A New York experience...The Feast of San Gennaro

Our itinerary had come up trumps, not only had our scheduled day to visit the "Little Italy” area of Manhattan coincided with “The Feast of San Gennaro”, we were bang on cue to witness the street procession later that evening.  To be honest I probably would not have had a clue what the event was if not for an episode of “The Sopranos” in which involved a story line based around the fictional “Feast of Elzear“, obviously taking inspiration from the one we were in attendance at.

The celebration in honour of the Patron Saint of Naples has been held annually in New York since 1926.
Centered round the main thoroughfare of Mulberry Street,  the whole area is decked out in  an abundance of Red, White and Green livery putting it’s Italian origins on display and welcoming all to join in their celebrations. 

The streets were a hive of activity, full of stalls selling an array of Italian delicacies such as Zeppole, the extremely moreish Cannoli and of course the famous Italian Gelato.  The traditional “Red Sauce” restaurants, so popular with New York tourists, also had  the chance to expand their seating capacity by utilising the traffic free streets and all seemed to be enjoying a roaring trade.












Entertainment was aplenty with Old time Italian Crooners and Musicians serenading all, whilst the fun fair rides and arcade side stalls kept kids of all ages amused.







We finally came across the Saint, housed in a shrine in the courtyard of the Most Precious Blood Church in the heart of Little Italy. The colourful Icon on show, allowing all to pay homage and in turn allow their donation to be pinned to the statue.

As the evening wore on crowds began to gather round the entrance to the church where the celebration Mass was taking place. Finally the band started up and the haunting brass accompaniment bellowed out as the iconic symbol descended the steps, the saint being held up high by a group of privileged carriers. The booming bass drum setting the pace as the slow, methodical march began it's journey through the streets of Little Italy. The Ultra busy Canal street traffic grinding to a halt as the ever growing throng of people tailed behind the icon, somehow filtering down to enter the ultra narrow Mulberry Street like water in a funnel. 

Guide books state that Little Italy is a dwindling environment as the area around it is gradually being swallowed up be the ever expanding China Town. However the day we were there illustrated a pouring out of Italian patriotism and feelings towards the inhabitants mother country whilst maintaining a strong pride in their New York home. For that reason that I'm sure it won't be going away completely anytime soon.  

"The 89th Feast of San Gennaro runs from September 10th to 20th 2015"

World Cup Experience....Much more than just the game

With the excitement building as the 2014 World Cup edges closer, my memories of my own World Cup adventure come flooding back. It was four years ago when the opportunity to join in the celebration in South Africa came my way. A chance to attend a football match which gave so much more,  a carnival of cultures, friendship and camaraderie.

As per this years tournament, back in 2010 the press was full of negative stories that South Africa wasn't ready, with stadiums unfinished and that the areas high crime rate would affect travelling fans. The end result was a classic tournament enjoyed by thousands of travelling fans won over by the South Africans enthusiasm for being the host to the world for the month.

Our base for our stay was Johannesburg, the centre being a thriving modern metropolis, no sign of the poverty ridden shacks further out on the outskirts. It was here in Nelson Mandela square that we encountered fans gathering from all corners of the globe. Under the giant statue of the South African icon, football became a family as flags of all nations could be found draped over the shoulders of the throngs. It was the place to be on an evening as it became a nightly ritual for fans to attend and attempt to out sing their counterparts from other countries. Like a rap battle one group sang whilst their opponents patiently waited for their chance to sing back. The songs endings were greeted a mixture of playful heckles and loud cheers and applause.

The Argentinian’s with their Latin flair  quickly followed by a group of Wrestling masked Mexicans , looking like a super hero choir group. The trumpet wielding Uruguayans, the drum bashing Spaniards, the samba beated Brazilians.....music from all round the world, a party for all....  

As for the football itself, the match we attended was so much more than the run of the mill game normally
attended on a Saturday afternoon. This was an occasion, a carnival type celebration with the game itself being a bit of a side attraction. The match we attended was USA v Algeria held in Pretoria, just east of Johannesburg.


The sun shone shone down on the stadium, full to capacity with an anticipation and excitement so strong you could feel it in the atmosphere. The loud, excitable US fans decked out in Stars and Stripes whilst the colourful and boisterous Algerian fans, many decked out in national costumes, joined together to make a outstanding occasion. With little segregation fans sat side by side with no sign of aggravation despite their blinded loyalties towards their own countries, a smile between themselves spreading a message that their words wouldn't convey.

The much maligned Vuvuzela was very much in evidence and whilst on the televised games it was an annoying droning pain, in the stadium it seemed to add to the atmosphere and certainly played it's part in making the occasion special.

