#This Cathedral can only be found in the Magic Railway | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

taycofftoadventure · 6 years ago

Text

Road Trip Through the UK Part 2: Scotland

Scotland is a wild and magical destination. Even more beautiful and mountainous than I imagined- the land in this region is a feast for the eyes and the soul. I was so thrilled to get to explore the country by the roadside. I only wish I’d more time. There is a wealth of things to do and see.

We drove over the border of Great Britain and headed toward the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. Still early spring, we landed on the Easter holiday, but the town was vibrant. Once parked at our hotel, we eagerly headed on foot toward the Royal Mile- the definitive main drag. People were bustling about the famous Witchery and sights, but we dove off the beaten path down a small passageway between the buildings to dine at The Devil’s Advocate . Great gastropub food but very Scottish, with a good whisky selection. We definitely warmed up and had plenty to walk off, as we headed to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. The castle is a must-do and it’s chock full of royal treachery, intrigue, and history. We really enjoyed seeing where the royals lived as well as the jail in the castle depths that held American prisoners of war. The walls speak volumes via the etchings of the prisoners or in the mysterious bones discovered inside. Don’t miss the Soldier’s Dog Cemetery, which takes up prime real estate with a view of the city. It’s a bit of heart in a place that feels a pretty dark in its history.

After the castle, we wandered down the Royal Mile to St. Giles Cathedral. We took in their Easter concert while marveling at one the most beautiful cathedral ceilings I’ve come across. Founded in 1124, the church is quite busy and offers tours and music regularly. Following a much needed nap, we had excellent seafood and service at Fishers in the City .

Driving into the Highlands of Scotland is unforgettable- but be warned, not a ton of gas stations on our route. Be sure to fill your tank when you can. As Macbeth fans, we headed toward Inverness. It’s conveniently by Loch Ness, which I’ve always wanted to see since childhood. No Nessie sightings, but it’s a beautiful region. We drove by Castle Urquhart and took some photos without going in- I think as castles go, it’s a little more limited. Along our route, we did stop by Eilean Donan Castle dating back to the 13th century. It’s a much more picturesque fully restored castle stop with tours. It’s on an island where three lochs (or lakes) meet, so it’s a prime location.

We traveled west to the great Isle of Skye. It feels like the edge of the world. A rugged landscape surrounded by wide waterways- this region feels like it’s the land of giants. We stayed at Sconser Lodge, a former clan hunting lodge built in 1871 that sits a few yards from the water. The accommodations are lovely, and it’s run by a kind family. The pub is quite cozy, the whisky is on point, and if you miss the fresh scallops (fished right outside)- I’ll be sad.

The quaint village of Portee is nearby and we drove through on our way to see the Old Man of Storr. The view from the hike is sublime as you go up the rocky hillside of the Storr. The trail isn’t particularly easy, so bring your water and good shoes- but it’s worth it. The land feels unchanged from the past and the view is enchanting and primordial. As you drive around, keep an eye out for the Highland cows that are especially bred to endure the cold with their long hair.

The next morning, we hiked The Fairy Pools on the edge of the Black Cuillins. The cold pools are a vibrant blue-green and look like portals to Narnia. There is talk of them being swimmable in warmer months. The trail meanders through a series of waterfalls and its rocky landscape is quite dramatic. They shot the Michael Fassbender Macbeth nearby.

As you head back down south, keep your eyes peeled for the Hogwarts Express or the Glenfinnan Viaduct portion of the railway. It’s located just outside Fort William and there are some trails in the area to snap a good photo. Nearby, we stopped for lunch in Glencoe and got a glimpse of the great, snow-capped Ben Nevis. It’s the highest peak in the UK and attracts hikers and sightseers.

If you have the time, Glasgow is a worthy stop. We missed it on our trip sadly, but I do hear wonderful things- especially about the people of Glasgow. Glaswegians say the town is a people’s city with amazing music, shopping, and architecture.

Scotland is enchanting and I fell utterly in love. If you venture there, don’t miss the Highlands where there seems to be more mountains than people. Driving through the rugged landscape allowed us a great deal of freedom and, while it’s tricky to drive on the other side of the road, it was worth it to reach these far-flung places. You’ll feel a long, long way from home, but that’s the idea- right?

#scotland #road trip #travel #travel tips #travel blog #isle of skye #edinburgh #highlands

2 notes · View notes

bigjohnsadventuresintravel · 6 years ago

Text

Our Bicycle Ride Through Amsterdam

To begin, I must confess that the title of this post is a bit misleading. Our bicycle ride through Amsterdam makes up only a very small portion of the photographs you will see below. With 1.3 bicycles per person in Amsterdam, it just seemed easier for Rebecca and I to do most of our exploring on foot. Not only is Amsterdam the capital, it is the most populated city in the Netherlands. Its name derives from Amstelredamme, indicative of the city’s origin around a dam in the river Amstel. Just like Venice, Italy and Bruges, Belgium, Amsterdam is a city of beautiful canals and extraordinary history. I know you’ll experience a desire to visit this city yourself once you view some of our pictures.

Our rental car, a Fiat Panda, fits neatly inside a mini-parking space alongside the canal.

Although driving in Amsterdam was nowhere near as perilous as driving in Rome, I was more than eager to park my rental car and leave it there for the duration of my stay. When driving to our Airbnb, I experienced a very close call when I nearly ran over a bicyclist with my Fiat Panda. I didn’t feel too bad for long though; it wasn’t more than an hour later when a bicyclist nearly ran me over on foot.

The view outside the window of our Airbnb in Amsterdam.

Our little studio apartment was centrally located in the Jordaan neighborhood and was in easy-walking distance to Amsterdam’s most popular sites and attractions.

It appears the owner of our Airbnb rental was a fan of Marilyn Monroe.

Big John walks his bicycle through Amsterdam’s Dam Square towards the Royal Palace.

One of the things many Americans do not know about the Netherlands is that they are a constitutional monarchy, as well as a parliamentary democracy. Resting in the middle of Dam Square sits the Royal Palace, Amsterdam. This beautiful structure is the official reception palace of King Willem-Alexander. The Palace also hosts other royal receptions, such as the annual New Year’s reception, dinners and prize ceremonies. Visitors are allowed to tour the palace during the majority of the year.

Rebecca stops for a break just outside the Voyagers Coffeeshop and Hotel.

In Amsterdam, coffeeshops are alcohol-free (and usually coffee-free) establishments that sell marijuana, hashish, and cannabis for recreational use. Amsterdam has a very liberal soft-drug policy and the city is widely known as the cannabis capital of the world. The are over 170 legally-operated coffeehouses in Amsterdam.

