Guest blogger Alvina Labsvirs attended one of The Quirky Traveller Blogging Workshops.  As a result she is now pursuing her love of writing and travel on ‘Reasons To Go North‘ site.  In her very first guest post, she shares her enjoyment of one of Europe’s most vibrant and exciting cities.

Where would you choose to meet up with a Texan, a New Yorker, two from the UK and a Berliner?  Berlin is the ideal place! With our friend and guide Linda in charge, we had a weekend packed with interesting history, fantastic entertainment and wonderful food.  Seeing everything in three days was to prove impossible but with little sleep and Linda’s help we packed in a lot of the main tourist attractions and sampled some slightly off the beaten track.

The Wall is high on the agenda for any tourist.  But little remains, with only a line of bricks snaking through the city at ground level. The East side gallery is a stretch of 1.3k along Muhlenstrasse, decorated by artists from around the world.  The images resonate with the message that the division of East and West should never reoccur.

 East – West history is abundant and being of partial Eastern European descent, this was something I was keen to see.  The Topogrphie Des Terrors was the site of the former headquarters of the Secret State Police, now a harrowing information centre on the persecution and terror of the ‘Third Reich’.  The grey sarcophagi of the Holocaust Memorial are a perfect representation of coffins of those who had had their dignity stolen, even in death.

At the Brandenburg Gate, the symbolic end to the cold war when the wall came down, Linda recounted was how scared she was on that day. Two days after the crossing was opened she ventured to the west, but was terrified.  In her world no one had left the East and returned.

So from the sobriety of the SS, Check Point Charlie, an altogether lighter experience.  No longer manned by armed guards willing to shoot at the slightest misdemeanour, actors man the post in somewhat questionable, period uniforms and will invite you to pose with them, for a fee, of course. 

Berlin is a melting pot of cultures and so eating can be as diverse.  If you don’t mind queuing for your supper and enjoy the company of others, the long wooden tables at the Cafe am Neuen See, in the Tiergarten, are a good place to relax and meet other travellers.   After a sobering glimpse into all too recent history of the city, the option of beer and pizza can be a perfect antidote.   Alternatively Oraienburger Strasse is an area of restored communists’ residential blocks.  Previously run down and dilapidated inner city housing; now expensive apartments, with wonderful gardens and seductive restaurants.  We ate in a Turkish cafe, Hasir, which did delicious lamb and not so delicious chardonnay.

Less known are the ‘beach bars’ along the Spree, complete with sand and deckchairs.  A place to linger over a beer on a hot summer’s afternoon, or sample the bohemian nightlife.

A trip out to The Potsdam palaces and gardens, left by the Kissers of Germany, and now the summer playground of Berliners, is worth a day.  Try a bike trip with Fat Bike Tours.  A bike on trains and escalators has its challenges but the charm and beauty of the gardens will overcome that problem, and the hunky guides are adept and carrying a couple of bikes at a time up and down stairs.

Insider knowledge produced an unexpected last night.  The Berlin summer music festival builds a temporary concert hall between the two cathedrals and this was the last night with the London philharmonic playing.  By a stroke of luck, for us, the wind blew the rain off a canopy and caused a table’s occupants to flee and we secured a restaurant table.  A somewhat expensive meal, but with the opera thrown in who could complain?  Even for an uneducated non-opera listener this was an exquisite treat.

The Berlin experience is one of juxtapositions.  Glass bridges across the Spree sit uneasily with communist blocks and magnificent museums.  Outside a brightly lit synagogue you will find hookers legally plying their trade, and on the next street eat the best ice cream in town.  You can dance most of the night on riverside dance floors and drink cocktails till dawn.  Don’t worry too much about your hotel.  You won’t be there for long …

Alvina Labsvirs says, “With my photographs and blog site Reasons to go North developed from my love of The Lakes, walking and travel,  I hope to  inspire visitor and residents to enjoy the Lakes, to get out and appreciate all that it has to offer.”

You can also find Alvina on Face Book

As long-haul travel becomes more popular, an increasing number of adventurous Brits are considering trips to exotic Far Eastern countries such as China. The country’s unfamiliar customs and culture are ideal for any traveller looking to get away from the pressures of the Western world and explore a new way of being.