The match itself was not the greatest, a tense tight affair which was finally settled late on by a US goal. The differing emotions were evident, wild celebrations from the Americans whilst the Algerian fans wore the look of despair.

4 years on the memories are still crystal clear and i'm sure anyone who has the chance to experience the Brazill world cup will return with that same thrill, one that will stay with them forever.

Greenwich... gives you a Mean old Time

It had been a new experience for us, although regular visitors to London we had never travelled on the Docklands Light Railway before. The clean, modern carriages ran mostly overground taking us through numerous housing complexes, like a theme park tour ride based on inner city living. There is even a free downloadable audio guide to enhance your trip. Passing through the extravagance of the Canary Wharf development, it was evident that the area it is still rapidly growing judging by the numerous building projects taking place. Our destination point was Greenwich on the south side of the River Thames, a World Heritage site due to its role as the centre of the World Time Zone system. 

Our first port of call was appropriately the rivers edge and the awe inspiring “Cutty Sark”. The Tea clipper dating back to the 1870's is now fully restored back its original magnificence and open to visitors to explore. Although a fee payable attraction, the ship is well worth a visit and is a magnificent sight with its vast rigging's reaching high into the sky. Within the museum itself you can take a walk under the cooper covered hull before going on board to view all the decks within..  

Staying with the Nautical theme, it was just a short walk to the National Maritime Museum, another of London’s fantastic free offerings (Donations gratefully accepted). Celebrating the British nations role in all things seafaring the museum relays information on naval involvement in subjects such as  international trading, slavery, expedition through to warfare. The highlight of the museum is the current exhibition of "Nelson, Navy, Nation" highlighting the conditions that sailors endured  during life on board a warship. Amongst the many fine Nelson related exhibits you simply cannot miss seeing the splendour of the iconic hero’s uniform in which he died wearing, complete with bullet hole on the shoulder. 

The museum is incredibly child friendly with plenty of hands on exhibits, complete with a gigantic floor map of the world for them to go on their own expedition using an inter active hand held tablet device.Another attraction includes The "Ship Simulator" which allows your child to be the captain at the bridge taking charge of various situations such as the sinking of an enemy ship. Take a look at the colourful wall mounted display of ship figureheads like a collection of latter day cartoon characters.

High on a hill in the middle of the Greenwich Royal park is the Royal Observatory, its protruding Onion dome housing a giant 28 inch telescope, a prominent landmark since its introduction in 1893.


The trek up the long winding pathway towards it is certainly strenuous but you are rewarded with wonderful views once at the top. An image of two different times, from the stately historic buildings below to the futuristic high rise complexes of Canary Wharf in the distance, with the majestic River Thames separating them.  

Situated at the hill top is Flamsteed House the original Observatory building designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1675, now housing a museum with exhibits regarding Greenwich's historical connection with time. Within it's grounds is the "Meridian courtyard" giving visitors the chance to take the obligatory photo astride the meridian line, a footstep in both the east and western hemisphere. It's a shame that an entrance fee is required to enter this area although a far less glamorous continuation of the line can be found just outside its perimeter wall for those who wish to partake in the experience for free. 
The Observatory also houses an Astronomy Centre together with the London Planetarium, making this literally a "Star" attraction,  
  



Journeying back down the hill brought us to the elegant "Queens House" dating back to the 17th Century. Formally the home of Charles I queen, Henrietta Maria, it now houses an art exhibition with a mixture of periodic portraits, scenes and more obscure contemporary pieces.

With time running short it meant we had to leave the Old Royal Naval College till another day. A good enough reason to return however, the anticipation of visiting  the beautiful  twin domed building designed by Sir Christopher Wren on the grounds that were the birthplace of both Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. If this wasn't enough it was also the place where Nelsons body lay in state following his death, quite a pedigree for a historical site to have.

Back in the town, Greenwich Market offers visitors the chance to sample a range of foods from all parts of the world with stalls offering home cooked delicacies from the likes of the Middle East, Africa and Asia through to good old fashioned London Bangers. There was certainly plenty of choice for all palates particularly for those willing to try something new. The market also showcases an array of independent traders, selling all sorts of art works, crafts and  clothing, an opportunity to get that unusual item not seen in everyday shopping outlets. Although not as large as either Camden or Brick Lane, the market still has a positive vibe to it and draws you in with the uniqueness of the offerings on sale.

Greenwich is a great place to visit with plenty to see and do, you should expect to spend a full day there if you want to see most of the things it offers. Not only is it very picturesque with its white regal buildings, there seems a relaxed, feel good factor abound. It’s as if it has played it’s prominent part in British history and it can now live a more reflective, calmer lifestyle leaving the future to the “young upstart” developments across the river.

