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Top Five Edinburgh Attractions
Aug 25th
Edinburgh, a beautiful city rich in fantastic architecture, history and culture is now rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most popular destinations. Edinburgh fuses together the medieval Old Town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Georgian New Town, creating a harmonious balance of traditional and contemporary design. Quiet and mysterious cobbled lanes merge effortlessly with a bustling high street full of fashionable shops, bars and restaurants. Here’s our run down of Edinburgh’s top five must-see attractions:
Edinburgh Castle
One of the oldest and most dominant structures in the city, Edinburgh Castle has a history that dates back to around 900 BC. The Castle has been home to royal blood since the reign of David I in the 12th century and has been the site of numerous historical battles and conflicts over the years including The War of Scottish Independence and the invasion of Oliver Cromwell in 1650. Today Edinburgh Castle stands as the single most important building in the city and attracts over 1.25 million visitors per year. On display in the castle are a number of historical artefacts including the Stone of Destiny and the giant cannon ‘Mons Meg.’ Edinburgh Castle attracts many visitors for the Military Tattoo, held each year in August as well as for the firing of the One O’ Clock Gun that takes place every day at precisely 1pm.
Edinburgh Dungeon
One of the city’s scariest attractions, the Edinburgh Dungeon is the place to go to learn about the gory history of Scotland’s capital. Discover how those who inhabited the old city centuries ago lived out their lives with a number of gruesome exhibitions and frighteningly real live performances. Delve into the brutal history of the Clan Wars or wander through The Haunted Maze which stretches far out into the tunnels and catacombs of the Royal Mile. Highlights include the cave of Sawney Bean, where visitors travel by boat deep into the heart of the murderous cannibal’s lair and face his horrifyingly bloodthirsty family in the flesh. New for 2010 is the chilling Burke and Hare live experience, as visitors wind up in an eerie graveyard trying to avoid becoming one of the notorious serial killer’s next unfortunate victims.
3D Loch Ness Experience
One of the world’s most famous lakes is brought stunningly to life, as the 3D loch Ness Experience seeks to uncover the mystery of the monster. Presented by scientist Adrian Shine, visitors will experience illusions, hoaxes and real life eye witness accounts of the Loch Ness Monster in a clear, 3D surrounding. The experience raises questions about the existence of Nessie and presents interesting and eyebrow raising facts about the mythical creature’s life over the centuries. Created by the award winning Loch Ness Centre, which was opened by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the 3D Loch Ness Experience will entertain children as well as adults.
Auld Reekie Tours: Terror Tour
Visited by televisions “Most Haunted” team on Halloween 2006 and described as their scariest location ever, the Auld Reekie Terror Tour is sure to entertain…and scare. A strictly ‘adults only’ tour of Edinburgh’s old underground vaults and passages led by a costumed guide explores the gruesome horrors and paranormal activities that dates back to the 17th century. Visitors will be led by candlelight around the cold and damp underbelly of Edinburgh’s Old Town and discover how torture was common practice among those who inhabited the streets. A small museum dedicated to the infamous instruments of death will turn fear into reality for those who brave the trip, who all the while may be stalked on their journey by the notorious South Bridge Poltergeist. A free Vodka mixer is included afterwards at Edinburgh’s most haunted pub to calm any frayed nerves.
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
The award-winning Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour takes visitors on a journey around some of Edinburgh’s best pubs in a 300 year old celebration of some of Scotland’s best loved literary characters and writers. Led by Clart and McBrain, a literary duelling duo, those along for the ride will be entertained by witty and colourful verses from Robert Burns, a spine-tingling reading of the metamorphosis from Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde and a humorous account of Muriel Clarke’s divided Edinburgh. Clart and McBrain also engage in a passionate debate over the importance of a pub atmosphere’s ability to produce creative and intellectual thought. An engaging evening where drinking, if anything, is encouraged.
Operation Jellywatch
Jul 14th
Some animals like to hang in packs but none more so than the mauve stinger jellyfish. These slimy critters have been seen massing in millions for miles on end. In recent years, they have been making their way inland to Spanish beaches and are now slowly but surely heading for France and Italy.
What is causing these jellyfish to go from the ocean to the beaches? The rising ocean temperatures and over fishing have seen a decline in the number of jellyfish eating animals like sea turtles causing a population explosion. And this year the Cote D’Azur, particularly the beach of Darse, has also had near perfect weather for the mauve stingers to breed causing them to invade.
