1589

January 2015 Issue 1589 tntmagazine.com

DRINK AND RUN Sign up for the booziest marathon in the world

MAD MAX IS BACK We talk to the Saffa star of Fury Road, Charlize Theron

Y X E S Y R E V A E V A H

dy’ film... a h ‘s in ta r e c heels and a h ig h , s n io it otic exhib Burlesque, er

+ AUSTRALIA DAY WELSH ADVENTURE USA ROAD TRIPS PRAGUE WEEKENDER

ISSUE 1589/ 1578/ £1.95

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EDITORIAL Editor Caroline Garnar Contributors Michael Gadd l Andrew Westbrook l Elinore Court l Racheal Getzels l Alisdair Morten l Amy Baker l Vicky Lane l Danny Hilton l Emma Jayne Jones EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES 0203 011 1066 SALES/MARKETING/EVENTS Sales Executive Matt Syder PHONE 0207 9890491 EMAIL matt.syder@tntmagazine.com For all general enquiries please call 0207 989 0567 or email sales@tntmagazine.com DESIGN / PRODUCTION Head of design and production Lisa Ferron PHONE 01225 284107 EMAIL lisa.ferron@tntmagazine.com SUBSCRIPTIONS / DISTRIBUTION Manager Caroline Penn PHONE 01603 559004 EMAIL caroline.penn@tntmagazine.com ACCOUNTS Emma Overton EMAIL emma.overton@tntmagazine.com STARTRACK MEDIA LTD Directors Kevin Ellis, Ken Hurst Stuart Bidgood PUBLISHER Startrack Media Limited DISTRIBUTION Emblem Direct Ltd PRINTED BY Printech Europe NEWS AAP PICTURES Getty Images, TNT Images, Thinkstock TNT Magazine Star Track Media Ltd 3rd Floor St. Vedast House St. Vedast Street Norwich NR1 1BT tntmagazine.com

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FROM THE EDITOR People, get your libidos at the ready: 2015 is set to be your sexiest year yet. From a burlesque festival, to the premier of 50 Shades of Grey, to an exhibition all about sex, to another all about high-heel shoes, to... er, well actually that’s it. I may have exaggerated slightly – must be all that mistletoe – but there are lots of other great upcoming events to get your juices flowing, if not literally, and I’m sure some people find Lionel Richie sexy...? See pages 20-23 to find out what else is in store for you this year.

The sexy theme does continue over on page 24, where we talk to the stunning Charlize Theron before this year’s premier of the fourth installment of the Mad Max franchise, where she stars opposite the also very sexy Tom Hardy. We can’t wait to see this dark Aussie classic on the screen again – and this time with 21st-century effects. It’s going to be awesome.

Elsewhere we look at what sort of shindigs are being put on for Australia Day – including one of our own (p16); we talk to a guy who jacked in his job and cycled from England to Australia, just so he could watch the Ashes live (p28); and we take the Adventure Passport Challenge in Wales – attempting eight adrenalin activities in 48 hours. Turn to page 36 to see how we did.

If you’re the kind of person who believes everything – and I mean everything – is better when you‘ve had a drink or 10 inside you, turn to page 42 to read about the booziest marathon in the world. Held in Bordeaux, the water stops are replaced wiith wine stops, and the energy bars are swapped for oysters, cheese and pastries.

The challenge for me would be trying not to die, but it appears for our runner, it was where to get the next drink...

If you’re looking for something more cultural, then you’d likely think a royal celebration such as Holland’s King’s Day (p40) would be just the ticket, but you’d be wrong. Instead, dye yourself orange and prepare to drink and toke the day away – well... when in Amsterdam.

If it is your New Year’s resolution to drink less this year, take temptation away by going on a road trip. Drive your way through the USA, with our top trips on page 54, and you’ll see all the sights sober – unless, that is, you want to spend 2015 getting better acquainted with your 20-stone skinhead cell mate...

caroline.garnar@tntmagazine.com

V-day date ideas

TNT Travel Show

French fancy

TNT Magazine is printed on paper from sustainable forests. There is no business connection between the proprietors of this magazine and TNT Ltd, the worldwide transportation group. Copyright here and abroad of all original materials is held by TNT Magazine.

Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden, except with permission of the publishers.

Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office.

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THIS MONTH LONDON DIARY 8 LONDON INSIDER

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TNT NEWS

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FOOD 14 DRINK 15

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AUSTRALIA DAY 16 TOP 30 OF 2015 20 CHARLIZE 24 CHATROOM

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TRAVEL TOP 5: GROUP HOLIDAYS 32 TRAVEL BITES

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UK TRIP: WALES 36 FESTIVAL: KING’S DAY 40

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EURO TRIP: DRINK AND RUN 42 WEEKENDER: PRAGUE

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A GUIDE TO: CAMBODIA

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BIG TRIP: USA ROAD TRIPS 54 LATE DEALS 58 HOTSHOTS 59

ASIAN CUP 2015 64

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Burlesque, erotic exhibitions and more...

24

WELSH ADVENTURE

36

TNT takes the adrenalin challenge.

42

The booziest marathon in the world

68

PRAGUE WEEKENDER

70

Uncover this bustling cultural city

DESPERATELY SEEKING 74 CLASSIFIEDS 73 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

HAVE A SEXY 2015

DRINK AND RUN

LIFESTYLE

4

16

Where to celebrate Oz in London

We chat to the Saffa star Charlize Theron

ROUND-UP 62

LIVING: MOVE TO OZ

AUSTRALIA DAY

MAD MAX IS BACK

SPORT

CAREERS: WORK IT OUT

ON THE COVER

USA ROAD TRIPS It’s the best way to see the States

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THIS MONTH’S TOP PICKS SKATE AT SOMERSET HOUSE Jan 7 & 8

WINTER SUN Until Jan 11

There’s still the chance to catch the final two club nights on the ice rink at spectacular Somerset House.

The first sees Ministry of Sound residents hit the trance decks, before it’s all go for the closing party.

If you’re missing the long days and are fed up of the darkness then head down to this unusual sensory treat, bar and event space in Granary Square.

The 18m-wide circular structure contains 12 glowing ‘suns’ that endlessly simulate natural light.

From 8pm Strand, WC2R 1LA Charing Cross somersethouse.org.uk

Times vary Granary Square, N1C 4AA Kings Cross kingscross.co.uk/wintersun

FREE

£17

THIS MONTH’S MUST-DO BURNS’ NIGHT Jan 25 Get tartaned up and prepare your stomach for plenty of haggis and whisky as it’s the night that Scots celebrate the birth of the country’s favourite poet – Robert Burns. Stacks of bars hold special events, many of which are free, or you can head to Hammersmith Town Hall for a night of country dancing and live bands. Then get up, brush down your liver, and do it all again for Australia Day.

£32

Try not to be this creepy 275 King St, W6 9LZ

SOUTHBANK CENTRE WINTER FESTIVAL Until Jan 11

FAREWELL TO CHRISTMAS Jan 6

ceilidhclub.com

LONDON SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

LONDON BOAT SHOW

Jan 9-18

Jan 9-18

Christmas might be over but there’s still time to enjoy this winter extravaganza, complete with markets, cider lodge, Christmas tree maze and stacks of shows ranging from burlesque to Dave Gorman.

If you’re struggling to say goodbye to the festive season, then give it a proper send-off with this afternoon of carols, mulled wine, Twelfth Night cake and the ritualistic burning of the holly and the ivy. Be warned, it’s in the museum’s garden so dress warm.

UK and international talent, the LSFF is back for a twelfth year, and it’s the biggest yet. Featuring 34 programmes of new shorts across multiple genres shown at the Hackney Picturehouse, ICA and Oval Space, tickets start at £7.

to bag an oligarch or just love being on the water, this annual boat fest has all the bases covered. You’ll see everything from kayaks to mega Bond villain yachts, plus there’s a 4D experience featuring Arctic storms and the Northern Lights.

10am-11pm Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX Waterloo southbankcentre.co.uk

3.30-5pm 136 Kingsland Rd, E2 8EA Hoxton geffrye-museum.org.uk

Times vary Various Various shortfilms.org.uk

From 10am One Western Gateway, E16 1XL Canning Town londonboatshow.com

FREE

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About to return to These Streets

SUNDAY 14TH JUNE 2015

ROYAL ALBERT HALL ROYALALBERTHALL.COM | GIGSANDTOURS.COM TICKETMASTER.CO.UK | STARGREEN.COM

THECATEMPIRE.COM A METROPOLIS MUSIC PRESENTATION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE AGENCY GROUP

PAOLO NUTINI Jan 12

£47 After previously cancelling his O2 show due to poor

health, Scotland’s man-of-the-moment is back in the capital, bringing the soulful, husky sounds of his chart-topping Caustic Love album with him.

From 6.30pm The O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX North Greenwich theo2.co.uk

LONDON ART FAIR Jan 21-25 The UK’s biggest art fair, seen as the launch of the art world year, returns to Islington’s Business Design Centre. As you’d expect, there’s stacks of art for sale, from the early 20th century to the present day, as well as curated galleries focusing on young artists, new work and contemporary photography.

Jan 24

Times vary 52 Upper St, N1 0QH Angel londonartfair.co.uk

9am Tooting Bec Rd, SW16 1RU Tooting Bec slsc.org.uk/cwsc

£13+

Photos: Thinkstock, supplied

UK COLD WATER SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS It seems like insanity, but if you thrill in the chill then this event at Tooting Bec Lido is the one for you. Events in the 1°C water include classic races, relays and a group jump-in for charity.

To get wet costs from £10, or watch the madness for free. £10+

e t a r b e l e C

AUSTRALIA DA1Y 5 RY FREE ENTERN OS

VENUE: INF H ST, SW4 7UH 146 CLAPHAM HIG UARY 25, 2015 DATE: SUNDAY, JAN COMMON TUBE: CLAPHAM NIGHT TIME: 11AM – MID

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EGISTER)

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(WHEN YOU PRE-R RE MIDDAY A FREE BEER BEFO D FOO AUSSIE DRINKS & SIC ENT AND LIVE MU DJ ENTERTAINM I BEACH BUMS ND BO E TH M FRO FINISH 0 FROM START TO TRIPLE J HOT 10

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Mr Wilkinson: serious bread fan

Episodes star Tamsin Grieg is heading back to life on the stage

COMEDY NIGHTS

EXHIBITIONS

THEATRE

TONY LAW: ENTER THE TONEZONE UNTIL JAN 17 / 7.30PM / £15+ The Canadian absurdist and panel show regular brings his distinct brand of chaos to the capital.

3 WINTERS ENDS FEB 3 / £15-£50 Croatian-born Tena Stivicic examines her homeland’s changes over the decades as reflected in the fortunes of a single family.

21 Dean St, W1D 3NE

ANDY WARHOL: LOVE IS A PINK CAKE UNTIL JAN 10 / FREE Check out the series of monochrome books of design and composition that Andy Warhol selfpublished in the 1950s.

Tottenham Court Road

A&D Gallery

Soho Theatre

sohotheatre.com

South Bank, SE1 9PX

51 Chiltern Street, W1U 6LY Baker Street

Waterloo

nationaltheatre.org.uk

aanddgallery.com

STEWART LEE: A ROOM WITH A STEW JAN 5-31 / £20.50 One of the UK’s best and certainly most fearless comics is back with this month-long residency.

100 PAINTERS OF TOMORROW UNTIL JAN 17 / FREE The culmination of a two-year project to find the world’s most exciting up-and-coming artists.

Leicester Square Theatre

Beers Contemporary

6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX

1 Baldwin St, EC1V 9NU

Leicester Sq

Old Street

leicestersquaretheatre.com

Lyttelton at The National

beerscontemporary.com

WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN ENDS MAY 9 / £24.50-£59.50 Starring Tamsin Greig, this musical adaptation of Pedro Almodovar’s feminist comedy follows Pepa’s attempts to track down her married lover.

Playhouse Theatre WC2N 5DE

Embankment

womenonthevergemusical.com

JOE WILKINSON AND GUESTS JAN 22-24 / 8PM / £20 The bearded one takes time out from his regular 8 Out Of 10 Cats weirdness to hit the live stage with buddies Paul McCaffrey and Jarlath Regan.

LONDON GOTHIC UNTIL MAR 12 / FREE Discover the gory details of London’s public executions, witch trials and hauntings through documents and images dating back centuries.

DI AND VIV AND ROSE ENDS MAY 23 / £15-£49.50 Amelia Bullmore’s funny account of enduring female friendship over the decades.

Bloomsbury Theatre

London Metropolitcan Archives

Vaudeville Theatre

15 Gordon St, WC1H 0AH

40 Northampton Rd, EC1R 0HB

Strand, WC2R 0NH

Euston

Farringdon

diandvivandrose.com

10

thebloomsbury.com

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Charing Cross

Photos: Supplied, Alessandro Pinna

Another quiet night in for the Slipknot lads

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CLUB NIGHTS

GIGS

THE XOYO RESIDENCY SERIES: SKREAM JAN 10, 17, 24 & 31 / 9PM / £13.50 After an epic 2014, this Shoreditch mainstay is kickstarting the New Year with another huge residency that will be pumping out the dubstep all the way through to March.

SLIPKNOT & KORN JAN 23 / 6PM / £39.50 Prepare to get your mosh on for this double-bill of nu-metal titans. Slipknot are the headline act of the Prepare For Hell Tour, coming armed with their first new music in six years. Expect the mask-clad ever-changing Iowa collective to deliver a typically energetic show.

XOYO 32 Cowper St, EC2A 4AP

WATCH THIS

Wembley Arena

Old Street

Empire Way, HA9 0PA

xoyo.co.uk

Wembley Park

wembley.co.uk

CATS (AND DOLLS) St Vincent: aka It’s hard to imagine a more singer/songwriter incredible Annie Clarkclubbing venue PSYRHYTHMIX JAN 16 / 11PM / £8+ Trance classics courtesy of Mentalogic Live, ThallOm, Melodic Noise, N-Kore and Psylucid.

Brixton

MATT GOSS JAN 25 / 7PM / £45+ While the one-time Bros frontman’s brother Luke reinvented himself as a Hollywood actor, Matt has swaggered onto the swing stage, with a massively successful Vegas show which he’s now bringing to the UK for one night only.

club414.org

London Palladium

Club 414 414 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LF

8 Argyll St, W1F 7TF

LABEL SHOWCASE: TCHAMI JAN 17 / 11PM / £15 Catch French DJ/producer Tchami pulling out his ‘future house’ sounds at the Ministry.

Ministry of Sound 103 Gaunt St, SE1 6DP Elephant & Castle ministryofsound.com

Oxford Circus

electricballroom.co.uk

NENEH CHERRY JAN 28 / 7PM / £15 The Swedish-born singer-songwriter is continuing her slow-burn return playing the pounding rhythms of Blank Project, her first album in a whopping 18 years.

Electric Ballroom

SILENT DISCO AT THE VIEW FROM THE SHARD JAN 27 & 31 / 10PM / £37.50 Taking clubbing to new heights. About 1,000ft to be precise. Head to the highest point in the capital to catch the DJs battling it out over wireless channels, all with spectacular views.

HOZIER JAN 31 / 7PM / £20 Currently one of Spotify’s top artists, the County Wicklow musician continues his 2014 roll.

The Shard

O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

184 Camden High Street, NW1 8QP Camden Town

electricballroom.co.uk

Joiner St, SE1 9QU

Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT

London Bridge

Shepherd’s Bush

theviewfromtheshard.com

o2shepherd’sbushempire.co.uk

Until it was overtaken by Les Mis, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s awardwinning show based on TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats held the record for the longest running West End musical ever.

It finally closed in 2002, after 21 years, but now it’s back – spruced up, sleek and (until February 7) with a spine-tingling performance from The Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger as Grizabella. Her heartwrenching rendition of “Memory” is desperately resonant as she prowls tentatively in the moonlight, remembering what used to be. But this is primarily an upbeat ensemble affair which the reconvened original creative team (Trevor Nunn’s fluid direction, Gillian Lynne’s athletic choreography and John Napier’s junkyard set) has updated so that Antoine Murray-Straughan’s bad boy Rum Tum Tigger is now a cool rapper. The night-time activities of slinky moggies with their clinging costumes, woolly legwarmers and whisker-painted faces are still well worth catching. Tickets start at £20.

London Palladium, W1A 3AB Circus

Oxford

catsthemusical.com/london

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Print Club London There’s nothing like getting your hands dirty on a date – we mean with a screen printing class, of course. Print Club London is known for displaying and selling very snazzy screen prints, plus it offers classes for beginners.