Most travellers are likely to consider heading to China in the hotter months so they can explore the country in the sun, however visitors that start their adventure when it’s the colder season are able to experience a totally different perspective off the country.  This is due to the colder seasons in China giving the country a clearness and freshness – and it is less crowded thanks to there being fewer tourists.  China is a great destination regardless of age.  However, for older travellers with medical conditions it’s extremely important to make sure you’re covered with travel insurance over 65.

 If you are a fan of travelling off the beaten track, then it is a good idea to enjoy some of the nation’s lesser known wonders.  One example of stunning unspoiled beauty is Sanqingshan National Park, which is situated near the city of Shangrao in the Jiangxi province of China. Known for its overwhelming air of peace and tranquillity, the World Heritage Site is subject to seasonal mists, fogs and breath-taking sunsets. Granite pillars and outcrops are dotted in between natural springs and waterfalls.

Another must-see for tourists is the Silk Road, with tours on offer to showcase the 2,000-year-old route which measures some 7,000km – over half of which is in China. Travellers trekking along the Silk Road will see many main attractions along the way including the famous Terracotta Warriors, China’s largest Reclining Buddah of Zhangye, Yellow River and Bingling Thousand Buddah Caves of Lanzhou.

Fans of scenery should not pass up on a visit to Guilin, which sits by the banks of the Li River. Famed for its stunning scenery, including mountains covered in greenery, unique rockeries, crystal clear water and mysterious caves, the area has a colourful cultural heritage, being home to a number of ethnic minorities.

This article is sponsored by Staysure – the over 50s experts, specialising in travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions. They also provide comprehensive health and life insurance, as well as car insurance, home insurance and funeral plans.  All of their products are for UK residents, however the same services are available for expats.

Now for some of you that believe the bad press about Manchester, there may be a touch of scoffing and a muttered “IF…?” but I can assure you that it is very often beautifully sunny in this northern urban city, as those happily expatriated BBC staff will no doubt tell you  However, there is the occasional day when the balmy zephyrs bring a slight drizzle and then – oh, what to do?

Manchester really does have loads to look at, taste, quaff, admire and glory in, whatever the weather;  there’s definitely more here than football and Coronation Street. Some of my top tips to keep you dry and entertained:

1. Go shopping in the very quirky mecca for indie culture ‘Affleck’s Palace’ – where tattoo parlours cosy up to heavy metal  T-shirts, next to Tarot Cards alongside retro clothes stalls.
2. Sample the most delicate Dim Sum at the very popular Yang Sing restaurant in China Town – not sure if they will have jelly fish tentacles but if you like the idea if fishy rubber bands …
3. Escape the 24/7 city life in the splendid Victorian Gothic Rylands Library founded in 1890 by Enriqueta in memory of her husband John Rylands. It has a priceless collection of books and manuscripts and a beautiful interior.
4. Rise above the city in the Wheel of Manchester to see just how the industrial landscape has been absorbed into a contemporary skyline that blends old and new in a colourful harmony.
5. In the centenary of his birth (2012) discover the computer genius of Alan Turing. From 1948 until his death in 1954, Turing worked on the early computers at The University of Manchester, working in the building next door to The Manchester Museum.
6. Music of all genres runs through this city along with the canals and motorways – the MEN Arena hosts all the big names in pop & contemporary music.   For the best in classical and  opera the Bridgewater Hall has an eclectic and outstanding repertoire.
7. Football fans are well-served with 3 stadiums and loads of shops selling footballing memorabilia. Experience the Old  Trafford Museum & Tour to get a sense of how this game has shaped the history of this city.
8. There’s more to the Manchester Art Gallery than their famous Pre-Raphaelite collection.  There are over 25,000 objects of artworks, including an extensive costume collection from historic dress to contemporary fashion.
9. In the flamboyant Northern Quarter there is always plenty going on, especially along Canal St, the gay centre of the city.  For a real taste of this fun scene, have a drink in the so very OTT Lammars , named in memory of the late drag queen, Foo Foo Lammar.
10. Take the excellent MetroLink a short ride to Salford Quays. You could spend a whole day here visiting the renowned Lowry Art & Entertainment Centre, Imperial War Museum North and, of course, the brand spanking new Media City – watch out for those dispossessed BBC folk trying to get acclimatised!

Author Barry McCann is a writer and expert on the horror genre, tradition and folk tales.  He appears regularly on BBC Radio sharing quirky tales of mystery and imagination in Cumbria and Lancashire.  Here are some of his favourite stories from the Lake District.

