Tourist

n o i t di hy E st grap r i F oto tition h P pe m Co

ST Lucia

An Exotic paradise with deep history

up and coming Cape Verde - A sense of Carribbean close to Europe

Work Abroad T.E.F.L Work - Travel - Live

StreetWalker

Follow me as i walk in the streets of dortmund Also Featuring - A 1940’s English Village - WWoofing Not your usual Travel experience - Welsh Beauty - Ibiza

Summer Edition

Contents

Tourist is for people who enjoy capturing the essence

of travel. A collection of true tale stories, charismatic

imagery, and words that create that feeling of

‘being there’. You’ll find no gimmicky catchphrases, or sold out behind the scenes type of writing here, just true honest travel writing, for its main intended purposes, to inform, to inspire, and to let you the reader, have an insight into places around the globe – close to home, or far away shores – it’s all here.

This is your guide of how a real Tourist explores and sees the world.

Enjoy Jason Russell Editor

Twitter @Russell_3 Thoughts at: #touristfootsteps Email: Russell_1232@hotmail.com

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See Inside 4. St Lucia 22. Streetwalker Natural beauty Follow me through the streets of a German metropolis 10. T.E.F.L Explore a way to earn and travel 32. Ways to Travel A look at alternative ways to 14. Ibiza get around see the party capital of Europe in a different light...maybe 33. Cape Verde Sal, the Sunny Island 18. Photography Competition a look at your First edition pictures 38. Top Travel Tips 20. British Beauty A look at some places on home soil you may not have thought of

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St. Lucia

The historical gem of the Caribbean

Whether it’s breath-taking scenery, rich historical culture, or ultimate serenity, St. Lucia has it in abundance. You’ll be mesmerised by the sheer beauty of this West Indian island; lush green landscapes, glistening waterfalls, historical volcanoes, and a friendly cultural ambience with the locals. As I found out in my journey to this tropical paradise, St. Lucia really could be mistaken for heaven upon Earth

“Like all good travellers, I have seen more than I remember

If character is what defines your ultimate getaway destination then look no further, St. Lucia

will provide you with enough entertainment, happiness, and unforgettable memories, that will make you reminisce for an eternity. Bask in the humbleness of knowing you’re a stone throw away from crystal blue waters, idyllically embedding yourself into a world surrounded by the sounds of the shores hitting the grains of glossy sand, amplified with Caribbean hums endearing at your presence.

Encapsulate the Caribbean spirit by compelling yourself to embrace local beverages of rum punch, as from the moment you arrive, the world you knew before disintegrates to the taste of vibrant flavours, the cultural sound of steel drums, and the dynamic views that epitomise this alluring land.

Arrival

St Lucia quite simply has some of the most unique combinations of character on the face of the planet. The panoramic views as you enter from above over the Caribbean coastline are breath-taking. As you glance out from the air over the west coast of the island, near to the volcanic town of Soufriere, the historic prominent landmarks The Pitons will come into sight. From the moment you land you’ll be graced by the vibrant climate that may welcome you into glorious sunshine, or one of the tropical showers that you will come to love and admire throughout your visit.

You’ll arrive at Hewanorra Airport at the south of the Island, at a town called Vieux Fort. Travelling through the airport which is no bigger than your local supermarket, you’ll be greeted by the local charms and welcoming embraces of jubilant locals. They will ask you if you would like help with your luggage. Politely decline this offer although it may seem generous, as it is a distance my Gran could manage, and you’ll be left feeling that it was not quite worth the five dollar tip at the end. The bus parking bay is a small area of where you would not be surprised to see vehicles that look rather like camper vans. On my trip from the airport, I clambered into the back of what could only be described as a rundown hippy van. Commencing travel to your destination, views of endless lush greenery in the distance turn into glorious backdrops, carved in through the pristine contours that glow to cinematic sunsets.

These are guided along with the banana plantations to one side, and shanty houses that will remind you of your garden shed to the other. These are the homes of some of the locals.

As glamorous as the scenery is, there is also a lot of poverty on the island of St. Lucia. Advice for anyone who does not travel well may be to prepare well for the roads, as main roadways are still in construction. If you are travelling to the far north of the island, approximately two hours, you will discover that although we have the occasional pot-hole problem in the U.K, in St Lucia, the roads are more like dirt tracks in the hills. I found that when travelling to the popular northern destination of Rodney Bay, St Lucia’s road network is not quite hospitable for people who do not travel so well, especially in a rundown hippy van.

Meandering through the hills, wrath of Hurricane Thomas that passed through in 2010 still lay visible, as what were once beautiful green forests wavering in the light winds, are now stationary piles of timber, a contentious image of what the Island and its people have to prepare for each year. The dramatic scenes you will witness upon arrival on this island are only just touching the surface of what lays deep in the heart of this spectacular landscape. Throughout your stay, the uniqueness of this truly wonderful land will grasp you and amaze you in its own personalised way, if not through the mind blowing scenery, then in the charismatic nature of the locals.

Picture Pointer> Left to Right: Soufriere Bay; Tim, Local Writer and Barman; Friday Night Fish;; Friday Night Jump Up

and remember more than I have seen” People

Delve into the ambiance of local Caribbean spirit and it’s plain to see the love they have for life and for each other.

Throughout your journeys on the island, it’s obvious to any traveller pursuing cultural experiences that St Lucia has its fair share of poverty, and a lifestyle outside the tourism industry that can be tough and turbulent.

With the main industries being travel, fishing and farming, money for locals in St Lucia can be hard to come by, yet still, they have an honest love and admiration for enjoying life.

Talking to some of the locals I met, their enthusiasm for sharing their culture, and willingness to listen as well as sharing their own experiences, makes for entertaining company. It would be no strange sight upon the hills as you travel around the island, to see congregations of people from villages, talking and laughing in the street. Local shop owners and people looking for a bargain in the markets, to strangers helping you out on a bus, the people here love people. It may strike you as strange at first, but as you unwind and embrace the natural hospitality of these locals, the outgoing and friendly people you regard as the waitress, or barman at the beginning of your stay, may have by end, become someone you could call a friend.

Culture

St Lucia has a mixture of language and cultural history.

The vast majority of locals speak Creole, a blend of broken down French and English, but their past merges into their present as they have fusions of colourful influences from Amerindian and African backgrounds. The people on the Island have a tremendous sense of passion and energy when it comes to their way of living. In a celebratory fashion, each Friday Night, the whole Island which consists of just over 100 thousand people, congregate in street like fashion at a place called Gros Islet in the North of the Island.

The rhythms and beats ooze in mixture in the air as partying commences and continues through the night in true Caribbean style. Lively doesn’t quite describe the events

Benjamin Disraeli

adequately, as for what you’ll witness at the ‘Friday Night Jump Up,’ as it is known locally, will blow your mind.

Locals and tourists converge and dance into the early light.

There are many stalls and food producers that will attain your attentions and vie for your custom.

Be sure to only purchase what you would like, and be friendly but firm. The ‘Jump up’ is well policed and generally safe, so embrace the aura of the Caribbean spirit and taste the fresh smells of fish, caught that same day, being charred in the streets as people rejoice with pungent Barbequed meats and locally produced rum.

Blend them smells with the sounds and passion of people’s rapture and percussions of noise, all collating in the air, to create an atmosphere and experience like no other. Enlighten the senses and let go of inhibitions to truly invigorate your St Lucian spirit.

Music

Be sure to bring a solid pair of dancing shoes with you when you visit St Lucia, as they have a strong tradition of dancing and musical celebrations. Sit back and unwind to the sensual sounds of steel drums echoing through the humid air.

Plan your trip wisely, and you may be around to witness the annual jazz festival held on the island. This usually occurs during May, which was once a time when tourism on the island was low.

Now, a host of well-known acts, including the late Amy Winehouse, have performed in St Lucia, and the Jazz festival continues to grow each year and has established itself as one of the biggest events in the Caribbean. It has been running for over 20 years, and continues to attract tourists each year, as they celebrate their love for music with the world. The event is shared throughout the whole island, and lasts a total of ten days.

The music generates much needed custom to some of the less popular tourist towns, and reinvigorates the local economy after the more popular months around Christmas and The New Year.

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of Caribbean sun. Residing away from the beaches, there are boating trips to watch dolphins and whales as they congregate off the shoreline. I was lucky enough to witness some of the most naturally endearing animals in the sea.

Taking a boat at seven in the morning as the sun rises over the horizon, I headed south down the coastline. There, I was joined by a mass of dolphins, swimming alongside me as a glanced down to greet them.

There are also breeds of whale that feed off these shores, these being Humpback and Pilot. I was joined by the latter, as they surfaced greeting me with their blowholes puffing out water. As you stand glancing over the side at these amazing creatures breathing the fresh sea air, you can feel that there’s something about being at sea that can bring a relaxing sensation.