The Basilica of Saint Nicolas in the Old Centre district of Amsterdam

Amsterdam has numerous churches and cathedral for visitors to admire and worship in. The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is located in the Old Centre district of Amsterdam. It is very close to Amsterdam’s main railway station and is the city’s primary Roman Catholic church. The architecture was a spectacular sight to behold.

I told Rebecca that she should safely stay within eyeshot of my bald spot when cycling through the streets of Amsterdam. She informed me that under those guidelines, she could straggle at least two neighborhoods behind me and not lose sight of it.

No matter where you turn in Amsterdam, you’re likely to find more bicycles than people.

Chocolate is just one more reason to love Amsterdam.

Rebecca is hoisting up anchors outside the Teun Hotel Restaurant.

There are some words, regardless of language, that just sound funny. Rebecca was pretty amused with all the signs that read “Boomwortels”. Judging by the picture on the signs, I was pretty clueless that “Boomwortels” was the Dutch word for tree roots. I honestly thought the signs were alerting me to a set of carefully concealed double-speedbumps.

They say a picture adds twenty pounds to your frame. I’ll just blame the other twenty pounds on good ole’ Dutch beer!

The Van Speyk, pictured in the background, is a classic Amsterdam style brasserie that serves traditional French and Dutch cuisine. The building dates back to 1659 and is located in the the old warehouse district, between the Dam square and the Grand Central Station.

They say that the prettiest girls in all of Amsterdam can be found on Prinsengracht Centrum!

I love how she knows to wait for the “walk” light before stepping out into the street. I could learn a lot from this woman!

The Atlas scuplture affixed to the top of the Royal Palace signifies Amsterdam’s place in the world.

The Amsterdam Circle Line offers luxury canal tours at affordable prices.

Tourists stand outside the Anne Frank Home on the Prinsengracht canal.

Anne Frank hid inside a secret upstairs annex of this structure for a period of two years before finally being discovered by Nazis and shipped off to a concentration camp. During her time in the attic, the young girl kept a diary detailing her daily life as she and her family relied on faith, love and hope to keep them alive. Tragically, Anne Frank’s diary would be the only part of her that survived the holocaust. The Nazis were believed to have exterminated approximately 6,000,000 Jews during the duration of World War II.

In memory of Anne Frank (1929-1945)

Rebecca standing outside the door of the Anne Frank House.

Once the swelling went down in her feet, she realized he had bought them a just few sizes too big. She never listens to me!

This is another view of the canal just below our lofty studio apartment.

You can’t be Dutch if you don’t like cheese!

If you’re a bacon-lover like me, make sure you visit the Grillroom Twins in Amsterdam for the best sandwich that money can buy!

My heart flutters like a Dutch windmill every time she comes near (That may not be a good thing. I probably should get that checked out).

The setting sun painted a stunning picture of this Amsterdam canal.

Nightfall on the streets of Amsterdam.

She knows all too well how to work her voodoo magic on me!

Selfies are only good when you have nobody else around to snap the picture… or when you have a pretty girl to male them look a whole lot better!

While exploring the Spuistraat, Centrum district, Big John poses in front of a house built in 1627.

Rebecca needs to quit eyeballing my food and just eat her salad. This small snack has to last me until dinner!

Don’t hate! It’s hard being an international man of mystery without owning a good pair of shades!

Whomever rented this bike before me must’ve been over five feet tall! I had to stop and lower the seat.

I wonder if she knows how madly in love I am with her. Maybe one day I will get the courage to tell her just how I really feel.

She’s into the tough guys, what can I say?

Big John and the empty suit hang out in Marnix Park.

I suddenly just realized that I have the same stance in every picture. Come to think of it, I don’t believe I’ve ever really fully extended my left leg…. interesting.

Believe it or not, the waters of Amsterdam are home to an amazing variety of fish. There are perch, bream, pike, carp, eel, rudd, mullet, and their highly-prized zander. I highly doubt that you would need a boat though if you planned on casting into this canal!

I wish my job involved making waffles every day!

The best tulips in Holland can be found throughout the city of Amsterdam.

Rebecca poses in front of the Cafe Hoppe, a charming Dutch pub dating all the way back to 1670.

These are actually popup urinals that come up out of the street. I saw these in use in both the Netherlands and Belgium. Talk about culture shock!

“Excuse me Ma’am, do you know where the weight room is?”

Rebecca outside the Hard Rock Cafe, Amsterdam.

Big John poses in from of the iconic I AM AMSTERDAM sign.

The Rijksmuseum is a Dutch national museum dedicated to extraordinary art and history of Amsterdam.

That is one very large game of chess!

Sitting alone on that bench, feeling like the Netherlands’ version of Forrest Gump.

Amsterdam had several fascinating murals in and around the city, like the one I captured here on the wall of this bank.

She looked so prim and proper riding her bicycle. She’s such a sweetheart!

This is the section of our tour where picture-taking was just a bit too risque! You’ll just have to trust me when I say there’s a lot in the Red Light District that wouldn’t go over well on a family-friendly blog such as this one.

I can’t believe I flew all the way to Amsterdam to buy some assless leather chaps and they were completely sold out… Joking, they had plenty in stock!

My cutie-pie posing in front of Café de Zeevaart, a traditional Dutch Bar situated in the heart of the Red Light District.

The National Monument on Dam Square was erected in 1956 to commemorate the casualties of World War II and other armed conflicts.

You can barely make out Rebecca as she tries to hide from me behind that pole.

Just the sign alone at Coco’s Outback was enough to entice me to enter inside.

Thorbeckeplein square is located right right in the center of Amsterdam and is well known for their diverse eateries and lively nightclubs.

Rebecca pedals her bicycle through a crowded portion of Chinatown, Amsterdam.

I just couldn’t go home home without first getting a picture in front of the Heineken brewing factory.

For me, the greatest thing about travel adventures is experiencing them with the one you love.

Did I mention that I really love a good Dutch cheese?

The Dutch Delicacy takes the grilled-cheese sandwich to a whole new level!

I would travel to the ends of the earth with this girl…. actually, I think I already have!

After spending three fun-filled days in Amsterdam, this beautiful lady and I hit the road and headed out towards the Rhine. We were off to Germany and then to Belgium where more adventure was sure to await us. Life is great when you have the perfect travel companion by your side!

A lone Dutch windmill on the outskirts of Amsterdam

I hope you enjoyed my post and thank you for taking the time to visit bigjohnsadventuresintravel.com. Please feel free to explore the rest of my blog site and leave a comment or two so I know you were here.

