. Another island, Niijima, is known for its pristine beaches while Mikurajima is famous for its amusing dolphin shows.

#11 Igloo Village Tourists who seek to rough it in the cold expanse of snowy Finland can visit the sheltered Igloo Village. With an array of unique lodging encompassing snow and glass igloos, visitors can experience the northern lights up close and personal.

#12 Black Rock Desert-Burning Man Festival For those who feel the urge to “radically express themselves” the Burning Man Festival held in the Black Rock desert is the destination for you. The Burning Man is a week long event that begins on the last Monday of August and ends on the first Monday in September and gets its name from the ritual of burning a large wood effigy on Saturday evening.

#13 Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve A vast ocean of lava flows that covers about 618 square miles of land, the Craters of the Moon Na ional Monument and Preserve is one of the most unique scenery in the United States. Craters of the Moon was formed between 15,000 and 20,000 years ago after a series of volcanic eruptions in the region transforming the landscape into a rugged “Apocalyptic-looking” environment. Visitors can lodge in one of the available campgrounds enabling visitors to witness the crater’s spectacular sundown and sunrise.

#14 Yellowstone National Park Located in the state of Wyoming, USA, the Yellowstone National Park is popular for its wildlife and geothermal features. It is among the most preferred tourist destinations for nature lovers because of its subalpine forest and sundry ecosystems, though Old Faithful, a giant cone geyser, is still its major feature. Through the years, several explorers have conducted expeditions in this park and have discovered more of its underlying canyons, lakes, rivers and mountain ranges.

#15 Island of the Dolls Also known as La Isla De Las Muñecas, the Island of the Dolls is dubbed as the creepiest and most bizarre tourist destination in Mexico. The trees grown on this island are decorated with old and mutilated dolls that were hung by the islands one and only former resident. Upon setting foot in this island, tourists who visit this place often offer gifts to appease the spirits that are believed to dwell in the hanging bodies of these dolls.

#16 Niagara Falls The major source of hydrothermal energy in all Canada, Niagara Falls is the collective name for the three waterfalls that border the Canadian Province of Ontario and New York, USA. Heralded as the largest waterfalls in the world, the Niagara Falls are known for their unmatched beauty and grandiose spectacle. The number of tourists who visit the falls peaks during summertime when colorful floodlights light up the waterfalls at night and accentuate their beauty.

#17 Jules’ Undersea Lodge Have you ever tried to count fish instead of sheep in order to fall asleep? If not, you just might be in for a treat once you swim into this outrageous hotel. Jules’ Undersea Lodge is located in Key Largo, Florida and is the only undersea hotel in the United States built 30 feet deep on the ocean floor. Inaugurated in 1986, this undersea hotel requires guests to go scuba diving to get into one of the two rooms available.

#18 The Orient Express Train rides are a great way to see the country side and no other train does it with as much class as the Orient Express. Operated by Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, the Orient Express is a passenger train service that passes through Paris, Venice, London and Istanbul. Known as the king of all trains, it houses classy accommodations, bars; and dining and boutiques. Without a doubt, this is indeed grand luxury on rail.

#19 Edinburgh Castle Don’t let the stoic and imposing architecture fool you. The Edingurgh Castle is one of the most popular haunted vacations spots in Scotland. Particular attention has been given to the castle’s prison cells which where allegedly used to quarantine plague victims and is where strong paranormal activity resides. Only the bravest dare to stay in this place.

#20 Les Sources de Caudalie Les Sources de Caudalie boasts of its magnificent spa attracting tourists who wish to have a simple and relaxing vacation. In fact, in 2003 this hotel was recognized as being one of the best spas in the world. Among the services that this spa offers are a wine and honey wrap, a Turkish bath and a red wine bath (wait, red wine bath?…that’s their secret).

#21 Alcatraz Hotel If you have ever wanted to experience life on a lock down without breaking the law, you may want to consider the Alcatraz Hotel. This outrageous lodging is a former German prison retrofitted to accommodate 56 rooms with actual cells as sleeping quarters. Amenities include barred windows, toilet in the corner of the room, and your very own steel door slot used to slide your dinner to you.

#22 Sahara Desert Known as the hottest desert in the world, the Sahara Desert stretches from the Red Sea to the outskirts of the Atlantic Ocean. People who wish to take on this unusual vacation challenge can cross the Sahara Desert and catch a glimpse of its picturesque landscape which is like no other in the world. A vast expanse; it features rolling sand dunes that can reach heights of up to 180 meters (590ft).

#23 Galapagos Islands The Galapagos Islands is a group of volcanic islands near the equator in the Pacific Ocean that boast in their natural beauty and are home to an incredible array of animals found nowhere else in the world. Stepping into these islands is like stepping into another world. In fact, it was on these islands that Charles Darwin conducted his experiments!

#24 Palacio De Sal Rarely can you ever say that too much sodium is good for you. However, when it comes to Palacio De Sal (translated Salt Palace), too much sodium is exactly what the doctor is prescribing. This unique hotel, located at the eastern edge of Salar de Uyuni (the worlds largest salt flat by the way) is made entirely from salt, that includes the furniture and the structure of the buildings. When you go to this hotel, resist the urge to lick the walls since there is a strictly enforced rule prohibiting guests to do so.

#25 Free Spirit Spheres Sleeping among the trees takes on a literal sense with these Free Spirit Spheres located in Qualicom Beach, Canada. One of the coolest aspects of this very unique vacation spot is the fact that your room (thanks to the stretchy webbing that holds the pods in the air) sways with the trees…it’s almost as if the trees are rocking you to sleep.

Source: List25

#IoTRecords

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theincidentaltourist · 8 years ago

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Ten moments not to miss on a luxury train journey in Southern Africa. For The Big Bus.

Rovos Rail. - I compiled a list of all the wonderful things you can do from Rovos Rail in South Africa for The Big Bus - ‘Ten moments not to miss on a luxury train journey in South Africa ... and that's before you head north to see the mighty Victoria Falls and tropical Dar es Salaam.

This article first appeared on The Big Bus.

The romance of rail travel is alive and well in South Africa and beyond and luxurious trains transport guests through spectacular landscapes, with regular stops along the way to visit the key sights.

As much as South African road trips are synonymous with the country’s big skies, wide-open roads and conveniently placed ‘padstals’ that burst with homemade confectionary and freshly picked produce, there’s an even better way to explore this diverse and beautiful country, and that’s by luxury rail.

Surrender control of the wheel for time spent relaxing to the beat of the tracks as you meander through the land with Rovos Rail – one of the world’s most famous luxury trains – stopping for select excursions that bring insight into the areas you visit.

Depending on the route you choose, here are ten of the highlights of luxury train travel in South Africa with Rovos Rail.

1. Step back in time in Matjiesfontein, Karoo

In the picturesque village of Matjiesfontein about 300km north of Cape Town, step into a bygone era in a place where little has changed over the past 100 years. The town was founded by charismatic James Logan in 1890. He bought a farm, built a grand house and set up a small refreshment hotel and rest stop for the passengers of the Cape Governments Railways.