Whichever way you choose to relax, there will be opportunities to wind down and collate energy for exiting trips and adventures, but the most importantly, make sure that when you do visit St Lucia, that you do see all that the island has to offer… which is absolutely everything.

houses in sight, and admire one of the most beautiful bays of the Caribbean.

Explore new ways to travel and Segway through the hills at sunset, or take a water taxi around the island to see things from a truly unique perspective. Forget the saddle and ride horse bareback down the beach and into the sea. Or maybe you prefer being on a boat rather than a horse in water, so get out there with the dolphins and whales and cruise the coastline to admire the breath-taking views. Top off your visit by going back to the airport in style and take a helicopter transfer over the top of this magnificent land to truly experience a view with no comparison.

At a mere 620 km2, it would be hard to imagine how much this place can offer you. For all of the things listed, I could talk about each one individually and in great detail for hours, but don’t take my word for it, the best way to know how they all feel, would be to go and experience and find out for yourself.

Experience

May is also just before the beginning of the rainy season in St Lucia, so temperatures and climate guarantee, (almost), that Jazz is not dampened by a sudden tropical downpour.

Whatever time of year you find yourself in St Lucia, the electric atmosphere created by the islands love for music, promises to provide you with enough opportunities to dance the night away underneath the glint of moonlight and midnight stars.

Food and Drink

When visiting St Lucia, be sure to go in the knowledge that you may have to drop a few holes on your belt, or go up a dress size by the time you go home. This place is amazing for its variety of food, and selection of local produce that they have on offer. Traditional flavours on the island are strong, and are embraced by the local people. Rum here is some of the finest in the world, and comes in a variety of strengths and flavours sure to captivate the taste buds.

If food is more your thing, then don’t panic, rum is not the only thing St Lucia produces in abundance. As you travel around, you will notice that there are a vast amount of banana plantations on the island. These grow some of the smallest bananas in the world and are well known for being extra sweet. There are also red bananas, of which you can see on your travels, and when you visit the rain forest.

Look up, and you may see green things that look a little like coconut… that’s because they are coconuts. It was a surprise to me too when I asked a local was that a mango hanging from the tree. Apparently, fresh coconuts start life by being green, and it is not until we get them here in the U.K, that they have aged and lost their freshness that they are then brown. They are also, as locals will insist, a ‘perfect cure for hangover,’ so no worries if you have too much rum. You may even find as you lay bathing in the sun, that a small shanty looking boat may come in to shore offering local fruits and

coconuts to purchase. It would be no strange sight to see many people sat sipping coconut water from one of these as they seek this ‘cure,’ or just a refreshing taste on the tongue.

Fresh fish and seafood is also very popular on the island.

The tuna fish steaks are excellently cooked in traditional spices and flavours, as are creole chicken, and the very popular fried plantain. Other popular foods you may come across are breadfruit, mangos, and the spicy stew named Pepperpot.These foods can all be found in local markets in towns such as Soufriere in the south and Castries in the North. Dining in St Lucia can be a terrific experience.

Whether its daytime market stalls, bartering for the best prices of freshly cooked meats, or restaurants, you’ll be sure to experience a variety of fantastic flavours. Try one of the best known restaurants on the island, Dasheene, for a truly unique experience.

All of these scintillating foods grow naturally on the island, and are full of exuberating taste due to the fertile ground created from the volcano in Soufriere.

If you could pick a selected number of chosen items from a list of the things you have ‘always wanted to do’ then St Lucia will probably be able to offer you most of them.

It would be too difficult to describe each experience individually and all that there is to do on the island, so here’s a comprehensive list of things that you may want to do: Drive through an active volcano whilst holding your nose at the distinct smell of sulphur, and whilst you’re there, hike up the side of one of the volcanic landmarks.

If that doesn’t take your fancy, glide through the trees in a tropical rainforest, or take a cable car to the peak of the forest land at 2500metres above sea level, to catch views as far as neighbouring islands. Watch and observe turtles in their natural habitat, or try spotting the rare and unique island Parrot known as ‘Jacquot’ as you explore the mixture of terrains in the hills.

Take time to stop and get a photograph at one of the most natural sights you may ever witness at the ‘Diamond’ waterfall in the Botanical Gardens.

Visit Pigeon Island, and see the fort of Captain Rodney and the ruins that remain from the war between France and Britain. Stop off at Marigot Bay with the celebrity hilltop

Relax

Amongst all of the activity and adventure on the island, sometimes it is just good to sit back, enjoy a Pina-Colada, and relax. Well, there is plenty of opportunity for that.

The high majority of resorts in St Lucia come with luxurious spas as part of the facilities.

Mix that with gorgeous white sandy beaches to promenade your troubles away; you can serenade your senses to the waves hitting the shore, whilst sipping your favourite beverage. The most popular beach, known to be one of the best on the Island is Reduit beach, at Rodney bay to the north. Water sports are available; Kayaking, sailing, snorkelling, amongst others, although you may just wish to take that time to relax, and exult at the spectacle of light tropical showers as you dampen off the humidity and glare

Picture Pointer> Left Page: Banana Plantation; Fruit Boat at Reduit Beach; Sulphur gas at The Pitons; Reduit Beach; Right Page: Dolphins Jumping at Sea; Marigot Bay; Diamond Waterfall

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T.E.F.L Challenge yourself, Find yourself, Surprise yourself

Work

Travel

Live

H

AVE YOU ALWAYS wanted to spend your summers doing more than the usual routines of visiting family and nights out with friends?

Then why not challenge yourself to working abroad next summer.

If you can’t quite cope with waking up praying that another summer’s day isn’t spoiled by a great British downpour in the middle of July, then, why not?

A great way to get out of the country, travel, and get paid, is to teach English abroad as a foreign language. Having the choice to either find work teaching children or adults, and travel all over the world, there will be something within the world of T.E.F.L that will engage you.

What is TEFL? Teaching English as a Foreign Language is a great way to travel and earn money at the same time. Using the skills you will learn in gaining your qualification will allow you to open up and explore a whole new world.

The qualification is something that you will need to attain before you can gain work, unless you have excessive experience with working in a similar environment. The courses can vary in price depending on how many hours training you do, and what company you train with. A rough guide price for a 100 hour certificate could be anywhere from £100 - £250. Look out for special offers, and student discount.

The majority of offers run at the start of the New Year, which will also allow you enough time to start and complete the course before the summer starts. A lot of companies start their recruitment processes around February/March time, so begin looking as soon as you are underway with your course to see what’s available.

How do I apply and choose where to go?

The majority of T.E.F.L associated websites have links, associates, and a directory of companies that look for hundreds of applicants each year to go and work for them. The most difficult part can be choosing which one will benefit you the most, and what you will gain the most satisfaction from. Each place can have its own appeal, whether it’s teaching in Beijing China, camping in Spain, or being in the Alps overlooking

snowy mountains in France, or Italy; there are so many different destinations that can offer you much more than just a job for the summer.

A typical day in the life of a T.E.F.l-er A day working in summer camps teaching English can be long, hard, and demanding. The first thing to understand is that teaching any age group of people a new language requires patience, enthusiasm, and dedication.

The majority of days will cover a working span of over 12 hours, often with none stop attentive care and conversation, especially working with children. This can be extremely exhausting, but what you are deprived of in rest is made up for in reward. Although summer camps are conducted differently to working in schools all year around, the demands of the job are still similar.

Each day has different challenges, demands, and experiences, as well as a few surprises. Each camp will be different, depending on the company, the country, and the duration; you may find yourself waking up each day to new and invigorating tasks. Summer camps can be particularly ‘full on’ as they generally run the whole summer and have a turnaround of learners every two weeks.

A camp day with a company called NACEL, that run camps in France and Northern Spain, usually lasted through from 7am, until 2am the next morning. Refer to the chart across the page.

Camp can be exhausting, but completely worthwhile when you can come home at the end having achieved something amazing.

“The Journey, not the arrival matters” T.S Elliot

7.30 Wake Kids up 8.00 Breakfast 8.30 Brush Teeth 8.45 English Class 1 9.45 Break/Recess 10.00 English Class 2 11.15 Assembly 12.15 Lunch 13.30 Afternoon Free Time (for the kids) Supervision 15.00 Activity One 16.15 Snack 16.30 Activity two 18.00 Showers (for the kids) Evening Meeting 19.00 Half an hour to get ready 19.30 Dinner 20.15 Evening Free Time (for the kids) Supervision/prep Evening programme 21.00 Evening Programme 22.00 Warm down 22.30 Bed time (for the kids) Supervision 23.00 Lights out – Night meeting – Prepare next day

Picture pointer> Paint War Aftermath; Campfire Songs

To make the most of the experience, it can be a great idea to go to the country you are working in beforehand, to learn some of the culture, language, and possibly make friends. Alternatively, find someone that will want to do it with you, especially over a summer period. Being able to wake up and teach a class, or a range of activities and sports, singing songs, and partaking in improvisational sketches, are just some of the things required as part and parcel of the job. Each company and country can offer you something different, so bare this in mind when applying for a job you think you may want.