Menzies Hotel -The Prince Regent, Chigwell

It had been a typically rewarding day for us in the Capital City. As always there had been so much for the tourist to do but tiredness was creeping in. We had a 20 minute Central Line tube journey to Woodford Station before a short taxi ride brought us to our home for the evening at The Prince Regent Hotel, Chigwell, out in the affluent London Suburbs. 








Pulling into the large car park afforded us our first view of the hotel, which looked particularly appealing with the Georgian building lit up by the outside floodlights. The brightly lit interior also looked warm and inviting through the large windows on this cold, dark winters night.

After a warm welcome at reception, we were given details of our rooms location .We were staying in an "Executive Double Room" which was based in a converted old chapel at the rear of the deceptively large site. Along the route to our room it was evident that the hotel was excellently maintained with all corridors clean, tidy and with fresh decor throughout.  






The room itself was also in superb condition,as advertised it was evident that a recent refurbishment had taken place as it was spotless and clean. It was fashionable and was tastefully decorated with muted modern colours.  





 
The large room had a double bed, an armchair, desk and chair plus plenty of
storage space to house clothes and suitcases out of the way.
The usual amenities were included too, a large wall mounted flat screen television, tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryer. 











The added benefit of the hotel offering totally free Wi-Fi was also a great perk with a good signal being found throughout the buildings.













The en-suite bathroom again had seen a recent renovation, having a modern but contemporary design including both a walk in shower and also a bath. The warm, steaming power shower did wonders in removing the fatigue of pacing the London streets all day.











After a well needed relax in our room, we attended the Brassiere Restaurant as per our evening reservation. Once again we were greeted warmly by all the staff members we came in contact with and felt like a welcomed guest. The restaurant was artistically furnished with a very modern, contemporary style of fixtures and fittings. The wine list had an extensive selection available. The a la carte menu also had a large choice of meals to choose from covering all tastes. All the courses we chose were superbly presented and in turn tasted gorgeous. For her main meal my wife had the Supreme of Chicken wrapped in Parma Ham set on Dauphinoise Potatoes with a white wine sauce, her comments "it was the nicest meal I have had in years" summed up just how much she had rated it. .   







Having finished our meal we went 

to the lounge area to relax, there were two rooms to choose from, a TV room and a stylish general lounge by the bar. There was a range of modern furniture to choose from, from comfy sofas to armchairs through to high seating tables. We manged to get a sofa right in front of the "Real Flame" fireplace, snuggling up in the warmth whilst looking through the window observing the wind blowing the trees in the dark outside. A wonderful, comforting and relaxing experience.


Although the Hotel was extremely quiet and peaceful on our night there, it did seem it could be at times a more livelier place with six function rooms on site. Hosting events such as musical entertainment, wedding functions and conferences...it seemed like the Prince Regent catered for all, both individuals and groups whether it be for business or pleasure..    

After having a good nights sleep in our extremely comfortable bed we went down for breakfast which was served in the Restaurant area. We chose a table by a window that afforded lovely views of the hotels extensive rear gardens. Although the weather was not really suitable for a walk round that day, we could imagine that in the summer months it would be a welcoming outdoor place to sit back and relax on the outside terrace. The breakfast on offer was an "all you can eat buffet", with a wide range of quality food and drinks available. It left us suitably nourished for our return trip to see more of the sights and sounds of London City. 

Our visit was over but we were leaving with a good impression of the hotel, which we had found clean, modern, well cared for and fully deserving of it's four star rating. Our room was excellently furnished and the standard and presentation of food was exceptional giving us a quality dining experience. In turn we had received the most welcoming attentive service from all the members of staff throughout our stay. 

The Prince Regent Hotel is an ideal base to escape the commotion the city can bring to a more relaxed, peaceful place allowing that restful night that any tourist to London knows is very welcome after being on ones feet all day…… .      

More information can be found at the link below

http://www.menzieshotels.co.uk/hotels/london-home-counties/london-chigwell-prince-regent/

Note-  This stay was provided by the Menzies Hotel Group, however all thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.  
       
The Menzies London Chigwell Prince Regent Hotel, Manor Road, Chigwell, London, IG8 8AE    
Part of the Menzies Hotel Group

Birmingham Christmas Market.....celebrating German style

To some it is the moment the Christmas magic starts to shine, to others it is nothing but an annoying distraction that brings mayhem to the city centre during it’s busiest time of year. It’s the time of the year when city centres throw open their arms to welcome the continental markets to be their guest and provide the local inhabitants with the chance to purchase an array of goods and delicacies that they wouldn’t think twice of buying if they were being sold normally in the local shops.