Today the attractions are the iconic Lord Milner Hotel, manicured gardens, a large reservoir swimming pool, a tearoom and a collection of impressive museums. You’ll enjoy a tour in the London Red Bus; it takes about five minutes to go around the village. Make sure to spend time in the museum under the station, which is packed with artefacts and interesting stories from the South African Anglo Boer War.

You may hear tales of ‘Tommy’ – the ghost of a wounded British soldier who has been said to visit the town on occasion. Have a drink at the Laird’s Arms and if you’re lucky John the Entertainer may play you something on the honkytonk piano.

2. Sparkle in Kimberley – the Diamond City, Northern Cape

Rich in history and home to the first electric street light in the Southern Hemisphere, Kimberley in the Northern Cape is fondly referred to as the Diamond City. Your time here will start with a visit to the Big Hole mine complex, where you’ll have the opportunity to absorb the magnitude of the world’s largest (reputedly) man-made excavation.

From the time the Big Hole’s first diamond was discovered, thousands of claims popped up as would-be miners rushed from their respective corners of the world to try and make their millions. With digging commencing in 1871, the once lonely hilltop soon saw millions of tons of ore removed as hopeful diggers rummaged hundreds of metres underground.

The Big Hole is also home to the Diamond Museum, which shows how diamonds are transformed from a rough cut to the exquisite engagement ring in a jeweller’s window.

3. Visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, KwaZulu-Natal

If time is on your side when arriving in Howick in KwaZulu-Natal, you’ll be taken to visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. In 1962 police waved down a car on a lonely country road. At the wheel was Nelson Mandela, posing as chauffeur David Motsamayi. The arrest would lead to a succession of court cases that would ultimately see Mandela spend 27 years in prison.

Today this site is marked by a museum and a striking sculpture. From a distance, by optical illusion, fifty steel poles of varying heights form an image of Mandela’s face. It’s a moving and iconic representation and you’ll want to find exactly the right spot for a photo.

4. Enjoy unrestrained imaginings at Ardmore Ceramics, KwaZulu-Natal

Ardmore Ceramics are internationally renowned for their surreal and exuberant sculptures. Their work celebrates South Africa’s endangered species and offers a blend of animals and art in imaginatively molded bowls, teapots, platters, fabrics and collections. Established by Fée Halsted and Bonnie Ntshalintshali, Ardmore Ceramics has over the years trained and encouraged local artists to express their spirit and imagination.

Today, Ardmore Ceramics tells a story that goes far deeper than simple pottery; rather, it has become a story about the Zulu people, and their sense of rhythm, colour, dance and song.

You’ll have tea after your tour and the opportunity to take in the views across the surrounding rolling hills, as well as to consider a purchase or two in the shop.

5. Learn lessons from the frontline at Spionkop Battlefields, KwaZulu-Natal

Stop in the historic KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields for a lesson in the events of the renowned Spionkop battle with expert and raconteur Ray Herron. Ray will talk you through the history of the area, with emphasis on the Anglo Boer War and the influence the conflict had on the country’s future.

The Spionkop battlefield is also famous for another reason. It was here that three extraordinary men, who would one day influence the course of world history, crossed paths. They were Louis Botha (the first prime minister of the Union of South Africa), Winston Churchill and Red Cross ambulance volunteer, Mahatma Gandhi.

6. Go on safari in Nambiti Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

Disembark at Elandslaagte for a 4×4 game drive in the private Nambiti Conservancy Game Reserve – 20,000 acres of malaria-free bushveld, which is home to the Big Five. Here you’ll find incredible biodiversity with acacia trees, savannah regions, thornveld and extensive grasslands.

With the chance to see elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo, as well as wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, loads of antelope and stunningly moody skies, your drive is bound to reward with good sightings. This expansive reserve is one of the few in Africa with the space and habitat required for species to display their natural behaviours; herbivores roam in large herds as they would have done for centuries.

7. Tee off at a top-notch golf course

Step out of your compartment and onto the platform to be whisked away to your tee off. Rovos Rail’s golf safaris – one of the most popular highlights of luxury train travel in South Africa – have been designed to please the discerning player. Games can be booked at Sun City in the hills of the Pilanesberg, in the foothills of the imposing Drakensberg Mountains on the 18-hole Champagne Sports Resort, and in Durban at the Country Club. Other optional golf courses include the Royal Swazi, and Leopard Creek near the Kruger National Park.

In each case all the player has to do is focus on the game, as the train crew ensure your comfortable transfer, book your times and have refreshments waiting on your return. Each course will challenge the novice and delight the proficient player, and that’s before you take in the surroundings.

8. Explore caves and Ostrich Palaces in Oudtshoorn, Little Karoo

Located at the heart of the Little Karoo valley is the town of Oudtshoorn, an area famed for its illustrious ostrich farms (known as Ostrich Palaces) and feather industry. During the 19th century ostrich feathers were highly sought after by affluent Europeans and North Americans and it was during this period that Oudtshoorn grew to be a big exporter of the lavish plumes.

The town is flanked by the majestic Swartberg Mountains to the north and the picturesque Outeniqua Mountains to the south. The Cango Caves, located just a short drive away from the town and nestled within a limestone ridge parallel to the Swartberg Mountains, are a natural underground wonder comprised of towering hallways and the finest dripstone caverns.

9. Take a break in Bloemfontein – The City of Roses, Free State

The city of Bloemfontein is located between Johannesburg and Cape Town and offers an oasis to weary travellers. Too often overlooked by tourists, Bloemfontein radiates a peaceful ethos. Known locally as ‘the city of roses’, thousands of rose bushes line the streets and a floral scent lingers in the air from the more than 4,000 rose bushes in the gardens of Kings Park.

Drive up to Naval Hill, a small nature reserve that provides the perfect vantage point from which to view the city. West of Naval Hill in Hamilton Park is the Orchid House, which boasts the largest collection of orchids in the world. There’s also a statue of Nelson Mandela that watches over the city.

10.Travel on board the Pride of Africa

The story of luxury train travel in South Africa with Rovos Rail began almost three decades ago. Rohan Vos bought a coach or two with the intention of restoring them and hitching them to South African Railway trains for family holidays.

From there, locomotives and engines would be lovingly acquired and rebuilt under the watchful eye of a family whose heart and passion have gone into creating an impeccable service, aptly named the Pride of Africa.

Whichever route you decide to take, you’ll be indulged from the moment of arrival until you reluctantly disembark. Accommodation is offered in Pullman, Deluxe and Royal suites; all are air-conditioned, have mini-bars, wood panelling, windows and shutters that open to the endless views, en-suite bathrooms and loads of storage space.

The focus remains on a journey of relaxation and indulgence. You’ll enjoy red carpet treatment, hot scented towels and a champagne welcome back to the train after every outing.

Booking Details.