The Qualification itself

T.E.F.L qualifications last a lifetime, although it is always good to renew your skills and learn updated training methods. The high majority will allow you to teach anywhere in the world where there is a need for the job. It can open doors to spend months or even years working in other countries, travelling around, and meeting new people. Not to mention the fact of being paid to do something amazing and so rewarding. It is a fantastic statement to place on a C.V, and an opportunity to teach new skills and make lifelong friends.

So what are you waiting for? Next time summer is here, make sure you’re not left wishing you had done something different.

Picture Pointer> Left page: Camp Councillors; Aurillac France; Right Page: Festival in Aurillac Paint Balloons, Graduate Students

Directory i-to-i: www.onlinetefl.com tefl England: www.teflengland.co.uk ila: www.tefl.com www.daveseslcafe.com www.teacherhit.com www.jobsabroadbulletin.com

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Ibiza For the Young...

Heart and the Young at

“Don’t tell me how educated you are tell me how much you have travelled”

The Prophet Mohammed

Set as one of the Balearic Islands belonging to Spain, Ibiza is the party capital of Europe...

Clubbing and Partying The two main hotspots for partygoers are the marine bay of San Antonio, and the stretch of beachfront belonging to Playa Den Bossa, famous for the glorious Bora Bora beach.

Idyllic sunsets, endless stretches of bars and clubs, a booming nightlife, the selection of fun activities and trips, not to mention the list of star DJ’s and music acts that visit the island each year, are just some of the reasons Ibiza holds such a prestigious clubbing reputation around the world.

Amongst all of the fun and excitement, it can be easy to get lost in an endless drunken whirlpool alternating between sun and moonlight, and before you can say ‘I’m in Ibiza B…’ it’s time to head back home.

There is so much that this destination has to offer; much more than just the typical booze cruise and foam party selections other clubbing resorts can boast.

So, how do you choose what to do, and how do you remember all of the to-do’s? Here are my top ten tips of things you just have to do on your stay.

Top 10 things you must do: 1. Visit Bora Bora Beach 2. Do at least one booze cruise

at San Antonio (Pukka up is

my choice) 3. Do the slingshot intoxicated 4. Visit at least one of the

main clubs (Pacha or Amnesia

would be my choice) 5. Water Sports at Bora Bora

(can be pricey) 6. Visit the sunset strip,

(at sunset) 7. Go to Ushuaia for a day/ night 8. A silent disco 9. Party until dawn – and then some 10. Take memories home to last a lifetime

A cluster of bars set amongst daytime souvenir shops, paint a colourful picture of clubbing in this partytown.

There are many different types of bars to choose from; such as Sports Café’s, 18-30 bars, retro bars, and many more.

There’s sure to be something on the West End for everyone.

One thing you will notice that is different from many of the other party town’s across Europe, is the level of enjoyment, and the collective rejoice in the ambiance, driven by everyone’s main passion for visiting the island in the first place – the music.

If your passion when visiting a place like Ibiza is to be placed where all of your favourite and niched music lies, then visiting some of the many, and exuberant clubs on the island is a must.

Each club has selected events and DJ’s, Artists, themes, and features, that all combine to make each and every experience in one of these amazing super clubs, something that will never be forgotten.

Whatever your taste, style, or preference in music and anthems, each club will ensure that from the moment you enter, nothing but being mesmerised and entertained will do.

The main hotspots in San Antonio are the West End, where the majority of bars and smaller clubs lie, and the elegant strip known as The White Isle.

No visit to Ibiza would be complete without a stroll down what is known as The White Isle or The Sunset Strip at dusk.

This is where the infamous Café Mambo and Café del Mar are situated, amongst many other picturesque bars and restaurants. Soothing and admirable, a stop on the rocks taking in the vista of Mediterranean Sea, set across the bay of San Antonio with a soft hum of background music, and a beverage in the hand; a peaceful way to end the daytime, and begin embracing San Antonio’s vivid and pulsating nightlife.

Take a short trip from The White Isle (following the crowds of people), and you’ll undoubtedly see what is referred to as the West End, the Party section of San Antonio.

Picture Pointer> Left Page: Amnesia Nightclub; DJ Jaguar Skills; Right Page: Church of Santo Domingo’s; Sunset at Cafe Mambo San Antonio

I aint come all the way to Spain to see some Greek ruins… you’re right Neill, these are Spanish Neill, The Inbetweeners

History and Culture Aside from all of the party action, whether you visit Ibiza as a couple, a group, or in the twilight of your youth, there are many other activities and things to see and do on the island.

Ibiza town holds much historical landmarks and heritage to adore on your visit. During the day, getaway from mid-afternoon slumping on the beach, and discover a rich cultural history on the island.

There are Cathedrals, archaeology and arts museums, and the church of Santo Domingo’s.

Elsewhere, the island boasts much more than just tourist attractions mostly found in the south of the island. Take trips to the far north, and learn how the locals truly live, and discover a whole new side to Ibiza where the cuisine is locally produced, and the culture is abundant.

Also, a visit to the area of Sant Josep de sa Talaia is worth exploring. Boasting historical churches, the Towers of Carregador, and a world heritage site in the Phoenician town of Sa Caleta;

there is much to see and explore around the whole island of Ibiza.

Take the time out when in Ibiza to lay back, relax, and spend some time strolling round your resort, wherever that may be.

Remember N.A.N.N.A

There are many avenues to explore in the daytime, but ensure that at night, you do not travel alone.

A word of warning to the San Antonio area are that, as you would expect, there can be a high level of pickpocketing.

Nothing that usual precautions and measures wouldn’t take care of, but here is a list of the top never and always do’s when in Ibiza.

Never travel alone at night-time

Always barter for

prices from bars, and general sales people

Never trust

anything that seems too good to be true

Never take

anything in your hand, once it’s in, it’s yours

Always be firm but polite

From vising Ibiza over the past few years, it is plain to see why many people choose to come back more than once throughout their lifetimes. It is a place where you can visit in the prime of your youth at 21, and revisit at 40, and still have a great time.

The scenery around the island is a thing to enjoy regardless of your age, or who you travel with.

One thing for sure is that when you visit Ibiza, don’t stick to the ‘what you know’ on the island, and instead, try new things, explore new places, and see the island in a new perspective.

Ibiza can be a place where you can make the most of, or re-live your youth. Whatever your age, or reasons for going, the island can be whatever you make it.

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“The fool wonders, a Wise man travels”

Thomas Fuller

Photography Competition This edition’s entries come from across the globe, as we look for the best of the theme ‘a moment captured.’

The top three entries are published in this first edition, with the winner collecting a prize of £1000 and a professional photography workshop, with second and third place also winning a professional photography workshop.

R E N

N I W

Runner up is Mike, a Digital Photographer from Yorkshire, who captured an elegant moment in Saloo.

Camera used: Canon 1000D SLR

This is your winner, a moment in New York, taken by Siobhan, a Journalism Student from Hull. The scene captures a journey from New Jersey to Manhattan aboard the Sea Streak, and sets the dynamic pulsating landscape of New York.

Camera used: Nikon D3100

Up r ne

n

Ru

In third place, a spectacular shot on The Canadian Rockies taken by John from Bistol.

Camera used: Canon EOS 7D SLR

19

“Travel and change of place impart new vigour to the mind” Seneca

British Beauty Haworth Stay: Ashmount hotel;

This unique hotel is set just a short walk from the main centre of the village. Set overlooking beautiful scenery, Ashmount has homely features with a difference. The only hotel in Haworth to hold an AA rosette for its exquisite Drawing Room restaurant, this 5 star accommodation boasts elegance. Each room in the hotel holds unique features such as their very own hot tubs, conservatories, and sauna’s. There’s a small and cosy suite for residents, set with an open fire, and a self-service mini bar; a perfect way to relax with that loved one in the reaches of Bronte County. With friendly attentive staff, and rooms that have that extra special something, Ashmount is the perfect getaway in this historic rural location.

To do:

The Village itself has something of a 1940’s feel and quality to it. The cobbled main street is lined with authentic sweet shops, antique and throw back convenience stores, and friendly local pubs and café’s. The Bronte Parsonage lays just a short walk from the main stretch, accustomed with

Three destinations you may not have thought of for a weekend away

symbolic local architecture in the surrounding buildings and church. The surrounding area is full of beauty and is perfect for that getaway feeling of long country strolls and fresh air walking.

Recommend:

The Bronte Parsonage is a must. The home of the infamous sisters, the rich history and interest is captivated in the village, nowhere more so than the very house itself. Relive the tales of the family’s life and envisaged the romance of Cathy and Heathcliff, as you capture the spirit of how they formulated their classic novels.