Birmingham’s annual “ German Market” can only be considered a total success, year after year thousands flock to shuffle along within the massive crowds, desperately fighting to break free of the throng if they see something of interest being sold. The Cities Centenary square, Victoria square and it’s main shopping thoroughfare New Street house an array of wooden stalls selling German food and drinks. Throw in a sprinkling of Belgian Chocolates, Swiss Hot Chocolate, Traditional English Roasted Chestnuts together with the unusual Reindeer, Ostrich and Buffalo burgers on offer and this is a real cosmopolitan occasion.

 

Yes the drinks are a little more expensive, yes the queues are extensive, yes the crowds are a little too much at times, but it is a great event particularly on an evening when the stalls bright lights and Christmas decorations shine out giving a glowing feel good atmosphere to the area. As well as around 200 stalls, there is an outdoor ice rink with a large gallery of spectators gleefully laughing as the beginners come crashing down when taking their first steps on the Ice. Also right beside Birmingham’s new impressive Library is the Birmingham "Big Wheel" offering a trip that allows sights over the “second city”.

 

Some say that it is taking trade away from local shops and bars, that its packed streets provides a haven for crime and that it clogs up the road networks for those wishing to visit Birmingham City Centre for other reasons. However despite these negative comments, it could be argued that it is bringing customers into the city centre who would not have visited otherwise, customers who in turn may visit other shops whilst there.


Reports suggest that around 3 million people visited last years event and this year the evidence suggests a similar footfall.It does seem almost a yearly tradition for people to visit and take in the sights and sample the wares, an occasion for all demonstrated by the large number of families from all backgrounds enjoying the colourful sights and sounds.

…from Frankfurters to Bratwurst, from Strudels to Stollen, from Glühwein to Pilsner  …this is one month long event where a very pro European factor can be felt within the hosting UK cities.

Road Trip...3 reasons it's a must do experience

I have always had an interest in road trips ever since I saw Clark W Griswold in his attempt to reach the holy grail of Wally World in the hilarious National Lampoons vacation. Admittedly a strange mentor considering the trials and tribulations his family endured during their trip across the states, however the enthusiasm and endeavour shown won me over.

 

Having recently completed a second road trip around the deep south of the United States, I am itching for more and luckily the size of the US will give me the opportunity to carry a lot more excursions in the future. Whilst most of my friends are put off by the prospect of travelling so many miles in a two or three week period, I yearn for the chance to set off on my next adventure. How could I convince them that this wasn’t something to miss out on…. here are the 3 reasons I gave them…..

1 Planning and Preparation -

Planning and preparation is essential to make a successful road trip, our preparation began nearly 12 months in advance and it became a kind of hobby researching what was worth taking a look at and travel timescales between places. With your initial idea in place your Map became a blank canvas , allowing you to design your own route taking in whatever the region being visited had to offer. The Internet allowed us to pick a region and over time check all attractions, towns , sights that will fit around your time frame. Specific websites such as https://www.tripit.com/ give approximate driving times which are useful tools to see if a certain part of your journey is achievable in one day. We found most tourist boards, particularly within the US, really helpful offering brochures, attraction leaflets and State Road maps, which they were prepared to post out even to International addresses. This research was a really enjoyable part of the process and It was extremely rewarding when all our plans came together ensuring our trip allowed us to see all that we had originally intended to and plenty more all within our timescale and budget.

2 Variety of Experiences-

One of the great aspects of a Road Trip is that it allows a whole variety of different experiences to be gained within a short space of time. The first road trip we ventured out on allowed us to visit 5 States, 6 Major Cities, numerous small towns and attractions such as

Theme Parks – Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Lake WInnepesaukah in Chattanooga

Nature- The Smokey Mountains at Cades Cove, Stone Mountain Park near Atlanta, Lookout Mountain at Chattanooga

Historical sites- The Loraine Motel in Memphis (place where Martin Luther King was shot dead),  Johnny Cash’s grave, Dolly Parton’s home town in Sevierville, Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel

Musical historical sites - Graceland and The Sun Studios in Memphis, Elvis’s Childhood home in Tupelo, Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville,

Sporting events- Atlanta Braves Baseball game

Museums- Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, National Civil rights museum in Memphis

All this and much, much more in just a two week period.

Not only do you get to see the major cities and towns, the freedom to choose what route you go allows you to leave the interstates and take the back roads through numerous small towns each with it’s own character. You really are the master of your own destiny, If a place doesn’t live up to expectations then move on, no getting to a resort where you are stuck there for days on end with nothing to interest you.