Happy travels,

Big John

#Amsterdam #Holland #Netherlands

1 note · View note

grantmkemp · 5 years ago

Photo

The green marble from the Emerald isle, and the boys from the quarry who followed it to the other side of the world ....

130 years ago these quarry boys were captured by Joshua H. Hargrave, a railway engineer for the Great Northern Railway. A keen amateur photographer, Mr Hargrave recorded the everyday life he saw while surveying new railway lines. This project took him to Connemara, which is a region in county Galway, Ireland’s western seaboard. The word Connemara comes from the Gaelic meaning “Inlets for the Sea”. When you go there you cannot help but be bowled over by it’s awe-inspiring beauty. Oscar Wilde described it best when he spoke of the region possessing a “savage beauty”.

These young boys dressed in their padded smocks helped in the processing of Connemara Marble, which is a rare form of marble found in the region. It is typically greenish in colour. It is one of the rarest forms of marble in the world. Deposits date back some 600 million years! The marble forms when limestone is heated under pressure. While the colour is predominately green there are often shades of grey and brown seen throughout. 4000 year old axes made from Connemara Marble in the Stone Age can be seen in The National Museum of Ireland. One of the finest examples of Connemara Marble in Ireland forms the stunning floor of Galway Cathedral. Other examples can be found in Westminster Cathedral, London’s General Post Office and the Natural History Museum in Oxford.

In 1895, New York marble merchant Robert C Fisher imported large quantities to the States. It adorns many buildings, especially churches and cathedrals. The most famous examples in America can be seen in the Senate Chamber and Senate Post Office of the State Capital Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It was also in 1895 that the work of Mr Hargrave came to an end with the completion of The Connemara Railway. The total length of the line was forty-eight miles 550 feet. It was a single line with a broad gauge, and opened on New Year's Day 1895.

The government hoped that the construction of the line would help develop the fisheries and other local industry. However, the railway company believed that it would take years for the line to pay and that its principal trade would be tourism. To this end the company set about promoting Connemara. Tourist handbooks regularly appeared carrying picturesque descriptions of the many attractions Connemara had to offer the angler and tourist. Accommodation and prices were listed, with maps and suggested routes through the mountain passes provided. In 1903 the company laid on a special tourist train which ran daily from Dublin to Clifden during the summer months. It had a dining car, and stopped at Mullingar, Athlone, Athenry, Galway and Oughterard. To facilitate the tourist traffic, touring cars linked Clifden station with Westport station, taking the traveller through the Connemara mountains and along Killery Harbour en route. The company built a hotel at Recess, where King Edward VII and his party lunched in July 1903, during his tour of the congested districts of the West. Over the years the company advertising paid off, and the rich and famous came to Connemara to shoot and fish. Fishing lodges were built by English and Irish gentlemen, and Connemara developed a reputation as a popular holiday destination for the upper classes.

However, for most of the people of Connemara the railway was simply the first stage in that long emigrant trail which would carry them halfway across the world. It is entirely possible that these young boys had handled the green marble, that would adorn the Senate buildings in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and several years later as young men they took the train from Connemara, and followed the marble to a new life.

It is an interesting thought that when celebrating the not too distant Saint Patrick's Day (17th March) in the US, if anyone really wanted to get close to an actual piece of Ireland they only need to go to Pennsylvania, and they can be surrounded by the green marble of Connemara. I suspect that a vist to the nearest Irish bar, and several pints of Guinness will be the preferred method of celebration.

This is my colourised version of a magic lantern slide produced in 1891

Restoring Your Past … Website Restoring Your Past … on Facebook

#Joshua H. Hargrave #Connemara #Co. Galway #Connemara Marble #boys #County Galway #Quarry #Marble #vintage #history #colourised #colorized #photo-colourisation #photo-colorization

0 notes

susanetalks · 6 years ago

Text

ABOUT TRIP TO YORK

York has been hailed as Britain’s most beautiful city, and the place where most people want to live in the UK. It certainly is a special city – its small, but crammed full of beautiful buildings, and more boutique shops, restaurants and cafes than you can shake a stick at. History seeps from every brick, wood beam and cobblestone, and it’s hard not to imagine legions of Romans or hordes of Vikings roaming the streets. York just amazed me and you can feel the atmosphere of the city through my pictures and who knows…maybe this post might make you want to visit York too :)

York patří mezi nejkrásnější britská města, kde je krásné žít. Je to naprosto boží město, o kterém jsem snila navštívit už na střední, kde jsme se o něm učili. Je to malinkaté, za to neustále pulzující město, plné krásných středověkých uliček, domečků, malých kaváren a butiků. Historie sálá z každé stavební kostky, dřevěných okenic, dlažebních kostek a je dost těžké nepředstavovat si římské legionáře nebo Vikingy, kteří se proháněli ulicemi Yorku v dobách jeho rozkvětu.

York mě naprosto uchvátil a doufám, že na vás přenesu atmosféru města alespoň skrze fotky, které můžete zhlédnout spolu s krátkým povídáním o městě,které jsem nenavštívila naposledy a kdo ví…třeba vás nakonec přesvědčím zajet do Yorku také :)

We went 27th December, took a train MCR-YORK and in one and half hour we appeared in magical York. The way from train station to the city centre to our first stop: YORK Minster, takes 10 minutes along the York’s City Walls and Gardens. These York City Walls were built in 13th century all around the city, It takes around 2 hours to walk around the compete route. It’s for free and opened daily from 8am to dusk.

My do Yorku vyrazili těsně po vánočních svátcích, 27.prosince. Jeli jsme vlakem Manchester - York, s malým přestupem a zpožděním v Leeds. Za hodinku a půl jsme dorazili do Yorku a objevování mohlo začít. Cesta od vlakového nádraží do centra trvá necelých 10 minut a naší první zastávkou byla známá katedrála. Podél cesty k ní můžete vidět York City Walls, středověké hradby, postaveny ve 13.století a linou se okolo celého města. Procházka po hradbách trvá 2 hodinky, vstupné je zdarma a otevírací doba je každý den od osmi od rána do setmění, poté se brány na hradby zamykají.

York lays on the Ouse and the Foss River. In the morning we could see a few rowing enthusiasts.

York leží na dvou řekách Ouse a Foss a my tak mohli na naší cestě do města vidět nadšence, kteří v dopoledních hodinách při 4°C veslovali v tričkách.

