Top 10 Places in Belgium

The Grote Markt or Grand Place (central square of Brussels) - UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brussels, Belgium
Royal Palace of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium

The Brussels Town Hall, Brussels, Belgium 

The Breadhouse, Brussels, Belgium 

Atomium, Brussels, Belgium

Manneken Pis, Brussels, Belgium

St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, Belgium
Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp, Antwerp province, Flanders (Flemings/Flemish Region), Belgium

Namur Citadel, Namur, Walloon Region (Wallonia), Belgium

The Graslei, Ghent (Gaunt), Flemish region, East Flanders, Belgium 

St. Petrus and St. Paulus Church, Ostend, Flemish province, West Flanders, Belgium

Ypres, (World War I battleground between Germany and the Allied forces), Ypres, Flemish province, West Flanders, Belgium

The Grote Markt or Grand Place (central square of Brussels with Flower Carpet) - UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brussels, Belgium

Royal Palace of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium

The Brussels Town Hall, Brussels, Belgium

The Breadhouse, Brussels, Belgium

Atomium, Brussels, Belgium

Manneken Pis, Brussels, Belgium

St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, Belgium

Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp, Antwerp province, Flanders (Flemings/Flemish Region), Belgium

Namur Citadel, Namur, Walloon Region (Wallonia), Belgium

Namur Citadel, Meuse River and Walloon Parliament, Namur, Walloon Region (Wallonia), Belgium

The Graslei, Ghent (Gaunt), Flemish region, East Flanders, Belgium

St. Petrus and St. Paulus Church, Ostend, Flemish province, West Flanders, Belgium

Cloth Hall & Ypres Cathedral, Ypres, Flemish province, West Flanders, Belgium

Top 10 Places in Britain

Top 10 Places in Britain

What makes Britain so forgotten, you wonder? I’ve traveled far and wide, and still believe Great Britain to be one of the most underrated locations on earth.  Enveloped in white winter snow, or sunny with the nation’s signature rain showers, our island is simply magnificent.

People complain about the unpredictable weather, and it’s no myth that you should carry an umbrella with you at all times, but healthy precipitation gives us the plushest, greenest, thickest and most luxurious grass in our vast countrysides.  I think anyone who has doubts about a British holiday, foreign or otherwise, is missing out.

Here are my top 10 places to visit in Great Britain and the British Isles:

1. Wastwater Lake, Wasdale Valley

The name Wastwater doesn’t have the same ring as Windermere.  It certainly doesn’t create the same hype either, but this stunning body of water is the most awe-inspiring of them all. It’s the deepest lake in England and the most undisturbed.  Not yet brimming with Lake District tourists, Wastwater is truly serene.  Surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the country, you will feel completely encircled by nature’s most excellent creations.  I would highly recommend a romantic break with a rented cottage or a quaint B&B.

2. Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Why do I love Snowdonia so much?  Other than its outstanding beauty, Snowdonia (known as “Eryri” in Welsh), is the heart of so many different attractions, and this is what makes it the perfect destination for family holidays.  Home to Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, Snowdonia National Park attracts outdoor thrill-seekers, hikers and climbers throughout every season of the year.  But the scenic area also has some great beaches such as Aberdyfi, Barmouth or Aberdaron, castles, adventure parks and watersports, so it’s easy to please a big group.

3. Stonehenge and Avebury, Wiltshire

Stonehenge is a famous historical site which attracts people from all over the world, but many forget about the second Stonehenge site, Avebury.  The eerie remains within these two ancient locations, tell a story of how these structures were used as ceremonial sources, and how today, the stones come to life at night.

Whether you believe the legend or not, the incredible stone circles at Stonehenge and Avebury are really remarkable.  Wiltshire is an incredibly rural area, dotted with quaint villages with cute tea rooms.  This is the perfect insight into an English country lifestyle.