Perfect for:

Relax in your hotel, and unwind in one of the unique facilities that may come as part of your room and stay. Take advantage of the luxurious surroundings, fine cuisine, and that little extra than home comforts. Embark on a journey to discover the history of Haworth, and all its secrets. Step back in time and unwind in this unique setting.

Visit the website below for pricing, availability, and more information. www.ashmounthaworth.co.uk

Wales; Lake Bala Stay: Ros and Dusty’s Railway Cottage;

Set in the picturesque location of Bala just inside the Snowdonia national Park, the Railway Cottage is a home from home.

Located just a short walk away from the main centre and the Lake itself, Railway Cottage is the perfect place to retreat and enjoy a relaxing break away. Ros and Dusty own and run the cottage which is built as an extension onto their own home. It has its very own separate conservatory, all home comforts, including a very comfortable bed, en suite bathroom with all toiletries and necessities, a television and radio, and a heater for the colder months.

Ros and Dusty also cook a homemade breakfast to your liking during your stay, offering a wide selection of choice, with fresh food bought that same morning. There are also gardens to walk around and explore at your leisure, animals in the small farm on the garden, and an outdoor barbeque area which sits next to a stream for the summer months.

The Railway Cottage is a picturesque setting run by two of the friendliest and helpful people you could wish to meet.

The area surrounding Bala is fantastic for all sorts of activities. On the lake, which is the largest natural lake in Wales, there are trails to walk, canoes, kayaks, and at the right time of year, sailing too. Hire a mountain bike and cycle through the Welsh countryside and bask in miles of beautiful green scenery and mountainous backdrops. Ask Ros and Dusty, and they’ll find information out for you about Mount Snowdon and the Snowdonia National Park, which on a clear day is a fantastic trip to go up the mountain on the train. Locally, there are activities such as white water rafting, gorge walking, and zorbing.

Try something new and explore and adventure whilst in this wondrous setting of beauty.

The local village is also very accommodating, and has many bars, restaurants, local shops, and amenities too.

Recommend:

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try something new such as water zorbing or gorge walking. Ask Ros and Dusty, and they’ll be more than happy to find the local places for this or any of the other activities. For a great tasting meal in the evening, walk down the main stretch towards Bala Lake and there are plenty to choose from.

Perfect for:

Relaxing in the Welsh countryside, although, if you’re feeling more active there is such a wide range of activities to choose from that these could easily be incorporated as part of a relaxing break away. The best thing to do when in this beautiful part of Snowdonia national park would be to hire a bike, or put on a good pair of walking boots, and quite simply explore and see all that this fantastic area has to offer.

For more details or to inquire, visit the website. www.therailwaycottage.com Picture Pointer> Left Page: Haworth Church neer Bronte Parsonage; Local Vintage Store Right Page: Clockwise from top left; Roz and Dusty at the Railway Cottage; Peashome Park; Scarborough’s South Beach; Farming festival, Bala

Scarborough

To do:

Stay: Crown Spa Hotel

Set on the North East Coast, this charismatic town is more than just a seaside resort.

Scarborough’s Crown Spa Hotel has all of the trimmings necessary for a retreat break away at an affordable price. Set on Scarborough’s south beach, the hotel overlooks the North Sea as far as the horizon. The hotel rooms are to an impeccably high standard, offering 115 en-suite bedrooms all furnished with luxury and style.

The Crown Spa is the only four star hotel in Scarborough and on the stretch of Yorkshire coast, and has everything you would expect. It has been home in the past to the cast of TV shows such as The Royal, and Heartbeat, a symbolisation of how this seaside town still has that swinging 60’s vibe pumping through its veins. The hotel as by its name, boasts a well maintained and facilitated spa, with everything you would expect, from a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and beauty therapy centre; there’s no shortage of things to do to help you unwind. The hotel restaurant Taste offers fantastic options and varieties of food, and the hotel also offers 24 hour room service. The Crown Spa is a perfect location to unwind, relax and explore the local area of Scarborough and North Yorkshire.

To do:

Scarborough’s South beach offers a range of arcades, cosy cafes, and homely pubs, with a long stretch of beach to relax. The promenade along the seafront that takes you to the North beach is a pleasant walk on a warm summer’s day, perfect for soaking in some fresh sea air. The North beach is home to Peashome Park. A beautiful location to spend time walking, taking pictures, and with activities during the summer for children, it is perfect to visit as a family or a couple. Of course,

when visiting a coastal seaside town such as Scarborough, no trip would be complete without visiting a local fish and chip shop. One of the most prominent features you’ll notice is the castle as the top of a hill in-between the South and North of Scarborough. Take a walk up the hills and explore the castle at the top, but take a bottle of water, as it is thirsty work. The town centre also offers a range of small boutiques and souvenir shops, a great way to spend an afternoon away from the beachfront. However long your visit to Scarborough, there’s plenty on offer to do to help you relax, have fun, and make your stay a pleasant and memorable one.

Recommend:

Peashome Park is a must. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of Scarborough and on a warm summery day is a perfect antidote for an afternoons walk in the shade. There are many fish and chip shops, small cafes, and restaurants vying for your services such as Ramsdens on the South beach. But if you’re looking for a great meal in the day, whether it be fish and chips or homemade pies, or fresh fish dishes, the Golden Gate otherwise known as GG’s, is definitely worth a visit. Also, if you’re looking for an elegant meal on an evening, Italian Restaurant Tuscanny offers fantastic service, delicious food, and has an ambience to match. This is located at 29 St. Nicholas Street, Scarborough, YO11 2HF.

Perfect for:

Take advantage of the fantastic facilities on offer in the hotel. Relax and unwind on the beach if the weather permits. Walk and explore Scarborough, and see all that it has to offer.

To make a reservation visit the website at: www.crownspahotel.com

21

In this edition I Street-walked through the German city of Dortmund in search of cultural and historical exploration. Join me through this first person biographical journey, as I venture into the unknown

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was fortunate enough to land myself with a German host family, seasoned with all the German trimmings of home cooked goulash, cold meats for breakfast, and lots of high quality coffee.

Breakfast is an accustomed part of the day where family awake to eat in each other’s company. A sit down start with plenty of cold food, similar to what you may have had as a child in your packed lunch box; except the lack of digestive biscuits, Cadburys Dairy Milk, and of course, orange squash.

In fact, none of the ingredients found in a traditional cold meat German breakfast would be found in your typical British child’s packed lunch box, but nevertheless, when in Rome.

This wasn’t all that was different to traditional British customs too. One of the most prominent differences was the German bedding components; a singular duvet quilt, for a double bed.

I found myself wondering if I was going to be joined by another travelling Brit in search of German hospitality as another singular bed cover lay next to me looking perplexed at the fact it laid still, unused as I opted for its rose coloured twin compadre.

Still in perplexed confusion as to whether I was acquainted in the middle of the night by another bemused traveller, I tucked into the slices of cured seasoned meats and endured a typically strong coffee, to awake myself for the day ahead.

As I had arrived at Dusseldorf airport the night before, the road through to Dortmund passed through the outskirts of other German cities, such as Duisburg, Essen, and Bochum.

Outlines and silhouettes of landmarks and central beacons lined the journey into Dortmund, but I wanted to set off today in search of exploring some local history, cultural people, and flavoursome delicatessen. Landmark locations, and city scenery was also on the agenda, so I made my start shortly after 9am.

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“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake.

First steps: Outside, I turned right heading away from urban suburbia and headed towards the end of the road in search of the belly of the city. Trees outlined the Septembers day with slight movement as a German breeze passed its way through the murmuring hum of passers-by.

I rounded a free flowing street, continuing past rows of distinguished looking houses; panelled white framework, high point rooftops, and balconies cornering off the view of surrounding areas; print perfect suburban German architecture.

As my footsteps continued right, following the flow of double lane traffic, I could smell the city air looming closer. Crossing the road, turning left, and then passing under an archway tunnel, I felt like I was on a street scene in 1970’s Detroit waiting for a drag race to buzz in echoing drones as I passed out the other side.

Turning left again, the street ahead was columned with more central looking houses, flats, and apartments. Rows of similar features passed on my right hand side, as I continued straight observing what each branch off had to offer.

Accompanied by plantations of trees highlighting the pathway, the road narrowed with vehicles parked on either side. Side street labyrinths opened up; streets to my right, leading to more streets, and straight ahead, a crossroads suggesting mainstream traffic.

To my right I saw shops illuminated with people, suggesting life does exist beyond the walls of the suburbs, as my journey so far had felt quite lonesome. Buildings opened up, and floods of people melted into my eye line. Reaching the end of this branch of road, I turned left to find city landscape project bustles of people and buildings.

I was here, Dortmund central.

Stood waiting for a green man to give me passage, a buzzer sounded and the footsteps of clogging heals and square toe shoes began to manoeuvre across a dual carriageway lined with Volkswagen and Audi, halted from their flow in either direction.