Our way: From Railway Station along the way Station Road, War Memorial Gardens, York Minster + Dean’s Park, Goodramgate street, Kings Square, Shambles, Pavement, Coppergate, Jorvik centre, Castle gate, Cliffords Tower, walk by the river, Ghost Walk point, Coney street, Market Street, Parliament Street, Shambles Market, Roman Bathhouse, Stonegate, Helen’s Square,

Naše cesta: Z Railway Station po Station Road, War Memorial Gardens, York Minster + Dean’s Park, Goodramgate street, Kings Square, Shambles, Pavement, Coppergate, Jorvik centre, Castle gate, Cliffords Tower, walk by the river, Ghost Walk point, Coney street, Market Street, Parliament Street, Shambles Market, Roman Bathhouse, Stonegate, Helen’s Square,

In the city centre are 4 mediavel gates connected with walls all-around the York.

V centru města jsou hradby propojeny 4 středověkými branami, které připomínají historickou stránku města.

York Minster is the largest gothic cathedral in northern Europe, and it’s definitely worth going inside just to see how impressive it really is. Next time we’ll have to climb up the central tower; it has the best view in York. We had to miss out this time because tower trips are only at certain set times and it’s not free. You don’t need to be into architecture or religion to enjoy this one.

Katedrála v Yorku je největší gotickou katedrálou v Severní Evropě svého druhu. Opravdu stojí za to se jít podívat i dovnitř a vidět, jak obrovská stavba to je nejen zvenčí, ale i uvnitř. Příště až pojedu i s Honzou mám v plánu jít i nahoru na hlavní věž a vychutnat si pohled na město z nejvyššího bodu celého Yorku. Tentokrát jsme to vynechali, jelikož jsou tam dané časy prohlídek a vybírá se vstupné okolo 11 liber.

We learnt also about the sweeter side of the city’s history. Rowntree´s and Terry’s chocolate brands were founded in York. Chocolate has been made in the city for over 300 years. A visit to York’s Chocolate Story is essential for any chocoholic.

Dále jsme se dozvěděli, že York byl domovem čokolády. Vznikly zde značky Rowntree´s a Terry´s, které zde vyráběly čokoládu celých 300 let a York je tak městem, kde vznikla například tyčinka KitKat, kterou všichni moc dobře známe. Pokud jste zaslíbení čokoholici, nesmíte vynechat návštěvu Chocolate Story na Kings Square, kde jsou prohlídky s ochutnávkami a také souvenir shop s různými druhy čokoládiček a pralinek

Clifford’s Tower - this medieval tower is the largest remaining part of York Castle. Definitely worth a visit if you are into heighs - you will enjoy the views from the top. Entrance is £5,40.

Clifford’s Tower je středověká věž, která připomíná hlavní část hradu Yorku. Rozhodně stojí za návštěvu, pokud se nebojíte výšek a poskytne vám nádherný výhled na město zase jiné perspektivy. Vstup je £5,40 za dospělého.

Probably the most famous place in York, the Shambles is one of the best preserved medieval streets in the entire world. Many quirky independent shops, cafés and pubs have taken up residence in the buildings, most of which used to be butchers when they were first built dating back to the 14th and 15th century.

Nejznámější ulice v celém Yorku, hlavně tedy díky filmům Harry Potter je rozhodně ulice The Shambles. Ulice je nejzachovalejší středověká ulice na celém světě a skýtá krásné křivé domečky, kde naleznete různé kavárničky, obchůdky, čajovny, hospůdky a samozřejmě souvenir shopy s tématikou Harryho Pottera. Původně byly tyto domy masné krámy a první nájemci zde byli již ve 14. století.

There’s nothing better than sinking down into a comfortable chair, pouring a cup of tea and nibbling on a scone while admiring your beautiful surroundings. For a quintessentially British experience, we couldn’t miss Betty’s tea rooms on St. Helen’s Square. This tea room has been here since 1936, offering traditional afternoon teas alongside a variety of cakes and pastries.

Není nic lepšího, než si po dlouhém chození dopřát šálek dobrého čaje, usadit se do pohodlného křesla a zakousnout se do vláčného dortíku. Pokud už zavítáte do Yorku, nesmíte opomenout místní Betty’s tea house, který zde funguje již od roku 1936 a vyznačuje se svou precizností, nabídkou tradičních afternoon tea, vyhlášenými dortíky a pečivem. Tento skvost pro milovníky čaje najdete na St Helen´s Square.

Trip to York wasn’t my last one. I plan to go there again with Johnny in February. I’d like to book Airbnb and stay over night, wake up early in the morning and go to shoot abandoned Shambles and take a few pics of the cathedral from the Walls when the sun goes up.

I’m gonna post everything on my stories and also I’ll write another post with pictures and other tips for exploring :) Let me know if you like to travel and discover, and I’m curious if visit of York is on your Bucket list :)

Love,

Susane

For more information visit: https://www.visityork.org/

Návštěva Yorku rozhodně nebyla moje poslední a už v únoru se tam chystám vzít i Honzu. V plánu je si booknout Airbnb a být přes noc, ráno brzy vstát, protože chci nafotit The Shambles bez lidí a nasbírat pár vydařených snímků i z hradeb s výhledem na katedrálu, jak se probouzí do nového dne. Tak se můžete těšit na další tipy, co navštívit, jelikož mám už teď spousty dalších nápadů. Dejte mi vědět, zda rádi objevujete a jestli cesta do Yorku je na vašem bucket listu :)

S láskou,

Susane

Více informací o Yorku zde: https://www.visityork.org/

0 notes

swipestream · 7 years ago

Text

Fantasy and Adventure New Release Roundup – 27 January 2018

This week’s roundup of fantasy and adventure stories features dragons and trains, Texas Rangers, an interstellar romance author over his head, and, most fearsome of all, a murder of manatees.

Dread Mechanicals (The Iron Horses of Sesp #1) – Alice Ashton

When Essylt is forced to leave her mountain home with her young dragon, Cai, she needs to earn enough to take him to a land where he will be safe. But the city of Sesp – which is the place to earn riches – has wiped out its dragons. Will she be able to achieve her aims while keeping Cai out of harm’s way? And can she trust the inventors, Rot and Wisdom (of Dread Mechanicals), to keep Cai a secret?

Essylt becomes drawn to The Nit – Sesp’s central railway station – where she is awed by the wonders of this incredible cathedral-like building. Not to mention the gleaming steam locomotives that are the beating heart of the Sesp economy. Working on the trains will bring her the cash she needs but with violent strikes on the line, she also needs to protect herself.