4. Edinburgh, Scotland

One of the most beautiful and dramatic cities in the world, Edinburgh has an arty kind of charm that most capital cities don’t.  Although there is so much to see and do for everyone, including the grand Edinburgh castle located in the busy city centre, this destination is more of a treat for adults in terms of luxury wining and dining.  I love Edinburgh because it’s a great place to indulge in rich and elegant food, expensive wines and local whiskies, all with a stunning historical backdrop, finished off with a pretty Northern coastline.
5. Scarista Beach, Isle of Harris

This is a secret piece of heaven found on one of Great Britain’s surrounding islands.  The water surrounding the island of Scarista beach are the clearest in the UK and the sand is lovely and white. It’s almost hard to believe that you’re in Britain when you’re here.

6. Bowness-in-Windermere, Cumbria

There are so many places you can stay in the Lake District, but I love Bowness because of its location in the heart of the Lakes, and its easy access to almost everything, including shops, pubs and restaurants.  Lake Windermere is the largest lake in the UK and the water provides a pleasurable mode of transport to other nearby beauty spots nestled along the shore.

7.  Great Bay, St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly

The plush green vegetation, the white sandy beach and the bright blue waters could fool you into thinking you were on Ko Phi Phi in Thailand.  But a sharp gust of British wind will bring you right back to reality in Cornwall.  Great Bay in St Martin’s is a secluded paradise in the Celtic Sea, away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. It’s a boat trip away from Cornwall’s coast and other surrounding islands are worth exploring too.

8. Giant’s Causeway, Derry

This natural phenomenon really makes you ponder the art of nature.  Created by volcanic activity over 50 million years ago, the bizarre basalt columns make the Giant’s Causeway an extraordinary natural site.  Hotels can be found close to the Giant’s Causeway but I like to stay in the walled city of Derry, just one hour away.  Derry is the last walled city to have been built in the whole of Europe and it’s also the most intact.

9. The Peak District

The Peak District has been crowned as the second most visited national park in the world, so perhaps this place is not so forgotten – but it certainly deserves to be in my top 10 places to visit in Great Britian.  Close to major cities such as Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds, The Peak District is within easy reach from the glamorous city life.

I recommend The Peak District to anyone who loves being outdoors.  This vast, rugged landscape is heaven on earth for hikers, ramblers, bikers, fell runners and climbers.

10. Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfalls, Wales

There’s nothing more fairytale-like than a beautiful waterfall.  Pistyll Rhaeadr is an enchanting waterfall found in the Berwyn Mountains of Wales.  The imposing mountain landscape carves an elevated view of the world below.

Top 10 Places in Golden Pradue

Romantic "City of 100 Spires"

A true crown jewel among the European capitals, Known as the "Golden Prague" or City of 100 Spiers", once the capital of European culture, with Mozart and Kafka among it's many famous residents. Prague fell into oblivion during the communist era but has now retaken it's obvious place as one of Europe's vibrant, romantic must see capitals.
With most of it's attractions within walking distance from the city centre, Prague offers an architectonic feast for the eye, with all it's well preserved splendour from different historical epoques like Medieval, Baroque, Renaissance, Art Noveau amongst others. Every corner you turn in the dwindling streets hides a new surprise. 2009 the city boost's two guide Michelin one star restaurants and the city has made a meteoric rise on all fronts since the velvet revolution in 1989.

1. Charles Bridge

The main artery of central Prague connecting the Old Town with Lesser Town(Mala Strana) crossing the river Vltava. The bridge is nowadays a pedestrian zone and very popular with various street artists and souvenir vendors. The bridge is a piece of artwork decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues, most of them baroque-style, erected around 1700. The Old Town bridge tower is often considered to be one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world. On Charles Bridge, there is a place on the statue of St. Jan on which visitors can place their hand to make a wish. Choose Queen Sofia, and keep a secret of your choice untold forever; choose the image of Jan being tossed off Charles Bridge, and you'll return to Prague.

Next to the Charles Bridge you have the Kampa Park restaurant, one of the city's finest restaurants frequented by celebrities. Sit down, have meal and enjoy the Charles Bridge seen from the west shore of the old city.

