Ocean View Magazine Issue 2 Volume 15 2015

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OCEAN VIEW TRAVEL

OCEAN VIEW 41 LIFESTYLE • SAILING • DESTINATION • LUXURY • RECIPES

Issue 02 Volume 15 2015

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from our exclusive ALBANY PERFORMANCE COLLECTION

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Welcome

At our base in the heart of the East Sussex countryside, the sun is shining and the temptation to get outside into the sun with a chilled drink and a good book is almost too much to resist. A few hundred miles north in the Scottish Highlands, the winter is still leaving a trail of drizzle and icy winds – but over the next few weeks the landscape will transform, bursting with colour from the wildflowers and rhododendrons that come into bloom at this time of year. What’s more, statistically there is the best chance of dry weather and daylight until 11pm – all the better for alfresco dining in the mountains! Read our Highlands feature on page 30 for inspiration.

Our Title Manager Jenny Ardagh recently went the whole hog, escaping on a plane to Antigua for 10 days to enjoy the cocktails, beaches and slow Caribbean pace of life. You can find out more about Jenny’s trip, and the people she met on her travels, on page 16.

If you too are planning a long-distance trip, you might be interested in our guest column from popular travel bloggers Dave and Deb from ThePlanetD.com, which is all about looking after your health when you’re away. From minimising jet lag to dealing with altitude sickness, find remedies for a range of common travel problems on page 38.

In my opinion, spring is southern Europe’s most favourable season.

The weather is warming but not stifling, the resorts are still quiet and the prices are low. Read our ‘best of’ South France feature on page 6 for a virtual tour of the most interesting cities between the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts – and get planning your next European jaunt.

As the seasons change, it’s time for us to have a ‘spring clean’ and update our look. Ocean View is broadening its horizons and rebranding as OV magazine in line with our new website OVtravel.co – which we’ll be launching within the next few weeks. Watch this space for more information.

Antigua, page 16

Enjoy Your Read!

Zoe Thomas Editor

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ISSUE 02, VOLUME 15 2015

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CONTENTS

OCEAN VIEW TRAVEL

OCEAN VIEW 41 LIFESTYLE • SAILING • DESTINATION • LUXURY • RECIPES

Issue 02 Volume 15 2015

Cover Image: Antigua, Photography by Jenny Ardagh

Ocean View Magazine Managing Director/Publisher: Lee Mansfield lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk Commercial Director: Simon Skinner simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk Operations Director Clare Fermor clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk Advertising Sales Jenny Ardagh jenny@oceanviewuk.co.uk Editor: Zoe Thomas zoe@lifemediagroup.co.uk Production Manager: Harriet Weston harriet@lifemediagroup.co.uk Production Designer Amy Watson amy@lifemediagroup.co.uk Accounts: Amelia Wellings: amelia@lifemediagroup.co.uk Subscriptions: Linda Grace linda@lifemediagroup.co.uk Published by: LMG SE LTD Unit 1, Swan Barn Business Centre Old Swan Lane, Hailsham, BN27 2BY Printed by: Berforts 17 Burgess Road, Ivyhouse Lane Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 4NR 01424 722733 www.berforts.co.uk All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Ocean View Magazine do not necessarily represent the view of Life Media Group LTD. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Ocean View Magazine assume no reponsibilty for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisment contained within Ocean View Magazine. All prices featured in Ocean View Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.

Copyright Life Media Group 2015 ©

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Best of South of France: The very best places to visit in the South of France Spending It: Must have accessories for any nature lover Antigua: Ocean View’s Jenny Ardagh visits this year-round sailing destination to experience laid-back life on the island Recipes: Talented food photographer and keen home cook Katie Quinn Davies shares the food she cooks for her friends and family Scotland: Read about the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and how to make the most of it.

Travel Tips: The Planet D’s top 10 tips to staying healthy no matter where you’re travelling Brewers Home: Ocean View’s editor Zoe Thomas speaks to Melanie Adams from Brewers about their new brand, Brewers Home Photography: Make your holiday a memory worth keeping One Ocean Expeditions: One Ocean Expeditions is a small-ship expedition cruise company offering voyages into the Antarctic and high Arctic Book Extract: We take a look at the best hotels in the Mediterranean

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Best of...

The South of France From the star-studded Riviera, to the sunflower fields and Medieval villages of the Midi-Pyrenees, we’ve hand-picked some of the best towns and cities South France has to offer

© Ionut David | Dreamstime.com

Places to Visit in the Region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Marseille Marseille is one of the largest cities in France and is filled with style and history.

The Vieux Port area hosts market stalls filled with local products and fresh fish straight off the boats in the dock. The Old Port has always been the main focus of Marseille, and now acts as a hub of French culture where it used to protect against the ‘enemy’.

The neighbourhood of Le Panier is a quaint and atmospheric area of Marseille where 6 OCEAN VIEW

you’ll find narrow streets and authentic shops that create a lovely escape from perhaps the more bustling side of the city.

The city’s centrepiece is Centre de la Vieille Charité, which is a grand 17th Century building on three levels. This is now home to several multi-cultural structures such as the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology, the Museum of African Arts, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans (MAAOA), La Cathedrale de la Nouvelle Major is another building that defines Marseille.

Marseille lies alongside the Calanques, a

20km stretch of high, limestone cliffs and rocky peninsula, rising from Mediterranean waters. This is a lovely trip to take just out of Marseille to the South of the City where you will find small idyllic beaches, which are near impossible to reach without a kayak or canoe.

Nice The city of Nice is located on the Mediterranean coast between Marseille and the Italian border. It combines the culture, food and wine of France with the heat and atmosphere of the Mediterranean. It is a

Marseille, France

lovely place to spend a summer holiday with the family as most beaches also offer a range of activities to keep the children entertained.

For soaking up the French lifestyle, a visit to the Old Town, Vieux Nice is what to do.

This is where you will find quintessential and picturesque houses and boutiques as well as fantastic markets, which will match exactly with what you imagine the South of France as. Alternatively, just a walk down the main Promenade des Anglais will give a rounded experience of Nice, curving almost five miles around the Bay of Angels.

There are many other museums to visit whilst in Nice, including the Musee Matisse where you can admire the collection of works left by the Henri Matisse himself.

This museum gathers one of the largest collections of his paintings, from the beginning to the end. One of the most popular museums is the Musée des BeauxArts, or museum of fine art. The collection presents the history of art from the 16th

Century to the present day, the likes of which include Monet, Boudin, Raffaelli and Degas amongst others.

Avignon Avignon was once the medieval capital of the world and hence, with its large fortified city walls and its rich heritage, it presents some impressive architecture. This makes for a hugely picturesque and historically interesting city, understandably now declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other declared World Heritage Sites here are the Palais des Papes and Cathédrale NotreDame des Doms .

Notre Dames Des Doms is a Roman cathedral which dates back to the 12th century but the statue of the Virgin Mary is a very recent addition, only dating back to the 19th Century. The cathedral is located next to the Palais des Papes which is the world’s largest Gothic palace still standing.

Avignon is most well known for the Pont

St. Benezet or otherwise known as the Pont d’Avignon. The bridge was built in 1177, and is the inspiration for the song Sur le pont d’Avignon dating back to the 15th Century. There are spectacular views of the bridge from almost anywhere in the town, in particular from the Rocher des Doms, but if you want to walk along it there is a small fee.

Lying on the Rhone River, Avignon is beautiful at dusk when the glow of the sunset hits the water. The Fort St. André shows this spectacle perfectly from its terrace gardens.

This is a 10th-century Abbey that can only be visited by gudied tour with stunning terrace gardens which can be freely roamed. Here you can see spectacular views of Avignon and the Rhône.

In the Region of the Midi-Pyrenees Toulouse Toulouse is a city which lies in the MidiPyrenees region, half way between the OCEAN VIEW 7

Montpellier

Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and is the fourth largest city in France, after Paris, Marseille and Lyon. The city is set on an ancient Roman settlement, many of the red brick buildings are of a pseudo-Roman style. These buildings are what give Toulouse its nickname: ‘La ville rose’ (The pink city).

Toulouse is a big city, but the historical centre (downtown) is quite small, so you can walk to most destinations in the inner city quite comfortably. There is an extensive bus network, and this is definitely the best way to explore the city.

Alternatively, you can rent a bike from any of the 253 bike stations, and there are many cycling tours of the city for those who feel slightly less confident in their ability to cycle the city independently.

The city also lies on the Garonne River and holds one of the most renown waterways in South France running

through it, the Canal du Midi. The canal stretches over 240 kilometres between Toulouse and the port of Sète, and has been classified as a World Heritage Site since 1996 and is well worth taking a trip on it, upriver to the Musée Canal du Midi where

both walking around, and from the many museums, however a walk through the historical centre is like a history lesson in itself – you will be transported through thousands of years with reminders of the past still intact, and a view of the future also.

La promenade Royale du Peyrou is a perfect example of this. Ecusson, the historic centre, is an attractive downtown area for those who enjoy shopping with atmospheric walkways and routes to take, from Rue de la Loge, along Grand Rue Jean Moulin, and through the medieval narrow streets in the Ancien Courrier quarter where you will experience a rich blend of international high street names and boutiques.

Montpellier is also famous for its beautiful and pristine seaside, so it really has it all for an all-rounded holiday experience.

There are many bike paths from Montpellier which lead to all the local beaches, with around one hour of pedaling, taking you

© Olga Demchishina | Dreamstime.com

“Lying on the Rhone river, Avignon is beautiful at dusk when the glow of the sunset hits the water”

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you can discover the history of the canal itself and wander around the grounds.

Montpellier Montpellier is the capital of the LanguedocRoussillon region and is the 8th largest city of France as well as the third-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast after Marseille and Nice.

You can learn a lot about the city from

In the Region of Languedoc Perpignan Perpignan is the capital of the PyrénéesOrientales department in the Languedoc region of southern France and was once the capital of the Kingdom of Mallorca. This is the last major town in Languedoc before the Spanish border and, as such has a real flavor of Catalan culture, mixed with a bit of Roman and North African history.