For Rovos Rail reservations contact [email protected] and do have a look at their website for more info https://www.rovos.com. All rates are fully inclusive of meals, endless beverages and excursions. The Durban Safari departure dates are specific, but excursions may change slightly as times cannot be guaranteed. Rovos is very open about ‘never being on time’ and same day flights are not recommended. The trip is offered in reverse and operates during the Summer months.

Other routes on offer with Rovos are extended journeys to Victoria Falls and their passage to Dar es Salaam, which has to be the pen ultimate African train journey. You can also charter the train for private groups. See more at https://www.rovos.com/.

To read my other posts on Rovos Rail see here.

And for moreFor more of my Freelance Writing.

#Rovos Rail #Train Journey #Things to Do #South Africa #The Red Bus #Freelance writing

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tune-collective · 8 years ago

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Disclosure's 15 Best Songs: Critics' Picks

Do you think Howard and Guy Lawrence’s parents birthed them in a UK garage warehouse party? How else could two kids born in ’94 and ’91 respectively understand to such depths the feelings and vibrations of an era they can’t possibly remember? It’s mind boggling, but there’s no denying Disclosure is one of the absolutely pulse setters of a nostalgic generation of dance producers.

When Disclosure hit, people were literally walking up to DJ booths asking “hey, can you play more stuff that sounds like Disclosure?” It was almost it’s own genre, and it is a retro-influenced sound that went on to define the next three years of the greater genre. Even future house is in some very arguable way a response to the basic tenants Disclosure set in place. This is the band that killed “EDM” as a concept. This is the band that helped introduce thousands to the real roots of “house.” This is a band worth celebrating, and this is a list of the 10 best Disclosure songs so far.

15. Disclosure – “Grab Her!”

This song is kind of strange. That stair-walking robot synth, those twinkling keys, that forceful sample. It’s actually a clip of J Dilla, one of the duo’s biggest influences, and he’s not really saying “grab her,” but it sounds like it does, hence the song name. It’s a whole lot of freaky, funky fun. Guy Lawrence said of the song, “I made that after being on a pretty serious weekend out with my friends listening to a lot of DJs, and that is just the remains of the resonant tinnitus in my ears that came out musically the next day.”

14. Disclosure – “Good Intentions” with Miguel

This sultry little number has me imagining dark rooms and scented candles and satin sheets. Maybe that’s the fault of Miguel’s sensual vocal work, or maybe it’s the Lawrence brothers’ deep, rolling synth work. Something about this Disclosure song just promises naughty things, and everyone knows naughty is nice.

13. Disclosure – “Confess To Me” with Jessie Ware

I just can’t resist this wonky bassline. Ware was added in the 11th hour, replacing Howard’s original vocals. An old friend of the brothers, Ware came in and added verses to the track, stamping “Confess to Me” and the game-changing Settle with her mark forever more.

12. Disclosure – “Omen” with Sam Smith

Sam Smith and Disclosure blew up together thanks to their mega-hit “Latch,” so you know they had to get back in the studio for Caracal. “Omen” is a bit more late-night than “Latch,“ and people loved the vibe. “Omen” charted in 24 countries, further proving the perfection of Smith’s smooth croon when cascaded across Disclosure’s bedroom beats.

11. Disclosure – “Magnets with Lorde

No, you shouldn’t sleep with other girl’s boyfriends, but Lorde makes it sound like an exotic adventure one just has to give a go. Side pieces, rejoice! Lorde is one of your kind. The bridge here is perhaps the best part of the song. Lorde’s smoky voice in tandem with the syncopated percussion lures you into the hook, just as she leads you to make all kinds of bad decisions behind closed doors.

10. Disclosure – “Help Me Lose My Mind”

Here we explore the softer side of Disclosure. In fact, in the duo’s track-by-track analysis of Settle on Spotify, the brothers explain how they built “Help Me Lose My Mind” to match singer Hannah Reid’s softer spoken demeanor. Disclosure still give us the beating bass and persistent snare, but it all melts into the background under the ghostly synths and Reid’s alluringly rich vocals.

9. Disclosure – “Nocturnal” with The Weeknd

Disclosure’s second album Caracal is a strong step into the world of pop music, a message to fans telling what kind of band Disclosure sees itself being at its core. Settle earned them the right to work with whatever vocalist they wanted, and opening your LP with vocals from The Weeknd is surely a dream come true. This track has all the subtle darkness of its singer’s classic catalog mixed with the shining dance floor romance of its producers. It’s also a strong thematic predecessor to The Weeknd’s own recent disco-inspired release Starboy.

8. Disclosure – “Superego” with Nao

How you gonna write a song about an egotistical maniac and then go and make it so bouncy, the listener walks around struttin’ like the song’s protagonist? This is one of those songs you fall in love with immediately upon listening. Some fans wanted to critique Caracal for being less than earth-shattering following Settle‘s paradigm shifting greatness, but I say this song is right up there with anything Settle had to offer.

7. Disclosure – “Holding On” with Gregory Porter

Watch your step as you descend from the time machine. Take this flannel and tie it around your waist, ad be sure to grasp this bottle of water firmly in your right hand as you shake it for dear life to the beat. There you go, you’re ready for the ’90s dance floor. Alright, so “Holding On” is still decidedly modern, but it This song is damn near the perfect groove. Now, get out there and shake it, shake shake it.

6. Disclosure – “You & Me” with Eliza Doolittle

Flume’s remix of this Disclosure song is hugely popular, and it’s often the first version that comes to mind when I read the title, but this upbeat rhythm is nothing to be overlooked. This is glorious girl’s-night-out stuff, the perfect track for those moments on the dance floor when you get lost in thought then find yourself suddenly ripped back into the middle of the action. It’s the sound love makes just before you fall into it face first, when you’re still feeling pretty independent and wanna act like your crush is no big deal, but you know you’re lying.

5. Disclosure – “Voices” with Sasha Keable

Sasha Keable has such a perfect voice for this track, fittingly titled “Voices,” strangely enough. She is powerful and strong, even if the lyrics imply a willingness to give in to temptations too great to resist. It’s an easy siren’s call to answer on top of this delicious garage-inspired beat. This was the sixth single from Settle, but it was no less popular in DJ sets around the world.

4. Disclosure – “F For You” with Howard Lawrence

This is a Disclosure song so dope, Mary J. Blige had to jump on a remix, still, I want to throw it up to the original version, which says a lot about how much I really love me some Howard Lawrence vocals. For a track about playing a fool, it’s quite the cocky rhythm. Even Howard’s vocals drip with a certain slickness. I’m also going to nominate “I’ve been infected with restless whispers and cheats / That manifested in words and the lies that you speak” as two of the best lyrical lines ever written.

3. Disclosure – “When a Fire Starts to Burn”

I’m gonna Settle something once and for all. That sample? It’s from a monologue by Eric Thomas, a Chicago-based motivational speaker, author, and minister, the self-proclaimed “hip hop preacher.” He’s got a series of videos called T.G.I.M., and this is from episode 30, and this is quite clearly one of the greatest uses of sampling in the history of ever. Be honest, you didn’t catch every word in that last part, but you’re on the dance floor screaming it in your friend’s faces through a sloppy drunk grin anyway. Dr. Thomas isn’t even saying this shit to a backbeat, he just has the funky spirit running through him. Disclosure uses his encouraging message to elevate an already holy groove, and your feet on damn sure on fire by the time this track is over.