Photo by iLoveButter on Flickr

2. Prague Castle

Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world, according to Guinness book of records, and is the seat of the President of the Czech Republic.
The complex consists of Saint Vitus Cathedral (the most recognisable landmark in the city), viewing towers, museums and art galleries, a monastery, The Golden Lane, several palaces, including Lobkowicz Palace, and St. George's Basilica; the latter being a popular venue for early evening classical concerts.
Perhaps the most interesting part is the Golden Lane, also known as the Goldsmiths or Alchemists Lane, with its "half" small houses attached to the outer wall of the castle. The famous author Franz Kafka once lived here for a while in his sisters house.
The Castle houses the Czech Crown Jewels, locked in, with seven different people each one holding a unique key to the vault. The crown jewels are on display on rare occasions. Some stones on the Crown of Saint Wenceslas are the biggest in the world.

3. Astronomical Clock and Old Town Square (Staromestske namesti)

Be prepared for a big crowd in front of the Orloj in the old town square,old town city hall. Every hour, a small trap door opens and Christ marches out ahead of his disciples, while the skeleton of death tolls the bell to a defiant statue of a Turk. Richly ornamented this is a unique masterpiece of an astronomical clock with functions for the revolutions of the sun, moon and stars amongst others.

Dating back to 1410 Various functions has been added during the years. It is unique being the oldest of similar clocks where the original clockwork has been in operation for whole six centuries. 80 years after it's initial construction master Hanus rebuild the clock according to legend. The councillors had Hanus blinded that he would never manage to build another instrument greater than the Orloj. To revenge master Hanus deliberelity damaged the clock that no one could ever fix it again. He also put a spell which made anyone who tried, to go mad or died. Apparently it is a repaired version we see now, with a few clock repairers going mad down the years.

With its ancient buildings and magnificent churches the old town square is one of the most beautiful historical sights in Europe. Domineering the old square is The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, or Tyn Church, (Týnský Chrám). With its two asymmetrical baroque towers this is a landmark to be seen from all over Prague, specially striking lit up at night time.

At the centre of the Old Town Square is the Jan Hus statue. The supporters for his beliefs during the 14th and 15th centuries eventually led to the Hussite wars.
Take your time, sit back and soak up the atmosphere over a coffee at one of the many outdoor cafés surrounding the square.

4. Jewish Cemetery

It is a strange sight to see 12.000 gravestones closely crowded with some only showing the top through up to 12 layers of graves. 100.000 Jews were buried in this small plot between 1439 to 1787 and it is the oldest existing Jewish cemetery in Europe in the Josefov, the Jewish Quarter of Prague
The entrance to the Old Jewish Cemetery is through the courtyard in front of the Pinkas Synagogue and the exit is near the door to the Klausen Synagogue, where you also find a street full of souvenirs.
Many well-known Jews are buried in the Old Jewish Cemetery with Rabbi Judah Loewas the most famous. Rabbi Judah Loewas was the creator of the "golem" a Jewish version of the Frankenstein's monster created of mud from the river Vltava. Golem run amok and had to be put down. He is still to this day supposed to rest in the attic of the Old-New Synagogue.

5. Wenceslas Square

The heart of the new town is Wenceslas Square, which is more like a boulevard. This has been the parading ground for all kinds of organisations and political parties. From anti-communist uprisings to celebrations of national sporting achievements. It holds a historic significant place in the Czech history since it was at the stairs of the National Museum, domineering the top of the boulevard, Jan Palac burnt himself to death in protest of the soviet invasion in 1968.
The night life and entertainment is rife around the square and there is an array of hotels and international shops.
Look out for the Melantrich where Alexander Dubcek and Vaclav Havel appeared together on its balcony in November 1989, a major event of the Velvet Revolution.

6. U FLeku

What is trip to Prague without visiting a genuine Czech beer hall? U Fleku, founded in 1499,
is one of the finest, with it's own micro brewery and restaurant in the many individual rooms with interesting names such as The Sausage, The Academy, The Knights Hall, The Cabaret, and the Suitcase.
Take a seat at the long tables and you will soon have a nice dark U Fleku lager in front of you, served buy a big Madame with a giant beer tray. A guy with an accordion entertains with traditional Czech songs which contributes to typical beer hall style atmosphere. After a few beers you might get hungry and are ready to enjoy the fine traditional Czech cuisine here. Watch out! As waiters walk around with trays of beer or Becherovka and will leave your drink at the table, settling the bill at the end of your visit. This system makes it quite easy to spend a lot more than you intended!