The first thing we were told to do was cast out any notions of screen printing that we had from school. Indeed our technicians, Barry and Elliot were right; it was nothing like what you may have done during art, period four, with stencils and gloopy paint. This instead involves a tank-like vacuum seal machine so we could render our chosen images in UV sensitive emulsion for printing, then there are big computers for photo editing. The goal of the four-hour class is to explain the process in full, so that any eager beavers can screen print on their own in the future. Sure enough, I soon felt like I could go it alone – an impressive feat, given that ‘greyscale’ and ‘bitmap’ chat makes me shudder.

After an hour lunch break, we got down to the messy part – actually printing, which turned out to be a very satisfying artform. Even for a newbie, the final product looks professional.

Barry and Elliot were very patient with any questions that we had and they kept us laughing through the whole day too.

The session definitely left me wanting more and you don’t have to be an artistic genius to come out with excellent

results. It’s a great way to spend a day, and the best part is that you’ll come away with a personalised gift, or something pretty cool to hang on your wall as a memento of your hopefully successful date. If you discover a new skill, you can become a member to use their screen-printing facilities for a month for £100. They also offer advanced workshops for the more experienced. By Racheal Getzels Beginners’ workshop costs £50. Print Club London, 10-28 Miller’s Avenue, E8 2DS. printclublondon.com

MYLONDON When I want to chill out I...

Go for a run by the river in summer, or have a braai at home in my garden with friends. In winter I’ll work my way through a nice bottle of red wine in front of the fire at my local, The Spotted Horse in Putney. The rest of the time I play hockey, take photos and paint.

The most interesting person I’ve met in London is...

Trevor McDonald – I’ve served him before. And I showed Ridley Scott around a restaurant I used to work at as he was considering filming something there. They were both lovely.

My favourite spot to take visitors is...

All the little markets around town or any of the amazing art galleries.

I also love St Martin-in-the-Fields. And, of course, my local pub!

My favourite spot in London is...

Putney by the river at sunset with all the rowers and boats, or a midnight drive all along South Bank when there is no one around.

My perfect weekend in London would be...

Waking up in a boutique hotel, followed by VIP tickets to a music festival or Wimbledon. I’d also fit in a visit to an art gallery or the opera, and indulge in some of the city’s best wine and cocktail bars and restaurants.

What I love most about London is...

The possibilities are endless. You can be anything or anyone you want to be.

Five words that sum up London are...

Versatile, eclectic, diverse, creative, cultural. jonesfamilyproject.co.uk

My favourite place for dinner is... Sophie’s Steakhouse in Fulham.

When you’re hungover in London you can’t beat...

One of the DIY Bloody Mary cocktails from The Jones Family Project restaurant and bar, where I work.

MELANI JOUBERT WORKS AT THE JONES FAMILY PROJECT 12

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THREE DEAD AFTER SYDNEY CAFE SIEGE The siege of a Sydney cafe on Monday December 15 came to an end with an explosion and gunfire, with three reported dead, including the gunman.

Two hostages died after the more than 16-hour siege of the Lindt Cafe in Sydney.

The 34-year-old manager of the cafe, Tori Johnson, was shot after he tried to wrestle the gun from the hostage-taker when he began to dose off. It is believed Katrina Johnson, a 38-year-old barrister and mother of three, died in hospital after she was caught in the crossfire when police stormed the cafe after hearing the shot fired.

Fourteen hostages escaped in total. Three male hostages ran free from the building with their arms in the air at around 4pm, and they were followed by two female shop workers about an hour later. The rest fled as the cafe was stormed or were carried out on stretchers afterwards, with one hostage receiving CPR at the scene.

The gunman, who was shot dead at the scene, has been named as Sheikh Man Haron Monis, who is notorious in Australia for sending abusive letters to family members of soldiers killed in Afghanistan. He was also on bail accused of being an accessory to the murder of his ex-wife, and for 40 counts of sexual assault and indecency.

The siege at the Lindt Chocolat Café, in Martin Place, began as people were heading to work in Sydney’s central business district on Monday morning (December 15).

Hundreds of police set up an exclusion zone around the building and advised people employed in the area to work from home on Tuesday (December 16).

Chris Reason, a journalist with Channel Seven, which is based in a nearby building, used Twitter to describe the progress of the siege. Reason said that the gunman appeared to be rotating groups of hostages who were forced to stand at the window for up to two hours at a time. They were forced to hold against the window a black flag featuring Arabic lettering. It is thought to be a Shahada flag associated with Islamic and jihadist movements, but it is not the flag of the Islamic State (ISIS) group.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said: “This is a very disturbing incident. It is profoundly shocking that innocent people should be held hostage by an armed person claiming political motivation.”

On a more heart-warming side note, a humanitarian hashtag #IllRideWithYou went global on Twitter, offering Muslims a companion to walk them home or ride with them on the bus if they were nervous about a potential violent backlash. *This story was written on December 18, 2014

TNTNEWS

THE SYDNEY SIEGE: A MESSAGE TO TNT READERS Following the Sydney siege and in response to our request, the Australian tourism agency Tourism Australia and TTF send these messages to TNT readers: Tourism Australia told us: “Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the two people who tragically lost their lives early this morning (Tuesday December 15). According to information shared by Australian police, this was a tragic but ‘isolated incident’ carried out by a known criminal. Despite the tragic events of this morning, Australia remains one of the world’s safest, friendly and welcoming destinations to visit. The city of Sydney remains open for business today (December 17) and authorities have urged people to continue with their usual business. Only the immediate area around the incident in Martin Place is closed.”

And from TTF CEO Margy Osmond: “These events have been very distressing to all Sydneysiders and, indeed, to everyone watching events unfold around the world. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the people who have been affected by these events.

“Sydney is a fundamentally safe city and will continue to be an iconic destination for visitors. The tourism industry will pull together and offer our support to help our great city recover from this tragedy.”

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BITE SIZE NEW YEAR, NEW RESTAURANTS

JAPANESE PLEASE Love XXXXX Japanese food? You’re in luck.

Zinnia, an all-day Japanese fusion Xxxxxxxx restaurant and lounge has just opened in [web] Chelsea. Set in a stunning Georgian building, enjoy Bento boxes for lunch, an Asian-inspired afternoon tea, XXXXX and fresh sushi, Miso black cod and Xxxxxxxx Szechuan glazed pork belly for dinner, as [web] well as a range from the Robata grill.

Wash it all down with Japanese whisky and sake cocktails.

XXXXX Xxxxxxxx zinnia-restaurant.co.uk

A [web] CULTRAL MELTING POT New restaurant, Jago, makes Shoreditch’s cultural melting pot literal. The menus reflect head chef Louis Solley’s east London Jewish roots and reference Spitalfields’ history as a home for immigrants. Dishes draw on the Ashkenazi diaspora, with its Germanic, Slavic and latterly wider European and American influences, resulting in an offering of modern, global Yiddish fare. jagorestaurant.com

B&H BUILDINGS All-day brasserie and bar by the guys behind the Blitz parties, Clerkenwell

When a company that hosts the Blitz, Prohibition, Dark Circus and Atlantica SS parties opens a restaurant, you would perhaps expect an overblown, smack-you-in-the-face themed spot with waitresses doing the Charleston, or a chef toasting your food on an open flame being blown out of his mouth. But what you will find at Bourne & Hollingsworth’s new venture is an inarguably themed but delightfully understated restaurant, where the food refuses to play second fiddle to the decor. Taking inspiration from the faded grandeur of a stately home, we didn’t get a good look at the big cocktail bar as it was so busy, but the restaurant area where we took a seat was decked out as the summerhouse, with real foliage, cast iron chairs, wicker fans slowly whirring on the ceiling and vintage tea-light holders emanating a soft glow. The service is personable and efficient, and the atmosphere buzzes with excited chatter. A very nice spot to spend an evening.

THE GRUB The daily changing menu (as proven by its handwritten weather report) features British classics, with exotic ingredients (plantain fritters, honey pineapple) and gastronomic twists lifting it from pub grub to brasserie fare. Sure enough, the mini chicken wings are soft, spicy and finger-licking good, the tempura cod with potato rosti (basically fish and chips, then) light yet satisfying, the lamb chops tender and tasty, and the chocolate ganache tart to finish is exquisitely rich and a number of steps up from your average pub brownie option.

BEHIND THE BAR: The cocktails are fab. Kickstart your meal with a West Indies Gimlet; a heady mix of gin, falernum syrup, lime juice and bitters – it’s served as a small measure, but it will still last you until your meal comes and give you that warm fuzzy feeling. Finish off with a creamy and delicious 1957: a shaken mix of brandy, coffee liqueur, an espresso shot and creamy float top.

BILL PLEASE: Starters from £6, mains average around £17, desserts from £5. Cocktails from £8.

VERDICT: A themed restaurant with zero gimmicks. B&H Buildings is a breath of fresh air.

THE SCENE

Photos: supplied. Words: Caroline Garnar

BEST OF BRITISH To stick with something a bit more classic, Wimsey’s has just opened in Parson’s Green with a traditionally British menu on on offer. The aim is to use British ingredients of the highest quality wherever possible and the menu will vary with the seasons to reflect what becomes available at different times of the year. wimseys.co.uk

42 Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, EC1R 0HU

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DRAUGHTS Board game cafe, Haggerston

Sometimes an idea comes along that makes you wonder why no one had stumbled across it before. The concept behind Draughts, London’s first dedicated board game café, is one such idea. Where some pubs have the odd ratty copy of Monopoly sat on a shelf somewhere, Draughts has no fewer than 500 board games for you to choose from, including everything from the classics (Battleship) to the decidedly oddly titled (Pile et Face anyone?). It costs £5pp for gaming, with no time limit. Sat in a cavernous room in east London with on-trend exposed brickwork and an atmospheric curved ceiling, Draughts is cosy, snug and inviting.

BEHIND THE BAR There are draught beers from Meantime as well as a large range of bottled beers, ales, stouts and ciders from £3.80 (Honey Beer). We recommend the Hackney Hopster and The Queen of Diamonds (both £4.10). There is also a selection of canned lagers and wines by the glass, both starting at £3.60. For sober sorts, there are all the mocha-cappuccinos you could imagine.

THE GRUB Sandwiches, snacks, and some top-drawer cakes from smashing London bakery Victoria Yum. The Sicilian spicy meatballs panini ticks all the right gastroboxes and sustains my board game title challenge while my partner picks on some (decidedly less gluttonous) toffee apple and cinnamon popcorn from Joe & Steph. Sandwiches from £4, snacks from £1, salads from £4 and cakes from £2.70.

VERDICT It’s a top venue for getting some mates in and settling in for the duration.

THE SCENE

3 OF THE BEST HEALTHY EATERIES

Haggerston

draughtslondon.com

DON’T CAVE IN

SUGAR-FREE BAKERY TUCK INTO SUSHI

London’s first paleolithic finedining eatery, Pure Taste, serves up ‘The Caveman Diet’, swapping dairy products, grains, legumes, processed oils and refined sugars in favour of protein-rich and high-fibre options.

A whole bakery dedicated to gluten-free treats. Delicious sugar-free cakes, breads and pastries are baked on site with plant-based sugar alternatives, making them the perfect treat for those watching their weight in January.

puretasterestaurant.com

e t a r b e l Ce

romeosglutenfreebakery.co.uk

A I L A R T S U A DAY 2015

Sushi is a delicious and healthy option, and Japanese eatery, Tombo, makes a point of using at least one of its six healthy ingredients in each dish: seaweed, miso, tofu, healthy rice, sesame seeds and green tea. tombodeliandcafe.com

FREE ENTRY

SUNDAY, JAN 25 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Words: Alisdair Morten. Images: supllied

337 Acton Mews, Haggerston, Hackney, E8 4EA

e t a r Celeb

A I L A R AUST 15 0 2 DAY We bet when the pommies sent their convicts to Australia they didn’t expect us to still be celebrating our great country 227 years later...

WORDS RACHEAL GETZELS & ELINORE COURT

Come January 26, it’s time to dust off your thongs and crack open the Victoria Bitter. Yep, Australia Day is coming up and we’ve got you covered with the top 10 parties across London. We’ve also broken them down into areas so you won’t have far to stumble home.

London isn’t a bad place to celebrate Australia Day seeing as it’s packed full of Down Under types and dozens of bars triple their hours for one of the greatest parties of the year – in our humble opinion. So wave that flag, celebrate in style and show off that true Aussie pride.

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CENTRAL LONDON Waxy O’Connors, Soho Don’t be fooled by this bar’s Irish reputation. Australia Day is a big one on its calendar too (it’s probably only the Irish that could give you Aussies a run for your money when it comes to knocking back a pint after all). Waxy’s has great deals on drinks so your pennies will last all day and you can also book out an area for your party. As this is for a historic celebration, here’s an interesting historic fact about the place; it was

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opened by a candlemaker (hence the name) who famously once said: “A parched man is a barren man – and beer is the only cure.’ Wise words indeed, so in honour of this legend and his motto, drink up and have a great night out at Waxy’s.

January 26, hours TBC 14-16 Rupert Street, London W1D 6DD Leicester Square waxyoconnors.co.uk Jetlag Bar, Fitzrovia Fancy something a bit different this year? Head on over to Jetlag Bar for a chilled-out movie marathon. The bar will be screening iconic sporting moments and classic films while serving up beer and good food. It will be rolling out a surf ‘n’ turf selection of kangaroo steaks, Aussie burgers, pavlovas and prawns ‘chucked on a barbie’. The Australian Open Men’s Final and the One Day International cricket will be playing as you chow down. From 3pm onwards head to the lounge to watch four Australian films including The Castle and Adventures of Priscilla – Queen of the Desert. If you do want a dance, pop downstairs and grind along to Triple J Hottest 100.

January 26, 1pm-12am 125 Cleveland St, W1T 6QB Goodge Street jetlagbar.com

e celebrat

A I L A R T S U A DAY

Walkabout Bar, Temple

FREE ENTRY OS

With a year-round Aussie theme, it comes as no surprise that Walkabout pulls out all the stops on Australia Day, and it’s doing so from 8am right through to 3am – phew! Great for the homesick Aussie and the Brits who like to party to live music throughout the day and night, stock up on the selection of beers and meat pies to keep you going.

January 26, 8am-3am Temple Place WC2R 2PH Temple walkaboutbars.co.uk

VENUE: INFERN GH ST, 146 CLAPHAM HI SW4 7UH DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 APHAM COMMON CL : BE TU DNIGHT TIME: 11AM – MI

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UDES: THE PARTY INCL

SOUTH-WEST LONDON Infernos, Clapham In true TNT style, we will be hosting one of the biggest and best Australia Day parties around, and we’ll be doing it on the Saturday before Australia Day, so you can drink to your heart’s content. This beer-fuelled party (you even get a free one if you get there before miday) will be held at Infernos in the Aussie heartland of London. The 13-hour event is for all you party lovers that want to go all out this year. Don a green and gold costume for a chance to win prizes in the fancy dress competition and be sure to whip out your best moves on the dancefloor with classic tracks from Triple J, an Aussie DJ and live tunes from the Bondi Beach Bums.

Jan 25, free entry if you register online at eventbrite.co.uk (type in Australia Day Party 2015), 11am-midnight 146 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UH Clapham Common infernos.co.uk

RE MIDDAY A FREE BEER BEFO FOOD AUSSIE DRINKS & MS BONDI BEACH BU ACTS PLUS OTHER LIVE 0 TRIPLE J HOT 10 FINISH TO T AR FROM ST

E-REGISTER EE WHEN YOU PR FR RE A S ET K ents C TI e.com/london/ev in az ag m nt .t w www alia-day-2015 /tnt-party-austr

AusDay in the Apartment To do something other than get drunk and party until you

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Photos: TNT archives

pass out, why not take in this AusDay show? Join Aussie icon Nick Hardcastle and a line-up of amazing Australian performers – singers, musicians, dancers and jokers – for this part-cabaret, partchat show held at St James’ Theatre.

Jan 25, tickets £36 before Jan 9, £45 after.

St James Theatre, SW1E 5JA. Victoria stjamestheatre.co.uk/ theatre/ausday-in-the-apartment/

crazier the better’, so make sure you come in costume. The organisers have promised this famous event will be bigger and better this year to please all you Church worshippers.

