worldtravel 2016 Issue Three
Good Times on the Isle Of Man Santiago: South America’s Gem Aussie Outback Safari
Cruise
The Rivers Of Europe
This Issues Top 5: For The Car Enthusiast
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Driving past a Roo in ‘Straya
Contents worldtravel Santiago
Isle Of Man
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Top 5
Outback Safari
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River Cruise Europe
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small island hidden in the Irish Sea called Ellan Vannin, better known as the Isle of Man, and you’ll probably recognise it as the spot on the weather maps almost always hidden beneath a grey cloud. The Manx, of course, have a different take on things. They will tell you that those ‘clouds’ are the misty cloak of Manannan, the Celtic sea god who uses his mantle to conceal the island from invaders. While you might write this off as poetic licence for overcast weather, it’s easy to see why they wouldd want to keep this place a secret. The Isle of Man is the British Isles in miniature: the southern coast bears more than a passing resemblance to Cornwall, its undulating hills recall the Peak District and the numerous glens transport you to Scotland. In the sunshine, it’s hard to think of anywhere more beautiful. But it’s also the island’s unique personality that makes it so appealing. Folklore and superstition lie at the very heart of Man. Drive around the narrow lanes and you’ll find such curious street names as Boilley Spittal and Lhergy Cripperty, as well as Fairy Bridge — a crossing on the main road from Ronaldsway Airport to the capital, Douglas, where the trees are adorned with trinkets and tokens left for the ‘little people’. To cross it, you must wave to the fairies— or suffer the consequences. Bad luck is always blamed as their doing. So you wave with gusto. Visitors tend to return year after year, seduced by the island’s abundant wildlife, quiet beaches and quirky charm. It’s particularly attractive to families, bikers and also beer drinkers.
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Modern Man is filled with dozens of affordable guest houses and self-catering cottages, where you can sleep a family of four from £35 a night. There are dozens of attractions to keep children entertained, such as The Venture Centre near Ramsey. Here, you can take part in alfresco adventures such as gorge walking (climbing up waterfalls and wading through rapids) or bushcraft (which teaches you essential survival skills). One of the best places for a day trip is the historic town of Peel, where there’s an imposing Viking castle, oneoff shops and old-fashioned tearooms serving Bonnag, a kind of Manx fruit loaf.
“The island is particularly attractive to families, bikers and also beer drinkers.” To get the best views across the harbour, we walk up Peel Hill, starting from Fenella Beach and climbing up to Corrin’s Folly at the summit. Sitting in the sunshine at the top, we watch a basking shark lazing in the blue waters below. Afterwards, visit the award-winning House of Manannan, an interactive museum detailing the rich history of the island. The wax figures scare the living daylights out of one little girl there, but the full-sized Viking boat, complete with sounds and smells of the sea, has one group of boys enthralled.
Myth is so deeply embedded in the Manx psyche that there’s no avoiding it. Saying the word ‘rat’ will illicit an uncomfortable flinch from any Manx person — the term is considered bad luck, so locals instead refer to the rodents as ‘longtails’. Digging up elderberry bushes is also a major faux pas, in case you disturb the fairies residing in their roots. One hardliner even told us that sewing on a Friday is considered taboo, although this suggestion was laughed off by another local, who said: ‘Don’t listen to her. You’d have to be as Manx as the hills to believe that.’ Those hills are great for exploring, preferably by rail. The quaint Snaefell Mountain Railway has been running up and down Man’s highest
peak since 1895, taking visitors to a point from where you can see the ‘Seven Kingdoms’ (that’s including heaven and the sea). On our last day, we visit Tynwald, the island’s government in St John’s, which celebrated 1,000 years of uninterrupted independent parliament in 1979. Many arcane laws still survive. For example, the one that permits you to shoot any Scotsman on a beach wearing a kilt, provided he is standing below a high tide line. Food on the Isle of Man is generally good, with the emphasis on a blend of seafood and local game. As the emphasis shifts to better quality, sustainability, organic and local food, the Isle of Man has started to garner a bit of a foodie reputation. There’s
even an annual Food & Drink Festival celebrating the quality and variety of local produce. Stop at a pub, café or restaurant to enjoy the rich pickings. The island famously has no speed limits outside of town and is home to the most motorbike races in the world: the Isle Of Man TT.