* * * * *

High Adventure #158 – presented by Adventure House

A Texas Rangers Double Issue!

Law On the Winter Range by Jackson Cole Rampaging, raiding outlaws and land-grabbers, whose greed for empire knows no bounds, ride roughshod over the range until the Lone Wolf Lawman takes a hand in their game! Follow a fighting Ranger as he challenges evil despots.

Loot of the Wolf by Jackson Cole When a mysterious cache of outlaw gold leads to a reign of lawlessness and death, the Lone Star Ranger rides into the Big Bend with his six-guns primed for a roaring showdown! Jim Hatfield pits himself against a chieftain of owlhooters dedicated to slaughter and terror!

* * * * *

Kingsbane (A Soul Stones sidestory) – T. L. Branson

Some things aren’t meant to be found.

Ocken’s life has been a constant battle for survival, from the harsh desert lands of his youth to his service as one of Sunbury’s royal guard, sworn to protect the king.

Khate is a woman shrouded in mystery. Rumors abound that she’s the king’s personal assassin and she’s all too happy to spread them. The only companions she desires are her blades.

When pregnancy complications threaten to take the life of Sunbury’s queen, the king embarks on a impossible quest to obtain a legendary stone rumored to have the power to heal any malady. As loyal servants to the crown, Ocken and Khate find themselves on a harrowing adventure fraught with pain and destruction.

Each day that passes is one less for the queen’s survival. Time is running out.

* * * * *

Making Peace – Adam Lane Smith

Interstellar romance author Belkan Candor has had a string of bestsellers, and his latest hit, My Mech, My Love, is flying off store shelves. When he takes a job as an embedded journalist with a peacekeeping organization, he expects a plush assignment with a big payout. What he gets is an exposé into human trauma and psychological pain, and a twisted conspiracy on an entire planet looking to stay off the grid.

Swords are swinging and magic is flinging, and Belkan is right in the center of it. Assassins, serial killers, prostitutes, and obsessed romance novel fans collide in a web of intrigue and violence which threatens to tear his world apart.

Will he survive, or will this novel be the death of him?

* * * * *

A Murder of Manatees (The Adventures of Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent #2) – Larry Correia, performed by Adam Baldwin

When half your galaxy is unexpectedly sucked into a black hole – when a hitherto-unknown species of space aliens lays waste to your home planet – when disaster rears its ugly head (or heads) – who can you call for faster-than-light appraisals and best-in-the-multiverse customer service? Just one man – Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent.

In this latest chapter of his interstellar exploits, Tom is about to deliver a crushing performance evaluation to Jimmy the Intern when the unimaginable happens: The beloved Wendell the Manatee has been kidnapped! Armed with his battle mechs and his elite corps of junior associates, can Tom find Wendell before he’s canned in oil? And can Jimmy, at long last, channel his inner agent?

A Murder of Manatees will make you quiver with fear, laugh uncontrollably, and wonder whether your deductibles are too high.

* * * * *

Pawnbrokers of Eternal Blight (The Twilight Patrol #3) – Stuart Hopen

To the world at large, The Twilight Patrol is a high-flying band of scrappy patriots, ever alert for trouble and always willing to lend a hand.

To the sinister foes lurking behind the Axis horizon, they are a force to be reckoned with in the onslaught against freedom.

To their fans, The Twilight Patrol is the bravest assortment of adventurers ever brought together to confront the dark forces threatening our mortal realm.

Also features the short story “The Visions: What is Telling and What is Tolled” by Stuart Hopen.

* * * * *

The Warrior Mage (The Lost Prophecy #2) – D. K. Holmberg

The world prepares for war. Creatures out of a nightmare press south. And only a few will be able to stop it.

Roelle leads the Magi north to discover the secrets of the northern warriors known as the Antrilii. What she discovers forces her to question the role the Magi play in the world as she begins to realize how far they have drifted from their Founders. Rumors out of the north are much worse than she could ever imagine and her Mage Warriors might be key to stopping a threat the world hasn’t seen in a thousand years.

Jakob has reached Avaneam with the mysterious trunk only to learn that his journey has just begun. What he discovers in the Unknown Lands will be the key to the upcoming battle, if only he can survive it. His visions continue and Jakob learns there is more to them—and him—than he had known. Can he understand his growing abilities in time?

* * * * *

The Vengeance of Mirickar – Stuart J. Whitmore

Mirickar is on the hunt. His quarry: An age-old foe that others deny are even in the kingdom. Mirickar knows better. The kurakvin murdered his parents and he couldn’t even give them a decent burial. But Mirickar grew up on a farm and doesn’t know much about combat.

His mission of vengeance is complicated by not being the only survivor of the kurakvin raid. Sraikura, the adopted girl from the neighboring farm, just wants to run and hide. Before they can agree on a plan, a tragic accident takes Sraikura away from him, leaving Mirickar to question all of his actions and decisions.

A chance meeting with an old warrior seems to open an opportunity for Mirickar to learn to fight. To be successful in his hunt. But the old warrior thinks it’s folly, and he presses Mirickar with troubling questions. Can he really find any kurakvin to fight? If so, will he prevail? And to what end?

* * * * *

The Runner (From the World of Vale) – Brian D. Anderson

Drake Sharazi, disgraced former captain of the Royal Guard has spent the past seven years chasing fugitives as a hawker. He has never failed to complete an assignment. And this new runner will not be an exception. But being able to do a thing, does not mean you should. Now he is forced to question the world around him as never before.

Enjoy this action packed adventure which prequels the upcoming series, The Vale, due for release, March 2018.

Fantasy and Adventure New Release Roundup – 27 January 2018 published first on https://medium.com/@ReloadedPCGames

0 notes

muscledemandsrespect · 8 years ago

Text

10 BEAUTIES OF BERMUDA…

The Bermuda Rectangle. Is what I thought it was called, but it turns out that doesn’t exist either. Apart from a superstitious fiction of vanishing vessels and the even-more-mysterious Bermuda Shorts, I’d not really encountered the island of Bermuda before. This marvel of nature is a long, thin, subtropical, volcanic island (made up of 181 mini-islands!) that’s shaped like a seahorse, and is a veritable slither of paradise with soft pink sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Marine heritage is a fundamental part of daily life here, and it offers simply some of the best sailing conditions in the world. When the Bermuda Tourism Authority invited me to tour the island and train with the Land Rover BAR team ahead of the elite and ultra-prestigious Americas Cup in May, I commenced my research; Turks & Caicos is 1,340km away, this isn’t in the Caribbean, it’s one of the most isolated islands on the planet, and it’s surrounded by absolutely nothing other than the fresh depths of the Atlantic Ocean. And its waters are blessed with lashings of wind; a sailors mecca! What I discovered when I set foot on the island couldn’t have been more unique; this is one of the most welcoming gems I’ve encountered on my voyages! Click more to see behind the scenes from the sailing equivalent of F1, as well as my top 10 wellbeing activities on this stunning, arresting island!