January 25, £10, 2pm-8pm Electric Brixton, Town Hall Parade, SW2 1RJ Brixton thechurchlondon.com

drinks deals on the day to make sure you celebrate until you’ve forgotten what your name is yet alone where you’re from.

48-50 Camden High Street (also branches at Covent Garden, Greenwich, Hammersmith, London Bridge and Shepherd’s Bush) Mornington Crescent belushis.com

Adventure Bar

Bison and Bird

The name says it all really; any night here is sure to be memorable and Australia Day is no exception. Get into the spirit at this boozer with beer pong, some hearty Aussie tucker and classic tunes. Book a private space for you and your mates to feel like VIPs or just rock up from 5pm onwards to join the fun.

January 26, 5pm-12am 38 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UR Clapham High Street adventurebar.co.uk

Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes, Russell Square

Laying on the celebrations on Sunday January 25, you can down the £2.95 Bundy and Cokes and Snakebites with a clear conscience, knowing you don’t need to be at work for at least seven more hours. Tuck into the famous burgers and dance along to the DJs and live music, including the Triple J Playlist.

January 25, free entry, 12pm-1am 182-184 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UD Clapham Common bisonandbird.com The Clapham Grand The Sunday night will kick-off with a two-hour comedy carnival featuring a line-up of top stand-up comedians from Down Under to provide some relief from dry English humour. To go the whole hog be sure to check out the party package complete with Aussie tucker and some Crown Lager to enjoy as you laugh along to the show. After that the club night begins, featuring Triple J’s classic hits so you can party through ’til 3am.

January 25, £15, 8pm-3am 21-25, SW11 1TT Clapham Junction claphamgrand.com The Church Screw the Sunday day of rest, this is the place to come if you want to go really wild – and we mean really wild. This Sunday afternoon service is not for the faint-hearted with a club atmosphere, drinks flowing and a dress code of ‘the 18

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EAST LONDON Strongroom Bar Australia Day is for hipsters too, so if you fancy sampling beers from all over the world, keep an eye out for Strongroom’s Aussie Day drinks deals and offers so you don’t wake up hungover and broke; no-one likes that double whammy.

January 25, free entry, 8pm-2am 120-124 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3SQ Old Street strongroombar.com

NORTH LONDON Belushi’s, Camden Belushi’s is always a safe bet for a lively atmosphere and a cracking night.

Australian sports victories will be playing on a continuous loop to amp up the patriotic vibes, and you can’t go wrong with the famous ‘Aussie weekender’ offer of a huge burger and a Fosters for just £9.99. There will be

Head on over to the Australian-owned Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes for a boozy afternoon and tuck into the finest Aussie food and drink; Coopers Pale Ale, lamingtons, sausage rolls and a classic ‘sausage sizzle’. £50 bar tabs are up for grabs and the best-dressed competition sets you the challenge of representing the homeland in true Aussie – so budgie smugglers and an akubra should do it.

There will be DJs, live bands, bowling, karaoke rooms, table tennis, Foosball, plus a huge rage of craft beer on tap.

January 25, £8 on the door, 4pm-1am Bedford Way, WC1H 9EU Russell Square bloomsburybowling.com

AUSTRALIA DAY PUB CRAWL If you really can’t make up your mind then why not go all out and visit tons of awesome places on the Nuts Pub Crawl? It starts at 9pm at Zoo Too in Leicester Square and the rest is all a surprise. Throughout the night there will be two-for-one drinks deals, free entry into four venues, free shots, and your first drink is on the house. Plus there will be a pro photographer taking snaps – great for the beginning of the night, perhaps not so great towards the end… blackmail material anyone?

26 January, 9pm til late, £10 tickets, £15 on the door. Meet at Zoo Too, 13-17 Bear Street, Leicester Square, WC2H 7AQ Leicester Square nutspubcrawl.com

CELEBRATE

a i l a r t s u A Day THE WAXY’S WAY TH

MONDAY 26 JANUARY

LIVE MUSIC FROM 8PM

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W AXY O’C ONNORS , 14-16, R UPERT S TREET L ONDON W1D 6DD WWW.WAXYOCONNORS.CO.UK /waxyslondon @waxyslondon

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July 9-11: Bilbao BBK

Jan 28-Mar 8: Vault Festival

Muse will be at Bilbao BBK

Until Sep 20: Institute of Sexology 20

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March 12-14: Alpine Challenge

May 15-31: Burlesque Festival

Photos: Jack Abraham for Vault Festival, Bilbao BKK, FutureFest and iStock

March 14-15: FutureFest

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Top events for 2015 Got a new diary for Christmas? Tell whoever bought you it that it’s 2015 and you already have one on your phone, then put this lot in it... WORDS CAROLINE GARNAR

The Institute of Sexology This free (s)exhibition is a candid exploration of the most publicly discussed of private acts... sex. Featuring more than 200 objects spanning art, erotica, film and photography, the exhibit investigates how the practice of sex research has shaped our ever-evolving attitudes towards sexual behaviour and identity. Moving between pathologies of perversion and contested ideas of normality, it shows how sex has been observed, analysed and questioned from the late 19th century to the present day. Horny. wellcomecollection.org

Vault Festival

Photos: Jack Abraham for Vault Festival, Bilbao BKK, FutureFest and iStock

This cool, underground – literally – festival returns for another year, where Waterloo’s Leake Street tunnels are transformed into a destination for creative and curious Londoners, featuring a wide-ranging programme of performance, live music, discussions and one-off late night parties. There’s a cavernous bar with free live music and comedy alongside ticketed events for six weeks from Jan 28. thevaultfestival.com

Snow-Camp Alpine Challenge Get a bunch of mates together to ski 150km over a weekend and raise money for British Snowsports youth charity SnowCamp. During the two-day challenge held in Morzine, France, competitors are GPS tracked as they strategically navigate their way around epic mountain terrain and hit the designated checkpoints. For just £200pp, participants get flights, accommodation, meals, a lift pass and an end-of-

event party. All you need to do is commit to raise a minimum of £750 sponsorship for Snow-Camp before taking part. To register your team’s interest email dan.k@snow-camp.org.uk or visit skiweekends.com.

FutureFest Our inner sci-fi geek is rather excited about this glimpse into the years ahead with talks and demonstrations. Highlights include Jon Ronson, author of The Psychopath Test and The Men Who Stare at Goats, speaking on artificial intelligence, social media and public shaming; musician Matthew Herbert, who has worked with Bjork and Dizzee Rascal, will be presenting CountryX – a new country that is defined by its principles instead of its physical location; and Sweetshop of the Future offers a tasting experience with chocolatier Paul A Young and food futurologist Morgaine Gaye. The full line-up can be viewed at futurefest.org

Annie Mac presents Lost & Found Brand new for 2015, BBC Radio One DJ Annie Mac has created Lost & Found electronic festival, taking place in Malta. Among the first names confirmed are ‘Hot Creations’ head Jamie Jones, legendary reggae selector David Rodigan MBE, chart-topping dance sensation Duke Dumont, and Canadian alt hip hop don Kaytranada. There will also be sets from garage icon DJ EZ, house veteran MK, NYC house boys The Martinez Brothers, and irrepressible selector Jackmaster; and of course a headline set from Annie herself. lostandfoundfestival.co.uk ›› TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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April 25: Anzac Day

THE BIG GIGS Snowbombing You’ve got to tick at least one ski festival off your list, and this should be it. A week-long whirlwind of world-class DJs and bands, in the idyllic alpine setting of Mayrhofen, Austria. Days are spent skiing, boarding, enjoying music on mountain-top stages or relaxing in the spa of a luxury hotel.

Nights deliver cutting-edge performances in unique venues, from a sky-high igloo, to an enchanted forest clearing. Now in its 16th year, Snowbombing is regarded by many as ‘The greatest show on snow’, and sure enough, it has announced a line-up that’ll truly knock your salopettes sideways, featuring Rudimental, Skrillex, Basement Jaxx, Carl Cox, Fatboy Slim, Gorgon City, MK, Sigma, Wilkinson, Andy C and many more... snowbombing.com

Lots of legendary acts are making a big return this year, although Kaiser Chiefs are getting the party started on February 7, while Jason Mraz will mellow us out with his soothing tones the next day; March sees the first legend in the shape of Lionel Richie who will have us all dancing on the ceiling throughout March. Get two for the price of one when Paul Simon and Sting join forces on 15 and 16 April, and good luck getting your tickets for the already sold-out Fleetwood Mac gigs between May and June 27; Paul Weller is returning to his roots, performing with The Who on June 22, while everyone’s favourite 2014 guitar hero, Ed Sheeran is playing July 10-12.

Anzac Day: 100 year anniversary

Burlesque Festival 2015 Burlesque has enjoyed a booming revival over recent years, and nowhere is this more recognised and celebrated than at the annual Burlesque Festival. See the best burlesque acts from across the world – from the freaky to the sexy to the funny – in plush venues across London. londonburlesquefest.com

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Feb 7: Kaiser Chiefs

Photo courtesy of: Everythingcounts PR

Every year Aussies and Kiwis gather together in Gallipoli, Turkey, to honour the Anzac soldiers who died there during World War I, and April 25 2015 marks the centenary.

To recognise this important landmark, the ceremony and surrounding activities are sure to go that extra mile. Visit TNT’s Tour Search to find Anzac Day tours, from two-day trips to 15-day epics where you can explore the region while you’re there. tnttoursearch.com

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MUST DO 2015

THE BLOCKBUSTERS 2015 appears to be the year of the sequel: Kicking off proceedings with a round-house is Liam Neeson in Taken 3 out January 8; swiftly followed by a sexy spanking from 50 Shades of Grey from February 13 (okay not technically a sequel, but it kinda is if you’ve read the books); Avengers: Age of Ultron is flying into cinemas on April 24; Aussie classic reboot Mad Max: Fury Road tears onto screens May 15, starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron – turn to page 24 for our interview with the latter; next up the dinosaurs return from extinction once more in the surprisingly piss-your-pants scary Jurassic World; Arnie shows us he’s still got it in Terminator Genisys out on July 3; Hugh Jackman trades his hotness for a bald head and goatie as he plays Blackbeard in prequel Pan from July 17; Bond is back in Spectre, with Daniel Craig reclaiming the role for the fourth time on November 6; part two of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay follows on November 20; and, last but not least, the biggest blockbuster of all time, Star Wars, returns with Episode VII – The Force Awakens, seeing us out of 2015 on December 18.

Sep 18-Oct 31: Rugby World Cup Shoes: Pleasure and pain Collections of even the most addicted of shoe-holics will be rivalled by the summer fashion exhibition at the V&A. Featuring 200 pairs of shoes spanning 2,000 years, the exhibition will also be looking at the agonising aspect of wearing shoes (us women can relate to that come midnight), as well as the euphoria and obsession they can inspire. From shoes worn by Sarah Jessica Parker and Marilyn Monroe to those worn by the high society of Italy – the higher your position, the higher your platforms – get ready to drool and wince in equal measure. vam.ac.uk/shoes

Bilbao BBK One of our favourite bands is playing at one of our favourite festivals: The Cat Empire are at Bilbao BBK! Catch the live music while the sun sinks behind the city of Bilbao as you sip a beer from your perch atop a grassy hill. The best bit?

The acts take to the stage from early evening, so you have the days free to explore this northern Spanish city, with highlights including the Guggenheim Museum and beaches with some of the best waves in Europe. bilbaobbklive.com

THE SPORTING EVENTS The New Year gets off to a flying start on the football field as Australia hosts the 16th Asian Cup from January 9-31. Matches will take place in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Newcastle as the tournament takes place outside Asia for the first time. The defending champions are four-time winners Japan, who beat a revenge-seeking Australia 1-0 in the 2011 final in Qatar.

No sooner is all that done and dusted than the Cricket World Cup – hosted jointly by Australia and New Zealand – promises a six-week jamboree of fearless batting and ruthless bowling from February 14-March 29. Held every four years, four-time winners Australia will be out to regain the one-day crown they lost in 2011 when India ended the Aussies’ remarkable streak of three successive victories in the tournament. Poor old England – three-time runnersup – will be seeking a first title.

The action switches back here for the next big four-yearly festival – the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England from September 18-October 31. This will be the eighth World Cup, and holders New Zealand are looking to win the tournament for the third time – as are both Australia and South Africa. And let’s not forget England’s sole triumph when Jonny Wilkinson and the boys defied the odds to romp to victory in Australia in 2003.

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Interview supplied by InterviewHub. Images: iStock

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CELEBINTERVIEW

‘It’s time to skin this cat already’ We can’t wait for the release of Aussie blockbuster Mad Max: Fury Road later this year – it’s been a long time coming. We chat to starring Saffa stunner, Charlize Theron, who seems pretty excited about it too... WORDS: CAROLINE GARNAR Thank goodness Australian director George Miller doesn’t believe in signs.

After facing 25 years of delays due to a lack of funding, security concerns, war, terror attacks, an ageing actor, and floods, Mad Max is finally back. The fourth installment, Fury Road, is due for release on May 15.

It’s been 36 years since the first Mad Max film was released, and 30 since the third installment of the trilogy. The idea for a fourth film was reportedly mooted 25 years ago, and the first script written in 2003. Even after Charlize Theron read the script and signed up, it took another three years until they started shooting. “I’m fucking dying [to do it]. It’s time to skin this cat already. I’m very excited about it,” she told media just before she flew out to Namibia to shoot it back in 2011.

Theron joins British actor Tom Hardy on screen, who has replaced the now past-it Mel Gibson as Max. Set in a dystopian future Australia, crazed motorcycle gangs cause chaos fighting for rare resources, while Max and Theron’s character, Imperator Furiosa, battle with them as they try to cross the desert.

The aforementioned floods are what caused the film to be shot in Namibia, and not the original location choice in New South Wales, as the torrential rain had caused wild flowers to spring up everywhere – which is lovely, unless you’re about to shoot a million-dollar film that’s supposed to be set in a desolate wasteland with a life-threatening scarcity of water.

Clearly unafraid of not looking her best on the big screen (hello Oscar-winning role as Aileen Wuornos in Monster), Theron shaved her head to play the part of Furiosa, and for most of the film looks like she’s been at war with a mascara wand, with black smears across her eyes and forehead.

The rest of the time, though, she is clearly a stunner, and doesn’t look anywhere near 40, despite the fact she’s hitting this big milestone in August this year. Indeed, she even recently got mistaken for boyfriend Sean Penn’s mistress when she checked into hotel with him, as onlookers told press she was a ‘mystery woman in her 20s’.

She tells us there’s no big secret to her great skin – “just sunblock, water and moisturiser” – and when asked about her goddess-like appearance in her Dior ads, she insists it

has little to do with her: “I have this incredible team that travels with me and does this stuff. I just look at [the finished adverts] and go, ‘I am so lucky to have that hair person and that make-up person.’ It’s 16-hour days, and you’re tired, and you’ve got too much eyeliner in your eye, but all of those things are princess problems. I just have to watch out for the croissant basket,” she laughs. “That’s my biggest thing: that’s when I feel like a goddess as I’m like, ‘Are all of these croissants for me?’.”

This modest answer cements the down-to-earth character Theron is famed for. She is also known for her sense of humour, although this hasn’t often translated onto screen.

Would she like that to change? “I am in no position to complain. I work a lot and I work on things that I really want to work on. I am a very, very blessed human being in general.

So for me to complain about anything is silly. I don’t do a lot TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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CELEBINTERVIEW

of comedy; I get a lot of stuff offered to me, but it’s not necessarily stuff that I feel is funny.”

We’re not complaining either, as damn is she good at the kick-arse stuff. Thankfully, adopting a child in March 2012 – Jackson, aged two – hasn’t turned her off the dark side of film either. “I have heard people say that once they have children they don’t want to work on dark material, but that hasn’t happened for me. If anything, having a child has just made me want to be more creative and ask bigger questions and have more interests in things that might be uncomfortable. I think we all have different responses, but for me it’s definitely been like that. I didn’t look at my slate and go, ‘No, I can’t do that movie now that I have a kid.’ He just gives me energy to want to do more and explore more.”

Adopting a child is something Theron no doubt decided to do as a result of her own troubling childhood: born on a farm in Benoni, near Johannesburg, her alcoholic father physically attacked her mother and threatened both her and her mum while drunk. Theron’s mother then shot and killed him in self-defense – she faced no charges.

“I have a closeness to my mum,” says Theron, sincerely.