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Once a year, for six days, the population of a small island in the Irish Sea doubles as motorcycle enthusiasts from around the globe flock to the racing mecca. The International Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Race is a motorcycle sport event held annually on the Isle of Man in May or June of each year since the inaugural race in 1907. The Isle of Man TT for many years was the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world and also seen as the ultimate test for competitors and machines alike. The Isle of Man TT has been traditionally run in a time-trial format on public roads closed for racing by the provisions of an Act of Tynwald (the parliament of the Isle of Man). The event consists of one week of practice sessions followed by one week of racing. It has been a tradition perhaps started by racing competitors in the early 1920s for spectators to tour the Snaefell Mountain Course on motorcycles during the Isle of Man TT on “Mad Sunday,” an informal and unofficial sanctioned event held on the Sunday between ‘Practice Week’ and ‘Race Week.’ Starting at the town of Douglas on the south-east coast, the course takes a wide sweep to the west and north to enter the town of Ramsey on the north-east coast and thence return to the starting point, each lap measuring 37 3⁄4 miles (60.7 km) and taking in over 200 bends while climbing from sea level to an altitude of over 1,300 ft (396 m). The event closes down these country roads so bikers can zoom, curve and dip through a 37.5 mile long loop at a frightening 130 mph average speed—that’s one lap in less than 18 minutes. During race week, the TT races create a carnival atmosphere with picnicking spectators flanking vantage points on the circuit. All the kids on the island are given time off and the local economy thrives, making a large part of its earnings for the year. For those few days in spring, the incessant roar of motorcycle engines spewing high-pitched noise can be heard across the island as racers rev up for the main event. The 2016 edition was dominated by Brits Ian Hutchinson and Michael Dunlop, who won three and two races respectively, and both setting two race records each.
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Santia de Chile
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own Words & Photos By Jamie Br
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ome to over a third of all Chileans, the city of Santiago is lively day and night. The city is teeming with culture and history and has one of the most spectacular backdrops, the snow-capped Andean peaks, making it a one-of-a-kind destination for your Chile travel. The wide variety of museums, parks, restaurants, and nightlife amongst the many historical and cultural activities available provide travelers with endless options for their time in the city. The central location of the capital also provides easy access to the other great Chile destinations like, San Pedro de Atacama and Torres del Paine. The perfect destination to embark on a Chile vacation and to fall in love with Chilean culture and history, the city of Santiago is an ideal spot for your Chile travel. Chilean capital was founded at the bottom of the Santa Lucia Mountain in 1541. Its founder was Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, and city, accordingly, has inherited the best Spanish traditions. This settlement exists almost 500 years and during this time was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt again. Santiago suffered from raids of American Indians, then from earthquakes that twice did not leave literally a stone on a stone in the city. The city center is the best place to indulge in history as some of the most important buildings in the country are situated here. A must-see while in Santiago is the statue of the Virgin Mary which sits at the second highest point in the city on Cerro San Cristobal, where you can admire the statue and be rewarded with spectacular views of the city. To explore the conflicted past of Chile visit the recently opened Museo de la Memoria y Los Derechos Humanos which was built to preserve a visual memory of the human rights violations committed by the government between 1973 and 1990. Also explore Santiago’s main avenue where the San Francisco church is located which houses an impressive art collection. Considered as one of most important cultural centers in all of South America, Santiago welcomes those looking to get a feel for Chilean life and customs. Explore the many museums or walk the streets and interact with the locals to truly experience the feel of Santiago. If you are a fan of art be sure to visit the Museo Chile de Arte Precolombino home to a premier collection of pre-Columbian art. Though the city hosts many great museums spend some time in the streets. You don’t want to miss out on the city’s lively market, a great way to experience the Chilean way of life and try some of the country’s delicious cuisine. After a day of exploring make sure to partake in Chile’s exciting nightlife, sure to give you a taste of Chilean culture. The 5 star Grand Hyatt Santiago is ideal for travelers who wish to treat themselves to a bit of luxury. Located in the exclusive Las Condes neighborhood, this Santiago hotel is in the very heart of this booming city’s commercial and touristic center, with easy access to the airport and the historic center. The ski resorts Valle Nevado and El Colorado are within an hour’s reach, as are the coastal cities of Valparaiso and Viña
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del Mar. The 310 rooms and suites offer views of the nearby mountains. All rooms also have 24 hour room service, and wireless Internet. Guests can also find relaxation at AKO Spa, one of the most luxurious in Santiago. Guests will also enjoy dining at one of the restaurants or bar, which include Senso (Japanese cuisine), Matsuri (Italian cuisine), Atrium Lobby Lounge, and Duke’s Bar. Additional facilities include a lagoon style swimming pool with waterfall, tennis courts, and a fully-equipped gym. At the 5-star San Cristobal Tower, guests will find a highly professional staff that strives for elegance and the world’s finest service. This hotel is situated in the Providencia business district and is a close to shopping centers as well as the city’s main attractions. The hotel’s many fine facilities include a health club where guests can pursue fitness and relaxation, as well as gardens and excellent views of the city. Classic décor combines with modern architecture in each of the 139 guest rooms, which boast beautifullycarved mahogany chairs, draped curtains, and goldrimmed mirrors. Guests will also enjoys the mini bar, complimentary mineral water, wireless Internet access, air conditioning, laptop-sized safe. Each floor also has exclusive butler service. For evening relaxation, visit L’Etoile Restaurant for a fine meal, or stop at TwentyOne Bar and Lounge to enjoy a cocktail or choose from the superb selection of Chilean and international wines.