Perpignan’s most dominant monument is the Palace of the Kings of Mallorca which sprawls over the south of the old town, and is the number one sight to see. It was originally used as the King’s residence in the 12th till the 14th Century, and now holds lovely gardens within its courtyard.

Take a wander around the narrow lanes of the Saint-Jean quarter where you can admire the magnificence of the mansions and stately homes. Perpignan as a whole is a great place to sample local food and wine, as with most of the Languedoc region too so if you’re looking for a real local, authentic experience head here and enjoy the Gothic and Romanesque style of the castles, courtyards, architecture and enclosed citadel complexes.

Carcassonne Visit Carcassonne and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a fairytale, populated by gallant knights and firebreathing dragons. This is the largest medieval city in Europe and still has its original city walls intact. Although it is officially a city, it feels like much more of a town in terms of its energy and the scale.

It has a calm and small city centre with lovely squares and classic French shops and cuisines to enjoy without the bustle of a large city. The ancient walls certainly portend to a Disney town, and you can see the clear inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty with its cobbled streets,

drawbridges and towers within the Citadel.

If you’re on holiday in the region and looking for a good day out then Carcassonne must come top of your list of cities to visit. Carcassone, especially the town below the Citadel, Ville Basse, really gives an insight into what medieval life was like.

One of the busiest areas is the canal port where you can hop on and off a whole-day or half-day canal trip which is something a bit different and relaxing to do if you weren’t up for looking around the torture museum inside the Cite. This will also give a great view of the Citadel as a whole, which will simply take your breath away.

Festival d’Avignon For lovers of theatre, dance and contemporary art, the Festival d’Avignon remains a major yearly event. This festival has recently become a major event for this beautiful city straddling the regions of Provence and Languedoc.

From 6 to 27 July 2015 Festival de Marseille This three-week event draws on the multicultural society that characterizes Marseille. There will be spectacular events ranging from cutting-edge theatre productions and film screenings to contemporary dance and music performances to see.

From 14th June to 17th July 2015

Carcassonne Castle

Toulouse Lautrec Museum

Nice Jazz Festival Nice Jazz Festival is one of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe. Nowadays it is an international gathering, and one of the French Riviera’s unmissable events.

The festival has bands performing on two stages at once, and a total of six stages every night for five days. Over 30,000 people come to enjoy its quality line-up.

From 07 to 12 july 2015 The Festival of La Cite This festival features an array of classical and pop music concerts by internationally OCEAN VIEW 9

© Lance Bellers | Dreamstime.com

across the Méjean wildlife preserve in Lattes. This provides a lovely way to see the scenery, enjoy the –hopefully- good weather before relaxing by the sea.

known artists, jazz, theatre performances, opera and dance. The shows are presented at the Grand theatre de la Cite. Depending on the show, tickets cost from 21 to 50 Euros.

From 7th to 12th July 2015 Le Printemps de Septembre This is a three week long art festival that packs sculpture, painting, videography, photography, cinema and music all in one event. This festival takes place in various venues across the city, making it also a fantastic way to explore.

June 2015 Danse festival In late June and early July, Montpellier is home to a three week festival of traditional music and danse from around the world.

The festival takes place in the old Ursuline convent, the Comedie, Le Corum and other venues around the city.

From 24th June to 9th July Wine Culture Southwest France is a large and diverse region that has a total of 16,000 hectares of vineyards. There are 6,037 vineyards in the 10 OCEAN VIEW

South West of France of which 4,302 are in the Midi-Pyrénées region.

You can’t visit the South without touring a vineyard or two – and there’s an abundance from which to choose. The small vineyards near to the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape produce an excellent wine, known locally as “the Pope’s wine”.

The Chateauneuf du Pape Appellation was created in 1933. Close to Avignon, you can easily take a visit to the vineyards here. It really is a beautiful sight and a must for wine enthusiasts.

The Best White Wines • Sauvignon Blanc • Ugni Blanc • Semillon • Chenin Blanc • Muscadelle • Ondenc* The Best Red Wines • Cabernet Sauvignon • Cabernet Franc • Merlot • Malbec (called ‘Côt’) • Mérille*

Southwest France is a large and diverse region that has a total of 16,000 hectares of vineyards. There are 6,037 vineyards in the South West of France of which 4,302 are in the Midi-Pyrénées region”

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SPENDING IT

Leica Ultravid 12x50 HD Binoculars

Umbra Bird Cafe Feeder Your back garden will be the tweet of the town with this fantastically modern and chic Bird Café Feeder by Umbra. You’ll be able to instantly transform the nearest tree into the local haunt for the trendiest feathered friends with this contemporary design. £33.60. www.redcandy.co.uk

Excellent detail recognition over long distances, increased colour fidelity and reduced colour fringing. £1,899. www.leica.com www.cliftoncameras.co.uk

Spring Watch Must have accessories for any nature lover

Bungee Bird Feeder When you think about it, squirrels and birds are the adrenaline junkies of the animal kingdom. Squirrels are the Parkour free runners jumping from tree to tree, running along fences with speed and grace. Birds are the daredevil sky divers, soaring to great heights without a flicker of fear. £9.95. www.red5.co.uk

Guide Gear Folding Tripod Swivel Stool This Guide Gear® Stool is your ideal seat. It folds small and packs light, yet supports up to 330 lbs. Has tube-steel tripod legs that adjust from 15-17 1/2”, has a 360° swivel, Is perfect for use in platform stands, also Includes carry bag. Weighs 4 1/2 lbs. £10.34. www.sportsmansguide.com

Bird Watching Kit

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Birdwatching kit features; Foldable binoculars, 24 identification cards with information about 72 common British and European species, Notebook and pencil all packed in a colourful tube. £14.99. www.thegiftoasis.com

SPENDING IT

Nikon Coolpix AW130 Digital Camera Camouflage Wherever you go, the Coolpix AW130 all-weather camera can go with you - explore ocean life as deep as 30m underwater or enjoy skiing in the Alps in extreme temperatures (cold resistant to -10°C), plus its dustproof and shockproof to 2m. £279.99. www.nikon.co.uk www.amazon.co.uk/

Tramp Backpack Camoflauge Backpack. Flap closure with straps or snaps with sea bag closure with adjustable string. Padded back. £100. http://shop.carhartt-wip.com

Canon EOS-1D X Celestron’s Nature DX 12x56 binoculars Celestron’s Nature DX 12x56 binoculars are the perfect companion for your next all-day outdoor adventure. With phase-coated BaK-4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics, Nature DX reveals image detail you won’t find with other entry-level binoculars. £240. www.celestron.uk.com

The EOS-1D X combines speed with image quality, to create the next generation camera for professionals.

Full frame 18 megapixel sensor with Dual “DIGIC 5+” processors sets the standard, and up to 12 frames per second shooting takes it beyond. £4,499. www.canon.co.uk www.jessops.com

AF-S NIKKOR 80–400mm f/4.55.6G ED VR Lens High-performance telephoto zoom lens for use with FX-format SLRs. With a broad 80-400mm focal range and superior optical design, this lens is suited to a variety of subjects including wildlife, landscapes and sports. £1,899. www.nikon.co.uk www.amazon.co.uk/

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Antigua Destination Focus:

Jenny Ardagh visits this year-round sailing destination to experience laid-back life on the island Antigua is located in the cluster of the Leeward islands and, although small is utterly beautiful with a lot to see and do.

Antigua is most renowned for its 365 white sandy beaches - one for every single day of the year. However, the beach is certainly only the beginning. With so much luxurious coast, you will be spoiled for choice as to where to soak up the sun. From waterskiing to sunbathing, there is something for everyone here.

Snorkelling Cade’s Reef is a paradise for sea life. If you want to see the most active underwater world known to Antigua, then take a trip out to the reef, which is only a quarter of a mile off the shoreline – so not a deepwater diving experience, but one that can be admired just from the surface simply with a snorkel and mask. The water is so clear that even bobbing on the surface of the water from a boat will give you a spectacular 16 OCEAN VIEW

underwater show. There are many different dive sites with coral canyons, wall drops, sea caves and wrecks, home to all manner of exotic marine creatures and tropical fish, including almost 400 species of Caribbean reef fish.

If, like most who holiday in the Caribbean, you enjoy the view of the water from the white sand beaches, or a quick dip more than being in the deep yourself, then I can recommend some equally fantastic opportunities to see the wonderful marine life with the choice of returning to your sun lounger to catch more of the rays.

As a frequent and also recent visitor to the island, I highly recommend Galleon Beach for this. Just from sitting on your lounger you have the delight of seeing even the rare spectacle of sea turtles. With just a few steps in to the water you will see a wonderful array of fish, all different and vibrant colours that really are comparable to those you would see on the reef.

Just North of Dickenson’s Bay, close to St. Johns, lies one of the island’s best snorkeling spots called Paradise Reef. This is a 1.5kmlong (1-mile) coral garden of stunning beauty, easily accessible from the bay itself and one not to miss if you’re in the area. If you’re looking for a bit more, then you can also visit Sting Ray City. Set just off the coast, just a short speedboat ride away from their base on the east coast, you can stand in a shallow, natural pool surrounded by coral reef where you can swim with, touch and feed the magnificent rays yourself.

Water Sports For those with a passion for water activities, Dickenson Bay offers the best parasailing however, windsurfers would be best served by the rough Atlantic Ocean waters along Half Moon Bay. Jolly Beach resort in Tranquility Bay also offers a large range of water sports, such as banana boat rides, water-skiing, parasailing and paddle boating.

Make sure you get yourself on a jet ski to really feel the tropical wind in your hair and see the landscape of the bay in all its beauty.

Boat Tours: Sea Escapes Whilst in Antigua, I had the opportunity to go on a Sea Escapes half day boat tour, the ‘Island Hopper’. I was picked up from Jolly Harbour, where I was staying, at 8.30 am, after which we picked up the rest – around eight others, from the capital of St. Johns.

Getting on the boat initially was in itself an experience. I was wowed by the innovative and unique look of the vessel, with its spaceage shape, flawless design and glass bottom (I knew this would become useful as we set off onto the reef!). With Bob Marley blasting out from the speakers, we put on our flippers, life jackets (just in case) and snorkel gear and got in the beautifully clear, blue waters.