“We are friends, but she’s my mother first and foremost and that’s how I was raised. She just happens to be a person that I actually really like, and who I think is funny and all of that stuff. But she’s the first person to put me in line, the way a parent does. I have had moments with mum where she’s like, ‘That movie is a piece of shit!’ (laughs.) But I would rather her be incredibly honest 26

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because then when she says, ‘That movie is really good’, I really believe it.”

Shit or not, we can’t imagine that during the tough times either Theron or her mother dreamed they would be discussing her latest Hollywood movie. “That’s why I can probably sit here and say that I am incredibly blessed in my life,” says Theron.

With her acting aspirations only really beginning when she moved to Los Angeles at 19 after she worked as a model for a year and failed as a dancer in New York, did she ever imagine she would become an Oscar-winning movie star?

“I don’t think anybody can dream that big. It would be very grandiose to sit around and kind of expect those things to come to you. I have never not heard of an actor who just wanted to be able to pay the bills and not have to be a waitress or waiter on the side.”

Her humble start in life likely contributed to her philanthropic side too. “Coming from a country like South Africa, it’s impossible to forget how incredibly blessed my life has turned out and how that is not the case for many people in my country,” she says.

In 2007 she founded the Charlize Theron Outreach Africa project, which focuses on prevention care of HIV and AIDS. “We give the youth of South Africa some kind of future to look up to. Not only taking ownership of their health and making choices to save their own lives, but to actually give them something to live for. That has become a huge part of my life.”

Beautiful, strong and determined, it seems not only can Mad Max not be stopped, but neither can Charlize Theron.

CHATROOM

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Oli Broom

This travel writing cricket fanatic jacked in his job and jumped on his bike, cycling solo for 25,000km, crossing 19 countries in 14 months, to catch the Ashes in Australia INTERVIEW ANDREW WESTBROOK

my knee was sore and I simply couldn’t comprehend what I was setting off to do.

Things improved when I realised I wasn’t setting off to break any records.

Where was the best place to wake up?

The Nubian Desert in Sudan wasn’t bad but I’ll go for the roof of a half-built (and abandoned) house on the banks of the River Jordan. It was silent, cool, exotic and I couldn’t believe that behind the mountains in my view were Jerusalem, Jericho and Lake Galilee. I felt very small and inconsequential.

Did you get lonely at all?

Yes, occasionally. But if I went on a similar trip again I’d still go alone. There is no choice but to make friends with strangers, eat with them, learn from them. I found that whenever I was joined on the road by a friend, the experience was often more fun but never as satisfying.

[Caption]

Where are you keenest to revisit?

Turkey, Sudan, India and Australia. The people were incredible in all those countries. My dream trip is an outback roadtrip with my wife. She’s not convinced, mainly because of the spiders.

What made you want to do it?

I’d built a career I thought was okay, but I didn’t love it, plus I’d always wanted to travel a long way by bicycle and I’d always wanted to watch the Ashes. I decided to do both at the same time.

Why cycle?

For the challenge and the adventure. But very quickly I realised it wasn’t the challenge I enjoyed, it was the proximity to people. The bicycle is wonderful for that, particularly in places where being on one means you’re more like a local. In Sudan, Syria, Turkey even, you’re vulnerable on a bicycle. I don’t mean you’re likely to get robbed. I just mean you’re open to the elements so the potential to engage with those you meet is so much greater.

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Did you ever almost give up?

No. The closest was probably when I had dengue fever in Thailand. But really, I was never going to give up. I did catch a couple of planes because my route was a bit of a funny one, but I still cycled about 25,000 kilometres.

What was the scariest moment?

Leaving home. I honestly wasn’t truly scared at any point, except for the two days it took me to get to Dover. After my first day I was exhausted,

Catch Oli talking about his book Cycling to the Ashes as part of the Stanfords Travel Writers Festival at Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, Olympia (Jan 29-Feb 1) destinationshow.com

Photo: Supplied

What did your family think of it?

I told my parents of the plan via email, because I thought I could express my reasoning better.

I got a call five minutes after sending it – mum, in floods of tears. She was worried I was making a big mistake. Three days later she was making calls to potential sponsors, researching what jabs and visas I’d need. It’s a mother’s prerogative to worry and I think her initial reaction was perfectly natural. She and my dad have been very supportive ever since. My friends just rolled their eyes. I’d had similarly grand plans before.

How did you feel when you made it?

Relieved (because I nearly got run over coming into Brisbane), tired (because my mileage for the last few weeks was much more than during the previous 13 months as I was worried about missing the start of the Ashes), emotional (as my parents, my first ever cricket coach and various other friends were waiting when I arrived), grateful (that I’d been shown so much kindness) and wet (it rained for the last 24 hours of my journey – an English welcome!).

And finally, did the England team’s Ashes performance do you proud?

Yes! England have been rubbish for the past few years but in 2011 they were magnificent.

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TRAVEL

Photo supplied by Nabil

LATE DEALS | HOTSHOTS | TRAVEL TIPS | TOP FIVE | TOURS | BIG TRIP

SPREAD THE LOVE Nabil and Eduardo are two travellers with a simple goal: to spread the power of smiles. Taking their camera to the streets, they wanted to capture the grins of locals the world over, using their snaps to create personalised prints and postcards. Unfortunately Project Smile has been halted by a lack of funding. But do visit their website for updates, or contact them if you would like to show your support – we’re sure it will make them smile! projectsmile.co.uk

TOPFIVE

GROUP HOLIDAYS

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TOP 5

Words: Amy Baker. Photos: Thinkstock, Getty and Bilbao BKK Festival

GROUP HOLIDAYS

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Does the sun even come out any more?

It certainly doesn’t feel like it. If you’re anything like us, the only emotion you feel at the moment is debilitating misery every morning when the alarm goes off and you know the time has come to schlep out into the cold.

Seeing as you are about to resign yourself to a winter of unrelenting sleet, damp shoes and permanently ruined hair, why not rally your mates and book a holiday that will guarantee incredible memories in the sunshine. Here’s a list of our top five 32 00

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group holidays to make these dark days pass faster…

YACHTING HOLIDAY We’ve all seen the pictures. You know the ones…Leo clambering onto his Jet Ski off the back of his yacht with some supermodel in tow, or Rihanna in a tiny bikini cavorting around her boat’s sundeck. Let’s face it, we all want to holiday on a yacht, we just think we can’t afford it. Fortunately, we couldn’t be more wrong. For a mixed

group of 12, it’s possible to charter your own private yacht and a skipper for between just £350-500 per person. Plus, should you have the cash, you can opt to have a hostess aboard to cook you delicious home-cooked meals, to make sure coffee’s brewing when you wake up, and to keep an eye out for when that beer’s getting dangerously low.

Sailing holidays can be a relaxing affair should you so wish, but those craving a little more action on the high seas should consider The Yacht Week.

This debaucherous event, taking place in Croatia, Greece and Italy between June and early September, is perfect for groups who want to spend their days sailing around beautiful islands, and their nights at different parties.

This slice of affordable luxury gives you the chance to meet travellers from around the world, to explore otherwise inaccessible locations and to see more of a country than you ever could on a week-long trip. Plus, imagine ridding yourself of that hangover with a quick morning dip in the clear warm waters of The Adriatic or The Aegean. Lovely. yachtsandfriends.com

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SKI HOLIDAY

ISLAND HOPPING

A group holiday on the slopes could be a great option for you if you just can’t hold on until next summer. Holidays in the snow cater to all, whether you already possess gnarly snowboard tekkers or you’re fine with being more of an après-type of guy. St Anton, Saalbach and Ischgl, all in Austria, are some of the most reasonably priced destinations for groups. Plus, these resorts are famous for their après action.

If you’re looking for a group holiday that allows you and your mates to relive your travelling glory days then an island hopping adventure could be your best shout. The beauty of this type of holiday is that it caters to all tastes, and as you are always on the move, there is never a chance to get bored. One day you could be exploring the ancient ruins of Athens, the next wandering the whitewashed streets of Mykonos. Nice.

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MUSIC FESTIVAL

ACTIVITY HOLIDAY

A music festival is the perfect getaway for you and your mates, especially if you’re running low on holiday time. If when you think of a festival you think of mud and rain, look further afield to Europe where there are some fantastic options should you not fancy packing your wellies. Head to Croatia for Electric Elephant, Outlook or Hideout.

Eastern Europe hosts Exit and Melt or, if Tomorrowland has always been on the Bucket List, tickets go on sale in February.

Does even the idea of lying around on a beach for a week make you feel bored?

If this sounds like you and your mates, why not consider an activity holiday?

Depending on your budget you could go big and take on Machu Picchu or, choose to keep it closer to home with multi-activity trips in the South of France or Italy. You can guarantee that every day will be different, fun-filled, and you will have really earnt those beers at the end of the day.

TOPFIVE CECILIA ZARINS WORKED AS A HOSTESS FOR YACHTS AND FRIENDS IN CROATIA.

Why did you decide to become a hostess?

It provided the perfect mix of nature, new places and new people from all over the world. Plus, it was great work experience for me.

Describe a typical day?

I’d start my day by jumping in the water for a morning swim. After that I’d prepare breakfast and then we’d sail somewhere special for lunch. Later on, we’d meet up with other boats and sail to wherever that night’s party was. And the next day you do it all over again!

What was your highlight?

Seeing dolphins swimming all around the boat is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It was magical!

Why would you recommend this holiday to big groups?

There is something for every single member of the group no matter what they like.

Either it’s sailing, partying, meeting new people or seeing new places. It’s impossible not to enjoy yourself.

What other kinds of people did you meet?

Seriously, all types of people!

The Yacht Week is such an international event, that you will end up becoming friends with people from all over. What everyone has in common, though, is the urge for adventure.

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TRAVELBITES New passport guidelines for Turkey There are new rules relating to the entry of foreign passport-holders to Turkey as from January 1, 2015.

From that date, passports should have at least 60 days validity from the date of expiry of a traveller’s visa, visa exemption period or residency permit to be able to enter the country.

The Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism says, “Travellers without the required period of validity on passports will regrettably not be allowed entry into Turkey due to this new legal regulation as of 1 January 2015.”

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AUSSIE EMBASSIES TARGET TOURIST TIME WASTERS Australian travellers who ask embassy staff for a loan to pay a prostitute have been warned by the government to expect a tart response.

Around 15,000 travellers asked for assistance at Australian embassies and consulates around the world last year, and a long list of frivolous and absurd requests has now prompted a clamp-down on time-wasters.

Foreign minister Julie Bishop introduced a series of measures designed to promote “a stronger culture of self-reliance and personal responsibility in the travelling public”, and she pointed the finger at “serial pests” who repeatedly returned to embassies with bizarre or trivial pleas for assistance.

“Our consular staff are not there to pay for the repairs to your Jet Ski; they’re not there to pay your hotel bill; they’re not there to lend you a laptop or to provide you with office space in the embassy for you to do your work,” said Ms Bishop, quoted by the BBC. Officials told of one man who turned up with a prostitute at the Australian embassy in Bangkok and was refused a loan to pay for services already rendered. Diplomats have also fielded requests for state intervention to help remove a polecat from a roof and to contest a parking fine.

And records at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade tell of Aussies who expected frequent flier miles when they were evacuated from civil unrest in Egypt

New Zealand voted world’s best country

Photos: supplied and iStock. Words: Ken Hurst and Trevor Burton

Some 90,000 people reckon the best country in the whole wide world is the land of the long white cloud...

We have no idea how many backpackers were among the 90,000 people The Telegraph says took part in its travel survey – not many we would think – but whoever they were, they chose New Zealand as their favourite country.

The paper claims that its travel awards survey is “comprehensive and reliable” and its participants chose New Zealand above all others.

The Telegraph waxes lyrically, “We rush to experience novel air routes, fall over ourselves to visit on-trend boutique hotels and are the first in the queue when a new heated gondola begins to climb the Alps. But one thing remains constant − and that’s the abiding love that Telegraph readers have for one country: New Zealand.”

Its editorial points out that this is

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the third year in a row that NZ “has thrown its fluffy shadow over the Telegraph Travel Awards”.

That’s because, it says, “New Zealand is a country that delivers almost everything a traveller could want in one easy-to-use package. This is a place where British tourists can enjoy the thrill of long-haul travel, coupled with the reassurance of being greeted in our native tongue – albeit spoken with that characteristic twang. It also thrusts dramatic scenery at us, wherever we turn. Who could fail to thrill to Milford Sound’s epic vistas, or the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park?”

The runners up were the Maldives in second place and South Africa third.

Australia? In fifth place, ahead of Japan and behind Burma.

in a government-chartered Qantas airliner in 2011.

The Australian embassy in Bangkok is busiest, followed by those in Bali, Manila, Los Angeles and Dubai.

The crackdown is intended to underline that consular services should be turned to as a last resort. In future Australia will provide minimal support to citizens who wilfully, repeatedly or negligently get themselves into trouble. It is also considering issuing a charge for consular assistance.

Aussies love travelling, and despite a modest population of only 24 million, its citizens made 9.2 million overseas trips last year.

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TOP 7 PARTY VENUES IN THE WORLD

Photos: iStock.

If you like to party, you need to add this lot to your to do list...

When humans get together with music and alcohol, wonderfully fun things can happen. On top of good company and good grog, a location can really set apart a decent party from a spectacular one.

Here, we check out some of the most incredible party venues in the world...

Starting off in Prague, Karlovy Lazne is perhaps one of the most famous clubs in the world. The five-story venue plays a different type of electronic dance music on each floor, so you can be sure that there is a floor to fit your dancing needs.

This club has become a place that has reached legendary status as one of the venues you have to party at before you kick it.

The Warehouse Project in Manchester’s Piccadilly is a 10,000-capacity nightclub that has played host to some of the best dance acts in the world. The gritty location underneath Manchester Piccadilly Station contrasts well with refined electronic tunes and the traditional warm Mancunian hospitality. All these things come together to make it one of the best nights in the UK, if not the world.

Full Moon parties are being celebrated the world over as a good excuse to jazz up a slow Thursday in a grim London nightclub. But I would recommend booking your flight and heading out to the Full Moon party held at Koh Phangan in Thailand, where the moon is said to be

brightest and most beautiful. This place has to be seen to be believed, with up to 30,000 revellers coming together to turn a beach into one of the hottest nightclubs in the world.

Hakkasan is a certified megaclub with floor-to-ceiling LED screens and charttopping DJs on the decks. Calvin Harris

brought in the New Year at Hakkasan in Las Vegas, cementing its claim as party capital of the world.

BCM in Ibiza has been described by many as a bit crazy, and a bit overwhelming with an ‘anything can happen’ atmosphere. The sound system, lasers and smoke combine with worldclass DJs to ensure that you can’t truly have ‘done’ Ibiza without visiting this spot.

Schottenhamel at Munich Oktoberfest is where the festival is opened and the first pints are consumed. The atmosphere in this 10,000 capacity tent is energetic and loud with the Unterbrunner brass band music playing great German hits of the past. Many of Munich’s young people are making this venue their location of choice to celebrate Oktoberfest, making the Schottenhamel one of the best party venues in Germany.

Fabric, based in Farringdon, London, is home to one of the best nights out London has to offer. The massive venue has five rooms of different music styles and, along with the huge dance floors, there are lots of hiding places and cubby holes to create a fun atmosphere. Often there are surprise MCs to draw in the crowds and add an air of unpredictability to what has been voted one of the best venues in the world.

For ideas on where to hold your own epic party, see venuefinder.com

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Mission impossible?

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UKTRIP

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to go to North Wales and do eight adventure activities in 48 hours. Here’s how TNT did... WORDS CAROLINE GARNAR We meet at London Euston at 17.30 hours. We synchronise watches before deciding we have plenty of time before the 18.10 train so we go to the pub. We miss the train. Damn, not a good start...

My friend and I are heading to North Wales to try out the Adrenalin Passport Challenge. Our commander is Adventure Map (which, in our head has personified into a whitebearded safari-suit wearing gent with a monocle – not sure why), and he has requested for us to mountain bike, paddle board, rock climb, zip line, complete a tree-top assault course, white water raft, go canyoning, and take a trip in a RIB super-speed boat in 48 hours.

Unfortunately for us, being an agent of adventure is not our full-time job, and so we can only squeeze five activities into our 40-hour weekend, as we travel to Llandudno Junction Friday night and head back to London Sunday afternoon.

For those of you who can head up earlier on Friday or stay Sunday to give yourself a full 48 hours in North Wales, if you get a stamp in your Adrenalin Passport from all eight involved adventure companies in this time you will be rewarded with a free Surf Snowdonia package when the artificial wave opens in 2015.