U Fleku is extremely popular all year round because it is simply a great place to enjoy traditional Czech food, beer and entertainment. To get a seat, be there early!

7. Hotel Evropa

If you want to have a time travel back when Art Noveau was created, step in to the Hotel Evropa, located on the famous Wenceslas Square. Once the Grand Dame of the Wenceslas Square. This is the place where time stood still. In the restaurant you can have a dinner surrounded by palm trees in a typical fashion for that era. The Art Nouveau restaurant called "Titanic restaurant" is world renown as well as the Café Evropa, its wooden and etched-glass grandeur is well worth a coffee and a look. At times there will be a three man orchestra playing Wiener classics.

Hotel Evropa's unique interior has appeared in many films of various world productions, for example the well known "Mission Impossible" with Tom Cruise. You may also recognize the interior from the blockbuster Titanic. The movie based the dining room of the ship on the Evropa restaurant and cafe.

8. Lesser Town, Mala Strana

Under the slopes of the Prague castle you find Mala strana(little quarter) where virtually nothing in the architecture has changed since the 18th century. Mala Strana resides impressive baroque palaces and old houses. Its centre is Malostranske square with St. Nicholas Church. Take stroll down Nerudova Street (Nerudova ulice)
It used to be a main approach to Prague Castle. The street got its name after the famous Czech poet and writer Jan Neruda who lived in the house of The Two Suns (U Dvou sluncu). In the street you will find many quaint restaurants, shops with souvenirs and crafts and also hotels and embassies.

Photo by swperman at Flickr

9. Church of Our Lady Victorious and Holy Infant of Prague

This is a compulsory stop of for many worshippers from the entire world to see the little statute of the Holy Infant Jesus. The home of holy infant Jesus is a beautiful baroch church. Under the church is a crypt of members of the Carmelite order.
The statuette was donated by Duchess Polyxena of Lobkovicz donated to the church in the first half of the 17th century. A collection of dresses that were given to the Holy Infant as an expression of gratefulness, is situated in a room in the upper floor, the entrance is on the left from the altar.

Legend has it that the statuette was made by a Spanish monk after the infant Jesus appeared in front of him during garden work.

10. Fred and Ginger or the Dancing House

Prague is not all about historical architecture. An astounding and contemporary building is the Dancing House, Nationale-Nederlanden building in downtown Prague. It was designed by Yugoslavian-born Czech architect Vlado Milunic in co-operation with Canadian architect Frank Gehry on a vacant riverfront plot, where the previous building had been destroyed during the Bombing of Prague in 1945. The building was completed in 1996.
Have a meal on the roof of the building in the French restaurant with magnificent views of the city.

Top 10 Places in Ireland

Top 10 Magical Places to visit in Ireland

For being a relative small country Ireland has loads to offer anyone who visits the island. Many places are magical, and mystical. You can easily understand the sceneries impact on traditional storytelling as well as modern day literature and films. Many of the scenes seems to jump straight out from books, like Tolkien's Lord of the rings, or CS Lewis's Narnia series. Here is a list of top 10 places to visit in Ireland. Some are well known, but some lesser. Please leave your own suggestions below!

1. Cliffs of Moher

On the west coast of Claire, just north of Lahinch, you can stand on top of Europe's highest cliffs and feel really small and humble as you watch the open Atlantic deep below. A truly majestic scenery with boats looking like toys on the waves below. You can easily get a feeling you are standing at the end of the world. The cliffs where once the site for watch towers looking out for invading Vikings.

Tips! Stop and listen to the girl, who play the beautiful Irish harp, on the steps up to the look out tower.

2. Killarney

Visit the Lake Hotel in Killarney, County Kerry, and have a dinner watching the stunning view of the Killarney mountains and it's lake system. Must be one of the most romantic settings in the world. Here you can also take a horse and carriage tour. Then take a trip to the Victorian Muckross House situated at the middle lake, visited by Queen Victoria in 1861. More than a century after her visit, much remains the same in this fine Victorian mansion, set in the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park.