A guide came in with us who gave us just the right amount of freedom, as well as showing us anything interesting that he saw. The boat itself is also equipped with an automatic fish feeder, which brought all manner of sea life right to us which made for a wonderful show filled with different sizes and colours of fish.

The best part was that, for those on board who didn’t necessarily want to get in to the water, they simply did not need to – they could clearly see all the sea life they wanted through the glass bottom of the boat. This is just one small addition which makes all the difference for those who either find it hard to swim, those with small children, or just those who don’t want to get wet!

We then went sightseeing, stopping at the most idyllic beach I think I have ever been to on Prickly Pear Island. Here we saw an abundance of star fish just off the beach and had a home-made lunch free with all the rum punch you could possibly consume, as well as a choice of soft drinks and beer. We also stopped at Bird Island, where Antigua’s national bird, the Frigate, resides. Here, we climbed up to the highest point to look over the magnificent views and see the caves. Be sure to bring your camera as the views are phenomenal and if you’re worried about getting it wet or damaged, don’t be. The staff on the vessel are all hugely accommodating, OCEAN VIEW 17

trustworthy and extremely kind and will help you every step of the way if needed: I didn’t even need to ask for my camera to be safely transported from the boat to the beach, it was just done with the famous ‘no worries’ attitude that you find all over the island.

Not only did we do all these exciting things, but we also had plenty of time to relax in the water to cool down, or sunbathe if we wished to. Unlike some other boat tours, which tend to rush people from one attraction to the next, Sea Escapes managed to fit everything in very efficiently whilst allowing us all to take our time. This really is one of a kind as there was no time that I felt we were sticking to a tight schedule, which made it all the more enjoyable!

I highly recommend this tour if you go to Antigua. There are many other tour operators to choose from, but I promise that no other is quite like this one. Other tours

that Sea Escapes offer include ‘Treasures of Paradise’, which involves a guided tour of Nelson’s Dockyard, a restaurant lunch and sightseeing at Shirley Heights, and their ‘Cocktail at Sunset’ tour sounds utterly idyllic, including an underwater illuminated feeding show and champagne.

To book, go to www.seaescapetours.com or email seaescapetours@gmail.com

providing a wonderful place for watching the sunset, with a cocktail or local Wadadli beer in hand and Caribbean delicacies to dine with. The jerk chicken is something to try at least once as it is a delicacy in the Caribbean itself, and just delicious.

The resort is about a 15-20 minute drive from the International Airport of the island and, located ideally between both is Budget Car Rentals who can provide you with the perfect vehicle for all your needs. If you are planning on exploring at all, this is a necessity, although there are frequent bus services across the island. This can get a bit hot and stressful though. With the car, the must visits are Shirley Heights, English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard.

“Unlike some other boat tours which tend to rush people from one attraction to the next, Sea Escapes managed to fit everything in very efficiently”

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Jolly Harbour Resort Jolly Harbour is located on the West Coast of Antigua and in my opinion is thoroughly understated, with stunning calm blue waters just outside of the Harbour itself, many restaurants in the commercial centre to choose from, as well as a large supermarket to cater to every need. Castaways is a much loved restaurant and bar on the beach,

See the Sights Shirley Heights is an 18th Century English guard post with spectacular views over English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard: two historic pieces of Antigua that are also

a must-see when on the island. Shirley Heights, along with all 365 beaches, is especially magical at sunset. Most people tend to go there on Sunday evenings when the island’s ‘biggest and best party’ is held.

This has been happening for many years and is always great fun, with a steel band playing throughout the evening, a barbeque cooking delicious food such as jerk chicken, burgers and fish. After 7pm the entertainment turns to reggae and the dancing begins under the stars, inspired with a large influence of rum punch! Definitely set aside one Sunday evening to experience this tradition – it’s well worth it even if you just want to soak up the Caribbean feel.

Sailing Antigua is internationally renowned for its sailing culture and holds one of the biggest international sailing events in the world, Antigua Sailing Week. It is an annual event that welcomes participants and spectators from all over the globe. This year it is to be held from the April 25 to May 1 in 2015 and promises to bring just as much entertainment and excitement as it has for the last 47 years.

It has now become tradition for Antigua

Sailing Week to officially begin on the last Sunday in April every year.

Antigua Sailing Week started in 1968 when a group of friends got together to hold a regatta. A number of the friends were hoteliers and part of their objective in creating the regatta was to extend the winter season by getting people to stay in Antigua a little longer – or to come specifically to participate in the event, which would in turn extend the end of the current season.

For those not on the water but looking for a way to be part of the action, there are many excellent options for spectator spots. The sight of all these yachts, both from vantage points on the shore, above the action and from spectator boats, is an unforgettable experience. A couple of good examples of these are: the Shirley Heights Lookout, and English and Falmouth Harbour.

All races take place off of English and Falmouth Harbours, so being a spectator here is ideal. For the best view of the race action, head up on foot to one of the forts or headlands. Carpenter’s Rock is about a 15 minute walk from Galleon Beach, as are

Fort Charlotte and Fort Berkley. The Middle Ground Trail leads out from Nelson’s Dockyard, over the old forts and back down to Pigeon Point where you can cool off in the calm waters after your hiking expedition.

The parties and social atmosphere are still key features of any regatta however, and so at the end of every day of racing there are a variety of parties and events designed to please everyone.

Another optional race is also held before the Sailing Week: the Round Antigua Race with a course of approximately 54 nautical miles around the island of Antigua. This race is scored separately from Antigua Sailing Week and offers excellent training opportunities for the week of racing that follows.

Antigua Sailing Week draws to a close on Friday evening in the romantic historic Nelson’s Dockyard. It’s a great evening of celebration at which everyone dances the night away after the trophies have been handed out and everyone can relax after an invigorating and exhausting week of racing.

The parties and social atmosphere are still key features of any regatta, so you will be spoiled for choice!

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If it’s Sailing, it’s Miramar!

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Jolly Harbour Marina Village, Antigua | Tel: +1 268 721 3456 | info@miramarsailing.com | www.miramarsailing.com

Sailing with Miramar Jenny Ardagh interviews Brian and Pippa Turton, the owners of Miramar Sailing in Antigua Miramar is a company based in Jolly Harbour, Antigua that’s dedicated to and passionate about sailing. It provides a range of services, including: day sailing, sailing vacations, training and yacht charter. As it is based on the west coast of Antigua, where the waters are calm, Miramar provides the perfect opportunity to see the scenic coastline, whether that’s getting stuck into some hardcore sailing, or just relaxing on the calm turquoise waters. The Caribbean really is beyond compare for a sailing excursion.

I had the opportunity to interview Brian and Pippa Turton, the owners of Miramar.

Their aim is to bring a professional and personal service of the highest quality, always making their customers’ sailing experience an unforgettable one.

Brian, what’s the story of how you came to set up Miramar in Antigua?

I quit my career in the UK in October 2004 and flew out to Thailand, to sail around the Indian Ocean and Red Sea. During that trip,

a friend of mine approached me who was doing an Atlantic circuit, sailing to Portugal, the Canary Islands and the Caribbean. I decided to go with him, but when we got to St. Lucia and he said he wasn’t going to sail back, I decided to do the same. I was advised that if I were to set up a sailing business, as I had aimed to do, I should go to Antigua.

Why was that? And why choose Jolly Harbour specifically?

My friend had been to Antigua several years previously on holiday, so recommended it based on that. Jolly Harbour struck me as ideal: it has such accessible facilities in its commercial centre, with the harbour close and ever expanding tourism too. Consistent ‘trade winds’ makes for great sailing in Antigua as a whole and big racing yachts like the fact that, in between the islands it’s basically ocean conditions. Jolly harbour, on the west coast, also gives access to very calm waters making it ideal for training

purposes and for novices to get more enjoyment out of it; sometimes going out in to the Atlantic with newbies is a bit scary.

Can you tell me more about the services you provide?

We offer day sailing, sailing vacations, RYA training and yacht charters. We have three yachts, and also have a choice of 4 or 5 skippers, 3 of which are our own instructors.

We offer 3 hour sunset cruises, 6 hour lunch cruises, and an 8 hour full day cruise, which incorporates both the sunset and lunch tour in one. Poeple tend to go out about 10 am and get back at around 7pm after having sailed, snorkeled, had lunch and watched the sunset. We can also tailor day tours to suit people’s requirements if needed.

What kind of training do you offer and what levels do you cater for?

We have been an approved RYA sailing school for 5 years and we offer the full range of the RYA courses, so we can organise OCEAN VIEW 21

any course you wish to take for any level from complete novice to near professional.

That’s the major part of our business now, progressing people who can sail already, or teaching people from scratch to acheiving a “Yacht Master” qualification which is acheived by outside examination. Most if not all of the RYA courses are a week duration. Two of the practical courses carry a theory course before you do the real stuff, which gives a good base knowledge before you set sail, however this is optional. Our charter vacations come with as much training as the individual wants, so may be good for a more relaxed approach with the family. We tend to teach naturally anyway, and we find that few people show no interest at all in learning what’s happening on the boat, whatever tour they do.

How far in advance would someone need to book?

Depends on the time of year really. Usually a couple of months in advance is ideal, especially for our peak seasons, although the summer months are naturally quieter due to it being hurricane season, which should just be called ‘adverse weather conditions’ season! We sail every day of the year so if we are available that week, we can do that week.

Do you still have time to go out sailing yourselves?

Very rarely. I would rather run the business and Pippa would much rather be teaching, so she runs the training school. Pippa provides an all girls’ sailing experience too and goes along with them to train.

This gives girls a chance to get sailing independently and also have a great time perhaps without their partners, or any other male influences for that matter. Pippa has also recently taken part in a non-stop 600 mile race, so she sails more than I do.

Do you get involved in Sailing Week?

Yes, we do try to every year. Another aspect of our business is chartering racing yachts, so we market several that do sailing 22 OCEAN VIEW

week, and all the regattas across the world.

Sailing week is one of the most important.