I took this as my signal to move and followed the corporate machines across another carriageway until I hit a glimpse of an endless stretch pillowed either side by typically tall buildings; clothing shops, café’s, coffee stalls, and a dentist’s were the immediate illuminations to my eye.

One of those mishitting lateral poles that catch off guard tourists such as me by surprise stood central to the passage, attempting to block vehicle access and smugly signalling a pedestrianized zone.

I made my way down the stretch in awe of sophisticating music paddling out from a nearby but unseen street act.

Many high street shops filled the streets, but disinterested, my only concern was finding a traditional bratwurst stall.

Smells protruded from coffee shops, set back cafes, and vendors selling pretzels, as I made my way further down what felt like an eternal passage. Then, I finally arrived. A small queue protruded from a tan coloured stall handing out paper platters of tasty looking combo’s of sausage varieties accompanied by an unknown accomplice, as I stood waiting in temptation of my first fully German Bratwurst experience.

To my shock, and delight, what was on offer was more than I had anticipated. The traditional curry lover would be in elements of heavenly delight at the sight of what was handed to the preceding customer.

Currywurst; a German combination of Bratwurst sausage, chopped into thick delicate pieces, topped with a lightly spiced savouring brown to red tainted curry, accompanied with a hefty portion of freshly prepared hand cut chips.

Sensationally mouth-watering were the first thoughts that popped to mind, although, I’m not sure there are enough superlatives to describe a Brit’s first sensation of curry with sausage on an autumn’s day in Dortmund.

Crowding around a metal stand with the locals in the centre of an outdoor food area, I observed my surroundings whilst tucking into my newly found food love; first tick on the list, local delicatessen.

I was joined by others basking in the momentous joy of good tasting flavours, as the sophisticating music that became resoundingly more like a merry-go-round theme grew closer.

The passers by clustered past indulging in pastries and other daytime customs, as I polished off the remainder of my sausage curry.

The speciality of Currywurst was more than enough to satisfy my needs in finding local cultural food and I began to think about what other encounters I may stumble across throughout my journey in Dortmund. Setting off into the stretch of never-ending crossroads, I journeyed towards the main shopping centre which stood in the distance, passing various boutiques and small businesses offering alternative propositions to their neighbours either side. Dortmund seemed quite prosperous for a city that was badly affected during wartime.

It has recently transformed to being a technological boom city, modernised yet still with features that remind you of its past.

My hospitable hosts informed me of how it is much alike some British cities that have similar history and regeneration prospects.

Repercussions could still be glazed, as old church buildings and medieval styled architecture blended with the modernist bling of 21st century Germany. Formerly known as a steel city, much like Sheffield of the U.K, the cities greenery and scenic landscape combines with hints of architecture and history. Altogether though, I felt quite humbled and historically invoked by my surroundings.

Picture Pointer> Left Page: Ice Cream Selection: Right Page: Currywurst; Dortmund City Library; Alter Markt City Centre

The great affair is to move”

Robert Louis Steveson

It had a beckoning effect on my feelings towards the city, and as I travelled past the shopping centre, managing to dodge temptation of going inside, I found myself wanting to explore more.

Heading away from the main central part of the city, past a busy row of tasteful looking restaurants and bars, I passed a café selling ice cream – in September. There were people inside, doubling ice-cream indulgence with cappuccinos and lattes, so I ventured inside to see what all the fuss was about. To my amazement, I had never seen such variety and styling with ice-cream before.

They had spaghetti ice-cream, ice-cream that looked like an appetising hedgehog, ones that resembled the cake you had at your 5th birthday, and ones that looked like something Paloma Faith would wear on her head. If the labels weren’t in place, I would have said they were varieties of cake at a glance due to the spectacular detail that had gone into making them.

I purchased a tasteful coconut and mango variety and sat in the window bay admiring the taste and the ambience of lunchtime coffee and ice-cream.

It would be a solitary action to do such a thing in this weather in the U.K, but here, as in other countries in Europe, ice-cream is an all year around confectionary; and tasting this I can see why.

After indulging in far too much of a good thing, I ventured back outside turning left towards the end of the road. I rounded the street and continued down an exceptionally long road lined with more shops and faster flowing traffic.

In the distance a spire protruded above the tree tops, which told me to head in that direction; so I did. I saw many signs, none of which my best Yorkshire German could pronounce phonetically correct. I could however make out the words west and park from a longer word that was Westfalenpark.

Westfalenpark basically means West Park in English I thought. The trick to not letting any German word confuse you is to look for the English word, and generally, German language just adds a few more letters to the equation to make two words become one ginormous epic tongue stitching word.

By now midday had just passed and I still had much more to see.

As the tower grew closer, signs for the park pointed me in its direction, and it soon became apparent that the place I was heading to with the tower, was Westfalenpark.

25

Exploring steps: The skies opened up blue as white cotton wool like clouds parted and passed as the day grew brighter. I marched forwards with a rhythmic pace taking in the fresh breeze and illuminated trees for my pathway. One notable factor on my journey so far is the amount of trees that Dortmund has. Each pathway, each road network, is enlightened with green colonies brightening the journey in whatever transport of your travel.

A steady 45 minutes later, I turned down a side street to my left, after marching the last 200 metres uphill. It was a claustrophobic street, cars parked on the verges of the pathway, narrowing it to a one person berth.

I arrived at the entrance to Westfalenpark, and staring me directly in the face poking above the tall tree tops of the park was the tower I had followed to get me here.

The park opened up into a green avalanche of trees, flower gardens, small ponds overhung with blossomed petals, still blooming well for early September. Little bridges made from stepping stones gave passage across these ponds as parks, and fields came into my eye line ahead.

An amphitheatre like stage was set out, alongside a massive neatly trimmed grass filed, looking delightful as the sun glistened of the water around me.

The tower looked centrally positioned in the park, and the pathways I could see seemed to take you around the outskirts, so I travelled in this direction to see what the rest of this beautiful park had to offer.

I made my way left veering around a bending pathway, passing a few people on my journey. The areas around the pathway were accompanied by benches, where a couple in their twilight years were siting holding hands and talking. Birds tweeting filled the air, flocks of them scattering as squirrels and varieties of other birds patrolled to roots of the trees.

Further around the walkway, there were park swings, a giant mouse wheel, and logs to walk along, and a 21st century roundabout of sorts from what I could make out.

I stumbled across some German folk trying their luck on the children’s apparatus, so I decided I’d have an attempt at conquering the outdoor gymnastic features myself.

I quite competently made my way across the logs, but came unstuck in the giant mouse wheel as the motion of the wheel took me by surprise and I found myself running faster to try and halt the machine. Retaining balance momentarily, I stretched my arms to help steady myself, but this only increased the pace of the wheel again, and this time I was on all fours running like a dog for a stick.

Only, being human, I’m generally not that use to running using my hands.

I managed to climb my way upright again without making a complete fool of myself in front of the German family on looking at some strange British man in a giant hamster wheel.

Sweating, and feeling rather uncomfortable, but saving face, I smiled and continued walking; dodging the temptation to have an attempt at the roundabout I could see.

I made my way further around and down a slope that opened up into an area filled with trees, and meticulously carved stones. There was a tree house, with a rope ladder to enter, and a wooden overhead drawbridge exiting, that came to a set of steps to come back to earth.

Flower gardens lay beautifully to my left, and directly ahead, sat another persuading piece of equipment drawing me closer. A massive sand ditch, with tyres pilled artistically at either sloping side, and a seat swing to push off attached to either end – dare I make an attempt at conquering this one; of course.

Starting on the right hand side, I grabbed the rope, and began to perch myself on the seat, but then I stopped. No-one was around, but I got nervous, imagining the hamster wheel experience. I manned up, grabbed the rope with both hands, checked no-one was watching, and then gave a mighty push off with my feet.

Unnecessarily it turns out, as I flung forward with force and had to bring my legs high up to avoid a collision with the tyres that were there to protect me. Before I could think of what to do next I was going backwards in the other direction. I used my body weight to try and angle towards one of the tyre steps so I could stop; but the swing hadn’t finished with me yet.

I propelled back in the other direction holding on, hoping that it might just suddenly stop if I didn’t do anything. That wasn’t to be, as I moved left then right several times before I decided I’d had enough of dangling in the air going side to side so I raised my feet ready to find the tyre safety net.

Misjudging the distance, I raised my feet too high, as my legs vertically manoeuvred missing the tyre step causing my body weight to shift backwards and landing me in a heap in the sand after a collision with some of the other tyres.

Picture Pointer> Left Page: Westfalen Park Slide; View from Floriantrum; Pink Flamingos Right Page: Westfalenpark pond

Dusting myself down, I was intact even if my dignity wasn’t, and Imade a pact with myself to not be tempted to do anything else that could cause me to be either, arrested, deported, or injured, then continued towards the tower.