For us, our taste of adventure and the above-and-beyond friendliness of the people in North Wales began before we’d even got off the train, as a local lass offered to drive us to our hotel on her way home. Unfortunately, about half-way there, we realised there was more than one Royal Oak Hotel in North Wales and she was heading for the wrong one.

But she was sure to get us safe and sound into a taxi and instructed him where to go before she made her way home.

Welcome to Wales.

Soon checking in at the right Royal Oak Hotel, in Betws-yCoed (stableslodge.net), we sink into our big cosy beds for an early night, readying ourselves for the adventure-packed weekend ahead.

It’s a 6.30am wake-up call for us as we need to pick up our hire car from Aberconwy Car Hire so we can make our way between the adventure companies with ease. Of course if you head up earlier on the Friday you can pick it up then and get an extra hour or two in bed. Either way, don’t forget to ask for a GPS system to help you navigate your way around, although no drive is longer than 40 minutes.

As well as an adventure playground for adults, the mountains, lakes, canyons and forests of North Wales also TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Caroline tries out mountain biking with Plas Y Brenin

And here she is in the water, with thanks to Surflines’ instructor Dan

ZipWorld Velocity make it one of the most stunning places I have visited in a long while. We were particularly lucky as the week’s rain had cleared to make way for a beautifully blue sky and a sun that gracefully stretched its arms out through the burnt-orange hues of the trees as we wound our way to our first stop, Plas y Brenin (pyb.co.uk).

Among a whole host of mountain-based activities including rock climbing, mountaineering and even skiing on its dry slope, Plas y Brenin specialises in mountain biking courses. It offers one-, two- and three-day courses if you really want to master it, but for us it was a taster session in a two-hour slot. With one of us a road cyclist (my mate) and the other a can-barely-go-in-a-straight-line cyclist (me), we started right from the beginning. Luckily our tutor, Denry (yep, like Henry with a ‘D’) was a patient type who had the oh-so-important skill of being able to pinpoint exactly where we were going wrong and correcting it.

Starting on a loop circuit, we master turning by leaning instead of moving the handlebars, controlling our speed and breaking without skidding. Next we move on to a loop course that has bumps for us to ride over so we can learn how to absorb the movement, as well as how to take sharper corners. We then head into the forest to test our new-found skills. Every time we struggle, Denry would get us to walk our bikes back and try the move again until we got it right. All this meant we walked away with a huge sense of achievement after just two hours. If you are already an experienced mountain biker, the course can be adjusted to hone whatever skills you want to work on.

Feeling pretty pleased with ourselves, we made our way to our next activity, paddle boarding at Surf Lines (surf-lines. co.uk). Having both paddle boarded before, we were feeling confident that we wouldn’t have to worry about falling into the icy winter water, particularly as we chose the perfect day for it as there was barely a breeze, meaning the stunning lake was as still as a millpond.

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What we hadn’t banked on, however, was that our instructor, Dan, would be determined to get us wet (just one of the many innuendos you will discover in paddle boarding, along with “now’s a good time to get down on your knees” and “if you twist you will get a better reach around”). From getting us to duck under super-low tree branches to even trying out a few yoga poses on our boards, his attempts failed miserably – that is until he tried to get me to do a spin where I had to stand towards the back of my board. Losing my balance as soon as I shifted my feet, I took a dunk and the water literally took my breath away. The fact that there was a woman swimming nearby in a swimsuit when I had three layers of neoprene to keep me warm didn’t appear to help.

It’s all part of the adventure, though, right? And I was secretly pleased to add another adrenalin moment to my already packed itinerary – I just didn’t tell Dan that as I tried but failed to push him off his board in revenge.

After drying off we grabbed a hot chicken baguette at Caban Cafe (caban-cyf.org), which is about 10 minutes from Surf Lines up in the trees and surrounded by bird feeders so you can watch blue tits getting their lunch while you eat yours. Already feeling the burn, we needed to get our strength up for the final activity of the day: indoor rock climbing at Beacon Climbing (beaconclimbing.com).

Again, having been rock climbing before, we weren’t feeling too apprehensive. However, as seemed to be the theme with our activities so far, the instructors were keen to teach us new skills, and so for the first time we also learnt how to belay, which means you are the one responsible for making sure your mate doesn’t fall to their death... or at least drop a metre or so, scaring the shit out of them.

Of course you do it with top equipment and with full support from the instructor – a bubbly woman called Lou, in our case. We learnt the ‘five-step’ technique, where you feed the slack rope through a device and pull it taut each time they take a step up; this creates friction which means you

White water rafting with National White Water Centre

Photos: Supplied by activity companies (Zip World, National White Water Centre, Surflines, Plas Y Brenin, Treetop Adventure and RibRide) and taken by Klara Zakis

The big jump at Tree Top Adventure need minimal strength to hold the climber if they should fall.

After taking turns heading up and down a couple of walls and trusting ourselves in each other’s hands – a relationshipbuilding exercise if ever there was one – we headed over to the really fun looking bit: the crazy climb area.

Having watched kids fearlessly scale the novelty apparatus, where you are attached to an auto-belay on the ceiling, we expected this bit to be easy. But I could only get half-way up my first wall – turns out monster heads don’t have a lot to grip on to. We had a lot of fun racing each other on the timed wall, though, as well as climbing up the surprisingly high Giant’s Causeway-esque structure before having to psyche ourselves up to jump off the top, trusting the auto-belay to see us safely to the ground – which it did, otherwise I would likely be writing this article from a hospital bed.

Limbs intact but seriously starting to ache, we were happy to retire back to our hotel for the night, where we took in a truly delicious meal at The Grill restaurant. Portions are super generous – not one, not two, but four juicy strips of pork belly topped with crunchy crackling – and the quality top-notch: start with the melt-in-the-mouth deep-fried goat’s cheese and end with the warm and sweet sticky toffee pudding. Book a table as word has spread in this small spot that this is the place to eat on the weekend.

After a seriously good slumber, it was a slightly later start of 8.30am on Sunday as we made our way to Zip World (zipworld.co.uk). You can choose from Zip World Titan and Zip World Velocity, depending on the size of both your budget and your balls. The former offers sitting zip lines, where groups of up to four of you can fly down two zips totalling 80km and reaching speeds of 60mph. The latter offers the longest and fastest zip line in the world, where you can reach speeds of more than 100mph. You are laid out face down so it feels much like you’re flying; we’d imagine it would be tempting to put your arm out a-la

Speed boating with Rib Ride Superman if you weren’t holding on for dear life.

We were signed up for Titan, where we were suited up in fetching red suits and seat harnesses before making our way up to the zip lines. Fixed up and prepared for the gate to open, we were released to zoom down the slate mine before safely being met and unhooked by staff at the other end. My advice? Make this activity your first one as it is a little tamer than the others and so acts as a good warm-up to get your adrenalin juices flowing.

On the other end of the scale, the Tree Top Adventure (ttadventure.co.uk) tested our nerves a lot more than we thought it would. We both have a good head for heights and so thought we’d have little trouble with this assault course of ropes, logs and tyres suspended above the ground. However, as the course went on and the ground got further away, each obstacle wobbled a lot more. Partly because of the difficulty level, and partly because our legs were slowly but surely turning to jelly. Of course you are attached to a line with a rope so if you fall you won’t fall far, but try telling your brain that when you are walking across a swaying rope high above ground level. Trust us, it won’t listen.

But, we made it to the end, where we had to jump from the final platform attached to an auto-belay, similarly to rock climbing. Just remember – unlike me – to jump out rather than just down, otherwise you rather painfully just jump from standing to sitting on the platform before shamefacedly shimmying off the edge...

Hitting the bottom, my friend and I did our final high five of the weekend, congratulating ourselves on another challenge met. Okay we didn’t fit eight activities in, but we faced fears, learnt new skills and pushed ourselves physically and mentally. That, in my opinion, is a hell of a way to spend 48 hours.

For the details of all of the eight companies involved in the Adrenalin Passport, visit adventuremap.co.uk TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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FESTIVALGUIDE

KING’S DAY

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Words: Heidi Fuller-Love. Photos: Thinkstock and istock.

WHEN? APRIL 27, 2015

FESTIVAL GUIDE

KING’S DAY For a wacky weekend full of regal fun and frolics, you can’t beat King’s Day. It currently celebrates the Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander, who became Europe’s youngest monarch at 47 in April 2013.

This wacky festival, which turns the streets of Holland’s cities into an orangecoloured orgy of raucous activity, started back in 1885. At the time Holland’s monarchy was a bit unpopular so the then-government dreamt up the idea of King’s Day – originally known as Princesses Day – to honour the birth of Wilhelmina, the royal who later ruled for 58 years and who is renowned for her role in inspiring the Dutch resistance during World War II. The first festival took place in the town of Utrecht, but other cities soon followed suit and in 1890, when Wilhelmina inherited the throne and Prinsessedag was renamed Koninginnedag, the right royal day 00 40

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was feted all over Holland.

Banned during World War II, when Germany occupied the Netherlands, by the 1950s the newly revived festival was so popular it was awarded the status of national holiday.

There will be King’s Day festivals all over Holland, but as the country’s capital, Amsterdam’s open-air fun, which attracts more than a million visitors each year, is the biggest and craziest. For 24 hours, the whole of the city centre is closed to cars and trams, while streets, canals, parks and everywhere in between turn orange to honour the Dutch Royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau.

It’s an exciting time to be in this city famed for its nightlife and fun street life, so shine up the tiara, shove on your best (orange) ball gown, grab your sparkly wand and head out to join Amsterdammers enjoying the biggest Dutch street party of the year.

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KING’S DAY

XXXXXX FESTIVALGUIDE TOP FIVE

MUST DOS IN AMSTERDAM

WHY AMSTERDAM?

WHAT TO EXPECT

Take one of Europe’s hippest party cities renowned for its extremely tolerant attitude (think coffee/cannabis shops and sex workers), then add 80,0000+ bikes, 2,500 houseboats, a few windmills and countless cafes and clubs, and you’ll understand why Amsterdam is the best place in Holland to celebrate King’s Day in partied-up style.

But when the last bit of orange bunting bites the dust, it’s worth lingering to explore this city, which has been home to celebrities ranging from Vincent van Gogh, to Alex van Halen.

Lots of old quarters and historic streets will keep you strolling for miles, and there are plenty of canal tours, museums and live music venues to keep you busy (see right for ideas).

The festivities kick off on King’s Night, the eve of the big day, with DJ street parties and live music in cafes and on canal boats decorated in carnival style.

After an hour or so of sleep, the city continues partying at around 11am, with top bands at the Olympic Stadium competing for attention with Loveland’s huge DJ line up and four stages hosting some of the biggest names in the music business at King’s Land.

A bit later in the day, the crowds head for NDSM Wharf, where there’s live music and theatre, while others weave their way to the Alternative King’s Day at Undercurrent, where there’s stand-up comedy. Everyone ends up, though, at The Vrijmarkt, one of the world’s largest flea markets, where anything goes...

GET IN THE SPIRIT

WHAT ELSE?

To feel like you’re part of that royal vibe you’ll need to catch ‘orange madness’, a well-known festival phenomenon where revellers vie with each other to wear the most orange. That doesn’t just mean clothes and accessories, it means tinting all your body hair, including beards and eyebrows. And yes, we’re sure some match their cuffs and collar.

If you really want to get into the King’s Day spirit, you should set up your own stand in the Vrijmarket – apart from perishable food products and alcohol, you can sell just about everything. And do remember that tickets for the major events and biggest bands sell out like hot oliebollen, so you’ll need to make a plan in advance if you want to catch the top acts.

Alright it might be a tad touristy, but you can’t miss a canal tour to discover the city’s historic waterways that were classed by UNESCO in 2010. With its excellent and good-value bike rental system and kilometres of cycle tracks, you’ll also want to explore the world’s most bike-friendly capital on two wheels, but watch out for tram lines because it’s easy to get your tyres stuck.

Finally, we know that you’ll want to hit one of those coffee shops, but don’t expect to see weed on the counter – you’ll be handed a menu to choose from. Pick of the best is Barneys, famed for the vanilla kush, or the Greenhouse with its cosy dens where you can kick back (or should that be blow back?) in total privacy.

TAKE A TOKE

It’s what Amsterdam is famous for so you’ve simply got to dip your toe in by toking a marijuana joint in a ‘coffee shop’.

RED LIGHT DISTRICT

After dark, Amsterdam’s prostitutes come out and the red light district is a den of legal sex. There’s also plenty of bars and clubs if you just fancy a drink and a wander, or catch a live sex show if you’re feeling a little more adventurous.

SEX MUSEUM

No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without a wander through the eye-opening Sex Museum, celebrating erotic and pornographic art.

HEINEKEN EXPERIENCE

See how the Dutch brew their most popular beer and tuck into samples.

ANNE FRANK HOUSE

Tour the famous house where Anne Frank hid from the Nazis during the German occupation of Holland.

VONDELPARK

The biggest and best park near the city centre, it’s the perfect spot to chill out.

REMBRANDT HOEVE

Learn about Holland’s famous traditions at this clog factory and cheese farm, 30 minutes from the city centre.

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Photos: supplied by Vicky Lane

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EUROPEANBREAK

Make mine a run and Coke Is your New Year’s resolution to run the marathon? Good on you.

But we have an even better idea: try the world’s booziest race, Marathon Du Médoc WORDS: VICKY LANE It’s while overtaking Bart Simpson and Marilyn Monroe that I check my watch and realise with alarm that we’re going too fast. I hiss at my running partner Simon to slow down.

“In case we burn out?” he asks, referring to the fear of many marathon runners. “No,” I reply,“because we’re being far too naff.”

We’re only at the third mile of the Marathon du Médoc’s full 26.2mile course, yet, if there’s one thing that’s been made clear to us, it’s that if you get a good time in this race, it means you haven’t had nearly a good enough time. And by ‘good enough time’ I mean drunk nearly enough wine. If you haven’t realised yet, this isn’t your average marathon.

RUNNING DRUNK

applicants had been accepted on top of the event’s usual 8,500 quota (although, another 40,000 still had to be turned down). This meant, however, a rather slow start as whooping Smurfs, twerking pandas and over-excited cavemen fought to find space down the narrow country paths. Well, that and the fact that the majority of the runners – including Simon and I – were also extremely hungover, having attended one of the marathon’s renowned pasta parties the night before.

Hosted by nearby chateaux, it’s a chance to carb up and drink lots of fluid before the big day – fluid of the grape variety that is. It meant that by the time we reached the first ‘wine stop’ – just over three miles in – we were more than ready to begin our ‘hair of the dog’ recovery plan. What ›› could go wrong?

It was at the Paris marathon expo in April that I first cottoned on to Bordeaux’s legendary annual drinking race.

Routed through France’s Médoc region – famed for its red wines, stunning vineyard landscape and fairy-tale chateaux – it wouldn’t be unfair to describe it as the anti-marathon; water stations are replaced with ‘wine stops’, local delicacies such as oysters, foie gras and cheese take the place of the usual energy gels and granola bars, and fancy dress is the (compulsory) outfit of choice – the more extravagant the better. Basically, for a booze loving, running nut like me it was essentially Christmas, my birthday and Easter all rolled into one – just with a little more alcohol and food. I had to get involved.

DRESS TO IMPRESS This year’s theme was ‘countries and their carnivals’, one which had been taken very seriously by some of the participants – with a few even bringing their own homemade ‘floats’ to push around the course – and less so by others – such as the guy who’d merely secured a toilet roll to his head. We had agonised over it for weeks. What the heck was an iconic, recognisable, English carnival outfit?

Eventually, it was a YouTube video of dad-dancing police at Notting Hill that gave us our answer; we would go as carnival police. Genius.

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43

EUROPEANBREAK FEELING THE HEAT Mile 18. That’s what. At least for Simon. We’d been doing so well – too well in fact. At every food and drink stop – which come thick and fast – we seem unable to impose any sense of control, helping ourselves to one, two, sometimes even three cups of wine and gorging on, well, everything; fruit, biscuits, waffles, sweets, cake, cheese, bread, pâté, before wisely mixing it all up with a jig to the many brilliant bands stationed along the route. Throw in some intense heat (it was around 27° and shade is as rare as a sober runner), and a few, fully clothed lake dips to cool down, and it could only end one way; projectile vomiting. It’s the screams from some Jedi Knights that alert me to my fellow ‘policeman’s’ ailment – who, by this time, is bent over at the side of the road, clutching his sides in agony. As the sickness begins to cease, I ask if he needs anything.