The jellyfish are easy to distinguish. They are bright purple by day and glow yellow by night. They have eight tentacles that can grow up to six feet long each. These tentacles can wrap themselves and invoke a powerful, painful sting that can bring on asthma attacks and sometimes heart failure.
In order to keep these unwanted creatures off the beaches and in the ocean, city’s like Cannes have put up floating barriers while Italy’s coast has launched an off shore program called Jellywatch.
Want to check out this uncanny sight? Check out some of these coastal hotels for a closer look… but not too close!
2 Star Alexandre III in Cannes, France
4 Star Beau Rivage in Nice, Italy
4 Star Parador in Aiguablava, Italy
Monaco Expands… on Stilts?
Jun 2nd
Monaco is small – really small. Its entire population is only 33,000 but that doesn’t stop it from being the most sought after spot in the world by the rich and famous. It is one of the most expensive countries to live in as well as one of the most lavish. And it’s about to expand, thanks to good old stilts technology.
Now when we think stilts we think clowns swaying to and fro over us at a carnival. Well yes, it will go something like that minus the clowns and the swaying (we hope!). By using extensive oil rig technology, the annex will include room for yacht docks, shopping, and more living space.
Though many environmentalists are extremely concerned, including the ruler, the eco-friendly Prince Albert, the wealthy who call this place their playground want more Monaco no matter what the costs.
The expansion is to take place over nearly a decade but only time will tell who will win in the battle of eco-maniacs vs. the snobs.
If you want to see the before and after shots of Monaco book a stay at the Ambassador or Tulip Inn Monaco Terminus now, and then in about 15 years to see the post work.
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Archaeological Museum of Pireaus Open Again
Apr 24th
Archeologists are constantly finding new artifacts that hail back to the golden years of ancient Greece. While most of these are housed at the largest Greek museum, the National Museum of Athens, most of which is found in Piraeus, Attica and the Saronic Gulf isles reside in the Pireaus Museum.
It should be noted this museum is no shabby second to the one in Athens. In the Archaic, Classic, and Hellenistic ages, Pireaus was a political, cultural, military and commercial hub due to its strategic location along the Mediterranean. It was actually here, not Athens, where the potent Athens navy kept port.
The museum itself houses many artifacts including its prehistoric collection, pottery, bronze statues and a replicated classical theater.
The interesting and culturally rich museum was closed for a period for renovations and is now reopened with additional amenities like air conditioning for those sweltering seaside days.
Check out sletoh.com for great rates on hotels in Greece.
Photo of Greek artifact courtesy of Wikipedia.org
Pembrokeshire Fish Week
Apr 20th
If you love the seaside, than the Pembrokeshire Fish Week 2008 is right up your alley, err, waterway. The sunny community in West Wales is holding their annual festival this year from June 21 – 29. In short, participants will be able to take in the rugged Welsh coastal cliffs, traipse along the sandy beaches and sample local cuisine from the ocean below.
You will not go bored or hungry either. More than 150 events will transpire over the course of Fish Week including fishing trips, water sports, competitions, exhibitions, arts and crafts, crab catching, harbor tours, river boat cruises, cook-offs and one seafood extravaganza after another.
This year also holds promises of being better than the proceeding nine. A stimulating fish and shellfish class by British restaurateur Milford Haven, who has opened twelve FishWorks and is more notably visible on the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, will be given on June 26. There are other new events worth a mention including a chowder trail, hovercraft trips into the ocean, learn how to fish from a kayak lessons and an adventure day dedicated solely to exciting water sports.
But the real brain behind the operation is the beloved sea. Discussions on the deeply rooted history of the local fishing 
industry and modern conservation efforts will also take place with high hopes of preserving the coastline for future generations and Fish Week’s.
There are also some truly charming places in Pembroke to stay and kick up your heels after a day by the sea.
The Lamphey Hall Hotel is a secret gem. It is a traditional, family run hotel and the loving aura is what really gives the hotel its country charm. Though it is known for its peace and quiet, (it was a rectory in a previous life) the hotel does have a bubbly little bar in the lush outdoor gardens.