To me It wasn’t just a vacation it was like being part of a storybook where each new place reached started a new chapter of your adventure with new places to explore and memories to be stored..

Vicksburg Riverside Murals

 

3 Expect the unexpected -

Despite doing plenty of research there is always some thing that crops up along the route to enhance your trip further. It may be something small or trivial but it will provide a memory to reflect back on and smile. We came across such an event whilst driving through the outskirts of Natchez, Ms where we came across the most unusual building that required us to turn round and go back to take a closer look. We were at Mammy's Cupboard, a building in the shape of a 28ft woman in skirt housing a real "Southern cooking" style restaurant. It was a very welcome distraction, adding a fun moment to our trip and a fabulous photo opportunity.

Merlin

 Upon your journey you will encounter some of the most marvellous characters, one of favourites was 89 year old "Merlin", who we came across at Vermilionville Living History Museum in Lafayette, Louisiana. Recounting tale after tale from his life, he charmed us all with his cheeky humour. We could have sat and listened to him for hours to his wartime and romantic recollections and in turn his musical interludes on the Cajun fiddle.


Admittedly a beach holiday may allow you the chance to see strange buildings and meet unusual characters. However a road trip with its constant change of scenery and regions will certainly increase the opportunity of being involved in that memorable unplanned experience.




Whilst the Griswolds trip had its fair share of catastrophes it certainly entertained it's many viewers and that is the beauty of the road trip whatever comes your way there is a memorable experience just around that next corner.....just watch out for the Pea Green "Wagon Queen Family Truckster" with the eccentric family onboard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alton Towers Hotel......5 fun things to look out for...

Alton Towers is one of the UK’s biggest tourist attractions with its Theme Park having a large collection of state of the art Coasters which draws massive crowds daily. Located deep within the Staffordshire countryside it is not an easy journey to get there but that doesn't deter it being the mecca of British thrill seekers.

Developments to the site have not only seen continued introductions of more and more extreme rides such as the recent 14 looped “The Smiler” but it can also boast about it’s two on- site hotels and it’s own indoor water park.
 

Alton Towers hotel, opened in 1996, was joined in 2003 by Splash Landing Hotel and water park - Cariba Creek - meaning accommodation is just a 10 minute woodland walk or a 2 minute monorail journey away from the Theme Park.








 

Staying at either hotel gives the added privilege of early access to the theme park, a hour earlier than the general paying public. This gives residents the chance to hop on the selected rides open, before the inevitable long queues form during the day. The hotels offer excellent family accommodation with the addition of on-site themed restaurants plus entertainment on an evening to suit both young and old. If the weather allows the rear of the hotel hosts a beautiful man made lake with a large seating area, a perfect place to relax and calm down after your day of fast rides, recovering from all the screams and scares.

The Alton Towers hotel has the theme of an adventurists house with the large and eye catching Time Machine, a boat come balloon contraption, being the centrepiece of the hotel, rising from the bottom floor to the top in the centre of the open plan staircases.

In turn there are a number of quirky things to provide a bit of fun around the hotel which are less obvious and could easily be missed, so keep you eye out if staying there to increase the fun….

1 – You can ring my bell!! Look out for the door bell at the front entrance – Press the bell as the sign
suggests and you will be greeted by the booming voice of Sir Algernon Alton, the hotels themed character. An eccentric Explorer and Inventor Sir Algernon bellows a number of different statements that echo through the lobby when entering.  

 

2- Parking for the privileged - If you are lucky enough to be staying in one of the sponsored themed rooms be sure to make use of the reserved Car Park spaces at the front of the hotel. You may even see you name on the board giving you your own personalised parking space.

 

3- Lift off – The lifts too are included in the theme with its wooden panels adding to the antique like stately home effect, but add in booming, inspiring epic film type music and flashing lights giving your short but fast journey a magical feeling.

4- Mirror, Mirror On the wall – Taking a visit to the communal toilets will give you the chance to see who the fairest of them all is….step on the coloured tile in front of the mirror and a message will be relayed. From all accounts the message received in the ladies is far more complimentary than in the men’s…unless of course the message about my qualities was actually genuine….

 

 

 

 

5 – Look Down- Look out for the beautifully coloured and illustrated carpets around the hotel, particularly in the corridor that connects Alton Towers hotel to the Splash Landings buildings where the theme changes from Explorer to Seaside. The gradual merging of the two with the introduction of a sand effect is superb and gets you in a sea faring mood as you enter the Splash Landing
environment.

Admitably it is not cheap to stay or eat within the hotel but it is a magical Disneyesque experience not normally available in the UK, a perfect chance to enhance your visit to the Theme Park.