We are sponsoring for sailing week and, if we get a booking I am hoping to take part in it for some of the period if not all of it because I do miss sailing.

few and far between. Tropical storms are more frequent, but they are rarely dangerous in any way, just a bit of an inconvenience.

Because of this, we offer low season discounted rates for the RYA courses and sailing tours.

Any advice for people thinking of coming to Antigua to do sailing?

My advice would be not to be afraid of hurricane season. It seems to be a taboo but with the technology these days you’ll never be caught off guard – we never have in all the years we’ve been here. The hurricane season is officially 1st June till 30th November, which is a large proportion of the year, yet in the last 10 years there’s only been one hurricane so they are very

Brian & Pippa

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ESSENTIAL RECIPES

What Katie Ate

...at the weekend

Talented food photographer and keen home cook Katie Quinn Davies shares the food she cooks for her friends and family

Crunchy Chicken with Sweet-Salty Dipping Sauce This dish is a healthy choice, and kids will love it too.

Tamari (Japanese soy sauce) is available from Asian food stores, delis and most supermarkets.

8 free-range skinless chicken thigh fillets, trimmed of excess fat 3 tablespoons tamari 3 tablespoons light agave nectar 20g puffed quinoa 75g rolled quinoa flakes 105g black or white sesame seeds (or a mixture of both) freshly ground black pepper SWEET-SALTY DIPPING SAUCE 4 tablespoons tamari 2 tablespoons light agave nectar 2 tablespoons mirin 1 long red chili, trimmed and finely sliced 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped few sprigs coriander Serves 4 Halve the chicken thighs lengthways. Place the tamari and agave nectar in a small shallow dish and whisk together. Add the chicken and toss to coat, then cover with cling film and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 200ยบC/180ยบC fan/gas 6 and line two baking trays with greaseproof paper.

Place the puffed quinoa, quinoa flakes, sesame seeds and a good pinch of black pepper in a large bowl and combine. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and, working one by one, take a piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off, then place in the bowl and toss to coat with the quinoa mixture. Transfer to the prepared trays.

Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until golden, crispy and cooked through.

Meanwhile, for the dipping sauce, place the tamari, agave nectar, mirin and 1 tablespoon water in a jug and whisk to combine. Pour into a small serving bowl and stir in the chili, spring onion, garlic and coriander.

Serve the hot chicken strips with the dipping sauce alongside.

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ESSENTIAL RECIPES

Truffle Beef Burgers With Creamy Mushroom and Pancetta Truffle salt is expensive, but you only need a small amount and a little goes a long way. You’ll find it at selected gourmet delis.

“Truffle salt is expensive, but you only need a small amount and a little goes a long way”

2 tablespoons olive oil 300g Swiss brown mushrooms, 100g chopped, 200g thickly sliced 3 sprigs thyme, leaves stripped 800g glean minced free-range beef 1 small brown onion, finely chopped 4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped ½ teaspoon truffle salt 70g parmesan, finely grated 3 teaspoons tomato puree 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 8 thin slices pancetta 3 tablespoons crème fraiche thinly sliced vintage cheddar, lettuce leaves and sliced tomato, to serve 4 white burger rolls or brioche buns Serves 4 Heat 1-tablespoon oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and thyme and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until browned, then transfer to a bowl and set aside to cool.

Place the mince, onion, garlic, truffle salt, parmesan, tomato puree, mustard, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Using clean hands, mix everything together well.

Shape into four patties about 11cm in diameter and place on a plate lined with kitchen roll. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6 and line two baking trays with greaseproof paper.

Spread out the pancetta on one of the prepared trays and bake for 6-10 minutes or until crisp and browned.

Preheat a barbecue grill plate or chargrill pan until hot. Cook the burgers for 2-3 minutes on each side, then transfer them to the remaining tray, place in the oven and cook for 6-8 minutes or until done to your liking. Remove them from the oven and set them aside to rest for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat.

Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and browned.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir through the crème fraiche, then season to taste and transfer to a serving bowl.

Top each burger with some reserved mushroom and thyme mixture and a slice or two of cheese, the pop under the oven frill briefly to melt the cheese.

To assemble, place some lettuce, sliced tomato and pancetta on each bun base.

Top with mushroom and cheese-topped burger, then finish with the bun lid and serve with creamy mushrooms alongside.

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Right: Truffle Beef Burgers With Creamy Mushroom and Pancetta

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ESSENTIAL RECIPES

Pretzels With Chocolate and Sea Salt Yet another recipe inspired by a dinner in NYC, these are fab for parties: the sea salt is a fantastic contrast to the bitter dark chocolate. Make them as big or small as you like. Be sure to leave the pretzels in the boiling water for only 30 seconds or they can become a little tough once baked. Serve with small paper napkins to avoid messy chocolate fingers.

1½ teaspoons brown sugar 1½ teaspoons dried yeast 350g strong flour 1 tablespoon cocoa powder Fine salt 80g bicarbonate of soda 400g good-quality dark chocolate 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt Makes 30 Sift the sugar, yeast, flour and cocoa into a bowl with a good pinch of salt, and then add 200ml warm water. Stir to combine then, using clean hands, form into dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 4-5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a large bowl greased with a little olive oil and cover with a damp tea towel. Set aside in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a log approximately 30cm long. Using a sharp knife, cut into 1cm thick pieces, then roll out each piece between your fingers to form a rope about 35-40 cm long.

To form a pretzel shape, twist the ends of the rope loosely together once or twice, leaving the ends apart. Take either end of the rope and draw up and over, then press into the middle of the looped section. Moisten the join with a light brush of water and press gently to seal. Place the pretzels on lightly greased baking trays (spacing them out well) and set aside for 20 minutes to rise.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180ºC/160ºC fan/gas 4 and line two or three baking trays with greaseproof paper.

Place 4 litres water in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the bicarbonate of soda and bring to a low boil. Working one at a time, place each pretzel in the water for 30 seconds, then remove with tongs and drain on kitchen roll.

Arrange the pretzels on the prepared trays and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over a saucepan of simmering water, and then set aside to cool slightly.

Leave the pretzels to cool completely before dipping them in the melted chocolate to coat. Sprinkle with sea salt, then refrigerate until chocolate sets.

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What Katie Ate at the Weekend by Katie Quinn Davies Published by Saltyard Books, £25 www.saltyardbooks.co.uk

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SCOTLAND

Discover The Land of the Scots

Photography by Jenny Ardagh Š

Read about the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and how to make the most of it

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SCOTLAND “The Land of the Scots” is perhaps most famous for its whisky, haggis, the bagpipes, the Loch Ness monster and deep fried Mars Bar but there’s far more to it than that. It is a land rich in scenery and culture with attractions spread across the country.

The two major cities include Edinburgh, the capital, and Glasgow.

The capital itself is marked by one of the most impressive castles in Europe, the Edinburgh Castle. It’s the second most visited castle in the UK after London and draws throusands each summer for its popular festival in the city. The castle has played a pivotal role in the country’s history – it was the royal residence for King Malcom Canmore and Queen Margaret. It has also acted as a military stronghold and today invites people to be immersed in its atmosphere.

Glasgow is the more cosmopolitan of the two cities with attractions such as the Hunterian Art Gallery, Glasgow Cathedral and the School of Art. There is a wide array of art culture, as with Edinburgh and many other cities and towns in Scotland too.

The stunning scenery of the Highlands provides the perfect backdrop for the world of cinema, and has been previously used many times in big blockbuster movies, such as Braveheart, Harry Potter, James Bond and Trainspotting to name a few. You can see and, if you’re a movie buff, can recognise the sets of the films whilst you explore the country.

The vast amount of wilderness that Scotland harbours includes huge lochs and massive mountains in the Highlands, as well as wide shores along the Outer Hebrides where it’s not unusual to see a minke whale or two. Exploring the Lochs is a must do in Scotland as well as the islands in the Hebrides themselves. Of course, searching for Nessie is top of the list for opportunities not to be missed!

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A Gothic Retreat For All The Family A gothic retreat awaits families on the southern shores of Loch Ness, providing luxury accommodation, exclusive facilities and some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain The Highland Club is the stuff of legends; a fort complete with turrets and parapets set amongst 20 acres of landscaped grounds at the edge of the famous freshwater Loch Ness. If you’re looking for a second home or an idyllic Scottish self-catering holiday, you can choose from a huge selection of luxurious apartments and spectacular cottages on-site.

Whether you’re a family of four looking 32 OCEAN VIEW

for a secure garden where the children can play, or you’re a couple hoping for a spacious, modern retreat with first-class facilities nearby – there’s something for everyone at The Highland Club.

Enjoy luxurious facilities at the Chapel Pool, Steam, Sauna & Gym located in the Chapel of The Blessed Sacrement – originally designed by the famous gothic revival architect Pugin. Take a leisurely

swim in the tranquil 10m heated pool every morning, moving through shafts of light from the huge pointed arch windows.

Restore yourself before the day ahead in the steam room and sauna, or work off some energy in the gym with weights, running, rowing and cycling equipment.

For those inevitable rainy days, cosy up in the Highland Club Lounge, which can be found at the end of the north cloister in

the beautifully restored, timber-panelled, former monks’ Refectory. Here you can relax, mingle with the other guests and enjoy a game of snooker, table tennis, or board games from the games cupboard. The Lounge also benefits from WiFi access so, while you might feel miles from anywhere, you can still login and keep up with news from the outside world, or plan your excursions for the next day.

In the summer stay active on-site with the outdoor tennis courts, or get a team together for a game of cricket or five-a-side football. Lawn games including giant chess and draughts, boules and croquet are also available. For warmer evenings you can even take your food along to the BBQ area and enjoy al fresco dining admiring the peaks of the surrounding hills.

The wonderfully restored gothic charm of the building is only the beginning. Head into the grounds and stroll along the shores of Loch Ness, discover the two rivers,

shaded woodland, the Caledonian Canal, the peaceful Monk’s Orchard and the lush meadows beyond, filled with flowers and wildlife.

The apartments themselves all reflect the character of the original building, harnessing light and restoring historic features. The Highland Club even has its own tartan design which can be found throughout rented apartments.