I walked past the field where the amphitheatre was situated to my left, and made my way through a small garden, with flower beds and a water feature. The rose gardens are a tranquil feature of the park, such peace and beauty makes it a pleasure to walk around.

Emerging from the garden, a large pond, home to a flock of pink flamingos sat in front of me. The tower was closer too. I walked by the side of the pond admiring the glimmer from sunlight, although it had become clouded over slightly once again.

The flamingos on looked as they stood artistically, as if posing for a model shoot for a glamour magazine.

Arriving at the base of the tower, it peered over me, as I entered inside. A sign pointed out the name of the tower, Floriantrum.

It soon became apparent that it was a communications tower, and as I spoke to one of the security guards he confirmed that this is the beacon of the city. This had been one of the illumined spires I could see when I entered Dortmund through the outskirts at night-time.

It glowed with wording and lights and stood out from a distance, something I had noted on my journey from the airport.

As I made my way up the lift, the security man informed me of how the tower is the oldest TV tower in the world, and that it had a café, and a revolving restaurant near the summit. At 137 meters up, I had reached the top and exited the elevator.

At 137 meters up, I had reached the top and exited the elevator

The final summit is through steps at the café and restaurant, and I made my way up these, taking glimpses of the décor and imagining dining here under a summer night’s sky.

As I ventured outside, a gust of wind continuously blew as though suddenly I was on top of a mountain. A safety fence was in place, but as I made my way the edge, city panoramas opened up.

I stood here at the top on-looking, thinking about the place I could see.

The landscape of Dortmund and the surrounding area just opened up, as if those labyrinth streets were revealed.

I could see now how much there was too see and how everything I had seen so far was just a glimpse of what the city had to offer. The place oozes with sophistication, yet humbles you with its delightful amenities and culture.

The view could last an age, as each aspect around the tower showed a different side to Dortmund, almost epitomisingthe very nature of the city itself. I stood for a while just admiring the view, as I was joined by others, locals, and tourists like me, all sharing the experience, but each no doubt experiencing an alternative view to one another.

I made my way back inside, and began the decline back down to the ground. This had left me more than satisfied that I had accomplished another two of my objectives, local landmarks, and city scenery with the best view I could have possibly had.

Leaving the tower, and heading to the exit of Westfalenpark, I passed over more of those rose gardens, and ponds with the stepping stones to cross.

It was heading for dusk, and I had wanted to try and find a traditional German pub to get some food from. I decided I would head out back onto the main stretch of road, back towards the city centre, but veer off in a different direction.

Westfalenpark Beauty

27

Tired steps: After walking back in the direction of the town centre, I headed around the outskirts, passing a performance theatre dressed in a modern outfit of spearing chrome shapes on its exterior.

I decided to walk a bit further, before wondering where to stop for some food. It might be a good idea to ask some of the locals where a good place to eat would be. Deciding that the next people I saw, I would ask them where they’d recommend.

Sure enough, ten minutes later, a group of people heading towards the centre passed by. I toddled over, and introduced myself as a tourist by saying hello instead of hallo, or Guten tag. They stopped and humoured me for a while asking me where I was from, and what I was doing.

I decided to skip the part where I told them I just left the house, walked, ran in a hamster wheel, and fell off a swing, and just said I was sightseeing.

Finally, I got around to asking them to recommend a good place to eat that wasn’t too far to go. They said Mama Mia, and I suddenly thought I may have walked far enough to cross the borders of many European countries, and had somehow ended up in Northern Italy.

They told me that it served great food, and wasn’t far in a taxi. But I confirmed my status as British by saying I was going to be walking, and asked them for directions.

By now, the light had come down slightly, and darkness was looming ever closer. I wanted to get there whilst it was still daylight, so I made haste after getting what seemed like simple directions to Mama Mia. Of course, as the title may suggest, Mama Mia isn’t a traditional German Pub, but what they did say is how if I am in Dortmund for a short time, then this place is a must visit for the food and experience, so I trusted their judgement.

I veered left after passing through under a bridge, and continued walking.

After 15 minutes, I began to wonder if how much further I could be. It wasn’t until I was in another set of labyrinths of a side street, that I realised I may have taken a wrong turn. Night was falling closer, and there would be no way to recognise anything in the dark. Retracing my footsteps back, I passed a courier van unloading at a hotel and security patrolling the streets surrounding it.

My local helpers had said Mama Mia was on the corner of a street, before a bridge, and on my right hand side. Walking round following a stranger’s instructions lasted me another 30 minutes, until I found what I thought was the correct street.

Another narrow street lined with cars, but I continued, unsure if I had followed any of the directions I was given. I passed some people on the opposite side of the street, and crossed to ask them if I was close to this illustrious restaurant. After trying my best to communicate in part German part English, neither of which I am sure they could understand very well, I gathered that I was close by from the hand signals and gestures flying through the air like a toddler pretending his hand is an aeroplane.

I continued in these new directions, and sure enough, I rounded a street going left, an arch bridge in front of me, and to my right, the restaurant, Mama Mia.

After arriving 40 minutes later than anticipated, I had worked up quite an appetite. The exterior of the restaurant looked elegant, poised and set back off the main road. Inside, it was not what I was expecting.

I thought it may have been a pub with an Italian twist, and the exterior made me unsure. When I entered, all was confirmed, it was a very pristine looking restaurant. Not the sort you would need to wear a suit for, but with sand particles still clinging to my jeans, and ruffled hair and aged droplets of sweat from all of the walking, I felt slightly underdressed.

The smells of the food hit me within an instant of opening the door.

Part of the kitchen was open to the front, and some of the varieties of food extras on display. Fresh fish cooked in spices and ingredients that tempted the pallet started appetisingly at me whilst I waited to be seated.

“Guten Abend Sir, Tisch fur ein?”

I looked around to see a waiter staring at me and smiling politely, and it was then I realised I didn’t understand much of what he had just said. It was all I could do to smile back, and then greeting hello, and the usual response of ahh, then pleasantries followed, with me confirming that I am underdressed Brit wanting to dine alone in an elegant Italian restaurant in Germany.

Taking a seat, and with all of that pushed aside, I observed the venue.

It was a very impressive display, and I could see why it had been recommended by the locals.

It had pristine décor, attentive staff, and exquisite looking food; not to mention a wide selection of choice on the menu.

I ordered a Pizza, and waited to be served. In reflection of Dortmund so far, it is hard to see why anybody would not want to come here.

A city break for two, or a weekend getaway, it has more than enough to offer in entertainment, beauty, history and culture.

The Park was a short visit in comparison to what would have been liked, and I could envisage a summer’s day, concerts, festivals, or just nice walks around the park basking in sunshine with the reflection of sunlight beaming from the waters; something that would appeal to most.

The restaurant had filled up around me as it grew closer to six pm.

I had been waiting around 20 minutes, long enough to reflect on the day and for my appetite to grow stronger, and then my food arrived; pepperoni pizza, or so I thought.

Inhaling the fresh flavours and crispy thin dough topped with many ingredients, but not really noticing much pepperoni, I took a bite, thinking it may be embedded under the other ingredients.

Heat grew, and my eyes watered as the fiery explosion overwhelmed my mouth. It was at this point I was glad to have ordered water to quench my thirst, and also put out the inferno currently disintegrating my taste buds.

I checked the menu to see if I had ordered the correct thing. I had, and had received that order too. I stared down seeing yellow slithers of what looked like peppers staring back.

This was another one of those times I manned up, grabbed the pizza with both hands, checked no one was watching, and commenced my fight with the volcanic pizza.

Picture Pointer> Left Page: Mama Mia Restaurant; Right Page: Hamster Wheel at Westfalen Park; Atlantico Cafe

Burning steps: It was seven o’clock by the time of leaving the restaurant. Now feeling slightly appeased from my hunger, I thought to head to a local bar and experience the nightlife in Dortmund.

After talking to the waiter who asked if everything was alright, I had discovered pepperoni, a meat I was eating for breakfast that same morning, meant peppers when it was an ingredient on a pizza; and hot peppers at that.

It had grown dark whilst indoors, the city landscapes and familiar buildings disappeared, and it was as if walking into another strange place for the first time again.

I took the same path down the narrow streets where I had received my second set of directions, and managed to work my way to the main dual carriageway and head back towards the city centre.

The skies had opened up, but this time with clouds bursting with rain, and the sudden downpour came as if knowing I was at my most vulnerable. Without a clear place to go indoors and seek shelter, without being completely obvious I would be seeking shelter, I began to pick up the pace and headed further up the hill round a bend before seeing an overhanging archway.

Shelter in the shape of a dark passage near a dodgy looking German park, as far as dodgy looking German parks go, I guess this one looked rather intimidating in its presence, emphasised by the darkness, and heavy puddles of raindrops trickling down my back.