“Another drink,” he says, seriously. Proud, I help him back onto the course and we continue on.

STRAGGLING BEHIND At mile 25 it becomes clear we’ve taken the ‘having fun’ rule a little too seriously. Aware that you had to finish the race in what – we thought – was a leisurely six-and-a-half hours (both usually being four-hour marathon runners) the cut-off float – decorated in brooms to “sweep up any stragglers” – is dangerously close, and yet we are dangerously too intoxicated to care. “Final push to the finish?” Simon suggests, before heaving up a second load of local delicacies. “Yep, let’s do it,” I agree, with a perfectly-timed dodge. Eleven minutes later we cross the finish line: merry, sunburnt and – late. Our final time is six hours 52 minutes – we’ve missed the cut-off time.

SLOW AND STEADY CAN WIN THE RACE Luck is on our side. It turns out we’re not the only runners to have been a tad on the slow side – a factor being blamed on the heat and extra volume of participants this year (which we, obviously, fully agree with…). As a result, the officials have decided to extend the cut-off time by half an hour, meaning we are still able to pick up our finisher’s prize – and it’s a good ’un. The usual medal is accompanied by... wine, of course. A souvenir bottle presented in a carved box, along with some engraved wine glasses.

Gratefully accepting our prize, we stagger off to contemplate the last seven hours.

It’s been the most bizarre, hardest, booze-filled – and yet exhilarating – experience of my life. And it’s left me able to think of only one thing: “Drink?” I ask Simon, who responds with an eager nod.

One thing’s for certain; however likely I am to be thrown out of the marathon runner’s golden circle after this, I know I’ll forever have a place in Marathon du Médoc’s membership club – and that makes me very happy.

Register for Marathon de Médoc in September 2015 at marathondumedoc.com 44

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48HOURS

PRAGUE

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YOUR WEEKEND IN

Words: Danny Hilton. Photos: iStock

PRAGUE

DAY ONE

Old Town Square

Astronomical Clock 46 00

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MORNING Start your day off at the ‘centre’ of Prague – the Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock (Staromestska Radnice). You’ll probably have seen pictures of this a hundred times before your trip, but only up close do you see its intricacies and superb context of gothic carvings and gold angels – a great way to start the day.

There are market stalls selling traditional Czech crafts and produce at different times of the year, so a good place to come back to if you’re buying gifts.

This part of the city is a history-lover’s dream with superb Gothic architecture and quirky details in every corner. In the Old Town Square you’ll see the grandly named Church of the Virgin Mary before Tyn, the Jan Hus monument and the beautiful renaissance-era Kinsky Palace.

On the other side of the street from the clock is the super-cute and fairly-priced Café Mozart, perfect for a strong coffee with an impressive selection of cakes.

You’ll be doing plenty of walking today, so don’t feel too guilty…

AFTERNOON There’s a lot to see in this part of Prague so you don’t need to stray too far yet.

The National Gallery sits just off the Old Town Square and it’s hosting the Alfons Mucha Slav Epic Exhibit until December 2015, a collection of giant Art Nouveau

paintings inspired by Slavic mythology and the history of the Czech nation.

They’re epic in every sense of the word and well worth a bit of time.

Prefer to keep exploring a bit more outdoors? Then stand facing the Jan Hus monument, and to the left you’ll soon find the Old Royal Palace and philosopher Franz Kafka’s birthplace.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, George Prime Steak (Platnerska 19), one of the best places in the city for a meaty lunch (12pm–2.30pm), is a short stroll away. If you fancy something a bit lighter, you can grab a tasty snack from one of the many street stalls in the Old Town Square.

Next, head up towards the Jewish Quarter to experience the unique vibe of this part of town. There are a wide variety of synagogues to see, and the Jewish Cemetery is a fascinating place to spend a bit of time.

EVENING When in Prague… go to the opera!

Prague is world famous for its fantastic operas, with tickets a fraction of the price of those in the UK. They don’t get much grander than the State Opera, a beautiful building with great facilities and an ever-changing cultural programme throughout the year.

For dinner, get a table at the nearby Bredovsky dvur restaurant (Politickych veznu 13). It’s a charming local venue with domed brick ceilings, rustic fittings

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and cosy lighting. Try traditional Czech dishes such as deer in wine sauce with nuts and potato or boar log with wild potato dumplings and red cabbage.

If you fancy partying after all that food and culture, the Aloha Bar & Club is a hedonistic gem, hidden away on a small side street in the Old Town (Dusni 11). The Hawaiian themed cocktails might not be especially traditional, but they sure are good!

Charles Bridge

DAY 2 MORNING Start your day with a caffeine fix at the charming Tricafe (Anenska 188/3). You’ll get some of the best coffee in town here, with plenty of freshly baked sweet and savoury breakfast options. The carrot cake is pretty unmissable. From here you’re really close to the iconic Charles Bridge with its many baroque statues – 30 in total. Cross the bridge and take in the wonderful views of the river, being sure to take some photos along the way.

When you reach the other side, you’ll be in the Lesser Quarter (Mala Strana), teaming with baroque buildings and churches.

Perhaps the most impressive are the Church of St Nicholas and the majestic Wallenstein Palace – currently home to the Czech Senate. The palace also has some beautiful gardens, so why not kick back and relax here for a bit?

AFTERNOON Be prepared for a steep climb up to the castle complex – but it’s worth every step. When you finally stumble across the wonderfully preserved Golden Lane, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the Middle Ages. Further along you’ll come to the Lobkowicz Palace with its impressive art collection, St George’s Basilica and the breath-taking gothic splendor of the St Vitus Cathedral. Finally you’ll come to the Valdstein Palace, with its own unique style and ornamental gardens. Have lunch at the Vikarka Restaurant – it’ll be busy in high tourist season, but the food is excellent, hearty, Czech fare – just what you need after all that exploring.

EVENING If you’re in the mood to party, Lavka Bar & Club has got it all – set on the riverbank on the Old Town side, next to Charles Bridge, this venue has a brilliant terrace facing the river, with some stunning views up to Prague Castle. Back in the old town, try some local beers at Kozicka (Kozi 1), a vibrant, buzzing Czech cellar bar near the Old Town Square.

PRAGUE

48HOURS

The insider's guide to Prague Lyndsey Mutch spent three years touring Europe as a Topdeck Trip Leader before being enticed into the office by the thought of helping to recruit the next generation. Now leading our annual recruitment drive for trip leaders, drivers and chefs (check out our website!), Lyndsey took time out to reminisce about her all-time favourite Prague insider tips... ›› Charles Bridge by night – It may be a staple on the visitor circuit but Charles Bridge is worth a night time stroll. The city by night from the bridge and especially the view of the castle all lit up (the lights were paid for by the Rolling Stones – really!) will make any trip For the culture vulture worthwhile in seconds.

For those who like to immerse ›› Letnathemselves Park – Thisinpark sits above the city on the cultural experiences while north side of the river and was home to Europe’s largest travelling, the of Hammam de it was pulled down in 1962. group statue Stalin before laToday, Mosquee du Paris is an the space is taken up by a large metronome with ideal destination.

Visitors amazing views over the city. Hint: the Hanavsky Pavilion can respectfully offers views andspend great time food if you fancy a pit stop. in the mosque and book a massage hammam ›› Prahain7the Holesovice – Holesovice in the up-andfor after. 7th Enjoy the of Prague is a great taste of the coming district wonderful architecture of city as a local.

With warehouses situated along the the mosque, and markets the Salon marina hosting throughout the day, plus a de Thè,selection which serves honey great of cafes, bars and restaurants to choose pastries and North African from, you can easily spend the day here. Check out the tea. la-mosquee.com/ selection of ‘beer tapas’ at microbrewery Pivovar Marina htmlfr/hammamfr.htm for an authentic Czech experience. ›› Astronomical Clock – another ‘bucket list’ item but with a dancing skeleton and a view of the Tyn Church which inspired the Disney logo from the same square foot of pavement, a moment in front of the clock is well worth the time (#punintended). ›› Leica Gallery Prague – While there’s always an international viewpoint on show, this photography gallery aims to showcase both Czech and Slovak photographers front and centre. Currently there’s an exhibition exploring freedom against the backdrop of the 25th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution – inspiring stuff.

To go on one of Topdeck’s trips in Europe, visit

Warm up your girls’ weekend topdeck.travel in Paris at HammaPacha

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Sukhothai Historical Park

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Flying to Cambodia Embrace the madness to discover a true Asian adventure WORDS HEIDI FULLER-LOVE

Mention Cambodia and most people think of those fabulous Angkor ruins; but when you spend more time in The Kingdom, you’ll discover that there’s a lot more to see and do. Still well off Asia’s more mainstream tourist trails – and still recovering from wounds inflicted by the brutal Khmer Rouge regime – this is one of the world’s poorest countries, which can be heartbreaking, but at the same time seems to have given Khmers a resilient nature and natural curiosity that makes them eager to meet and help travellers. With a fleet of buses in fairly good condition, it’s easy – and cheap – to travel around this bite-sized country; but apart from a sprinkling of popular coastal resorts and the country’s main towns, don’t expect to see much ‘civilisation’.

Tip: You’ll see hordes of grubby, barefooted kids rag picking and roaming the streets – especially in Phnom Penh. Don’t give them money, which is usually taken by a ringleader higher up in the chain. Instead, head for the nearest food stand and buy them something nourishing to eat – your gift will be really appreciated.

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49

Phnom Penh

Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh

Known as ‘PP’ by the handful of expats who live here, Cambodia’s capital lying at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers is a bewilderingly authentic blend of tatty colonial architecture, kamikaze tuk-tuks, chaotic street markets and great nightlife.

THINGS TO DO: Head for the Olympic stadium (Sihanouk and Monireth boulevards) at sunrise and join thousands of bendy locals doing aerobics, then pop next door to the Olympic market to buy Cambodian silks and silver betel nut containers. Next flag down a tuk-tuk and tootle over to The Royal Palace (phnompenh.gov.kh), where costly exhibits include an emerald buddha hewn out of Baccarat crystal. Let your lunch settle then head for Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (tuolsleng.com), the former high school that became S-21, Pol Pot’s most terrifying prison.

GOING OUT: Order a sunset cocktail in the colonial-era-style Foreign Correspondents Club (fcccambodia.com/phnom_ penh/boutique-hotel.php), where war correspondents holed up before they were forced to flee the Pol Pot regime, and you’ll be living the iconic PP experience. Next, feed at PP’s night market (Psar Reatrey) on the riverfront where vendors sell Khmer snacks for a song. Once you’ve eaten your fill, grab a tuk and make your way over to Equinox (equinoxcambodia.com), the best place in PP for live music and cheap cocktails.

WHERE TO STAY: When you’re tired of heat and dust, The Plantation (theplantation.asia) in a converted Khmer building is a fabulously swish place to kick back. For a budget alternative try Number 9 (number9hotel.com) an Aussie-owned hotel with clean rooms, free wi-fi and breakfast included.

Kampot

Rush hour on the rural roads in Kratie

Xxxx WORDS RACHEAL GETZELS

An hour’s bus ride from the more popular, but also pretty tacky Sihanoukville, chilled Kampot has spectacular views over the river and to the Elephant Mountains.

THINGS TO DO: Head out with Anne Pizey on a paddle board (supasia.org) to discover floating villages and critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. Make the day trip to Bokor National Park (phnombokor.com) to visit the bullet-peppered carcass of The Bokor Palace hotel, or stay a bit longer and volunteer with Cambobabs (cambobabs.skynetblogs.be) to teach the basics of English to children.

GOING OUT: Built on stilts over the river and serving a scrumptious green crab curry, it’s not surprising that Ta Ouv (+855 33 932422) is so popular. Another spot where expats and NGO’s congregate in the evening to play pool and eat massive portions of barbecued rib is The Rusty Keyhole (kampot-cambodia.com), Kampot’s liveliest bar.

WHERE TO STAY: There’s a great-value guesthouse with a pool just down the road in Kampong Kreng; Villa Vedici’s (villavedici.com) kiteboarding owner, Frank, makes killer cocktails, too.

Siem Reap

Rock tombs in Dalyan 50

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Home of those amazing Angkor ruins, even if you’re not big on architecture there’s plenty to do in Siem Reap.

THINGS TO DO: Join a tour with ProAngkor travel (proangkortravel.com) to visit the Angkor Archeological

Park or, for a more eco-friendly way to discover the site where Angelina Jolie filmed Tomb Raider, hire a bike (thewhitebicycles.org) and explore. Buy silks, Kampot pepper and sculptures from the endless array of stands in Siem Reap’s labyrinth-like night market.

GOING OUT: Feed hunger pangs for a song at one of the stands around the night market, then jive the night away at Red Piano (redpianocambodia.com), a backpacker’s favourite near lively Pub street where Angelina Jolie came to order her favourite tipple, Cointreau, lime and tonic.

WHERE TO STAY: For top-of-the-range pampering after an exhausting day ruin-hopping, try the newly refurbished art deco Park Hyatt Siem Reap (siemreap.park.hyatt.com). Or if you’re seeking a budget option, The Ivy Guesthouse and Bar (ivy-guesthouse.com) has huge rooms, a pool table, hammocks and a restaurant serving cheap beers and tasty vegetarian food.

Street vendors in Phnom Penh

Kratie This laidback Mekong riverside town makes a good base for discovering the lesser-known delights of eastern Cambodia.

THINGS TO DO: Take a tuk to Sambor, a colourfully exotic collection of pre-Angkorian temples buried in monkey-filled jungle, then hire a bike from your guesthouse (about $2 a day), cross the river to Koh Trong on a ferry and follow the nine-kilometre trail around this small lush island to discover ornate stupas and floating villages.

GOING OUT: After strolling with crowds down by the river at sunset, everyone heads for Red Sun Falling (Rue Preah Suramarit), a book-lined bar run by eccentric ex-Chicago bookstore owner, Joe. WHERE TO STAY: Packed with antiques dating from Cambodia’s colonial period, Le Bungalow (+855 23 215 651) is an upmarket bolt hole with big private lounge and restaurant serving pricey French food. A cheaper alternative, The Balcony’s (balconyguesthouse.net) spacious rooms and pretty river views make it popular with backpackers who feed for pennies in the restaurant serving hefty portions of Khmer and Western food.

Stacked human skulls, a legacy of tyranny during the reign of Pol Pot

Images: Thinkstock, anek_s, TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP/Getty Images, Ben Heys

Koh Rong With a few palm-fronded bungalows for hire, no electricity and white sand beaches, Koh Rong is an island paradise for Robinson Crusoes.

THINGS TO DO: Go diving or snorkelling to see colourful fish and coral-studded reefs with Koh Rong dive centre (kohrong-divecenter.com), circle the island in one of Cambodian Pride Tour’s sea kayaks (cambodianpridetours. com), or just laze on the idyllic, powdery white sands of Long Set beach.

GOING OUT: Koh Touch beach has a lively bar scene, but the best night owl venue on Koh Rong is Monkey Island (monkeyisland-kohrong.com) where they have cheap beers and amazing fire shows on the beach.

WHERE TO STAY: Millionaires for whom money is no object will head for the luxurious castaway resort of Song Saa (songsaa.com) in the north of the island, but mere mortals will choose Koh Rong Backpackers (facebook.com/ KohRongBackpackers) a palm-leaf bungalow on stilts where dorms for six include mosquito nets and lockers.

Rock tombs in Dalyan

Sok San pier in Koh Rong TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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18/12/2014 16:11

Put the car in America(r)

You know that headline is awesome. Just like you know renting some wheels and cruising across the USA would be awesome.

Okay, well definitely the latter anyway...

WORDS: EMMA JAYNE JONES

54

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BIGTRIP New York, LA, Las Vegas. The USA is full of iconic cities but you haven’t seen the real America until you leave the big smokes behind and hit the open road. These four road trips give you a true sense of the scale, scenery and diversity spread across the 50 states.

New York to Austin “How long will it take us?” I asked my boyfriend as we were planning our first major road trip, 1,700 miles from New York City to Austin, Texas. “Three days,” he replied without a pause for breath. My boyfriend is from Texas, a state almost three times the size of the UK where you can drive for 13 hours without crossing the border. His sense of time and distance is somewhat skewed. But then Americans drive. They drive to see family, go on holiday, find a good restaurant; the road trip is as much part of their everyday lives as sitcoms and fast food drive-throughs.