After exploring the sights of Santiago make your way to the peaceful wine valleys that surround the region. From the Valle del Maipo south to the beautiful Valle de Colchagua, an wide variety of vineyards, bodegas, and lodges exist for your enjoyment. Visit some of the top wineries, or stick to the smaller scale establishments, no matter where you go you are sure to taste some of the country’s best wines. A few recommendations for your wine valley exploration would include the famous Concha y Toro located in the Maipo valley. This area and specifically the Concha y Toro boast some of the best wine’s in the country. This is the top spot for tourists who are looking to experience the Chilean wine valley, it provides travelers with spectacular scenery and delicious wines. If you are looking for a more boutique wine valley experience, travel south to the Colchagua valley. This valley is known for its excellent Cabernets and is home to over twenty wineries. With so many great places to see in Chile, the city of Santiago is often a jump off point for other Chile travel, but make sure during your trip you spend a few days in the city. With great cultural, historical, and scenic attractions there is no reason to miss out on the wonders of Santiago.
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“A wide variety of attractions provide travelers with endless options for their time in the city.” worldtravel | 2016 Three
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Words & Photos By Jamie Brown
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he Outback describes the remote and rural parts of Australia where few people live. Given that the vast majority of the population lives along the coast, the Outback can refer to many different places, with different climates and conditions. The key to successfully driving through and exploring the Outback is preparation. Australia is extremely large; outside the populated coastal areas, there are vast swathes of empty, unpopulated land. There isn’t much traffic in remote areas, so motorists need to be prepared for anything – from a breakdown to unexpected weather and beyond. It’s recommended that you carry enough food, water, and fuel for your trip, as well as surplus should you end up stuck somewhere. Each person needs about 10 litres of water per day, plus enough extra water for 3 to 5 days. You should also have a first aid kit, compass, flashlight, tools, at least one spare tyre, and a car jack you can operate. Many parts of the Outback are true desert areas where daytime temperatures can hit 50° Celsius while night temperatures can drop to -10°C. Those travelling through the Outback should have adequate clothing and bedding for both eventualities. You should bring sufficient shade material for hot, daytime temperatures as well as warm blankets for night. You should also bring matches or lighters with which to start a fire for warmth or to attract attention, especially if you’re travelling to isolated areas. There are many areas in the Outback where you cannot get a mobile signal. If you’re spending time in the Outback, you should have another means of communication for emergencies. Some people choose to get a satellite phone. Others might rent a two-way high-frequency radio. You might also want an Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon with which emergency services can locate you. The choice
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is up to each individual, but you should have a plan for an emergency. You should have recent, detailed maps of where you’re going. It’s vital to know where you are and where you’re headed. This is doubly true if you experience a breakdown. You should also keep track of your mileage as you travel. Before you leave, check road conditions along your intended route, especially if travelling in the north during the summer wet season. You can find this information on several web sites; take advantage of them. Even if you do so, unexpected weather can wash out unsealed roads quite quickly, so you may want to call local visitor centres to check on road conditions as you travel. One of the lures of the Outback is the wildlife, but you should also know it can present challenges. Watch for cattle, which often graze around and cross unfenced roads. Wildlife is most active at sunrise and sunset, which can lead to accidents when animals wander into the road. Take care when driving during these times. If you experience a breakdown and get stranded somewhere, the most important thing to do is stay with your vehicle. Vehicles are much easier to spot than are individuals walking in the Outback. Vehicles also offer protection from the elements, especially at night. Finally, notify someone of your departure and arrival times, so they can alert emergency services in case something happens. But with sufficient preparation, your drive through the Outback will be memorable and, most importantly, safe. The Australian Outback can’t be found anywhere else in the world. There are many popular tours available to allow people to experience the outback for themselves, from the dry, arid town of Coober Pedy to the massive icon of Uluru.