2. Disclosure – “White Noise” with AlunaGeorge

The first time I heard this song, it was nothing short of a revelation. It was early 2013, I was sitting on my then-boyfriend’s couch, and I’m pretty sure I stood up with a very serious look on my face all “Hey, hey, who is this?” I haven’t looked back sense. Disclosure is close to godliness, and so is AlunaGeorge, for that matter – which is two people, by the way. The singer is Aluna, and she is absolutely divine on this subtle anthem. It’s not an in your face tune, but it is arresting.

1. Disclosure – “Latch” with Sam Smith

In 2013, my buddy told me he used Settle as his finishing move whenever he wanted to get a girl in bed. He said that by the time “Latch” came on, it was sex city. I believe him, I mean, can you fight the raw silky smoothness of Sam Smith’s falsetto? Didn’t think so, and neither can the rest of the world who made “Latch” the biggest hit of Disclosure career to date. It helped launch Sam Smith into an absolutely star, as well as the Disclosure boys and this whole UK house revival sound. It helped change the direction of dance music. No small feat, to be sure, and it’s still one of best, most infectious, organically soulful tunes this decade has seen.

Source: Billboard

http://tunecollective.com/2017/01/21/disclosures-15-best-songs-critics-picks/

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bpbarnes-blog1 · 8 years ago

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Beyonce’s Industrial Secrets to Success

Dear Blue,

Growing up, my father taught me everything he knew about the music industry[i]—and so I plan to do the same for you. I have compiled an autobiography of my industrial secrets to success, in the case that you might one day aspire to break into the music industry. In the following chapters, I aim to provide you with my understanding of how the music industry has evolved over time, and what it takes to thrive in an era of digital revolution and global exchange.

All my love,

Part I

Chapter 1: Build Your Name

As a result of globalization and digitization, record labels have shifted away from creating art for arts sake and have gradually placed more emphasis on commercial branding. Getting your big break in entertainment has a lot to do with being in the right place at the right time. Throughout the 1970s, star groups such as The Jackson 5 were less fixated on reaching a worldwide fan base but rather first appealed to a domestic audience by singing about issues that resonated with the American listener. The Jackson 5 recorded their first big hit, “I Want You Back,” in 1969 with Berry Gordy’s Motown Records, a Detroit-based company that quickly became a nationally renowned studio after being built from a meager $800 family loan[ii]. Dubbed the “Sound of Young America,” Motown Records was built on a vision to transform domestic culture by breaking down racial prejudice in America[iii]. Today small, soulful record labels such as Motown Records have lost their influence as a majority of home-owned names have been bought by one of the “Big Five” global conglomerates that dominate the music industry[iv].

Following the 70s, compact discs were introduced as the first form of digital media, but still required manufacturing and distribution practices, which continued the norms of the music industry[v]. Throughout the CD Boom of the 90s, commercialization began to pick up as media convergence became more salient with continued popularity of programs implemented in the 80s’, such as Music Television[vi]; a trend that continued until the early 2000s. Brandy, one of my childhood inspirations[vii], highlights the growing effect that digitization and globalization began to have on the music industry in the 90s. Brandy started her journey singing in a church choir and at school talent shows where she was recognized for the purity of her vocal skills[viii]. After signing to Atlantic Records in 1993, she became known as “America’s Sweetheart” and gained recognition for breaking down color barriers[ix]. Despite Brandy’s emphasis on domestic values and vocal talent, the influence of commercial branding became present as she gained international fame, starring in sitcoms and releasing her own line of Barbie dolls[x].

Circulation of music increased to an unprecedented extent with the introduction of the digital audio file, which eliminated the need for a physical medium such as CDs and cassettes[xi]. The ability to captivate a global audience became astonishingly more accessible and necessary in order to make it big. Today, entertainment corporations trying to monetize economies of scale will pressure you to build your name by forming commercial partnerships that allow you to connect with a global fan base. I had my first major label breakthrough in 1999, when Destiny’s Child signed to Columbia Records[xii]. In the following years, I gained worldwide traction in geocultural markets as I was featured on soundtracks of popular films, such as The Fighting Temptations in 2003, Dreamgirls in 2006, and most recently the Great Gatsby in 2013[xiii]. Shortly after, I sealed a lucrative multi-year sponsorship deal with Pepsi, in which I agreed to appear in print ads and commercials all over the world[xiv]. Since then, I have brought in revenue with my partnerships in the transnational retail industry, launching my perfume scent with Tommy Hilfiger and fashion line, Ivy Park.[xv]. But be careful—while commercial success may keep your name in lights, be sure to ask yourself if this is enough to make you happy.

Chapter 2: Set A Goal

In the midst of my early commercial success, I was pressured to conform to aspects of popular genre and format[xvi]. Globalization has only increased risk in the entertainment industry–nobody knows what a worldwide market of consumers will dub a hit[xvii]. However, in becoming a known talent, I developed power in the industry and was able to make riskier, more independent decisions. By 2007, I had gained enough rapport in the industry to become President and Chief Executive Officer of my own entertainment and management company, Parkwood Entertainment[xviii]. I didn’t want to sing about the same thing for ten years. This suppresses freedom of expression, and you can’t grow[xix]. So I set a goal for myself—artistic independence[xx]. My first piece of advice is that if you want to be happy, do not compromise your art. In this chapter, I will describe how digitization and globalization have altered genre, creative content, format, and the culture of consumption over time. Further, I will explain how I’ve reacted to these changes in order to stay true to myself.

Within each decade, musical genre and creative content shift to reflect the times. Moreover, technological revolutions in each era have contributed to changes in musical format and the culture of consumption. In the 70s, artists used music as a medium to connect with communities and address social and political landscapes. During this time, musicians explored their identities and experimented with early forms of music-technology such as electronic synthesizers, wah-wah pedals, and Mellotrons[xxi]. As a result, Disco, Hard Rock, and Punk, emerged as a few unique genres. Before the Internet existed, consumers indulged in music listening without many of the distractions we are exposed to today. Experiencing music seemed to be more personal—listening to a cassette tape in your basement with the lights off and the volume up, or jamming to an 8-track tape in your car to calm your anxieties[xxii]. However, Sony’s release of the Walkman in 1979 revolutionized the concept of portable music, proving that the intimacy of the 8-track tape was short lived, and solidifying a massive shift in the music industry[xxiii].