I decided to wait it out, contemplating what to do if I was approached for any reason. Behind me was what looked like a skate park, with some people lingering. I could make out their silhouettes, just dangling there not really moving.

I was passed by others taking a glimpse at me as they went passed, and realised I probably looked as intimidating as the park felt to me. So I decided I would make a move.

Half an hour had passed, and I wasn’t that sure which direction to head now, although I wasn’t far from the centre again. Passing scarce pubs or bars, I wanted to find something which could keep me entertained for the most part of the night.

Following a stretch that lead straight into the city centre, bright lights caught my attention, protruding from the corner of a street straight ahead. They looked promising, and I arrived to discover it was a Mexican cocktail bar.

Atlantico Café was its name. I realised this again wasn’t the traditional German bar, but it looked busy through the doors, so instead of standing precariously positioned outside looking like the bewildered lost tourist I was, I went in.

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Wobbly steps: Coming back outside, the fresh air hit me like a heavyweight boxer. The heat of the nachos I had ordered still prolonged in my mouth, and only added to the disintegration that had taken place from my pizza. Everything looked so different when I came outside.

It was eerily quiet, as if I’d suddenly been deafened by the heavyweight punch from the wind. I scraped my shoes along the floor as I walked heading left back in the direction I came. I was scraping my shoes to try and rid them from the crushed peanut shells that lined the floor.

It was one of the first things I noticed.

I went in and saw a perfectly looking area for a person to sit, and possibly be joined. I took the seat and was soon approached by a waitress.

Again, the familiarisation and introduction of myself as British passed with slight enthusiasm as the waitress was learning English, and conversation helps her she informed. I wasn’t sure what to order, I just sat there looking at a menu in Spanish and German, and doing the best I could from the little bits I knew of each to decipher what ingredients where in what.

I instead opted for the option of looking at the strenghtometre next to each drink, and started with something mild and in-between.

Stumbling a little bit further down the stretch, I came to my first turn off to my left. There were few people around, and I was sure that intoxicated Yorkshire German wouldn’t be something many of them may understand if I attempted conversation. Continuing alone, keeping my eyes straight ahead, remembering the directions I had taken from the morning - and going in reverse.

My cocktail came. It was blue, topped with sculpted fruit shapes of all varieties; pineapple’s, cherries, and star fruit to name a few. It looked like another thing Paloma Faith would wear on her head, but still, I took my first sips, alone in a corner booth, absorbing the Mexican inspired music and the peanut coated floor.

I soon became absorbed by the various alternatives that branched of this stretch of road. The labyrinths opened up, and I began to think that if I was on top of the Floriantrum tower and could see myself, I could tilt the labyrinth to direct where to go. I tried to remember how many more streets passed the one with all of the wedding shops that I turned down, but my mind was as tired as my feet.

I found myself being taken down one of the side streets, narrowing paths and central looking flats and apartments confirmed I was on the right path, and I walked until I hit the option of going left or right. This was the last stretch until I reach suburbia, I was sure of it.

Parked cars lined the streets, but nothing looked familiar apart from the situation of houses and parked cars, and loneliness such was my journey to the centre in the morning.

The nachos came looking more like what I expected my pizza to look like at Mama Mia. Towered in a circular shape, and topped with stringy melted cheese and piled with jalapenos in the middle. I had not seen this arrangement for nachos before, and I informed my new found friends what that nacho’s in Britain usually meant a pile of Doritos with cheddar cheese topping.

Nearing the end of the final central labyrinth, I turned right opposite a rent a car shop, and passed under the Detroit Bridge, only this time, it felt more like a scene from Home Alone 2 Lost in New York.

You know, the part in the park where Macaulay Culkin meets the pigeon woman at night-time and there’s a small bridge?

Anyway, as I passed through the other side, following the road left at its corner and continuing on a slight incline, I began to reap in the glory of knowing rest is not far away, but wishing slightly that I hadn’t had that last spicy cocktail.

I swished the last few drinks down. At between five and seven euros each, these cocktails were looking like an expensive night as the tab for the table came. My German friends offered to pay for the drinks such as the hospitable nature of all the people I had encountered so far.

We crushed some more peanuts before exiting and saying our farewells outside the bar.

I felt very humbled by the whole experience, and felt quite assured that in my time in Dortmund, I had definitely met some cultural people.

As I arrived in the small quiet suburbs of print perfect suburban German architecture, I was sure that a full day of walking this city was still not enough to experience everything, although I gave it a good try.

Feeling more than satisfied, I rounded the final street, taking my last wobbly steps up to the house, looking forward to sleeping in my single bed quilt on a double bed.

Two drinks later moving onto the stronger strength, as I was joined by four locals who obviously had sympathy with a lonely tourist sat alone in a corner. We decided to order some food, and we conversed about culture differences, and my experience with the pepperoni pizza.

We had ordered nachos and when they came, it was another one of those moments like the Currywurst, the ice cream, and the pizza, as what came was unexpected.

The last step: The next morning I was sad to

leave as I boarded the sky train at the airport.

My experiences over the one day had ensured I had seen much of what the city of Dortmund had to offer. Going out of the house and just walking, finding your own way, and seeking your own experiences is something that had taught me many things, such as; never attempt being a hamster, don’t order pepperoni on a pizza in Germany, but most importantly, the best way to get to see a place, is to just get up go out of the door, and walk around it.

Dortmund - I love Dortmund

Picture Pointer> Left Page: Dortmund Via Night; Right Page: Nacho’s at Atlantico Cafe; Cocktail at Atlantico Cafe; Dortmund City Shopping Centre

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“A good traveller has no plans, and is not intent on arriving”

Lao Tzu

Ways to Travel

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here are many ways to get around these days for the ambivalent traveller in us. Couch surfing has become popular across the States and Down Under. Dog walking, and even house sitting vacancies crop up anywhere an open minded host feels like they can offer a rest bite for the wallet in exchange for some help. In an age where the in thing to do is to travel, there is nowhere that can’t be seen, and no excuse for not seeing it. Here are two of the most upcoming popular ways to get around, and save some spare cash for more exciting things than fluffy pillows and hotel commodities.

Help X

The more cultural tourist inside may wish to embark on a journey of discovery in various places across the world through

the Help Exchange, otherwise known as Help X. This is an organisation which helps keen travellers to work their way

An interview with a real life WWOOFER Sarah is a 25 year old health care worker from Yorkshire. I met up with her to dicuss one of the up and coming ways to travel... WWOOFING

Q. What is WWOOFing and how did you find out about it?

A. WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. It is an organisation that was set up in England, but has since become global, providing volunteering opportunities for people wanting to travel whilst learning hands-on experience in organic farming. I first heard about WWOOFing from a family member who had volunteered on a market garden on the Isle of Skye.

Q. How did you get into WWOOFing , and what’s the process for becoming a WWOOFer? A. I wrote to the headquarters in London, who sent me out an application. There was a membership fee and you had to send a photo in for a membership card. They sent me a directory in the post of all the registered hosts across the world with a description of their farm. Most of the information is accessible online and each country now has their individual website and membership.

The idea is to contact the Host directly to enquire.

Q. Where have you WWOOFed, and what was the best part about your experience WWOOFing?

A. I chose to WWOOF in France, on a farm close to the Pyrenees. It was a family run business where they grew fruit, herbs and vegetables to sell at the local village market. It was a great chance to meet other volunteers from all over the world and also experience French family life - who were really welcoming. Every evening we would take it in turns to cook the fresh produce we had picked that day. We also helped out at the local market at the weekend, selling fruit and vegetables to local villagers.

Q. What are the benefits of WWOOFing to people that want to travel?

A. It is an ideal opportunity for people wanting to travel on a budget. The idea is that the Host provide all food

and accommodation in exchange for help on their farm.

It is advisable to agree your hours of working before you go. My Hosts were very flexible and just asked that I worked a minimum of 5 hours a day and with weekends off. It was also very flexible - so you could work early morning and take the afternoon off. The time off enables you to travel the surrounding area which is one of the great perks.

Q. How popular is WWOOFing and how do you choose where to go?

A. WWOOFing is more popular than people might imagine. I think of it as a ‘hidden gem’ of travelling but once it has been discovered many people spend a whole gap year being a WWOOFer. During my WWOOFing experience I met volunteers from Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Spain and other parts of France - most of them had WWOOFed elsewhere.

I met two British teachers who spent their summers travelling while WWOOFing. When choosing where to WWOOF I would be guided by whether the Host speaks your language. Also you may want to consider going to a country where they have certain regulations in place - for example being in a European Country meant that I had some protection as a traveller being part of the EU and access to medical treatment.

Q. What would you say to anyone who is looking at new ways to Travel and hasn’t tried WWOOFing?

I really recommend WWOOFing; it is something that anyone can do. Don’t be put off by the thought of ‘farming.’ If you do your research on the farms, some just want a bit of help with picking fruit whereas others have animals which you could help look after - no qualifications are needed, just a willingness to take part.