The shires and counties of this country are rich in their local folklores. Legends and superstitions shaped by the local landscape and centuries of colonisation by Teutonic, Scandinavian and Norman settlers with the traditional legends accompanied their cultures. The Lake District is no exception. Its large, imposing landscapes have nurtured stories of giants, while more hidden corners are a breeding ground for sightings of elves and fairies. And the ancient stone circles across the region add a further mystique to local superstitions. Yes, witches and ghosts walk here too.

You can already enjoy a literary tour of the Lake District courtesy of our very own Quirky Traveller, but how about supplementing with a folklore tour of the region. Dare you walk Souter Fell where, in 1774, Daniel Strickland witnessed a ghostly army of Jacobite troops marching north. Or take a libation in Kendal’s Angel Inn where, in 1745, attempts by marauding Scots to kidnap a child were thwarted when an angel appeared between them and their intended victim.

For the really brave, try counting the rocks that make up the stone circle that is Long Meg and her Sisters. Legend hath it that they were originally witches performing an infernal ritual when locals used the power of the saints to turn them into stone. It is said if you count the stones, you will never arrive at the same number twice. But if you do, beware! For that will cancel the spell, releasing Long Meg and the girls to make their mischief again.

On a lighter note, I have enjoyed an expedition to Thirlmere Lake and contemplated the rock known as Clark’s Loup. So called, as this was where the suicidal Clark leapt to his watery grave after his dutiful wife advised him that drowning was far more pleasant than hanging himself. A preferred leap can be enjoyed at Derwentwater, where the sister of the wicked Lord Derwentwater chose death over capture. Known as Lady’s Rake, she is said to have jumped from the precipice after setting fire to her brother’s castle and destroying his ill gotten gains. Either that or she escaped to London, depending which version of events one prefers.

If  traversing the Shap Fells, then be vigilant of the shadowy figure of a giant upon a mighty steed, galloping like the devil. For this is none other than Uther Pendragon, father of King Arthur. Unlike his heroic son, Pendragon was a cannibalistic tyrant who founded his kingdom in Mallerstang. Heaven would not admit his wicked soul, perhaps neither would Hell. For he now rides the Fells, perhaps in search of Pendragon Castle; once the seat of his power but now a scanty ruin. But beneath its foundations there is said to lie a great treasure. The sleeping King Arthur and his Knights awaiting their call to battle, perhaps?

These are but a few of the many legends that colour the Lakes; many more await uncovering. So why not take yourself on a magical mystery tour of this lovely area and discover some for yourself?

This article is sponsored by Barry McCann, writer, editor and broadcaster, specialising in short stories, reviews, features, talks and, more recently, travel writing.  Barry is the editor of Parnassus, MENSA Art & Folklore Correspondant on BBC Radio Cumbria. Follow him on Face Book and read his Blog ‘Writing Without Tears’

If you enjoyed this article you may like to read another of Barry’s quirky posts ‘Going Underground in Seattle’ and ‘The Padstow Obby Oss’

Not every holiday has to be about sun, sea and sand. Not every trip has to be a non-stop party. For many people, getting away is the perfect opportunity to experience new cultures, and easyJet breaks ensure such trips can be made in financial comfort. Here are some perfect destinations for a holiday with a difference.

Krakow

For a largely unexplored cultural holiday, many areas in Eastern Europe are ideal; none more so than Krakow in Poland. An increasingly popular holiday destination, Krakow is a virtual treasure trove of renaissance and dramatic gothic architecture, particularly in the stunning Old Town with its looming churches and dramatic market square. Silent synagogues stand nearby as a reminder of the tragic past of this most beautiful of cities. The lack of beaches, coupled with the often rather cold weather, keep the casual holidaymaker at bay, leaving you to explore this amazingly diverse place at leisure. This is important as a stay in Krakow cannot be rushed.

Valencia

Situated along Spain’s Mediterranean coast, the city of flowers has seamlessly made the transition into becoming a holiday heavyweight, while losing none of the appeal that saw it gain such popularity in the first place. Valencia’s true appeal lies in its hidden museums and quaint churches that line the streets. Also, there’s a stunning array of botanical and floral gardens on hand to breathe in and admire.