By the 90s, music merged into six primary genres: Rock, Classical, Jazz, Blues, Country, and R&B[xxiv]. Record labels dominated the industry, bringing in revenue by selling compact discs as loss leaders in the big box market, at stores such as Wal-Mart and Target[xxv]. Operating within the norms of these Big 6 genres, musicians were able to form deep connections with their niche audience by channeling extraordinary passion into their sector of art[xxvi]. Soulful R&B albums such as Boyz II Men live on today, as they are continuously celebrated for the emotional impact they had on their fans[xxvii]. However, when music went digital with Napster in the late 90s, the big boxes undercut record labels contributing to the departure of the CD as a physical medium and the demise of the album as an art form.[xxviii]

The music market hit the Internet for good with the launch of iTunes in 2003, a transition that permanently altered the way fans interact with music[xxix]. Consumers gained the ability to cherry pick songs off an album by purchasing individual tracks[xxx]. This destruction of bundling transformed the culture of consumption—no one listens to albums as full bodies of work the way they used to[xxxi]. Today, consumers engage in music as part of a multitasking process with distractions from social media platforms and advertisements[xxxii]. Contemporary media outlets such as YouTube and Soundcloud allow anyone across the world to produce and publish their own music, flooding the market with a diverse assortment of musical tastes. As a result of digitization and mass customization, the contemporary music industry has become cluttered with a surplus of sub-genres. Globalization further drives fragmentation, as international influence has created new genres such as K-Pop, Dance Band, and Australian blues, which have built a following of niche audiences across the world[xxxiii]. In order to keep up with the pace of technology, mainstream artists sacrifice creative content in attempts to release a series of catchy singles that burn out within a matter of months[xxxiv].

However, in staying true to my goal I was determined to bring back the integrity of 90s R&B—to forget what the commercial industry decides is marketable or trendy and instead to stay generous to my fans and soulful in my craft[xxxv]. Yet in the midst of a digital revolution, it became apparent that I would have to utilize technology in order to propel my career forward. This leads to my second piece of advice: exploit technology—it’s not going anywhere. The convergence of film, music, television, and social media platforms has led me to strategically craft my work in ways that allow me to stay current.

With the release of my fifth solo album, Beyoncé, in 2013, I devised a plan to utilize technological advancements to retain authenticity and bring back the creative potential of an album. How? I created my first visual album. Each song on the album was accompanied by a unique video component. The finished product served as an artistic statement. Unlike most digital releases, I required that the album be purchased as a complete work of art as opposed to selling out with cheap singles[xxxvi]. The album sold more than 600,000 copies in its first three days, hitting multi-platinum by the following week[xxxvii]. In 2016, I debuted my sixth studio album, Lemonade, as an HBO documentary special. This is another example in which I utilized a unique digital technique, transforming my album into an audiovisual narrative. My release was met with overwhelming success as Lemonade helped me break the record as the artist with the most consecutive albums to debut at No.1 on the charts[xxxviii]. Let this be a testament, Blue. Record labels will press conventional aspects of commercial genre and format to mold you into a worldwide star, but remember to stay true to your goals and genuine in your craft—my success is living proof that it’s possible.

And so, this leads to my final piece of advice: be mindful when selecting the members of your team. In Part II, Jim Sabey, my Worldwide Marketing Manager, will explain some of the decisions I have made to overcome challenges in the industry. To whom much is given, much is required, good luck my Baby Blue!

Part II

Dear Blue,

Relentless challenges accompany competing in the music industry—luckily, you have the privilege of being raised by two of the most successful contenders in the game. In the following chapters, I aim to explain the strategic decisions I have made as Parkwood Entertainment’s Worldwide Marketing Manager in order to overcome threats related to digitization and globalization. Furthermore, I will share my predictions of the challenges that you may face in the future of the music industry.

All my best,

Jim

Chapter 3: Go All In

Technological advancements have widely increased the global circulation of music, which has resulted in a highly oversaturated market. In the midst of such stiff competition, it can be riskier to invest money in various low budget works as opposed to taking a large scale, high budget risk that will make you stand out[xxxix]. Some of your mother’s most successful blockbuster albums, such as Beyoncé and Lemonade are a result of high risk, high budget, strategic releases[xl]. The decision to release Beyoncé without any promotion in the crucial pre-release window was an enormous risk, but it paid off when the album went multi-platinum within the next week[xli]. Usually, artists maximize their chances of success by doing their marketing activities—including launching singles and staging big promotional events—before the album is available. However, your mother wrote, produced, and released her fifth album without so much as a Tweet[xlii]. Behind the scenes, the production costs were expensive, as we had to invest in the expenses that accompany creating video content for each track[xliii]. However, we took precautionary steps in the midst of executing such a monetary risk; by synchronizing worldwide distribution windows, the simultaneous release of Beyoncé flawlessly surprised fans across the world[xliv]. Immediately, an international buzz surrounded the work as fans, industry employees, and business scholars tried to demystify the album’s groundbreaking marketing approach.

Chapter 4: Compete with Technology

The development of online streaming is the biggest shift in the music industry since the beginning of recorded music, so it’s not surprising that regulatory challenges accompany this transition. However, the future of the music industry is only headed further in the direction of digital streaming. The United States is currently the most profitable market for online music streaming, and the growth of streaming users is projected to leap from 42 million to 119 million from 2015 to 2021.[xlv] Furthermore, global digital music revenue has been on a steady incline over the past decade and has multiplied in value since 2004 by approximately 17 times.[xlvi] Following the rise and fall of Napster in the late 90s and early 2000’s, artists have been forced to address growing regulatory concerns in the changing music industry, including the lack of royalty payment to music artists as well as illegal piracy.

Reaching a global audience is easier than ever before—Tidal is available at the click of a button in over 50 countries[xlix]. However, rival streaming platforms such as Spotify, Soundcloud and Apple Music have virtually identical catalogues and services, creating an issue of differentiation[l]. Tidal strives to differentiate itself from competitors by gaining access to exclusive content and offering a higher quality of audio. However, low subscription rates prove that consumers haven’t been keen to pick up on these features[li]. Despite the fact that Beyoncé’s Lemonade, Kanye’s The Life of Pablo, and Prince’s 300-song digital catalogue[lii] have all debuted exclusively on Tidal, the oversaturation of music outlets and overwhelming issue of illegal downloading dilute the industry’s attempts at artificial scarcity[liii]. Furthermore, rumor has it that Apple is out to buy Tidal in attempts to bridge the gap in subscription rates with their main competitor, Spotify[liv]. Apple Music has been around for only a quarter of the time that Spotify has existed, and it has already caught up with 15 million subscribers to Spotify’s 30 million[lv]. Nonetheless, other sources claim that Spotify is in the works to buy Soundcloud,[lvi] further complicating the rivalry. Rumors aside, one thing is clear: within the next ten years, it is likely that major consolidation will occur within the streaming industry[lvii]. If streaming platforms consolidate, this would further transform the way listeners create relationships with music artists. By providing consumers with artist-owned, legally regulated, high quality content, Tidal is another attempt to revolutionize digital music consumption and combat piracy, in hopes that it will decrease in the future.