If you enjoy life on the water, you will love the Club’s private jetty, from which you can enjoy many water-sports, from competitive dinghy racing, to relaxing day trips and cruises around the Loch. The original boathouse has been converted into a beautiful restaurant where guests can enjoy an array of excellent home-cooked food and local produce. The views over the lake will take your mind of any stresses and pressures from home, allowing you to enjoy your chilled drink in utter peace against the sublime Highland backdrop.

A wealth of country pursuits await adventurous holidaymakers, from rough shooting and river fishing, to mountain biking and white water rafting. Canoeing, kayaking, abseiling, climbing, archery and even tomahawk throwing are all available in the local area, keeping excitable children busy and making for an unforgettable holiday.

For a relaxed afternoon, take a leisurely stroll around the nearby village of Fort Augustus which lies on the edge of the Caledonian Canal. Enjoy the local shops and be sure to stop off at one of the quaint pubs or restaurants for a drink and a bite to eat amongst the locals.

To book your stay, contact The Highland Club at: Telephone 020 3478 3897 Email rentals@thehighlandclub.co.uk OCEAN VIEW 33

Off The Beaten Track in Scotland Hiker David Buckett reveals secret places in the Highlands you’ve probably never seen by David Buckett Don’t be mistaken about the size of the Highlands: it is huge. All the mountainous and moorland areas of England and Wales combined wouldn’t even cover half the area that is made up of large mountain ranges, lochs, glens, history and tradition. The Highlands hosts some of the most famous natural landmarks, such as Loch Ness, Glen Affric and Ben Nevis – but there is much more hidden away just around the corner or down the next glen. Just like a fine wine or chocolate, you want more from the Highlands, but the devil is in the detail – it is important to savour the quality and the experience.

Glen Nevis

In the heart of the Highlands lies the Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William, and looming over the town is Ben Nevis with its quiet brooding nature and very popular mountain walk. Where there is a tall Ben there is normally a winding Glen next door in its shadow. Glen Nevis is already 34 OCEAN VIEW

well known as a film set and for having the second highest waterfall, Steal Falls.

However, there is much more to discover just off the single track road that people generally don’t know about.

Not described in any book or on any website there is a great low level walk through the imposing crags where rock climbers scale to the heights. Picking your way through the rough landscape you get to see the detail of the Glen, with its gnarled Scots Pine trees that create their own micro-habitat and the ancient geological formations of the rock, the views are simply stunning. There is an option on this walk to add a bit of extra exhilaration, by having a go at some simple climbing over the smaller crags, and achieving the commanding and impressive vantage point of Scimitar ridge.

Ben Nevis north-face walk

There are two sides to Ben Nevis; the first is by far the most popular, which faces west with the old Pony track that takes most

people to the summit. The second is only frequented by climbers, mountaineers and thrill seekers. But that doesn’t have to be the case. The North Face cliffs are the biggest in the UK and the walk to and around the base of them is beyond impressive. Yes, it is true that to then get up to the summit you need to go up the cliffs and ridges but there is much to be seen beforehand to inspire you to carry on up.

Currently there is an ongoing geology and botanical survey of the north face and after only the first five days, two alpine plant species were found that were unknown to Ben Nevis! So, if you have ever thought of yourself as a naturalist explorer this is the walk to pursue to find rare alpine plants hidden around the base of these imposing cliffs: they are there they just haven’t been looked for yet. All with the impressive back drop of the north face, there is literally nowhere else like it in the UK.

Low level bothy walks

Away from the big mountains to the east of the Great Glen is the rugged coastline with plenty of hidden bays and sandy beaches to enjoy. The coast is steeped in history and it is hard to turn a corner and not find another ruin of a once prosperous village or fishing community. Recently some of these ruined cottages have been restored into mountain bothies (very basic shelters to keep the weather off or to spend a night).

Although rustic and basic they are nonetheless in stunning locations, providing scenic views out to the small isles of Rum, Eigg and Muck. These bothies are nestled in the low glens where the Highlanders used to eke out a survival. Now they are used by walkers as a base to scale the munros, find great places to walk for lunch and to have an explore along the ancient trade paths still used today. Walking through the old deciduous forests, trekking over the laid flat stones and looking out of the windows on to the bay, you can feel a direct connection with the people who once did the same.

Off the beaten track walks

In between the high mountains and the rugged coastline are many low level hills that literally no-one goes to, apart from a few local gillies tending their deer. Some are labelled as Grahams or Corbetts but all are rough and untouched by walkers and visitors because the paths or routes are not obvious. These hills range from 400 to 800 meters are great for spotting wildlife and getting a sense of the sheer remoteness of the Highland landscape, it looks like the hills go on forever and they do.

One of these hills is Fraoch Bheinn (heather hill) which looks down onto Glenfinnan, recently made more famous for its Harry Potter viaduct and steam train than for its fiord-like Loch Shiel. On this hill you will not find another person but you may see sightings of red deer, buzzards and if you know where to look, Diapensia lapponica. Never heard of it? I’m not surprised, with the only site in the whole of the UK on its 790m summit. This alpine plant is clinging on, but stable, and the thousands of visitors to the viaduct don’t even know it’s there.

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ADVERTORIAL

Mountaineer: An Interview David Buckett started a business doing what he loves. Here, we ask him about his life trekking the Scottish Highlands…

Tell us about The Highland Mountain Company...

That’s simple – it’s me. I started the business a few years ago as I realised that there are lots of places around Fort William that people don’t know about outside the popular places like Ben Nevis and Glen Coe. So I want to take people to places they never knew existed, that is just round the corner.

For my customers it’s great, they get to speak to the guide who will actually be out with them and get exactly what they want.

What sparked your love for the outdoors?

I grew up on the North Downs in Kent and went on weekend walks with my family and walking holidays to the Lake District. I then went to the Uni of Portsmouth and joined the mountainerring club and discovered what scrambling and rock climbing were. From then I knew I never wanted to sit behind a desk.

What do you love most about what you do now?

I find it a very calming and simple way to work and live. When you are out in the hills, walking or climbing, there are only a very few things that you need to think of.

It allows the mind to rest, without all the intense confusion that modern life brings.

What you take with you is what you have.

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What are your packing essentials for a long walk or mountain climb?

Definitely food. My body runs off the energy I put in, so having enough food for me for the lengh of the day is important.

And I also wouldn’t now go into the hills without my walking poles: hill walking is good for the soul and fitness but after a while the knees start to complain.

What advice would you give someone who hasn’t done anything like this before and what do you offer in the form of training?

Start simply and just get out there, try not to be intimidated by the unknown. The mountains can seem like a big wild place where you need to be really fit and put up with hours of mud, rain and sweat for no view on the summit. But the outdoors is what you want from it. There are loads of low-level peaks and Glen walks that you can explore to get to know the area. So rather than having a big peak as your first day out, build up to it, be prepared to make mistakes and always have a plan B in mind.

In terms of training, a good basic knowledge of navigation is always handy as the Scottish weather is not always perfect (just most of the time). With all the GPS technology around these days, knowledge of a map and compass is always

my number one method of knowing where I am and where I need to get to.

Which area of the Scottish Highlands do you recommend seeing by foot the most?

Simply, Knoydart. The hills there range from low to high munros and they all have a very remote and craggy feel, and all the wildlife Scotland has to offer. It is officially the most remote place in the UK, you can only get there by boat or foot.

What’s been your most challenging adventure?

The one that sticks in my mind was actually in the Lake District. I walked all the 214 Wainwrights in 13 days, averaging about 40km and 3000m of ascent each day. I was pretty fit by the end and worked out that I had spent more time walking than resting over the total period.

What does walking the Scottish Highlands give that another form of transport won’t?

Detail. When you are walking you have time to look at the changing view with the light and the clouds rather than a snapshot in time.

Closer in, you get to see the changing geology and plant life under foot. This is when my interest in botany started – because I spent so much time looking at my feet, I wanted to know what I was looking at.

Specialists in guiding people in to the Real Highlands Tailor made single or multi day trips

WWW.THEHMCOMPANY.CO.UK

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10

Travel Tips to Stay Healthy Abroad

The Planet D’s top 10 tips to staying healthy no matter where you’re travelling Dave and Deb are well-known travel personalities both online and in mainstream media. Their highly acclaimed website, The Planet D, won the 2014 Gold Medal for Best Travel Blog by the Society of American Travel Writers. Dave and Deb founded ThePlanetD in 2008 after cycling the continent of Africa and since then they’ve travelled to more than 100 countries on all seven continents.

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Do your research When travelling to a foreign country, it’s important to do your research and know the risks before you go. What contagious diseases are easily transmitted through mosquitoes, water, or unsanitary conditions? What type of climate will you be in? Will there be a risk of heat stroke or sunburn? Will you be flying into a high elevation creating a risk for altitude sickness? Are there poisonous

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animals to keep an eye out for and if you come into contact with them, how do you safeguard yourself? There are many questions to ask yourself before travelling.

You can check warnings and advisories with your country’s government website, visit the tourism board of the country you are visiting and check out blogs or even social media for up to date information.

Asking your favourite travel blogger a question about the country you are visiting

TOP TIPS on Twitter or Facebook, generally gets a response.

Vaccines and medications When travelling abroad it’s good to know what vaccines will protect you from disease. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid Fever, Yellow Fever, Cholera and Travellers’ Diarrhea are all the top vaccines for any travel to South America or Asia. Can you believe you can get a vaccine for travellers’ diarrhoea now? I wish we had that on hand when Dave ate his bad goat in India a few years ago. It was after a surreal experience in the desert where a bunch of surgeons from Delhi joined us on a camel safari. When the sun went down, the servants came out with plates of food for us to eat. The lone goat that stood by our tent all afternoon had mysteriously disappeared, and when we asked the server what the kebabs were made of, he said: “Goat, it’s very fresh!”

The next day they made a plate of curry for us and when I asked what was in it, goat was their reply. Dave ate it, but I graciously declined. That goat had been sitting outside in the desert all night. Predictably Dave was violently ill for the next 5 days. Luckily we had a prescription of Ciproflacin (given to us by the doctor we visited before leaving Canada) with us so he didn’t have to be hospitalized.