This isn’t a forced, artificial tropical existence; it’s a 69,000-strong community with a down-to-earth outlook, a rich and endearing culture and deep, 400-year old history. And oddly enough, it’s immediately familiar, with an unmistakable Britishness to its charm; given it’s the largest remaining Overseas Territory, that makes sense. Whilst the local accent is part American-part-Barbadian, everyone here watches Premiership football, the road signs and traffic lights are identical to the UK, there’s mock-Georgian architecture everywhere, and they even have Waitrose and Marks and Spencer stores selling kale and Percy Pig respectively; it’s a bit like a sunnier Marylebone! The first local I met invited me to ‘go with the flow’, as is the way in Bermuda (hence we ended up at a magical and infectiously rhythmic Gombey troupe’s dance event, as below); almost unheard of in London, but indicative of the slightly different Bermudian rhythm. That’s not to say this island is about chilling on the beach… it claims the terrain diversity of a land mass 100 times its size, facilitating a wonderfully active, and outdoorsy lifestyle. You could go here for some much-needed rest, or likewise to stay active throughout an entire trip, enjoying the freshest, healthiest marine foods! Find my top 10 list of activities here alongside some beach gems and super restaurants!

1) PADDLE BOARDING!

I’ve never heard of anyone paddle boarding to work before, but in Bermuda, that’s a thing! Whilst I didn’t trial a full-on commute, I circumnavigated the bay, and despite a mild coordination fiasco at the beginning, it’s a great laugh! Sneakily, though, it’s fantastic exercise – it engages the balancing stabilizer muscles, which is great core work, and the paddling motions are fantastic for shoulders and arms. If one were to fall in, it’s not the end of the world but rather quite nice to cool off. All of this whilst soaking up some Vitamin D. There are countless sheltered coves in which to try this in reasonably calm waters…

2) CAVES!

The island was formed by an extinct Volcano around 100 million years ago (though I wasn’t there, so it’s hard to verify this ‘alternative fact’); it’s had time to develop some gnarly geological lime and sandstone features. It’s well worth checking out Grotto Bay for more than just paddle boarding; the cave swimming in the ultra-fresh Cathedral Caves is an invigorating icy mega-boost to the immune system!

3) SPA AT PROSPERO’S CAVE

For that matter, the spa at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort was one of the most unusual and spectacular settings for a wellness area I’ve ever encountered… a linen pergola on a floating pontoon under dripping stalactites. The sonorous qualities of the droplets plunging into the pool creates an eerily magical resonant effect to help elevate the treatments ever more!

4) MAKE A RUN FOR IT!

The ever changing surface and landscape offers a fast-developing terrain as you run; there are some flat runs in the harbor, which segway into rigorous beach runs amidst the sand, and can merge into uphill sprints through the forest – how you run this diverse landscape is up to you, but I found the jogs to be a superb way to acquaint myself with the place.

5) CYCLE AROUND

In London, cycling can be fraught with danger; in Bermuda, it’s fraught with safety, as there are only about 20k cars in the entire country and most lie unused – that’s the approximate number passing my house on the school run most mornings! Given that you’re out and about, taking in nature, sampling the local sights, efficiently exchanging oxygen as you go whilst exercising in a low-impact manner, this is such a wonderful and easy way to travel. Should you pass a bus stop you’ll notice a pink or blue sign, each color indicating that you’re running towards or away from Hamilton the capital.

Our group took a superb Cycle Tour with ‘Island Tour Centre‘ who show you some magical parts along the way, including the old defunct railway, which was once the islands only means of transportation, as no cars allowed prior to the mid-1940s – the Rail Trail is well worth a go!

http://ift.tt/2osfJth

The ultimate ball of energy, Miranda from Metro.co.uk

6) SWIMMING & BEACHES – well it’s an island so you’ve come to the right place! Endless iconic beaches to choose from each one more beautiful than the next! The most famous of which is Horseshoe Bay, with a ribbon of pink sand and lucid waters. None of the beaches we visited were at all overcrowded, and all of them felt completely un-spoilt!

7) JET SKI!

This is definitely a supreme way to see the island from within the turquoise waters, but at pace, it’s not for the faint-hearted as it gets choppy out to sea so just remember to bring your courage as it can go pretty fast! Speed is your friend as it nulls out the choppy waters, but I’m no friend of mad speed nor power sleds, so it was a case of hold tightly and try not to close your eyes! I should point out that everyone in the group absolutely loved the experience, and it’s not hard to see why – from the sea, you’re treated to a masterful panorama of the exquisite coastline.

My favorite bit? Stopping to see a shipwreck with it’s nose sticking out of the water and feeding some of the beautiful fish! P.s. you’ll also go under the smallest drawbridge in the world. You can pick up your jet ski at the ‘Safari’ from Southampton Dock.

Strong ocean game Bermuda! #GoToBermuda @bermuda

A post shared by Faya (Fitness On Toast) (@fitnessontoast) on Mar 13, 2017 at 5:22am PDT

Other aquatic activities you can do? http://ift.tt/2osgO42

Swim with the fishes @fitnessontoast A post shared by Jack Guinness (@jackguinness) on Mar 15, 2017 at 3:25am PDT

8) BEACH YOGA (BOGA?) This is pretty much the pinnacle in tranquility; the peaceful sound of the waves gently lapping against the shallow pink sands, the smells of the lightly salted sea air, a soft breeze brushing gently at you whilst the sun warms your body….pure bliss! My class was laid on by local Yoga champions, Kinetix.

9) JUNGLE WALKS AND TARZAN SWINGS

The island offers some wonderfully diverse and surprising scenery, nowhere more than this dramatic tropical jungle scape in Warwick – its prehistoric articulated drooping trees come straight out of Jurassic park. I for one didn’t know that Tarzan branches actually existed but the inner child simply LOVED swinging on them! See boomerang below…

#TarzanMode Just hanging around in #Bermuda love exploring this stunning and diverse landscape, straight outta Jurassic Park! @bermuda #gotobermuda

A post shared by Faya (Fitness On Toast) (@fitnessontoast) on Mar 11, 2017 at 11:06am PST

10) FOOD! We enjoyed the most delicious tasting menu at the Loren Hotel. Were there to have been more time I would’ve loved to try their lunch, as the hotel was nestled right up against the sea and dished out some sublime moon-ocean views too!