One of the best outback holidays is undoubtedly the magnificent monolith of Uluru (Ayers Rock). While you can visit Uluru on your own, travelling as part of a small organised tour allows you to explore many of the lesser known, yet almost as spectacular, sites in this area. Just because you’re travelling to the outback doesn’t mean you have to rough it. The Sails in the Desert Hotel is a five star resort - in the desert. This lavish hotel comes complete with all the indulgences necessary for a luxurious travel experience, with some of the premier rooms even having their own private spa on the balcony.
“Daytime temperatures can hit 50°C while night temperatures can drop to -10°C.” The amazing Bungle Bungles are part of Purnululu National Park in north eastern Western Australia, approximately 110 kilometres north of Halls Creek. The awe-inspiring landscape depicts multitudes of sandstone formations that are shaped like beehives. Palm trees can be seen growing throughout the chasms of Piccaninny Gorge. Kakadu, a World Heritage listed National Park, is a delicate blend of stunning waterways, rugged cliffs and rock formations, unique flora and fauna and ancient aboriginal culture. While visiting the magnificent Kakadu National Park you are sure to see plenty of massive termite mounds scattered through the region, along with crocodiles in waterways or along the water’s edge. While it’s not quite a 5 star resort, the Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn is a 4 star hotel situated right in the centre of Kakadu National Park. This unique hotel is in the shape of a crocodile and is central to all of the local attractions, including the rock art galleries, spectacular waterfalls and the tranquil Yellow Water Billabong. Coober Pedy, or ‘Opal Capital of the World’, is the world’s largest opal mining area, located in northern South Australia. The town is well known not only for its premier opals, but also for its magnificent underground homes. The locals began building these underground homes, accommodation, shops and galleries many years ago as a way of retreating from the harsh heat during the day. If you intend staying in Coober Pedy, why not check in to one of the underground hotels such as the Desert Cave Hotel. Not only will you experience this unusual style of accommodation, but many guests comment that they sleep better than ever before in this quiet, cool environment. However don’t for a second imagine you will be living in a cave. No, these International Standard hotel rooms are rather impressive, with great facilities including colour TV and WiFi inside every room.
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TOP
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For The Car
ENTHUSIAST
By Jamie Brown
5. Nurburgring We featured the Nurburgring 24 hour race back in our 2014 issue. What we didn’t mention back then is that you can drive Caumasee Lake the longest, most fearsome dangerous circuit in the world any day for just €26 a lap! You can even hire high performance sports cars to lap the track. However, an accident will not only cost you a car, but it will cost you €190 for a recovery truck and a €1,350 penalty if you shut down the whole track. So drive responsibly. The last thing you want to do is lose your life and your money. That’s a bad day.
4. Geneva Car Show The International Geneva Motor Show is an annual auto show held in March in the Swiss city of Geneva. Held since 1905, This show has exotic supercars, prototypes, new equipment and technical breakthroughs. This is where many car manufacturers particularly European, like to unveil their new machines. It’s where you can see a new car before anyone else in the world.
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3. Bonneville The true location of the speed freak. The salt flats in Bonneville have been the scene of speed record attempts since the 1930’s. Back then the land speed record tipped just over 300mph. That’s pretty quick for a time when everyone was puttering around in old Fords and Austins. The current speed record at Bonneville is 622mph (1,001kph) set by Blue Flame in 1970. The Bonneville Speed Week attracts cars and people from all over the world and anyone can enter in just about any type of car. Speed Week was cancelled in 2014 and 2015 due to poor conditions but successfully returned in 2016.