The Cleddau Bridge Hotel is set a bit closer to Fish Week, less than a mile from the center of town. It is a wonderful place to enjoy the best of both worlds – the bustle of Fish Week intermixed with the tranquility of the hotel’s peaceful grounds that overlook the slow flow of the River Cleddau.
Photos of the Pembrokeshire Harbor and a little fisherman courtesy of Pembrokeshire.gov
Happy 850th Birthday Munich!
Mar 28th
At 850 years young, Munich is certainly not ancient in comparison to other European cities. None the less, the city wants to celebrate its centuries’ long evolution, from its humble beginning as a monestary to its contemporary atmosphere today.
The theme of the celebration is “building bridges.” It must be noted that “Bridges” wasn’t randomly selected. As olden tradition has it, Munich dates back to Henry the Line (1158) who destroyed the Isar Bridge which lay to the north. He then built a new, modernized bridge near “Munichen.” Hence, the motto aims to connect the aforementioned small time start of Munich to its present day hub of culture, tradition and urbanization.
Three lively events will be the core of the birthday party including the City Foundation Festival in June which has showcases the towns diversity with over 10,000 performers; the Old Town Ring Road Festival in July which tells the journey of Munich through theater and music; and the Isar Bridge Festival in August which is a romantic fest on the bridge filled with music, dancing on the riverbanks and twinkling stars above.
As voted by travelers like you, Munich’s top three favorite hotels are: Hotel Laimer Hof Munich, Hotel Kriemhild Munchen and Sofitel Munich Bayerpost – all perfect places to rest your weary head of one heck of a birthday celebration!
Photo of Munich in 1650 courtesy of Wikimedia.org
A New Set of Safety Issues for Heathrow
Mar 27th
The grand opening of Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 by Queen Elizabeth II was tarnished by several panic stricken incidents this past week.
On Thursday a man with a rucksack jetted across the path of an aircraft, climbed the perimeter fence and was gone as quickly as he came. Numerous calls to 999 were received and local police and Scotland Yard rushed to the scene.
According to witnesses’ the man kicked off his shoes before he took plight hand was later arrested. Nothing suspicious was in the bag and his mysterious behavior seemingly has no real substance behind it. Regardless, the airport was shut down for several hours, flights were cancelled and people were in a panic.
The next day the new Terminal 5 was reined in by lovely guest Queen Elizabeth II. But the happiness was cut short the following day when yet another man was arrested – this time for smuggling drugs into Heathrow. Robert Bennett, whose flight came from Buenos Aires, will be jailed for 10 years for trying to smuggle nearly 400,000EUR of cocaine into Europe.
These two incidents, along with a handful of others, are the sad reality for today’s travelers. Only time will tell how Heathrow staff can make traveler’s feel safe again after these scary incidents.
If you plan on traveling near Heathrow, there are several hotels on location including Arora International Heathrow, Ramada Heathrow, Heathrow Lodge and Marriott London Heathrow to name a few.
Photo of an under construction Terminal 5 courtesy of Wikimedia.org
Surf’s Up in Bournemouth, UK
Mar 25th
Bournemouth, UK has proudly announced their planned construction of an artificial reef, Europe’s first. Building beings in spring 2008 and if all goes well the reef should be completed by October 2008.
The area is already highly sought after because of its excellent water sport facilities. The reef will definitely contribute in putting Bournemouth on the map as one of Europe’s premier surfing destinations.
The Marine and Fisheries Agency has also taken all environmental issues into consideration before approving the reef. MFA promises that all potential negative issues have been resolved and are thrilled with the addition. 
The reef will be complimented with super beach huts, a surf themed retail outlet, a surfing academy and an all glass restaurant with lovely views of the water. Some great places to stay close by the water are the Urban Beach Hotel, East Cliff Cottage Hotel, Bournemouth Highcliff Marriot Hotel and Suncliff Hotel.
Photo of Bouremouth’s water courtesy of Wikimedia.org. Photo of Highcliff Marriot courtesy of sletoh.com.
Biometric Visas for UK Travel
Feb 24th
Biometrics is the technology which captures biological data. It records individual characteristics like fingerprints, voice patterns and measurements of the eyes retinas and irises. In a world where identity theft and other mishaps are common place, authenticity of users is increasingly important, which is where this new biometric technology comes in.
Once data is scanned it is often encrypted into a software application or, in our case, onto ones visa. The UK is first to try this advanced technology. The country is requiring that anyone coming from overseas must have a biometric visa in hand or they won’t be allowed admittance.