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Stock your first aid kit Speaking of medicines, we always carry a first aid kit for general emergencies. Dave sprained his ankle really bad in Ireland last October. Ibuprophen and a good tensor bandage helped him out. Don’t go crazy and carry everything for every situation with you, but do have staple items like anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamine, anti-motion sickness medication, pain relievers, laxative, antacid, anti-bacterial ointment, hand sanitizer, plasters, aloe gel for sunburns, moleskin for blisters, and oral rehydration salts to help recover from vomiting or dehydration.

Mosquitos and Disease We certainly aren’t fans of being ill on the road, so we work hard at avoiding sickness and injury by using preventative measures.

When it comes to Dengue Fever and Malaria (mosquito born diseases) we cover up. Even in the hot jungle we wear lightweight long sleeve shirts and pants.

Often times insect repellent doesn’t work, but being covered from head to toe makes all the difference. You can also carry a mosquito net of your own, they are portable and easy to use. Many lodges offer mosquito nets to use, but we find they always have holes in them. Bring your own and you’ll have a mosquito free night. On another note, it is still advisable to bring and use insect repellant, just don’t completely rely on it. Staying covered up helps a lot.

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Heat and Sun When out in the hot sun, we wear a hat and cover up under lightweight clothing. I prefer long shirts and sarongs more than slathering on sunscreen every hour. Be careful not to stay out too long. So many people land in the tropics directly from winter weather and sit outside for hours on end ruining their vacation. Sit under an umbrella or cover up. Fabrics these days are so light and comfortable it feels good being in the sun with long sleeves on. Also, make sure to stay hydrated. When it’s hot, you lose a lot of water from sweat and you may not notice you are dehydrated.

This can cause heat stroke and be very serious. On a side note, be careful not to over-hydrate. While cycling through the Sudan, I sweat faster than I could drink water and the more I drank, the more I flushed the nutrients out of my system. I developed symptoms of hypohydration causing my entire body to cramp up, If you sweat a lot, drink liquids containing electrolytes like Gatorade. This will keep you hydrated while giving your system the nutrients it needs.

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Water And on the note of dehydration be careful when it comes to water.

We all get a little lazy when travelling and start asking for ice in our drinks. Don’t do it unless you are completely sure. Dave was so violently ill in Vietnam after going gaga for their ice tea that I thought I’d have to rush him to the hospital. He was stuck in a bungalow glued to the toilet for 5-days in Mui Né, a beautiful beach town where we should have been enjoying fun in the sand and surf. Now if he would have drank hot tea made from water that has been boiled, he would have been ok. Hot drinks are a good choice. Or go for sealed bottled drinks and cans. Also instead of constantly using plastic bottles and being wasteful, bring a portable water filtration system with you.

They’ve come a long way, and you can filter any water from lakes and rivers to city water faucets. It helps you feel better about the environment while taking care of yourself. When in situations where you can’t filter water or buy bottled water, purification tablets work. We drank purified water while cycling through Africa from Cairo to Cape Town. We purified our water all the way up to Everest Base Camp and

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the summit of Kilimanjaro. They work well and if you let it sit long enough, you don’t even taste the chemical process. If you do taste it, a little powdered juice will take make it taste great.

7

Food And that brings us to food.

We’ve talked about illnesses and vomiting and sometimes it is unavoidable.

You are going to get sick. Dave had the worst food poisoning after eating a dinner at a very expensive hotel in Cairo and I was sick all the way home from a previous trip to Peru after eating a burger at a popular American food chain. It was our last day in the country and I said: “let’s eat at Tony Roma’s.” It was across the street from our hotel and overlooked the sea, what a nice setting. Well, I paid for it and had to directly to the hospital after landing in Canada because I couldn’t stop throwing up for two days, (including my time on the plane.) Hey, I just realised, Dave and I don’t have the best luck in Peru! Anyway, back to how to stay healthy when eating abroad….

We always say, when in doubt, if it isn’t boiled, baked or peeled don’t eat it. Salads

can be oh so delicious in hot climates, but unwashed lettuce or lettuce washed in contaminated water will make you sick.

Stick to fruit that can be peeled like bananas, oranges and mangos and if you choose to eat street food, make sure it is cooked properly.

Tip: When choosing a place to eat, look for eateries that are packed with local people. Chances are good that the food will be fresh. Because of the high turnover, they’ll be constantly cooking that food, and because the locals are eating there, you can bet it’s authentic and affordable.

8

Jet Lag Getting comfortable on the plane.

Everyone is always asking us about how we combat jet lag. When you only have a week or two for your vacation, the last thing you want to feel is exhausted for 3 or 4 days of your trip! Jet lag is a tough one as it’s almost impossible to beat completely. But there are ways to ease into the time zone that you are flying to. We have little tricks that we do when we fly.

Switch to local time on your phone on the plane. Do this before you even arrive at your destination then you’ll already be thinking

TOP TIPS in the time you are going to. Try to stay up as late as you can. Don’t be tempted to go to sleep at 5:00 pm. If we arrive early in the day we may have a nap but only for an hour or so. Just enough so we don’t feel like a train wreck. We then force ourselves to get up and stay up until a reasonable hour at bed time. Go outside, feel the fresh air and sunlight and walk around. You’ll feel better, honestly. Avoid alcohol – It used to be that before every trip we’d go to the airport and enjoy a couple of beers or glasses of wine before flying. We thought it would help us sleep. But we always felt awful halfway through the flight and when we arrived at our destination. Now we rarely drink on travel days. Instead we drink plenty of water or juice to stay hydrated. We even avoid coffee, tea, and soft drinks. I rarely feel like a train wreck when travelling anymore. Sleep on the flight. Both Dave and I are lucky, we sleep like babies on nearly every flight. I can contort up into the tiniest of seats and fall asleep. Not everyone can do that so try and make it more comfortable and easier to fall asleep by bringing along a face mask, neck pillow and ear plugs or noise reducing head phones. Pack a cozy sweater and settle in for a sleep. It does wonders for when you arrive at your destination.

Don’t be foolish I cannot tell you how many times we’ve watched tourist be stupid during their travels. Why do people suddenly think they are invincible just because they are on vacation? Act on vacation as you would at home. When renting motorcycles or bicycles, wear helmets. It may be hot in your destination, but if you are riding a motorcycle, at least wear jeans and a long sleeve thick shirt.

Road burn can be serious if you wipe out.

Don’t over drink and party to the wee hours of the morning. That’s when people get themselves in trouble. And please wear your seatbelt. How many people have seen a pack of tourists driving around in an open top jeep standing up and laughing and

9

thinking that nothing will happen to them?

Wear the usual protective gear that you always would and keep a level head on your shoulders.

10

Altitude Even popular tourist destinations can be at altitude.

Even if you are not a die hard adventurer, you can easily find yourself in high altitude destinations regularly. Places like Machu Picchu and many ski resorts are at high elevations. Often you’ll fly directly into them from sea level. You are going to feel the effects. If you are going to be at altitude, ask your doctor to prescribe altitude sickness medication like Diamox. It helps to ease the symptoms. It worked wonders for us while climbing up Mount Kilimanjaro and even landing in Cusco, Peru before going to Machu Picchu. In high-altitude destinations, it is important to acclimatize and take your time. Don’t over-exert, keep hydrated and stay warm. We often find that we lose our appetite when we’re at altitude but for some reason, we can eat chocolate.

We always have some chocolate on hand.

If you find yourself really suffering, go

down to a lower elevation for a day or two.

When climbing mountains we always have acclimatisation days where we go up to a higher elevation and then come back down.

It allows our body the opportunity to get used to the height. Canadians travelling overseas has increased 1.7% to 928,000 people since 2014. (That’s a huge increase in just one year!) As more people are travelling the world, it’s important to stay informed and be prepared. Travel is a lot of fun and you should never worry or be afraid to leave home, but if you follow these tips for staying healthy, you will feel a lot more comfortable and ready to face any situation.

Written by Dave and Deb at ThePlanetD.com OCEAN VIEW 41

New Store, New Concept, New Home Luxury, designer interiors can now be created with Brewers Home For a business that was founded over 100 years ago, Brewers is doing remarkably well.

Soldiering on through wars, rations, cultural shifts, recessions and huge changes in retail, technology and consumer habits, the business has just taken its brand to a whole new level by launching Brewers Home.

42 OCEAN VIEW

It began in Edwardian England...

Clement Brewer and his wife Mary started their business selling everything a decorator could possibly need at 64 Cavendish Place, Eastbourne in 1904. In 1910 they moved to 28 Pevensey Road and Jack Brewer joined the business,

opening the second branch in Redhill in 1911. A store in Tunbridge Wells, under the Keith Brewer, opened in 1924 and the business became a limited company in 1925. In 1928 the Eastbourne shop moved to Ashford Road, which remains the head office for the company. In 1928 a Guildford

branch was established, then Horsham, Bexhill and over the years more branches were opened throughout Sussex, Kent and London.

Overcoming change and challenge…

Like all industries, decorating has evolved over the years according to social trends and challenges.

Melanie Adams, Retail Development Manager at the company, joined in 1995.

She’s seen the company change significantly over the years and knows the history of the industry inside out. She told Ocean View: “After the war, decorating was a cheap and easy way to make homes more cheery when money was tight. Open fires and smoking habits meant that decorating needed to be done fairly regularly as smoke and nicotine stained the décor.

“Trends always come and go with each generation and TV programmes like Changing Rooms were not always helpful when a very quick fix meant a quick lick of paint – as long as you didn’t look too closely!

“There has been a real shift towards quality products and customers wanting to invest in a space they spend a lot of time in. The quality of wallpaper has improved immensely and with the introduction of ‘paste the wall’ papers too it is not the painful job it might once have been.

“The trend for wallpaper has grown, as have paint brands like Farrow & Ball.

Statement walls do say something about the homeowner and can be fun and easily changed. However, we are seeing resurgence in wallpaper on all four walls and paper does make an impact in the acoustic of a

“The trend for wallpaper has grown, as have paint brands like Farrow & Ball.