Chapter 5: Expand Your Horizons

Beyoncé’s unparalleled success would not be possible without her worldwide fan base. However, part of this success must be attributed to the recent developments in digital technology that have provided means for strategically attaining such widespread reach. Don’t get me wrong; appealing to a range of cultures worldwide doesn’t come without its breadth of challenges. To survive in the contemporary music industry, artists must expand globally but must also attach to a niche audience in order to survive long term[lviii]. Perfecting techniques to attain universal recognition requires expertise logistical planning, cultural consideration, and tireless performing. Even musicians signed by global conglomerates, such as Beyoncé who is signed to SONY, have to vie for attention within local markets[lix].

Following the demise of the CD Boom, the almighty record labels experienced a shift in power dynamics[lx]. As digital media eliminated the need for physical product, moneymaking steps in distribution and manufacturing were cut out all together. However, by no means did digitization place monetary control back into the hands of artists. The deep-seated disaster of illegal downloading combined with unfair royalty payments in the streaming industry leaves music artists wondering how they will ever make a living. The answer lies in the concert industry[lxi]. Worldwide tours and merchandise now serve an absolutely essential role in revenue building, which explains the inflated price of concert tickets[lxii]. However in the midst of touring worldwide, it is necessary to localize your product to appeal to a range of diverse cultures.[lxiii] In 2009, Beyoncé utilized localization by releasing “Si Yo Fuera Un Chico”, a Spanish version of her hit single “If I Were A Boy,” on her YouTube VEVO account.

Furthermore, I find it necessary to reiterate the importance of capitalizing on the strategic release of blockbusters to generate international buzz. It was no coincidence when Parkwood Entertainment released the Worldwide Formation Tour dates in a commercial immediately following Beyoncé’s 2016 Super Bowl halftime performance, the most watched television event in the United States[lxiv]. Throughout the course of the broadcast, 147,000 Beyoncé related Tweets were sent out on the worldwide web, proving the success of such strategic release[lxv]. However, taking risks does not come without some backlash. Following her Super Bowl performance, news sources claim that Media Firm Global refused to air any international coverage of Beyoncé, potentially due to a conflict of negotiations regarding her upcoming performance at Capital FM[lxvi].

At the end of the day, these must be risks you are willing to take if you want to survive in the music industry. That’s show biz, Blue! Despite the many challenges music artists are forced to confront, I am confident that under the guidance of your mother, you too will one day thrive in the industry. Who runs the world? Girls.

[i] (Knowles, B., 2013)

[ii] (Hamilton, J., 2012)

[iii] (Motown Museum, 2016)

[iv] (Havens, T., & Lotz, A. D., 2012)

[v] (Havens, T., & Lotz, A. D., 2012)

[vi] (Marks, C., & Tannenbaum, R., 2011)

[vii] (Knowles, B., 2013)

[viii] (Brandy Billboard Biography)

[ix] (Brandy: Behind the Music, 2012)

[x] (Brandy Billboard Biography)

[xi] (Knopper, S., 2009)

[xii] (Davies, C., 2013)

[xiii] (Davies, C., 2013)

[xiv] (Davies, C., 2013)

[xv] (Davies, C., 2013)

[xvi] (Knowles, B., 2013)

[xvii] (Havens, T., & Lotz, A. D., 2012)

[xviii] (Sabey, J., 2014)

[xix] (Knowles, B., 2013)

[xx] (Knowles, B., 2013)

[xxi] (Albright, D., 2015)

[xxii] (Kalikow, L. E., & Olkowski, R. F)

[xxiii] (Albright, D., 2015)

[xxiv] (Frascogna, M., 2013)

[xxv] (Knopper, S., 2009)

[xxvi] (Ramierz, E., 2014)

[xxvii] (Ramierz, E., 2014)

[xxviii] (Knopper, S., 2009)

[xxix] (Taintor, C., 2004)

[xxx] (Knopper, S., 2009)

[xxxi] (Knowles, B., 2013)

[xxxii] (Kalikow, L. E., & Olkowski, R. F)

[xxxiii] (Frascogna, M., 2013)

[xxxiv] (Knowles, B., 2013)

[xxxv] (Knowles, B., 2013)

[xxxvi] (Pazzanese, C., 2014)

[xxxvii] (Pazzanese, C., 2014)

[xxxviii] (Coscarelli, J., 2016)

[xxxix] (Havens, T., & Lotz, A. D., 2012)

[xl] (Sabey, J., 2014)

[xli] (Elberse, A., 2015)

[xlii] (Elberse, A., 2015)

[xliii] (Sabey, J., 2014)

[xliv] (Michaels, S. 2014)

[xlv] (Irvine, 2016)

[xlvi] (Irvine, 2016)

[xlvii] (Tidal, 2015)

[xlviii] (Tidal, 2015)

[xlix] (Tidal, 2015)

[l] (Bradvold, M. & Jones, S., 2015)

[li] (Bradvold, M. & Jones, S., 2015)

[lii] (Rys, 2016)

[liii] (Bradvold, M. & Glibert, J., 2016)

[liv] (Bradvold, M. & Glibert, J., 2016)

[lv](Bradvold, M. & Glibert, J., 2016)

[lvi] (McIntyre, 2016)

[lvii] (Bradvold, M. & Glibert, J., 2016)

[lviii] (Frascogna, M., 2013)

[lix] (Havens, T., & Lotz, A. D., 2012)

[lx] (Knopper, S., 2009)

[lxi] (Sabey, J.,2014)

[lxii] (Sabey, J., 2014)

[lxiii] (Havens, T., & Lotz, A. D., 2012)

[lxiv] (Johnson, Z., 2016)

[lxv] (McCarthy, J., 2016)

[lxvi] (Hope, H., 2016)

References

Albright, D. (30 April, 2015) The Evolution of Music Consumption: How We Got Here. Retrieved from http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-evolution-of-music-consumption-how-we-got-here/

Brandy: Behind The Music. (2012, April 25). VH1. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://thebrandyblog.com/brandy-behind-the-music/

Brandy Billboard Biography. Retrieved from http://www.billboard.com/artist/297075/brandy/biography

Bradvold, M. & Glibert, J. (July, 2016). Why Would Apple Consider Buying Tidal. [Audio blog post] Retrieved from http://musicbizweeklypodcast.com/wp/

Bradvold, M. & Jones, S. (December, 2015). Branding and Passion & How To Stay Ahead of Those Who Want to Find Your Fault. Retrieved from http://musicbizweeklypodcast.com/wp/

Coscarelli, J. (2016, May 2). Beyonce’s ‘Lemonade’ Debuts at No.1 With Huge Streaming Numbers. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/03/arts/music/beyonce-lemonade-chart-sales.html?_r=1

Davies, C. (2013, May 8). Inside Beyoncé’s Business Empire: How She Became a Global Brand. Retrieved from http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/02/business/beyonce-business-global-brand/

Elberse, A. (2015, February 3). The Curious Case of 'Beyoncé' The Album [Interview by C. Camerota]. In Harvard Business School. Retrieved from http://www.hbs.edu/news/articles/Pages/anita-elberse-beyonce.aspx

Frascogna, M. (2013, November 16). Why Your Band Should Think Globally, Not Locally. Retrieved December 06, 2016, from http://musicglobalization.com/2013/11/16/why-your-band-should-think-globally-no-locally/

Hamilton, J. (2012, September 11). My American Dream Sounds Like The Jackson 5. [Audio blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2012/09/11/157673079/my-american-dream-sounds-like-the-jackson-5

Havens, T., & Lotz, A. D. (2012). Understanding Media Industries. New York: Oxford University Press.