It sounds like a really great security measure and it is. However, as always, the backlash has begun. Non-UK citizens looking to visit the country are claiming that the biometric aspect of attaining a visa is ultra-personal and that they simply do not want to be inconvenienced by the scanning and higher prices.
The ugliest part of this uphill battle is that there has been a drop in countries that require it or are soon looking to necessitate this much needed security measure.
The bottom line is that, although it may be a burden to travelers, it is necessary in today’s harsh reality. So travelers if you plan on coming to the UK anytime soon, get ready because biometric isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Photo courtesy of gov.uk
Just Married! The Top 10 European Honeymoon Hotels
Jan 3rd
Honeymooners from all over the world flock to Europe after vows have been said, parties have been thrown and guests have returned home. And it’s to no surprise that of the 10 top honeymoon hotels in all of Europe, half are located in Italy, proving that this olden country is also one of the most beautiful and romantic. This list features 10 of the most superlative places to whisk away for your first nights together as newlyweds.
1. Hotel Gritti Palace in Venice, Italy 
Situated right on the bank of Venice’s famed canals, the Hotel Gritti Palace was hailed as “the best hotel in a city of great hotels” by celebrated novelist Ernest Hemingway. Gritti Palace originates back to 1525 and, over several centuries, has perfected the arts of luxury, fine cuisine and delightful views and attracts elite from all over the world.
2. Hotel Cipriani in Veneto, Italy 
The Cip, as it has been lovingly nicknamed by supporters, is nothing short of magnificent. Its elegance is renowned and its water views from nearly all of the guest rooms are unparalleled. Continue on with your top notch wedding celebration at the Cip’s Terrace Restaurant where formal dress is essential.
3. Blue Palace Resort & Spa, Greece
There is no question why Blue Palace has made this honeymoon getaway list. Settled among native olive and palm trees, the Blue Palace has sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Staffers worship guests as though they might be the ancient God Zeus himself.
4. Le Mas Candille, France
La Mas Candille skillfully mixes the old, medieval style of its surroundings with new, modern amenities. Located within a great park in the ancient village of Mougins, mere miles from Cannes and the French Rivera, visitors can certainly attest as to why the ancient French peoples choose this scenic spot to settle down.
5. Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa, England 
Whether you crave relaxation or adventure, Brenner’s, nestled into the slop England’s Black Forest, has it all. The atmosphere is that of olden English charm and couples can indulge themselves in the spa after a long day rock climbing, sky diving or hitting the town. The Brenner’s Park Hotel chain also has a hotel located in Baden-Baden Germany that is quite magical as well.
6. Hotel de Russie in Rome, Italy
Rome is a dreamy place in and of itself, with ancient culture and romance at every turn. Set up in a long-established Roman style, this cozy hotel is the ideal place to see the sites of this ancient city during daylight and snuggle up for some quiet time with your significant other during twilight.
7. The Westin Turnberry Resort in Turnberry, Scotland 
This resort is the perfect treat after months of planning a wedding. The staff has nearly perfected their services that boast luxury and the comfort of home wrapped into one lovely package. And have we mentioned the views of lush, rolling Scottish green, nestled in along the Atlantic coastline?
8. Four Season Hotel Milano, Milan, Italy
The oldest hotel on the list, the Four Seasons in Milan dates all the way back to the 15th century, where it was first constructed as a convent. Now an ultra luxurious convert, the hotel is heaven for couples who want to immerse themselves in the high fashion and couture scene of the city.
9. Baur au Lac, Switzerland
For a home away from home, that is quite opulent at that, newlyweds can stay at this serene stay that has been owned and operated by the same family since its grand opening in 1844. The lake offers stunning views, where couples can sit and relax, while drinking one of the 800,000 bottles of wine that the massive wine cellar has to offer!
10. Villa San Michelle, Italy
The Villa San Michelle is yet another reformed religious hub, once a 15th century monastery, now one of the most charismatic hotels in Italy. The rolling Tuscan countryside setting is just right for leisure but the close proximity to Florence is perfect for exploring and nightlife with your loved one.
Whether you want to spend your honeymoon exploring an age old village, relaxing in the rolling countryside or mixing it up with high couture society, this list has something for every couple searching for their ideal European escape.