2. Goodwood The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an annual hill climb featuring historic motor racing vehicles held on the grounds of Goodwood House in West Sussex, England. The festival attracts crowds of more than 100,000 on each of the three days it is held. There is a diverse range of cars that are on display every year so there is something for everyone. Every year there is a new sculupture in front of Goodwood house that commemmorates a diiferent manufactuerer for each year.
Indy 500 It’s the biggest motor race in the world in our opinion. Bigger than Daytona. Bigger than Monaco. Bigger than Le Mans. The Indy 500 seems to mean more to people than any other race. It’s been run 100 times and every year attracts a capacity crowd and record viewing numbers. Being there however is an experience of a lifetime. The atmosphere for not only the race, but the entire length of the event is second to none. From most grandstand seats you can see the whole track. The speed. The sound. The feeling. Makes for an occasion that won’t be forgotten.
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Words & Photos By Jamie Brown
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RiverEurope Cruise
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sually when you think of a cruise, you think Mediterranean or Caribbean. But how about a river cruise? Right through the centre of Europe. From top to bottom. Or bottom to top in this case. The cruise we’ve chosen is the biggie; A 23 day cruise through 9 different countries from Bucharest in Romania to Amsterdam in The Netherlands. In many ways a river cruise is better than a sea cruise. In a sea cruise you spend most of the time in the middle of the ocean with nothing to look at, except ocean. Whereas in a river cruise you can always see land and more often than not, a pretty little village or town. Another is that much more often than not, a river is calm, whereas the sea can get rough. The boats are different too. River cruising boats have to be narrower to fit through the canals. And rather than being tall, they’re long and low. And, because rivers tend to be calm 99.9% of the time, most of the rooms on the boat have wall to wall sliding glass doors onto an open-air balcony with a view.
Every single room is equipped with an ensuite bathroom, luxury bedding, flatscreen television, a desk, mini-bar and a safe. Outside of the rooms there is free Wi-Fi access, complimentary computer use in public areas, a Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment and even a hair salon. Every day the boat docks and you have options on land, whether to stay on the boat, explore the town you’re in on your own or go on a guided excursions away from the river. Some of the excursion activities include beer tasting, wine tasting, historic buildings, unique wildlife and an organ concert. After a couple of days exploring Bucharest you will be taken to the boat in Fetesti before heading up to the Danube Delta then back heading in the direction of Amsterdam, going through places such as Rousse, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Nuremberg and Cologne. Here are some of the best parts of the cruise; the boat, the cities and the activities.
A Panorama Suite on the boat, with a queen size bed, seating, flatscreen television, and best of all, a sliding wall to wall doors that open out onto an open-air deck.
The Panorama Lounge and the Panorama Bistro are places where you can relax and mingle with the other guests.
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The colossal Romanian Palace of Parliament in Bucharest is the heaviest building in the world. The building may not look very new, but it took 13 years to build between 1984 and 1997, and was the ambitious brainchild of Nicolae Ceaușescu before he was sentenced to death in 1989.
This is the Constanta Casino completed in 1910. During World War II, the casino was used as a hospital. It then became a restaurant after the war. However it was too expensive to operate, the building has been closed since 1990.
The Rousse State Opera Theatre in Rousse, Bulgaria which was founded in 1949.
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A stop in Vidin, Bulgaria and and excursion to nearby Belogradchik is where you’ll find this interesting rock formation.
The Iron Gates, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe’s Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania.
This is one of the many adorable little cafes or restaurants in the Serbian capital city of Belgrade.
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This is the spectacular Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest lit up at night. It is the largest and surprisingly the tallest building in all of Hungary.
The city of Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia. In the foreground is the beautiful St. Martins Church which you will visit on a guided walk.
Vienna is the capital city of Austria. There is some very modern architecture however the St. Stephen’s Cathedral which you can see in the background is still the most spectacular.
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Construction of the Wertheim Castle in Germany began in the 12th century. Part of it however was damaged by a gunpowder explosion in 1682.
Cologne is a 2,000 year old city in western Germany. Here you can see The Great Saint Martin Church on the left, Colonius Tower in the centre and the massive Cologne Cathedral to the right.
The journey finishes in the Dutch city of Amsterdam. After 22 nights on a boat non-stop this is the perfect place to end. A modern city that has a lot to offer, if you know what i mean.
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