We picked up our super-sized Dodge Durango SUV on 58th street in Manhattan. After two years of living in the city I still had no idea where any of the one-way streets that crisscrossed the island went, as I had never driven them before. New York is a city on foot, which is disparate with the rest of the country where the car is king. A few dodgy intersections later, we finally made it through Lincoln Tunnel and out of the city.

We were on our way south. A chance to see America away from the bright lights and tourist trail. Okay, so we stopped in Memphis and visited Elvis’ Graceland – you can’t get much more touristy (and kitsch) than that! – but the real sights were the in between places. The small towns that stop as soon as they’ve started, the billboards emblazoned with messages from God and the roadside diners and highway motels that feel like you have stepped back to the middle of last century. Our seven-day trip – after a few negotiations!

– took us through Philadelphia and down through the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains where we learnt to ride a horse American style; with one hand for your reins and one for your lasso or beer!

The further south we drove, the more the trip came to life.

The colourful characters, fabulous food and introduction to the new way of living.

There are a few things at the heart of the South – family, food and football. As we drove through Arkansas we went for hours barely seeing a soul, but when we hit Arkansas University the football stadium rose above the city like a super liner. It’s where people from all across the state gather; the church of sport that unites people from all backgrounds.

Finally, we made it to Austin, the liberal, music-loving oasis in the cowboy hat-loving state of Texas. A great place to relax, rejuvenate and recover from the culture shock of leaving New York behind.

DO SOMETHING SIMILAR: The Trek America Southern Sun tour takes you all the way from New York, down to Austin Texas, up through Santa Fe, via the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas and finishes up in Los Angeles. This 21-day tour, starting from £1,559 takes you through a great cross-section of the country and gives you a true taste of America. trekamerica.co.uk TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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The Grand Canyon Washington DC to Niagra Falls

LA to Las Vegas

Before we had left New York, I had eased myself into the American road trip experience by sticking safely to the East Coast. I travelled up from Washington DC, through New York and the New England countryside to Boston and finishing off at Niagra Falls on the Canadian border. Three of the most impressive, jam-packed cities in one small trip – that is the joy of the East Coast as everything is, relatively, close together.

This is a city lover’s dream. From a trip to the political heart of the country to the city that never sleeps and the historic streets of Boston. The icing on the cake though is leaving the cities behind and taking the Maid of the Mist ferry out under Niagra Falls. It is a tourist-driven, overly commercial must-do!

Crossing over to the other side of the country, I also drove from LA to Las Vegas, via the Grand Canyon – an iconic trip that shows the extremes of American heritage. Two of the most lavish, expensive cities in the country interspersed with one of the most vast and extraordinary natural sights. It is a must-see road trip, and it can be done on a budget and in a short time. A lot of the hotels on the Vegas strip are surprisingly cheap as they want you to gamble the night away in their casinos. But a bit of a splurge on a helicopter ride over the canyon has to be my top tip. It’s a breathtaking and unique experience. I had also driven from San Francisco to Reno before, a trip that took us from coast to snow to desert in just one day. You can easily combine these two road trips and loop back up the coast to San Francisco, via Yosemite National Park.

DO SOMETHING SIMILAR: Trek America offers a sevenday Freedom Trail Tour, starting from £599 that takes you through the scenery of New England to the major cities and up to Niagra Falls as well as a trip to Amish country on the way. trekamerica.co.uk/tours

DO SOMETHING SIMILAR: Take the Trek America “LA and Grand Canyon Mini” tour for four days from £439 to take in the glitz and glamour of the big cities and the beauty of the canyon and Mojave Desert. trekamerica.co.uk Dallas to Wyoming A few years later we got on the road again. This time starting in Texas and a trip to another football stadium, the world famous Dallas Cowboys. The tour was littered with references to the ‘biggest’ and ‘most’ Texas had to offer.

Though as we drove by another tumbleweed on our way to New Mexico, the biggest Texas had to offer seemed to take on a different meaning.

When I asked my boyfriend what there was to see on the way through North West Texas he replied “nothing”. From previous experience I did not believe him, but as we lost radio reception and the straight roads stretched out towards the barren horizon, I realised maybe this time he was right.

As we emerged into the cowboy and Indian landscape of New Mexico though, and drove up through the mountains of Colorado, the scenes from our windows came to life.

We stopped off at one of the hot natural spas outside

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BIGTRIP of Santa Fe, smothering ourselves with healing mud and enjoying strolls in the wilderness behind the rustic rooms.

Then, once we reached Denver, Colorado, we headed up to the Rocky Mountain National Park and took in the expansive views and scenic drive around trail ridge road.

A long drive North, through the cowboy country of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and we finished up in the magnificent Yellowstone Park.

It’s amazing how quickly spending hours on the road becomes normal when you get stuck into a road trip. Rather than being the usual inconvenience that car journeys can be, it is the highlight of the adventure. The Americans love driving and maybe for good reason. It’s a chance to do nothing yet something all at once. The chance to take in the changing scenery, attitudes and priorities of the country. The chance to sit back with nothing else to do but enjoy your surroundings and bond with your travelling companions.

So whether it’s a quick city hop or a cross country marathon, taking the car has never been so exciting.

Niagra Falls

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For a varied snapshot of the USA, TrekAmerica’s awesome Southern Sun tour takes in 16 states in 21 action-packed days.

This all-American road trip gives travellers the opportunity to experience the fast-paced East, the slowmoving South and the laidback West coast.

With several National Parks to visit – Monument Valley, Grand Canyon & Zion – and highlights including a guided bike tour of Washington DC’S monuments, the chance to travel along the original Route 66, and a limousine ride in Las Vegas, this is one epic road trip!

DO IT ALL This 63-day Trek America tour is epic. It weaves you round the country from New York down to Miami, over to Austin, through the Rockies to the West Coast and then takes you up through the corner of Canada and finishes off at Niagra Falls. The two-month tour starts at £4,559.

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Book for 28th June 2015 departure from New York.

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LAS FALLAS FESTIVAL, pp SPAIN – SAVE 10% This four-day Topdeck festival trip to Las Fallas takes in one of Europe’s hottest festivals (do you see what we did there?). Make like a local as Valencia takes to the street to celebrate their patron saint’s day and the passing of winter in March. Naughty effigies, colossal bonfires and amazing parties – this is a fiery festival of ferocious proportions. Departing March 17, the trip includes three nights’ multishare hostel accommodation, three breakfasts, a walking tour of the city, a commemorative T-shirt and an awesome Trip Leader. topdeck.travel/tnt-deals

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< £250 MARBELLA, SPAIN Four nights’ B&B at the 4-star Sultan Club Aparthotel includes free spa access from £169pp. Puerto Banus (6km away) is famous for its gleaming harbour littered with fresh seafood restaurants.

Includes return flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted or London Luton, departs on various dates between January 6th & March 25th 2015. qwertytravel.com BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Three nights’ B&B at the 4-star Lions Garden Hotel from £139pp. The Szechenyi Bath and Spa and the Vajdahunyad Castle are all within walking distance. Includes free wi-fi, free minibar and 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus pass & river cruise. Return flights from London Stansted, departing various dates between January 7th and February 28th. qwertytravel.com LISBON, PORTUGAL Two nights’ B&B at the 4-star Hotel Mundial in Lisbon from £116pp. The hotel is just two minutes from Rossio Square and with a tram stop right outside, access to rest of the city is easy. Includes return flights from London Gatwick departing January 25th. holidays.easyjet.com

£250-500 REYKJAVIK, ICELAND Three nights’ 4-star accommodation at the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina in Reykjavik on a room-only basis from £289pp. Famous for its quirkiness and exciting sense of adventure. Whether you are visiting to see the famous northern lights, go whale watching or just to get away for the weekend, Reykjavik will not disappoint!

Includes return flights from London Gatwick or London Luton, departs various dates between January 19th & April 27th. qwertytravel.com

EASTER IN PARIS Three nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation in Paris from £335pp. A rocking Easter party awaits you in arguably one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and there’s no better time to be there than spring. Includes return travel from London, welcome dinner & drink, bike tour, river cruise, trip to the Palace of Versailles with picnic lunch and Paris night tour by coach.

Departs April 3rd 2015, must book and pay by January 31st, use promo code “EARLYBIRD2015”. busabout.com

Photos: Getty and Thinkstock

DAILY TRAVEL DEALS GO TO tntmagazine.com/travel/latedeals for more new travel deals, updated daily. Also sign up for TNT’s weekly Tour Search and Travel newsletters, which will be emailed to you every Monday and Wednesday with deals, prizes, news and destinations. Sign up at tntmagazine.com. To book a package tour, see TNT’s Tour Search at tnttoursearch.com

> £500 BERLIN TO BUDAPEST Ten nights’ bed & breakfast hotel accommodation, travelling from Berlin to Budapest via Prague, Bratislava and Vienna from £649pp.

Includes all coach travel between cities, tour guide and four regional dinners. Does not include external flights, departs Berlin February 14th 2015. statravel.co.uk

DUNES, DELTAS AND FALLS, SOUTH AFRICA Twenty nights’ hotel, guesthouse and camping accommodation travelling from Livingstone to Cape Town.

Track the Big Five, feel the mist of Victoria Falls, cruise the Chobe River at sunset, camp in African wilderness, meet the San Bushmen, get your heart pumping on adrenaline activities, soak up Cape Town’s culture.

Includes most meals, transport between destinations & excursions, two chief experience officers, does not include external flights. Departs Livingstone January 24th. gadventures.co.uk

TORONTO, CANADA Four nights’ room-only accommodation staying at the 3-star Bond Place in Toronto from £559pp.

Ideally located in the heart of downtown Toronto, just steps from the shops of Eaton Centre, Yonge Street, the CN Tower and the theatre district. Major attractions are just minutes away, and a Toronto Subway station is conveniently located just steps away.

Includes return flights from London Heathrow departing January 23rd. lowcostholidays.com

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The runner-up wins a £60 photography course voucher from Nigel Wilson Photography (photographycourses.org.uk).

This month’s winner and runner-up were both entries from the TNT/STA Travel Show photography competition and we feel deserve a spot on our Hotshots page.

WINNER FIRE SKY, LAKE TITICACA, BOLIVIA Norman Price

RUNNER-UP TUNES & DUNES, KHURI DESERT, RAJASTHAN, INDIA Amitava Chandra

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SPORT ROUND-UP | GAMES TO WATCH | INTERVIEWS | FOCUS GET READY TO RUMBLE

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You may not be able to join the gold-and-green brigade at the stadiums, but you can still do your country proud by shouting at the TV at ridiculous-aclock in the morning. The Asian Cup runs January 9-31, with Australia battling it out against Kuwait, Oman and South Korea to get to the knock-out stages. Turn to page 64 for the lowdown.

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ALL STAR LINEUP IN AUSSIE OPEN TENNIS

All of the top 100 men and 99 of the top 100 women were set to line up at the Australian Open as of December 12.

While it will be remarkable if that remains the case, there is always something special about the opening tennis Grand Slam of the year. Qualifying begins on January 14 with the main draw in action from January 19.

MENS BEST BET – NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Seven titles in 2014, including a second Wimbledon that took him back to No1.

Capped it off with World Tour Finals domination in London.

DARK HORSE – KEI NISHIKORI: Super-quick Japanese sensation, and World No5, isn’t among the ‘Big Four’ but coach Michael Chang says he can win a major on any surface. Came close in 2014 US Open final.

DEFENDING CHAMPION – STANISLAS WAWRINKA: Showed great promise in winning in Melbourne in January but didn’t kick on with Joker and R-Fed still top dogs.

LOCAL HERO – NICK KYRGIOS: Electric Wimbledon quarter-finalist is no longer a no-name but will be the new crowd favourite. Save a cheer for Lleyton Hewitt though (so easy to forget he was world No1 once).

SENTIMENTAL FAVE – ROGER FEDERER: The Swiss master’s topped polls as Australia’s favourite sportsman and gets bigger cheers than Murray in Britain.

Four-time champ could make it five.

TNT’S TIP – DJOKOVIC: The Serbian is just too hard to go against.

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Australia’s Winter Olympics flagbearer Alex “Chumpy” Pullin (pictured above left) defends his snowboard cross title at the 2015 FIS World Snowboard and Freestyle Championships from January 15-25. The Aussies are also tipped to feature in the freestyle aerial finals in the competitions that will, for the first time, be broadcast live around the world on youtube.com/FISFreestyle and youtube.com/FISSnowboard WOMENS BEST BET – SERENA WILLIAMS: The incredible American has 33 majors to her name and appears to have that weirdness of Wimbledon (virus?) behind her. A near unbackable favourite but beatable.

DARK HORSE – ANA IVANOVIC: No fear against Serena, who was on fire before the Serbian beat her in last year’s Open’s fourth round. The former No1 reckons she’s better now than when she was on top of the world.

DEFENDING CHAMPION – LI NA: Sadly the Chinese trailblazer retired in September, aged 32, with two grand slams to her name.

LOCAL HERO – SAM STOSUR: No shame in losing to Ivanovic last year at Melbourne Park’s third round, but big occasions have failed to go her way since the 2011 US Open triumph.

SENTIMENTAL FAVE – STOSUR: She’s just too good and likable to keep capitulating.

Last year, a first-round loss at Wimbledon and choking against Maria Sharapova when ahead in Paris must have hurt. A change of coach may help. Let’s hope.

TNT’S TIP – IVANOVIC: Serena would be too easy and is most vulnerable early on.

Watch live on Eurosport with finals on BBC

BIG MONTH FOR...

London rugby’s Saracens have some work to do to match last year’s Heineken Cup final. With two group games to go in this year’s European Rugby Champions Cup, Pool 1’s second-placed Sarries first play Ireland’s Munster, who they lead only by three points in Pool 1. Their last group game is Clermont, who lead the group by one point.

Two of the second-placed teams in the group phase miss out on the quarter finals, so it’s on tenterhooks.

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HIGHLIGHTS THIS MONTH

Words: Michael Gadd. Photos: Getty and archived

PREVIEW

Australia’s Test captain Steve Smith is an ODI star

GREAT RIVALS WARM UP FOR WORLD CUP AUSTRALIA v ENGLAND Jan 16-Feb 1 CRICKET

As far as World Cup warm-ups go, Australia, England and India have it as good as it gets. A tough tri-series between the three great rivals in one of the two countries to host the big one starting from February 14.

Just like the World Cup, Australia opens the series against England who are reeling after a flogging in Sri Lanka, with captain Alastair Cook mercilessly (and

justifiably) under fire and out of form.

With that comes a total lack of pressure against the Aussies, who after beating South Africa at home are world No1 in ODIs again.

India is No2, with their ranking helped by the volume of matches they play on the Subcontinent where they are almost a different team.

But MS Dhoni’s lot have their chests puffed out and are genuinely dangerous, especially with the bat.

Should be a cracker of a series.

LET’S GET TRIVIAL | HOPMAN CUP HOPES World No 1 Serena Williams (right) starts her 2015 season partnering men’s No42 Jack Sock in the 27th Hopman Cup from January 4-10. The tournament, unique to Perth, has been won for the US twice by Williams, with Mardy Fish in 2008 and James Blake in 2003.

Despite his superstar partner, Sock is no slouch, and as the defending Wimbledon doubles champ he will be a handy cohort to Williams, who would be expected to win her singles ties. Her group A opponents are tough though, with Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard for Canada and Lucie Safarova for Czech Republic.

Group B features defending champions France, with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga this time with Alize Cornet against Aussies Casey Dellacqua and Nick Kyrgios, Great Britain’s Andy Murray and Heather Watson, and former World No2 Agnieszka Radwanska lining up for Poland (they’re third favourite behind US and France).