Lunch? Find healthy, generous sized lunch bowls at the Village Pantry Bermuda. These are SERIOUS in the wellness leagues, and can comfortably give LA (home of hipster wellness) a run for its money any day of the week. Just look at that thing…

A little something I ordered in @bermuda at the @village_pantry_bda – THE BERRIES BOWL - a filling & delicious veggie, kale salad with topping of quinoa burger Includes strawberries , blueberries, blackberries, walnuts, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds & organic sprouts! Plus a lovely chia dressing! Now that’s what I call a vegetarian tree-nut salad #lunchspo #GoToBermuda A post shared by Faya (Fitness On Toast) (@fitnessontoast) on Mar 22, 2017 at 5:14am PDT

HOTEL?

I stayed at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, a supremely comfortable Fairmont-managed resort owned by a local family, and home to a significant and important art collection. In fact, this art collection wasn’t just good for a hotel; it wasn’t just good for a gallery; it was an absolutely world-class knockout. I’ve never seen anything like it. Countless modern masterpieces line the corridors as if some sort of wallpaper. Warhol, Hirst, Lichtenstein, Magritte, Koons, Banksy, Moore, Matisse, and countless more! The mini-collage below is but a random smidgeon of the pieces on display… Even if you don’t stay at The Hamilton Princess it’s well worth popping by to sample the recently renovated Marcus restaurant – the name referring to a fellow Swede who happens to be head chef and a renowned international culinary genius – it offers a delicious and healthy menu which blends local essences with international influence.

THE AMERICAS CUP !!!

There’s going to be a dedicated blog post about this! If you happen to be lucky enough to visit Bermuda over the America’s Cub it’ll be held at the Rib chase of Land Rover BAR on the Great Sound where the 35th America’s Cup, presented by Louis Vuitton, will be held. The schedule of events from 26 May – 27 June is HERE – (BAR is already 2 points ahead as they won the America’s Cup World Series). This is the real deal, and the most historic, prestigious event in world sailing.

I’ll save that for the next installment, as it’s a fascinating insight into what these world-class athletes do to get in shape, and just how physically strenuous their sport is.

For now, signing off with incredible memories of a wonderful warmth, with some excellent traveling companions!

For more information on Bermuda visit http://ift.tt/pHwNXl

The post 10 BEAUTIES OF BERMUDA… appeared first on Fitness on Toast.

from Fitness on Toast http://ift.tt/2osxFE0 via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Fitness on Toast

0 notes

yolandadsims · 8 years ago

Text

10 BEAUTIES OF BERMUDA…

1) PADDLE BOARDING!

2) CAVES!

3) SPA AT PROSPERO’S CAVE

4) MAKE A RUN FOR IT!

5) CYCLE AROUND

http://www.gotobermuda.co.uk/article/the-bermuda-railway-trail-national-park

The ultimate ball of energy, Miranda from Metro.co.uk

7) JET SKI!

Strong ocean game Bermuda! #GoToBermuda @bermuda

A post shared by Faya (Fitness On Toast) (@fitnessontoast) on Mar 13, 2017 at 5:22am PDT

Other aquatic activities you can do? http://www.gotobermuda.co.uk/things-to-do/on-the-water

Swim with the fishes @fitnessontoast A post shared by Jack Guinness (@jackguinness) on Mar 15, 2017 at 3:25am PDT

9) JUNGLE WALKS AND TARZAN SWINGS

#TarzanMode Just hanging around in #Bermuda love exploring this stunning and diverse landscape, straight outta Jurassic Park! @bermuda #gotobermuda

A post shared by Faya (Fitness On Toast) (@fitnessontoast) on Mar 11, 2017 at 11:06am PST

HOTEL?

THE AMERICAS CUP !!!

I’ll save that for the next installment, as it’s a fascinating insight into what these world-class athletes do to get in shape, and just how physically strenuous their sport is.

For now, signing off with incredible memories of a wonderful warmth, with some excellent traveling companions!

For more information on Bermuda visit www.GoToBermuda.co.uk

The post 10 BEAUTIES OF BERMUDA… appeared first on Fitness on Toast.

from Health And Fitness Updates http://fitnessontoast.com/2017/04/01/the-beauty-of-bermuda/

0 notes

fadingfartconnoisseur · 8 years ago

Text

In Girona – The Historical Time Capsule of Costa Brava, Spain

There’s more to Catalonia’s independent streak and unique customs than its brimming capital of Barcelona. 90 minutes away, the old city turned Game of Thrones film set of Girona has a deep-rooted historical charm and culture dating back more than 2,000 years. And it’s just as deserving of attention. Girona is a preserved pocket of history that is also a gateway to the surrounding region of Gironés, which unearths the beautiful patchwork of the countryside and villages of northeastern Spain.

In Girona – The Walkable, Historical City

Even if you are day tripping or just squeezing in an over-night stay, Girona is compact enough to navigate and get your fix of ‘preserved city’ feels. I spent two days in the city taking in its scenic and culinary highlights, before exploring the green that surrounds it.

Girona is easily explored by foot and the Barri Vell (Old Quarter) – also known as the Golden Triangle – is the best place to start your journey through time.

Girona is well-known for its medieval history, however it also has a Roman past. The Força Vella Fortress was built by the Romans in the first century BC, which was very well protected by a defensive rampart. It remained unchanged until the year 1,000, and today you can still see parts of the walled fortress.

The other fortified enclosure is the Medieval Quarter, which was an extension of the existing Roman walls in the 14th and 15th centuries. With newer ramparts constructed, you can also see sections of these as you get the opportunity to wander the along the city’s walled walkways.

At the heart of the Força Vella is the Cathedral. Built between the 11th and 18th centuries, this place of worship is a unique place to view a variety of different artistic styles.

From the Romanesque tower and cloister to the baroque façade and steps, the cathedral is a worthy visit to journey through the ages. Take note of the gothic nave built between the 15th and 16th centuries, the widest of its kind in the world at 23 metres.

While you are in the Força Vella, a labyrinth of narrow streets will highlight your arrival in the Jewish Quarter. These lanes and alleys were home to Jews from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Still maintaining much of its medieval atmosphere, it is one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in the world and signifies the importance of the culture in Girona.

As you wander these beautifully preserved streets, take the Cúndaro or Sant Llorenç streets to enjoy views from above. Staircases will lead you to the highest part of the city to enjoy the old city panoramas.