Statement walls do say something about the homeowner and can be fun and easily changed”

OCEAN VIEW 43

house, particularly where there are wooden floors.”

As anyone in any line of business will know, changing trends can make or break the success of your company and sadly, it can often be a case of adapt or die.

“All businesses are affected by recession,” Melanie agreed. “But fortunately for us the move from doing up a house to sell it changed to doing up a house to live in, so the need for decorating materials is always there.

That doesn’t mean we don’t have to work very hard at it – running a successful business is never easy and we have a strong team of people across our business striving to deliver those results to enable us to continue to grow.”

us to have our furniture made in the UK. All our sofas and armchairs are made in England in established furniture factories with years of experience.

“We have selected some beautiful fabrics for their upholstery and in addition we are launching some exclusive fabric designs and many have names familiar to residents of Sussex – including Plumpton and Goodwood!

curtains and blinds to ensure they look their best. We have also had some lovely wooden units made in the West Country, in four great colours with oak tops, which work so well with the whole look. We have gone for a slightly more contemporary feel but quality and design are paramount.”

What’s in store for Brewers Home?

“As part of opening our new Brewers Home store, we are relocating our Cornfield Interiors business from Eastbourne town centre, so those staff with years of valuable experience, including furniture will be on hand to advise staff and train new staff in a brand new, more spacious environment where customers can also park!

Melanie added: “We are also introducing a new coffee shop which will be a creative space with free wifi so our customers can spend time thinking about those important decisions when creating their perfect room..

The Eastbourne store is running as a pilot but the company plans to open a second

“We know they are not always easy decisions for our customers to make and we want to help them feel good about how they create their space”

Home grown value With the launch of the new Brewers Home store, we asked Melanie what old and new customers can expect to find. She told us: “Brewers’ value is also in supporting UK business. It has been very important for 44 OCEAN VIEW

“We are holding stock of those pieces and will be offering a white glove delivery service at no extra charge. We know there are times when our customers want something quickly and this will enable us to meet that expectation.

“Out of our Eastbourne store we will offer a complimentary hanging service for

store in Exeter later this year. “We will, no doubt, learn from our customers as to what they like and what they want and our hope it to extend the model into other areas to either sit adjacent to existing larger Brewers branches or even as solus stores depending on its success,” Melanie said.

In line with the rise of online shopping, Melanie has said the Brewers Home model will be fully supported with a full e-commerce website, which will launch at the same as the physical store.

She said: “There are over 13,000 wallpapers on Wallpaperdirect.com and thousands of paint colours on Designerpaint. com – those will continue to be the heros of those products. However, the Home website will bring together the wall finishes of wallpaper and paint, as well as giving a high quality service of curtains, blinds, curtain tracks, lighting, cushions, rugs, bedding and all those things to finish the room.

“We know they are not always easy decisions for our customers to make and we want to help them feel good about how they create their space,” she said.

“We have fantastic relationships with our suppliers and the showroom will include brands such as Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Harlequin, Sanderson, Zoffany, Scion, Designers Guild, Osborne and Little, Mulberry, GP and J Baker, as well as our own brand Albany which was first established in 1920! We love great design and our decisions area influenced by that.

“This has been a very personal journey for my team and me – we have sat in every chair, spent hours deliberating over fabric choices and we love what we have done and hope our customers will too.”

OCEAN VIEW 45

Make Your Holiday a Memory Worth Keeping Jenny Ardagh explains how to get the most from your holiday photographs Holidays are filled with photo opportunities.

Anyone who has been somewhere with beautiful landscape, extraordinary culture, unique sights or even just odd or interesting people will know that these are the types of experiences that you want to hold in your memory for longer than just the moment you’re in.

There’s a lot to be said for a well taken photograph.

As the saying goes, ‘a picture paints a thousand words’, so why not make that picture the best it can be? Of course, not everyone has the natural eye for 46 OCEAN VIEW

photography, or can even say that they have a creative bone in their body – but I truly believe that, thanks to digital photography, anyone can take that perfect photograph.

I am an amateur photographer myself and although I love film photography – often using my grandad’s classic old camera, it’s always a gamble as to whether that precious moment will come out the way I want it to.

Now I have a digital SLR which, although I like to have full control over it, can and sometimes does do all the work for me.

We’ve all been on that one holiday that had the potential to create wonderful

memories to be kept forever. Whether it’s a family holiday, a girl’s week away, a backpacking adventure abroad, or just a weekend in a home away from home, it’s important to capture the memories in the best way possible.

I recently went backpacking around South East Asia with a friend, and my camera was a valued companion itself. In the six-week period of being away, I jumped from country to country, saw unbelievable sights wherever I went and did some of the most daring and exciting things I have ever done. This is all captured on my camera, for which I am very

PHOTOGRAPHY grateful for – although after a three-hour slideshow, I’m not sure my family agrees!

With my Nikon D3000 I took just over 3,000 photographs on my travels and, being a bit of an amateur photographer myself, I was keen to make all of these photographs worthy of the moment it was capturing.

Anyone can take a quick snap, whether with a smartphone, an SLR like mine, a Polaroid camera or simply a disposable picked up from a pound shop. The important thing is making that photograph worth keeping, worth printing out and putting in a photo album, even worth putting on the wall in your home.

The most important thing of all is not, as you might have thought, the type of camera you have. It is about how you take the photograph. That means thinking about lighting, composition, angles, the settings on your camera, the focus of the image and the mood you want to portray.

I for one am a bit of a doctrinaire when it comes to using flash, believing it shouldn’t be used unless there are no other options.

This is because I think the flash gives a photograph a lack of authenticity and presents the image as more aggressive due to largely contrasted and artificial lighting.

The best time to take photographs if you’re looking for an easy and good-looking image, especially on holiday, is in natural light.

However, often people make the mistake of placing their subjects in front of the source of light. This makes for harsh shadows in the foreground with bright light in the background, which can often distort the image with light flares. Equally, positioning your subjects facing the sun creates squinty eyes and a blindingly overexposed scene.

So how do you get around this problem?

With sunlight too bright for your subjects to not be either in complete darkness or with shadows in places that distort their features, the flash can actually offer a good solution.

In this case, using the camera flash will create a nice back light, whilst filling in any of those pesky shadows on or around your subjects, making for a perfectly exposed image. Keep in mind however, that this OCEAN VIEW 47

PHOTOGRAPHY

photobook My Life

advice should not be applied to a landscape photograph, but only a family photograph or portrait. Lighting is essential to making a good landscape photograph, over anything like composition, angles or depth of field.

The best times for landscape photography are dawn and dusk, aptly named the ‘golden hours’. In these hours, the light is bright enough but beautifully soft as well, creating a well-exposed photograph whilst achieving a fantastic array of shadows, colours and diffused tones. This is my favourite time of day, especially when near the water like as on a beach or cruising holiday; everything just looks so much more beautiful in the orange glow of the setting or emerging sun.

The bright sunlight also gives you the perfect opportunity to try out silhouette photography and you can get some brilliant results while the sun is setting. To do this you need your camera facing the sunlight, with your subject directly in between you

and the sun, so it is behind them. Although you can never get subject detail with a shot like this, you can capture the tranquility and beauty of a scene like no other type of photograph. I don’t know what it is, but silhouettes just add a magical atmosphere to a scene. Try being experimental when you compose your shot; instead of a central focus, place the subject in the foreground slightly to the left or right of the photograph

as the main focus, leaving you with a perfect silhouette.

Be aware though that although the beach makes great photographs, it is an expensive camera’s worst nightmare. Sand in your camera or lens can potentially kill it so take extra precautions. Make sure you’re putting your camera back in the case in between shots, and ideally put the case in a sealed waterproof bag to avoid the salt affecting the lens. You’ll be surprised how much sand and salt accumulates just from being near a beach, let alone on one for hours.

With any holiday comes action, so be prepared to snap moments as they happen!

There will be plenty of running, jumping and splashing to capture so make sure you have your finger set securely on the button to quick-capture any moment. To keep a moving subject in focus, make sure auto focus is set on your camera. There have been plenty of times on my DSLR that I’ve forgotten to do this just as the perfect action

“With any holiday comes action, so be prepared to snap moments as they happen!”

48 OCEAN VIEW

so you get the full impact of the view your subject is enjoying, but with a little extra added in the form of the silhouette. If your subject isn’t naturally silhouetted, you can manipulate the effect easily by tricking your camera into thinking you’re taking a photo of the sky, and then when you bring the lens back down, your subject will be underexposed due to your lens not treating it

moment passes me by. Set your camera to a fast shutter speed if you want to freeze your subject, and a slower shutter speed if you want to create motion blur, although this will often require a tripod for the ideal image.

Motion blur is something that’s a little bit different to the usual holiday image and, if you’re looking to do something a bit more adventurous, do try it. Additionally, put a bit more diversity in every photograph you take. Look at a scene and try to see it from a different angle. This often creates some of the best photography as it presents a creative and unique view of something that may be otherwise a mundane scene.

Don’t be afraid to shoot the little details of your journey also. It’s a great way of telling a story when you compile your holiday photographs in to a photobook, or even just a slideshow on the computer screen. For example, there were many shots I took of things I found along my travels that seemed

irrelevant but interesting at the time that have quickly become my favourite images as well as the most important in terms of telling a story. These things are what will remind me of how I got from one place to another, and tend to link memories together perfectly. Include images of the journey there and back, arriving and leaving the hotel and local cuisine so you can build a story. It’s these little details the memory tends to forget! Try close ups: footprints in the sand, sea shells or driftwood on the beach, statues, interesting wall paintings or floor patterns, even faces would look great on a canvas, or could make an interesting background for your holiday photobook.

Probably the most important tip of all is to be proud of your holiday snaps and make something of them. It’s a lot easier to be proud of your photographs if they are taken with care, so do take the time a good image needs. Photos are not just there to be put

“Probably the most important tip of all is to be proud of your holiday snaps and make something of them”

OCEAN VIEW 49

on Facebook and for the ‘likes’, or even just to be viewed on a computer screen, no matter how practical it is. They are there to be printed, shared and admired in a real and tangible way, not skipped through on a screen. There are plenty of ways to get your special memories printed, from photobooks to canvas prints, or even the classic photo print.