1 Premier League: QPR v Swansea; Southampton v Arsenal; West Ham v West Brom; Tottenham v Chelsea 3 FA Cup Rd 3: Brentford v Brighton; Charlton v Blackburn; Fulham v Wolves; Millwall v Bradford 3 Premiership Rugby: Saracens v London Irish 4 FA Cup Rd 3: QPR v Sheff Utd; Chelsea v Watford; Arsenal v Hull 4 Premiership Rugby: Wasps v Sale; London Welsh v Harlequins 4-10 Tennis: Hopman Cup 5 Test cricket: Australia v India 5 FA Cup Rd 3: Wimbledon v Liverpool 9–31 Football: AFC Asian Cup 10 Premier League: Chelsea v Newcastle; Crystal Palace v Tottenham 10 Premiership Rugby: Harlequins v Leicester; London Irish v Exeter 11-18 World Snooker - The Masters 11 Premier League: Arsenal v Stoke 15–25 Snowsports: World Snowboarding Championships; Freestyle Ski World Championships 16 ODI cricket: Australia v England 17 Premier League: QPR v Man Utd; Tottenham v Sunderland 17-Feb 8 Football: Africa Cup of Nations 17 Rugby Champs Cup: Saracens v Munster; Harlequins v Wasps 18 ODI cricket: Australia v India 18 Premier League: West Ham v Hull; Man City v Arsenal 19 Premier League: Crystal Palace v Everton; Chelsea v Man City 19-Feb 1 Tennis: Australian Open 20 ODI cricket: England v India 23 ODI cricket: Australia v England 24 Rugby Champs Cup: Clermont Auvergne v Saracens; Castres v Harlequins; Wasps v Leinster 25 NFL: Pro Bowl (All-Star game) 26 ODI cricket: Australia v India 30 ODI cricket: England v India Feb 1 Premier League: Arsenal v Aston Villa

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SPORTFOCUS

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Words: Michael Gadd. Photos: Getty

Tadanari Lee scored in extra time to win Japan the 2011 Asian Cup final against Australia

Asian invasion Australia hosts the Asian Cup this month and is expected to give it a shake. How are they shaping up and who stands in their way?

Australia was the sole bidder for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup before it was awarded in 2011, but they’ll have competition when it begins on January 9 with all teams hoping to be there come the final on January 31.

From 44 nations, 16 teams qualify, Australia automatically as hosts and Japan as winners last time around with a heart-breaking extra-time winner in Qatar against the hosts this time around.

With the Socceroos already in, third-placed South Korea get the free ride in reserved for the runner-up, and round out the top three favourites for the tournament. Somehow, the South Koreans are also in the Aussies’ group A. Showing up the FIFA world rankings system’s stupidity, Australia, second favourites for the tournament, is third ranked in its group behind The Reds and Oman.

Ange Postecoglou’s barometer of where his side is at could have been the November friendly against Asia’s best side, Japan, which they lost 2-1.

The Blue Samurai won the last Asian Cup final over the ‘Roos in extra time. And in Australia’s debut in the tournament in 2007 they lost to the same side in the quarter finals – it was the first time Mark Schwarzer had lost in a penalty shoot-out.

The Aussie coach’s main problem is his biggest threat remains beyond his prime former Everton man Tim Cahill, who has had to bail his side out too many times.

Nevertheless, the hosts are well fancied to produce something, and captain Mile Jedinak won’t want to be deserting his relegation -battling Crystal Palace for a damp squib. Here’s what lay ahead and what you need to know about Australia’s group opponents.

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AUSTRALIA’S GROUP A SOUTH KOREA Their story: Having qualified for every World Cup since 1986, they’re a force. In Australia, the inaugural winners in 1956 equal the record 13th appearance at the Asian Cup but, it’s amazingly been 54 years since they’ve won it and they’re chasing a third.

German Uli Stielke takes over from Korean legend Hong Myung-bo after a poor Brazil World Cup which yielded only a draw.

Watch out for: Swansea City’s Ki Sung-yueng is their biggest name, but it could be time for Ulsan Hyundai striker Kim Shin-Wook to find form for his country.

Fun fact: All-time leading goal scorer’s name is Cha Bum-kun (great player for Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen, awesome name).

OMAN Their story: They’ve come a long way since being Gulf football’s whipping boys. Socceroos won’t forget the massive scare they gave them in Sydney to give their World Cup qualification hopes a massive scare. It took a Tim Cahill header and a Brett Holman screamer to save a 2-2 draw.

Watch out for: Captain and keeper Ali Al-Habsi (Wigan, on loan at Brighton) is their only overseas player. Greatest asset is savvy manager Paul Le Guen, the French former PSG player and manager who led Cameroon before moving to The Red Warriors.

Fun fact: Oman (which included bits of now UAE) were beaten 21-0

by Libya in 1966.

KUWAIT Their story: The lowest-ranked team in the group but a pain in the host’s proverbial. Kuwait’s been a guaranteed tight one through their history against each other and are the Aussies’ bogey team with two wins and a draw in their last three meetings. They were smashed by Oman 5-0 in the Gulf Cup of

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Nations, and won this tournament back in 1980.

Watch out for: Bader Al Mutawa is just 29 but by far their most experienced player with 141 caps and 46 goals.

Fun fact: After qualifying for 1982 World Cup, their only one to date, they got a goal disallowed against France by walking off the pitch.

GROUP B

GROUP C

GROUP D

Uzbekistan Saudi Arabia China North Korea

Iran UAE Qatar Bahrain

Japan Jordan Iraq Palestine

e 2015 n u J 5/6/7 IrD TEaM th

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SOCCEROOS FIXTURES January 9: Australia v Kuwait, Melbourne Jan 10: South Korea v Oman, Canberra Jan 13: Kuwait v South Korea, Canberra, Oman v Australia, Sydney Jan 17: Australia v South Korea, Brisbane Oman v Kuwait, Newcastle KNOCKOUT STAGE Quarters Jan 22/23 Semis Jan 26/27 FINAL Jan 31

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LIFESTYLE

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CAREERS | LIVING | CLASSIFIEDS | DESPERATELY SEEKING

BORIS BACKS BIKE DAY Boris Johnson has said he thinks it’s worth “dusting off” the idea of implementing car-free Sundays in parts of London. He made the claim after visiting Jakarta, where they have opened roads to only pedestrians and cyclists from 6am on Sundays for 16 years. We’re up for it!

LIFESTYLECAREERS

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You can work it out It’s a new year, and many of us are thinking about freshening up our careers and finding a job we really love – but where to start?

There are some people who seem to have been clear about what their career was going to be almost from the moment they left their mother’s womb – and they somehow miraculously achieve it. Then there are others – the vast majority of us – who have to work it out as they go along.

This process can be very stressful, with pressure from family, friends and even the media to find a “proper job”.

Here, business coach Patrick Donoghugh (inheritancecoaching.com) shares his tips for working out what you want:

Don’t worry Don’t worry if your dream job isn’t immediately obvious to you. There is potentially nothing more damaging to your confidence than inaction, based on fear of failure. By taking some affirmative action, you’ll already start to feel better. Even if it doesn’t work out, 68

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you’ll have learnt a bit about yourself and it will almost certainly have led you somewhere interesting.

As a starting point, write down things that you enjoy in life, then write down things that you think you’re good at.

You’ll probably find there’s a fair bit of overlap. Now try to think how you might get paid do some of those things.

What do you want out of it?

What is this job going to give to you?

Think about how much you need to get paid, but don’t dismiss a job on the basis of money, just be aware of the figure that you need to get to. Also, beyond the financial, determine what else you’d like from your new career, e.g. flexible working hours etc.

Be selfish Remember, this is about establishing what you want to do, not what other

people think you should do. The two can get confused at times. Friends and family are usually well intentioned, but they can hold you back as their opinion of you is based on how they see you now, not who you might be in the future.

It doesn’t have to be forever Don’t stress about the long-term prospects of your chosen career: the age of the golden watch for 25 years’ service are over. Just look at this as a process of exploration, about yourself and what is in the outside world.

Before becoming a business coach, my career took in psychiatric nursing, standup comedy and making ads. I believe I’m a more interesting individual as a result of doing all those things, versus if I’d stuck with just one of them.

Create a list of companies When you’ve arrived at an idea for a

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WHY YOU SHOULD GO FREELANCE...

Photos: Thinkstock

Freelancing can be one of the best career moves a person can make.

Here are six great reasons to make the shift...

career, draw up a list of who you’d want to work for; are there companies in that sector that you really admire? If you’re going to work for yourself, draw up a list of potential clients; who might buy your product or service?

Exploit your network You’ll know more people than you realise, and they’ll know more people than you realise. Unashamedly lean on friends, family, former colleagues, anyone who might think remotely well of you to gain introductions in the area you want to work in. If that doesn’t turn anything up, approach people from your list of companies directly to see if they’ll meet for coffee to give you some advice.

Even strangers will be more willing to help than you might think. The more conversations you can generate, the more you’ll find other doors opening for you in ways in which you hadn’t likely anticipated.

Build an online presence (in a good way) Google your name and see what comes up. This’ll be the first stop for most prospective employers/customers. Create a LinkedIn account, if you don’t have one already. If you do have one, update it and populate it fully.

It might also be worth deleting those Facebook pictures of that stag/hen do in Magaluf…

Don’t be put off If you get a few knock-backs or rejections, it can be easy to get a little despondent and start to doubt your ability. Keep the faith. As Winston Churchill put it, “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” Try not to take a rebuff personally; treat it as some information that you didn’t have before. With that information in mind, would that alter your approach next time round?

Have a deadline To avoid drifting, set yourself a reasonable deadline to get your job. If the deadline arrives and you haven’t got there, don’t feel you’ve failed. There is a military adage that says any strategy only ever survives one exposure to the enemy, before you have to rethink your objective. Use your deadline as a bearing to assess how far you’ve come, and think about what you might do next. Don’t be concerned about changing your objective based on what you’ve learnt.

Good luck!

Coffee shops Make use of the extensive coffee shops London has to offer so you can combine work and pleasure.

Sipping on an expertly prepared flat white while working on your project has got to be a major perk of working out of the office.

WiFi everywhere London has some of the best WiFi coverage in the world, which means that you can get down to work at The British Library, The Southbank Centre and even the tube!

Flexible work If you’re freelancing, you have the opportunity to see London at all times of the day, even those when most people are at work. This means that you can frequent museums, food courts and go shopping without the threat of a crowd disrupting your enjoyment of this fine city.

No commute This has got to be one of the best perk of freelancing in London – you can say goodbye to that dreaded commute. Simply roll out of bed, make yourself coffee and continue with your projects.

More business opportunities So much of the world’s business is completed right here in the big smoke, you could network with the right people anywhere. That means going to the pub could be part of your work!

Visit contractorfinancials.com for freelance opportunities.

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Make your move Are you a miserable Brit? Quit your moaning and make 2015 the year you move to Oz – we’re telling you, you’ll love it, and it’s easier than you think...

How does enjoying the wild outback before chilling with a beer at a barbie on a warm evening sound?

Many of us crave the move to a new way of life but are too easily put off by the stresses this can involve, when there are in fact migration experts that can help out.

Registered migration agents can help you to process your visa, find a suitable job and settle down in your new home.

“The agent can map out the correct pathways available to make the move as smooth and seamless as possible,” tells Hannibal Khoury, an agent at Thames Migration.

Thames Migration devotes its entire practice solely to Australian immigration and visa work. The company conducts seminars across the country, offering bespoke services to individuals, couples and families.

There are tonnes of reasons UK residents choose to relocate to Oz, with some of

the top ones being the glorious weather, awesome natural landscape and desirable job prospects for certain occupations.

Khoury highlighted that the top industries that are seeking employees in Australia are automotive, hospitality, horticulture and construction.

This covers so many jobs and diverse interests that there are bound to be loads of UK residents who can benefit. The sooner you get started with your application, the quicker you can snap up a job as a landscape gardener, mechanic or electrician in Sydney, Perth or the Gold Coast.

The Skilled Worker Visa (subclass 457), which is valid for up to four years, only takes around four to eight weeks to receive, while a Skilled Migration Visa (permanent) currently has a waiting time of three months from date of lodgment.

Thames Migration has strong links with Australian recruiters, Australian employers,

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as well as settlement and relocation services for Australia, so they can help you get moving with your plans.

Filling out your form To speed the process along you must avoid the common mistakes people make when applying for a visa.

With more than10 years of experience as a migration agent, Khoury has come across them all.

“Australia is welcoming to new migrants; however, you must still ensure you meet strict immigration policy requirements,” he says.

Here, Khoury highlights the top pitfalls to avoid to ensure a smooth process: Leaving out information A common mistake is to omit or ‘curb the truth’ on certain bits of information on your visa. Australia doesn’t look kindly on misinformation, so it is always best to be completely candid on your visa application in order to avoid jeopardising your future in the country should this oversight come to light.

Exaggerating claims A common mistake is to embellish your claim when applying for a particular visa. If you intentionally embellish your claim with the hope of increasing your points score and the likelihood of getting an invitation, this may lead to your application being refused. If your visa application is refused you will lose your visa application charge and may also be subject to a bar,

which prevents the grant of a further visa.

Incorrect completion of forms A form not being completed accurately is another common issue. If you’re required to answer a question on a form, it must be answered.

Unanswered questions can cause delays in the processing of a visa application or may result in an application being refused.

Applying for the right visa Australia has different visas for different purposes of visit i.e. permanent residence or a work visa. Often, people emigrating from the UK don’t actually fill in the right visa form. This is why many people will seek the advice of Australian migration experts prior to applying for a visa.

Standard of proof Many people go to Australia to work, so references are required as part of the work visa. Be sure to provide enough sufficient evidence from your previous employers. Registered migration agents are experienced with lodging applications to the Department of Immigration and have an expert understanding of what is acceptable documentation.

Whatever you’re looking for in your new life, make an appointment with an agent to discuss your objectives and you could be surprised by what they can arrange.

Just think, if you want to get away from the cold British winter, you could be off soon to enjoy a paddle at the Great Barrier Reef. What are you waiting for?

Average rental prices in London have dropped by 3.8%, though you could still be paying half of your income.

As Britain’s property market continues to cool, rental prices are dropping too. According to data from HomeLet, rental prices in five of seven UK regions dropped between September and October.

However, they are still 7.5% more than in the same period of last year.

London still has the UK’s highest rent to income ratio. The mean average cost of renting in London (£1,413) is 49% of the average income in the city, compared to 47% for Edinburgh (£700) and Birmingham (£550).

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for cheaper rent, then you might want to consider the most affordable city in the UK – Plymouth – with the average rent of £510 accounting for only 27% of average annual income.

We love vibrant London life, so are chuffed that the market is smoothening out and giving us some breathing space.

If you’re wondering what the most affordable cities are after Plymouth, these are Cardiff, Leeds, Norwich and Glasgow – not bad choices either!

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DESPERATELYSEEKING

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Are you desperately seeking someone or something? Email caroline.garnar@tntmagazine.com with your message

SAY WHAT?! so i pulled that guy i fancy at the office christmas party – at least i think it was him. it was dark so it might’ve been that girl with the moustache.

Sexy sinorita (I think): You looked Spanish, or maybe Japanese, or Nigerian – anyway you had something exotic in you.

Want to add Australian to that list?

In the dog house: I feel really bad. I got my dog drunk last night and he’s not moving. Should I call an ambulance?

Hopping mad: I saw you in the

Super man: You looked like a rugged Clark Kent in your glasses at the work Christmas quiz. Can I be your Lois Lane?

Are you talking to me? You have blonde hair and blue eyes. Yes you. You know who you are.

Lyrical love: Find me somebody to love. Find me somebody to LOVE. Find me somebody TO LOVE.

THINGS THE QUEEN SHOULD DO BEFORE SHE DIES

boobs help me think. let me squeeze your boobs and i’ll come up with an answer.

Photos: supplied and Getty. Words: Ken Hurst, Stephanie Palmer and Caroline Garnar

What kind of cheese never tells the truth? a lychees.

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‘where’s chelsey?’ ‘near kensington’ ‘who’s kensington?’[[

Take up pole dancing – it’s the most in vogue way of getting fit ma’am.

cornershop and I was wearing my pink rabbit slippers. It was noon on a Monday. I do have a job and a life, honest. I was just hungover that day. Hope to see you there again, minus my bunnies...

Simple math: You’re 6ft 4, I’m 5ft 1. Let’s get together and make normal-sized babies. Shorty x

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Somebody that I used to know: Hey everyone. I’m trying to track down a girl I knew at school.

Her name was Sophie McKensy and she was HOT. She doesn’t seem to be on Facebook, or Twitter, or LinkedIn. She doesn’t live with her parents any more and they have told me to go away as she doesn’t want to see me. But I just have to.

I’ll be camping outside her parents’ house, but in the meantime, if you know her, please get in touch.

Silent witness: I watch you from afar at the office but I’m too scared to say hello. I thought I would have the courage at the Christmas party, but I got drunk and went home with that Ugly Betty lookalike instead. Then vomited on her shoes. Please talk to me. Tim Midnight mystery man: We were at that weird pre-New Year’s Eve New Year’s party, and at midnight you walked straight up to me and kissed me. You wore a mask so I never got to see your face, but your lips felt amazing.

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