Another picturesque spot is to stand within the curved architecture of Arab Baths, built by Christians in 1194. Modelled on the stylish Islamic baths at the time, a siege almost 90 years later significantly damaged the baths, which were eventually restored to their former glory in 1294.

During the 15th century, the baths were sold off privately and in 1617, nuns transformed it into a pantry, kitchen and laundry. It was only in 1929 when the baths were purchased under public management and renovated, that the public were once again able to enjoy its historical surroundings.

Its most stunning elements include the entrance, once used as a changing room and relaxation area and the cupola over the central pool which is supported by ornately decorated columns. It’s good to visit in the afternoon for some welcome shade from the Catalonian sun.

Over time the city extended towards the river and a stroll across the water will transport you to the contemporary side of the capital. Girona’s well-photographed brightly painted houses hug the River Onyar, both sides of which are accessible by its 11 bridges.

However, the Peixateries Velles Bridge steals the limelight. The Eiffel Company built the red iron bridge in 1827, and it will be easy to see the resemblance when you stop to admire those picture postcard views.

Girona – World-class cuisine

Wandering the historical sights, there are plenty of places to stop to refuel and Girona is the ultimate place, known for its world-class cuisine.

To truly unearth the culture behind Spanish cuisine, we spent an afternoon at the Girona Culinary School, or Escola d’Hostaliera de Girona. Held within Girona’s indoor market ‘el Lleó’, chefs cooked up a range of signature tapas dishes using fresh local produce.

Our tapas lunch included grilled vegetables (escalivada), a delicious salted cod salad (esqueixada), sweet sausage with apple, as well as a variety of seafood, which we paired with local wines. A proper foodie’s delight, the culinary experience finishes up with dessert, including traditional curd with strawberries.

Of course, we made room for some ice cream – the very famous ice cream of the city. Rocambolesc is owned by the Roca brothers who produce the finest iced flavours you will ever experience, and that’s coming from a huge ultimate ice-cream enthusiast. A rainbow of colours and flavours, with toppings to match, and you might find yourself having cheeky seconds.

The brothers are well-known Michelin chefs as part of their restaurant El Celler de Can Roca, which was voted the best in the world in 2015. Needless to say, a divine experience awaits at both.

Girona’s Long-standing Tradition – The ‘Catalan Towers’ or ‘Human Towers’

Another notable visit and a true Catalan icon are the Human Towers. A long-standing tradition from the 1700s, the towers are often performed as part of Spanish celebrations, festivities and competitions. Requiring lots of training with many generations taking part in the custom.

In Girona there are more than three formations that are performed, so try to time your visit for this fascinating sight in the city. I was lucky enough to learn how it’s done at the Marrecs De Sel, taking part in a training session to see how everyone works together and plans out these spectacular formations. It’s a skill you cannot master in a few hours alone, but one that gives you a high as you join the ranks on the ground in helping to balance the tower.

Explore Gironas Country – The Wider Landscape From the City

To break out of the city and explore what the countryside has to offer, Gironés country has lots of offer in its 5000 years of settlement. It’s where the inland countryside plains and villages meet the sea and the mountains. The most popular areas include the Costa Brava and its secluded beaches (30 minutes away) or the Albera mountain range and the Girona Pyrenees at the foot of the mountains.

Rent a bike to discover the green fields between the Pyrenees and Costa Brava, following the route of a disused railway line. If you plan on a walking trail, the Santiago route reveals the unique characters of the outlying villages of Aiguaviva, Bordilis, Madremanya, Sant Marti Vell and Llagostera.

I took to a Segway instead, for a speedy thrill in Sant Julià de Ramis. We booked with Livetour Segway, and toured along the River Ter before trekking up Sant Julià Mountain. In addition to the spectacular panoramas, the area conceals the remains of the Iberian Castle – ‘Castellum Fractum’ – also known as Broken Castle and the mountain’s natural caves are believed to be the mythical home of fairies. Both are great vantage points to the wide views of the country and out towards the Costa Brava coastline.

While exploring the countryside, we stopped for a picnic, provided by the culinary experts at Local Market in Girona old town, whose ethos is to experience gastronomy, landscape and culture all at once. Our sumptuous lunch of local foods included fresh breads, cheeses, seasonal vegetables and artisan sausages, which we washed down with a locally crafted beer from Sarrià de Ter and Wine from D.O. Empordà.

To truly get to the heart of Gironés nature, a water trek in the village of Canet d’Adr with Aventura Girona gets you there. Trekking along the river, before exploring the forest paths of Canet Creek and its volcanic landscapes, we splashed, swam and took giant leaps along the water pathways, mostly in a fit of giggles as we trundled along. Arduous only in small parts, water trekking is a perfect way to get stuck into the stillness of nature and get completely off-track from the forest pathways in “Canet Creek”.

Followed by lunch at La Sala restaurant, combining the gastronomy of the Llemena Valley, known as ‘Remença’ with the landscape, we then ended our stay in the region with a magical trip to the ‘Gavarres Astronomic Observatory’ in the Gaverres Mountains for some stargazing. Also home to the Starlight Rural Hotel, make the most of your visit and stay the night as it maintains a fascinating history and was a firm favourite with Salvador Dali.

Girona might be a compact city, but the capital and its surrounding countryside offers a huge contrast of things to see and do from its historical beginnings to its flourishing outdoors. From city to landscape, above ground and below, I really got to see Gironas from all angles, and not in the shadow of the region’s capital.

Things to Know

Getting to Girona

Girona is well-connected to neighbouring cities and regional hotspots. I booked a local bus from Barcelona’s main bus station on the day of departure.

Getting from Girona to Gironas Country

Even if you are short on time, there is a City Train (citytrain.es) that takes you through town and into the wider country… for a taste of the scenery.

Activities in Girona and Gironas Country

Trying your balance at a ‘Catalan Towers’ training session is a creative way to immerse yourself in local culture and long-standing tradition. More information can be found at the Girona Trips website.

The Segway and walking tour with Livetour in Sant Julià de Ramis is a great introduction to the wider area.

For the adventure explorer, Aventura Girona will get you from forest to creek as an alternative means of crossing the countryside.

For further information check out the Costa Brava Tourism Website, who helped facilitate my adventure in both Girona and Gironas Country.

The post In Girona – The Historical Time Capsule of Costa Brava, Spain appeared first on Borders Of Adventure.

via Travel Blogs http://ift.tt/2nCtsPV

#IFTTT #Travel Blogs

0 notes