You can go for as long as you want too, and WWOOFing is non-contractual. WWOOFing is a great way to travel, meet new people and experience new cultures. It also looks great on your C.V.

around, in exchange for accommodation and food.

There are various jobs and types of residence that offer this opportunity all across the globe.

Jobs could include farming, helping at lodges, childcare, B&B services, hostels, and even working on sailing boats. These types of jobs are all in exchange for the provision of food and a place to sleep, as you travel.

The duration can vary from place to place; some want your help for just a few days, others may integrate you as part of their family for a number of months.

Those interested in Help X are required to register, at a cost of 20 Euros for two years membership. This entitles you to view the vacancies that are on offer, which are all registered Help X associates, giving you security in your choices.

There is such a wide range of Help X vacancies available all year around, and all across the world.

If you are a person who loves to travel, meet new people, and gain experiences in various different types of work, Help X could be a way to gain all of those things.

Travelling is not all about sightseeing, and pictures to show the family, it’s about taking experiences with you from all walks of life, and many people who have used Help X, gain just that.

Registrater at: www.helpx.net

e p a C de r e V Sal A cluster of untouched islands set of the West coast of Africa, the Cape Verde Islands are just a stone’s throw away from Europe

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel have only read one page”

St Augustine

Discover...

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Cape Verde

ape Verde, or as it’s known locally, Cabo Verde, has mixed infusions of African, Brazilian and Portuguese cultures blending across all ten of its beautifully unique islands.

The island of Sal is known as the sunny island, with consistent temperatures all year around making the landscape appear like a sand dune desert from the moment you land.

As one of the more developed tourist islands of Cape Verde, Sal boasts beautiful white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters, on par with the islands from the Caribbean.

Sal gets its name from its rich history of a Salt mining, and the salt marches are a distinguished part of the islands culture.

It is now predominantly used by locals and tourists in the salt baths that produce tons of uplifting rich salt that can be bathed in to relax and cleanse the skin.

Sal is a very flat island, with its peek at Monte Grande being just 403metres above sea level. The flatness of the island is why it sees so little rain, and is almost always sunny.

The main tourist destination for travelling sun eaters is the coastal town of Santa Maria, which poses beaches that span kilometres wide. The main beach at Santa Maria provides a look at local culture, as the pastel coloured houses and upmarket sheik hotels define its upcoming popularity.

Santa Maria also boasts boutique stores, as well as local markets and trading shops. The main attraction when at the

beach though, is undoubtedly the fishing jetty where locals produce fresh catches each day, and present them to an audience of locals and tourists alike. There are many varieties of fish that are caught, and even sold, freshly caught form the surrounding blue waters. A visit to the jetty as some point is a must when in Santa Maria.

There are some hotels and complexes off the Santa Maria beachfront, all just a short walk away from the centre and the main beach. Sal’s reputation and raised profile is demanding that more hotels are being built from hallmark names such as The Hilton.

It’s not all tourists and built up attractions though. Don’t let the profile of hotels and shops fool you, as Sal is still a very unique and untouched island. Comparatively with other tourist destinations and islands of the same size, is is relatively unspoiled, as the desert like terrain covers the high majority of the landscape.

As you venture away from the tourist spots, you can discover more of the islands culture, such as their Creole language, West African and Portuguese infused food, and blends of history cultivating through the landmarks and the cities you can visit.

Picture Pointer> Left Page; Development Complex at Santa Maria Beach: Right Page; Santa Maria Jetty Scene; View of Santa Maria Beach

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Espargos is the central Capital of the island, and home to the island’s airport. Sal’s airport has one of the longest runways in Europe due to the supplies and use of the island during World War Two. Here you can find amenities and local shops, cafés and restaurant, as well as banks, supermarkets and pharmacies.

Some of the local way of life may come as a shock in Cape Verde. There are many things that tourists may not be accustomed to. The capital is more populated than some of the other towns, so don’t be surprised to see clusters of people on trucks riding around the centre of the town. Many people travel together to their destinations on the island, as it is so small, there is no need for what Europeans would consider ‘deadlock’ traffic. In fact, when on a coach around the island, there were no more than five cars on the same road at one point going in either direction, and our guide informed us that this would be considered ‘rush hour.’

As such, the island can be travelled in less than a day, but there are many hidden gems on the island to see. If you go to Sal on a package holiday, there are trips which can be booked through your operator to discover the islands hidden secrets. Alternatively, there may be locals who run businesses, and may offer you a similar service, at a possibly lower price.

Consider these options carefully when thinking about booking any trips, as some may be more acquiesce to your choice than others. Elvis tours which operates from near Santa Maria, is a locally recognised and well established running excursion provider.

Tours around the island will take you through most of the major cities and towns.

There are not many, but each holds a different aspect of the island and has its own purpose.

Palmeira is the harbour town of the island, and is home to the import and export industry.

The town still has rich Portuguese influences running through its veins as the architecture and culture burst to life in the shops and the surrounding area. You may find yourself boarding a lifeboat here to board a larger boat in deeper waters if you take a trip to see the island via boat. Don’t be surprised to see fish guts and remains lying around the floor, as this is part of the nature and culture of the town. Poverty is also visible on the island in this location. Small children may approach you asking for money, as often the parents of these children have encouraged them to do so. It is not recommended or advised to give to the children, as the locals believe that they cannot learn how to make money if it is always given to them.

Palmeira also hosts the infamous salt baths on the island. An admission charge is applicable if you visit independently. Alternatively, most tours would visit here as part of a package to see the island. This is highly recommended, and there are also salt from the volcanic crater that the salt mine sits upon being sold at the shop on site.

Other attractions include being able to off-road in 4x4 jeeps as specially trained drivers take you on a tour through the desert. An experience that could only be discovered off-road, you’ll see the vast sandy landscape with nothing but rocks, small alcoves, shoreline caves and vistas, and coastal contours that shape the outline of the island.

At one of these indents in the landscape lays a rocky alcove set with locals fishing, perched deep into the high rocks that shadow above crashing waves. One of those hidden gems is also located on the route through the desert, and at an alcove only accessible by 4x4. One of the rarest sites on earth is situated here, as a deep cave facing the sky protrudes from the the edges of the coastline, and within it lays a fascination known as ‘the blue eye.’

A result of sun reflections as waves of light delve into the cave, and reflect a diamond patterned crystal effect eye, shining as though the cave itself was human and was staring up at the hovering onlookers.

The island of Sal holds many many other fascinations, such as the lion mountain, mirages that sweep the desert as dormant volcano sits in the backdrop as you crouch to discover a natural illusion. See the island in its entirety by viewing what it has to offer without any reservations.

All of the landmarks on the island tell a story about the history, and the culture of how influences have grown and adapted the lifestyle in Cape Verde.

The food in Cape Verde is made up of concoctions of stew’s, fish dishes, fruits, and spices.

Their traditional favourite is Cachupa, the countries national dish. They also have a traditional game called Oril. This is sold in many of the shops at the towns. Locals will be happy to teach you their favourite pass time, and play the game with you over a drink or two. Their lifestyle is epitomised by their local saying of “No stress”, and this can be seen in their attitudes towards life and people.

It is important to really infuse yourself as part of local culture, even if you stay at a hotel complex, don’t be afraid to mix with the locals, and find out as much about their local culture and way of life as you can.

The island of Sal, as with many of the Cape Verdean islands, holds secrets to discover, landscapes to explore and cultures to embrace.

Picture Pointer> Top to Bottom: Palmeira Harbour; The Blue Eye; Lion Mountain Alcove; Palmeiras’ Salt Baths

Top Travel Tips Remember your camera, camera charger try taking a camera/video recorder in 1.

Never put money/wallet into your back pockets Take a jacket with lots of pockets Take comfortable shoes Don’t take uncomfortable shoes - you won’t wear them Don’t take an iron - in fact, don’t take clothes that need ironing Pack no more than two swimwear outfits - you can only wear one at a time The same applies for smart shirts/dresses Take a hat for the cold, and a hat for the heat nobody likes a cold or sunstroke Pack smart - socks in shoes, fold width ways with multiple items, don’t pack anything over 5kg Take a toothbrush Save water bottles for refilling - a money saver Refrain from getting your map out in unknown areas - Tourist alert But still take a map with you Have an emergency contact number in a pocket somewhere Take a travel journal – and use it, you can’t remember everything If you think it’s worth a photo – take one, in fact, take many Always research the place you’re going to for advice on tipping, and local culture Never eat at commercial fast food chains, try local businesses and restaurants

NEXT EDITION U.S.A SPECIAL

Cheaper is not always better Expensive is not always better Embrace other cultures as much as possible, there’s no point going somewhere to do the usual routines

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Where will your footsteps take you?