Probably the most important tip of all is to be proud of your holiday snaps and make something of them. It’s a lot easier to be proud of your photographs if they are taken with care, hence why I wrote this article, so do take the time a good image needs. Photos are not just there to be put on Facebook and shown to your hundreds of friends for the ‘likes’, or even just to be viewed on a computer screen, no matter how practical it is. They are there to be printed, shared and admired in a real and tangible way, not skipped through on a screen. There are plenty of ways to get your

50 OCEAN VIEW

special memories printed, from photo books to wall art or even the classic photo print.

CEWE Photoworld provide a fantastic service, providing beautiful photo books and personalised photo gifts for you to treasure your memories forever. When creating your CEWE PHOTOBOOK, chose from a range of paper types including True Matte which has a beautiful softening quality and is absolutely zero glare. It works especially well with arty or black and white photos.

Their standout lay-flat books are perfect for panoramas and landscape shots because the open book is completely gutter-free. It seems such a waste to have them simply festering on your hard drive or camera.

Make the memories worth keeping, and give them the credit they deserve. The CEWE PHOTOBOOK is available, along with other fantastic photo products at CEWE Photoworld. www.photoworld.com

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Take a Voyage of Discovery with One Ocean Expeditions Experience places beyond your imagination One Ocean Expeditions provide unparalleled polar marine experiences, whilst maintaining the safety of their guests as well as sharing with them their eco-conscious outlook. Only on their expeditions will travellers come to see the world in a whole new way.

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Suitable for amateurs and professionals alike, this once-in-a-lifetime voyage will make the most of every opportunity and all the best light to focus our lenses on polar bears, walruses, Arctic seals, whales, Inuit settlements, glaciers, fjords, icebergs, and much, much more.

In addition to One Ocean Expeditions’ regular program of presentations on wildlife, history and geology, this unique trip will be accompanied by a broad spectrum of professional photographers who will provide their own inspiring presentations, as well as offering one-to-one photographic guidance and constructive feedback.

In the words of One Ocean Expeditions polar photographer, Daisy Gilardini: “These extreme adventures transport me out of my ordinary worldliness and lead me to discover the beauty and harmony of the remote

corners of our planet. The isolation from the rest of the word, away from every day media and social network communications, inspires deep respect and awareness for the importance of these delicate wilderness areas.”

Daisy will lead the team of professional photographers who will be available throughout the voyage, both onboard and ashore, to share their special area of expertise from wildlife and landscape to composition. Not forgetting the technical aspects of photography including gear and equipment and computer based file management, storage and processing.

Canada’s East Coast Wildlife Safari When: July 07 - 16, 2015 Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days Starting in the historic town of Louisbourg on the southeast coast of Cape Breton Island, this nine-night expedition showcases the unparalleled beauty, rich marine life, fishing and Celtic cultures of the remote and otherwise inaccessible islands of Nova Scotia (including Sable Island), Quebec,

Fact Box! Prices for the 10-day East Coast Wildlife Safari start at US$4955 per person all activities and excursions.

Flights are an additional cost.

Family packages are also available on this voyage: children 16 and under can join an adult for just US$1500, while young people aged 17-20 will have a 25% discount.

Prices for the 11-day Arctic Circle in Focus – Photographic Symposium sailing from Iqaluit to Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) start from US$5,595 per person including all excursions. Flights are an additional cost. www.oneoceanexpeditions.com If you would like to make a booking through a UK tour operator, please call One Ocean Expeditions on 01491 613424, we would be pleased to make a recommendation.

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“A visual, musical and educational feast for travellers wishing to experience quintessential Canada, highlights include the shipwrecks and wild ponies of Sable Island”

Newfoundland and the French territory of Saint Pierre et Miquelon.

A visual, musical and educational feast for travellers wishing to experience quintessential Canada, highlights include the shipwrecks and wild ponies of Sable Island, Canada’s newest National Park; puffins on Bird Island; Quebec’s remote, sandstone Magdalen Islands; the culturally rich Gaspe Peninsula and Anticosti Island, a spot even some of the most adventurous travellers may never reach.

The area is rich in wildlife and you can expect to see everything from blue whales and humpback whales to bald eagles and vast seabird colonies.

Guided activities included as part of this fun and action-packed trip include kayaking, biking and paddle boarding. As the AkademikIoffe/One Ocean Navigator sails the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, you will be accompanied by a Cape Breton fiddler and an East Coast musician (with a focus on the musical culture of the small fishing communities) and even the onboard meals will reflect the superb seafood for which the Maritime Provinces are world famous.

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BOOK EXTRACT

Great Mediterranean Escapes An extract from the beautiful book written by Christiane Reiter, edited and compiled by Angelika Taschen Hôtel Le Corbusier, Marseille A Sojourn in Utopia “La maison du fada”, the house of the crazy – that was the nickname the Marseillais gave Le Corbusier’s “Cité Radieuse” when it was completed in 1952. The idea behind the apartment block, which towers imposingly on mighty concrete pillars and is reminiscent of a steamer in dry dock, appeared dubious to them – but Le Corbusier wanted to solve the housing shortage problem after the Second World War by means of utopian town planning. He constructed a “vertical city” within a city – with individual residential units and hallways that led like streets through the buildings, as well as shops and even schools, all strictly designed according to his theories of proportions and chromatics. Though for many his concept never completely came off, the “Cité Radieuse”, still inhabited and today under a preservation order, is a key piece of modern architecture and a pilgrimage site for admirers of Le Corbusier. They can 56 OCEAN VIEW

stay overnight here in authentic style: the Hotel Le Corbusier on the third and fourth floors occupies former apartments, designed true to the original. Guests can experience this architectural heritage in all its purity in the 170-square-foot cabins, which recall the cells in the La Tourette monastery, also designed by Le Corbusier, and are fitted out with furnishings by Charlotte Perriand. But those wishing for more room (and a view across Marseilles all the way to the sea) will also discover reminiscences in the studios and rooms, such as Le Corbusier’s chaise loungue or original kitchens. These features are, however, no longer in working order, serving these days only as stylish decoration.

Books to pack: “The Radiant City”

by Le Corbusier and “The Marseilles Trilogy” by Jean-Claude Izzo.

© Supplied by the hotel

BOOK EXTRACT

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Tuscany High above the Silver Coast

Château de Cassis, Cassis Be King of the Castle

© Supplied by the hotel

Once this castle above the limestone cliffs of Cassis belonged to the imperium of the Les Baux family – the legendary dynasty that, at its peak, exercised its mighty rule over almost 80 towns and villages in the region and had the castle con- verted into a fortress housing 250 residents. It is difficult to imagine so many people up here today: with just nine rooms, Château de Cassis is one of the most exclusive “chambres d’hôtes” in Provence – a guest house that eschews official hotel status and an endless list of services, instead offering an uncomplicated ambience and an individual design. During years of renovation work the young owner Chloé Caussin has, in all the right places, either erased or emphasised the marks left by history, and under the old vaulting mixes

styles in a carefree manner: so it is that the “Suite Romantique” is fitted out with classic furniture and maintained in pastel shades (it even has its own small piano for any descendants of minnesingers), in the suite “La Tour” futuristic bedside tables, made of metal, will take guests by surprise, and the “Suite Marocaine” exudes Middle Eastern charm thanks to its warm colours, a four-poster bed and Moroccan accessories. Not all the rooms have a sea view – those wishing to enjoy the panorama in absolute privacy are best served by the suite “La Jean Baptiste” with its lovely veranda. But on the communal terraces, too, you are unlikely to be disturbed while admiring the bay – after all, the castle luckily has only nine rooms.

Book to pack: “My Father’s Glory & My Mother’s Castle” by Marcel Pagnol.

How Monte Argentario, the Silver Mountain, came by its name is a favourite topic amongst the locals, and one discussed with typical Italian passion. Some espouse the simple and, on sunny days, very plausible thesis that the name calls to mind the reflections of silvery light on the sea; others reach for the history books and point to an aristocratic family, the Domitii Ahenobarbi, who supported the Roman Republic as moneylenders (“argentarii”) and received this region in return. Both parties, though, agree that Monte Argentario is one of the most glittering destinations of the Maremma: on the most spectacular coastal stretches of the former island, which is now connected to Italy’s boot by means of three spits, stand numerous villas owned by the rich and the beau- tiful. But even those who have not risen to prominence in life can still live in a prominent location here – best of all in the Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola, standing proudly 330 feet above the sea a few miles from Porto Santo Stefano. Grouped around the ruins of a Spanish watchtower are houses made of local stone and wood, in whose rooms the rustic charm of the region has been preserved, albeit at the expense of opulent luxury. The most sought-after rooms look out onto the islands of Giglio, Giannutri and Montecristo; this beautiful panorama also presents itself from the restaurant garden and the freshwater pool.

The private, wonderfully Italian rocky bay, complete with a bar and a restaurant, is an inviting place for a dip in crystal-clear salt water, the sea a sparkling silver, naturally.

Book to pack: “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas.

Great Escapes Mediterranean.

Updated Edition, Hardcover, Published by TASCHEN £ 27.99

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JUST IMAGINE. ANTARCTICA JUST IMAGINE. ANTARCTICA B O O K Y O U R V OY A G E TO D AY. O N E O C E A N E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M

JUST IMAGINE.

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B O O K Y O U R V OY A G E TO D AY. O N E O C E A N E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M

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Travelling to Antarctica is a privilege and we want guests to experience something special when they choose a One Ocean Expeditions voyage.

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THE CHOICE OF ACTIVITY THE DETAILS FOR YOUR ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPEDITION TO ANTARCTICA.

THE CHOICE OF ACTIVITY AND EXPERIENCE IS ALL YOURS, WE TAKE CARE OF THE DETAILS FOR YOUR ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPEDITION TO ANTARCTICA.

www.oneoceanexpeditions.com

351.962.721.836 www.oneoceanexpeditions.com 351.962.721.836

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www.oneoceanexpeditions.com