3. Giant's Causeway

Thousands of perpendicular polygonal basalt columns, hexagonal in shape, tightly packed together in form of a giant pathway disappears out in the sea. At a first glance this remarkable geological formation appears to be man made. It is not hard to understand the birth of the myth, saying it was the giant Finn McCool, who started building this pathway, to cross the sea to deal with a rival giant called Fingal in Scotland.

4. Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry

For those who seen the film "Ryan's Daughter" knows about the endless beaches on the Dingle peninsula. There is also a big "pirates cave" on one of the beaches figuring in the film. The film "Far and Away" with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman was also shot on the peninsula. If you make the Slea Head drive around the peninsula you must have a look at the steep zig-zag walk down to the harbour Dunquin, where you can take a boat over to the Blasket islands. The town of Dingle has it's own celebrity resident dolphin, that you are almost guaranteed to se on the guided tours that leaves from the harbour.

5. Skellig Islands

Skellig islands shoot up like two black pyramids circled by birds in the Atlantic ocean. These islands are the blue print for all magic mystical islands, the place you would imagine home for pirates, but in fact a monastic outpost of the Early Christian period. The archaeological value of the islands is as well known as it is well-preserved. To reach them is a one and a half hour boat trip leaving from Valentia during April to late September. The islands are also home for many varying birds species.

6 Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Antrim Northern Ireland

23 meters over the Atlantic you cross over a tiny rope bridge, traditionally erected by salmon fishermen. Carrick-a-Rede island is the home of Fulmars, kittywakes, guillemots and razorbills which breed on the islands close to the rope bridge. Be prepared for a vertigo sensation as you look down or out on Rathlin Island and Scotland. A short coastal footpath leads to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. On the way, there are wonderful vantage points to stop and take in the natural beauty.

7 Glendalough, County Wicklow

Glendalough is a breath taking glacially sculpted green valley with steep mountains coming down to two tranquil lakes. As a true Oasis in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glendalough is one of the most visited locations in Ireland, within distance from Dublin. The site sports a Round Tower in a monastic settlement, established by St Kevin, a reclusive monk, who for seven years enjoyed a simple and solitary existence, with animals and birds as his only companions. You can clearly understand why he choose to settle down here when you visit. Enjoy one of the many walking trails of varying difficulty round the lakes. Maybe you will catch a glimpse of the Oscar winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis who lives in the Wicklow mountains.

8. Garnish Island

Garnish Island is Located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, in Southwest Ireland. The island enjoys a warming oceanic influence of the Gulf Stream the climate is in some respect almost subtropical. The island is open to visitors each day from 1st March to 31st October and only accessible by boat through an small archipelago occupied by sunbathing seals. On the Island resides The gardens of Ilnacullin which is a fairytale postcard with the Kerry mountains as a backdrop.

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9. Croagh Patrick

Challenge the Peak of Croagh Patrick 764 metres over the sea outside Westport in County Mayo. Croagh Patrick has been a site of pilgrimage, since Saint Patrick reputedly fasted on the summit of Croagh Patrick for forty days in the fifth century and built a church there. The walk to the summit might seem easy but be prepared for a two hour climb. On the top you can enjoy a magnificent view over the Clew bay, with its many islands, where John Lennon reputedly once was rumoured to settle down to live a hippie lifestyle away from the hectic music industry.

10. Newcastle, County Down

A lesser known pendant to Kilarney is situated at the base of the Mourne mountains. Have a dinner at the famous Slieve Donard Hotel, looking out over the majestic Slieve Donard mountain, while listening to the grand piano in the hotel restaurant. The Hotel once harboured Charlie Chaplin among one of it's many famous guests.
The town has recently benefited from a multi million upgrade which makes it a high quality seaside attraction.
Many visitors walk in the Mourne Mountains, made famous by Percy French in the song "Mountains of Mourne", You can also play golf at Royal County Down (venue for the 2007 Walker Cup), or to just stroll up the prom and relax on the beach. Also visit Tollymoore Forrest park.