Amsterdam

Forget, for a moment, the Dutch city’s infamous reputation for nightlife; just consider the sheer breadth and variety of cultural gems on offer in this most unusual of places. The Van Gogh Museum is a mere scratch on the surface in terms of what city breaks in Amsterdam have to offer artistically. Take a step into the Mirror Quarter and marvel at how virtually every building has a gallery at which to gawp in amazement. You can also enter and experience a real cultural melting pot at the De Pijp market, a daily event of vibrancy and colour offering everything from fresh seafood and meat to original clothes and jewellery.

Barcelona

The capital of Cataluña has more than enough to keep the tourist occupied for days on end. Las Ramblas, the Nou Camp and the beach are all world-renowned attractions. Stunning though they are, they are far from all this most exciting of cities has to offer. Barcelona has been synonymous with art and architecture of an innovative nature since the late 19th Century and is, of course, home to the work of the incredible Antoni Gaudi. Both Park Guell and Sagrada Familia are must-sees for followers of unusually brilliant art and architecture. A rather strange, but equally exciting, privilege available on Barcelona city breaks is the opportunity to swim in the pool used for competition during the 1992 Olympics.

For something a little different on your holiday, Europe has much to offer. For a bargain price you could soon find yourself taking in some of the finest culture and dramatic history the world has to offer.

The Black Theatre is one of the most popular and exciting attractions in Prague. For those of you who are not familiar with the concept, the Black Theatre is a marvellous show that presents amazing visual illusions, while using fluorescent lights and various trick effects.  The actors in the show are usually acrobats or dancers and their on-stage costumes are either totally black or specially designed to fit together with the dark stage and the bright UV lights. Many people tend to think that there is only one Black Theatre show and this assumption is far from reality; Prague has many Black Theatres and some of them are not really close to the original vision. That’s why it’s important to do some research in order to know which shows are the “original” ones, meaning they carry the true Black Theatre characteristics. Take a look at our “Prague Top Black Theatres Shows” to learn more about the most unique performances in town:

1. Image Theatre

This is probably the biggest and most well known Black Theatre in Prague. The dancers in the show are super talented and just brilliant in the way they manage to engage the crowd from the beginning to the end of the show. The Image Theatre is an expert when it comes to entertainment and that is why many people come back to see their shows more than once. The emotional background music, combined with the intense story line of love, tragedy, happiness and heartbreak, all transform a normal night on the town, to an amazing experience you will remember forever.

2. “Wow Show”

The name of the show will be on your lips all night – WOW! Even though the Wow Show is relatively new in Prague, it’s already gained hundreds of fans and its popularity will surely keep on growing.. The reason the Wow Show has become so popular in such a short time is thanks to its over-the-top lighting techniques, outstanding sound system, beautiful background music by the Philharmonic Orchestra and creative costumes that will play hide and seek with your vision all night long. Make sure to book your tickets in advance!

3. National Black Light Theatre

Unlike the other Black Theatre shows previously mentioned, this show is lighter, funnier and more relaxed. The National Black Theatreis one of the oldest and most respected theatres in Prague.  During the show you will be able to enjoy funny pantomime, dance performance in the air, interaction with the actors and a lot of hilarious improvising. Many of the shows there are based on famous movies or books, giving you the chance to revisit your childhood for one very special night; “Alice in Wonderland”, “Joan of Arc”, “Don Quixote” and “Gulliver’s Travels” are just some of the shows you will can see at the National Black Theatre.

4. Animato Theatre

Last but not least is the wonderful Animato Theatre. The show is inspired by the Beatles creation: “Yellow Submarine” and as you can imagine there are lots of Beatles songs as well a free-spirited 1960s atmosphere. Aside from funny trick effects, flying people and changing lights, you can also to stay around the theatre once the show is over. This small but very cosy spot is known to be welcoming and fun to hang out in. From time to time the actors show up for a drink in the bar after the show and have the chance to mingle a little.

As you can see, there are many options to choose from, so make sure not to pick dodgy places when picking a show to go to. Also be aware that Prague is a very popular destination to visit so make sure to book your hotel in Prague in advance. Enjoy!

This article is written by Yuli Linssen Kaminitz, Guest Blogger for EasyToBook.com

EasyToBook.com is a leading online hotel reservation company, with more than 45,000 hotels worldwide. They are more and more competitive on European destinations, with discounts up to 80%.

You can follow them on Twitter and FaceBook and also on the EasyToBook blog, where you’ll find lots of useful, funny and quirky articles for travellers.