Hope, H. (2016, February 9). Beyoncé’s Super Bowl Performance is Ditched by Global Radio Stations. Retrieved from http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/beyonces-super-bowl-performance-ditched-7341411

Irvine, V. (2016). Topic: Digital Music Industry. Retrieved from

https://www.statista.com/topics/1386/digital-music/

Johnson, Z. (2016, February 8). How Beyoncé Kept Her “Formation” Music Video Release and Tour Announcements Secret In An Era of Spoilers. Retrieved from http://www.eonline.com/news/737951/how-beyonce-kept-her-formation-music-video-release-and-tour-announcement-secret-in-an-era-of-spoilers

Kalikow, L. E., & Olkowski, R. F. (2016, June 20). Music Industry Memoir of the 60s and 70s [Audio blog post]. Retrieved from https://us.ivoox.com/es/music-industry-memoir-of-the-60s-and-70s-audios-mp3_rf_11963438_1.html

Knopper, S. (2009, January 14). The Rise and Fall Of The Music Industry [Audio blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99312293

Knowles, B. (Director). (2013, February 16). Life Is But A Dream [Video file]. In Beyoncé: Life Is But A Dream | A Documentary Special. Retrieved from http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/beyonce/article/about.html

Marks, C., & Tannenbaum, R. (2011, November 6). Golden Age of MTV – And Yes There Was One [Audio blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2011/11/06/141991877/the-golden-age-of-mtv-and-yes-there-was-one

McCarthy, J. (2016, 8 February). Beyoncé’s Political Super Bowl Performance Comes At Perfect Time. Retrieved From https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/beyonces-political-super-bowl-performance-comes-at/

McIntyre, H. (16, September 28). Is Spotify Buying Soundcloud? Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2016/09/28/report-spotify-is-in-talks-to-buy-soundcloud/#533f74d26a49

Michaels, S. (2014, August 13). Music Industry Considering Global Weekly Release Date. Retrieved From https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/aug/13/music-industry-considering-global-weekly-release-date-friday-beyonce

Motown Museum (2016). Motown Music - The Sound that Changed America. Retrieved from https://www.motownmuseum.org/story/motown/

Pazzanese, C. (2014, September 24). The Business of Being Beyoncé. Harvard Gazette. Retrieved from http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2014/09/the-business-of-being-beyonce/

Ramierz, E. (2014, October 11). The Juice Podcast: R&B & Rap Music of the 90's [Audio blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/podcasts/6281600/the-juice-podcast-rb-rap-music-of-the-90s

Rys, D. (2016, April 28). How Beyoncé Shook Up The Music Industry (Again) With ‘Lemonade.’ Retrieved from http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7348533/beyonce-lemonade-tidal-streaming-music-industry-jay-z

Sabey, J. (2014, September 25). How to Market Brand Beyoncé [Interview by E. Jacobs]. In The Financial Times. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/9ebce5a6-43d0-11e4-8abd-00144feabdc0

Taintor, C. (2004, May 27). Chronology - Technology and The Music Industry. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/music/inside/cron.html

Tidal Live Press Conference Ft. Jay Z, Madonna, Beyonce, and Kanye West [Video file]. (2015, March 30). Tidal. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SifNd8j3Zdc

#MediaIndustries

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fragrance2go · 1 year ago

Text

Exploring the World of Celebrity Scents: 8 Most Popular Ones

Celebrities are now using perfumes as an interesting way to show off their personalities, styles, and even their ideas. Celebrity perfumes are becoming more popular because many fans want to look like their favorite stars. Whether it's the sporty freshness of Adidas eau de toilette or the irresistible charm of Rihanna perfume, these famous scents are more than just a nice smell—they're a sign of stardom.

Even better, you can now Shop Online Perfume at Fragrance2go.co.uk and dive into this amazing world of well-known scents. Let's talk about some of the most popular famous fragrances you should know about.

1. Rihanna's Reign: The Scent of a Diva

Rihanna's perfume line is a true reflection of her glamorous and many-sided personality when it comes to the way it smells. Fans worldwide love these scents because they are both sophisticated and sexy. Each bottle luxuriously captures the spirit of Rihanna, making it a must-have for fans of her style.

2. Sporty Sophistication: Adidas Perfumes

Adidas isn't just a well-known brand for sports fans; it's also a well-known brand in the fragrance business. Adidas perfume, like the cool Adidas eau de toilette, has smells that capture the energy and movement of sports. These fragrances are made to make both everyday grace and sports chic look better. They are good for both men and women.

3. The Elegance of Calvin Klein

With a name that is often associated with style and technology, Calvin Klein fragrances offer a wide range of smells to suit different tastes. Calvin Klein is a master at making fragrances that show off a person's style and personality. These perfumes for women are romantic, while his perfumes for men are bold and sexual.

4. Beckham's Allure: The Essence of Style

David Beckham is known for his great sense of style and charming nature. His fragrance line, which includes the famous David Beckham essence, shows off his style. People who like a mix of traditional manhood and a bit of modern style will like the David Beckham fragrance line.

5. The Bold and Daring: Diesel's World of Fragrance

The smells from Diesel are known for being bold and different. The strong diesel bad perfume and the sensual diesel women's perfume line offer a unique and outspoken smell experience. Diesel's scents are for people who aren't afraid to try new things or be themselves.

6. Elegance in a Bottle: Hugo Boss Perfumes

Elegant and sophisticated are what Hugo Boss perfumes are all about. Hugo Boss makes scents that stand out as elegant and classic, like men's Hugo Boss perfume and Hugo Boss fragrance men. These scents are great for people who like to be classy and make a quiet but strong statement.

7. Victoria's Secret: A Symphony of Sensual Scents

The smells from Victoria's Secret are known for being seductive and girly. Whether it's their popular victoria's secret perfume uk collection or their special sale offers, these smells are made for the modern woman. Each bottle has a special smell that goes beyond just being perfume. It is romantic, sexual, and very rich.

8. The Youthful and Trendy: FCUK for Women

Fcuk women's perfume is made for young, cool women. This brand is popular among young people who want to show themselves in their way. Its smells are fun, fresh, and on-trend. FCUK's perfumes stand out because they look current and give off young energy with every spray.

Conclusion

Celebrity perfumes are more than just a fad; they are a mix of the celebrity's personality, wealth, and a statement about who they are. Fragrance2go.co.uk has a great trove of famous scents for everyone, whether it's a perfume gift set for men or a sale on ladies' perfumes. Dive into this world of fragrance art and find your signature smell today.

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vacationsoup · 6 years ago

Photo

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/?p=274068

[Duplicated:274064] A Guide to St.Andrews

Interesting Facts, Things to do, Places to See and Where to Eat in St Andrews

A seaside town north east of Edinburgh St Andrews is most famous for it’s golf courses and university.

Founded in the early 15thcentury, St Andrews was Scotlands’ first university and the 3rdoldest university in the English-speaking world. It continues to attract students from all over the world.

Sky Dive St Andrews

If you are visiting St Andrews at the end of July then the town has it’s own Highland Games. St Andrews Highland Games

The Old Course Hotel Spa

The Botanic Gardens have events for children scheduled throughout the year called Planet Botanic; activities include planting, den building, rock pooling and outdoor art. Botanic Gardens

The Cathedral was Scotlands largest medieval church. If you can face the climbto the top of the 33m tall St Rule’s Tower it is well worth it for the views over St Andrews and out to sea.

Retail Therapy

Surprising St Andrews has some really great independent shops, and not just ones that sell jumpers with diamond patterns and long socks.

For a designer fix head to Sam Brown Boutique for a great selection of womanswear, accessories and scented candles. Sam Brown

If you’re looking for tartan or cashmere head to Johnstons of Elgin for mens, womans and childrens clothing as well as luxurious throws and cushions. Johnston of Elgin

As you would imagine, a town with one of the most famous universities in the world is bound to have a good book shop, well, it has two actually.

For a fine selection of antiquarian and second hand books visit Bouquiniste Bouquiniste

The Sky Candle shop will ensure the scents of Scotland can be enjoyed long after the holiday ends. The Scottish collection includes Heather, Pine and Gorse scents. Skye Candles

For cheese lovers I.J Mellis has a great selection of artisan and farmhouse cheeses including locally made cheeses and very expensive French butter. Mellis Cheese

Food and Drink

Special events are held throughout the year including an evening Christmas market, flower arranging, festive menus etc.

Balgrove

The Fairmont Hotel is a luxury 5 star hotel set in 500 acres, it enjoys a hilltop position with views out to sea and over its’ two golf courses.

St Andrews Brewing Co

Mitchells Deli is well worth a visit, whether you just want a bottle of wine and some olives, a great selection of take out meals, amazing sandwiches, afternoon tea or a relaxed meal, you will find everything here. A mixture of traditional fair mixed alongside modern day classics, such as avocado on sourdough bread or Rose Harissa spiced Chicken wraps. A childrens’ menu is available and there is live music every weekend. A short wine list is available, plus local spirits and more local ale including the Drygate Disco Forklift Truck, Mango Pale Ale apparently brewed in Scotland!

Trip Advisor quotes: The Best Haggis in St Andrews” Mitchells

Strange Scottish Foods you are likely to come across on your travels

Cranachan is a dessert of cream and fresh raspberries mixed with Scottish oats and whisky – so slightly better for you than a tablet but not much!

Haggis – the most famous food to come out of Scotland and still a mystery to many people. It is a mixture of the heart, stomach or liver of a sheep or calf; minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and cooked while traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach though now often in an artificial casing instead. Traditional served with neeps and tatties (Turnips and potatoes mashed together) and gravy.

A more sophisticated dish is Balmoral chicken, a chicken breast stuffed with haggis, wrapped in bacon and served with a whiskey sauce.

Travel Tip created by Helen Thomas in association with Vacation Soup

#beaches #Fife #foodie #golf #StAndrews #VacationSoup #whatson #whattodo #whattosee

0 notes

vacationsoup · 6 years ago

Photo

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/a-guide-to-st-andrews/

A Guide to St.Andrews

Interesting Facts, Things to do, Places to See and Where to Eat in St Andrews

A seaside town north east of Edinburgh St Andrews is most famous for it’s golf courses and university.

Founded in the early 15thcentury, St Andrews was Scotlands’ first university and the 3rdoldest university in the English-speaking world. It continues to attract students from all over the world.

Sky Dive St Andrews

If you are visiting St Andrews at the end of July then the town has it’s own Highland Games. St Andrews Highland Games

The Old Course Hotel Spa

The Botanic Gardens have events for children scheduled throughout the year called Planet Botanic; activities include planting, den building, rock pooling and outdoor art. Botanic Gardens

The Cathedral was Scotlands largest medieval church. If you can face the climbto the top of the 33m tall St Rule’s Tower it is well worth it for the views over St Andrews and out to sea.

Retail Therapy

Surprising St Andrews has some really great independent shops, and not just ones that sell jumpers with diamond patterns and long socks.

For a designer fix head to Sam Brown Boutique for a great selection of womanswear, accessories and scented candles. Sam Brown

If you’re looking for tartan or cashmere head to Johnstons of Elgin for mens, womans and childrens clothing as well as luxurious throws and cushions. Johnston of Elgin

As you would imagine, a town with one of the most famous universities in the world is bound to have a good book shop, well, it has two actually.

For a fine selection of antiquarian and second hand books visit Bouquiniste Bouquiniste

The Sky Candle shop will ensure the scents of Scotland can be enjoyed long after the holiday ends. The Scottish collection includes Heather, Pine and Gorse scents. Skye Candles

For cheese lovers I.J Mellis has a great selection of artisan and farmhouse cheeses including locally made cheeses and very expensive French butter. Mellis Cheese

Food and Drink

Special events are held throughout the year including an evening Christmas market, flower arranging, festive menus etc.

Balgrove

The Fairmont Hotel is a luxury 5 star hotel set in 500 acres, it enjoys a hilltop position with views out to sea and over its’ two golf courses.

St Andrews Brewing Co

Mitchells Deli is well worth a visit, whether you just want a bottle of wine and some olives, a great selection of take out meals, amazing sandwiches, afternoon tea or a relaxed meal, you will find everything here. A mixture of traditional fair mixed alongside modern day classics, such as avocado on sourdough bread or Rose Harissa spiced Chicken wraps. A childrens’ menu is available and there is live music every weekend. A short wine list is available, plus local spirits and more local ale including the Drygate Disco Forklift Truck, Mango Pale Ale apparently brewed in Scotland!

Trip Advisor quotes: The Best Haggis in St Andrews” Mitchells

Strange Scottish Foods you are likely to come across on your travels

Cranachan is a dessert of cream and fresh raspberries mixed with Scottish oats and whisky – so slightly better for you than a tablet but not much!

Haggis – the most famous food to come out of Scotland and still a mystery to many people. It is a mixture of the heart, stomach or liver of a sheep or calf; minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and cooked while traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach though now often in an artificial casing instead. Traditional served with neeps and tatties (Turnips and potatoes mashed together) and gravy.

A more sophisticated dish is Balmoral chicken, a chicken breast stuffed with haggis, wrapped in bacon and served with a whiskey sauce.

Travel Tip created by Helen Thomas in association with Vacation Soup

0 notes